Star Trek Continues Episode 3 “Fairest of Them All” Review:

Star Trek Continues Episode 3 “Fairest of Them All” Review:

“Space…the final conquest.”

 -  Evil Kirk’s intro.

      I enjoyed Star Trek Continues third episode “Fairest of Them All”. First, I liked that it was set directly after “Mirror, Mirror” in Star Trek TOS. It even begins with Good Kirk’s iconic speech to Mirror Spock about the illogic of tyranny. I like that the episode is set in The Mirror Universe, and I love Vic Mignogna as Good Kirk/Evil Kirk! (He’s just a great Captain Kirk!) But, that’s where I think the episode loses focus. I think the focus should’ve been on Evil Kirk’s command, and perhaps Spock’s sacrifice in the name of logic/democracy.

Rather than this, Evil Kirk (Who is every bit the great commander Captain Kirk is, only evil.) is thwarted at every turn during Spock’s realization that empire can’t endure. Firstly, I call bologna on that! Even if Spock believed in democracy, there’s no way he could’ve assimilated all of Good Kirk’s philosophy in that one speech, beyond: “In every revolution there is one man with a vision.” Even for Star Trek, I feel that Spock’s stubborn insistence on Good Kirk’s logic disregards his friendship with long friendship with Kirk, and comes across as heavy-handed. Evil Kirk even  says as much, though through different, more passionate words: Spock’s willing to throw everything away on the words of a stranger, and in the end will probably be hunted down.

Now, the real fun comes from watching Vic Mignogna as Evil Kirk, in my view. Spock’s refusal to follow him, and his eventual mutiny sends him into MADNESS. Kirk loves his ship, and he’s not about to let anyone take it from him, or disobey his imperial orders. I love whenever he flips out on his crew. There’s a real human element to Evil Kirk, with as much passion for command as his counterpart.  Beyond this, he feels betrayed by his friend. Yes, maybe the empire is evil, but it is human! He still doesn’t want to lose his friend, but almost kills him in a rage.

Another thing I didn’t like about the episode (Although it looked great!) was how many people joined Spock’s cause just after hearing about it! The empire is still in power, and one crew isn’t likely to make a difference. One man, yes! As Good Kirk says. It might’ve been more effective had Spock made a sacrifice to get them to think about democracy. But, what is one ship to the empire? It likely won’t end well. I would’ve liked to see a couple scenes worked differently so that Spock makes a sacrifice in the name of democracy, rather than a black and white “Good always wins, Evil always loses.” characterization.

Okay, but even if you want to say “That’s how they would’ve done it in the ‘60s.” there’s still one more scene that really bothered me, and that I thought was against the spirit of Star Trek. In this Mirror Universe, counselor MeKennah is seen in bed with Sulu, covered by a sheet. In TOS, all romantic interludes were “signified” by cutaway. I don’t think they ever would’ve allowed partial nudity from women. Not only that but I felt it didn’t really tell me a lot about Mirror McKennah, and I was looking forward to seeing her character be evil. But, here she’s just being cute. McKennah is worth more than that, and I feel the whole scene was just a distraction from the spirit of Star Trek: The Original Series.

So, I guess it all comes down to no one in this Mirror Universe was evil. In fact, the only one who tried to be Evil, in a Mirror Universe built on Evil, was Mirror Kirk, who was betrayed and thwarted by his best friend at every possible turn. Remember, Trekkies, Mirror Kirk’s only experience with the Good Universe was being arrested by Spock. He has no idea what this crazy “Good Captain” could’ve said to Spock to make him mutiny. And he certainly didn’t experience kindness. All he knew was that the counterparts took away his power, and now they’ve gotten to his best friend.

Star Trek TOS had investigated the redeeming qualities of evil before, as well as mankind’s dual nature. Think “Space Seed”, think “The Enemy Within”! Even "Obsession"! While I loved the look of this episode, and I will always love Vic Mignogna for bringing back Kirk and crew, this episode deserved more than the black and white “Good guys win, bad guys lose” approach it received. But, there is a brilliantly captivating portrayal of Evil Captain Kirk’s descent into madness by Vic Mignogna! Overall, I give the episode 3/5 stars!

