484 - Monuments, Partisans, and the Year of Klingon | Priority One: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

ELIO
Well, here we are… at the end of another year. Despite a concerted effort to try and rush towards a return to some form of pre-pandemic life, the impact of this global catastrophe will ripple for years to come. In one way, shape, or form - all our lives have been changed.

Now, many of us are looking ahead and thinking of what’s to come in 2022. Cautiously optimistic and hopeful that things will gradually continue to improve and change for the better. On behalf of the entire team at Priority One: We wish you nothing but the best in this New Year and years to come – that you live long and prosperous lives.

Narrowing our focus on our little corner, 2021 was a monumental year for Priority One. In March of 2021, our production celebrated its 500th episode and 10 years of weekly podcasting. That is no small endeavor. To celebrate the occasion, we were privileged to host several Trek Stars - new and veteran - and with donations from listeners like you, along with a matching gift by Rod Roddenberry - we raised over $4,000 for The Poor People’s Campaign. I can think of no better way to celebrate such a milestone than to work towards finding ways of giving back.

Now, here we are - having just wrapped our 535th episode. As I look back over the last 10 years, I find myself in complete awe over all the things we’ve accomplished. The conversations we’ve had with each other and special guests. The panels we’ve participated in. The events we’ve attended and hosted. The places we’ve been. The laughs we’ve shared. The friendships we’ve forged.

But… as the saying goes… All good things must come to an end.

You're listening to the final broadcast of Priority One Podcast!

I realize this announcement may come as a surprise to most - if not all - of you. With so much going on in the Star Trek Multiverse, why would we stop covering the latest from our favorite franchise? I wish I could give you a simple and satisfying answer but, there isn’t. Behind the scenes, we’ve had long conversations about the future of the show, our goals, our hopes. In the end, we came to the conclusion that now was the best time to jump on our horses and ride off quietly into the sunset – leaving behind an incredible legacy of passion and love for an I.P. that has touched so many of our lives.

CAT
It’s been such a fantastic experience being part of the podcast for the past few years. I’m truly amazed at the talented group of people that work behind the scenes that edit and assemble the show. Also to Elio and the other co-hosts and guest hosts that we’ve had - thank you so much for putting up with my dogs and allowing me to join you each week. Getting to discuss Star Trek on these shows has been one of the most enjoyable experiences and during the pandemic - it’s been a lifesaver. 

With that said, we want to continue to support our Patrons since they have given so much to support us. We will be pausing all Patreon charges until further notice - but we are considering still continuing our after-hours show for you all. If you are a Patron - please reach out and let us know your thoughts. 

So, even though the main podcast is ending, we still want to keep in touch via Patreon- or come and play Star Trek Online with the Priority One Armada - you know we are not going anywhere. We’ll still host our livestream every Saturday - everyone is welcome! 

ROSCO
I was the most recent addition to the crew. I am one of the many people on this podcast who went from listener to being part of the team.  I think I said yes because I felt welcome, and that was just by listening to the podcast.  

What I soon realized was that I had found my people. I had found like-minded people who were passionate about one of the things that has been a huge influence on my life. I got the chance to talk about Star Trek EVERY WEEK!!  What a dream job.

And although it’s coming to an end and we may not be producing any more episodes, you'll still find our entire back catalogue on our website and wherever you get your podcasts.

I want to add my own personal thanks to my co-hosts for making me feel welcome, my respect and admiration to the team that works behind the scenes to put this show together, and to thank you for listening.  We’re an amazing community to be a part of, it has been a privilege to share the news about it.

ELIO
Before we leave you, I need to thank the team that has made this possible. Over the last 10 years, we have had a remarkable group of people volunteering their time and talents to this production. Fans of Star Trek from all over the world who decided to come and play with us each and every week. From as far as Australia, the UK, from Germany, Canada, from Argentina, and the US, Priority One was brought to you by a global team of amazingly talented people.

Whether it be our website and social platforms, our livestreams, the copy written for our weekly shows… to the weekly undertaking of editing our ramblings – no single person is responsible for this production. I encourage you to visit our website and look over our cast and crew page to learn more about these remarkable individuals… because without their incredible dedication over the years, this show would not have been made possible.

I also want to thank some of our most influential collaborators and contributors. To folks like Al Rivera at Cryptic Studios who always supported and believed in the work we did to share in the joy that Star Trek Online has brought over the years. To John Champion and Rod Roddenberry, for recognizing our work and welcoming us into the Roddenberry Podcast Family. I will forever cherish the words John and Rod shared with me when I informed them of our decision. It has been an honor.

But, most importantly, a big thanks to you. Our listeners – our friends — our extended family. Over these 10 years, you have been our driving force for producing this weekly show. The team and I are forever grateful for your dedicated and loyal support. For joining us and welcoming us into your weekly routine. It has been an honor to produce this show for you and I am grateful to each and every one of you.

As sad as this may be, it’s important for us to hang on to the best parts of our lives. With that in mind, let’s remember some of those moments and share some laughs with you… Take care.

This week on Episode 535 of Priority One: Content deals continue at ViacomCBS, so you’ll see what IP Bob can guarantee to be on TV.  A touching farewell to Tilly, with the character’s far future plans on the tip of Mary Wiseman’s tongue.  In gaming news, some fresh and refreshed games to add to your Trek catalog, and Mudd is back with a fresh Intel in a big ship bundle.  And before we review the most recent episode of Discovery, Dr. Robert Hurt tells us how we’re looking for planets not just around distant stars, but in distant galaxies! 

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Not Every Loss Is Eternal

By Jake Cobb

If you haven’t watched Star Trek: Discovery’s season 4 episode 4 “All is Possible” our next story contains spoilers. You’ve been warned.

Still here? Good! Let’s get started!

In the aforementioned “All is Possible”, Discovery said goodbye to one of its own: Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly. This week, TVInsider sat down with Tilly actor Mary Wiseman to talk about the episode, her departure, and the future of Tilly.

Before going any further, let’s get the big question out of the way: will Tilly be back, and in what capacity? Wiseman answered (unsatisfyingly) ”I can say that you’ll see me later on in the season.” She continued (also unsatisfyingly) ”I’ll say that her hair is slightly different and she’s wearing a different outfit.”

And she'll make new friends along the way! Image: ViacomCBS, via Tor.

Being less vague, Wiseman recalled her on-screen goodbyes, telling TVInsiders Meredith Jacobs ”you tend to create a found family and that’s very much the story of our show, both on and offscreen, that we are a found family. So it felt really important to honor those relationships…[i]t kind of feels like...she’s going off to do this thing and all of these people show up for her to say, ‘we’ll still be here for you when you come back and we love you and we’ll miss you’.”

It’s true, we’ll miss you–a lot.

ViacomCBS: Deal With It

By Cat Hough

In some not very shocking news, ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish confirmed that Paramount+ is moving towards exclusivity for its major IP franchises, by reducing the amount of third-party licenses...just like the recent buy-back deal for Star Trek: Discovery from Netflix.

In a recent media conference, Bakish was asked about the third-party licensing deals and he said that while the company continues to bring in revenue for many deals cut before the launch of Paramount+, its priorities have definitely changed and that they are not likely to renew any prior third-party deals.  

They are altering the deal. Pray they do not alter it further. Image: ViacomCBS/Trekmovie

Bakish elaborated on this, saying, “as we increasingly transition to leveraging our particular franchises and original production for our owned and operated streaming assets, principally Paramount+…that, in turn, will create a decline in that third-party business over time as these deals roll off. I would note that as an example of that, we just took back Star Trek: Discovery internationally from Netflix. And so we now have that property globally. That’s clearly a core franchise for us, and it’s working.”

It appears that these efforts are working for Bakish, as he stated that Paramount+ had its best week ever and best month ever in November. However, Discovery has yet to be confirmed for a fifth season. Historically, additional season pickups are announced around the time of the launch of a new season, which they did for Star Trek: Prodigy.

Paramount+ Opens Revenue Channels

By Cat Hough

Speaking of Paramount+, it just announced the launch of 18 linear channels that let subscribers surf through dedicated-themed collections of shows called Live Channels. The content comes from all ViacomCBS properties including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and the Smithsonian Channel as well as from other sources. The themed “live” channels, streaming 24 hours per day, feature the service’s most-streamed genres or specific franchises like Star Trek. Just think Star Trek Channel: all Trek, all the time.  

Not like this. Not like this....Image: ViacomCBS, via Space.com

Paramount+ Live Channels also will potentially provide a new bucket of advertising inventory for the streaming service to sell. At launch, there won’t be ads in the channels for either the Paramount+ Premium ($9.99/month) or the ad-supported Essential ($4.99/month) tiers, but eventually ViacomCBS may introduce ads for customers with the Essential package. Through Dec. 31, new subscribers can try Paramount+ for 30 days free by using the promo code “PEAKSALE.”

Quick News Roundup

• A Star Trek Adventures-based audio play, Star Trek: Europa, is now available as a podcast with 10 episodes online.  The series follows the adventures of the U.S.S. Europa, a Luna-class starship with a new prototype positronic-bioneural computer system and an advanced AI. The ship’s mission is exploration following the Dominion War. It’s available on all of your favorite podcast apps.  
• In other audio news comes a cryptic tweet with very few details. Coming soon fresh outta spacedock is a new STO series, “Ex Astris: The Ships of Star Trek Online.”  The tweet comes from Daniel Orrett, writer and creator of the science fiction audio drama Sojourn HQ.  Which could imply an audio drama telling the story of STO ships?  With no release date, we’ll have to simply wait and see.  

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

The Mudd-Slinging Continues Unabated

By Cat Hough

Just in time for the holidays when you have all the extra money, a new bundle hits Mudd’s Market on December 22nd! Mudd’s Secret Intel Choice Pack will be available for 29,500 Zen, and you can choose any three of the following options: 

• Section 31 Intel Science Destroyer
• Son'a Intel Battlecruiser
• Elachi Sheshar Intel Dreadnought Cruiser
• Na'Qjej Intel Battlecruiser
• 50x Master Keys
• 1 Epic Phoenix Box Token
• 9x T6x Upgrade Tokens
• 10x Gold Tech Upgrades

Image: Cryptic Studios.

Or you can spend 60,000 Zen and get Mudd's MEGA Secret Intel Bundle: a one stop purchase to obtain all eight items in the pack at once! NOTE: Both packs are 50% off in the Zen store from December 22 through January 5. 

Star Trek Faces A Resurgence

By Ross McQueen

Star Trek: Resurgence is a narrative adventure game featuring dialog choices, relationship building, and exploration. Alongside dialog-driven role playing and rich branching storylines, you will also engage with the Star Trek universe in a variety of other gameplay styles, including shuttle piloting, phaser fights, tricorder scanning, stealth, and micro-gameplay mechanics.

Star Trek: Resurgence follows two principal characters through a single epic story, with gameplay switching between the characters, similar to Telltale’s Game of Thrones or Tales from the Borderlands. Star Trek: Resurgence is a single player experience without microtransactions, DLC or other additional monetization models. 

