Continued from: STAR TREK: Expedition 8180 - Episode 2 "Tug of War"
Summary:
A new Star Trek. series featuring an eclectic cast of LEGACY CHARACTERS (from each of the various series) who come together with some surprising NEW CHARACTERS, all of which are leaving our galaxy in an effort to save another. At the behest of Q and with help from The Guardian, a wagon train of starships sets out to explore a completely new frontier. A fast-paced journey into the unknown as the best and brightest of the Federation (along with a select few of the more questionable characters) strive to navigate their way along intertwined paths of joy and sorrow, triumph, tragedy, and for some, self-discovery. With no help from Q or anyone else, the expedition finds itself completely on its own and are forced to do whatever is necessary to save not only themselves, but the galaxy they have come to call home. To Boldly Go... On and On.
Author's Notes:
I would like to welcome you to STAR TREK: Expedition 8180. This is a work of fanfic set in the Prime Timeline, immediately after Season One of Picard. This work does not in any way infringe on the remaining two seasons of the Picard series, or anything else that has come after.
The story is told within a screenplay format and offered in "thirty minute" episodes. The work is a series and should not be read out of sequence. Best to start at the beginning. As a long-term project of several seasons, it is considered a Work In Progress. So you can follow along, I will post Episode SCENES weekly as they are completed.
Due to the posting limitations of the BBcode used by the site, I am unable to format the work in a traditional screenplay format. If you would like to read it as the work was originally created, you can download a PDF of the episode at the link below. Alternatively, the work is hosted on Archive of Our Own (Ao3) and you can see the correct formatting there as well.
Your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this work are enjoyable and welcome. I am also open to Beta Read for serious writers within Trek canon. You can reach out to me via email: trekwritersroom@gmail.com.
It occurs to me that of all the books, TV, or film franchises in the entertainment spectrum, none have the organic life of Star Trek. It's ironic that a television show set in a genre of science fiction which often deals with new forms of life can, in a stretchy sort of way, be referred to as having life. Perhaps not sentient, yet (arguably) there is a form of "life" in play here. A man named Gene Roddenberry conceived and breathed life into this "Trek Through the Stars" and from that moment on, we the fans have collectively kept it alive. However, now that I think about it, it's also the creators, producers, showrunners, writers, casts, crews, even the bean counters in dimly lit accounting offices, all have contributed to this life. Sure those latter groups are getting a pay check for their efforts, but all share one thing in common. At the very least all recognize Trek for what it is and there is an international joyful tolerance for Star Trek.
We started with three years of broadcast television back in the sixties and here we are approaching the mid-21st century, consuming content as fast as it can be released. As we have grown, so too has the Trek universe. Numerous crews aboard various versions of the USS Enterprise as well as new ships fresh out of space dock, or aboard space stations and planets, stories have been told. Of recent note we now experience several different universes and at least three distinct timelines, though depending on when you are reading this, the numbers have most probably already changed.
As far as the Trekverse goes, aside from the TV and film releases, we have a considerable library of books that are "official" and on another very large shelf, countless works of fan fiction. Web series, animated productions, podcasts, radio, conventions, fanzine publications, fan film productions, console and online gaming, the entire body of work is extensive. Whether amateur or professional, every day, someone, somewhere is creating new Star Trek content. Our breath of life has kept this benevolent beast alive and (thankfully) there is no sign of a slowing.
And that brings us to this contribution to the Trekverse. I have always wanted to dip my toes into fanfic in general and have continually played with a storyline specific to Star Trek. Semi-retired, I find I now have the time and energy to begin what has long been a satisfying mental exercise of "One day I'm going to write a screenplay for my own Star Trek. series. Allow me to talk for a moment about how I approached the work and what I hope to achieve.
Star Trek has always been about the mission and as such I will follow their lead. All of the necessary ingredients for a tasty bit of mindless (or mindful) entertainment are hopefully present; an evolving plotline, well developed characters both familiar and new, edgy dialog, and a few subplots that will serve to build upon the initial theme. But there are some other things that you may or may not be interested to know at this point. In an effort to hold up my part of the bargain, I will parse these out now so you won't be too shocked later on.
