By GustavoLeao / 12:55, 3 April 2008 / General Star Trek

• Beam story to friend
• Join our newsletter
• Syndicate news
• Shore Leave forum

TrekWeb talks to Rob Caves, executive producer of the fan series Star Trek Hidden Frontier, Star Trek The Helena Chronicles, Star Trek Odyssey and the upcoming fan film Operation Beta Shield. Caves talks about his new project, a four-part fan film mini-series titled Star Trek Federation One.

1- Rob, what can you reveal about the plot of the Star Trek Federation One four-part mini-series ?

The four part mini-series was originally going to be a full series in its own right, but we just don't have enough time to do it justice so we decided to do it as a mini-series that will run concurrently producing one episode a season alongside Odyssey and The Helena Chronicles.  This is possible because its story will tie in with Helena Chronicles and Odyssey freeing up time to focus on characters rather than back-story and plot.  Much of the plot is either already established, or will be by the prelude to Federation One, "Operation Beta Shield".The mini-series focuses on the President of the United Federation of Planets, someone we've seen occasionally in Trek, but never explored in any detail.  We'll see the day-to-day operation of the Federation and the inner workings of its government for the first time. 

In addition to the President, the show really stars the President's Secret Service Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Matt McCabe who was on Hidden Frontier for many years.  Much of the relationship between these two will drive the show.  But there will be a slew of new characters that will hopefully be compelling as well.

With the USS Odyssey stranded in the Andromeda Galaxy (from Star Trek: Odyssey), and USS Helena a renegade starship (from The Helena Chronicles), much of the focus of Federation One will be McCabe's investigation into a conspiracy that threatens the peace with the Romulans.  Federation One's first production episode, "Unity" will expand upon this plot.

2- I understand that the upcoming Hidden Frontier / Intrepid movie, the Operation Beta Shield fan film is a prelude to this mini-series. Can you explain ?

Beta Shield sets up the setting and plot for Federation One, and introduces us to many of the main characters.  Both Beta Shield and some of Federation One's first production episode, "Unity" are being filmed together.

3- Please describe the character of Lt. Cmdr. Matt McCabe and introduce us to actor Wayne Webb.

McCabe came aboard the USS Excelsior in our first fan film, Star Trek: Hidden Frontier five or six years ago and has really become a favorite character among the Hidden Frontier fans.  He is an extremely intense person, devoted to his job and his crew mates, to the point of self-destruction.  When he lost one of his best friends under his command on Hidden Frontier, he nearly destroyed himself with guilt.  And when he fell in love with a colleague and she was assassinated, he pursued the suspects with a rage seldom seen in more traditional Starfleet officers.  He brings this passion to everything that he does and it also makes him a very flawed character.  That is one of the most appealing things about McCabe.  He comes across as so human, someone we can easily identify with.  He's not pompous, he's not arrogant. He's just a man of the people.  He will definitely bring this passion into his work with the President.

4- Fan favorite actress Risha Denney reprises her role of Captain Shelby in Star Trek Federation One. How important is her role in the mini-series or it is just a cameo ?

In Beta Shield, Shelby is one of the stars.  She has a major role alongside Intrepid star, Nick Cook.  In "Unity" she again plays an important role, but it is limited to just a few scenes.  "Unity" is really the first chance for McCabe and his new cast to shine.

5- Tell us about the script of the first episode, "Unity", written by Beta Shield writer and sci-fi novelist Brian S. Matthews

"Unity" is really driven by internal conflict among the characters, much more so than external action.  While there is a space battle, it's much less a focus than in past projects I've worked on. It was a challenge to keep the pacing and intensity of the story up, but Brian did a wonderful job of it, with crisp dialog and character conflict that keeps you glued to the script.

6 - The Federation One starship was designed by U.S.S. Titan designer Sean Tourangeau. What you can tell us about this new ship ?

Federation One is a unique ship.  It is actually a hybrid of two ships, the mother-ship and a diplomatic module that resembles a luxury Defiant Class vessel that is permanently docked to the top aft of the saucer section.  The president and their staff would use this vessel for short hops, and planetary landings where beaming is deemed an unacceptable risk.  We get to see parts of both vessels, including the President's Oval Office, the command deck, a situation deck, press room, as well as many other parts of the ship.

7- Finally - Helena Chronicles, Odyssey, Operation Beta Shield and now Federation One. You are producing four fan films at the same time. something of a record. How do you manage ? 

Each show gets its moment in the sun, and those actors a chance to shine.  But you can also view the entire collection of shows as one great epic.  For casual viewers, you can pick up at the beginning of any of the shows and enjoy just that show.  But as the plots weave in and out of each other, the collective whole of the shows takes on a special story in and of itself.  An easter-egg if you will for people that follow everything.Federation One is our final piece of the puzzle.  We're in development of a totally un-related sci-fi project, so when the Trek fan films have run their course, we hope to focus on new adventures.