The Armada Is Mobilized, Captains

By Ross McQueen

Grab yourself an energy drink or three, a bowl of your favourite snacks and let's LAN party like it’s 1999!  Actually, the correct temporal coordinates are 2000 and 2001, with Star Trek: Armada and Armada II now available on the GOG store.

Anyone else here a Ressikan flute playing? No? Just me? Image: Activision, via GOG.

This comes after GOG and Activision teamed up to celebrate 55 years of Star Trek, rereleasing six games including Voyager Elite Force and  Star Trek: Bridge Commander updated to work on modern operating systems. In Star Trek Armada, war is raging in the Alpha Quadrant with four races to command. The story is then expanded in Armada II, with Species 8472 entering the fray in Federation Space. Both games are available to purchase on the GOG store.

A Dual Trilogy In Fleet Command

By Ross McQueen

The latest update has dropped for Star Trek Fleet Command, with Patch 37 bringing with it Part 3 of the Duality Arc, with three notable additions to the game as well as the usual collection of new officers, missions and bug fixes.

Officer presets are now available, meaning you can create, name, and save specific sets of bridge officers which may then be assigned to your preferred ship.  Also a third permanent research queue is now unlockable through the in-game store.

Kermit gotta get paid, son. Image: Scopely.

On top of this, the Syndicate has now arrived!  The morally green Orions bring with them tiers to unlock, daily goal multipliers and an exclusive officer, Ghrush.  You can earn Syndicate XP from select events, a daily claim within the Syndicate menu, or from the Offers tab.

ASTROMETRICS REPORT

For this week's Astrometics Report, we go way past the final frontier to hunt for exoplanets--not just around other stars, but in distant galaxies. And we aren't just talking the homeworld of the Andromedans from the TOS episode "By Any Other Name." They're just from the Andromeda Galaxy, a mere two million light-years away. No, this tantalizing new discovery was found in the Whirlpool Galaxy, or M51, at a whopping distance of 30 million light-years. And this potential planet was found in a particularly wild system. So how do you search for exoplanets in other distant galaxies, when we've only barely started finding them in the nearby reaches of our very own Milky Way galaxy? It's a classic example of the scientific method at work: thinking about what we know, coming up with a hypothetical way to do a different kind of search, and being rewarded with an exciting detection.

Now if you've been following exoplanet discoveries, you may already have heard of a search strategy kjnown as the "transit method." In a nutshell, astronomers hunt for planets orbiting other stars by looking for a small tell-tale dip in the star's brightness, that would happen when a comparatively tiny planet passes in front of its star--blocking a little bit of its light. This only works with planetary systems that, by the roll of the dice, happen to be aligned perfectly edge-on with our vantage point, allowing us to see the transits. Statistically that's a pretty small fraction of al the star systems out there. But it's been incredibly productive so far, leading to the discovery of nearly five thousand planets around other stars in the Milky Way. Since planets are small compared to stars, these dips in brightness may be only a fraction of a percent of the star's overall brightness. It works best with stars that are nearby and can be measured precisely. So the obvious question is how could you hunt for transiting planets in other galaxies, where the light of the stars gets mushed into an unresolved haze?

X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/R. DiStefano, et al.; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI/Grendler

That very question prompted researcher Rosanne Di Stefano and her team to consider looking far past visible light to another part of the spectrum: namely, X-rays. Only the very hottest processes in the universes light up in this high-energy party of the spectrum, including an unusual kind of system called an X-ray binary. These are typically either a compact neutron star, or black hole, in a close orbit around another star. Gas spilling of the star gets swept up into a disc around the super-dense companion. the inner regions of the disc get heated to incredible temperatures. A large galaxy may gave at most a few dozen X-ray binaries that are so bright we can see them millions of light-ears away. but each one is a single compact source. So what if one of those has an orbiting planet that transits in front of the glowing disk? The team reasoned it would produce a transit signature that would briefly dim the X-ray light, so they went looking for one. And that's how they found the candidate planet in the Whirlpool Galaxy, using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.

It turns out x-ray data sets are ideal for this kind of search. These telescopes typically have to sit and stare at a target for days, or even weeks, to collect enough x-ray photons to build up a picture. Those long staring observations are very similar to those used by exoplanet hunters searching in visible or infrared light. The transit they detected indicates a planet in an X-ray binary system called M51-ULS-1, where they saw the X-ray glow vanish for about three hours. They were able to rule out a variety of other factors that can cause X-ray variability, making a Saturn-sized planet the best explanation for what they saw. The signal was so strong because, in this case, the transiting planet would be much larger than the relatively compact part of the disc emitting the X-rays. So in X-ray binary systems, a planet would pretty much block all of the high energy light for a while.

Now I have to emphasize this is only considered to be a potential planet since confirmations require multiple transit detections. Unfortunately this planet likely has an orbital period of around 70 years or so, which means confirmation could take a very long time. However it points us towards a whole new way to search for other distant planets in the universe, and the awesome thing is that a lot of the data we need is already in hand. This research was carried out on archival data taken in other research programs--reminding us that our vast collections of research data in astronomy can be used to make new discoveries over time. You can bet scientists will continue searching data from Chandra and other X-ray telescopes for other possible planet transits.

I should point out any planets in systems like this are not going to be at the top of the list for habitability searches. Such worlds are going to be flooded with deeply-destructive X-rays way past what you'd get in a doctors office. Our search may be restricted to stars a little closer to home.

Finally I do have to comment on how excited the whole astronomical community is for the upcoming launch of NASA's Webb telescope on December 22. if you want to learn more about Webb, or the exogalactic exoplanet, make sure to check out Ask the Astronomers Live on universeunplugged.org. Every month our host Phil Lamar chats with a couple of astronomers about some of the coolest, or hottest, discoveries in the universe. You can even bring your own questions if you watch live on YouTube or Facebook.

This week on Episode 534 of Priority One: Kurtzman talks crossovers and Nichelle Nichols dances the night away; in gaming, two new starships are available to add to your Star Trek Online collection!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Kurtzman's Crossover Qualifications

By Rosco McQueen

Considering the amount of new Star Trek series either on screen or in development, you may be thinking it’s more than likely there will be a crossover event of some kind.  Turns out Alex Kurtzman is thinking along the same lines.  Kurtzman and Sonequa Martin-Green were guests on the new episode of Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast speaking about Burham’s journey into the captain’s chair. 

And its many, many detours. Image: ViacomCBS, via Deadline.

But the conversation came around to the idea of crossovers, and if that is a real possibility.  Kurtzman says yes, but it’s got to be good. “Here’s the thing about crossovers; I think crossovers can be really, really exciting. But they have to exist for a reason. There has to be a great story reason to do it.” Kutman said he is yet to come up with the right idea for the crossover, as the volume of productions as well as each program’s individual identity are distinct, making it a challenge.

“Because the flip side to doing a crossover wrong is that people are really disappointed and it impacts both shows. So it’s just not a gamble that I would want to take randomly. that being said, it’s certainly exciting to think about certain pairings that you’re like ‘Wow, what would it be like if those two characters were together or those two crews were together?’ But I want to be careful about it.”

The same podcast episode asked about the status of the Section 31 series, which has been in development for some time.  The only answer Kurtzman would give was brief, saying “We’re in a very exciting place. I can’t tell you anything yet. But it’s still very much alive.”

Go ahead. You tell her the show's not happening. Image: ViacomCBS, via Superhero Hype.

Nichelle Concludes Her Mission To Earth

By Cat Hough

If you were watching updates on Twitter from L.A. Comic-Con this past weekend, you undoubtedly saw that Nichelle Nichols made her last-ever public appearance (this was also confirmed on her website).  NASA has released a touching Thank You video to Nichols recognizing her impact on the space program through recruiting women and people of color to NASA in the 1970s.

Quick News Roundup

• The story of William Shatner’s sojourn into space will be told in a one hour documentary special, aptly titled “Shatner in Space”. The documentary will screen on Amazon Prime as you might expect, seeing as Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon funded Bill’s flight.  It premieres on Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. According to Prime Video, additional territories will launch in 2022.
• If you haven’t been keeping up with The Ready Room with Wil Wheaton on StarTrek.com, you really should. Last week featured the new uniform designs for Discovery Season 4 and an in-depth interview with David Ajala, who plays Cleveland Booker.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

The Great River Provides Us…with Nog!

By Cat Hough

Finally, the ship we’ve been waiting for…mostly because it’s not coming via lockbox and it’s free! The Eisenberg Star Cruiser [T6] was  announced as the Grand Prize award for this year’s Q’s Winter Wonderland Event. All you have to do is complete various activities available and gain enough Daily Progress to fulfill the Event’s overall quota. You can earn Daily Progress once per day, per account.

This ship features a 4/4 weapons layout and an Ensign Engineering / Command Specialist Bridge Officer Seat, and a Lt. Commander Universal/Miracle Worker Specialist Bridge Officer Seat. It also comes with the Great Material Continuum Universal Console.  This console uses a massive network of tight-beam transporter beams to strip away enemy hull at a molecular scale, briefly buffers that matter, then converts it into energy and project into a protective barrier that can be applied to allied starships even at a great distance. This console also provides a passive bonus to Starship Drain Expertise and All Subsystem Energy Levels.

Also leveling up this ship will give you access to the Ingenious Tenacity Starship Trait. Using this trait and activating any Specialist Bridge Officer Ability (Intel, Command, Pilot, Temp Op, Miracle Worker) will briefly grant your starship the ability to redirect incoming damage from Energy Weapons into Shield Restoration. A portion of all Energy Damage received during this time (pre-Resistances) will be translated into Shield Restoration for the shield facing which the enemy weapon impacted.

Just think of all the yamok sauce that thing could pack. Image: Cryptic Studios.

Saturn Rings In The Holiday Season

By Thomas Reynolds

By the Prophets, has it been a full week since we got a new Infinity Lockbox ship? Never fear, Cryptic has us covered with another dip into the 32nd century Fed fleet registry. Now available on PC, the Saturn Intel Science Spearhead [T6] will run rings around–and through–your enemies. Assuming RNGsus hears your prayers, that is.

Like most 32nd century vessels, the Saturn’s aesthetics are…challenging, to put it mildly. Consisting of just a flat ring-shaped “saucer” with trailing nacelles, it looks rather like the souvenir bottle openers in the Federation HQ’s gift shop. On the other hand, at least everything is attached with no floaty bits to be found. Dr. Hurt ought to be pleased [HA!–Ed].

Yes. I know what everyone else says it looks like. Image: Cryptic Studios.

As a Science Spearhead with Intel specialization, the Saturn splits its focus between analyzing opponents and blasting the █████ out of them. Commander Science/Intel, Ensign Universal/Pilot, and Lt. Commander Universal Boff seats lend great flexibility in approaching challenges. The Enhanced Battle Cloak and Dual Cannon compatibility quickly turns those challenges into past tense–no temporal shenanigans required. 

Come in Peace, Leave ‘Em in Pieces

The Saturn’s Chakram Projector universal console leans into the circular theme even further, creating a spinning toroid of plot matter–excuse me, programmable matter to sandblast enemies in your vicinity. Ships caught within the death doughnut take kinetic damage with an additional kinetic resistance debuff. You, meanwhile, receive a passive buff to hull and shield penetration with all starship weaponry.

