The makeup of the Enterprise writing staff recently changed for the second time this season.

Executive story editor Stephen Beck has left the series, according to Psi Phi. In his place, longtime Trek science consultant and writer Andre Bormanis was promoted to story editor as of last night's episode, 'Detained.'

Beck joined the Enterprise staff from the now-cancelled UPN series Seven Days. He wrote the Temporal Cold War story 'Cold Front' with former co-producer Tim Finch earlier in the season. The writer later worked on 'Oasis,' developing the story with creators Rick Berman and Brannon Braga, and also penning the teleplay. Based on the show credits, it was also his last episode on the staff, although the reason for his departure is not known.

Although Bormanis has been a staff writer since the beginning of the season, he did not assume the position of story editor until 'Detained.' Responsible for 'Silent Enemy' earlier in the year, Bormanis also wrote the teleplay for the upcoming 'Desert Crossing' based on a story developed with Rick Berman and Brannon Braga.

Story editor isn't a high-ranking position, but it has been held by many veteran Trek writers working their way up the totem pole. Famous names who filled the role early in their careers include DS9 & Roswell co-executive producer Ronald D. Moore, DS9 producer and later Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda developer Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and Enterprise co-creator and executive producer Brannon Braga.

Like many series in their first season, the Enterprise writing staff has seen several changes. Supervising producer Chris Black joined the team with 'The Andorian Incident,' but didn't pen his first episode, 'Rogue Planet,' until later in the season. Producer Antoinette Stella wrote the teleplay for 'Terra Nova,' but left after 'Dear Doctor.' Similarly, co-producer Tim Finch's only contribution was 'Cold Front,' before departing following 'Shadows of P'Jem.'

Writers move up the totem pole to become producers based on their contracts and creative influence within the series. Next season, Chris Black will be promoted to co-executive producer, and will be joined at that level by former X-Files scribe John Shiban. Their role remains distinct from high-ranking producers such as Merri D. Howard and Peter Lauritson, who are responsible for the production side of the series, but are not part of the writing staff.

The Enterprise writing staff now consists of Berman and Braga, Black, consulting producer Fred Dekker, executive story editors Phyllis Strong and Mike Sussman, story editors Maria and Andre Jacquemetton, and Bormanis.

Head over to Psi Phi for the original report.

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