TheWRITEaddiction.com

There is something to be said for going boldly into new spaces. That, after all, is one of the great enduring lessons of Star Trek. For decades, this universe has shaped and inspired me—not only as a fan, but as a framework for thinking about who we are and who we can become. It invites us to reach for our best selves—as individuals, as a collective, as one people of Earth.

We are living in another moment of transformation, a new frontier where we are again redefining our humanity. Today, that frontier takes the form of artificial intelligence—and, in some conversations, strategic intelligence. As we learn to navigate these emerging worlds, we find ourselves asking the same questions Star Trek has always asked: What does it mean to evolve with integrity? How do we move forward together?

In that spirit, I wanted to challenge myself to create something both fun and deeply reflective. As a writer and sociologist, I am sensitive to the ways in which art reflects and reshapes us. Art evolves, and in doing so, it evolves us. It is both a mirror and a map—showing us who we are and inviting us to imagine who we might yet become.

Star Trek: The Last Roundup is a product of that evolution. It is a collaboration between the artist I am and the technology that is transforming the way we create. Crafted with the assistance of AI, this story honors the legacy of Gene Roddenberry’s vision—a future that challenges us to go boldly, to imagine courageously, and to reach into the unknown together.

I hope you enjoy it. But more than that, I’m grateful to have taken this journey—for me.

Star Trek: The Last Roundup is a transformative, nonprofit work of fanfiction created for educational and entertainment purposes in celebration of the spirit of creativity encouraged by NaNoWriMo 2025. This story is inspired by the characters, settings, and universe originally created by Gene Roddenberry and owned by Paramount Global/CBS Studios.

No copyright infringement is intended. The author makes no claim of ownership over any Star Trek intellectual property. All recognizable names, places, and references to the Star Trek universe remain the property of their respective rights holders.

This work is shared freely as a tribute to the enduring cultural and philosophical legacy of Star Trek, with gratitude for its inspiration to generations of dreamers, writers, and explorers.