Finally, the “Automated Triage” Tier 5 Mastery Trait kicks in a combined instant heal/heal-over-time to you or an ally within 5km whenever the subject dips below 50% hull health. Automated Triage immediately restores 10% of max hull, followed by another 20% of max hull over the next 10 seconds. The trait has a 60-second cooldown, but activating Science Team or an Intel Boff ability shortens it by 10 seconds.

Note that, although it literally says “Science” in the name, you really shouldn’t treat it as a science vessel. Everything about the Saturn may make it a hole-in-one for weapons builds. However only one of the mastery package traits improves your Exotic Damage, and neither the Chakram Projector nor Automatic Triage affect it at all. Expect to go cannons hot and leave the Gravity Wells at home.

Quick Gaming News Roundup

• The United Earth Defense Force Vessel is now available in console Infinity Lockboxes. Now XBox and Playstation captains don’t have to avoid talking about the Elephant in the room–or not in the room, as the case may be.

This week on Episode 533 of Priority One: ViacomCBS tries to make amends to the world; First Contact celebrates 25 years; Badgey finally makes it into Star Trek Online; and we continue our S4 review of Star Trek: Discovery!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

How World War III Really Starts

By Elio Lleo

Before we left you for our Thanksgiving break, we reported that ViacomCBS had pulled Star Trek: Discovery from Netflix, leaving our friends outside of the US and Canada without a way to watch the latest season until sometime in 2022. Well, ViacomCBS has performed a massive international course correction.

The fact that DSC was the fourth-most pirated series during Thanksgiving? Completely unrelated. Image: MUSO, via Deadline.

Perhaps it was the international uproar. Perhaps it was because their poor planning was so misguided that it made headlines on news outlets like the BBC. Whatever the case may be, Paramount+ announced that Star Trek: Discovery will now be available internationally via Paramount+ or Pluto TV. You can find a detailed list of which platform in which country Discovery will be made available here. 

Turbulence On Star Trek's Magic Carpet Ride

By Elio Lleo

It’s been 25 years since Star Trek: First Contact premiered in movie theaters. Widely regarded as one of the best films of the franchise, its production wasn’t entirely a walk in the park. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, writer Ronald D. Moore shares some behind the scenes stories about the film–including a clash with Sir Patrick Stewart. 

According to Moore, Stewart wasn’t too thrilled about some of the writing so he convinced Rick Berman to replace Moore and his co-writer Brannon Braga with some of his own writers. However, those new writers didn’t quite work out…so Braga and Moore were brought back. Awkward.

Even more awkward than this, apparently. Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekNews.

Moore shares the story:

"I remember Patrick at the outset just said something like: ‘It’s good to see you. I hope that we can all move on from the things that have happened, and now let’s just concentrate on the work.’ And I took that in the spirit it was given: [He] wants to move on from this, he’s not going to apologize outright, but he kind of is apologizing. And it was never spoken of again. So we just moved on."

The Moore You Know

Moore also spoke with SyFy about his work on the film. In this interview, there’s more discussion about the actual development of the script and it’s production. For instance, did you know that one of the original drafts had Riker as the action star–facing off against the Borg aboard the Enterprise. But Sir Patrick wanted in on the action–recalling the episode “Starship Mine.” They even toyed with the idea of setting the film in medieval times!

When asked about scenes for stories that he wished hadn’t been cut, Moore explains:

"There were just expanded sequences. There was just more action in general, more fighting the Borg in the corridors, and going into different places on the ship. And I think there was more humor. A lot of the jokes got cut down. I think we had more fun with Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Cochrane’s relationship on Earth, where he gets her drunk. We had more to that sequence scripted and that was fun to write, too. Rick might have made us cut it because he was always a little too–he was always kind of worried that maybe the humor would be too corny or something."

The Other Kind of Star Trek Royalty

One aspect of the film that Trekkies like to debate is the introduction of the Borg Queen. Well, Trekkies aren’t the only ones that debated her introduction. According to Moore:

"...it was a choice that was also antithetical to the idea of the Borg. The whole concept of these villains was that they were a collection, and that there were no individuals. And that's what made them the faceless, implacable 'resistance is futile' enemy. But it also limited how to deal with them dramatically…[s]o we really went back and forth about it internally…[w]e decided that the story would be better if we had some individual to deal with."

Comparing thee to a summer's day, you're making everyone overly sweaty. Image: ViacomCBS, via American Cinematographer.

"To craft scenes around, to do an intimate kind of dialogue back and forth and help get inside characters’ heads–like Data in particular, and Picard. So what we came up with...a Borg Queen that controlled at least this collective of that particular ship, not necessarily that she was the queen of the whole Borg…"

For more insight about the film and its production process, be sure to Trek Out both interviews.

Whoopi Brings Trek Full Circle

By Cat Hough

Well, while we’re talking about Picard: the next season is premiering in February, and we’re getting bits of information about the upcoming season, including Michelle Hurd’s view on working with Whoopi Goldberg.  Michelle Hurd told a fan via Cameo what filming Picard Season 2 was like, saying “I pinch myself. I am a fan too, I literally pinch myself when on set or get to work with these amazing iconic creatures.” She was referring to both John de Lancie’s return as Q and Goldberg’s return as Guinan. Hurd went on to say that working with Goldberg was, “the bomb. She is SO cool. She is just cool, she is just Whoopi. That’s all you can say.”

Of course, not everyone's working relationship was as cordial. Image: ViacomCBS, via Agony Booth.

Not much is known about how Guinan may fit into Season 2 of Picard. We know that her character has demonstrated a special ability to sense changes in timelines, which could factor into the time travel and alternate timelines featured in the upcoming season. 

Speaking of Whoopi, she interviewed Sonequa Martin-Green on The View recently, and if you haven’t had a chance to watch it, you really should. Martin-Green includes a very touching acknowledgement to Goldberg’s history on Star Trek and how she and Nichelle Nicols paved the way for her to take on the Captain role on Discovery. Martin-Green told Goldberg, “I am your accomplishment, and I thank you.”

Quick News Roundup

Now, here are a few headlines that we didn’t discuss but might interest you. 

• If you haven’t signed up for Paramount+ but have been eager to share Star Trek: Prodigy with your kids, then set your set-top-boxes and TiVos to record the Nickelodeon premiere happening Friday, December 17th at 8pm ET/7pm CT.
• Speaking of Prodigy, if you’re eager to continue the adventure, you’ll have to wait until January 6, 2022 for episode 6. 
• IDW Publishing announced it would release Star Trek: Klingons in February 2022. This comic book series will chronicle the legendary life of Kahless, the Unforgettable [wait, who?--Ed.]. This release will be the first installment in a series of extra-long one-shots spotlighting the Star Trek franchise's most iconic alien species. It’s written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and features artist Timothy Green II.
• In an excellent in-depth interview, featured as a part of Rolling Stone's Last Word series, LeVar Burton reflects on his Jeopardy! experience, the magic of Star Trek conventions, the lasting importance of Roots, and the advice he got from his friend Fred Rogers–so make sure to trek out the link in our show notes.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Has Q Found Some Chill At Last? (No.)

By Cat Hough

It’s that time of year again, again. Time to get those scarves and sweaters and head to Q’s Winter Wonderland, where you can participate in your choice of Winter Wonderland Activities and get a new Tier 6 Starship…that had yet to be announced at the time of this recording [It was announced as the cross-faction Eisenberg-class Star Cruiser on Cryptic's Ten Forward Weekly stream the following day, December 1st–Ed.] This means that, just like last year, Daily Progress toward earning your new starship can be obtained by participating in any of the following activities:

• Fastest Game on Ice
• Klingon Ice Fishing
• Tides of Ice
• The Fast and the Flurrious
• Cones of Conduct
• The Kramp’Ihri 

That's not a mistaken date; 2020 will simply never end. Image: Cryptic Studios.

Once you run one of those events to earn your Daily Progress, you will also get various Holiday Ornaments, used in different combinations to purchase things in the Winter Event store. New this year:

• Glacial Nanopulse Bat'leth, because revenge is a dish…well, you get it.
• The Warnog Rescue Targ and the Barrel of Warnog. Exactly what it sounds like: it's a barrel, full of warnog.
• Lower Decks-themed sweaters, including ones from the Chu Chu Dance, The Dog, Badgey, and everyone's favorite evil Jeffrey Combs computer, Agimus.
• This year’s epohh variant, the Glacial Epohh, is the same glorious glacial blue as the Bat'leth.

Mmm. Minty. Image: Cryptic Studios.

Well Someone's Going To Have A Blast

A more surprising addition for this year’s event is a new Breen Ground Set. The set centers on cold damage, specifically a new Polar Blast ability: a cold damage AOE  centered on a single target.

• Breen Cryoshaper Armor [HP] [Mob] [ResEn] ∞
  • [Active] Ablative Ice Shield generates a shield of ablative ice, providing temporary Health] that grows each time the wielder deals Cold damage, with the extra Health based on Cold damage dealt.
  • [Passive] Massive Control Resist grants very high fire and cold resist, moderate energy resist, and light physical/kinetic resist
• Breen Cryoshaper Personal Shield [Reg]x3 ∞
  • When the shield is broken, deals a Polar Blast to whatever broke it. 
• Breen Cryoshaper Universal Kit Frame
  • +Kit Performance
  • +Cold Damage
  • Using a Cold Kit Module deals a Polar Blast to the primary target.
• Breen Cryoshaper Thermal Depletion Pistol [CrtH] [Dmg]x2 ∞
  • Deals Cold Damage
  • Secondary fire: a Polar Blast to three targets in a cone
• Set Bonuses
  • 2 Pieces
    • +50% Temp Health gained from Cryobarrier
    • Polar Blasts slow Foes and gain a 10% chance per Foe hit to spawn another Polar Blast
  • 3 Pieces
    • Dealing Cold Damage to an enemy debuffs its Cold Damage Resistance Rating
  • 4 Pieces
    • Cryoshaper Weapon primary attack gains 100% weapon firing cycle speed

Plot twist: all four of these models are also Jeffrey Combs. Image: Cryptic Studios.

Q’s Winter Wonderland will be available from December 7th, 2021 to January 6th, 2022. This event will run simultaneously across all platforms (PC and console). 

STO Looks Into The Crystal Ball Sphere

By Cat Hough

In a recent interview with StarTrek.com, Design Director Al Rivera and Staff Writer Paul Reed discuss what it was like to incorporate Star Trek: Discovery into Star Trek Online. The two discussed their initial reactions to hearing about the new show and how having new content to draw from and how that has helped add more content to the game.  Because Captains in the game have gone to all four quadrants, made peace with the Founders, saved time itself, and even won, barely, a war against the ancient Iconians, having new Star Trek shows like Discovery gives the team that extra bit of inspiration.

