Blood and Fire was an episode written by David Gerrold for possible use on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The episode was written in script form, but never actually filmed (due to its controversial subject matter). It was eventually adapted by Gerrold into a standalone novel. David Gerrold, original name Jerrold David Friedman (born January 24, 1944), is a science fiction author who started his career in 1967 as a college student by selling an unsolicited script for the television series Star Trek. ... The title as it appeared in most episodes opening credits. ...

In the original script, the crew of the Enterprise-D came upon a derelict spaceship whose crew had all been killed off by Regulan bloodworms. Since these creatures are highly dangerous and can kill within hours, any ship or space station found to be infested with bloodworms must be sterilized and/or destroyed, as per Starfleet orders. The concept of Regulan bloodworms, mentioned in dialogue in the original Star Trek series (but never actually explained until this episode), was intended to be a metaphor for the AIDS crisis, as AIDS is a similarly lethal disease. USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) (commissioned 2363) is the name of the Galaxy class Federation starship that is the principal setting of the series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the film Star Trek: Generations. ... Starfleet Command In the Star Trek fictional universe, Starfleet is the defense, research, diplomacy, and exploration force of the United Federation of Planets. ... http://www. ... Jump to: navigation, search The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV positive people and those living with AIDS. The Red Ribbon made its public debut when host Jeremy Irons wore it during the 1991 Tony Awards. ...

This episode was also noted for its inclusion of two openly gay crewmembers, which would have been a first in Star Trek history (to this day, the subject is rarely dealt with in any form of Trek).