Star Trek Universe (part one)

Well, Star Trek certainly had more to impress with their own developing spacecraft! Even if Star Trek was purely science fiction, whereas this craft (inset) was an actual real-time event that happened in our history.

Yes, I know it is all science-fiction based, but some of the technology does exist today, either in use already, or on the drawing board. Just a point though, the theory of warp drive or folding space (maybe let's just wait a little bit longer - so please don't hold your breath, it may take somewhat more time) keep asphyxiation to those in space without air or a spacesuit, NOT here on earth because you are waiting for the future.

But let us begin at the beginning, that always helps! And there is one immediate impression that springs to mind here for me (yes, because one of them does revolve around music from a series from the Star Trek franchise) which is widely heard everywhere:

It holds a meaning very relevant to both reality & science fiction, with all the hopes and fears along the way.

Courtesy YouTube (GB.) (Sung by Watson, J.) 2010, accessed by author, 4/5/2021.

Considerable thought of the use of words was utilized within this evocative soundtrack, when it first came out, in my belief... what are your thoughts here? Russel Watson was a superb choice of vocalist for this franchise series.

In another upcoming article, I will be focusing on the terrible events of the Challenger disaster, which we all need to contemplate upon before science fiction truly does becomes a reality.

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The one major memory that stands out too?

Well - of course, it has to be, the one who started it all:

Gene Roddenberry - (August 19th, 1921 to October 24th, 1991)

Born as Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, he was an American television screenwriter, producer & visionary creator of 'Star Trek, The original series,' (TOS) - visionary because he gave life, hope, enjoyment, and optimism toward the future.

In developing my article on the Star Trek Universe I have decided to split it into four parts, mainly because Star Trek has become so vast, so in addition to this first part (yes, you guessed it, there will be another three parts following this) - and really, it does not matter in which order you choose to read them:

-- part one: (this one) pretty obvious that is (I know)?!

-- part two: Quadrants - The Alien Species

-- part three: Milky Way Sets The Scene

-- part four: Red Alert

Initially, Gene Roddenberry's first showing of Star Trek aired on September 8th, 1966, airing for three seasons on the NBC television network. However, it ended after just 79 episodes due to it receiving poor ratings on the network & was canceled as a result. From just a few years later though, the series acquired broadcast syndication (basically leasing the rights of Star Trek to broadcasting television shows.) - where it attained a cult status.

Star Trek initially aired on television between 1966 - 1969.

Courtesy YouTube(GB.) (composed by Courage, A.) Original Theme, 2011, accessed by author, 4/5/2021

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Well after that, we all know what happened over the world. Star Trek spawned franchises into books, films, toys, games, and other themes moving forward as:

-- The Next Generation

Next Generation initially aired on television between 1987 -1994

Courtesy YouTube(GB.) (composed by Goldsmith, J. Courage, A.) Next Generation, 2012, accessed by author, 4/5/2021

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-- Deep Space Nine

DS9 initially aired on television between 1993 -1999

Courtesy YouTube(GB.) (composed by McCarthy, D.) 2011, accessed by author, 4/5/2021

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-- Voyager

Voyager initially aired on television between 1995 -2001

Courtesy YouTube(GB.) (composed by Goldsmith, J.) 2012, accessed by author, 4/5/2021

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-- Enterprise (from where the theme has been added to this article, as it is strong in my memory, is thought-provoking, and inspiring to all.)

Enterprise initially aired on television between 2001 -2005

The musical link to here, I have used it as the introduction to this article, due to its evocative nature. Feel free to view & read my article below on music (Star Trek soundtracks have certainly grasped the idea of what 'evocative' truly means.)

-- Discovery has been a hard one to get started with for me. But after three attempts with an open-minded attitude toward it ( oh, and having needed to subscribe to Netflix to access it, I have now watched the episodes three times over - eagerly awaiting the next ones to air.) Discovery initially aired on television between 2017 -2021, and myself in particular, I am waiting for series four, but no release dates as of the publication of this article (however the recent Covid-19 pandemic has most certainly set this back now.)

Courtesy YouTube(GB.) Discovery (composed by L'Orchestra Cinematique) 2018, accessed by author, 4/5/2021

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The varied star trek franchises have all had one aspect criteria within them. That they all took place within the past & future Earth periods, oh (surprisingly too!) and in space (if you already were not aware or have NEVER watched any episodes of any of the franchises.)

Believe me when I say this, if you have not seen Star Trek, then I suggest you do. It can be light-hearted and it can support your mental health too - because part of practicing mindfulness is being able to focus on 'one thing in the moment' and let your mind take you away from the harshness that real life brings to you. The fantasy of Star Trek (across all the franchises) that brings to us all, is allowing us to think of better & more improved times, and the what if? factor.

#There is nothing wrong with letting something enjoyable invade your mind if it is the one thing that allows you to 'spread your wings and fly.'#

Why? Because it allows viewers to immerse themselves within its exploration of space & new worlds. It can be a wonderful way to 'get away from it all' & allow your own mind to wander freely, immersing you within its atmosphere, and escaping (even momentarily) from the day-to-day stresses that life here on Earth chucks at us on a daily basis without letting up.

I remember the times I used to spend with my brother when we younger. I never forget (even now) the good times that we spent together at home. My brother was a good few years older than myself at the time but, he would always invite me into his bedroom to watch the early versions of the original series of Star Trek (yes, on a black & white television just like the one above) and we both thought that it was the 'best thing since sliced bread' (as the old saying goes, that is.)

Star Trek holds fond memories of those times, despite my brother and I have stopped talking many years ago. Please see the link below to an article relevant to this:

But, Star Trek and the numerous reruns on fibre optic television (such as Sky & Virginmedia) and streaming channels such as Netflix, allow me to relive those years gone by - and to smile over the happier times that were once there.

The 2nd part of my continuation into the 'Star Trek Universe' focuses on the four vastly different areas of space - Quadrants - The Alien Species.

Watch out for part two coming soon - right here on Vocal.

But please don't just take my word for it - watch it for yourself, and judge it on its own merits & effects it can have on YOU.

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