This is a tale that is primarily (but certainly not exclusively) about legacy characters, set in a previously unknown galaxy. The plotline should be considered stand alone. In other words it does not piggy back on something existing, nor is this a re-imagined telling of what we have already seen. There are a host of familiar characters involved, though it should be said that because we are working within a different timeline, none of what happens here changes anything about their lives past, present, and/or future. The continuity of canon in this work remains consistent and should fit nicely within anything authors or showrunners might do in the future.
To avoid any confusion (while at the same time not providing any spoilers) here is how I have approached the introduction of legacy characters while at the same time maintaining established canon. Whenever a legacy character is introduced for the first time there will be a CASTING NOTE inset against the right margin of the page. The information provided will give the reader a clear understanding of when in that particular character's story arc, that he or she is being brought into the story. It should be said that nothing about the legacy character's fundamental appearance or personality are in any way different than what we know as accepted canon.
When it comes to Original Characters, I have "cast" many of my favorite actors whom I would have begged to participate in the project if I were actually producing this work. As this is all fictional, some of the actors have either passed or are no longer in the biz.
I am a huge stickler for recognized canon. Everything about time, place, setting, the primary universe, and timelines, as well as all the characters we have come to know are canonical and adherent to the various existing series. All in all, with very minor exception, I strive to be faithful not only to the existing canon, but shall subscribe to the Physician's Creed: to "Do No Harm".
A.I. - Let me be very clear. There is not a single sentence in this work that was generated by the use of Artificial Intelligence. To say I am opposed to its use in creative content would be an understatement. I do not understand why those who create content would even consider such a thing. The whole purpose of writing is to be able to express yourself, tell you won story in whatever the medium or venue. Now, where did I put my picket sign...
There will be a certain degree of graphic violence. It's Star Trek. and I'll have to kill off a few Red Shirts. Actually, anyone wearing a shirt (or some other garment) or who may be as naked as a Ferengi female at a Betazoid wedding is subject to a very bad ending. If you have trouble reading between the lines; be warned. We may very well have your favorite character marinated and roasted alive on an open flame and then consumed in explicit detail as part of the Tessalk Feast day ritual. That's life.
Love and the human condition require characters to express themselves sexually either in solo practice or with a partner and, as a gay man, this will include homosexual parings. Why? As it's been said; that's life. This is not billed as a romance and it's very much in line with the typical action/adventure - science fiction genre we expect from Trek. But, we will address the entire range of the human condition, regardless of how uncomfortable that can be for some people. Clearly Kirk was sexually active in TOS and we are have recently been introduced to characters who embody the LGBT+ spectrum. It is... human.
I am well aware of the guidelines set forth by TREK BBS and will adhere to them. I will make any necessary alterations to dialogue, careful not to be contextually insensitive or gratuitous. If you would like to read an unedited version, which quite honestly differs only in some use of... colorful metaphors, this work is also hosted on Archive of Our Own (AO3) and can be found with a simple title search.
But all is not lost to social and moral decay! I do not go out of my way to write graphic or socially shocking content. Nothing in this work is gratuitous or poorly considered. I like to think this story has the flavor of realistic, contextual content as it applies to the characters and story presented, whatever that might look like based on character and circumstance. It's the good, the bad, and the ugly, the heart-wrenching, and there may even be a moral message mixed in somewhere. A tip of the hat to Gene Roddenberry.
Lastly, allow me speak for a moment about the format. This is written in the form of a screenplay. Due to the limitations of the BBcode used by the site, I am unable to format the work in a traditional screenplay format. That said, you can download any of the posts for all of the episodes of the series at the link below.
As you begin to read (especially if you work in the entertainment industry) you will note there are some differences in the format from a production screenplay. The format resembles a script, but only on the surface. Actually there are several different types of screenplays; Director's Book, a shooting script, a tech script, a writer's draft... all depending on what your roll in the production is.
I will call this an Annotated Screenplay Format. It is essentially all of the slug lines and character dialog of an actor's script, with Third-Person Present Tense narration you would normally find in a manuscript. This is used for exposition as you will not have the luxury of visual storytelling. All of the blocking, direction, or tech references have been stripped away. I have however added a set of writer's notes relative to casting and production. Everything is written as I would have filmed it, but with a less technical feel for the reader.
My final thought: I am not looking to simply tell you the story; rather it is my hope that you will experience the journey as the characters do. To travel and grow with them as they strive to navigate their way along intertwined paths of joy and sorrow, triumph, tragedy, and self-discovery. To Boldly Go... On and On.