Reed already has an interesting idea for how to tie the lore into the far future setting of Discovery’s third and fourth seasons. “Say for example, are the Iconians still around in that time era? And if so, what are they doing? Have they evolved? Have they changed? Are they still mad? It's been a long time, but I'd like to go into some pockets of our lore in that far future and then tie in with the Discovery team in some way. So, seeing how the Iconians handled the Burn for example would be pretty cool.” 

Rivera had some of his own ideas for stories to tap into. “And they got all the Sphere data, what was that about? That's a perfect example of a story where we can jump off of and talk about what that was, or what's a gormagander? Let's talk about that. So there are opportunities there.”

Well, we’re excited to play all of these stories in-game. Anytime now.

Cheers to Club 47!

By Elio Lleo

In a recent tweet, Environment Artist Nick Duigid reminisced about the launch of Club 47 on ESD seven years ago! Nick says it doesn’t get much traffic these days–but the launch party looked like a really good time. 

This week, on Episode 532 of Priority One: ViacomCBS upsets most of the world; Star Trek Explorer Magazine debuts; Star Trek Online introduces a new 32nd century starship–plus, we start our S4 review of Star Trek: Discovery.

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Sheer ****ing Hubris, ViacomCBS

By Cat Hough

Well, the news broke early on Tuesday the 16th that international fans of Star Trek: Discovery will have to wait until 2022 to be able to watch Season 4–and then only watch it on Paramount+. Under the terms of an agreement finalized today between Netflix and ViacomCBS, Netflix will no longer be streaming the show. ViacomCBS was most likely pleased with the agreement since, under the 2017 deal that Les Moonves had set up with Netflix, CBS had agreed to pay the bulk of the show’s costly budget for the overseas rights. 

All images: ViacomCBS, via Imgur user SaysThePenguin.

This should not be a huge surprise, though, given ViacomCBS’s efforts to incentive subscribers to Paramount+. Back at the end of September The Original Series, Voyager, and Enterprise all left Netflix–Paramount+ is the only platform to watch these series. 

All images: ViacomCBS, via Imgur user SaysThePenguin.

But now that Netflix is out of the picture, the UK, Germany, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland will be the first international markets to stream Discovery on Paramount+. ViacomCBS has said that as part of an accelerated expansion they anticipate being in around 45 markets within the next year or so. No news on the release date for our Australian friends, though. 

Star Trek 4 Hopes For Holiday Magic

By Elio Lleo

While we’re on the topic of disappointing news, the 4th installment of Star Trek set in the Kelvin Timeline is being delayed again. Now, the new release date is slated for a holiday release on December 22, 2023 (originally, it was scheduled for June 9th, 2022). Perhaps the marketing folks at ViacomCBS listened to our episode where we discussed the uphill battle Star Trek faces when released beside other (more popular) franchises. Or they just read the same industry articles that we do.

Either way Star Trek, along with other tiles like Transformers, are being pushed. Now, this could be a rarely well executed smart move on behalf of the suits in charge of these things. According to Scott Mendelson of Forbes.com, Paramount+ is betting that Star Wars: Rogue Squadron won’t be able to stick to their holiday 2023 release date–especially when there’s been little movement on that Star Wars installment. That leaves Trek to reap the benefits of the season.

Mendelson writes, “the optimistic scenario is that Star Trek 4 positions itself as the Christmas event movie of 2023 and proves to be crowd pleasing enough to allow holiday legs to give the struggling franchise a kick in the butt after a disappointing third installment. That’s what happened with Paramount’s own Mission: Impossible–Ghost Protocol in December 2011 after J.J. Abrams’ underwhelming Mission: Impossible III 5.5 years earlier.” Either way, it’s still two years away and a lot can change. However the film still has WandaVision director Matt Shakman at the helm.

Del Barrio And Cronenberg Take Explorer To The Future

By Rosco McQueen

On November 17th, Blu Del Barrio will return in Discovery Season 4 as the human host of a Trill symbiote, Adira Tal.  In an interview with new publication Star Trek Explorer, Del Barrio spoke about the positive reactions from fans in being the first nonbinary actor in the franchise, and bringing a non-binary character to the screen. Unfortunately for the actor, it meant they were also subject to some outdated attitudes, but they were few when compared to the overall welcome from the Star Trek community.

“There are always people who are going to set out to be hateful, and set out to be transphobic. There’s not a lot of Star Trek fans who are like that, thank God. It’s not a universe where that fits. But there is also a lot of love, even from people who maybe don’t know anyone who is trans. There are people who are asking questions, talking about things online, having actual conversations about it, which is really wonderful.”

Image: ViacomCBS, via CBR.

Also featured in the first issue of the relaunched Star Trek Explorer is an interview with director David Cronenberg who plays the role of Federation agent Kovich, who is returning for Discovery Season 4.  The interview covers his relief as an actor as opposed to a director, growing up watching the Original Series, and the specific role of Kovich in season three as the Terran-interrogator.  But Cronenberg was tight lipped on what’s in store for Season 4: “I can only tell you I’ve been invited to be part of Season 4, and I was delighted with that. That’s about all I can tell you, and it’s not because I’m trying to be coy. It’s because I don’t know any more.”

For the full interview, as well as feature interviews from Ian Alexander (Gray Tal from Discovery), be sure to trek out the first issue of Star Trek Explorer.

Quick News Roundup

Now, here are a few headlines that we didn’t discuss but might interest you. 

• Start applying for those passports and get your luggage ready, because we’re going to China! Why? Because an $8 billion theme park resort is being built with a Paramount theme along the shores of Dianchi Lake in the Yunnan capital city of Kunming!  The complex will include six themed areas–one of which is a “Final Frontier–Star Trek” themed section!
• Fans of ‘Levar Burton hosting a quiz show’ rejoice!  The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed the actor will host a gameshow based on ‘Trivial Pursuit’, produced by Hasbro and Entertainment One. No network is attached at the time of the announcement, with no information on when the program will debut.  
• Congrats to Star Trek alum Tracee Lee Cocco! She just announced that she’ll be featured in an upcoming Star Trek: The Next Generation book by Ian Spelling, due to release in the fall of 2022.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

That’s What Phoenixes Do, Generally

By Cat Hough

The free Phoenix Prize Pack returns! From now until November 23rd, you can pick up a free Phoenix Prize Pack from Grym on Drozana Station or Onna on Deep Space Nine, once per day. If you are not aware, the Phoenix Prize Pack is a special pack, you can purchase with Dilithium or during this event you get one for free. Once you open it, you’re granted a token of one of five rarities, and then you can redeem that token for a list of prizes on that specific rarity tier.

Image: Cryptic Studios

But wait, there’s more! The Experimental Starship Upgrade tokens are also returning to the Phoenix Prize Pack during this event! If you’ve been hanging onto some Ultra Rare tokens, now is the time to redeem them for an Experimental Upgrade Token. Also on sale right now until the 22nd–Keys and Keyring Bundles are 15% off! 

YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TOOTH

By Cat Hough

Hey, surprise! Another new ship is available via the Infinity Lock Box. The United Earth Defense Force Vessel [T6] was designed as a large, sturdy vessel built for planetary defense and doesn’t at all look like a giant tooth–or an elephant.

Even the four blind men think it's an elephant. Image: Cryptic Studios.

This ship features a Commander Tactical/Command Bridge Officer specialist seat, and a Lt. Commander Engineering / Command Bridge Officer specialist seat. With a 4/4 weapons layout and 5 tactical, 3 engineering and 3 science consoles. 

It features the Mobile Defense Net Universal Console. With this technology equipped, your ship will be capable of generating a large area of protection for you and your allies, centered a short distance behind your vessel. This area moves with your ship, though you sacrifice maneuverability–but you are able to deactivate the field if you need to. This console also provides a passive bonus to Max and Current Shield Subsystem Power, and Maximum Shield Capacity.

Image: Cryptic Studios.

And once the ship is leveled up, you gain access to the Interlaced Emitters Starship Trait. While this Trait is slotted, activating any Bridge Officer abilities that restore shields to yourself or an ally will also briefly apply an effect that automatically redistributes the target's shields, provides shield hardness, and renders shields immune to drain effects. This effect may not be reapplied to a target until it has worn off.

The “Duality” of Terror

By Rosco McQueen

More effective surprise attacks are coming your way in Star Trek Fleet Command, with the second part of the Duality arc coming to the game from Scopely bringing enhanced cloaking effectiveness. “The Klingons and Romulans have ramped up their war machines in an effort to resolve their conflict over the mysterious hybrid, Roj. Time is running out, and the outcome rests in your hands. Part Two of the Duality arc expands on Ship Cloaking technology and its impact in battle. The Federation have found a way to acquire the highly controversial device, and are now prepared to run their own stealth operations..[n]ew research opportunities have been developed to further increase the effectiveness of Cloaking, allowing for ever more devious plots and schemes to be hatched.”

Image: Scopely.

Patch 36 includes a new Second Repair queue, four new Ship Cloaking Refits, twenty new missions, and three new officers, including two Epic ones.

• [Epic] Sela, with the Captain Maneuver: Hit Them Where it Hurts–Increase critical hit damage by X% when cloaked.
• [Epic] Eleven Of Eleven, with the Captain Maneuver: Efficient Crystal Acquisition–Increases Crystal mining speed by 60%.
• [Rare] Tomalak, with the Captain Maneuver: Patient Tactician–which increases all penetration stats by X% while cloaked.

The update also contains a number of bug fixes, as well as improvements to the web store.

This week on Episode 531 of Priority One: News is sparse as we gear up for the next season of Star Trek: Discovery, but there’s plenty to discuss in the world of Star Trek gaming!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Power Seating on Star Trek: Discovery

By Rosco McQueen

Sonequa Martin-Green is on the interview circuit in the lead up Season 4 of Discovery. She spoke with SFXMagazine about the feeling of finally sitting in the captain’s chair, and the answer isn’t as simple as “soft and comfortable, and could they install a cup holder?”

"It feels very humbling. But it also feels very emboldening. I’m grateful for it because you feel like you earned this position with Burnham. You feel like you were able to learn and grow and make mistakes and mature from them with her."

It’s a new direction with a new captain, and the new series is set to premiere next week!

Don't everyone cheer at once. Image: ViacomCBS, via GamesRadar.

Time Enough For Mudd

By Rosco McQueen

Harcourt Fenton Mudd only appeared in two live-action episodes of Star Trek, and once in animated form, but he left a lasting impression [and I guess Rainn Wilson didn’t?–Ed.]. So much so that a spin-off was in the works, as revealed in an article from Fansided.  The article delves into the Starlog Magazine interview archives to discover that the pitch never got past the desk of the Great Bird of the Galaxy.  Gene Roddenberry told the actor, Roger C. Carmel, that the artists didn’t have time to develop the project, which would have seen Mudd take the lead in the series as a space pirate/intergalactic con-man. Carmel was supposed to reprise his role in a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but the actor died before filming began.    

[No thank you, I've already seen what Hell is like.–Ed.] Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekCore.

Quick News Roundup

Now, here are a few headlines that we didn’t discuss but might interest you. 

