Dr Ira Graves

G is for Graves but who is he? Dr Ira Graves is one of the greatest intellects ever to grace the 24th Century Universe. In Star Treks TNG we discover 'The Schizoid Man' doesn't enjoy the company of humans especially authority figures or sneaky doctors. Graves is a scientist consumed with molecular cybernetics attempting to bridge the gap between machine and man. His simple philosophy is women are not people!....

Sadly Ira deteoriates in early 2365. Sweetheart Kareen sends word to the Federation requesting medical treatment but time is running out. Meanwhile, Gravesworld provides the perfect isolation for reclusive Graves until Data turns up with USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D asking questions. The androids curiosity with the preeminent scientist lights up a dying mans eyes. Data immediately takes to the ol' coot calling him Grandpa but the sly dog has concocted a devious plan. All is not what it seems. The mans brilliance has unlocked the secret of transferring his vast intellect and knowledge into a computer!

Can you guess what happens next?

After Datas touching reunion with Grandpa, Graves is beamed aboard the USS Enterprise-D for a fine send off. The enigma deepens when Commander Data steps up to the transporter pad and gives an overblown eulogy at Graves funeral.

It doesn't take a genius to realise something is definitely amiss.

Just look at that face,
The face of a thinker, a warrior!
A Man for all seasons,
Yes, Ira Graves was all that and more but he was not perfect.
Perhaps his greatest flaw was that he was too selfless.
He cared too much for his fellow man with nary a thought for himself!
A man of limitless accomplishments and unbridled modesty.
I can safely say that to know him was to love him,
and to love him was to know him.
Those who knew him loved him,
while those who did not know him loved him from afar!

Friendly Angel Gorgan

F is for friendly angel but who or what is he? The Friendly Angel is a mind controlling Star Trek entity who brainwashes a group of children to take over the USS Enterprise NCC 1701. We find out later his name is Gorgan. Apparently, Angel eyes preys off the negative emotions of his unsuspecting victims corrupting them to do his bidding.

Listen to Melvin Belli's magnificent voice (below). This man gained Legendary fame in the United States legal profession as the 'King of Tort.' His appearance in the classic series episode "And the Children Shall Lead" as our Friendly Angel, Gorgan is a surprise. When Gorgan's masterplan is exposed, he warns his following that their 'operation' has been discovered but have no fear, call and I will appear!

Friends we have reached a moment of crises!
The enemy have discovered our operation but they are too late.
They no-longer control the ship.
We do, we shall prevail!
They will take us anyplace we desire.
So back to your stations,
maintain your controls.
If resistance mounts,
call upon their beast.
Their beast will serve us well.
The fear in each one of them is the fear which which will consume him.
Remember how it was on Triacus?
If they resist, so shall it be on the Enterprise!
If you need me call and I will appear,
our new goal is Marcos12.
It is our new beginning, we must not fold!

Only love and happiness can stop the Friendly Angel.

Is it time to summon the Friendly Angel?

Hail, hail, fire and snow,
Call the angel, we will go.
Far away, for to see,
Friendly angel come to me!

Edith Keeler

E is for Edith but who is she? Edith Keeler is played by Joan Collins caught at the center of a temporal accident in Star Trek's City on the Edge of Forever.

Her 21st Street Mission helps scores of unemployed people who have reached the end of their rope. 1930's planet earth is a gloomy, primitive culture rocked by hunger, suffering and homelessness. Fighting oppression with hope and encouragement, Edith preaches from her mission's soup kitchen feeding lost unhappy souls wandering in from the streets, inspiring them to believe in a bright future.

Keelers optimism insists life is worth living but its a tough job converting hungry stomachs dying for some food. 'I don't pretend to tell you how to find happiness and love when each day is a struggle to survive.'

The Guardian of Forever identifies itself to Kirk and Spock summarizing their predicament.

"Your vessel, your beginning. All that you knew is gone."

'Little ms Goodie two-shoes' soon realizes Kirk and Spock are not what they seem. The Mission's angel of mercy is curious about Kirk and Spock who hides his ears under a beanie hood. Trust is the cornerstone of all friendships however Edith soon falls for quiet Kirk and a romance follows.

We know from Spock's chat with Captain Kirk that if Edith lives, Earths history will be irrevocably contaminated tipping the balance of power into evil Nazis hands. Imagine the Third Reich winning World War II erasing the United Federation of Planets from cosmic history! How is this possible? Spock jumpstarts his tricorder and discovers shocking timeline displacements.

1) Keelers pacifist peace movement convinces Franklin D. Roosevelt to delay the United States entry into World War II with disasterous consequences.
2) Has Dr McCoy's meddling damaged time beyond repair?
3) What if Edith Keeler must die?

What would you do?