Plagues of Night.

As the Typhon Pact series has progressed it has been clear that the crew of Deep Space Nine has jumped in time to make it concurrent to where the rest of the Star Trek universe is, so it is time to fill in the gaps.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about Plagues of Night. We discuss Sisko's story, different ways, filling in a lot of gaps, plans within plans, characters in flux, the end of Deep Space Nine, Kira far beyond the stars, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news we review the second issue of the Mirror War comic series.

News
Mirror War #2 (00:02:46)

Feature: Plagues of Night
Sisko's Story (00:09:32)
Different Ways (00:19:29)
Filling in a Lot of Gaps (00:21:03)
Plans Within Plans (00:27:00)
Bashir (00:34:33)
Prynn (00:39:24)
The End of Deep Space Nine (00:42:35)
Kira Far Beyond the Stars (00:47:24)
Ratings (00:49:40)
Final Thoughts (00:51:19)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: The Ashes of Tomorrow.

Time is of the essence for the literary universe of Star Trek and there are hard choices for the characters to make that will see them pitted against friends and thrust into the most desperate situations of their lives.

In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing is joined by author James Swallow to talk about his middle portion of the Coda trilogy, The Ashes of Tomorrow. We discuss how James is feeling, tying in DS9, Sisko and Kira, Bashir, Miles, Ro, Quark and Nog, Picard's next generation, artificial intelligence, the fire in which we burn, shadows, Worf's moment, prophecy fulfilled, wrapping up dangling threads, final thoughts and where to find James online.

Feature: James Swallow
How James is Feeling (00:02:34)
Tying in DS9 (00:04:37)
Sisko and Kira (00:08:40)
Bashir (00:17:41)
Miles (00:23:33)
Ro, Quark and Nog (00:26:54)
Picard's Next Generation (00:32:17)
Artificial Intelligence (00:40:32)
The Fire in Which We Burn (00:46:05)
Shadows (00:55:03)
Worf's Moment (01:00:33)
Prophecy Fulfilled (01:05:46)
Wrapping Up Dangling Treads (01:09:54)
Final Thoughts (01:18:19)
James Online (01:23:54)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing

Guest
James Swallow

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Struggle Within.

The Federation continues to deal with the fallout of the Borg invasion as well as the recent secession of Andor, which is leading the Federation to look for allies to join the Khitomer Accords anywhere they can find them.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson are joined by Casey Pettitt to talk about the next book in the Typhon Pact series, The Struggle Within. We discuss it being an ebook only, picking up the pieces, just listen, looking for balance, nonviolence, just another group, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news section of the show we review issue number one in the Mirror War comic.

News
Mirror War #1 (00:03:58)

Feature: The Struggle Within
Ebook Only (00:15:59)
Picking Up the Pieces (00:21:34)
Just Listen (00:27:54)
Looking for Balance (00:32:18)
Nonviolence (00:41:02)
Just Another Group (00:44:29)
Ratings (00:50:13)
Final Thoughts (00:53:34)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Casey Pettitt

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward: Moments Asunder.

It affectionately became known as the Lit-Verse to Star Trek fans, beginning in 2003, with the release of the first novel to take place after the finale of Deep Space Nine in a book called Avatar. After the end of Enterprise, the universe in the novels would continue to expand with unprecedented freedom to explore the characters lives past the finales of each of the shows and now that Star Trek: Picard has begun, it's time for this iteration of the universe to find its way into continuity.

In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing is joined by author Dayton Ward to talk about his first book in the Star Trek: Coda series, Moments Asunder. We discuss, the end being near, batting order, collaboration, setting it all up, the villains, complete consumption, loose ends, Wesley, Picard's lineage, who's happy, who lives/who dies, early plans, open doors, how Dayton is feeling, where to find him online and our final thoughts.

In the news section Bruce Gibson joins Matthew to discuss the zero issue of Mirror War as well as the finale to Year Five.

News
Mirror War #0 (00:02:57)
Year Five, the Final Issue (00:08:54)

Feature: Dayton Ward
The End is Near (00:14:56)
Batting Order (00:26:48)
Collaboration (00:29:16)
Setting it All Up (00:30:20)
The Villains (00:34:18)
Complete Consumption (00:38:46)
Loose Ends (00:41:07)
Redeeming Wesley (00:44:23)
Picard's Lineage (00:49:51)
Who's Happy (00:58:32)
Who Lives, Who Dies (01:00:41)
Early Plans (01:06:50)
Open Doors (01:08:06)
How Dayton is Feeling (01:11:55)
Dayton Online (01:14:26)
Final Thoughts (01:20:22)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Dayton Ward

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Recovery.

The lost years for Kirk, Spock and McCoy have been eventful yet the fabric of the universe seems to be finding way to weave them back together as the time of The Motion Picture draws ever nearer.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson welcome Casey Pettitt to help them talk about Recovery. We discuss, coming to the final book, Kirk, Spock, the Recovery, the Tholians, setting up The Motion Picture, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news we talk about the release of Star Trek: Coda: Moments Asunder as well as the future for Star Trek literature.

News
Begun the Coda Has! (00:02:35)

Feature: Recovery
Coming Into the Final Book (00:06:48)
Kirk (00:11:15)
Spock (00:22:34)
The Recovery (00:26:15)
The Tholians (00:37:56)
Setting Up The Motion Picture (00:43:46)
Ratings (00:48:04)
Final Thoughts (00:53:57)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Casey Pettitt

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Fallen Gods.

The fallout of the Andorian secession from the Federation reverberates clear across the quadrants as the U.S.S. Titan's Andorian members find themselves facing a difficult choice, go home to Andor to help repopulate the species or be placed in a less sensitive posting in Starfleet.

LIn this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about the Titan novel, Fallen Gods. We discuss political separation, fear, Ta'ith, One One Six, the Andorian/Tholian plan, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news we review the penultimate issue of Year Five, #24.

News
Year Five, Issue 24 (00:03:06)

Feature: Fallen Gods
Political Separation (00:19:21)
Fear (00:26:33)
Ta'ith (00:34:05)
One One Six (00:43:26)
The Andorian/Tholian Plan (00:50:19)
Ratings (00:56:51)
Final Thoughts (01:00:26)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

John Jackson Miller: Rogue Elements.

Star Trek: Picard has give fans a lot of new characters whose backstories have not fully been revealed which has given the books many stories to tell!

In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing is joined by author John Jackson Miller to talk about his latest book, Rogue Elements. We discuss the inspiration, the Iotians, Ledger, the final frontier, writing Rios, the holographic doppelgängers, undiscovered connections, Parch, physical media, what is important, further connections, where to find John online and our final thoughts.

In the news section of the show, Bruce Gibson helps Matthew break down the final cover for the Coda series!

News
Oblivion's Gate Cover (00:02:20)

Feature: John Jackson Miller
Inspiration (00:07:19)
The Iotians (00:20:22)
Ledger (00:26:29)
On the Final Frontier (00:33:48)
Writing Rios (00:36:16)
The Holographic Doppelgängers (00:45:09)
Undiscovered Connections (00:50:57)
Parch (00:58:12)
Physical Media (01:08:16)
What is Important (01:15:41)
Further Connections (01:18:34)
Find John Online (01:28:28)
Final Thoughts (01:32:51)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Guest
John Jackson Miller

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer)

Traitor Winds.

The Lost Years series has been filling in the gaps between the end of the five year mission for the Enterprise and the next appearance of the character in The Motion Picture, but before we get the final book, there is one that slots in just before, A Flag Full of Stars.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about the "third" book in The Lost Years series, Traitor Winds. We discuss continuity, focusing on other characters, earth in this time period, the plot, something different, doesn't quite come together, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news we remind everyone that Rogue Elements, the next book in the Picard series is out on August 17th!

News
Rogue Elements Release (00:01:42)

Feature: Traitor Winds
Continuity (00:06:29)
Focusing on Other Characters (00:10:50)
Earth of This Time Period (00:20:02)
The Plot (00:27:39)
Something Different (00:35:33)
Doesn't Quite Come Together (00:41:18)
Ratings (00:44:18)
Final Thoughts (00:48:48)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Cassandra Rose Clarke: Shadows Have Offended.

For the longest time, Star Trek books were written inside the years of each series and with the litverse coming to an end, the books are going to be returning to that format.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones are joined by Cassandra Rose Clarke to talk about her debut Star Trek novel, Shadows Have Offended. We discuss her Star Trek story, writing a Star Trek book, the genesis, Troi and Worf, Crusher, Picard, the unexpected, the Betazoids, links with DS9, dreamweavers, feeling like an episode, the experience, Cassandra online and our final thoughts.

In the news section Bruce Gibson joins Matthew to talk about issues 22 and 23 of the Year Five comic as well as judge the first two covers of the Coda trilogy.

News
Issue 22 (00:03:00)
Issue 23 (00:13:19)
Coda Covers (00:23:30)

Feature: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Cassandra's Star Trek Story (00:31:53)
Writing a Star Trek Book (00:40:25)
The Genesis of the Story (00:42:46)
Troi and Worf (00:45:46)
Crusher Focus (00:50:28)
Picard Focus (00:52:07)
The Unexpected (00:54:20)
The Betazoids (00:55:54)
Links With DS9 (01:02:35)
Dreamweavers (01:05:24)
Feels Like an Episode (01:14:41)
The Experience (01:19:21)
Cassandra Online (01:21:51)
Final Thoughts (01:25:44)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing, C Bryan Jones and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Cassandra Rose Clarke

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Paths of Disharmony.

It has been few years since the Borg's final attack, yet planets are still reeling, facing supply problems, struggling to meet the most basic needs in ways they haven't for over a century and on top of all this the Andorian people are dealing with a reproductive crisis that could mean annihilation for their species if they cannot find a cure.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson continue the Typhon Pact series with Paths of Disharmony. We discuss character work, the blame game, saving civilization, connecting to Vanguard, on their heels, leaving the Federation, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news section we review the 21st issue of the Year 5 series.

News
Year 5, #21 (00:03:01)

Feature: Paths of Disharmony
Character Work (00:11:43)
The Blame Game (00:21:07)
Saving Civilization (00:31:45)
Connecting to Vanguard (00:38:04)
On Their Heels (00:43:03)
Leaving the Federation (00:46:10)
Ratings (00:49:32)
Final Thoughts (00:54:35)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Living Memory.

The period is Star Trek history between The Motion Picture and the Wrath of Khan is ripe for exploration, thankfully in Christopher L. Bennett's latest novel, that is exactly where the story takes place.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Chris Jones talk about Living Memory. We discuss Uhura's history, connections, the Warborn, more than one book, what is Starfleet?, understanding, progress, our ratings and final thoughts.

Feature: Living Memory
Uhura's History (00:04:23)
Connections (00:15:25)
The Warborn (00:18:22)
More Than One Book (00:27:04)
What is Starfleet? (00:32:13)
Understanding (00:36:50)
Progress (00:40:25)
Ratings (00:45:52)
Final Thoughts (00:49:20)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

A Flag Full of Stars.

As the Lost Years series continues, we pick up the story about 8-12 months from where we left off and there have been a lot of changes in the life of James T. Kirk.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about A Flag Full of Stars. We discuss Kirk's life, Riley and Kirk, overcoming prejudice, overcoming fear, the space shuttle, the news, last few things, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news section we discuss the upcoming IDW comic series Star Trek: The Mirror War.

News
Star Trek: The Mirror War (00:03:13)

Feature: A Flag Full of Stars
Kirk's Life (00:09:08)
Riley and Kirk (00:18:02)
Overcoming Prejudice (00:25:09)
Overcoming Fear (00:32:24)
Space Shuttle (00:37:56)
The News (00:45:05)
Last Few Things (00:48:42)
Ratings (00:50:08)
Final Thoughts (00:54:50)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Seize the Fire.

The Gorn have found themselves in a bad way after the Borg attack, one of their biggest fleets decimated and if that wasn't bad enough, their best hatchery planet for their strongest warriors has just been destroyed by a natural disaster.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson continue the Typhon Pact series with Seize the Fire. We discuss the Gorn, to keep or destroy, undercover Starfleet, too much going on?, the Titan crew, diversity, evolution, constructive feedback, our ratings and final thoughts.

Feature: Seize the Fire
The Gorn (00:04:23)
Keep or Destroy (00:15:37)
Undercover Starfleet (00:20:26)
Too Much Going On? (00:24:11)
The Titan Crew (00:28:29)
Diversity (00:31:41)
Evolution (00:39:01)
Constructive Feedback (00:41:26)
Ratings (00:44:46)
Final Thoughts (00:47:35)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Rough Beasts of Empire.

The Typhon Pact hammers out their agreement to formalize relations between six interstellar nations, yet one of the member is still divided into two empires, leaving the Romulans feeling inadequate in comparison to their fellow members.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about Rough Beasts of Empire. We discuss creating the Typhon Pact, Romulan reunification, Sisko, flashbacks, our ratings and final thoughts.

Feature: Rough Beasts of Empire
Creating the Typhon Pact (00:04:54)
Romulan Reunification (00:11:02)
Sisko (00:24:29)
Flashbacks (00:39:43)
Ratings (00:46:29)
Final Thoughts (00:49:11)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Lost Years.

The end of the five year mission for the crew of the Enterprise would bring many changes by the time fans saw them again in The Motion Picture and filling in those gaps between the two was a question for years.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about The Lost Years. We discuss our first readings, filling in the gaps, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, crazy Vulcans, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the news section we review the latest issue of Year Five, #20.

News
Issue #20 (00:03:39)

Feature: The Lost Years
Read Before (00:12:41)
Filling in the Gaps (00:15:16)
Kirk (00:18:55)
Spock (00:28:25)
McCoy (00:40:49)
Crazy Vulcans (00:47:37)
Ratings (00:53:54)
Final Thoughts (00:58:05)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Debt of Honor.

James T. Kirk has lost a lot following the events of The Voyage Home and the one that weighs on him is the debt of honor he feels he owes the Enterprise herself, to reclaim her name in the eyes of the Starfleet.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Chris Jones talk about the comic Debt of Honor. We discuss the art, the framing device, the flashbacks, the present story, the Klingon power shift, losing a son but gaining a daughter, the wrap up, our ratings and final thoughts.

Feature: Debt of Honor
The Art (00:02:07)
The Framing Device (00:05:58)
On the Farragut (00:12:31)
After the Doomsday Incident (00:25:54)
After the Motion Picture (00:33:59)
The Present Takes Over (00:41:10)
Klingon Power Shift (00:45:00)
Lost a Son but Gained a Daughter (00:49:10)
The Wrap Up (00:52:05)
Ratings (00:58:52)
Final Thoughts (01:00:33)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Zero Sum Game.

In the wake of the Dominion War and the Borg invasion he Romulans, Breen, Tholians, Gorn, Tzenkethi, and the Kinshaya have joined forces in a twisted version of the Federation to combat the latest Khitomer Accords Alliance between United Federation of Planets, Klingon Empire, Cardassian Union, and Ferengi Alliance.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson discuss David Mack's Zero Sum Game. We discuss a cold war, Bashir, Ezri and Sarina, spy morality, the Breen, the Aventine crew, anything we missed, our ratings and final thoughts.

In the new we talk about the big changes to the 2021 release schedule, the Star Trek: Coda trilogy, the last book of the year's blurb and our review of Year Five #19.

News
Release Schedule Change (00:02:49)
Star Trek: Coda Trilogy (00:09:57)
The December Book (00:19:00)
Year Five #19 (00:21:11)

Feature: Zero Sum Game
A Cold War (00:27:28)
Bashir and Ezri (00:34:39)
Bashir and Sarina (00:39:51)
Spy Morality (00:42:58)
The Breen (00:44:59)
The Aventine Crew (00:55:49)
Anything We Missed (01:00:54)
Ratings (01:05:12)
Final Thoughts (01:08:38)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Synthesis.

The Titan crew find themselves confronting one of their deepest fears which have only been accentuated by their recent experience with the Borg invasion, will they be able to over come and save the universe from extinction?

In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing is joined by Bruce Gibson, who returns to the show to continue the 24th century novels with Synthesis. We discuss where the Titan is, AI, valid points the Sentries, pride and prejudice, unintended consequences, the Null, ratings and final thoughts.

In the news section Chris Jones joins Matthew to wrap up the Seven's Reckoning series with it's fourth and final issue.