T.K.
Summary:
A new Star Trek. series featuring an eclectic cast of LEGACY CHARACTERS (from each of the various series) who come together with some surprising NEW CHARACTERS, all of which are leaving our galaxy in an effort to save another. At the behest of Q and with help from The Guardian, a wagon train of starships sets out to explore a completely new frontier. A fast-paced journey into the unknown as the best and brightest of the Federation (along with a select few of the more questionable characters) strive to navigate their way along intertwined paths of joy and sorrow, triumph, tragedy, and for some, self-discovery. With no help from Q or anyone else, the expedition finds itself completely on its own and are forced to do whatever is necessary to save not only themselves, but the galaxy they have come to call home. To Boldly Go... On and On.
Author's Notes:
I would like to welcome you to STAR TREK: Expedition 8180. This is a work of fanfic set in the Prime Timeline, immediately after Season One of Picard. This work does not in any way infringe on the remaining two seasons of the Picard series, or anything else that has come after.
The story is told within a screenplay format and offered in "thirty minute" episodes. The work is a series and should not be read out of sequence. Best to start at the beginning. As a long-term project of several seasons, it is considered a Work In Progress. So you can follow along, I will post Episode SCENES weekly as they are completed.
Due to the posting limitations of the BBcode used by the site, I am unable to format the work in a traditional screenplay format. If you would like to read it as the work was originally created, you can download a PDF of the episode at the link below. Alternatively, the work is hosted on Archive of Our Own (Ao3) and you can see the correct formatting there as well.
Your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this work are enjoyable and welcome. I am also open to Beta Read for serious writers within Trek canon. You can reach out to me via email: trekwritersroom@gmail.com.
Introduction
It occurs to me that of all the books, TV, or film franchises in the entertainment spectrum, none have the organic life of Star Trek. It's ironic that a television show set in a genre of science fiction which often deals with new forms of life can, in a stretchy sort of way, be referred to as having life. Perhaps not sentient, yet (arguably) there is a form of "life" in play here. A man named Gene Roddenberry conceived and breathed life into this "Trek Through the Stars" and from that moment on, we the fans have collectively kept it alive. However, now that I think about it, it's also the creators, producers, showrunners, writers, casts, crews, even the bean counters in dimly lit accounting offices, all have contributed to this life. Sure those latter groups are getting a pay check for their efforts, but all share one thing in common. At the very least all recognize Trek for what it is and there is an international joyful tolerance for Star Trek.
We started with three years of broadcast television back in the sixties and here we are approaching the mid-21st century, consuming content as fast as it can be released. As we have grown, so too has the Trek universe. Numerous crews aboard various versions of the USS Enterprise as well as new ships fresh out of space dock, or aboard space stations and planets, stories have been told. Of recent note we now experience several different universes and at least three distinct timelines, though depending on when you are reading this, the numbers have most probably already changed.
As far as the Trekverse goes, aside from the TV and film releases, we have a considerable library of books that are "official" and on another very large shelf, countless works of fan fiction. Web series, animated productions, podcasts, radio, conventions, fanzine publications, fan film productions, console and online gaming, the entire body of work is extensive. Whether amateur or professional, every day, someone, somewhere is creating new Star Trek content. Our breath of life has kept this benevolent beast alive and (thankfully) there is no sign of a slowing.
And that brings us to this contribution to the Trekverse. I have always wanted to dip my toes into fanfic in general and have continually played with a storyline specific to Star Trek. Semi-retired, I find I now have the time and energy to begin what has long been a satisfying mental exercise of "One day I'm going to write a screenplay for my own Star Trek. series. Allow me to talk for a moment about how I approached the work and what I hope to achieve.
Star Trek has always been about the mission and as such I will follow their lead. All of the necessary ingredients for a tasty bit of mindless (or mindful) entertainment are hopefully present; an evolving plotline, well developed characters both familiar and new, edgy dialog, and a few subplots that will serve to build upon the initial theme. But there are some other things that you may or may not be interested to know at this point. In an effort to hold up my part of the bargain, I will parse these out now so you won't be too shocked later on.
