I grew up watching the search for new life and new civilizations. The first books I read of my own volition concerned that starship. I learned what volition and so many other words I’d never heard of meant from those books. And in a testament to the America I grew up, I thought the kiss between a certain comm officer and a captain was naughty because he was her superior officer. The color of their skin meant nothing to the world I grew up in. I video taped every episode and watched as a cold-blooded, green-blooded alien proved himself as human as any other member of the crew. I learned about life, death, and life from those people and they have influenced how I write today. I have been and always shall be a Trekkie. Live Long and Prosper Leonard Nimoy. You fly now with those who passed on before you.