News
Seven's Reckoning #4 (00:02:08)

Feature: Synthesis
Welcome Back Bruce (00:13:51)
Where the Titan Is (00:16:12)
AI (00:16:59)
Valid Points (00:25:25)
The Sentries (00:27:11)
Pride and Prejudice (00:36:27)
Unintended Consequences (00:49:04)
The Null (00:53:32)
Ratings (00:58:28)
Final Thoughts (01:00:58)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Too Long a Sacrifice.

In the middle of the Dominion War, DS9 suffers a bombing on the Promenade at one of the restaurants, as well as a rash of murders that puts a big trade deal in jeopardy which could have dire consequences on the war effort for Starfleet.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones discuss the comic series Too Long a Sacrifice. We discuss the art for the comic, all four of the issues and give our ratings.

In the news section we talk about the upcoming comic releases and have an announcement you'll want to tune in for!

News
Upcoming Comics (00:03:33)
An Announcement! (00:05:42)

Feature: Too Long a Sacrifice
The Art (00:07:37)
Issue 1 (00:13:14)
Issue 2 (00:23:05)
Issue 3 (00:37:00)
Issue 4 (00:53:21)
Ratings (01:01:13)
Final Thoughts (01:04:31)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: The Dark Veil.

With the end of the first season of Star Trek Picard, there were still a lot of questions about what happened in those years between Star Trek Nemesis and the first episode of the series, especially with regards to Riker and his command of the Titan.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones welcome James Swallow to talk about his new book, The Dark Veil. We discuss the Titan in canon, the Riker, writing Thad, fear, Picard and a different response, twisted truth, the Jazari, AI, learning from the past, a cameo, what's next for James and our final thoughts.

In the news section we review some comics, Seven's Reckoning #3 and Year Five #18.

News
Seven's Reckoning #3 (00:03:08)
Year Five #18 (00:09:51)

Feature: James Swallow
The Titan in Canon (00:16:37)
Troi and Riker (00:24:06)
Writing Thad (00:27:48)
Fear (00:33:05)
Picard's Part and Different Responses (00:38:52)
Twisted Truth (00:47:20)
The Jazari (00:53:04)
AI (01:03:05)
Learning From the Past (01:06:58)
A Cameo (01:14:38)
What's Next for James (01:23:41)
Final Thoughts (01:26:56)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
James Swallow

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Una McCormack: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway
Kathryn Janeway is known for her strength, drive, dedication, and nurturing nature. But how did her childhood and early career shape the woman who led her crew back from the Delta Quadrant, against all odds?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones are joined by Kathryn’s ghostwriter—also know as Una McCormack—to find out how parents, grandparents, and even that pesky little sister, helped a young girl from Indiana become one of Starfleet’s most decorated admirals. We also discuss the important role that mentors play in our lives and how the Federation–Cardassian Wars influenced Janeway and those growing up in Starfleet families during the 24th century. In our news segment, we review the first two issues of the Star Trek: Voyager IDW comic miniseries Seven’s Reckoning.

Chapters
Intro (00:00:00)
Star Trek Voyager: Seven’s Reckoning, Issues 1–2 (00:03:14)
Feature: The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway (00:16:41)
Origin of the Project (00:17:51)
Creating Kathryn’s Childhood (00:19:45)
Father–Daughter Relationship (00:25:51)
Choosing the Stories that Inspire (00:35:28)
The Role of Mentors (00:42:15)
Cardassian Backdrop (00:48:08)
Workforce and Janeway’s Desires (00:56:30)
A Nurturing Nature (01:01:59)
Mars! Mars! Mars! (01:07:00)
Closing (01:13:34)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
Una McCormack

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Greg Cox: A Contest of Principles.

The crew of the Enterprise face a challenge unlike any other when when they are called to a system with three different inhabited planets and are asked to observe a contentious election on the only planet in the system the Federation has a relationship with.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones welcome Greg Cox back to the show to talk about his book A Contest of Principles. We discuss keeping it fresh, the ethics of news, story genesis, part of the story, responsibility, re-litigating the past, finding out something new, does the right thing, working with new Trek, what Greg has coming up and where to find him online.

In the news section we judge a book by it's cover, look at the recent as well as upcoming releases for 2021, then review the Year 5 comic issues 15 and 16.

News
Judge a Book by it's Cover (00:01:33)
Upcoming Releases (00:05:03)
Recent Releases (00:06:07)
Year 5 Issues 15 and 16 Review (00:07:06)

Feature: Greg Cox
Keeping it Fresh (00:14:58)
The Ethics of News (00:23:20)
Story Genesis (00:26:59)
Part of the Story (00:31:34)
Responsibility (00:35:27)
Re-litigating the Past (00:40:39)
Finding Out Something New (00:50:06)
Does the Right Thing (00:56:07)
Working in New Trek (00:59:10)
What's Next for Greg (01:04:50)
Greg Online (01:06:49)
Final Thoughts (01:09:12)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
Greg Cox

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Kirsten Beyer: To Lose the Earth.

In March of 2009, author Kirsten Beyer became the captain of the Voyager books and since that time has captivated readers but bring depth and life to a crew in the most astounding ways.

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones  are joined by Kirsten to discuss what could be her final Voyager novel, To Lose the Earth. We discuss the book coming together, breaking our hearts, love you to, drive my car, holographic species, a yellow submarine, let it be, the end, audio book narration, what Kirsten is up to and where to find her as well as our final thoughts.

In our news section we discuss new releases, upcoming books as well as review Year Five issues 13 and 14 as well as the one shot, Hell's Mirror.

News
New Releases and Upcoming Books (00:01:44)
Year Five Issues 13 and 14 (00:03:25)
Hell's Mirror (00:20:32)

Feature: Kirsten Beyer
Come Together (00:32:37)
Spoiler Warning (00:32:37)
Broke My Heart With Harry (00:37:25)
Love You To (00:45:41)
Drive My Car (00:56:35)
Holographic Species (01:05:57)
Yellow Submarine (01:11:13)
Let it Be (01:17:53)
The End (01:23:28)
Author and Narrator (01:34:08)
What Kirsten is Doing and Where to Find Her (01:41:02)
Final Thoughts (01:50:05)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
Kirsten Beyer

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Fearful Summons.

There have been a few books that have brought the crew of the Enterprise back together after the events of The Undiscovered Country, but there is only one that was written by the co-writer of Star Trek VI itself!

In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Chris Jones talk about The Fearful Summons by Denny Martin Flinn. We discuss a captain captured, the Beta Promethians, Starfleet bias, the dolpheels and peace, the crew in retirement, secretly being supported by Starfleet and our ratings.

In the news section we announce our upcoming review schedule for the most recent comics that have been released.

News
Upcoming Comic Reviews (00:02:23)

Feature: The Fearful Summons
Captain Captured (00:04:49)
The Beta Promethians (00:09:55)
Starfleet Bias (00:21:25)
The Dolpheels and Peace (00:25:03)
Kirk in Retirement (00:30:46)
Spock the Actor (00:40:27)
The Others (00:47:10)
Secretly Supported by Starfleet (00:49:56)
Ratings (00:57:52)
Final Thoughts (01:01:29)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

David Mack: More Beautiful Than Death.

J.J. Abrams' Star Trek came out of the gate like a race horse, giving us a new take on the Original Series characters, in a new universe that allowed the creative team at Bad Robot the freedom to take them where they wanted. It was also meant to be a time to forge new boundaries for the literary treks, yet sadly it would take ten years for the books to see publication.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones welcome David Mack back to the show to talk about his book More Beautiful Than Death. We discuss the long publication history, changes to the book, the audiobook market, writing the Kelvin Timeline, themes from the book, the Akiron, disasters, fear and where to find David online and what he has coming up next.

In the news section we look at the new Voyager comic Seven's Reckoning that is coming from IDW and our plans for covering the DS9 comic, Too Long A Sacrifice.

News
Seven's Reckoning Comic (00:01:42)
Too Long A Sacrifice Plan (00:05:19)

Feature: David Mack
It's Been a Long Road (00:06:48)
Changes to the Book (00:09:53)
The Audiobook Market (00:14:53)
Writing the Kelvin Timeline (00:20:44)
Doing What is Right (00:32:25)
Belief (00:37:24)
The Needs of the Many (00:47:09)
The Twist (00:54:21)
The Akiron (01:00:31)
Cultural Impact of Disaster (01:02:07)
The Things Fear Causes (01:08:39)
What is Next and Where to Find David (01:15:58)
Final Thoughts (01:19:31)

Hosts
Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones

Guest
David Mack

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Over a Torrent Sea.

In the aftermath of the devastating events of the Destiny trilogy, the Starship Titan is once again assigned to deep space exploration beyond the farthest borders of the Federation. Investigating an oceanic world of abundant and mysterious life, the crew unwittingly causes distress to the ecosystem and to the lives of the inhabitants of the world, nicknamed Droplet. Now, Captain Riker and Ensign Lavena, cut off from the rest of the crew, must convince their captors of their sincere desire to help the people of Droplet before the damage becomes irreparable.

In their final episode as hosts of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the Star Trek: Titan novel Over a Torrent Sea by Christopher L. Bennett. They talk about Titan's new mission, the Squales of Droplet, Ensign Aili Lavena and her past, a difficult maternal situation for Deanna Troi, the unintended consequences of the crew's decisions, atonement for past mistakes, and wrap up with their final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review the first issue in IDW's new Deep Space Nine miniseries, Too Long a Sacrifice.

News
DS9: Too Long A Sacrifice Comic Review (00:06:03)

Feature: Over a Torrent Sea
Deep Space Mission (00:19:57)
Droplet and the Squales (00:24:36)
Aili Lavena (00:28:16)
Sexual Rendezvous (00:32:06)
Far Off Delivery Ward (00:38:22)
Unintended Consequences (00:48:06)
Atonement (00:53:53)
Ratings (01:04:56)
Final Thoughts (01:16:36)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

John Jackson Miller: Die Standing.

Philippa Georgiou, former Emperor of the Terran Empire in the Mirror Universe, has found herself in our universe and under the watchful eye of Section 31. Believing that she has knowledge and skills useful to the organization, she is recruited to take on a mission into a mysterious region of space known as the Troika. However, she has her own agenda. Will Georgiou make good on her desire to rebuild all she has lost in our universe?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined once again by New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller to talk about his most recent Discovery novel, Die Standing. We talk about Philippa Georgiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius, Section 31, a familiar face from The Original Series, a Trill gymnast named Emony Dax, a vampiric cloud creature, the mysterious Troika and the three species that comprise it, and wrap up with what John is working on now and where he can be found online.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review issue #12 of Star Trek: Year Five, and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 306: There's Shag Carpet on This Ship Somewhere.

News
Star Trek Year Five #12 Review (00:03:05)
Listener Feedback (00:18:04))

Feature: John Jackson Miller
Emperor Philippa Georgiou (00:23:57)
Section 31 (00:46:03)
Finnegan (00:50:06)
Emony Dax (00:54:55)
Quintilian and the Cloud (01:00:57)
Completely Alien Aliens (01:13:31)
Captain Eagan (01:19:20)
The Cascade (01:20:16)
The Final Journey (01:24:30)
Discovery Season 3 Trailer (01:31:51)
The Book Title (01:36:36)
Kenobi (01:39:44)
Evolving Star Trek (01:42:54)
More From JJM (01:45:45)
Final Thoughts (01:50:24)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
John Jackson Miller

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward: Agents of Influence.

When the extraction of undercover agents from the Klingon Empire goes disastrously wrong, it’s up to Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise to come to the rescue. The U.S.S. Endeavour, crashed on the surface of an asteroid, must hold out against Klingon reprisal and Orion attacks long enough to ensure they deliver their valuable passengers safely back to Federation space.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined once again by author Dayton Ward to discuss his newest Original Series novel, Agents of Influence. We talk about the undercover agents at the center of this story, the U.S.S. Endeavour and her crew, the Klingon/Orion alliance, an unorthodox “ground assault” on a starship, Klingons and Humans coming to an understanding, a spy among Starfleet’s ranks, and wrap up with what Dayton is working on now and where he can be found online.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan talk about their decision to move on from Literary Treks and where they will be continuing the Star Trek book and comics discussion in the future. We also respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for the previous episode, Literary Treks 305: The Nacene Scenes.

News
Changes to Literary Treks (00:03:12)
Listener Feedback (00:08:55)

Feature: Dayton Ward
The Premise (00:13:17)
Secret Agents (00:16:53)
U.S.S. Endeavour (00:23:01)
The Lirin (00:31:00)
Orions and the Klingons (00:33:32)
Bridging the Gap (00:35:57)
Ground Assault (00:43:13)
Dampening Field (00:46:35)
The Dreamline (00:47:59)
Who Done It (00:50:16)
The Original Crew (00:54:59)
More From Dayton (01:01:24)
Final Thoughts (01:03:39)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Dayton Ward

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

String Theory, Book 3: Evolution.

After incalculable losses, the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager continue to battle against the forces of "Phoebe Janeway" and her army of exiles, determined to re-enter Exosia. The effects of the conflict among the Nacene threaten to spill beyond the boundaries of the Monorhan system. The very underpinning of the universe threatens to unravel thanks to the actions of the exiled Nacene, and only Voyager stands in their way!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the third and final book in the String Theory trilogy: Evolution by Heather Jarman. We talk about Tom & Harry's adventure in the Q Continuum, The Doctor's mission to Ocampa's past, the final showdown on Voyager, Janeway's absence in this novel, the plot elements that set us up for Voyager's future, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we judge the upcoming More Beautiful Than Death by David Mack by its cover, review issue #11 of Star Trek: Year Five, and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 304: Vulcans Do Not Cry.

News
'More Beautiful Than Death' Details (00:02:20)
New Star Trek Comics Schedule (00:10:39)
Star Trek Year Five #11 Review (00:12:17)
Listener Feedback (00:23:59)

Feature: String Theory: Evolution
Tom and Harry’s Big Adventure (00:27:14)
The Doctor's Quantum Leap (00:39:11)
Showdown on Voyager (00:49:38)
Lack of Janeway (00:54:49)
Setting up for Season 5 (01:02:42)
Ratings (01:09:08)
Final Thoughts (01:14:29)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

String Theory: Fusion.

As Voyager continues her exploration of the Monorhan star system, they encounter a vast array orbiting a black home. Tuvok, having been compelled to board the array, has come under the influence of a mysterious alien lifeform. Meanwhile, a powerful being in the guise of Captain Janeway's sister, Phoebe, carries out her sinister agenda aboard Voyager.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the second book in the String Theory trilogy, Fusion by Kirsten Beyer. We talk about Tuvok's journey, the mysterious array, the fourteenth tribe of Monorha and their role in the events unfolding, Phoebe Janeway, and the cliffhanger ending, wrapping up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we discuss the results of a recent poll in our Goodreads group, review the classic DS9 comic Blood & Honor written by Mark Lenard, and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 303: A Pair of Legs in Sickbay.

News
Post-Series Novels Poll (00:04:08)
DS9 - Blood & Honor Comic Review (00:06:31)
Listener Feedback (00:22:27)

Feature: String Theory: Fusion
Tuvok’s Music (00:29:16)
The Array (00:32:47)
The Fourteenth Tribe (00:36:23)
Phoebe Janeway (00:39:00)
Kol-ut-shan for Tuvok (00:46:09)
Exosia (00:54:22)
Cliffhanger Ending (00:58:11)
Ratings (01:01:38)
Final Thoughts (01:06:59)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

String Theory: Cohesion.

During its seven-year journey through the Delta Quadrant, the U.S.S. Voyager has encountered many strange phenomena and spatial anomalies. Among the strangest turns out to be an impossible binary star system, home to a people who should not be able to survive there. When the crew comes to the aid of the Monorhans, they discover that their desire to help may be outweighed by the terrible risks presented by this strange region of space.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss String Theory: Cohesion by Jeffrey Lang. We talk about the unique setting of the novel, the strange star system, the Monorhans, the effects of the strange radiation in the system, Seven and B'Elanna Torres's contentious relationship, the Key to Gramadia, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about the upcoming Voyager: To Lose the Earth by Kirsten Beyer. We also respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 302: What If A.I. Becomes Mommy?

News
VGR: 'To Lose the Earth' Cover (00:04:42)
Listener Feedback (00:10:47)

Feature: String Theory: Cohesion
The Setting (00:15:52)
An Odd System... (00:21:55)
A Refugee Ship (00:25:02)
The Monorhans (00:33:30)
Radiation Craziness (00:38:13)
Sem's Motivation (00:42:12)
The Seven-B’Elanna Collective (00:47:40)
The Key to Gremadia (00:59:26)
Next Time on Voyager… (01:04:55)
Ratings (01:07:55)
Final Thoughts (01:10:47)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Alan Dean Foster: The Unsettling Stars.

