So, just what is "The Trek Life," you ask?

First and foremost, "The Trek Life" is about fandom. At its heart is the core of what Star Trek means to me: infinite possibilities, universal acceptance, the hope for a better future, and the constant pursuit of Orion Slave Girls. Wait a minute ... that's Carl's take on it anyway!

Star Trek, in all its infinite wonder and philosophical truths, has always been about humanity (and alien alike) seeking more out of life and discovering new and incredible things at every turn that reveal something about us, as humans, through not only exploration of the cosmos, but also the exploration and infinite possibilities within ourselves. We also see these revelations through the relationships with fellow crewmembers, alien species, conflicts and resolutions with enemies (in some cases resolution may not be possible — like Snuggles' and Carl's relationship) and trying not to be the "red shirt" on an away mission. But we witness the universal truths of Star Trek not only within the series or movies, but also the fandom that comes along with it.

Fans share these same ideals in their own daily lives with each other as well. We fans accept each other, are open to new ideas and ways of thinking — about today, about tomorrow — we express these hopes through our love of Star Trek and its ideals, and in many cases we apply these philosophies and core feelings into our daily lives: through our passions, dreams, work and especially our relationships. And do I even have to mention the number of scientists, engineers, artists, writers, and all other walks of life directly affected by Star Trek and how they have applied this influence into the world for the benefit of the greater good? I didn't think so!

Carl, Kate and Steve, to a large extent, embody the ideals of Star Trek and the fandom that goes with it. In many ways we all do, everyday. My hope is that a fan, new or tried and true, can in some way see themselves in one of these characters that I hold so dear, these characters that reflect my own love for Star Trek, its many works and its countless fans.

The Comic Strip:

"The Trek Life" is a comic strip about three best friends who have known each other since childhood. The strips focus on their interactions with each other, their environment, and how Trek is a part of their daily lives in every way.

The three characters exemplify fans at different levels of fandom. Carl Jennings – the epitome of an extreme Star Trek fan — lives, eats and breathes Trek, even in the smallest detail. To him, Star Trek is everywhere, in every thing.

Steve Williams is also a big Star Trek fan, but far more reserved than Carl, falling somewhere in the middle of the trio. Kate Stevens is still the new kid on the block when it comes to Trek fandom, but at least she's been exposed to it her entire life through Carl and Steve. She just never really paid much attention as she was always a bit more interested in doing her nails and watching romantic comedies than living "the Trek life." But ... she's slowly coming around, even attending conventions with Carl and Steve, and now even writing her own real-life advice column for STARTREK.COM! (Luckily, she has Carl to lean on for the deeper Trek trivia).

Carl, Steve and Kate all live in the same neighborhood, as they did when they were kids – they've known each other since early childhood. Carl's Mom, Sylvia Jennings, lives just three blocks away from Carl, making it easy for her to pop in to catch Captain Archer's, uh, "muscle-tone" on Carl's new Hi-Def TV.

Carl and Steve both work at Hoople Enterprises for Mr. J. Hoople (his first name remains a mystery). Their boss is a money-grubbing, golf-obsessed employer who does not in any way, shape or form understand Star Trek, imagination, free-thinking, fandom and especially Carl Jennings. Steve works in upper management, while Carl is an account representative in his tidy, Trek-memorabilia-laden cubicle. As for what he actually does, the jury's still out. Chances are, Carl himself isn't entirely sure either!

But there is intrigue in the office: Carl has been dating Eve Hoople, the daughter of Carl's boss. The problem is that Mr. Hoople a) has no idea that they are dating and would never approve anyway and b) has no idea his daughter is as huge a Trek fan as Carl is, even if she's a little more discreet about it than Carl!.

Then of course, there's Snuggles, Kate's cat. This fierce feline possesses the soul of a Klingon and, frankly, sees Carl as a Red Shirt in need of his constant punishment and attitude. When it comes to Carl, Snuggles lets his claws do the talking.

So, my friends, in celebration of "The Trek Life" coming to you three times a week, I invite you to take this opportunity to get to know the always evolving inhabitants of this unique world right here at STARTREK.COM. (Especially if you have never experienced the strip before.) Just click here to start from the beginning. Enjoy the ride!

I hope you will love — as much as I do — getting to peek into the lives of Carl, Kate and Steve every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, where they reveal more about themselves, their world, and ultimately you and me as well. Maybe you'll find yourself there, and feel as close to living "The Trek Life" as I do.

Keep Livin' The Trek Life!