The Astral Queen was a Federation passenger transport in service to the Merchant Marines in the late 23rd century. She was commanded by Captain Jon Daily in 2266. In 2266, the Astral Queen was scheduled to transport the Karidian Company of Players from Planet Q to the Benecia colony. However, also at Planet Q was the USS Enterprise, after they were called in by Thomas Leighton. Following Thomas' murder, Captain James T. Kirk decided that the head of the company, Anton Karidian, needed further investigation, so he called in a favor from Captain Daily, and the Astral Queen rediverted. This meant that the company had to seek transport aboard the Enterprise. (TOS episode: "The Conscience of the King")