The J.J. Abrams film Star Trek was released over a decade ago now, and as expected, novels featuring the new "Kelvin Timeline" crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise were solicited. Four novels were originally scheduled, but none of them were released... until now! Newly-minted Captain James T. Kirk leads the Enterprise on a rescue mission to save a ship of refugees. Settling them on a nearby planet, all seems well. However, the refugees and their new neighbors are soon at odds for what seems to be the strangest of reasons.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson & Dan Gunther welcome legendary author Alan Dean Foster to the show to discuss his new novel, The Unsettling Stars. We talk about the long path to publication for this novel, the experience of writing the alternate Trek characters, the two major alien races in the novel, the unique problem presented by the Perenoreans, Alan Dean Foster's contributions to the legacy of Star Trek, and wrap up with what he is working on now and where he can be found online.

At the top of the show, we report on the newly-released cover for the newest Star Trek Little Golden Book. We also review a DS9 comic, "The Rules of Diplomacy," written by Aron Eisenberg, Nog himself! And finally, we discuss listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 301: Sing a Song of Sixpence.

News
Star Trek Alphabet Book Cover (00:03:23)
DS9: The Rules of Diplomacy Comic Review (00:06:04)
Listener Feedback (00:15:32)

Feature: Alan Dean Foster
Kicking Off the Kelvin Timeline (00:18:56)
Writing the Alternate Characters (00:24:14)
The Perenoreans and the SiBor (00:30:36)
Being Too Helpful (00:36:25)
No Flaws, Then No Drama (00:39:19)
Making People Think (00:44:09)
Identifying With Aliens (00:47:22)
Contributions to Star Trek (00:51:45)
More From Alan (01:00:09)
Final Thoughts (01:03:08)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Alan Dean Foster

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Seven of Nine.

In Star Trek: Voyager's fourth season, a new character was introduced: Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone liberated from the Collective by Captain Janeway and her crew. Played by Jeri Ryan, the character was an immediate hit, so it only makes sense that the character would eventually be introduced into the Voyager tie-in novels being published at the time.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome Suzanne Williamson to the show to discuss the Voyager novel Seven of Nine by Christie Golden. We talk about capitalizing on a new character, Annika Hansen and Seven's memories, the significance of the ravens, the Skedans and their vendetta against Emperor Beytek, ties to the wider lit-verse, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we discuss the delays in the publication of Trek comics thanks to COVID-19. We also respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 300: Miss Cleo's Just a Spectre!

News
IDW Comics COVID-19 (00:02:56)
Listener Feedback (00:08:19)

Feature: Seven of Nine
First Time Read? (00:13:33)
Capitalizing on a New Character (00:17:05)
Insights into Seven of Nine (00:20:14)
Her Memories and Pathways (00:25:38)
The Black Birds (00:36:28)
The Skedans' Weapon (00:42:48)
Poor Harry and Chakotay (00:49:10)
Tom and B'Elanna (00:54:49)
Ties to the Wider Lit-verse (00:56:52)
Emperor Beytek and Xanarit (00:58:57)
Ratings (01:01:21)
Final Thoughts (01:07:47)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Suzanne Williamson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Higher Frontier.

Mysterious armored warriors have reduced the Aenar population to nearly zero. Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise must investigate this brutal and seemingly unprovoked attack with the help of Miranda Jones and the Medusan ambassador, Kollos. However, the situation escalates when the targets of the mysterious attackers expands to include other telepaths, including members of the Enterprise crew. Can the mystery surrounding these dangerous warriors be solved before more lives are lost?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the new TOS novel The Higher Frontier by Christopher L. Bennett. We talk about Commander Thelin and the Aenar, the "New Humans," a sequel to "Is There in Truth No Beauty?," the war between the Spectres and the Lords, parallels to hate groups here on Earth, ending the novel on a hopeful note, some fun references from the author, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about the recently announced TOS novel, A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox. We also respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 299: We Need a Kick in Our Complacency.

News
TOS: A Contest of Principles Synopsis (00:05:45)
Listener Feedback (00:09:23)

Feature: The Higher Frontier
The Aenar and Thelin (00:16:19)
New Humans (00:24:16)
Is There in Truth No Beauty? (00:30:16)
The Spectres and Lords (00:34:53)
V'Ger (00:41:22)
Hate Groups (00:44:15)
T'Nalae and the V'tosh ka'tur (00:51:53)
Ending on a Hopeful Note (00:54:53)
Admiral Morrow (00:57:35)
Starfleet: The Enterprise Chronicles (00:59:37)
Ratings (01:05:37)
The Crew's New Positions (01:09:44)
Final Thoughts (01:13:08)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Losing the Peace.

The Federation has won the war. The Borg, once humanity's most lethal enemy, are gone forever. However, new challenges arise as the people of the Federation deal with the aftermath of the greatest, most unimaginable loss of life, leading to the displacement of countless Federation citizens. Will Starfleet have won the war only to lose the peace they've struggled so valiantly for?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by The Edge's Brandi Jackola to talk about Losing the Peace by William Leisner. We talk about Crusher's role in the story including flashbacks to her past, the refugee situation on Pacifica, Chen and Taurik's grief, Choudhury's journey, the grim reminder to listen to our better angels, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we discuss the newly-revealed cover of *Agents of Influence* by Dayton Ward and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 298: Utopia is a Series of Choices.

News
Agents of Influence Cover (00:02:16)
Listener Feedback (00:07:08)

Feature: Losing the Peace
Having Not Read the Books Before (00:13:47)
Starting at Chateau Picard (00:18:58)
Beverly Helping Others Selflessly (00:23:52)
Refugees on Pacifica (00:31:27)
Chen and Taurik’s Grief (00:40:25)
Choudhury Coming to Terms (00:45:55)
Listen to our Better Angels (00:51:45)
Kadohata and Her Family (00:56:55)
Captain Hernandez Reference (00:59:54)
Ratings (01:01:02)
Final Thoughts (01:09:30)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Una McCormack: The Last Best Hope.

Since the debut of Star Trek: Picard earlier this year, fans have been enjoying the continued adventures of Jean-Luc Picard as he delves into the mystery of Dahj and Soji, the android daughters of his former shipmate, Lt. Commander Data. However, many things have changed since Star Trek Nemesis and the year in which Picard is set. How did we get from there to here?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome Una McCormack, author of Picard: The Last Best Hope to the show. We discuss the process of writing the novel, the social issues it deals with, the threat of the breakup of the Federation, the research led by Dr. Amal Safadi, the crew of Picard's new ship, the Verity, the revenge of the synths, a melancholy ending, and wrap up with what Una is currently working on and where she can be found online.

In the news segment, we judge the upcoming Star Trek: Discovery: Die Standing by its cover and back-cover blurb, and report on the pending sale of Simon & Schuster. We also respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 297: A Palm Punch with No Follow Through.

News
DIS: Die Standing Cover (00:02:57)
ViacomCBS Selling Simon & Schuster (00:06:39)
Listener Feedback (00:10:09)

Feature: Una McCormack
The Process (00:12:21)
Social Issues (00:21:30)
Federation Secession (00:26:21)
Critical Findings Remain Secret (00:32:10)
Admiral Picard (00:41:37)
A Melancholy Ending (00:46:27)
U.S.S. Verity Crew (00:52:40)
Revenge of the Synths (00:57:03)
Close to Canon (01:02:51)
Hollow Men and More (01:04:57)
Final Thoughts (01:08:17)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Una McCormack

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward: Kirk Fu Manual.

Starfleet has always been an organization dedicated to the peaceful exploration of space. However, Starfleet officers have to be able to defend themselves against the threats that the final frontier throws at them. To that end, Starfleet trains its officers in a variety of hand-to-hand combat skills. An expert wielder of these martial arts is Captain James T. Kirk, who has not only mastered these skills, but also has developed some of his own unique techniques of dealing with aggressive alien threats!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome Dayton Ward back to the show to talk about his book Kirk Fu Manual: A Guide to Starfleet's Most Feared Martial Art. We discuss where the idea for the book came from, Dayton's process of writing it, the fantastic artwork, Dayton's favorite Kirk Fu moves, where our listeners can find the book, and wrap up with where Dayton can be found online and what he is currently working on.

At the top of the show, we talk about the recently announced DS9 comic miniseries Too Long a Sacrifice from IDW and review Star Trek: Year Five #10.

News
DS9: Too Long a Sacrifice Miniseries (00:03:50)
Star Trek Year Five #10 Comic Review (00:06:31)

Feature: Dayton Ward
The Book Idea (00:19:49)
Writing the Book (00:24:39)
Favorite Kirk Moves (00:27:31)
The Artwork (00:31:18)
Promoting the Book (00:38:11)
Where Available (00:41:48)
More From Dayton (00:44:21)
Star Trek Never Ends (00:48:34)
Final Thoughts (00:57:52)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Dayton Ward

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Battle of Betazed.

At the height of the Dominion War, the peaceful world of Betazed was invaded by the Jem'Hadar and the Cardassians in pursuit of their goal of control over the Alpha Quadrant. With Starfleet stretched thin, the Betazoid Resistance comes up with a desperate plan to turn their power of telepathy against the occupying forces. However, the use of their talents in the goal of killing may change the face of the peace-loving Betazoid culture forever...

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Earl Grey's Amy Nelson to discuss the TNG novel The Battle of Betazed by Charlotte Douglas & Susan Kearney. We talk about the criminal Hent Tevren, killing with telepathy, Dr. Crell Moset, DS9's contributions to the mission, Troi's command abilities, the fateful choice facing the people of Betazed, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we report on four new upcoming novels from Simon & Schuster. We also review the Star Trek: Year 5 Valentine's Day special issue and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 294: Walls Behind Walls Behind Walls.

News
Agents of Influence Blurb (00:03:07)
Other New Releases (00:05:08)
ST: Year Five Valentine's Special (00:08:12)
Listener Feedback (00:22:18)

Feature: The Battle of Betazed
Initial Thoughts (00:24:47)
Hent Tevren (00:33:06)
Killing Me Softly (00:40:32)
Crell Moset (00:51:02)
Lemec and Luaran (00:57:50)
DS9 Representation (01:00:27)
Deanna Troi's Mission (01:07:50)
Violations on Troi (01:12:56)
Amy's Math Moment (01:20:00)
Ratings (01:23:49)
Final Thoughts (01:34:44)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Amy Nelson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Mike Johnson: Picard: Countdown.

With an unspeakable tragedy about to strike the homeworld of the Romulan Empire, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard undertakes a daring mission: leading a rescue armada to evacuate millions of Romulan citizens. However, not everyone is supportive of this mission, and the admiral faces some unexpected resistance when he tries to save everyone in danger, not just the Romulans.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome Mike Johnson, co-writer of Star Trek: Picard: Countdown, back to the show. We discuss how the comic trilogy came about, the inclusion of characters from TNG, Picard's new first officer, Tal Shiar operatives Laris and Zhaban, Admiral Picard during this time, the natives of Yuyat Beta, Romulan diversity, the machinations of the Tal Shiar, and wrap up with what Mike is working on now and where he can be found online.

At the top of the show we review Star Trek: Year Five #9 and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 294: Pulling the Strings.

News
Star Trek Year Five #9 Comic Review (00:02:25)
Listener Feedback (00:14:24)

Feature: Mike Johnson
Getting Started (00:20:11)
TNG Characters (00:27:21)
Commander Raffi Musiker (00:32:12)
Laris and Zhaban (00:35:36)
Who is Admiral Picard? (00:38:01)
Yuyat Beta Natives (00:41:58)
Making It All Fit (00:46:00)
Romulan Diversity (00:51:33)
The Tal Shiar (00:55:42)
More To Come (01:01:18)
Final Thoughts (01:07:17)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Mike Johnson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Hollow Men.

Deep Space Nine has always tended towards the darker side of Star Trek, and there is no greater example than the sixth season episode "In the Pale Moonlight." In order to bring the Romulans into the war on the side of the Federation, Sisko enlists the aid of Garak to produce fake evidence of a Dominion invasion plan for Romulus. Of course, things go sideways, and the result is murder. But what was the fallout from these events?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the Deep Space Nine novel Hollow Men by Una McCormack. We talk about how the novel follows up on "In the Pale Moonlight," the guilt that Sisko is wrestling with, the enigma of Tomas Roeder, former Starfleet officer turned peace activist, the strange crew of the freighter Ariadne, Odo's suspicions about a theft on the station, how all these storylines tie together in the end, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we judge Alan Dean Foster's upcoming Trek novel The Unsettling Stars by its cover, and we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 293: And Then What Happened?.

News
The Unsettling Stars Cover (00:02:43)
Listener Feedback (00:06:08)

Feature: Hollow Men
Following "In the Pale Moonlight" (00:11:09)
Sisko's Guilt (00:17:37)
Garak in a Deep, Dark Hole (00:28:40)
Tomas Roeder (00:34:45)
The Crew of the Ariadne (00:37:50)
Suspicious Activities (00:42:58)
Putting the Pieces Together (00:49:20)
Ratings (01:10:31)
Final Thoughts (01:16:18)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Keith R.A. DeCandido: A Singular Destiny.

The galaxy has been changed forever. The Borg, once the Federation's most fearsome enemy, has been eliminated once and for all thanks to the efforts of four courageous Starfleet captains. But now, the Federation and the rest of the powers in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants are left to pick up the pieces after the devastating invasion that left billions dead. New challenges and mysteries are on the horizon, however, and the long-term consequences of the Borg invasion are only now beginning to be felt.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by Keith R.A. DeCandido to discuss his novel A Singular Destiny. We talk about following up Destiny, the interstitial chapters which give us a glimpse into hidden corners of Federation society, Sonek Pran and his uniqueness in the Star Trek universe, President Nan Bacco, the Typhon Pact, A Singular Destiny's legacy, and wrap up with what Keith is working on now and where he can be found online.

In the news segment, we report on four upcoming titles: Picard: The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack, Picard: Official Collector's Edition behind-the-scenes book from Titan, The Original Series: The Higher Frontier by Chrisopher L. Bennett, and Hell's Mirror, a Khan/Mirror Universe comic coming from IDW! We also respond to Babel Conference feedback for Literary Treks 291: Get People Laughing While They're Squatting and Literary Treks 292: More of a Culmets Book.

News
Picard: The Last Best Hope Cover (00:03:21)
ST: Picard Official Collector's Edition (00:05:48)
TOS: The Higher Frontier Cover (00:07:58)
TOS: Hell's Mirror Comic Announced (00:10:52)
Listener Feedback (00:13:12)

Feature: Keith R.A. DeCandido
Post-Destiny (00:21:53)
Interstitial Bits Between Chapters (00:28:26)
Sonak Pran (00:33:27)
Articles of the Federation (00:46:25)
Typhon Pact (00:50:41)
A Singular Destiny's Legacy (00:57:16)
The Cover Art (01:07:17)
More From Keith (01:09:42)
Final Thoughts (01:19:25)
Bonus Tidbit From Keith (01:27:32)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Keith R.A. DeCandido

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Dave Galanter: Dead Endless.

While Stamets leads the U.S.S. Discovery through the mycelial network, an error occurs, and the starship becomes trapped within the network. A mysterious stranger, calling out to Stamets, appears to be a human Starfleet officer, but the crew can't be sure. With the starship's hull suffering under the onslaught of the inhabitants of the network, can Stamets and the rest of the crew of Discovery escape in time?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by author Dave Galanter to discuss his new Discovery novel Dead Endless. We talk about how the story came about, the setting of this story, the relationship between Hugh Culber and Paul Stamets, the mysterious Ephraim, the secondary characters in the story, the bond between a trio of great characters, and end with where Dave can be found online and what he is working on now.

At the top of the show, we review the new Voyager mirror universe comic Mirrors and Smoke, and respond to your feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 290: I Want All the Spock.

