reported by Kaela Corning, CyberScreenwriter.com

Roddenberry.com and CafePress.com have formed a publishing partnership that will bring the original scripts for the Star Trek TV franchise, and limited edition merchandise to fans worldwide. The project, which plans to release limited edition volumes each month over the next three years, will include scripts for The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and The Animated Series.

The first book in the series is the script for the original Star Trek pilot episode "The Cage." The book will retail for $24.99 and will only be available for sale until September 5th, 2006. Included in "The Cage" script book is a very special foreword by Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, the only son of creator Gene Roddenberry, providing his thoughts on this historic episode.

"On Star Trek's 40th birthday, we really want to show our gratitude to the fans. We realized that access to all of the original Star Trek scripts in a finished volume format was something really unique, but even that didn't seem to match our level of appreciation," explains Rod. "So, we came up with a new way to share my father with fans. We have inserted a different picture of him into each volume along with a memorable quote, reminding us of his spirit. Out of the over 2,000 Roddenberry.com products, previously we have only used one picture of my father. Authorizing the use of these pictures and quotes is something we have never done before."

In celebration of Star Trek's 40th anniversary the Roddenberry's have included a number of exclusives with each volume during 2006. Season One books sold prior to December 31st, 2006 will include Limited Edition 40th Anniversary cover art, quotes from creator Gene Roddenberry, and rare photos from the family's personal archives. Additionally, never-before-released special edition merchandise including framed U.S.S. Enterprise concept art, apparel featuring quotes and signatures, and other surprises corresponding to each volume will be available each month.

The Star Trek pilot episode "The Cage" was originally presented to NBC in 1964, and rejected. But, for the first time in history NBC commissioned a second pilot, which eventually aired in 1966 and began the legendary series we know today. While "The Cage" includes many elements of the original Star Trek series, it has notable differences in the cast and terminology. It is also said to be the purest example of creator Gene Roddenberry's vision. "The Cage" eventually aired in 1988 as part of "The Star Trek Saga: From One Generation to the Next," a 2-hour retrospective special.

Following "The Cage," the first volume of The Original Series will release September 5, 2006.

For more information, visit http://www.cafepress.com/roddenberry