You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJf2ovQtI6w

Star Trek Continues Episode 2: “Lolani” (2014) Review:

Star Trek Continues Episode 2: “Lolani” (2014) Review:

“You’re right about one thing, Lolani…everyone deserves the right to be free.”

- Kirk to Lolani, after trying to seduce her way off the ship.

Lou Ferrigno guest stars as Zaminhon, a big muscled Orion slave trader! Not the first time he’s gone green, as he’d played Hulk before! An Orion slave girl he owned is on the loose and she is accused of killing one of her Tellarite captors. At first she won’t speak, but Kirk is gentle and says it’s not a good idea for her to stab friends. Eventually, Dr. McKenna gets her to talk. She must’ve picked up some language amid the slave traders after all. She doesn’t  want to go back.

This is the crux of the episode: Does Captain Kirk compromise his morals (He’s reading a book on The Roman Empire as the episode begins…which collapsed to moral decay.) or does he respect Orion culture and send her back as property. But, it’s not all heavy tension, as some funny scenes do arise between Kirk and McKenna as she begins to question his authority. Lolani patiently asks if this is a mating ritual.

Lolani is determined to get off the ship any way necessary. Tonally, this episode reminds me of Elaan of Troyius. She even tries to seduce the Captain to get her way. But unlike Elaan of Troyius, it doesn’t work here. But, he’s still unwilling to give her back to the slave traders, and wants to keep her safe. But, successfully, she seduces a redshirt (Kenway) and nearly steals a shuttlecraft! If there’s one thing you DON’T DO on Kirk’s ship, it’s overstep his chain of command. Kirk says: “Get a hold of yourself, mister!” and of course confines the redshirt and Lolani.

Meanwhile, Spock is able to determine that Lolani is innocent through a very detailed Vulcan mind-meld which shows her acting in self defense against the Tellarites. This is influential in Kirk’s firm decision not send her back to slavery. He meets with the slave trader (Lou Ferrigno!) who plays at being an epicure when invited to dinner to discuss Lolani. Ever the poker player, Kirk jibes with him, trading barbs with McKenna and pretending to respect Orion culture. But, when Scotty tells 'Hon: “Lolani says you’re an inhuman monster…” things get a little tense.

This whole scene is reminiscent of the dinner scene in Space Seed. But the final fun of the episode for me comes when Kirk catches 'Hon striking Lolani, and gives him a rabbit punch and a signature Captain Kirk dropkick. But, 'Hon is too strong. He throws Kirk aside, and leaves the ship in anger. But, Lolani still won’t go back. Some of his self-sacrifice and equality lessons to Lolani must’ve paid off however, for she blows up 'Hon’s craft as she leaves rather than go back to slavery.

This series is  looking be a bold new take on a classic formula. Lou Ferrigno is gripping as the conniving giant green slave trader. Star Trek: The Original Series was always about exploring human rights issues. But, I doubt the show wouldn’t explored the equality of women so openly. (Although it’s originally hinted at and taken as Starfleet umbrella creed of equality!)

 This episode in particular got into the nitty gritty of that creed, and tested it, along with Kirk’s will, against the Prime Directive. They never did get along, if you know your Trek! Excellent episode! Classic formula with new ideas! And McKenna is proving she’s a match for Kirk’s stubbornness! 5/5 stars! Watch it now!

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mOpmIFTxkE#t=266      

Star Trek Continues: “Pilgrim of Eternity” (2014) Review:

Star Trek Continues: “Pilgrim of Eternity” (2014) Review:

“Humanity never loved you…! Humanity feared you!”

- Captain Kirk to Apollo 

I love Star Trek: The Original Series. Even though the special effects are somewhat primitive, the stories and the crew are great. That’s why I’m excited about Star Trek Continues. An effort by producer/actor Vic Mignogna (Voice of Edward Elric on Full Metal Alchemist!) to complete the original five-year mission. Mignogna himself plays Captain Kirk, and looks just like a young William Shatner. Also, Grant Imahara of Mythbusters fame plays Sulu. Chris Doohan takes over his father’s role (James Doohan) and plays Scotty. And the first story we have from the series is the expertly told “Pilgrim of Eternity”, which stars Michael Forest returning as Apollo almost 50 years after “Who Mourns For Adonis?” in 1968!