• With only three episodes of its first season having aired, Star Trek: Prodigy has already been greenlit for a second season. Additionally, season one is going to be draaaaaawn out with two breaks. After Nov 18, the season won’t pick up again until Jan 6 with another 5 episodes. Then, another 10 episodes will air later in 2022.
• Captain Kirk's vintage original phaser rifle from The Original Series just sold at auction for $615,000. The phaser rifle was used in the second pilot episode, entitled "Where No Man Has Gone Before" and was created by Reuben Klamer.
• It’s with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Trek alumnus Dean Stockwell at the age of 85. Known best for his role as “Al,” opposite Scott Bakula, in the TV series Quantum Leap, Stockwell guest starred on the Star Trek: Enterprise episode, “Detained.” Also Broadway actress Camille Saviola, who played Kai Opaka on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, passed away at the age of 71.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Klingons Clash To Close Out 2021

By Rosco McQueen

The shattered shards of Praxis float above the Klingon homeworld, as disruptor fire scorches the hull of allied ships.  The Battle for Qo’noS has begun...again...and with it comes the opportunity for honor. And new starships! The TFO "Battle for Qo'nos" returns to PC (and soon to console) as the final event in Event Campaign III: your last chance to progress towards a free Tier 6 Infinity Promotion or Infinity Lock Box ship. 

Another Klingon civil war, or as the rest of the galaxy calls it, Tuesday. Image: Cryptic Studios.

After playing the event for 14 days, you’ll receive the Aakaar’s Vengeance console event reward.  If you’re a fan of electrical damage, then you are in for a treat! The console launches an electrical burst that flies to the target and immediately deals shield-bypassing Electrical Damage. It shuts down non-shield systems one by one. 

See what happens when you stick a fork in a power coupling? Image: Cryptic Studios.

This is also the last opportunity, if you haven't already, to complete the Event Campaign III. Once complete you can redeem a free Tier 6 Infinity Promotion or Infinity Lock Box ship. The starships included are those only released before December 31st, 2020–but the starship will be bound to account, not bound to a character.  

Doing $200 to Life(time) In Star Trek Online

By Elio Lleo

From now until December 9th lifetime subscriptions are on sale, for PC the sale price is $199.99, and console-specific prices are discounted by 33%. Some of the lifetime rewards include species unlocks like playable Talaxians or Joined Trill plus you get exclusive access to the Captain’s Table, a membership-required social zone. You also get automatic daily dilithium refining and a Zen monthly stipend.       

The Token Will Set You(r Stuff) Free

By Cat Hough

In non-STO, but STO-adjacent news, Cryptic’s Dungeons & Dragons-licensed MMO Neverwinter has announced that certain in-game items can be unbound using an Unbind Token purchasable from the Zen Store. These items that were previously bound to a character can now be readily traded or sold in the Auction House. They are only starting with a limited number of items, but plan to expand the options. Also, some items won't be able to be unbound such as equipped mounts and companions due to how those items work.

But we can still hear Cryptic saying that they'll never break the chain. Image: Cryptic Studios.

Why bring this up on Priority One [don’t look at me, you wrote it–Ed.]? Well, we’ve discussed this type of item becoming available in STO, but it seems like it wouldn’t work for ships or possibly bridge officers. However this would be amazing for bind-on-pickup items from the Lobi store.

STO Spinning Another Good Yar-n?

By Rosco McQueen

Denise Crosby has been a delight in Star Trek Online, adding just the right level of cloaked menace to the character of Sela. She also lent her voice to provide a conclusion to Tasha Yar’s temporal fate in the story mission “Survivor”.  But a tweet this week sparked our curiosity, with the prospect of more Yar in our future.

Denise tweeted “ I know one of you will know this. What was the name of the Ep. where I’m running from the rape gangs on Turkana IV carrying my pet cat? I have a special surprise coming soon and need to rewatch the Ep. but can’t remember the title! Ah, age!“

If you’re playing along at home, the answer is “Where No One Has Gone Before” from TNG [S1E6–Ed.].  But what could this mean?  Will we see Tasha turn up in Star Trek Online sometime soon?  Perhaps a mirror version to help expand the current “Reflections” story arc?  Only time will tell. 

Gamemaster’s Log, Supplemental

By Rosco McQueen

Gamemasters and new players to Star Trek Adventures can now consult new books, when there are trying times at the gaming table. New editions of the Player’s Guide and the Gamemaster’s Guide, both now available for print preorder! The guides aren’t standalone, but complement your rulebook of choice for STA from Modiphius, (Starfleet Core Rulebook, Klingon Core Rulebook, or the Tricorder Collector’s box set).

"The Prime Directive...is the guiding principle of Starfleet, up until the script says it isn't." Image: Modiphius Entertainment.

Strangely enough, the play guide is for players, and the Gamemaster’s guide is for the gamemaster. In an article from STA Project Manager Jim Johnson, he explains that the guides are there to give tabletop players new and old the tools to play any type of character in the Star Trek universe.“The many optional rules provided in the Gamemaster’s Guide provide gamemasters with more ways to tweak the gameplay, enabling you to scale the rules you use at your table up or down, depending on your group’s preferred game style and desired level of ‘crunch’. Whether you run a rules-light, fast-paced game or a more detailed, tactical game (or even something in between), there should be enough interesting options in the book to help you create amazing Star Trek adventures with your friends.”

This week on Episode 529 of Priority One: New Jersey settles the age old question–which is better: Star Trek or Star Wars; Star Trek wins several awards; Star Trek Online gets some quality of life improvements; and we’re joined by Star Trek: Discovery’s Noah Averbach-Katz!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Great NJ Debate!

By Elio Lleo, Local Correspondent

As we record this episode of our show, it’s Election Night in the United States for several important political positions throughout the country. One contest, however, rises above the rest here in my home, the Garden State [my condolences–Ed.].

Which is better, Star Wars or Star Trek?

A recent poll conducted by Rutgers-Eagleton attempted to give us an answer. Lead by Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP) at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the school took to Twitter and Facebook to poll New Jersians on the issue. The results–well, they’re disappointing. According to the poll, Star Trek lost by double digits: 41% for Wars vs 16% for Trek among 18-34 year olds. Though the gap did begin to close, as ages started to rise.

But that’s not where this ends…New Jersey website nj.com put together a debate featuring Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7) on Team Trek, and Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) and Ashley Koning, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton poll, on Team Wars. The debate is a little over 24 minutes long, but it's a delightfully lighthearted discussion about how both franchises can be applicable to current political topics.

Another No Win Scenario for the Kelvin Timeline?

By Elio Lleo

Can Star Trek 4 compete and succeed? That’s the question that Scott Mendelson of Forbes.com posed in an opinion piece about the franchise. You see, Dune has already been green-lit for its second installment due to release in October of 2023. But, the announcement of a sequel before production has even begun isn’t a first. Mendelson points to the Kelvin Timeline series of Trek movies as an example.

"Captain, it appears to be the timeloop anomaly known as Production Hell." Image: ViacomCBS, via Forbes.

It’s been announced time and again that we’re going to get a fourth installment, but Mendelson argues that 2023 may end up hurting the franchise like it did in 2016. You see, back in 2016 Star Trek Beyond competed against the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy and Fast and the Furious. Come 2023, it’s another round of competition with films like Fast & Furious 10, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Mission Impossible, and Shazam.

So, can Star Trek really take a foot-hold in the box office battles?

Robbins Takes Nickelodeon To Warp

By Cat Hough

Speaking about Star Trek films, in a recent interview Alex Kurtzman and CEO of Paramount Brian Robbins spoke about Prodigy and the future of Trek, including the films. Robbins, who continues to serve as president of Nickelodeon, believes Prodigy is a perfect fit with the Paramount+’s current Nickelodeon content and Kurtzman’s other Star Trek content. He enjoyed Prodigy so much, he said he had wished they had released it in theaters as a full-length animated film. 

Whatever you say, Beebop. Image: ViacomCBS/Yahoo.

Robbins and Kurtzman say they are already developing projects that may include Prodigy merchandising and an animated feature film, as well as other live-action features. Robbins said, “We don’t know enough yet. We’re working on several fronts and obviously Alex is the key for the franchise [on Paramount+]. J.J. has been the keeper of the franchise on the film side. We hope that as a company that we do what’s right for the franchise altogether.”

When pressed for more specific details on said live-action film, Robbins said, “There’s a lot going on and I’m just going to leave it at that.” But even with all that he and Kurtzman go on to say that they are planning out the next decade of the franchise. 

Quick News Roundup

Now, here are a few headlines that we didn’t discuss but might interest you. 

• According to industry trade paper Production Weekly, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has already been renewed for a second season and will begin production in February of 2022.
• Star Trek: Discovery was shown some love at the 46th annual Saturn Awards- the show won Best Science Fiction Television Series and Doug Jones won for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series.
• And speaking of the merchandising future of Trek...Bandai UK has licensed toys and collectibles, from classic Trek and Prodigy, for Europe and Mexico.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

STO Certified Agile In 2411

By Rosco McQueen

Star Trek Online is continuing to roll out Tier Six updates to starships, going back to refresh and upgrade some of the classics of the game. This week it was announced two starships are coming your way in a new Zen store bundle called the Agile Classics! The bundle contains the new Equinox and Da Vinci classes, which are tier six updates to the Nova and Sabre classes respectively. For 6000 Zen you’ll receive the two starships, as well as two Fleet Modules and two Experimental Ship Upgrades.

Image: Cryptic Studios

The Equinox Pilot Scout departs from the ship's origins, as it’s a science vessel in name only.  It sports 5 science console slots, a 4/2 weapon layout, a Commander Science/Pilot Specialist Bridge Officer seat, and can equip dual cannons. The Universal Console - Nucleogenic Ignition creates a radiation-like energy that is harmful to that ship's connected EPS conduits, damaging nearby foes and boosting hull and shields for nearby allies.  The Starship Trait–Synthetic Good Fortune boosts global Critical Hit Chance, along with increases to Starship Control Expertise. This Starship Trait also provides a passive boost to travel speed in Sector Space.

The Da Vinci is a compact starship with a 4/3 weapon layout. Classed as an escort, it’s also a Miracle Worker starship sporting a Commander Tactical/Miracle Worker Specialist Bridge Officer seat. The experimental weapon on the Da Vinci is a gatling emitter which spins up continuous fire on a targeted enemy ship until it is destroyed or can no longer be targeted.  The ship may be one to consider if you’re a fan of Beam Overload, with the new Starship Trait–Energy Overdrive. Activating Beam Overload, Fire at Will or Exceed Rated Limits will increase Beam Weapon Damage, Speed and Turn Rate for 10 seconds. At close range, a 50% Beam Weapon Damage bonus can be achieved, but even at long range, this trait still gives a 10% bonus. 

When the horseshoe crabs come for their revenge, this is what they'll roll up in. Image: Cryptic Studios.

The universal console delves deep into beta-canon, drawing inspiration from the Star Trek: Destiny novels. In the novel Lost Souls, the USS Da Vinci, a Sabre-class starship crewed by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, saves the planet Troyius from a Borg invasion by making the planet disappear. The Universal Console - Troyius Protocol, causes the starship to shunt additional power to weapons systems before activating a cloak-like effect, with a quick boost of hull and shield regeneration.