News
VGR: Mirrors and Smoke Comic Review (00:02:35)
Listener Feedback (00:25:22)

Feature: Dave Galanter
Crafting the Novel (00:27:22)
Secret Hints in the Books (00:35:33)
The Tragedy of Culber (00:42:29)
Love to the Other Characters (00:47:04)
The Casting of Discovery (00:56:38)
Ephraim (01:01:49)
Hugh Is Right For Paul (01:09:05)
Writing a Gay Love Story (01:16:18)
Getting the Voice of the Characters (01:22:38)
Saru-Burnham-Georgiou Bond (01:26:42)
Easter Egg at the End (01:31:45)
Final Words from Dave (01:36:43)
Final Thoughts (01:48:14)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Dave Galanter

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Robb Pearlman: Body By Starfleet.

Let's face it: as Star Trek fans, our primary way of enjoying this franchise is by sitting and watching the hundreds of hours of television shows and films that make up our favorite science fiction universe. But now, thanks to a book that recently hit store shelves, we can use Star Trek to inspire us to get up off the couch and get more active!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author Robb Pearlman on the show to discuss his new book Body By Starfleet: A Fitness Guide. We talk about where the idea for the guide came from, the real exercises within its pages, the fantastic illustrations, some of our favorite exercises, how non-humanoids can get in on the action, an amusing tie-in video on startrek.com, and wrap up with where Robb can be found online and what he's working on next.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review Star Trek: Year Five #8 from IDW and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 289: It Is Better to Heal Than to Harm.

News
Star Trek Year Five #8 Comic Review (00:03:14)
Listener Feedback (00:17:13)

Feature: Discovery: Robb Pearlman
The Workout Idea (00:26:45)
Real Exercises with Puns (00:31:21)
Illustrations (00:37:29)
Some Favorite Exercises (00:40:19)
Captain's Workout Log (00:43:30)
Nonhumanoid Exercises (00:46:36)
Video on startrek.com (00:51:02)
More From Robb (00:56:25)
Final Thoughts (01:02:28)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Robb Pearlman

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Discovery: Aftermath.

At the culmination of season two of Star Trek: Discovery, the titular starship has traveled through a wormhole into an uncertain future. However, the century they left behind is uncertain as well. A tenuous state of peace exists between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, a situation that both Captain Pike and Chancellor L'Rell are eager to capitalize on. But will they manage to maintain that peace with the forces of chaos doing all they can to disrupt it?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by The Edge's Brandi Jackola to discuss the Discovery comic trilogy Aftermath. We talk about the surprise return of Kor, Spock's coming to terms with the aftermath of season two of Discovery, L'Rell's ability to play politics, The Shadows of Kahless, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings for the trilogy as a whole.

In the news segment, we talk about the release of Star Trek: Picard: Countdown #1 from IDW and Body by Starfleet by Robb Pearlman. We also respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 288: The Golden Girls in Space.

News
Star Trek: Picard - Countdown #1 Releases (00:02:14)
Body by Starfleet Releases (00:04:29)
Listener Feedback (00:07:08)

Feature: Discovery: Aftermath
Aftermath Issue #1 (00:17:11)
Aftermath Issue #2 (00:46:09)
Aftermath Issue #3 (01:08:51)
Ratings (01:32:10)
Final Thoughts (01:38:06)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

David Mack: Lost Souls.

Vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the relentless Borg advance, the United Federation of Planets faces its final hours. Captain Erika Hernandez, formerly of the Columbia, may be all that stands in the path of the insatiable hunger of the Borg Queen for the destruction of the Federation. She and the mysterious Caeliar, with their unlikely link to the Borg, may hold the secret to ending the threat from the Collective once and for all. But will victory come in time for the people of the Federation?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by the author of the Destiny trilogy, David Mack, to discuss the final book, Lost Souls, and the trilogy as a whole. We talk about the genesis of this epic story, the various character issues that are confronted, Picard's link to the Borg and how it has affected him these many years, Erika Hernandez's part in the story, hope vs. fear, the origin of the Borg Collective, the legacy of Star Trek: Destiny, and wrap up with where David can be found online and what he has coming out in the next year.

At the top of the show, we respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 287: Fear Usually Leads to Chaos.

News
Listener Feedback (00:03:40)

Feature: David Mack
Creating the Destiny Trilogy (00:09:38)
Small Character Moments (00:29:19)
An Impaired Picard (00:35:20)
Erika Hernandez (00:39:45)
Grace Under Pressure (00:49:54)
The Origin of the Borg (00:59:07)
Give Death Back Its Teeth (01:05:17)
The Finale (01:13:51)
The Legacy of Destiny (01:19:24)
The Books That Follow (01:23:41)
More From David (01:30:15)
Final Thoughts (01:35:04)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
David Mack

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Mere Mortals.

The Borg continue to threaten the Federation with extinction, and its up to the crews of the Enterprise, Aventine, and Titan to stop them! On New Erigol, the Titan crew find themselves stranded, at the mercy of the mysterious Caelier and their centuries-old companion, Captain Erika Hernandez of the Columbia. Meanwhile, the Enterprise and Aventine explore the subspace tunnels that fill the Azure Nebula. Will they be able to determine which of them the Borg are using to enter Federation space and close it in time?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discus the second book in the Destiny trilogy Mere Mortals. We talk about the Enterprise and Aventine's attempts to scout the subspace tunnels, the plight of the Titan crew, Captain Hernandez's experiences with the Caeliar, President Bacco's attempts to win the Federation allies in their struggle against the Borg, Pazlar and Ra-Havreii's psychological issues, Deanna's ill-fated pregnancy, the shocking ending, and wrap up with our final thoughts.

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 286: The Wrong Thing for the Right Reason.

News
Listener Feedback (00:05:52)

Feature: Mere Mortals
The Middle Book (00:14:00)
Captains Dax and Picard (00:16:39)
Subspace Tunnels (00:20:16)
Titan on New Erigol (00:32:41)
Hernandez's Transformation (00:37:36)
President Bacco (00:49:20)
Pazlar and Ra-Havreii (00:54:55)
Deanna's Plight (01:00:08)
The Ending (01:06:03)
Ratings (01:16:20)
Final Thoughts (01:20:54)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gods of Night.

As an apocalyptic Borg attack on the Federation begins, the crews of Starfleet's finest starships must rise to the occasion to defend everything they know and love. Meanwhile, the crashed wreck of the Starship Columbia may hold the key to explaining the Borg's vengeful invasion of the Federation. What happened 200 years ago that caused Columbia to crash, and how did it end up in the Gamma Quadrant?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by The 602 Club's Matthew Rushing to discuss the first book in the Destiny trilogy by David Mack: Gods of Night. We talk about the mystery of the Columbia, the actions of the MACOs that led to her destruction, the mysterious Caeliar, Picard & Crusher's story, Riker & Troi on the Titan, an emotional moment for one of the Voyager crew, the cliffhanger ending, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we report on four new hardcover books announced at Destination Star Trek Birmingham: The Art of Star Trek: Discovery by Paula M. Block & Terry J. Erdmann, Star Trek: Voyager: A Celebration by Ben Robinson, The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway "edited" by Una McCormack, and The Artistry of Dan Curry by Dan Curry & Ben Robinson. We also review issue #7 of Star Trek: Year Five and respond to feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 285: Those Bloody Mind Control Revolts!

News
Four New Books for 2020 (00:03:50)
Star Trek Year Five #7 Comic Review (00:13:15)
Listener Feedback (00:21:41)

Feature: Gods of Night
First Thoughts on Destiny (00:29:59)
U.S.S. Aventine Finds the Columbia (00:40:29)
Mutiny and Desperation (00:45:23)
The Caeliar (00:53:08)
Picard and the Borg (01:05:40)
Life on the U.S.S. Titan (01:10:44)
A Heartbreaking Voyager Moment (01:17:43)
The End of Book One (01:23:25)
Ratings (01:29:21)
Final Thoughts (01:35:16)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Matthew Rushing

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

David Mack: Collateral Damage.

Eight years ago, Captain Jean-Luc Picard was party to events that led to the ouster and eventual assassination of disgraced Federation President Min Zife. Now, he must return to Earth to face the music in a hearing called to determine his culpability in those events. Meanwhile, the Enterprise, under the command of Worf, must deal with a determined enemy in possession of a weapon capable of inflicting unimaginable damage on the Federation.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are once again joined by author David Mack to discuss his most recent novel Collateral Damage. We talk about wrapping up the loose ends of Tezwa, the inspiration for the Nausicaans' plight, the unique literary devices used in this novel, a Starfleet Intelligence spin-off, Worf's development as a character, Lieutenant Aneta Šmrhová, Picard's hearing and eventual fate, and wrap up with where David can be found online and what he is working on now.

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference with your thoughts on Literary Treks 284: Smoothing Over the Rough Edges of Canon.

News
Listener Feedback (00:02:29)

Feature: David Mack
There Is A Plan (00:08:24)
Tying Up Loose Ends (00:12:07)
The Forgotten Nausicaans (00:24:54)
First-Person Narratives (00:39:29)
Agent Thadiun Okona (00:45:12)
Worf and Aneta Šmrhová (00:54:21)
The Hearing of Picard (01:07:13)
Star Trek: Picard (01:22:41)
More from David (01:26:37)
Final Thoughts (01:35:13)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
David Mack

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Motion Picture: 40th Anniversary Edition.

A destructive menace is heading directly towards Earth, and the Enterprise is the only starship in interception range. Admiral James T. Kirk must once again assume command to take on this threat and solve the mystery of "Veejur" before it destroys all life on Earth. The film that launched the Star Trek movie series has mixed reviews, but the novelization of that movie offers us a glimpse into the mind of the creator of Star Trek!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by "Dr. Trek" himself, Larry Nemecek, to discuss the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture by Gene Roddenberry. We talk about differences between the film and the novel, the persistent "Alan Dean Foster myth," Kirk's subtextual relationship with Spock, the story from Veejur's perspective, Decker's ultimate fate, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we report on the announcement of Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Inside the Art & Visual Effects by Jeff Bond & Gene Kozicki, coming in March of 2020. We also respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 283: Everyone's Tilting at Windmills.

News
ST:TMP Inside The Art & Visual Effects (00:03:40)
Listener Feedback (00:04:40)

Feature: The Motion Picture: 40th Anniversary Edition
The Motion Picture (00:10:39)
Different Iterations (00:20:53)
The "Alan Dean Foster" Myth (00:24:24)
T'hy'la and New Humans (00:31:32)
Mining TMP for Future Star Trek (00:46:48)
Canon Has Evolved (00:55:09)
"In Thy Image" (01:01:55)
V'Ger's Perspective (01:08:26)
Additional Scenes (01:12:42)
Epsilon Nine or IX (01:20:46)
Marriage Contracts (01:24:06)
Ratings (01:28:17)
Final Thoughts (01:37:58)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Larry Nemecek

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Greater Than the Sum.

In recent months, the Borg have returned again and again to threaten the peace of the Federation. Now, Picard and his crew must team up with unexpected allies to prevent the Borg from acquiring quantum slipstream technology, an advancement that would give the Borg unprecedented power to assimilate the Federation. Along with a new and untested crewmember, the men and women under Captain Picard's command face incredible odds in their latest round with the Borg.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the TNG novel Greater Than the Sum by Christopher L. Bennett. We talk about Lieutenant T'Ryssa Chen, Christopher Bennett's amazing ability to "fix" glitches in Star Trek continuity, a star cluster filled with strange new worlds, an old friend named Hugh, a plan to destroy the Borg once and for all, the ending that leads into David Mack's Destiny trilogy, how this story jives with what we know about Star Trek: Picard, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 282: And Then Wonder Woman Shows Up!

News
Listener Feedback (00:03:43)

Feature: Greater Than the Sum
More of the Borg (00:11:41)
Introducing T'Ryssa Chen (00:14:52)
The Mystery of This Novel (00:21:12)
Bringing It All Together (00:25:49)
Star Cluster NGC 6281 (00:32:18)
Picard and Crusher (00:38:03)
Jasminder Choudhury (00:44:30)
Hugh and the Liberated (00:47:53)
The Plan (00:56:32)
The Epilogue (01:05:22)
Compatibility with Star Trek: Picard (01:09:13)
Ratings (01:12:56)
Final Thoughts (01:16:29)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Vendetta.

The Borg: the Federation's most lethal adversary. A force of nature, nearly unstoppable, and the harbinger of doom for any civilization unfortunate enough to come to the attention of this cybernetic menace. The crew of the Enterprise thwarted their attack on the Federation once; but now, when this relentless enemy comes again in force, can the Federation once again be saved?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the TNG novel Vendetta by Peter David. We talk about Picard's mysterious connection to a woman with a vendetta, the horrors of a Borg attack, Geordi's quixotic role in the novel, new types of Borg, Picard's rival, the Doomsday Machine, the theme of Vendetta, how this book compares to its sequel, Before Dishonor, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, we talk about a number of new releases: issue #2 of Star Trek: Aftermath, the 40th anniversary edition of the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture by Gene Roddenberry, and Star Trek: The Next Generation: Collateral Damage by David Mack. We also review issue #6 of Star Trek: Year Five, and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 281: The Next Evolutionary Step of the Borg.

News
New Releases (00:03:24)
ST: Year Five #6 Comic Review (00:05:53)
Listener Feedback (00:16:46)

Feature: Vendetta
Picard's Long Lost Love (00:28:43)
The Borg Attack! (00:34:09)
Geordi "Don Quixote LaForge (00:38:49)
The First Female Borg (00:43:32)
A Ferengi Borg (00:48:39)
Capt. Korsmo and Cmdr. Shelby (00:51:34)
Guinan's Sister (00:58:02)
Striving to Achieve (01:03:18)
A Prequel to Before Dishonor (01:12:54)
Ratings (01:15:46)
Final Thoughts (01:19:43)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Aaron Harvey: The Official Guide to the Animated Series.

An often-overlooked corner of the Star Trek universe, the animated Star Trek series of 1973-'74 was the first time Trek would make a comeback. Utilizing most of the original voice talent, TAS approached storytelling in much the same way as its predecessor. A comprehensive guide to this groundbreaking series has never been made available... until now!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Aaron Harvey, Trek.fm host and co-author of Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series. We discuss his passion for the animated adventures of Star Trek, how he and co-author Rich Schepis got the job of creating this guide, the process of putting the book together, the layout of the book, some interesting surprises that were revealed about the series, and wrap up by talking about where Aaron can be found online.

In the news section, we talk about the release of issue #1 of Star Trek: Discovery: Aftermath from IDW, get a sneak peek of Dayton Ward's upcoming Kirk Fu manual, and judge the cover of the upcoming novel Star Trek: Discovery: Dead Endless by Dave Galanter. We also respond to your Babel Conference feedback for Literary Treks 280: The Rigellians are Psycho.

News
Discovery Aftermath #1 Comic Releases (00:02:57)
Preview Pages from Kirk Fu (00:04:43)
DSC: Dead Endless Cover (00:06:53)
Listener Feedback (00:09:12)

Feature: Aaron Harvey
Passion for TAS (00:15:44)
Getting the Gig (00:22:00)
Canon or Not Canon (00:27:10)
Crafting the Book (00:33:14)
Found Artifacts (00:37:56)
Deep Messages (00:49:17)
The Art in the Book (00:58:31)
Fun Detective Investigations (01:01:55)
Colors, Ships, and Bloopers (01:08:05)
More from Aaron (01:16:02)
Final Thoughts (01:18:20)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Aaron Harvey

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Before Dishonor.

The Enterprise has fought a costly battle with the Borg. Now, the massive cube they faced seems to be dormant, and Starfleet sends a team led by Admiral Kathryn Janeway to investigate. However, the Borg ship comes alive without warning and captures the admiral, using her to lead a direct attack on the heart of the Federation. Now, it's up to the crew of the Enterprise, along with Spock and Seven of Nine, to counter the renewed Borg threat.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss Before Dishonor by Peter David. We talk about the newly-evolved Borg, Seven of Nine's role in the story, Ambassador Spock, unexpected actions taken by Picard's crew, the Doomsday Machine, Admiral Janeway's fate, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we review Star Trek: Year Five #5 from IDW and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 279: The Young, Rash, Impetuous Russian.

News
Star Trek: Year Five #5 Review (00:03:26)
Listener Feedback (00:18:05)

Feature: Before Dishonor
The Borg Again (00:24:16)
Feels Like a Comic Book (00:33:01)
Seven of Nine and Vargo (00:36:30)
Picard is Doomed! (00:41:49)
Spock Boards the Enterprise (00:46:49)
Mutiny (00:53:27)
The Doomsday Machine (01:01:11)
The Battle (01:03:56)
Death Becomes Her (01:08:54)
Some Interesting Notes (01:14:15)
Ratings (01:19:04)
Final Thoughts (01:26:20)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Early Voyages #1-4.