The show starts off with Captain Kirk in the Wild West, but then Scotty says, “Computer, freeze program!” suggesting of course that Scotty helped create another Star Trek staple: The Holodeck. After this, the crew encounters a strange meteorite which houses the last of the Old Greek Gods. Apollo is beamed abroad, but he is old. He asks for asylum.

Despite this, his “god organ” discovered last time they met, that converts worship into power, seems to be reeking havoc on the ship and crew. Scotty is extremely distrustful of Apollo in particular, due to Apollo courting his old flame Caroline years ago. It takes no time at all for Apollo to have people entranced in the rec room, and demanding worship from the crew. He hurls Captain Kirk across the hall, and knocks out Uhura at her computer. Vic twists and contorts dramatically while levitating, and in Captain Kirk style…(above!) he denounces Apollo’s worship!

Eventually, Apollo apologizes and Captain Kirk takes his word as sincere. Apollo elects (With McCoy’s help!) to have surgery where he can have the organ safely removed. He still has his powers, but he’ll no longer need worship. In a final act of self-sacrifice he revives Uhura. Having thus demonstrated that he is beyond the need for worship, Kirk drops him off on a planet with equivalent 14th century technology, where he can help.

Along with this superbly acted story, there is one unique addition to the crew. Lt. McKenna comes abroad as the ship’s psychologist, who is instrumental in ascertaining that Apollo is telling the truth. Also, a funny scene occurs when she walks in the Captain’s quarters and is greeted by a shirtless Captain Kirk. Vic Mignogna also has nearly the exact same physique as the young Shatner…ladies.

Typically, I’m not a fan of fanmade Star Trek…except in books! Because it all looks so cheesy. And I count TAS as canon, so if each season was a year…the five-year mission was complete! But, these guys do a wonderful job! It’s so good, it doesn’t look fanmade. I can’t ignore a new series as good as this! Plus, it means the same guy who plays Captain Kirk also voiced another hero of mine…Ed Elric! So, he’s not only my favorite Alchemist, but also now, my favorite Captain! (With all due respect to Captain Picard.)

I’m really looking forward to the next episode of Star Trek Continues. It really shows what Star Trek: TOS could’ve been, if it had big studio support (In fact, we almost never got a 3rd season of Star Trek.) and more money for effects. And it tells great stories. The message of “Pilgrim of Eternity” is quite clear, and in line with Roddenberry’s vision: Self-sacrifice is better than worship. Spock (Todd Haberkorn) is sort of underplayed in this episode, but true to the show, he exchanges conclusive banter with Kirk and McCoy on the bridge. You can watch Star Trek Continues (and it’s second episode: “Lolani”!) for free online now!

Episodes link: http://www.startrekcontinues.com/episodes/#.UvkI-GJdXfg

STAR TREK: SPOCK: REFLECTIONS (2009)

STAR TREK: SPOCK: REFLECTIONS (2009)

“All living beings require illumination and wisdom. And none so much as a child’s mind yearning for insight…that it is unable to find...”

- Old Spock to the Saurian passenger

    Since I reviewed Star Trek: Burden of Knowledge (2010), I figured I can now go back review Star Trek: Spock: Reflections, also by Scott Tipton with art by Fredrica Manfredi. This tells several different stories about Spock’s journey through life, from his school days to teaching on Romulus. These are told through flashbacks which cover important moments in coming to terms with his two-sided nature between logic and emotion.

    We start by a Saurian talking to him about leaving The Romulus-Federation Neutral Zone, and we get a flashback to Captain John Harriman taking over the Enterprise. John shows Spock a plaque he had committed in Kirk’s honor, and tells him that Kirk told him to take risks, if he wanted to sit in the Captain’s chair. Spock remarks that there is no need for ceremony because Kirk was only following his nature. It keeps things simple and logical, as Spock would no doubt have wanted. B- if only for the perfect Spock answer to Harriman.

    While the first story deals with Spock’s need for logic and simplicity, the next is a well-crafted excellent story about Spock’s emotional struggles. Sarek (Spock’s dad) is angry with Spock and goes after him for being out too late in the desert. Young Spock argues that he simply has a different course of logic. From there, on top of a beautiful Vulcan cliff, Spock explains that when he is outside, he feels at peace, and that he knows that him being half-human is a constant reminder to his father that he’s not a Vulcan. Sarek changes the subject and says that he will worry his mother. She is human, after all. And he leads Spock back home. A+ for this beautiful, well-drawn scene!

