Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Majel Barrett, an American actress best known for her roles in the Star Trek series. In this quote, she reflects on her early days in the Star Trek franchise, specifically referring to her role as "Number One" in the original pilot episode of Star Trek, which aired in 1964.

Majel Barrett's portrayal of Number One was groundbreaking for its time. In a male-dominated industry, her character was unique as she played a woman in a position of authority, serving as the second in command of the starship Enterprise. This was a significant departure from the traditional gender roles typically seen on television at the time. The character of Number One was intelligent, competent, and confident, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for more diverse and progressive representations of women in science fiction.

The original pilot episode, titled "The Cage," was created by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. Although the character of Number One was well-received by the production team and test audiences, the network executives at the time were reportedly hesitant about having a woman in such a prominent role. As a result, the pilot was not initially picked up, and the character of Number One was eventually written out of the series.

Despite the setback, Majel Barrett remained involved in the Star Trek franchise and went on to play another iconic role - that of Nurse Christine Chapel in the original series. She also reprised her role as Chapel in several of the Star Trek films. Additionally, she gained further recognition for her portrayal of Lwaxana Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation and other spin-off series.

Majel Barrett's impact on the Star Trek franchise extended beyond her on-screen roles. She was married to Gene Roddenberry and became an integral part of the Star Trek legacy. Her contributions also extended behind the scenes, as she lent her voice to various Star Trek projects, including providing the voice of the ship's computer in many of the series and films. Her involvement in the franchise for over five decades solidified her status as a beloved and influential figure among fans of Star Trek.

In 1987, Majel Barrett made history once again by becoming the first actor to appear in a Star Trek pilot and also in the premiere episode of a subsequent series. Her appearance in the pilot episode of the original series and the premiere episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation solidified her special place in the hearts of fans and the franchise's history.

Majel Barrett's quote serves as a reminder of the groundbreaking nature of her early role in Star Trek. Her portrayal of Number One broke new ground by presenting a strong, capable woman in a leadership role at a time when such representations were rare. Her contributions to Star Trek, both on and off-screen, have left a lasting legacy and continue to inspire fans and creators alike.