Captain Christopher Pike has played a large role in the Star Trek universe over the past year, and we have made a concerted effort to take a look at the books that chronicle the adventures of this captain of the Enterprise. So it only makes sense to cast our gaze back to the late '90s, when Marvel Comics briefly held the licence to print Star Trek comic books, and released a series based on the voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Chris Pike.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Shahank Avaaru and Barry DeFord of the Trek Geeks podcast Poli-Treks to discuss the first four issues of Star Trek: Early Voyages. We talk about the crew's introduction in "Flesh of My Flesh," a face-off with the Klingons in "The Fires of Pharos," the crisis on Rigel VII in "Our Dearest Blood," and revisit Talos IV from a new perspective in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage." We wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings and where Barry and Shashank can be found online.

At the top of the show, we respond to your feedback on the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 278: His Losses Continue to "Mount."

News
Brief Updates (00:04:19)
Listener Feedback (00:05:59)

Feature: Early Voyages #1-4
Welcoming the PoliTreks Guys (00:12:31)
Flesh of My Flesh (00:17:29)
The Fires of Pharos (00:32:12)
Our Dearest Blood (00:43:07)
Nor Iron Bars a Cage (00:58:22)
Ratings (01:15:29)
Final Thoughts (01:26:08)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guests
Shahank Avaaru
Barry DeFord

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Greg Cox: The Antares Maelstrom.

A 23rd century gold rush kicks off when a rare element is discovered on planet Baldur III, and it's up to the crew of the Enterprise to maintain order when the small colony world is overrun by pioneers hoping to strike it rich. Complicating matters is the nearby Antares Maelstrom, a treacherous area of space that has claimed the lives of many explorers over the years. With his crew stretched thin, can Kirk manage to prevent tragedy?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author Greg Cox to the show to discuss his The Antares Maelstrom. We talk about the pergium discovery that starts things off, an old-fashioned western set in space, Sulu's mystery woman and the role they play, a side quest for Spock and Chekov, a major crisis the colony faces, the mysteries of the Antares Maelstrom, and wrap up with projects that Greg is currently working on and where he can be found online.

At the top of the show, we review issue #4 of Star Trek: Year Five from IDW, and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 277: You're Meant to Be Confused.

News
Star Trek: Year Five #4 Review (00:02:49)
Listener Feedback (00:11:37)

Feature: Greg Cox
Una in the Legacies Trilogy (00:19:01)
There's Pergium in Them Hills (00:25:32)
Khan's Antares Maelstrom (00:30:11)
An Old Fashion Western (00:33:07)
Sulu's Old Flame and Mystery (00:40:24)
A Shady Character (00:48:37)
Uhura's Dance Hall (00:51:03)
Spock and Chekov's Tea Mission (00:52:48)
Yurnos (00:55:39)
Thunderbird Power Plant (01:00:36)
Getting Through the Maelstrom (01:02:35)
More From Greg (01:14:52)
Final Thoughts (01:19:08)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Greg Cox

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

John Jackson Miller: The Enterprise War.

At the end of Star Trek: Discovery's first season, we encounter the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. A long and costly war with the Klingons has taken its toll on Starfleet, but the Enterprise was kept out of the fray. What was this storied starship up to for the duration of the war, and why was she out of contact with Starfleet for so long? The answers to these questions and more can be found in the subject of this week's episode!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by John Jackson Miller to talk about his latest book, The Enterprise War. We discuss how the novel ties into seasons one and two of Discovery, the Lurians and the atypical Baladon, Enterprise's revolving door of engineers, the mysterious Boundless, Lt. Evan Connolly, this novel's links to the wider Trek litverse, the final shocking reveal, and wrap up with what Miller is currently working on and where he can be found online.

In the news segment, we break down the 2020 book schedule as revealed at STLV, as well as news of an upcoming comic prequel to Star Trek: Picard. We also respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 276: There's a Line We Can't Cross.

News
2020 New Book Releases (00:04:19)
Star Trek: Picard Countdown Comic (00:09:41)
Listener Feedback (00:12:22)

Feature: John Jackson Miller
Tying It All Together (00:17:50)
Baladon and the Lurians (00:26:01)
Chief Engineer Galadjian (00:32:32)
Kormagan and the Boundless (00:38:38)
Centuries of War (00:45:24)
Pike's Losses (00:51:01)
Powering the Enterprise (00:52:21)
Lt. Evan Connolly (00:56:37)
Links to Continuity (01:04:27)
The Final Reveal (01:10:36)
More From John (01:23:27)
Final Thoughts (01:32:29)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
John Jackson Miller

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Sword of Damocles.

The Starship Titan continues its mission of exploration in the Gum Nebula, encountering a strange phenomenon that stops the vessel dead in its tracks. Tracing the cause back to a planet called Orisha, an away from Titan encounters a strange anomaly that has wreaked devastation on the Orishans for millennia, and will cause one member of Titan's crew to come face to face with his destiny...

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss Star Trek: Titan: Sword of Damocles by Geoffrey Thorne. We talk about the non-linear nature of the novel, the planet Orisha and its inhabitants, the risky mission to save the Titan, the fate of Jaza Najem, the unorthodox solution that saves the ship, the design of the U.S.S. Titan by Sean Tourangeau, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we discuss the fate of the post-Nemesis novelverse following the news from SDCC. We also respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for episode 275: Q is a YouTube Comment Troll.

News
ST: Picard vs. Treklit (00:02:19)
Listener Feedback (00:09:17)

Feature: Sword of Damocles
Non-Linear Storytelling (00:21:46)
Orisha (00:26:54)
Titan's Mission (00:33:57)
Fate and Destiny (00:49:24)
The Solution (00:57:11)
Warp Pulse Theory (01:03:28)
Puzzling Over the Last Chapter (01:05:40)
Character Relationships (01:12:00)
U.S.S. Titan Diagrams (01:14:18)
Ratings (01:17:15)
Final Thoughts (01:19:56)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward and David R. George III: How to Write Star Trek Novels.

For almost the entire history of Star Trek, novels have played a part in many people's experience of the fandom. They are a way to go beyond what we see on the screen, and Star Trek fiction novels now account for scores more adventures than the television shows and films. But how does a Star Trek novel come to be, and what goes into the writing of a Star Trek adventure in book form?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by veteran Star Trek authors Dayton Ward and David R. George III to discuss how to write Star Trek novels. We talk about how they got their start in writing, the process of how a Trek novel is published, how writing tie-in fiction differs from writing original fiction, how they approach writing the established characters, working with CBS licensing, and what is required for someone to become a Star Trek author. We wrap up by talking about what projects they currently have on the go, and where they can be found online.

In the news segment, we report on a new Discovery novel coming in December, a schedule change for The Autobiography of Mr. Spock, and a new Voyager Mirror Universe comic coming from IDW. We also review the sixth and final issue of The Q Conflict, as well as respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 274: An Old Man in the Park Feeding Pigeons.

News
DSC: Dead Endless Announced (00:02:37)
Autobiography of Mr. Spock in 2020 (00:05:57)
Voyager Mirror Universe Comic Announced (00:08:29)
The Q Conflict #6 Comic Review (00:11:30)
Listener Feedback (00:26:17)

Feature: Dayton Ward and David R. George III
Getting Started (00:30:48)
Star Trek Books Process (00:39:37)
Keeping Up with Continuity (00:45:20)
Painting a Star Trek Picture (00:54:32)
Writing Characters (01:01:25)
Pushing the Envelope (01:06:31)
Working with CBS Licensing (01:12:09)
How to Get Published (01:18:37)
What's in the Works (01:38:14)
Final Thoughts (01:43:47)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guests
Dayton Ward
David R. George III

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Q & A.

The supposedly-omnipotent Q has long been a thorn in the side of Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise. From the very beginning of the Enterprise-D's mission to Farpoint, Picard has been put through his paces dealing with the seemingly-childish entity. However, is there more to Q's visitations than meets the eye? Picard and his crew will soon find the answer to that question, with the fate of the entire universe at stake!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the TNG novel Q & A by Keith R.A. DeCandido. We talk about the new crewmembers of the Enterprise, the strange planet at the heart of the novel, the ultimate Q story, the link to "Parallels," Worf's new outlook on life, a particular cover quandary, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we congratulate David Mack on his new role behind the scenes in a couple of upcoming Star Trek television shows, and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 273: Unintended Consequences.

News
David Mack and Lower Decks (00:02:24)
Listener Feedback (00:05:03)

Feature: Q & A
The New Crew (00:14:06)
Gorsach IX (00:23:44)
Them with a capital T (00:26:10)
The Ultimate Q Story (00:30:53)
Parallels (00:42:20)
Speaking of Worf... (00:47:37)
Who is that on the cover? (00:52:07)
Ratings (00:54:16)
Final Thoughts (00:59:45)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Children of Kings.

Before Kirk's historic five-year mission, the mighty U.S.S. Enterprise was commanded by Captain Christopher Pike. In response to an apparent Klingon attack on a Federation starbase, Pike takes the Enterprise to the Borderlands, a lawless region of space controlled by the Orions. Hoping to strike an alliance with elements of the Orion syndicate, Pike soon discovers that not all is as it seems with this mysterious and ancient race.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Justin Oser to discuss The Children of Kings. We talk about the time period in Star Trek history, some confusion about which timeline the book takes place in, Dr. Philip Boyce, Orion history, Number One, other characters in the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review issue #3 of IDW's Star Trek: Year Five and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference on Literary Treks 272: A Fun Borg Romp?.

News
Star Trek: Year Five #3 Comic Review (00:03:09)
Listener Feedback (00:16:55)

Feature: The Children of Kings
The Setting (00:25:07)
Kelvin or Prime? (00:31:55)
Dr. Philip Boyce (00:42:16)
The Orions (00:47:18)
The Tallith (00:51:59)
How We Visualize Things (00:57:26)
Kritos and Pike (00:59:21)
Number One (01:04:49)
Captain Dmitri Vlasidovich (01:10:54)
Starfleet Intelligence (01:14:05)
Ratings (01:18:08)
Final Thoughts (01:25:20)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Orion's Hounds.

The Starship Titan under the command of William Riker begins its mission of exploration far beyond the boundaries of Federation space! In the largely-uncharted Gum Nebula, Riker and the crew of Titan encounter giant, space-dwelling lifeforms that have been seen only once before: during the mission to Farpoint Station that began the voyages of the Enterprise-D. But these majestic lifeforms are being hunted, and Riker feels the need to intervene. However, all may not be as it seems.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the Orion's Hounds. We talk about the beginning of Titan's true mission, the mysterious "star-jellies," Riker's decision to get involved, the other cozmozoans that make up the Gum Nebula ecosystem, the difficulty in changing one's way of life and adapting to new circumstances, some stand-out characters in the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about the recently-announced reprinting of the novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture in honor of the film's 40th anniversary. We also review the fifth issue in IDW's Star Trek: The Q Conflict miniseries and respond to Babel Conference feedback for Literary Treks 271: To Thine Own Self Be True.

News
ST:TMP Novelization Re-release (00:03:13)
Q-Conflict #5 Comic Review (00:07:55)
Listener Feedback (00:17:56)

Feature: Orion's Hounds
Titan's Mission of Exploration (00:22:53)
The "Star-Jellies" (00:29:41)
Making Snap Judgments (00:34:16)
The Pa'haquel (00:45:24)
A Matter of Perspective (00:50:23)
Adapting to Change (01:03:04)
Character Relationships (01:11:32)
Orilly Malar (01:22:37)
Ratings (01:27:03)
Final Thoughts (01:30:12)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Resistance.

The Borg are no longer a threat thanks to the decisive blow delivered to them by the crew of Voyager upon their return to the Alpha Quadrant... or so everyone believes. When Captain Jean-Luc Picard begins to once again hear their thoughts in his mind, he knows the truth: The Borg are back in the Alpha Quadrant, with plans not just for assimilation, but annihilation. Starfleet is skeptical, but Jean-Luc is certain that if he does not act immediately, the entire Federation is in jeopardy.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the TNG novel Resistance by J.M. Dillard. We talk about the return of the Borg, the Enterprise's new Vulcan counselor, drama among the secondary characters, Picard's relationship with Locutus of Borg, the nature of the Borg Queen, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we judge the upcoming Discovery: The Enterprise War by its cover, and report on the sad news of the passing of artist Keith Birdsong. We also respond to feedback from the Babel Conference about Literary Treks 270: Kirk is Dabbing Like a Warp 4 Loony!

News
DSC: The Enterprise War Cover Review (00:02:55)
Remembering Keith Birdsong (00:07:57)
Listener Feedback (00:11:49)

Feature: Resistance
Resistance Cover Art (00:14:35)
The Borg Return (00:20:08)
Admiral Janeway (00:23:46)
Counselor T'Lana (00:30:06)
Temporary First Officer Worf (00:35:23)
Sara Nave and "Lio" Battaglia (00:40:13)
Locutus 2.0 (00:47:25)
The Borg Queen (00:55:29)
The Resolution (01:01:29)
Ratings (01:06:33)
Final Thoughts (01:11:07)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Captain's Oath.

Captain James T. Kirk: one of the true legends of Starfleet. Awarded command of the U.S.S. Enterprise at a very young age, Kirk made his mark on the galaxy with an impressive career commanding one of Starfleet's most prestigious vessels. But what made him the captain he would become? And how did his experience commanding smaller starships prepare him for the years spent commanding the Enterprise?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther talk about Christopher L. Bennett's new TOS novel The Captain's Oath. As a special bonus, the author shared his thoughts with us about aspects of the novel which we will share with you! We discuss the different time periods covered in the novel, Kirk's early years as commander of the U.S.S. Sacagawea, the fascinating cast of original characters, the mysterious threat posed by the Agni, Kirk's first mission as commander of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the disparate parts of continuity referenced in The Captain's Oath, and wrap up with our final thoughts and what Christopher L. Bennett has coming soon as well as where he can be found online.

At the top of the show, we review issue #2 of Star Trek: Year Five and respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 269: Kellogg's Spock 'n' Krisp.

News
Star Trek: Year Five #2 Comic Review (00:02:51)
Listener Feedback (00:12:57)

Feature: The Captain's Oath
Different Time Periods (00:22:02)
Kirk's Early Command (00:30:55)
The First Officers (00:44:25)
Dr. Sherev (00:50:31)
Ensign Diaz (00:54:41)
The Agni (00:56:18)
The Enterprise at Karabos II (01:04:09)
Dr. "Bones" McCoy (01:08:18)
Continuity Nods (01:09:50)
Ratings (01:12:39)
The Author's Upcoming Works (01:16:28)
Final Thoughts (01:18:19)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5: Part 2.

Weird volcano-dwelling shapeshifters! Sentient stars! The return of Lt. Uhuru! A room that makes you crazy! And Starfleet Admiral... Kahn?!? All this and more in the latest installment of our look at the wackiest corner of the Star Trek universe!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson finish their look back at Star Trek: The Gold Key Archives, Volume 5 with the final three stories in the collection: issue 28, "The Mimicking Menace"; issue 30, "Death of a Star"; and issue 31, "The Final Truth."

At the top of the show, we review issue #4 of The Q Conflict from IDW, and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 268: Andy Does the Consonants, I Do the Vowels.

News
The Q Conflict #4 Comic Review (00:03:19)
Listener Feedback (00:11:01)

Feature: Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5, Part 2
The Mimicking Menace (00:15:13)
Death of a Star (00:34:08)
The Final Truth (00:57:49)
Ratings (01:14:02)
Final Thoughts (01:21:32)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5: Part 1.

It's been awhile, but it's once again time to dive into the hilarity and ridiculousness that is the Star Trek Gold Key comics! Incredible shrinking people, Japanese Samurais, and chilly red turtle people await you as we take on another round with the strangest corner of the *Star Trek* literary universe!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther take a look at Star Trek: The Gold Key Archives Volume 5, Part 1, which includes issues 25, 26, and 27: "Dwarf Planet," "The Perfect Dream," and "Ice Journey." Make sure to pack your heat-stabilizer tablets, it's gonna be a crazy journey!

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 267: That Word "Sacrifice" Keeps Coming Up.

News
Listener Feedback (00:04:16)

Feature: Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5, Part 1
Gold Key Getting Better? (00:10:09)
Dwarf Planet (00:12:41)
The Perfect Dream (00:28:48)
Ice Journey (00:46:13)
Ratings (01:09:12)
Final Thoughts (01:12:57)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Michael A. Martin: The Red King.