This is a tale that is primarily (but certainly not exclusively) about legacy characters, set in a previously unknown galaxy. The plotline should be considered stand alone. In other words it does not piggy back on something existing, nor is this a re-imagined telling of what we have already seen. There are a host of familiar characters involved, though it should be said that because we are working within a different timeline, none of what happens here changes anything about their lives past, present, and/or future. The continuity of canon in this work remains consistent and should fit nicely within anything authors or showrunners might do in the future.
To avoid any confusion (while at the same time not providing any spoilers) here is how I have approached the introduction of legacy characters while at the same time maintaining established canon. Whenever a legacy character is introduced for the first time there will be a CASTING NOTE inset against the right margin of the page. The information provided will give the reader a clear understanding of when in that particular character's story arc, that he or she is being brought into the story. It should be said that nothing about the legacy character's fundamental appearance or personality are in any way different than what we know as accepted canon.
When it comes to Original Characters, I have "cast" many of my favorite actors whom I would have begged to participate in the project if I were actually producing this work. As this is all fictional, some of the actors have either passed or are no longer in the biz.
I am a huge stickler for recognized canon. Everything about time, place, setting, the primary universe, and timelines, as well as all the characters we have come to know are canonical and adherent to the various existing series. All in all, with very minor exception, I strive to be faithful not only to the existing canon, but shall subscribe to the Physician's Creed: to "Do No Harm".
A.I. - Let me be very clear. There is not a single sentence in this work that was generated by the use of Artificial Intelligence. To say I am opposed to its use in creative content would be an understatement. I do not understand why those who create content would even consider such a thing. The whole purpose of writing is to be able to express yourself, tell you won story in whatever the medium or venue. Now, where did I put my picket sign...
There will be a certain degree of graphic violence. It's Star Trek. and I'll have to kill off a few Red Shirts. Actually, anyone wearing a shirt (or some other garment) or who may be as naked as a Ferengi female at a Betazoid wedding is subject to a very bad ending. If you have trouble reading between the lines; be warned. We may very well have your favorite character marinated and roasted alive on an open flame and then consumed in explicit detail as part of the Tessalk Feast day ritual. That's life.
Love and the human condition require characters to express themselves sexually either in solo practice or with a partner and, as a gay man, this will include homosexual parings. Why? As it's been said; that's life. This is not billed as a romance and it's very much in line with the typical action/adventure - science fiction genre we expect from Trek. But, we will address the entire range of the human condition, regardless of how uncomfortable that can be for some people. Clearly Kirk was sexually active in TOS and we are have recently been introduced to characters who embody the LGBT+ spectrum. It is... human.
I am well aware of the guidelines set forth by TREK BBS and will adhere to them. I will make any necessary alterations to dialogue, careful not to be contextually insensitive or gratuitous. If you would like to read an unedited version, which quite honestly differs only in some use of... colorful metaphors, this work is also hosted on Archive of Our Own (AO3) and can be found with a simple title search.
But all is not lost to social and moral decay! I do not go out of my way to write graphic or socially shocking content. Nothing in this work is gratuitous or poorly considered. I like to think this story has the flavor of realistic, contextual content as it applies to the characters and story presented, whatever that might look like based on character and circumstance. It's the good, the bad, and the ugly, the heart-wrenching, and there may even be a moral message mixed in somewhere. A tip of the hat to Gene Roddenberry.
Lastly, allow me speak for a moment about the format. This is written in the form of a screenplay. Due to the limitations of the BBcode used by the site, I am unable to format the work in a traditional screenplay format. That said, you can download any of the posts for all of the episodes of the series at the link below.
As you begin to read (especially if you work in the entertainment industry) you will note there are some differences in the format from a production screenplay. The format resembles a script, but only on the surface. Actually there are several different types of screenplays; Director's Book, a shooting script, a tech script, a writer's draft... all depending on what your roll in the production is.
I will call this an Annotated Screenplay Format. It is essentially all of the slug lines and character dialog of an actor's script, with Third-Person Present Tense narration you would normally find in a manuscript. This is used for exposition as you will not have the luxury of visual storytelling. All of the blocking, direction, or tech references have been stripped away. I have however added a set of writer's notes relative to casting and production. Everything is written as I would have filmed it, but with a less technical feel for the reader.
My final thought: I am not looking to simply tell you the story; rather it is my hope that you will experience the journey as the characters do. To travel and grow with them as they strive to navigate their way along intertwined paths of joy and sorrow, triumph, tragedy, and self-discovery. To Boldly Go... On and On.
T.K.