    Very little is often said about what Spock’s dad actually thinks of Spock’s half-breed nature. Although he tries to stay logical, his emotions interfere too. It’s a beautiful scene. Next, we see Spock with Captain Pike, on a planet too far for transporters to reach. An engineer has developed portable wormholes to make long-term transportation easier. When Spock mentions that wormholes are unstable, he falls in, and Pike saves him in an act of selflessness. It alludes to his later sacrifice without ripping it off exactly from The Wrath of Khan! B for a grade, as far as that story goes, since we’ve already seen it with another Captain.

    Then, we get a flashback to Romulus where he is teaching the ways of logic to some kids. Even though there’s the two-part TNG episode “Unification” (1991), with Spock on Romulus, you don’t actually see him do much teaching, so that was nice. It’s here he learns that James T. Kirk is dead, which is the reason he’s back on the shuttle talking to the Saurian. One thing that happens in-between the next story is that he stops in Vulcan, and meets his former wife. An unnecessary detour, since next I either want to see Kirk or Picard.

And the next story is a Kirk story! It is short and sweet, and set in The Original Series era. A warp core breach threatens the U.S.S. Collins, Jim Kirk beams down to save the elderly female Captain, who won’t leave out of pride. When Spock remarks that he risked much for her, Kirk replies, “Surely, you weren’t worried, Mr. Spock?” (Tipton writes such great Kirk lines!) Bones says don’t be silly…to be worried he’d have to have a heart! I can almost hear the ending theme from The Original Series. Essentially, though it’s a repeat of the virtue of sacrifice with Pike…we don’t have enough info on what Pike would’ve been like…so this is much better. A+!
   
  Finally, there is one last flashback. To Saavik’s Kobayashi Maru. Saavik is disappointed and expresses her annoyance working with humans, and wants to know what she can do. Spock tells her to learn to trust. Although it is illogical. A sweet story, but somewhat incomplete feeling, and I wasn’t exactly clamoring to see Saavik. C+.

     Finally, the end stories (Thankfully not flashbacks.) are Spock reading the death notice, then meeting with Picard. Picard tells Spock he’s welcome back to The Federation at any position, but Spock declines. He notes that he’s served with men of “exemplary character”, but his duties are on Romulus. They exchange Vulcan salutes, and cut to Spock on Romulus happily teaching children. A- . Picard is as dignified as ever, but put in the situation of being shot down by Spock.

Overall, it’s a good book. It just gets bogged down by its own flashback devices. Since many of the virtues that Spock learns in this volume are repeated, particularly from Pike to Kirk, it loses a bit of it’s power. And yet, Captain Kirk is as charming as I’d expect him, and Picard’s Vulcan salute at the end is touching. I remember when I first got this book, I couldn’t put it down. It’s good, if a bit long-winded! The most powerful stories come from the relationships Spock had with these exemplary characters!

   But, since I don’t know a lot about Pike…(other than being disabled later, and played by Jeffrey Hunter in the failed Original Series pilot episode!) or how Spock related to Saavik, or even T’pring, it kind of just feels like melodrama in-between. Which is not to say that it isn’t good! Just feels less powerful…then again, Spock being a Vulcan, maybe that was the point…to drift between feeling and stone cold logic. A-, just for a little excess, but a fun read if you’re trapped between alien worlds like Spock and I! Oh, and the art gallery is just stunning! (No phaser pun intended!)

    Me? Oh, yes! I exist between the able-bodied world and the disabled world. Between what I can and can’t do. The limitlessness of my mind vs. the weight of my body. Although I could never walk, and don’t want to, I walk in my dreams and my words carry my weight, along with my power chair of course! Yes, I think I know what it’s like to be in two worlds! I’m an alien too! Live long and prosper, everybody!
     
 

Vulcan Phrases and Sources

Long ago, I tried to put together a Vulcan phrasebook, because I like Spock, and I had (at the time.) little desire to learn Klingon. Though when I do imagine Klingon spoken, I imagine Commander Kruge instead of Worf. Weird, right? Kruge is something of a poet, I guess. He nailed the Klingon! And he's Christopher Lloyd! Anyway, without further ado, here's my little phrasebook, complete with cited sources.

