''If you're going to show them as a couple, it has to be real... There was one line in the Next Generation episode, 'So, how long have you two been together?' and that was as much as there was in 1987. There's a lot more now.... It's not a big deal to anybody on the Enterprise. There is no bias in the 23rd century. It's not about AIDS or homosexuality. The true message is to give blood, and that's always going to be relevant.... Star Trek works best when it takes these kinds of chances," Cawley said. "And it's high time [homosexuality] was talked about on Star Trek.''

James Cawley, producer of the online-only video series, "Star Trek Phase II," speaking about his team's current episode, ''Blood and Fire.'' The two-part episode was originally written for ''The Next Generation'' by David Gerrold in 1987, but was allegedly put on hold by studio executives because they were squeamish about the inclusion of an openly gay couple. (Baltimore Sun)