Suited To The Purpose

By Cat Hough

Announced earlier today, players are getting a much appreciated quality of life upgrade! Your captains and bridge officers now have a new Environmental Suit slot in their inventory. This will be the only place EV suits can be equipped. So, if your character was wearing an EV suit as their main armor, it has been automatically unequipped and placed in your inventory. Just place the suit in the new spot to have access to it. You’ll be able to switch between your standard armor and the EV suit at any time, choosing which stats, passives, set bonuses, and other effects you use. 

For the views that (literally) take your breath away. Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekBBS.

Also, your EV suit automatically equips itself when you enter a hostile environment. If you do not have an EV suit equipped, then a default one will activate. However, this default suit has no stats at all, so you will likely wish to equip a suit in the new slot. While you’re in a hazardous area, you will be unable to manually deactivate the EV suit. But now you will also be able to activate and deactivate the lights on your suit.

This week on Episode 529 of Priority One: We power up for Star Trek: Prodigy, with the cast and crew promotion peaking as the premiere prepares to play–plus we get some more details on the explosive new additions to Star Trek Online!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Star Trek: Prodigy Promotion Peaks in Premiere Preparations

By Rosco McQueen

This week the Trek universe welcomes a brand new adventure to our screens, with Star Trek: Prodigy to make its debut on Paramount+ on October 28.  A few sneak peeks have been filtering through, with Prodigy teasers tempting new fans during NFL Sunday Football. In the first clip, Dal can be seen making his escape from the mining facility in dramatic fashion. In the second clip, we are treated to the Protostar powering up, with characters Dal and Rok-Tahk finally being able to converse thanks to the universal translator. 

Both scenes are fun and exciting, with the standout being the effort that has gone into the musical score which helps it feel very much at home in the Star Trek universe. The folks at Gizmodo felt that tiny moment highlighted something special about the Star Trek franchise—the ability of everyone to communicate freely, as well as not judging a book by its hulky rock-encrusted cover.  

A Seat at the Grown-Up's Helm Station

Prodigy executive producers/co-creators Kevin and Dan Hageman, and executive producer/director Ben Hibon, spoke with Trekmovie.com about the challenges around finding that entry point into the Star Trek multiverse, with Dan Hageman saying,  

“We never really view it as a kid show. We view it as a show for people who don’t know Star Trek,  which could be young or old. And so we always had that perspective of the outsider and that freed us up. We wanted to keep the stakes real for an older audience. We never want to dumb things down for kids. Kids are really smart. They may have a learning curve in the show, but they’ll get there.”

Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekMovie.com

The creators go on to talk about how there was never any other option for the training hologram: it was always Captain Janeway from the start. They also mention she may not be the only hologram we see, and hint at real characters (like Captain Chakotay) making an appearance but not as holograms. As for Captain Janeway herself, Kate Mulgrew has also been on the interview circuit, explaining to cinemablend.com if the character was going to appear on-screen, then it was always going to be her who would play the role.  

“Well, I certainly needed to come back to this character if threatened with an imitation. I think that only I can voice this character, and only I should, because I’m the only one who knows who she is. I think that the young people would recognize that very quickly. That might be arrogance on my part, but I don’t think so. I think they have a very discerning imagination.”

Voyager: The Next Generation

Mulgrew says she hasn't been approached about reprising her role as Kathryn Janeway in a live-action series (outside of Star Trek: Nemesis).  According to the actor, hologram Janeway won’t be as fiery as her living counterpart–as she’s helping a ship of children navigate the cosmos.  The caring side of Janeway was echoed by the cast and crew at New York Comic Con in an interview with Gizmodo. COVID-19 restrictions meant the cast was unable to record together, so for Brett Gray who plays the role of Dal, finally getting together with Mulgrew was something else.

“I got to sit next to her today at Comic-Con—and it is, it’s palpable.  There’s a majesty that she has, and you can feel it when we announced she was coming out today. Just to walk on stage for the panel was like—the audience was deafening. She is an icon. And so, I feel very lucky that the first iteration of Star Trek we get to be a part of has someone like that we get to model and watch. People who are incredible fans of Janeway and all of that get to now have a way into our show, too, and see what it’s like for people who know nothing.”

For the final word on the series, Kate Mulgrew spoke about now being the perfect time to bring in a brand new audience. “It is an important time for Voyager, it’s an important time for Star Trek. I think in terms of pop cultural history, now is the time to target this young demographic and introduce to them the wonderful mysteries of Star Trek and Gene Roddenberry’s splendid philosophy.”

And sweet ships. Don't forget the sweet ships. Image: ViacomCBS, via io9.

Soong Long, Farewell, Altman Will Go Goodbye

By Thomas Reynolds

We knew that Brent Spiner will be returning for Picard Season 2 for some time now. You may have thought it would be as Altan Inigo Sybok…er, Soong, who was apparently just out of frame in every TNG scene with Data’s “parents.” After all, Data was really, truly, 100%-for-sure dead when the curtain dropped on Season 1. Well that’s not the case, according to Inverse magazine...Spiner’s role as Altan, that is. Data’s still dead.

"Nothing is stranger to man than his own image." [Karel Capek, R.U.R.] Image: ViacomCBS, via Inverse.

According to interviewer Ryan Britt, Spiner “know[s] they haven’t revealed much about me being in the show. I can tell you I’m a member of the Soong family. And, that I’m not playing a character I’ve ever played before.” Given Season 2’s central temporal shenanigans, it seems likely that Spiner will play a 21st century Soong ancestor. However, if you consider Data and his siblings to be Soong family members, then Spiner might be a temporally-displaced android instead.

It’s definitely not Data, at least. He’s…yep, still dead. 

What Goes Around, Khans Around

By Rosco McQueen

The third season of The Movies That Made Us has dropped on Netflix. Its creator, Brian Volk-Weiss from The Nacelle Company, spoke with comicbook.com about the possibility of a superhero-focused future episode, as well as some tasty Trek nuggets.  You might be thinking the ideal movies to cover in this documentary style would be 1989’s Batman or Christopher Reeve's first Superman movie. According to Volk-Weiss, he actually would go a little more modern and cover 2008’s Iron Man: 

“It would be Iron Man, because Iron Man is the most important[. B]ecause if Iron Man had failed, nothing else would have happened. And also, I like that story of not just seeing a movie come together, but a universe come together."

As for those Trek nuggets, surely a film like Wrath of Khan would be on their sensors for a future episode? Volk-Weiss confirms there was discussion, but in the end it came down to covering all four quadrants–of storytelling.

“But usually, we want four-quadrant movies. And what that means is, for anyone who doesn't know, it's young people, old people, men, women, everybody. And that's what we try to do. And also multi-generational. My generation grew up with Home Alone, and the two generations afterward–including my children–they like Home Alone as much as I do, if not more. So that's what we try to do."

Quick Star Trek News Roundup

Last week, we discussed the History Channel’s upcoming documentary “The Center Seat.” Unfortunately, we didn’t yet know the release date. Well, we’ve got it now, and it’s slated to premiere on November 5th, 2021.

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

The Guardian of Sometime Later

By Thomas Reynolds

First introduced with 2018’s Pop Culture Hero Coalition bundle, the Mirror Guardian brought sinister flavor to an otherwise-unremarkable T6 cruiser. Other than replacing the Lieutenant Engineering/Intel with a Lieutenant Engineering/Command bridge chair, the Mirror Guardian looked to be the same as its Prime counterpart. Once the bundle sold out, that was it: the Mirror Guardian was never seen again...until now, that is.

With STO taking a good hard look in the Mirror (Universe), it’s the perfect time for this one-and-done vessel to stage its comeback. But rather than setting course for the Phoenix Prize Pack or Mudd's Market, Cryptic was all set to sell the Mirror Guardian Cruiser for the standard 3000 Zen in the Zen Store instead.

As part of the re-release, the Prime and Mirror Guardian models were remastered to the current level of fidelity, like we’ve seen for a good number of ships by now. Players who already own the Mirror Guardian will receive these updates for free: just ready your Cruiser, visit the ship Customization Interface, and apply a preset. Both Type 1 and Type 2 hull models will be available, along with the Legendary Federation starship materials.

Now normally we’d remind you to Trek out the link in our shownotes at this point. But we won’t. Because you can’t! On October 25th, Cryptic tweeted that “the release of the Mirror Guardian in the Zen Store has been delayed until December on all platforms,” and they’re “taking down the blog and any past references to it.” We can only guess what kind of skullduggery and intrigue is behind the delay. Because...I mean, it’s the Mirror Universe. There’s gotta be intrigue.

Splosion!

By Elio Lleo

Well, while we’re on the topic of ships, the 10 year old MMO is always striving to improve! Most recently, Ship Artist and FX Artist Ian Richards decided to make an explosive change. The animations that occur as your ship receives damage in the game has been updated–including the grand explosion that happens when yer ship just canna take it anymore! It might seem like a small improvement, but boy is it glorious!

This week on Episode 528 of Priority One: We delve into the whale-filled washup of the season finale of Lower Decks, Anson Mount discusses literally sitting in the captain’s chair, and is that a star on top of the Christmas tree or a Borg baby spray-painted gold? In gaming news, we take a closer look at Star Trek Online’s Halloween event, and roll for shield strength in a new release from Star Trek Adventures!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

What’s the Deal With All These Feels, McMahan?

By Elio Lleo

Mike McMahan, the creator of Star Trek: Lower Decks, isn’t resting on his laurels! Nope! After a (generally) well-received Season 2 of the Star Trek animated adventure, McMahan is making the rounds talking about the season–which wrapped last week on October 14th. Sam Stone of Comic Book Resource jumped right in and asked about its unusual villain: the Pakleds. McMahan’s explanation:

When we were writing the first season, we were in the thick of a pretty dark time across the world–the re-rise of fascism across multiple countries, obviously a lot of politics happening in this country and, not to put too fine a point to it, things that had seemed like a joke in the first place suddenly becoming much more dangerous because we weren't vigilant about it. The Pakleds seemed like a perfect opportunity for that…

[This sight gag doesn't work in a podcast app but I stand by it nonetheless–Ed.] Image: ViacomCBS, via Comic Book Resource.

Really Be Careful What You Wish For, Mariner

What about that incredible cliffhanger? Well according to McMahan, the goal of Season 2 was meant to show Mariner “grappling with themes of betrayal and being left.” Supposedly, Mariner’s got some past trauma that we haven’t been privy to yet. Nevertheless, McMahan explains that Mariner will start Season 3 struggling to deal with having her mother taken from her. [NOT JUST HER, MIKE–Ed.] When talking with StarTrek.com he explained, “...in the first season we were really creating a family, and in the second season we kind of tested them. And in the finale of the second season, we're dealing with the loss, the family breaking up.” 

What about our other characters? Well, there seems to be something deeper going on with Rutherford. Something more than just a faulty cybernetic implant. MacMahan tells CBR.com, “... it's about Rutherford. There's stuff about Rutherford that he doesn't even realize and this is his second implant.” They go on to discuss some of the other character dynamics–like the “will they/won’t they” tension between Rutherford and Tendi–along with some takeaways McMahan learned from the first two seasons.

