When In Starfleet...

J.J. Abrams just went to Rome to give the press an early glimpse into the future: the origin of Captain James T. Kirk and his crew in the new Star Trek film.

Set to be released in May 2009, the prequel tells the story of how the Starship Enterprise began its mission to boldly go where no man has gone before.

However, Paramount is hoping the film won't only revitalize the 42-year-old franchise for Trekkers alone.

"I want fans of Star Trek to come watch it, but the truth is I made the movie for future fans," Abrams said during the Rome presentation.

Uh-oh. Some Trek aficionados are concerned that the movie will make changes to the history of the Star Trek they know so well. (Okay: have memorized.) However, Abrams insists that he and his writers have been faithful to the series, in spite of the fact that he personally had little interest in Star Trek before he made the movie.

Uh oh again.

"It was never my thing," he said unapologetically. "I have become a Trekker having fallen in love with the characters."

Trek fans hope the film lives long and prospers. Otherwise, they may have seen the last of our Vulcan friends for many years to come.