Fans Find Hidden Frontier Of Star Trek

The episode will mark Brandon McConnell's third appearance as Ro Nevin, the commanding officer aboard the USS Odyssey, and is considered to be the first openly gay captain in Star Trek: even if it's not canon.

McConnell is the third actor to portray the role, which originated in the "Hidden Frontier" series, but is excited to take on anything related to Star Trek.

"I think that Star Trek has a great message through all of its incarnations and incantations," McConnell said during a recent broadcast of SyFy Radio. "I think ['Odyssey'] is a great way to practice my craft and enjoy myself, and [at the same time] hang out with a great group of people."

McConnell joined the star of another "Hidden Frontier" spinoff series, Sharon Savene of "Star Trek: The Helena Chronicles." There she plays Capt. Theresa Faisal, continuing to portray characters in the different fan series that she's done since 2005.

"Faisal is a complicated lady," Savene said. "She loves to have fun, and hang out with her friends. At the same time, she's strongly devoted to justice, universal themes, leadership, and all that good stuff. She has a dual personality as part of where she was raised and who brought her up."

Faisal was born on Risa to Terran parents: An Italian mother and an Arabic father.

Both of them find themselves from time to time reading lines written by Beo Fraser, or wearing makeup created by Beo Fraser, or even drinking coffee made by Beo Fraser. That's because like many of the crewmembers attached to the Robert Caves series, Fraser has to be a jack of all trades.

"I've written a couple of episodes and helped with general producing stuff," Fraser said. "It's been a learning experience."

McConnell and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" star Patrick Stewart have a lot in common. Not only did they both have break-through roles as ships commanders, but they also share a love for the stage.

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