C is for Chekov

C is for Chekov but who is he? In classic star trek Walter Koenig appears in the second season beginning with the episode 'Who Mourns for Adonais.' Hes the Navigator aboard the USS Enterprise NCC 1701. We know from Chekov's jokes that Russians invent all things great and small in Earth history which explains why hes so proud of his Russian heritage.

One of Star Trek's mysteries is how Khan Noonien Singh recognizes Chekov when the Russian is captured redhanded in Star Trek II (The Wrath of Khan.) We know the classic Enterprise crew encounter Khan aboard his sleeper ship, the SS Botany Bay in Star Trek's Space Seed episode but heres the kicker. Chekov doesn't get posted to Captain Kirk's USS Enterprise until nine episodes later in season 2!!! Khans famous gloat 'I never forget a face. Mister...Chekov. Isn't it? really begs the question. Where did Khan and Chekov first meet?

B is for Boothby

B is for Boothby but who is he? Boothby is Star Trek's grumpy Groundskeeper at Starfleet Academy played by Ray Walston. In 1963-66 Walston also starred in 107 episodes of My Favorite Martian as the sweet talking alien from Mars who lands on planet Earth.

Its neat seeing Uncle Martin in Star Trek TNG playing Boothby. Hes far more than just a groundskeeper offering simple advice. His special wisdom has mentored several Starfleet captains including Captain Jean Luc Picard, Captain Janeway and her sidekick Chakotay. Apparently, Picard seeks out Boothby's wise words of wisdom once again while investigating Starfleet's Nova Squadron cadets. Sadly all is not what it seems when Cadet Albert's flying tragedy is reported as an accident in TNG's 'First Duty.'

Only Boothby's intimate knowledge of Nova Squadron saves the day giving Picard the edge he needs. A real mystery surrounds Joshua Albert's training accident over Titan. Why are Starfleet's elite cadets acting so mysterious and elusive? False testimony about flight plans is definitely hiding something but what is it?

Who has the moral fiber to admit what really happened that day?

A is for Ardra

A is for Ardra but who is she? Ardra is a mysterious Star Trek character from The Next Generation's episode 'Devils Due.' Over a thousand years ago the planet Ventax II was rocked with civil unrest, pollution, murder and mayhem. We know from Captain Picard's chat with Leader Jared that Ardra delivered the population peace and prosperity except theres a catch.

Ventaxians sign a legally binding contract surrendering their planet to the devil affording citizens a peaceful millennium of prosperity. The deal is struck with the devil except time passes and Ardra returns. Earthquakes rock the planet striking fear into Ventaxian hearts. Apparently the mythical figure Ardra is the real deal but why is Captain Picard suspicious of her powers?

Is Ardra really the devil?