Mainly that anyone you talk to could secretly be Jeffrey Combs. Anyone. Image: ViacomCBS, via Comic Book Resource.

Center Chair, Hot Seat, Call It What You Will

By Cat Hough

If you have not had a chance to see the new trailer for the upcoming History Channel docu-series The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek, you should definitely trek it out. According to the press release, The Center Seat will be “the ultimate Star Trek documentary that everyone has always wanted, and now they’re getting.” Each episode of the series will focus on a different chapter in Star Trek history, starting with the inception of the original Star Trek series at Desilu. But even the trailer features some pretty saucy quotes from the cast and crew of the various shows and movies.

For example, we hear more from Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby, Kate Mulgrew and Robert Beltran about their less than ideal working circumstances and for Cirroc Lofton–we hear about his extreme dislike for having to wear the “onesie” uniform while also going through puberty. Nicolas Meyer, writer of The Undiscovered Country, speaks about how much William Shatner hated the script for the movie and the effect that had on, well, pretty much everyone else involved [yeah and you thought Final Frontier was a good idea, now sit down–Ed.]

Mmmm. Taste that grain. Image: ViacomCBS, via Deadline.

The show doesn’t cover any of the new Trek series, but definitely appears to be a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the Star Trek universe over the first 55 years of the show. Created by the Nacelle Company, who also produced Netflix’s The Movies That Made Us and The Toys That Made Us, the series is narrated by Dr. Beverly Crusher herself, Gates McFadden, and directed by Nacelle Company founder Brian Volk-Weiss. There’s not been an official release date given other than it should premiere sometime this fall.

Festivities Will Now Commence

By Rosco McQueen

It’s the most wonderful time of year; when the nanoprobes gently come to rest on ornaments hanging from the boughs of a tree, and assimilation tubules shine in the festive glow of twinkling lights.  Christmas is soon upon us, and you can count down to festive assimilation with the 2021 Borg Cube advent calendar. The calendar features 24 Trek gifts behind alcoves (or windows if you prefer) and includes gifts of socks, coasters, and an espresso cup commemorating the first warp speed flight in 2063.

It’s made by Eaglemoss, the same company who also made a TARDIS-shaped advent calendar for devout Whovians, and is available for purchase now. It could be just the thing to put you in the mood for Picard season 2, with the Borg Queen to feature as part of the time-travelling tale. And speaking of season 2…

I hope one of those is an apology to Icheb and Hugh. Image: Eaglemoss.

Soji’s Sojourn

By Rosco McQueen

In an interview with Trekmovie.com, Isa Briones spoke about where we find Soji in Picard season 2: a place where she can finally be herself, now that being an android is no longer outlawed.  

“We’re definitely seeing a new kind of level of her evolution as she’s coming into her own. She’s finally allowed to be who she is and be accepted by the universe, the galaxy, whatever you want to call it. So yeah, we get to see her in this new, more certain place of who she is. And that’s very exciting.”

The more certain place also has a pool? Jealous. Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekMovie.com

The interview covered working under strict COVID conditions, as well as the broader strokes of season two and how it connects to the world we’re living in. “There’s a big emphasis, I think, on mental health, for sure. We’re seeing these characters going through some hard moments and really leaning on each other and prioritizing their own mental health in order to save everyone else. And I think that’s a very relatable storyline and a storyline that we need right now.”

Your classic Good Cop/Borg Cop dynamic. Image: ViacomCBS, via TrekMovie.com

We’re All Batty for Strange New Worlds

By Rosco McQueen

The hype train continues heading towards the station for Strange New Worlds–even Anson Mount starring as Batman in the new DC animated movie Injustice can’t stop interviewers from asking about the new series.  

Mount will play the role of the Dark Knight in the animated adaptation of the video game Injustice, where a traumatized Superman turns evil.  In an interview with SYFY Wire, Mount talks about the recording process, and not being the first Christopher Pike to take a turn at Batman. (If you’re playing along at home, Bruce Greenwood has voiced Batman a couple of times, and was also the Kelvin Universe’s version of one of Starfleet’s greatest captains). But when the discussion turned to Strange New Worlds, Mount reinforced the episodic nature of the show, as well as a moment that would give every Trek fan goosebumps.

“I was just there as Anson in my own clothes and I sat down in the chair and it was in that moment that I flashed back to playing Star Trek as my make-believe game when I was like eight years old. Something about it was just really strangely emotional for me, and I'm still doing that. I don't even know really how to articulate it, but it's surreal and it's weird... but it's something that I'm so grateful for.”

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Thomas Reynolds

Fanatical Devotion to the Many

By Cat Hough

Star Trek Online tweeted earlier today that the recent partnership with Fanatical offering in-game bundles to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America raised more than $77,000. Well done, everyone who donated!

Cat’s Tale of “Cat’s Tale”

By Cat Hough

Well, it’s been a week since the “Cat’s Tale” Halloween TFO was released, and while it took players a few days to get to know how to navigate the phases of the TFO, it seems that most people are enjoying the mission. As you and your team are first transported to the castle on Pyris VII (or is it Boreth?) the music and lighting definitely set the mood for battling skeletons, witches, skulls and Devidians. In a creepy surprise, you’re treated to some Bonnie-Kin voice-over as you make our way downstairs and through the hallways lighting candles–because it’s dark in this castle!

In the first phase, you are attacked by skeletons, but you can only kill them when they are standing within the circles of candlelight. Some equipment that we highly recommend is the Universal Kit Module - Gravity Containment Unit Mk XII. You can get this kit module as a Tier IV reward from the Discovery reputation; if you use it while you’re standing in the circles, then you can just pull those skeletons over to you. 

Oh don't worry. They'll find you either way. Image: Cryptic Studios/Bentus.

Chores and Cleaning Up

In the next phase, you enter a room to kill some witches who then transport you or you and a teammate to separate rooms. Now I’ve only ever been to the library, where you have to shelve books in the right place or you get attacked–but there’s also a cauldron room where you have to make potions and also a room with spiders–which I hope to avoid at all costs [(maniacal cackling)–Ed.].

Next, you go back and fight some more witches before you enter into the final phase where Devidians attack! While it is handy to have the Synchronic Proton Pack Distortion Prototype Assault Rifle, from the mission “Spin the Wheel” when fighting these Devidians any weapon will work. The thing to remember for the final battle is that if you are the one who has been phase-shifted, you need to stop attacking and locate the Devidian devices and deactivate them. You’re only phased for a short amount of time, so you need to be quick. 

All in all–this is a fun TFO to play!

Adventures in Star Trek Year Five

By Rosco McQueen

If tabletop gaming is more your style, then be sure to trek out the latest update from Modiphius.  The company behind Star Trek Adventures has worked hard to incorporate work from other Trek properties, like Star Trek Online and Hero Collector/Eaglemoss.  Their latest release comes directly from the pages of IDW’s Star Trek Year Five, the comic series chronicling the final year of the Enterprise under James T. Kirk.

Hey Cat, found your spiders. Image: Modiphius Entertainment.

The 26-page digital release is filled with content pulled directly from the pages of the Year Five series, adapted for use in Star Trek Adventures. There is information on two new factions, three new player character lifepath options (including the Tholians and I’Qosa), twelve non-player characters (including Harry Mudd and Gary Seven), and five starships to use as allies or adversaries.

Fred Love, STA Contributing Writer said in a blog post the series puts a new spin on some old characters, as well as delving into the world of Federation politics like never before. You don’t have to read the series to play, and the supplement is available for download now. 

ASTROMETRICS REPORT

By Dr. Robert Hurt

For this week's Astrometrics Report, I wanted to shift the focus from science to science fiction: namely, an incredible presentation of Star Trek memorabilia at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. The exhibit is called "Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds," and to cut to the chase, this is pretty much a must-see for anyone in the Los Angeles area or planning on traveling through sometime in the next few months. A lot of the artifacts on display come from the Paul G. Allen family collection, and the exhibit itself is very similar to one that was featured at the Pop Culture Museum in Seattle a few years ago. But even if you saw that wonderful collection, it is certainly worth seeing again.

Walking through the doors, you can expect to find pretty much everything a real Star Trek fan would want to see at this kind of exhibition–starting with a selfie opportunity in a reproduction of Kirk's chair from The Original Series. However much of what's display goes beyond mere photo opportunities, and really is centered around a collection of screen-used artifacts ranging from costumes, props, and even visual effects models. As a ship person, the highlights for me were probably the Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation in the form of the original six-foot filming model that Industrial Light & Magic built for "Encounter At Farpoint." Just having a chance to take in this incredible work of art–seeing the original pain job, and imagining how it was used in the filming of all of those iconic scenes–occupied me for at least ten or fifteen minutes.

Also on display was the incredible rework of the K't'inga-class battlecruiser as seen in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Having just built one of these scale models myself in the past year, it was amazing to see the incredible detailing patterns and paint schemes used in this update from its original appearance in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Other ship highlights include the original filming model for the Romulan warbird (as designed by Andy Probert), and the Borg cube as seen in Star Trek: First Contact. But the ship memorabilia even includes some of The Original Series, with the filming model of the Klingon D-7, and a version of the Enterprise built from the AMT/Ertl model kit that was actually displayed in the window outside the office in "The Trouble With Tribbles" before the digital remastering.

Cosplayers will likely be drawn to the incredible collection of costumes, worn by the leading actors in all of the Star Trek franchises through Discovery. You can also find a delightful array of props from many of the Star Trek productions, with a particular emphasis on incredibly rare surviving Original Series screen-used props for phasers, and communicators, and medical instruments. I think TOS fans might be particularly thrilled to see the helm from the bridge of the original U.S.S. Enterprise. While this set piece was not stored as carefully as one might hope over the years, it was lovingly and painstakingly restored as much as possible while retaining the original wood and equipment.

Image: Robert Wedemeyer/Skirball Center, via The Hollywood Reporter.

You will also find another few photo opps including: a Jeffries tube you can crawl through, a Borg alcove that you can recharge in, and even a transporter (maybe slightly cheesy) that will do beam-in/beam-out effects...at least, on days the electronics are working, which sadly was not true when I was there. At least none of us were subject to a horrible, ugly transporter malfunction. Perhaps the single-most ambitious part of the exhibit is a Star Trek timeline, that attempts to put every single Star Trek series–from The Original Series through Picard–on a single string of dates (including multiple instances of time travel, and even a few parallel timeline splits here and there).

The exhibit will be running through February 22nd, so there's still time to plan your Star Trek getaway. I should also note the Skirball Center will only grant access to the facilities if you have proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID test. Advance reservations are required, and tickets are time-gated. I would note though, that the session I was at was fully sold out, but did not feel especially crowded.

This week on Episode 527 of Priority One: William Shatner returns to earth, NYCC returns and includes some amazing Star Trek announcements, Los Angeles has a new Star Trek destination, and things get spooky in Star Trek Online– Plus our review of the season 2 finale of Lower Decks!