Searching for a lost Romulan fleet, Captain Riker and the Titan are swept out of the galaxy along with Commander Donatra and the Valdore. They find themselves in the Small Magellanic Cloud, an area of space visited nearly a century earlier by another Federation starship. An long-sundered offshoot of humanity has claimed this area of space, and when reality itself is threatened by an encroaching anomaly, Riker and his crew must save these lost children of Earth before the entire region is consigned to non-existence.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome author Michael A. Martin to the show to discuss Titan: The Red King, which he co-wrote with Andy Mangels. We talk about their experience in launching the Titan series, the origin of the Neyel, Tuvok and Akaar's troubled past, Donatra and the Romulans, religious belief vs. scientific fact, where Titan goes from here, and wrap up with what Michael is working on now and where you can find him online.

At the top of the show, we review the latest Star Trek: Waypoint special issue and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 266: Bringing the Truth Out of the Shadows

News
Star Trek Waypoint 2019 Comic Review (00:03:46)
Listener Feedback (00:26:19)

Feature: Michael A. Martin
Launching Titan (00:31:32)
The Neyel (00:42:49)
Tuvok and Akaar (00:53:15)
Klingons and Romulans (00:58:42)
Religion is Reality (01:05:15)
The Sleeper Consequences (01:11:50)
Frane Talks to Akaar (01:16:51)
Author Collaboration (01:17:51)
A New Project and Being a Fan (01:20:48)
Final Thoughts (01:24:04)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Michael A. Martin

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Burning Dreams.

Captain Christopher Pike: until recently, there has not been much canonically revealed about the predecessor of James T. Kirk. That has all changed with season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery. However, years before Anson Mount brought the character back to life, the definitive Christopher Pike novel was written, chronicling the life of the brave Starfleet captain from his earliest years as a boy to his life spent on Talos IV with Vina under the care of the mysterious Talosians.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the novel Burning Dreams. We talk about Christopher Pike's early years on the colony world Elysium, his relationships with his mother and the father figures in his life, the unique role that fire plays in Pike's history, his embodiment of the ideals of Starfleet and the Federation, how Pike in this novel compares to the Pike of Discovery, the epilogue of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we review the first issue of Star Trek: Year Five from IDW, and respond to your feedback from the Babel Conference about Literary Treks 265: The Music of Big Pink.

News
Star Trek: Year Five #1 Comic Review (00:03:25)
Listener Feedback (00:18:35)

Feature: Burning Dreams
Pike's Early Years (00:22:22)
The Neworlders (00:30:57)
Charlie's Relationship with Chris (00:36:40)
The Motif of Fire in Pike's Life (00:48:34)
"The Best of Us" (00:55:56)
Comparing to 'Discovery' (01:00:33)
Is Life a Dream? (01:07:27)
Vina's Backstory (01:09:38)
Pike's Love Interests (01:12:06)
The Epilogue with Spock (01:15:15)
Ratings (01:19:52)
Final Thoughts (01:22:46)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward: Available Light.

For the past couple of years, the post-Nemesis novels have been in a sort of limbo. Contract negotiations dragged on, and at times it felt like the next chapter of the story would never come. Thankfully, that is all behind us with the release of the newest TNG novel, picking up on plot points from Section 31: Control, the previous TNG novel Hearts and Minds, and even going as far back as the Tezwa incident in the A Time To series!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome author Dayton Ward back to the show to discuss his newest Next Generation novel, Available Light. We talk about the fallout from the end of Section 31, Picard's actions in the ousting of disgraced Federation President Min Zife, a mysterious apparent derelict hiding a technological marvel, the Jirol Salvage Guild, the importance of truth, Picard's decision at the end of the novel, the origin of the title Available Light, and wrap up with what Dayton is working on now and where you can find him online.

In the news segment, we talk about the upcoming Star Trek: Year Five series and Star Trek: Discovery: Aftermath miniseries, both from IDW. We also review issue #3 of The Q Conflict and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 264: No Member Berries.

News
Star Trek: Year Five Update (00:03:56)
Star Trek Discovery - Aftermath Announcement (00:07:15)
The Q Conflict #3 Comic Review (00:09:16)
Listener Feedback (00:15:24)

Feature: Dayton Ward
Writing New Star Trek (00:25:09)
The Bigger They Are... (00:30:22)
Innocent Until Proven Guilty (00:37:12)
The A Storyline (00:41:30)
The Osijemal Ship (00:45:32)
The Jirol Salvage Guild (00:56:34)
Admiral William Ross (01:02:48)
The Truth (01:08:31)
Meaning of the Title (01:17:13)
Currently Working On (01:21:16)
Final Thoughts (01:26:42)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Dayton Ward

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Keith DeCandido: Articles of the Federation.

In Star Trek, we are used to seeing mighty Federation starships exploring space and boldly going where no one has gone before. However, there is more to Federation society in the 24th century than the men and women of Starfleet: newly-elected Federation President Nan Bacco finds herself embroiled in one crisis after another as she and her administration deal with the fallout from the Tezwa affair and the surprise resignation of her predecessor. The first year of her tenure as president will be her trial by fire, and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the United Federation of Planets.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author Keith DeCandido back to the show to discuss his landmark novel, Articles of the Federation. We talk about The West Wing of the 24th century, linking this novel to the other novels in the literary universe, the huge cast of characters, various issues that the Bacco administration has to deal with, answer some questions listeners posted in The Babel Conference, and wrap up with what Keith is working on now and where you can find him online.

In the news segment, we announce the upcoming Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series co-written by Trek.fm's very own Aaron Harvey, and report on the tragic loss of a Star Trek literary legend, author Vonda McIntyre. We also respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference about Literary Treks 263: Traveling at the Speed of Plot.

News
Star Trek: The Animated Series Book Revealed (00:02:50)
Remembering Vonda McIntyre (00:06:21)
Listener Feedback (00:08:49)

Feature: Keith DeCandido
The West Wing of the 24th Century (00:13:29)
Writing Federation Politics (00:22:36)
Links to the Wider Fiction (00:27:28)
Trinni/ek Food Fight (00:32:43)
A Huge Cast of Characters (00:34:20)
If 'Articles' Were Written Today (00:38:45)
Freedom of the Press Consequences (00:42:11)
Civilian Point of View (00:45:31)
Aligar Trade Renewal (00:49:47)
Ideological Differences (00:52:09)
Nan Bacco Character Influences (00:55:37)
Commencement Address (01:06:02)
Democracy is a Conversation (01:08:06)
Answering Listeners' Questions (01:09:23)
Other Projects (01:18:31)
Final Thoughts (01:29:48)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Keith DeCandido

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Taking Wing.

A new ship, a new crew, and a new mission! Captain William Riker takes command of the brand new U.S.S. Titan, and along with the most diverse crew in Starfleet history, undertakes a mission to Romulus for negotiations that will shape the future of the quadrant. A number of dangerous factions are vying for control of the Romulan Empire, and Riker and his crew are caught in the middle!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the first novel in the Star Trek: Titan series, Taking Wing. We discuss the new ship and her diverse crew, a potential Romulan civil war, Spock's role in the novel, a surprise appearance by Tuvok, Riker's unorthodox solution to the crisis, the cliffhanger ending, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback to Literary Treks 262: We Almost Had a Spit Take from our Facebook group, The Babel Conference.

News
Listener Feedback (00:03:15)

Feature: Taking Wing
Commander Christine Vale (00:12:45)
Starfleet's Most Diverse Crew (00:20:03)
Romulan Civil War (00:36:53)
Ambassador Spock's Unification (00:42:41)
Undercover Operative (00:50:38)
Captain Riker's Solution (00:56:31)
The Cliffhanger (01:01:15)
Ratings (01:09:40)
Final Thoughts (01:13:19)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Enemy of My Enemy.

A rogue Changeling on the loose, having replaced Captain Chakotay, threatens the crew of Voyager, while the Cardassian war criminal Crell Moset performs dangerous experiments on Chakotay and his sister, Sekaya. It's up to Dr. Kaz, Harry Kim, and some help from Admiral Janeway and Tom Paris to free Voyager from the grip of forces determined to tear the crew apart.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are once again joined by Brandi Jackola to discuss Enemy of My Enemy. We talk about the Changeling's plan, Jarem vs. Gradik Kaz, "Super Chakotay," Tom Paris's role in the story, B'Elanna's continuing search for answers on Boreth, the conclusion to the story, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, Bruce and Dan announce the release date for TNG: Collateral Damage by David Mack. We also review the special Star Trek: Discovery comic Captain Saru, and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 261: A Gem of a Novel.

News
TNG: Collateral Damage Comic Release (00:03:37)
DSC: Captain Saru Comic Review (00:06:54)
Listener Feedback (00:15:59)

Feature: Enemy of My Enemy
The Changeling's Plan (00:22:56)
A Sense of Time (00:35:12)
A Bumbling Idiot (00:39:13)
Jarem and Gradek Kaz (00:47:03)
Super Chakotay (00:53:31)
Paris Steps In (01:08:11)
B'Elanna's Search Continues (01:15:17)
Secession from the Federation (01:19:22)
Ratings (01:25:47)
Final Thoughts (01:36:01)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Old Wounds.

Voyager is back in the alpha quadrant and ready to take on new missions for the Federation! Under the command of newly-promoted Captain Chakotay, Voyager sets off with a group of former colonists to make contact with Loran II, their home and a former Maquis colony that has gone silent. Accompanying them on the journey is Chakotay's sister, Sekaya, who's spiritual guidance is sorely needed by the former inhabitants of Loran II, who aren't sure what Voyager will find when they reach their old home: their loved ones, safe and sound, or more bodies to add to the toll that the Dominion War took on the Alpha Quadrant.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined Brandi Jackola to discuss Old Wounds by Christie Golden. We talk about new tensions among the Voyager crew, Torres and Paris taking a side quest on Boreth, Harry and Libby's tumultuous relationship, what the rest of the old crew is up to in the Alpha Quadrant, Voyager's mission to Loran II, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review issue #2 of IDW's Star Trek: The Q Conflict, and respond to your feedback from the Babel Conference on Literary Treks 260: Sorry to All the Sela Fans.

News
The Q Conflict #2 Review (00:02:49)
Listener Feedback (00:16:55)

Feature: Old Wounds
New Tensions Among the Crew (00:26:07)
Torres and Paris on Boreth (00:36:10)
Libby and Harry (00:46:07)
The Other Former Crew Members (00:51:57)
The Trill Host of Kaz (00:56:47)
The Huanni Counselor (01:08:12)
Chakotay's Sister, Sekaya (01:11:07)
The Sky Spirits (01:17:26)
Sexualization Problem (01:21:02)
Ratings (01:28:01)
Final Thoughts (01:33:44)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Vulcan's Glory.

With the exception of the glimpses we see in "The Cage" and "The Menagerie," not much is known about Spock's early days aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, or the crew that he served: Captain Christopher Pike and his stalwart first officer Number One. Now that Star Trek: Discovery is exploring this time period and these characters, we feel the time has come to look at some of the books that chronicled Pike's captaincy, starting with one authored by a true veteran of Star Trek writing.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther talk about Vulcan's Glory, written by Original Series writer Dorothy "D.C." Fontana. We discuss the references to past Star Trek such as The Animated Series, the crew of the Enterprise under Pike's command, how well we feel this connects to Star Trek: Discovery, the historical artifact known as "Vulcan's Glory," Pike's mission to the devastated planet Areta, a mysterious murder plot aboard the Enterprise, Scotty and his engine room hooch, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review the final issue of IDW's Star Trek vs. Transformers and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference about Literary Treks 259: He's Gotta Grow Some and Just Do It.

News
Star Trek vs. Transformers #5 review (00:03:39)
Listener Feedback (00:16:09)

Feature: Vulcan's Glory
30th Anniversary (00:22:37)
Yesteryear (00:28:02)
First Pike Novel (00:33:15)
Number One of Illyria (00:36:16)
Picturing TOS and DSC (00:43:22)
Historical Artifact (00:49:01)
Family Squabbles on Areta (00:53:35)
The Hunt for Glory (01:01:59)
Spock's Love Interest (01:09:44)
Engine Room Hooch (01:14:04)
Ratings (01:18:33)
Final Thoughts (01:23:24)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Death in Winter.

Following the film Star Trek Nemesis, novels in the Star Trek literary universe were given more of a free reign to play with the familiar characters and situations, creating what has been termed the "novelverse." Without any more televised or filmed adventures for the crew of the Enterprise-E on the horizon, authors could take the story in new and exciting directions. One of these directions involved the culmination of the "will they/won't they" romance of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher, as well as a new source of turmoil for the Romulan Empire.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss Death in Winter. We talk about Beverly's transfer off the Enterprise, the state of the Romulan Star Empire, an undercover mission into Romulan space, Worf and Geordi's role in the story, the love between Picard and Crusher, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we discuss your feedback from the Babel Conference on Literary Treks 258: Inaccurate Operas Will Be Performed of This Day!

News
Listener Feedback (00:03:36)

Feature: Death in Winter
Post-Nemesis Novels (00:10:13)
Beverly's First Assignment (00:13:34)
Sela Strikes Again (00:20:54)
The State of the Romulan Empire (00:24:34)
A Stargazer Reunion (00:31:56)
Worf and Geordi's Role (00:40:56)
Love Comes Around (00:45:45)
Ratings (00:53:22)
Final Thoughts (00:59:03)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Triangle: Imzadi II.

As Star Trek: The Next Generation drew to a close, an unlikely romance emerged: that of Worf and Deanna Troi. A Klingon warrior with a strict code of honor and a peaceful empath in touch with her feelings do not make the most obvious couple, but Worf and Troi made a go of it before the relationship ultimately disappeared. What happened between the two of them, and how did Will Riker feel about his Imzadi becoming involved with his friend and comrade?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are once again joined by Amy Nelson to discuss Triangle: Imzadi II. We talk about Worf's lack of luck in love, the triangle between Worf, Troi, and Riker, Romulan Commander Sela and her convoluted plan, Riker's inability to make progress with Troi, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review the first issue of The Q Conflict, a new comic miniseries from IDW, and respond to your Babel Conference feedback from Literary Treks 257: Lots of Bits of Me.

News
The Q Conflict #1 Review (00:03:29)
Listener Feedback (00:11:49)

Feature: Triangle: Imzadi II
The Sequel (00:17:20)
Worf's Lost Loves (00:20:20)
That Triangle Moment (00:30:40)
Deanna Troi's Perspective (00:40:47)
Tom Riker's Motivation (00:45:10)
It's So Peter David (00:51:31)
Sela's Series of Bungles (00:53:40)
Alexander, Jellico, and Shelby (01:01:43)
Taking His Time (01:07:09)
The Head of Worf's House (01:15:23)
Ratings (01:18:49)
Final Thoughts (01:26:59)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Amy Nelson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Burning House.

The voyages of the I.K.S. Gorkon have come to an end, far sooner than they should have! As the Gorkon puts into port at Qo'noS, the officers and crew return home. For some, that means a harvest festival with friends and family, and for others, it means intrigue, revelations, and deception. It's just another day in the life of a citizen of the Klingon Empire!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Earl Grey's Justin Oser to discuss A Burning House. We talk about life on a Klingon farm during yopta' yupma', Toq's tale of intrigue when he returns to his birthplace of Carraya IV, Rodek coming to terms with revelations about his past, B'Oraq and her attempts to bring modern medicine to the Empire, G'Joth and an opera that bears little resemblance to the truth, other bits we liked about the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review Star Trek: IDW 20/20, featuring Picard's first mission as captain of the Stargazer, and respond to your Babel Conference feedback on Literary Treks 256: I Would Need More Than a Paragraph.

News
Star Trek IDW 20/20 Review (00:02:29)
Listener Feedback (00:10:24)

Feature: A Burning House
Klingon Empire Series? (00:18:32)
Wol, Kagak, Goran, and yobta' yupma' (00:22:13)
Toq - Secret Hideout (00:32:11)
Rodek - Memories of Kurn (00:38:22)
B'Oraq and the Klingon Physician (00:48:04)
G'Joth and Kennia (00:57:13)
Klingon Enclave Poetry (01:03:46)
Captain Klag (01:11:21)
Other Bits (01:15:52)
Ratings (01:23:27)
Final Thoughts (01:33:12)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Justin Oser

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Una McCormack: The Way to the Stars.