Ben val navun - Grant us success. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

Dif-tor heh smusma - live long and prosper. (formal greeting/farewell. Star Trek: The Motion Picture)

Sochya eh dif - Peace and long life.(greeting or reply to the "live long and prosper" greeting/farewell.) (Vulcan Language Guide)

Romhalan - Farewell. (informal) (starbase11.de)

Tsi-veh - one particular person - that one. (Vulcan Language Guide)

Tonk’peh - hello, hi, greetings. (Vulcan Language Guide)

Kol-Ut-Shan (VOY) - Concept of  Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
  “IDIC” in Federation English; first introduced as “iddick” in TOS; Vulcan religion.)

Kash-nohv -Mind-meld/mindmeld (Vulcan Language Guide)

Lasek! - Thanks! (informal)

Nemaiyo - “Thank you!” - a term of appreciation. (source: Vulcan Language Guide, Starfleet Training Manual, copyright 1977; Vulcan Dictionary, 1992 by Bill Richmond)

Ni'droi'ik nar-tor -“I am sorry.” literally translated means "asking forgiveness.” (korsaya.org)

Ong -“and” e.g. Spockong Kirkong (Spock and Kirk); Spock kreylaong plomikong spacura. (Spock eats Vulcan biscuits and plomik soup.)

Ora - “Honourable what?” Phrase meaning “what is this regarding?” [korsaya.org]

Translated Sayings (VLD& VLG)


  “Ozhika -- palik t'kau, ri shaht.”  “Logic (is the) beginning of wisdom, not (the) end.” (Spock in Star Trek VI: “The Undiscovered Country“)

 “Isha nash-veh Vuhlkansu - pontal na'sochya. English: “I too, am a Vulcan. Bred for peace.” (Spock in "The Savage Curtain" Star Trek: TOS Season 3 Episode 15)

 “Gishen worla ihk-banut.” English: “He's never what I expect.”  “Wakli ak'wikman - ot-lan?”English: “What surprises you, lieutenant?” “Ish-veh ni -- komihn.” English: “He’s so…human.” “Kling akhlami buhfik - Saavik-kam.” English: “Nobody’s perfect, Saavik.”

(Spock and Saavik regarding Captain Kirk, Star Trek II: “The Wrath of Khan”)

 If anyone can spare some time for a Klingon lesson, qapla! I'm up for it! Also, let me know if you find other sources of Vulcan language/culture. Star Trek Into Darkness does NOT count, so anything from there or future J.J. Abrahms properties I'll not be accepting! Star Trek 2009 I thought was okay. Next, I'll let you know some of my favorites from Star Trek: The Animated Series, and highlight some disability issues. I should probably review more disability movies too, but it's been a rough week! Dif-tor heh smusma, until then!

MOVIE REVIEW: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

   I honestly don’t know what to say about this one. The last Star Trek reboot (2009) started off strong with the story primarily setting new grounds where anything can happen, and Spock embraces emotion a little; Kirk becomes  a little more a captain. It was good. It had originality, it took risks. This one has none of that but some good “tributes” to The Original Series. (By which I mean lines and entire scenes lifted from other episodes.)

 You know how Kirk isn’t the captain yet in the first one? Guess what? He’s demoted again! And we get that same bar scene from the last movie about how Captain Pike still believes in him. Then, he’s called to a meeting about a terrorist who bombed London. Should I say spoilers…? I don’t care. This movie spoils itself. So, the terrorist attacks the meeting Captain Pike (not in a wheelchair.) dies and the Enterprise is given back to Kirk…what? Why demote him then for 10 minutes?

    Kirk is ordered to hunt down this terrorist “John Harrison”. “John Harrison” beams over to the Klingon homeworld where he thinks the Federation can’t touch him. This WOULD be interesting if the movie didn’t drop the legality plot point in favor of Kirk blasting the Klingons in a firefight, in which our terrorist comes to help.

I don’t know. Are the Klingons stupid? Why do they decide not to retaliate against this illegal Federation invasion? It’s a point the movie ITSELF raises! And they drop it! Sure, Uhura tries to talk Klingon with the warriors and appeal to their honor to hand over this Earth criminal, but guess what? The Klingon responds by freaking choking her!

