Founded in 1974, SFI is a fully incorporated nonprofit that umbrellas a sprawling network of global fan clubs, or "ships." There are 32 ships between New York and Washington, D.C. (one of 17 regions worldwide). Proceeds from this year's conference will benefit two organizations: Philadelphia Reads and the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.

SFI members have long placed a Sulu-strong emphasis on charity work. That's why you won't see Shatner, Nimoy or any other Trek luminaries beaming down for autograph sessions. "Some international conferences do have guests, but we would prefer to give the money to charities," says spokesman Bob Vosseller.

Generosity aside, many Trek fans still feel the heat from outsiders.

"We're everyday people," says Sonny Wright, a local contractor who belongs to the Philly-based U.S.S. Sovereign ship. He's known for building a life-sized version of "the bridge," that high-tech command post where most of the TV Trek action takes place. Wright's painstakingly detailed replica, which has long served as the penultimate Starfleet photo op, will be retired after this year's event.

What, pray tell, will take its place?

"We're now the proud mommies and daddies of a 16-foot Stargate," laughs Beryl Washington, a criminal defense investigator who pulls double duty as the Sovereign's commanding officer. She says Wright isn't the only talent among her Trek cohorts. The Sovereign boasts editors, doctors, chefs and accountants among her crew. There's even an astrophysicist who oversees space launches for Lockheed Martin. "They tend to their real lives," says Washington. "We're just really into sci-fi, and just like any other club, we get together to enjoy it."

And enjoy it they will—this year marks the conference's return to the metro area after a nine-year absence. (The last one took place in Cherry Hill in 1997.) There will be city tours for outta-towners, but the real draw is the galaxy-sized program. The three-day event will cover everything from newsletter production to prop-building to Klingon language lessons. Regal Cinemas will even lead a workshop on how Trek fans can get involved in film promotions. The fun stuff is balanced by more serious fare, namely discussions centered on future charity work.

Although there hasn't been a Trek flick since 2002's Nemesis, attendees will have at least one new topic to debate: Lost's JJ Abrams has announced he will direct the 11th installment in the film franchise, a prequel set for release in 2008. (Reportedly, Matt Damon will be playing a young Captain Kirk.) Reaction is mixed thus far, but Washington feels that the utopian ideals established by the original TV series will never die.

"There's always a message in the midst of the proton torpedoes firing," she says. "The idea is that when you meet other people, you don't condemn them. You find out about them, and understand that you can't change their ideologies. That goes against Federation law."