Sylvia Tilly has turned into a breakout character on the newest Star Trek series, Discovery. Sometimes awkward, sometimes silly, but always brilliant, Tilly brought a lot of humanity to Discovery's first season. But what was she like before becoming a Starfleet cadet, and what choices led her to joining Starfleet?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author Una McCormack back to the show to discuss her latest novel, The Way to the Stars. We talk about the process of writing this novel, Tilly's relationship with her mother, her experiences in school, Tilly as a runaway, her impressions of Starfleet, the poor communication she experiences, and wrap up the discussion with where you can find Una online and what she is working on now.

In the news section, we talk about the upcoming Discovery novel The Enterprise War by John Jackson Miller, and judge the covers of two upcoming novels: The Captain's Oath by Christopher L. Bennett and The Antares Maelstrom by Greg Cox. We also talk about an upcoming comic series from IDW: TOS: Year Five, review issue #4 of Star Trek vs. Transformers, and take a look at some Babel Conference feedback on Literary Treks 255: The Hammock Planet: They Don't Have Butts.

News
Discovery: The Enterprise War (00:02:48)
TOS: The Captain's Chair Cover (00:06:00)
TOS: The Antares Maelstrom Cover (00:08:42)
TOS: Year Five from IDW in April (00:10:18)
Star Trek vs. Transformers #4 Review (00:12:49)
Listener Feedback (00:19:36)

Feature: Una McCormack
Getting Started (00:24:58)
Mothers and Daughters (00:31:17)
Keeping Friends (00:39:19)
Being a High Achiever (00:43:26)
A Runaway Tilly (00:50:28)
Your Name Matters (00:55:06)
A Starfleet Career Path (00:59:32)
Captain Yindi Holden (01:04:54)
Poor Communications (01:08:02)
Una's Favorite Novels (01:14:05)
Other Projects (01:16:16)
Final Thoughts (01:18:46)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Una McCormack

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Imzadi.

Will Riker and Deanna Troi: throughout the run of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it was clear there was a deep connection between these two characters. However, they never truly "got together" until 2002's Star Trek Nemesis. What is the history between Will and Deanna? What drew them together and made them "Imzadi"? At last we look at the story that tells the tale of TNG's greatest romance!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Amy Nelson of Earl Grey and The Edge to talk about Imzadi by Peter David. We discuss how we first read Imzadi, Riker's life without Deanna, Will's behavior as a young man, how Will and Deanna first got together, the Guardian of Forever, temporal shenanigans, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review the final issue in the TNG: Terra Incognita comic series and discuss your Babel Conference feedback on Literary Treks 254: A Likely Victim.

News
Terra Incognita #6 (00:03:46)
Listener Feedback (00:11:04)

Feature: Imzadi
First Time? (00:15:03)
A Life Without Deanna (00:22:18)
Impetuous Youth (00:29:37)
When They First Met (00:37:28)
Lwaxana, the Mother (00:45:42)
Jungle Love (00:53:24)
Riker Saving the Past (00:56:47)
A Touching Data (01:04:11)
The Changing Future (01:05:53)
All of the Emotions (01:10:52)
Ratings (00:16:52)
Final Thoughts (01:22:50)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Amy Nelson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Enemy Territory.

The voyages of the I.K.S. Gorkon continue! Following the events at San-Tarah, the Gorkon must now investigate the disappearance of her brother ship, the I.K.S. Kravokh. The Kravokh had encountered a ship from a newly-discovered warp-capable species, a strange alien race that believes themselves to be the only sentient life in the universe. Now, Klag must take the Gorkon to their homeworld to confront this new threat, all while dealing with a possible uprising among his own ranks!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Earl Grey's Justin Oser to talk about I.K.S. Gorkon, Book Three: Enemy Territory by Keith R.A. DeCandido. We discuss the Elabrej Hegemony, Kurak's crippling alcoholism, a mutiny forming aboard the Gorkon, Leader Wol, Rodek's identity crisis, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about a new upcoming Star Trek: Waypoint special comic and another Little Golden Book: Too Many Tribbles!

News
Waypoint Special #2 in March (00:02:52)
Too Many Tribbles! in July (00:05:16)
Listener Feedback (00:08:49)

Feature: Enemy Territory
The Elabrej Hegemony (00:12:10)
Their Society (00:21:11)
The Separatists (00:23:03)
Kurak (00:25:35)
Mutiny on the Gorkon (00:31:39)
Wol (00:43:48)
Rodek (00:50:09)
Leskit on the Cover? (00:54:51)
Ratings (00:59:28)
Final Thoughts (01:09:51)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Justin Oser

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Michael Jan Friedman.

Michael Jan Friedman is one of Star Trek's most prolific authors. Over the course of his association with Star Trek, Mr. Friedman has written or co-written 35 novels, a list that includes original adventures, novelizations, young adult novels, and more. Additionally, he has written 5 Star Trek short stories, 4 reference books, and close to 100 comic adventures for the various Trek crews. When it comes to Star Trek on the page, Michael Jan Friedman is a dynamo.

In this episode of Literary Treks, special correspondent Brandon Shea-Mutala catches up with Michael Jan Friedman at the Northeast Trek Con in Albany. They discuss Friedman's start in writing, how he got involved in writing Star Trek novels, the Star Trek: The Next Generation / X-Men crossover, his experience in writing Star Trek comics, the Star Trek: Stargazer series, and wrap up with what he is working on now and where listeners can find him online.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review the Star Trek: Waypoint special issue and respond to your Babel Conference feedback for Literary Treks 252: Continuity Cop.

News
Waypoint Special #1 (00:02:55)
Listener Feedback (00:30:51)

Feature: Michael Jan Friedman
Getting into Writing (00:36:25)
Leading into Tie-in Fiction (00:41:51)
Collaborating with Authors (00:44:34)
Crossovers (00:45:59)
Writing Comics (00:51:37)
Novelization Challenges (00:54:32)
Stargazer Series (00:57:40)
New Writings (01:04:03)
Final Thoughts (01:06:17)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Michael Jan Friedman

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Christian Humberg: In the Heart of Chaos.

In 2016, a new experiment in the world of Trek lit was attempted: for the first time, Star Trek novels would be published outside the United States in a language other than English. German publisher Cross Cult, the company that provides German-translated editions of Pocket Books' Trek novels, published its own Star Trek series: Star Trek: Prometheus, a trilogy of novels that tells the story of the Federation confronting radical terrorism, a story that is very relevant to today's world.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Star Trek: Prometheus author Christian Humberg to talk about the final book in the Prometheus trilogy: In the Heart of Chaos, co-written with fellow author Bernd Perplies. We discuss the origin of their Trek fandom, how the Prometheus series came about, the ship and crew at the heart of the story, the Son of the Ancient Reds, innocent lives affected by the events of the novel, Raspin and the crew of the I.K.S. Bortas, the Old Ones and their role in ending the crisis, and wrap up with what the authors are currently working on and where you can find them online.

At the top of the show, we review issue #3 of IDW's Star Trek vs. Transformers and respond to your Babel Conference feedback for Literary Treks 251: 5 Missions of Elton John.

News
Star Trek vs. Transformers #3 (00:03:24)
Listener Feedback (00:14:13)

Feature: Christian Humberg
Getting into Star Trek (00:17:16)
Starting the Prometheus Trilogy (00:19:28)
The Crew (00:25:14)
A Parable for Modern Times (00:28:13)
Brossal's Story (00:31:44)
Raspin and the IKS Bortas (00:33:59)
The Old Ones (00:37:37)
Jassat ak Namur (00:39:10)
Star Trek Publishing in Germany (00:43:42)
Other Projects (00:48:52)
Final Thoughts (00:51:33)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Christian Humberg

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Keith R.A. DeCandido: A Time for War, A Time for Peace.

Following the multiple crises of the past year, the Enterprise crew has nearly been vindicated; all that stands in their way is an inspection by Starfleet. Meanwhile, however, the Klingon Emperor has gone missing, Klingon terrorists have attacked the Federation Embassy on Qo'noS, and a surprise Federation presidential election has threatened to turn nasty. After nine books and nearly 3000 pages, the A Time To series is coming to an end!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by renowned Trek author Keith R.A. DeCandido to talk about his novel A Time for War, A Time for Peace. We discuss the series as a whole, Die Hard at the Federation embassy, Worf's son Alexander, Nan Bacco, the politics of the Federation, linking this story to Star Trek Nemesis, the theme of moving on, and wrap up by discussing what's coming up from Keith as well as where you can find him online.

At the top of the show, we review issue 5 of the TNG: Terra Incognita comic miniseries and respond to your Babel Conference feedback about Literary Treks 250: Tom Clancy Without Technobabble.

News
TNG: Terra Incognita #5 (00:04:19)
Listener Feedback (00:13:26)

Feature: Keith R.A. DeCandido
A Time To Start (00:22:36)
Kahless and Alexander (00:33:53)
President Nan Bacco (00:40:23)
Federation Politics (00:48:28)
Linking to Nemesis (00:51:51)
The New Picard Series (01:08:04)
The Family Moves On (01:11:47)
Other Works (01:18:28)
Final Thoughts (01:32:05)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Keith R.A. DeCandido

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Honor Bound.

The Children of San-Tarah have emerged victorious over Klag and the crew of the I.K.S. Gorkon, and Klag has promised that the Klingon Empire will leave their planet in peace. However, General Talak, Klag's superior, has different ideas and orders the conquest of San-Tarah. Now, Klag must put out the call to The Order of the Bat'leth and defend both the Children of San-Tarah and Klingon honor itself!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by Justin Oser to discuss I.K.S. Gorkon, Book Two: Honor Bound by Keith R.A. DeCandido. We talk about The Order of the Bat'leth, Leader Wol, Klag as the Klingon Kirk, Klingon duplicity, the San-Tarah and their role in the Empire, some hanging threads for future novels, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, Bruce and Dan are joined by Larry Nemecek to discuss his updated version of Star Trek: Stellar Cartography. In the feedback segment, Bruce and Dan discuss your thoughts on Literary Treks 249: A Fun Labor of Love.

News
Star Trek Stellar Cartography Updated (00:02:17)
Listener Feedback (00:26:42)

Feature: Honor Bound
Battle of the Bat'leth (00:30:32)
Wol (00:40:02)
Is Klag a Klingon Kirk? (00:44:16)
Who Can You Trust? (00:52:38)
Joining the Empire (00:59:50)
Kurn/Rodek (01:07:37)
Kurak (01:10:55)
Back to Wol (01:14:29)
Ratings (01:18:19)
Final Thoughts (01:24:48)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

David Mack: A Time to Heal.

Federation forces, led by Picard and the Enterprise, have captured Tezwa, a world that threatened to become a flashpoint in a devastating war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. However, as difficult as the attack itself was, the occupation of Tezwa will prove even more difficult, costly, and bloody. And the price that Picard's crew pays in lives may be in the service of a cover-up that reaches to the very highest levels of the Federation...

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome back author David Mack to talk about his novel A Time to Heal. We discuss the difference between this book and A Time to Kill, what Starfleet at war is really like, the effect of war on the people involved, Troi's anger, Riker's experiences as a prisoner of Kinchawn, and wrap up with a surprise announcement from David Mack about an upcoming project, as well as where you can find him online!

At the top of the show, we respond to viewer comments about episode 248, all about DS9: Millennium, Book III: Inferno by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens.

News
DS9 Millennium Inferno Responses (00:03:44)

Feature: David Mack
David's First Two Novels (00:13:24)
Utter Despair (00:23:54)
Black Hawk Down (00:29:48)
War Changes You (00:34:11)
Conspiracy Between Worlds (00:37:04)
The Snowball Down the Mountainside (00:47:15)
Tiger Cruise (00:53:14)
Riker Needs To Be More (00:58:28)
Peart and Perim (01:06:17)
The Flavor of Star Trek (01:10:28)
Future Books (01:14:10)
Chapter 25 (01:21:29)
Final Thoughts (01:25:45)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
David Mack

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

David Tilotta and Curt McAloney: Lost Scenes.

Since its debut in September of 1966, Star Trek has held a cherished place in the hearts of fans the world over. This beloved show has been covered so extensively in books, documentaries, and retrospectives that we must have learned everything there is to know about it by now, right? Wrong! If you think you've seen everything there is to see about the series that started it all, I challenge you to pick up the subject of this week's show!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther speak with David Tilotta and Curt McAloney, authors of Star Trek: Lost Scenes. We discuss how they became fans of Star Trek, the origin of the book, their website startrekhistory.com, the process of researching the material, behind the scenes, deleted scenes, and bloopers from The Original Series, and wrap up with what they have planned for the future and where you can find them online.

At the top of the show, we review the latest comic from IDW, issue #2 of Star Trek vs. Transformers.

News
Star Trek vs. Transformers #2

Feature: David Tilotta and Curt McAloney
Their Fandom (00:03:01)
The Start (00:16:55)
The Process (00:19:21)
History (00:28:30)
Behind The Scenes (00:30:38)
Deleted Scenes (00:38:29)
Bloopers (00:44:17)
Surprises (00:49:53)
More To Come? (00:53:49)
What Surprised Us (00:57:43)
Final Thoughts (01:02:32)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guests
David Tilotta and Curt McAloney

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Inferno.

The unthinkable has happened: the red and blue wormholes have come together to signal the annihilation of the universe as we know it. However, in a pocket reality, the crew of Deep Space Nine must work to return to their station at one of two points in history. The first: The Day of Withdrawal, when the Cardassians left DS9 at the end of the occupation, and the second: the moment when the red wormhole destroyed the station. Can Sisko and his crew change history and possibly prevent Armageddon?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the conclusion to the Deep Space Nine: Millennium trilogy: Inferno by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the crew's individual personal hells, a paradox-filled time-twisting storyline, some lingering mysteries in the story, Arla Ries's surprising arc, Sisko's role as the Emissary, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about an upcoming Discovery comic from IDW: Captain Saru, set for release in February 2019.

News
Star Trek: Discovery - Captain Saru (00:03:09))

Feature: Inferno
Personal Hells (00:05:42)
Being Prepared (00:17:40)
Timey-Wimey (00:20:24)
Vic Fontaine Walks the Promenade (00:34:33)
Arla Rees Finds Religion (00:47:34)
Sisko is the Emissary (00:58:24)
Ratings (01:06:03)
Final Thoughts (01:10:51)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Time to Kill.

An explosive situation is brewing on the planet Tezwa. An unhinged leader in control of devastating weapons which were covertly provided by the Federation wants to seize a nearby Klingon planet, throwing the sector into chaos. The origin of the weapons on Tezwa, if revealed, may spark war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. It falls to Picard and the crew of the Enterprise to destroy these weapons before they ignite an interstellar conflict that would rival even the height of the Dominion War!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss A Time to Kill, the seventh novel in the A Time To series and the first full-length Trek novel by author David Mack. We talk about the fast-paced nature of the novel, conspiracies in the Tezwan and Federation governments, the special ops mission to destroy the weapons, Ambassador Worf's role in the story, a cliffhanger ending, a tragic tale of an android and his emotions, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we report on a new addition to the 2019 release schedule: The Original Series: The Captain's Oath by Christopher L. Bennett, as well as review issue number four in the TNG: Terra Incognita series from IDW.

News
The Captain's Oath Release (00:02:48)
TNG: Terra Incognita #4 (00:05:40)

Feature: A Time to Kill
Fast-Paced Political Thriller (00:23:28)
L'Haan (00:28:44)
Secret Plans (00:31:07)
Cannonball Run (00:34:49)
Strike Teams (00:39:57)
Ambassador Worf Attacks (00:43:32)
To Be Continued (00:51:34)
The Tragedy of Data (00:55:30)
Ratings (01:01:57)
Final Thoughts (01:05:24)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Good Day to Die.

For honor... for glory... for the Empire! The brave officers and crew of the I.K.S. Gorkon embark on a new mission to seek out new life and new civilizations... and to boldly conquer them for the greater glory of the Klingon Empire! But what lines must be crossed when Klingon lust for expansion comes face-to-face with Klingon honor?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by Earl Grey's Justin Oser to discuss I.K.S. Gorkon: Book One: A Good Day to Die by Keith R.A. DeCandido. We talk about what makes this book different from other Star Trek novels, cultures in transition, lower decks crewmembers, strong female Klingon characters, an enemy worthy of respect, the dilemma faced by Captain Klag at the end of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk about next year's upcoming Star Trek: The Q Conflict crossover comic from IDW.