 So, after John Harrison surrenders, what does Kirk do? He punches the guy anyway, and hurts his hand! No glib remark, no authorative stride. Heck, no…moralizing monologue…just punching. There’s no wonder and compassion  to this Kirk: no Shatner charm, I have to say. Look, I’m sure Star Trek 2009 proved that these guys can do good impressions of their characters. Simon Pegg can, yes, speak with a brogue; but he’s just impersonating. But, there wasn’t even an attempt by Kirk to be suave. He was just rude. For Pete’s sake, Kirk was daring yes, but his oratory skills are practically what makes him a good captain.

Kirk doesn't even attempt to communicate. “Risk is our business.” “There are no unknowns.” “Our emotions are part of who we are.” There’s none of that Old Kirk compassion here. There is however a monologue about how much he wants to kill Khan. Watching this movie is like watching Trek with someone who has no idea of what Star Trek is; "HEY! Remember that guy who did the THING AND SAID THE WORDS?" That's this movie. It’s a hodgepodge of context-free Trek references, with all meaningful dialogue replaced by action and jokes. Zachary Quinto as Spock does a good job with what he’s given; but, oh man…it’s not much.
 
So…Surprise! The main villain reveals himself to be Khan once he’s onboard the Enterprise. His backstory seems cool at first, but then he completes a sentence. He was unfrozen from the Eugenics Wars by Admiral Marcus (Also, Carol Marcus is abroad from Wrath of Khan.)   in the event of WAR WITH THE KLINGONS. Argh…so, let’s recap: Kirk invades the Klingon homeworld and then it’s revealed that the man who sent him on a manhunt to get Khan…wanted war in the first place. The Klingons don’t retaliate because…? They forgot? So…why wouldn’t Kirk now be a Federation criminal as well? It’s never explained, and it gets worse. Hang on.

Khan reveals that he put his cryogenetically sealed crew in some emptied out photon torpedoes. I should add that these are the torpedoes Kirk fires Scotty for objecting to earlier in the film. Geez, these new Enterprise crewmembers cannot handle an argument without someone being demoted, fired, or reassigned. Of course, he comes back on the crew and KHAN AND KIRK go after Admiral Marcus, as if Kirk doesn’t know Khan already wants to kill him. Long story short, they beat up Marcus, Khan takes over the U.S.S  Vengeance formerly commanded by Marcus. Khan fires on the Enterprise. I just can’t bring myself to write the next paragraph, but…here goes.

    There’s a warp core malfunction. Spock can’t get away. So after Kirk is menacingly beamed down to die with his ship, Kirk realizes the only thing to do is to…repair the warp core manually. Sigh. But, it’s radiated…and then Scotty calls Spock down to engineering quickly. No, no…they didn’t. Did they just RIP OFF THE MOST POWERFUL SCENE IN WRATH OF KHAN for a lame switcheroo? Just…no! You can’t just make your movie out of other movies! You can borrow elements, but think of your own movie! And to make matters worse…at the end of that scene, where in the original the usually-confident Captain Kirk utters a single hushed “No…” As Spock dies on the other side of the glass…that was powerful. But, what does Spock say now on the other side?

“KHAAANNNN!!!”

Okay, the “tributes” have gone beyond cute. Now, it’s just offensive. Really. I wish I were making this up. I’m not. Spock yells “KHAAANNN!!!” Okay…I think that’s the worst of it. Phew. Oh, one more. Spock calls old Spock and asks “What did you do?” to defeat Khan. So, they load up some photon torpedoes and convince Khan that they contain his crewmates. He beams them abroad and they detonate. So…Dr. McCoy took a blood sample of Khan’s beforehand and injected it into a freaking tribble while figuring out how they work. McCoy revives Kirk with this superhuman-tribble blood. Is this a Star Trek mad lib?  Of this film I can only say this…of all the tropes I have known…these were the most…humorless.

All this film does is remind me how original Star Trek was. And how unoriginal this is. Oh, the effects were good, but it has no story. Literally. Go see the original Wrath of Khan. I’m going to try to Vulcan mind-meld this out of my brain. Such a good setup with Star Trek 2009 and then it boldly went and ripped off Skyfall and Wrath of Khan. So disappointing! I repeat…watch the original…do not watch this movie if you respect Star Trek!