TREK IT OUT

Edited by Jake Morgan and Thomas Reynolds

Shatner Slips The Surly Bonds Of Earth

By Elio Lleo

Space. The Final Frontier. And our first captain, James T. Kirk went on an incredible journey. Well, it was William Shatner who did the journey. On Wednesday, October 13th, the 90 year old broke records by joining Blue Origin for their second human space trip! At 10:30AM ET, all systems were a go and the Blue Origin rocket took off. Thankfully, the entire adventure went off without a hitch and upon exiting the pod, Shatner was visibly moved by the entire experience. 

After-Action Report: NYCC 2021

Star Trek: Discovery

New York Comic Con returned to in-person events this year with phenomenal panels, incredible cosplay, and–of course–sneak peeks into the future of Star Trek. Our focus this episode is on the Star Trek: Discovery and Prodigy panels that took place over this last weekend. First, Star Trek: Discovery and its upcoming fourth season: this was a riveting panel with a surprising in-depth, yet spoiler-free, look into what we can expect from our intrepid characters.

When asked about the general “theme” of this next season, Wilson Cruz had this to say: “I feel like the stakes that we were living in reads in that trailer...the stakes in the story were really high, but the stakes in which we were making and telling the story were also high. And the theme of the entire season is about uncertainty, and about how we come together to deal with it and walk through uncertainty, to lean on each other as we find a way through it. And we were doing that in life as well, so I'm excited for you to see it.”

Showrunner Michelle Paradise followed up by explaining that in this season, “The Federation isn’t quite back together again….it’s continuing in Season 4.”

For our first non-binary and trans characters, much was left wanting in Season 3. So, will Grey finally be seen? Wilson Cruz had this to say, “we find a way to make sure Grey is seen as promised, and we get to see just how vital he becomes to the story and our mission. And I’m just excited about the fact that we have–finally–an official trans character on the show, in Star Trek, in the universe. And he does an amazing job.”

Now, things got a little spicy in the auditorium when Sonequa Martin-Green and David Ajala were asked if we’d ever learn about what happened between their characters during that fateful year. Here’s what they had to say:

• DA: “I think it was just...a period of time where they were in the right place at the right time, to help each other, and to bring out the best in each other."
• SMG: "Mmmhmm."
• DA: "And it was...y'all need to behave yourselves. And...I think there was a lot of growth."
• [Someone saying what we're all thinking–Ed.]: "How much growth was there? And what was Grudge doing when all this 'growing' was happening?"
• DA: "Grudge was minding their own business. The timing was perfect for Michael Burnham to[...]rejoin Starfleet, but to really find her own identity independent [of] Starfleet. And it was also good for Cleveland Booker to be part of a 'family.' Again, these two people met each other at the right place at the right time, and I think Cleveland Booker is a better man for it. And Grudge too–and Grudge says 'wassup,' by the way."

Speaking of characters, if you’ve already watched the trailer–and you should have by now!– you can probably assume this is going to be a high-octane, high-stakes kind of season. How will Tilly be affected? Mary Wiseman had this to say,"that in combination with all the events of the third season similar to the way this pandemic experience, really kind of forced her to reinvestigate herself and her motivations. It kind of spirals her off into this personal journey, actually, which was very fun to play with.”

Sonequa Martin-Green followed with,“I think a lot of us on the ship...I don't think any of us were expecting to have a threat this big soon after jumping to this future. Because that was huge. and then I know for Burnham, it's a lot, it's like 'man, here we are again with a threat of great, of great magnitude." And so of course, these people in this story, being the honorable people they are, their true character comes out at that moment of greatest pressure. It's beautiful stuff that comes out, as hard as it may be.”

But, filming Season 4 during a pandemic was no small feat. When asked about how COVID impacted production, Michelle Paradise had this to say: “Discovery was actually one of the first producitons to go back. WE started back in November, and we were certainly the first show of this size to do it. There aren't enough words to talk about the tremendous, tremendous effort that our entire crew, our entire cast did to make the show this season. I cannot overstate how challenging it was, every step of the way, making sure we could make a show like this while keeping people safe. That being our focus, and then also making a show...it was tremendously challenging, and everyone came together, and worked together, and collaborated, and it was really beautiful to see and very difficult at the same time. The fact that we have this, that we can show you guys, it's really amazing. Our team is just incredible.”

Star Trek: Discovery Season 4 premiers November 18th.

Star Trek: Prodigy

Now, moving on to Star Trek Prodigy. Attendees of the panel were given an exclusive early screening of the first episode and an extended clip of HoloJaneway’s introduction to the crew is already online. But moderator Dawn Lewis–who plays Captain Freeman on Lower Decks–opened the panel with an important question: how will Prodigy stay true to the franchise? To which the Brothers Hageman replied, “they start way out in the Delta Quadrant...that was our way in: we wanted a bunch of new characters who knew nothing about Star Trek, just like our young audience. And then slowly (as you saw at the end of the pilot) they meet hologram Janeway, and then with every episode we get closer and closer into the Trekverse. We get to have so much fun taking our time, and introducing everything we love about Star Trek. For me, growing up, Trek was just so aspirational and I feel that, for kids today, not only they need that, I need that.”

Now, what about the style of Prodigy? Why CGI animation? Well, Producer Ben Hibon explained, “we wanted the show to have great scope and this feeling of adventure to be immense and fantastical. But at the same time the characters and their stories are very intimate. So we wanted the freedom to shoot these characters as we would cinematic as possible–to be as engaging with all of us as possible, as we go on this adventure with them.”

Not only did fans get a sneak peek but, we were also surprised to learn of new characters and actors being welcomed into the production. Daveed Diggs will voice Commander Tysess, an Andorian (Diggs is a Grammy and Tony-award winning member of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton). Jameela Jamil will voice Ensign Asencia, a Trill (Jamil is best known for her role in The Good Place), and Jason Alexander will voice Doctor Noum, a Tellarite (of course, we know George Costanza on Seinfeld, and Kurros in the VOY episode “Think Tank,”). And the big reveal…well, we’ll let the Hageman Brothers tell you,"oh wait, there's one other person. There's one small person named 'Captain Chakotay' [CAPTAIN?–Ed.] by Robert Beltran is coming on our show.”

So will we see the Protostar traverse the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, as well as spending time in the Delta? Only time will tell–the series will premiere on October 28.

I 🖖 LA

By Cat Hough

Well, you may not have been able to attend a Convention this year but, the Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit opened at Los Angeles’ Skirball Cultural Center on Oct.  7 and runs through Feb.  20, 2022. It features rare props and costumes from the past 55 years of Star Trek, including costumes worn by Patrick Stewart, Leonard Nimoy and Nichelle Nichols. There’s also a phaser from the original series, just one of two known to exist; a model of a Borg cube; and the head of the Gorn that Captain Kirk fought in the 1967 episode “The Arena.” The exhibit combines new Trek and old Trek, featuring both the open-chest Khan tunic worn by Ricardo Montalban in The Wrath of Khan as well as the less-revealing costume Benedict Cumberbatch [aka "RetKhan"–Ed.] wore in Into Darkness.

But the centerpiece of the exhibit is a navigation console operated by Lieutenant Sulu in the original series. The console was badly damaged and missing most of its buttons after 50 years in storage, so the team had the assistance of a group of fans to help restore it.

Visitors at the exhibit will get the chance to act with prop phasers and tricorders in a re-creation of the transporter bay. So if you’re headed to LA between now and February–be sure to swing by and trek out this exhibit.

Quick News Roundup

Here are a few headlines that we didn’t discuss but might interest you.

• Lost In Space’s third and final season airs on Netflix Dec 1, 2021!

• Season 1 of Strange New Worlds has wrapped filming. Anson Mount thanks the fans because, without them [stop me if you’ve heard this one before–Ed.], none of this would be possible!

STAR TREK GAMING NEWS

Edited by Jake Morgan and Thomas Reynolds

Kirk, To Boldly STO

By Rosco McQueen

It was a moment of pure joy and wonder in Season three of Star Trek: Discovery. The crew had finally made it to Starfleet Headquarters, and there was a fleet of future starships waiting to blow their 23rd century minds. Among the rainforest ships and speedy escorts was an imposing neo-Constitution style ship, the Kirk class, now making its debut in Star Trek Online.

The T6 Kirk Temporal Heavy Battlecruiser will be available as part of the Research & Development Pack promotion from October 13.  When you purchase and open an R&D pack from the C-Store, you will receive either 10 Lobi Crystals or a Special Requisition Choice Pack - Tier 6 Promotional Ship Choice Pack in addition to the R&D Pack contents.  

The Kirk class boasts a 5/3 weapon layout, and features a Commander Engineering/Temporal Operative Specialist Bridge Officer seat and a Lt. Commander Universal/Command Specialist Bridge Officer seat. The “Field-Replicated Buster Pods” Universal Console fires out large, enemy-seeking missiles that deal massive kinetic damage. The starship trait “Risk Is Our Business” grants captains a stacking amount of temporary hit points per foe within 5km. This also works in combination with Threatening Stance, generating a large amount of Threat toward nearby foes when active and further enticing them to attack you. 

Nova and Rhode Island Get Ravishing Refreshes  

By Rosco McQueen

In other stylish starship news, the remaster project of the Star Trek Online fleet continues, with the Nova family getting a crisp new look.  The remaster is a ‘from the ground-up rebuild’ according to Lead Ship and UI Artist Thomas Marrone, who shared the before and after pics in a blog post. The plucky little science ships now have a new screen-accurate ship material, as well as access to all “legendary” starship materials.

A Cat’s-Eye Review of the Mirror Gagarin

By Cat Hough

It’s been about a week since I’ve claimed the T6 Mirror Gagarin from the “Equal and Opposite” event running in Star Trek Online. I claimed the ship on one of my Tactical Temporal Recruits, who has been most recently flying the Mirror Warship with phaser cannons. But for this ship, because of the 4/4 weapons layout I decided to switch it up and try out the Agony Phaser beams that were also part of the reward from running the event. So far, I’m really enjoying the ship. It’s quite maneuverable: the base turn rate is 12, which can obviously be modified with traits and your skill tree. There’s definitely a tactical lean to this ship with a Commander Tactical station, so I probably would not recommend it for a science build. But the Projected Protomatter console is very interesting. I have noticed that you need to be facing your enemies for this to be very effective. It shoots protomatter at your enemies and causes a good amount of damage.  

I’m still experimenting with the build, so I may end up swapping out this console for something else - but I wanted to give it a try. I’ve only just leveled it to Tier 5 last night, so I have not had a chance to try out the Protomatter Precursor trait. But to be honest I tend to stay away from shield-boosting traits, since there are other traits you can slot for increasing damage. 

All in all, this is a very solid ship–especially for a ship that they give you for free! We may complain a lot about the ship economy [you don’t say–Ed.], but Star Trek Online gives out at least 2 top-tier ships every year to its players and this ship event was a pleasant surprise. Not to mention it’s a Mirror ship, giving you so many more opportunities for Space Barbie: when you claim this ship it comes with the Gagarin or Shepard skins–so fun to mix and match!