News
Star Trek: The Q Conflict (00:02:53)

Feature: A Good Day to Die
A Different Trek Novel (00:09:32)
Klingon Attitudes in Transition (00:15:56)
The Plot & Challenges (00:24:01)
Klingon Lower Decks (00:29:14)
Klingon Female Characters (00:36:57)
Enemies Worthy of Respect (00:44:15)
The Dilemma (00:54:59)
Ratings (01:06:17)
Final Thoughts (01:13:48)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Justin Oser

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The War of the Prophets.

Trapped 25 years in the future, the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant is faced with a future that is nearly unrecognizable. Only days away from Armageddon, the galaxy stands on a knife's edge. On one side, the Bajoran Ascendancy: a cult-like theocracy led by the Emissary of the "True Prophets": Weyoun. On the other, the remnants of a Federation nearly brought to its knees. In the middle: Captain Benjamin Sisko, who must decide once and for all the outcome of "The War of the Prophets."

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the second book of the DS9: Millennium trilogy: The War of the Prophets by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the events that led us to this point, an alternate future, Weyoun and the Pah-Wraiths, the mysterious Grigari, the mirror universe tactic, Starfleet's desperate "Project Phoenix," and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, we judge the cover of the upcoming TNG: Available Light by Dayton Ward, talk about the new Picard Stargazer one-shot comic coming from IDW, and review the first issue of Star Trek vs. Transformers. issue of the Star Trek: Discovery: Succession miniseries.

News
Available Light Cover (00:02:35)
Picard Stargazer Comic (00:11:14)
Star Trek vs. Transformers #1 (00:15:41)

Feature: The War of the Prophets
How We Got Here (00:21:10)
The Future (00:27:39)
Kai Weyoun? (00:36:40)
Grigari (00:48:31)
The Mirror Universe Tactic (00:51:54)
Project Phoenix (00:58:41)
Ratings (01:07:48)
Final Thoughts (01:13:04)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Robert Greenberger: A Time to Hate.

The situation on Delta Sigma IV continues to deteriorate. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-E must find a way to stop the violence and introduce a cure that will set the warring people back on the path of peace. Meanwhile, Riker tracks down his father and learns the terrible truth behind the problems facing the once-peaceful world. Is the Federation truly to blame?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson review A Time to Hate before being joined by author Robert Greenberger to talk about both of his books in the A Time To series. We discuss the situation on Delta Sigma IV, the supposed cure, bridging the gap between Insurrection and Nemesis, Riker and Troi's relationship, Riker's relationship with his father, a dark secret revealed at the end of the novel, and we wrap up with what Bob is currently working on and where you can find him online.

In the news, we talk about the upcoming Star Trek: Epic Episodes from Titan publishing, as well as speculate about an upcoming project from IDW for which artist J.K. Woodward has been dropping hints about on Instagram.

News
Star Trek: Epic Episodes (00:04:02)
J.K. Woodward Secret (00:06:10)

Feature: Robert Greenberger
Quagmire (00:10:02)
The "Cure" (00:17:15)
The Chase (00:25:18)
Will and Deanna (00:29:22)
Army on Demand (00:34:19)
Ratings (00:36:19)
Bob Greenberger's First Time (00:39:42)
Bickering Binkleys (00:44:38)
A Time to Write (00:47:19)
Bridging the Gap (00:53:55)
Warring Races (00:58:12)
Anh Hoang (01:00:36)
Passing the Baton (01:04:08)
Other Franchises (01:05:11)
Final Thoughts (01:08:07)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Robert Greenberger

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Fall of Terok Nor.

Mysterious events are taking place on Deep Space Nine: Quark is accused of murdering a visiting Andorian, Jake and Nog reveal a mysterious, hidden holosuite deep in the bowels of the station, and a fearsome Cardassian scientist arrives for sinister purposes. All of these events relate to a mystery that has lain dormant since the withdrawal of the Cardassian forces from DS9 following the end of the Occupation of Bajor: a lost set of orbs that may have the ability to set the apocalypse in motion!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the first book in the Deep Space Nine: Millennium trilogy: The Fall of Terok Nor by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the periods of time the book covers, a somewhat confusing but compelling plot, some fun elements of the story, the varied cast of villains, questions we're left with at the end of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news segment, we talk a bit about Star Trek: Discovery: The Making of Season One, available now from Titan books!

News
Discovery Special Edition (00:03:22)

Feature: The Fall of Terok Nor
Periods of Time (00:07:36)
A Confusing Good Plot (00:14:07)
Other Story Points (00:21:37)
The Rogues Gallery (00:38:50)
Questions We're Left With (00:49:52)
Ratings (01:07:06)
Final Thoughts (01:10:02)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Diplomatic Implausibility.

At the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Worf traded his life as a Starfleet officer for a career as a Federation diplomat. While some aspects of that life are similar to the years he spent in service to Starfleet, there are many new challenges and attitudes to overcome. When a rebellion on a Klingon-controlled planet threatens to involve the Federation, it's up to Worf to sort out the issue, facing a difficult challenge in diplomacy on his first assignment as Ambassador to the Klingon Empire!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the TNG novel Diplomatic Implausibility by Keith R.A. DeCandido. We talk about Worf's new role, the crew of the I.K.S. Gorkon, the aliens of the week, Federation/Klingon relations, the oddity of this being a TNG novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we review the newly-released third issue of TNG: Terra Incognita.

News
Terra Incognita #3 (00:02:49)

Feature: Diplomatic Implausibility
Worf's New Role (00:14:38)
IKS Gorkon Crew (00:21:22)
Federation/Klingon Relations (00:38:22)
Relocating Aliens (00:48:34)
Hand Wavy Resolution (00:56:42)
TNG Numbered Book? (00:59:50)
Ratings (01:02:50)
Final Thoughts (01:16:14)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Time to Love.

As Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise continue to deal with the fallout from their disastrous mission at the Rashanar battle site, a new crisis threatens to unravel the civilization on an alien colony. A murder has been committed in a society that has known nothing but peace for a century, and at the center of it all: Kyle Riker, Commander William Riker's father!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss A Time to Love, the fifth novel in the A Time To series and the first part of a duology by Robert Greenberger. We talk about the Enterprise's damaged reputation, Troi's efforts to deal with a despondent crew, Kyle Riker's role in a unfolding planetary crisis, a particularly bad case of gas, changes on the horizon for the command crew of the Enterprise, a strange b-plot that has Geordi trading with the Ferengi, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

News
A Gift for Dan (00:02:25)

Feature: A Time to Love
Mediocre Voyage (00:06:20)
Troi's Duty (00:15:49)
The Crisis (00:18:13)
A Bad Case of Gas (00:29:23)
Building Families (00:36:19)
Trade Amongst Yourselves (00:42:02)
River Catches Up (00:50:57)
Janeway Dates Riker (00:56:07)
Ratings (01:02:03)
Final Thoughts (01:05:14)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Farther Shore.

A Borg virus slowly spreads all around the Earth. A full-scale holographic rebellion is bringing the service industry to its knees. And in the middle of it all: Admiral Kathryn Janeway and the former crew of the U.S.S. Voyager. With Seven of Nine, Icheb, and The Doctor incarcerated by Starfleet, it's up to their former shipmates to set them free and get to the bottom of the mystery facing them before the entire planet is assimilated!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are once again joined by Warp 5's Brandi Jackola to discuss The Farther Shore by Christie Golden, book two of the Homecoming duology. We talk about B'Elanna's quest to find her mother, the ultimate badmiral Brenna Covington, Oliver Baines and his holographic revolution, Data's role in the story, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings for the novel.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review the latest comic from IDW: the second issue of the TNG: Terra Incognita miniseries!

News
Terra Incognita #2 (00:02:35)

Feature: The Farther Shore
The Klingon Path (00:09:50)
The Ultimate Badmiral (00:15:21)
HoloSlaves (00:29:29)
Data's Role (00:43:25)
Secret Agent Libby (00:53:34)
Ratings (00:57:47)
Final Thoughts (01:03:57)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Homecoming.

In May of 2001, the Starship Voyager took her final on-screen voyage as Captain Janeway ordered her crew to "set a course... for home." Voyager had finally made it back to Earth after seven seasons in the Delta Quadrant, cut off from the Federation and their families. However, many viewers felt that the ending to Voyager was too abrupt. What about family reunions? What would happen to the Maquis crewmembers? And how would Voyager and her crew fit in to a Starfleet they had been separated from for so many years?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by Warp Five's Brandi Jackola to talk about the Voyager relaunch novel Homecoming by Christie Golden. We discuss a troubling account of abuse, fixing "Endgame," wrapping things up too quickly, a holographic uprising, the return of the Borg, and finish by sharing our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news this week, Bruce and Dan discuss the implications of the newly-announced Jean-Luc Picard television series on the lit-verse, the return of the Star Trek: Waypoint comic from IDW this November, and review the final issue of the Star Trek: Discovery: Succession miniseries.

News
Captain Picard Series (00:05:41)
Waypoint (00:14:46)
Secession #4 (00:17:41)

Feature: Homecoming
Starting the Book (00:27:00)
Child Abuse (00:29:26)
Fixing Endgame (00:31:59)
Everything Happens Fast (00:43:20)
Harry and Libby (00:47:41)
Icheb and Starfleet Academy (00:51:12)
Transporters and Mark's Dog (00:53:35)
Holostriking (00:57:59)
Return of the Borg (01:07:27)
B'Elanna and Tom (01:14:02)
Ratings (01:15:28)
Final Thoughts (01:23:04)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Brandi Jackola

Production
Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Time to Harvest.

The situation in the Dokallan system is deteriorating rapidly. As Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise attempt to normalize relations with the Dokallans, sinister forces are working behind the scenes to undermine their efforts and subvert the Dokallans' terraforming operations to their own purposes. It will take all of the effort of Picard and his crew to turn the tables on their mysterious enemy, who have the power to hide in plain sight!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson talk about A Time to Harvest by Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore, the fourth novel in the A Time To series. We discuss the situation so far, an ill-advised plan to help the Dokallans, the familiar enemy the crew faces, Starfleet and Federation principles, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, we have some long-awaited and extremely exciting news from Star Trek Las Vegas about upcoming Star Trek novels from Simon & Schuster!

News
News from STLV (00:01:29)

Feature: A Time to Harvest
Last Time on A Time To (00:15:08)
Who's Behind Things (00:19:13)
Let's Fire Torpedoes at Ijuuka (00:27:07)
The Satarrans (00:39:14)
Characterizations (00:47:13)
Starfleet and Federation Principles (00:52:49)
Further Story Points (00:59:04)
Ratings (01:04:26)
Final Thoughts (01:08:06)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Surak's Soul.

Subcommander T'Pol, on a landing party to the planet Oan whose population has almost completely been wiped out, inadvertently causes the death of the last survivor of the Oani race. Disturbed by her actions, she decides to adopt a strict interpretation of Surak's doctrine of complete non-violence, refusing to wear a sidearm or use the ship's weaponry, even in defense. But when the ship is threatened by the same menace that ravaged the Oani, can T'Pol afford to stick with her convictions, or will she be forced to kill again?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by Earl Grey's Justin Oser to discuss the Enterprise novel Surak's Soul. We talk about medical mysteries, T'Pol's dilemma, similarities to the Enterprise episode "The Seventh," T'Pol's youth on Vulcan, the mysterious Wanderer, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, Bruce and Dan review the first issue of IDW's Star Trek: The Next Generation: Terra Incognita miniseries.

News
Terra Incognita #1 (00:02:33)

Feature: Surak's Soul
Special Guest (00:14:29)
Medical Mystery (00:21:19)
T'Pol Kills (00:28:48)
"The Seventh" (00:42:07)
Wondering About the Wanderer (00:48:39)
Young T'Pol (00:53:01)
Wrapping Up (01:01:27)
Ratings (01:07:45)
Final Thoughts (01:16:41)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Justin Oser

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Phil Farrand: The Nitpicker's Guides.

Many people think of nitpicking as a disrespectful act. If you enjoy a show, why pick it apart? I, however, would contend that if you love someone, it is actually a compassionate act to tell them about the dab of mustard on their upper lip! Such is the idea behind the Nitpicker's Guides, books that attempted to catalog and describe each and every error in a number of Star Trek series, be they continuity errors, equipment oddities, changed premises, or just general goofs.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson sit down with Phil Farrand, author of The Nitpicker's Guide for Next Generation Trekkers volumes one and two, The Nitpicker's Guide for Classic Trekkers, and The Nitpicker's Guide for Deep Space Nine Trekkers. We discuss the origin of the guides, the process of writing them, the community of nitpickers called The Nitpicker's Guild, positive nitpicking versus negativity and toxic fandom, and what Phil is currently working on and where you can find him online.

In the news segment, we talk about Big Finish and their Prometheus audiobooks, and review two new comics: what looks to be the final issue of New Visions, and Star Trek: Discovery: Succession #3.

News
Prometheus Audiobooks (00:03:31)
New Visions #22 (00:06:21)
Succession #3 (00:23:27)

Feature: Phil Farrand
Origin of the Guides (00:28:39)
Fan Reaction (00:37:13)
Nitpicking In Good Cheer (00:38:32)
Fostering the Nitpickers Guild (00:41:10)
Fine Line Between Fun and Complaining (00:47:26)
Hollywood Double Standards (00:52:35)
Publishing More Guides (00:59:18)
Becoming A Writer (01:20:09)
Final Thoughts (01:33:03)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
Phil Farrand

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

A Time to Sow.

Morale aboard the Enterprise has been dealt a serious blow. The incident at the Rashanar battle site has left a definite stain on the career of Jean-Luc Picard, and he and his crew can't help but feel that their latest assignment is designed to get them off the radar for the time being. However, their mission to investigate a centuries-old distress call may be more intriguing than Starfleet intended. When a new civilization is found to be thriving against all odds, Picard and his crew must get to the bottom of a mystery that threatens to tear that civilization apart.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss A Time to Sow, the third book in the nine-part A Time To series, and the first book in a duology by Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore. We talk about a surprise visit to the time period of Star Trek: Enterprise, Starfleet "milk runs," Data's emotions (or lack thereof), an act of sabotage, the Dokallan civilization, an outside threat, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, we discuss the upcoming Star Trek vs. Transformers comic miniseries coming soon from IDW, The Art of John Eaves by Joe Nazzaro coming later this year, and I Am Captain Kirk, a new Little Golden Book for the tiny Trekkies out there!

News
Star Trek vs. Transformers (00:03:27)
The Art of John Eaves (00:08:39)
I Am Captain Kirk (00:10:19)

Feature: A Time to Sow
The Third Book (00:13:54)
Too Little, Too Late (00:17:43)
Low Priority Missions (00:23:01)
Don't Get "Sow" Emotional (00:33:35)
An Act of Sabotage (00:39:46)
The Dokallans (00:43:09)
Another Force at Work (00:49:42)
Other Cliffhangers (00:57:40)
Ratings (01:00:13)
Final Thoughts (01:03:05)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: Fear Itself.

For many fans, the breakout character of Star Trek: Discovery has been Saru, the Kelpien science officer aboard the U.S.S. Shenzhou. Kelpiens are a prey species, driven by instinct to heed their natural fear response and be hyper-alert to any danger present in their surroundings. Saru is no exception to this, and when a rescue mission begins to spiral out of control, he must learn to temper his fear if he has any hope of getting himself and his team out alive.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by James Swallow, author of the new Discovery novel, Fear Itself. We discuss the process of writing the novel, getting inside Saru's head, the various species involved in the story, Saru and Burnham's relationship, Captain Georgiou's leadership style, overcoming fear, and what other projects James has on the horizon. We also briefly talk about the current troubled state of Pocket Books' Star Trek line, and what might be in store for its future.

In the news section, we preview a new book coming next year from Dayton Ward: Kirk Fu Manual: An Introduction to the Final Frontier's Most Feared Martial Art!

News
Kirk Fu Manual (00:02:39)

Feature: James Swallow
The Latest Discovery (00:05:47)
The Process (00:06:22)
Inside Saru's Head (00:13:04)
Two Races (00:17:18)
The Tholians (00:21:25)
The Gorlans (00:25:07)
The Hub (00:29:10)
Burnham and Saru (00:31:51)
A Novel About Fear (00:40:28)
Beginning and the End (00:42:21)
The Return of Trek Novels? (00:55:22)
James Upcoming and Online (01:02:19)
Final Thoughts (01:06:49)

Hosts
Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest
James Swallow

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)