JULY 13, 2023 - The eagerly awaited fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks is just around the corner, and fans are eager to get a glimpse of what's in store for the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos. While Paramount+ has yet to reveal a release date or share any preview images or trailers, TrekMovie.com has uncovered an exciting first look at an upcoming guidebook that may provide some hints about the upcoming season.

Titled Star Trek: Lower Decks: Crew Handbook, this forthcoming book is published by Titan Books, known for their extensive line of Star Trek literature. Set to be released on October 17, the guidebook promises to be a "funny and illuminating guide to life on the U.S.S. Cerritos" as seen through the eyes of the lower deckers themselves.

According to the official synopsis, readers will join the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos as they embark on new adventures, exploring uncharted territories and encountering both familiar and unfamiliar lifeforms. The handbook, inspired by the hit Paramount+ animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, aims to offer advice and insider knowledge to new crew members. The book's humorous and informative approach will help readers navigate their roles, understand the workings of the ship, and get acquainted with their fellow lower deckers. Notably, the crew members themselves have contributed comments and anecdotes throughout the handbook, adding an extra layer of authenticity and entertainment.

Preview spreads from the Star Trek: Lower Decks: Crew Handbook, showcase its witty content and cleverly hidden easter eggs, mirroring the style of the beloved animated show. Captain Freeman herself provides an introduction, which intriguingly mentions Admiral Picard. Furthermore, in a conversation between Captain Freeman and Brad Boimler, he is referred to as "Lieutenant Boimler," suggesting a potential promotion for the character who was last seen as an ensign in season 3. The spread on tricorders also features Rutherford donning the rank pips of a lieutenant junior grade, indicating possible advancements for other lower deckers as well.

The preview spreads highlight the continued presence of Ensign Tendi, with no apparent change in her rank. However, a dialog box from T'Lyn, a new Vulcan character introduced in season 2, suggests she may be assigned to sickbay, as indicated by her dialogue in the sickbay spread.

The Star Trek: Lower Decks: Crew Handbook is penned by Chris Farnell, a journalist and author known for his Fermi's Progress series of sci-fi novels. Farnell has also written the 2021 in-universe guide Doctor Who: Time Traveller's Diary. With his experience in crafting immersive and engaging fictional guides, fans can expect an entertaining and informative exploration of life aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos.

Fans can look forward to the release of the Star Trek: Lower Decks - Crew Handbook in hardcover format on October 17. Pre-orders are already available on Amazon, allowing fans to secure their copy in anticipation of the humorous and insightful guide to life in the Lower Decks universe.