Question: Is Picard left holding the baby while Crusher is on DS9?
Spoilers DS9: The Missing by Una McCormack Review Thread
- Thread starter JWolf
- Start date
Unless something's changed, René is on Enterprise, yes.
Rene is not a baby any longer. I think he's about 4 by the time The Mssing occurs (late 2385).
Must be. He was born between May (Losing the Peace/A Singular Destiny) and September~October (Protectors) 2381.
Last edited:
My copy just arrived. 
EDIT: So far, I'm liking it quite a lot. It's a light read, and enjoyable. In particular, I'm liking the Adventures of Corazame, and the various discussions on the Tzenkethi service grades' worldview.
EDIT: So far, I'm liking it quite a lot. It's a light read, and enjoyable. In particular, I'm liking the Adventures of Corazame, and the various discussions on the Tzenkethi service grades' worldview.
Last edited:
I've finished it; a quick read. It was enjoyable, and overall a great success. There's a lot in here, enough packed into it that the novel remains interesting and engaging throughout, and yet also relatively "light" in comparison to previous books - after the big events of The Fall, it's nice to have a smaller and more intimately focused outing.
The book was very well balanced, too - for instance, the Cardassian subplot took up just enough time that it didn't feel like an intrusion. Its progress was well judged; the story was skilfully crafted. I appreciate too how the inclusion of the subplot in question plays to the station's size and scope, to the sense that life is unfolding continuously there, that myriad smaller issues are being dealt with on an ongoing basis. In a similar fashion, the Chain and the People were successful as "aliens of the week", something that we've not seen too much of recently, what with the focus on political interactions between known players. It's refreshing to have explorers come to the Federation for a change (for a big, sprawling stationary target they seem to have surprisingly few visitors from beyond...).
There were a couple of moments that made me roll my eyes a bit (if you'll excuse me saying so) - I suppose I'm simply getting a bit tired of what to me is a conservative and monolithic perspective in Trek writing that pretends to be something opposite - but on the whole this was very enjoyable and thoughtful.
I have a sometimes difficult relationship with Trek lit in general, in that - to borrow from this novel's own musings - the more I admire the glamour the more I see the rot. I had the same problem with the very high-quality Acts of Contrition, and I suppose it's a point in favour of this book's quality that I should feel something similar here. I can't say the novel actually lives up to the promise of the discussions it brings into play, but I do think it's a strong book, and it makes the most of each page.
Once again, good use is made of Garak - using him sparingly except in those rare stories that focus primarily on him (I noted the same thing, with approval, in Brinkmanship, which had only a single Garak scene). I also appreciated the various acknowledgements of the potential difficulties in accepting Elim Garak as a leader; since one of my concerns - not a complaint, just a concern - about The Crimson Shadow was the thematic discomfort that arises when Garak assumes political authority. I'm glad to see that this book wasn't shying away from that; the writing drew attention to it, often subtly, and in a very organic way stemming from the characterization, but with pleasing awareness of the complexities and possible objections. This is making me considerably more comfortable with that particular development.
Regarding the successful ongoing exploration of details relevant to the larger meta-story, I felt something similar about the novel's handling of the Alpha/Beta quadrants' political situation in general, which is in the backdrop but not the focus. Comments about being "closer to détente with the Romulans than ever", for example, which acknowledge Kamemor's efforts without bringing her into a story that's too focused and low-key for her to be involved. And it's nice to have a political dilemma that isn't high-stakes threat-of-armed-conflict but more, shall we say, realistic? The Cardassian-Romulan-Federation situation is well played. I'm also so glad to see the slow but steady thawing of relations (Romulan-Cardassian, Federation-Tzenkethi for whatever degree that's currently possible). The pax galactica of the 25th Century (as described in The Good That Men Do) is starting to seem a realistic goal.
The Tzenkethi continue to be explored well; I really enjoyed the various musings, from both Tzenkethi and non-Tzenkethi, on their social customs and the experiences of the lower grades. Reintroducing Corazame and Alden, giving them continuing character arcs, was a choice that paid off well.
Tanj's "I'm sick of all this quarrelling" was a great moment. A little funny, and also greatly sympathetic. It successfully conveyed the disappointment and regret that an expedition launched with such high hopes had been caught in such tiresome and goodwill-sapping clashes.
I did enjoy the various reflections on the social sciences, perhaps particularly because I have an essentially Pulaski-esque view on them. Having immersed in them myself, I would say they have potential value, but are far too entrenched in narrow-minded conservatism, ideology and (even by tribalist standards) an appalling lack of self-awareness and self-reflection. Give them a complete overhaul and maybe they can earn some approval.
I'll rate this one Above Average; a very enjoyable, well-written book which skilfully introduces a lot of themes and discussions into a relatively confined story and makes it elegant.
The book was very well balanced, too - for instance, the Cardassian subplot took up just enough time that it didn't feel like an intrusion. Its progress was well judged; the story was skilfully crafted. I appreciate too how the inclusion of the subplot in question plays to the station's size and scope, to the sense that life is unfolding continuously there, that myriad smaller issues are being dealt with on an ongoing basis. In a similar fashion, the Chain and the People were successful as "aliens of the week", something that we've not seen too much of recently, what with the focus on political interactions between known players. It's refreshing to have explorers come to the Federation for a change (for a big, sprawling stationary target they seem to have surprisingly few visitors from beyond...).
There were a couple of moments that made me roll my eyes a bit (if you'll excuse me saying so) - I suppose I'm simply getting a bit tired of what to me is a conservative and monolithic perspective in Trek writing that pretends to be something opposite - but on the whole this was very enjoyable and thoughtful.
I have a sometimes difficult relationship with Trek lit in general, in that - to borrow from this novel's own musings - the more I admire the glamour the more I see the rot. I had the same problem with the very high-quality Acts of Contrition, and I suppose it's a point in favour of this book's quality that I should feel something similar here. I can't say the novel actually lives up to the promise of the discussions it brings into play, but I do think it's a strong book, and it makes the most of each page.
Once again, good use is made of Garak - using him sparingly except in those rare stories that focus primarily on him (I noted the same thing, with approval, in Brinkmanship, which had only a single Garak scene). I also appreciated the various acknowledgements of the potential difficulties in accepting Elim Garak as a leader; since one of my concerns - not a complaint, just a concern - about The Crimson Shadow was the thematic discomfort that arises when Garak assumes political authority. I'm glad to see that this book wasn't shying away from that; the writing drew attention to it, often subtly, and in a very organic way stemming from the characterization, but with pleasing awareness of the complexities and possible objections. This is making me considerably more comfortable with that particular development.
Regarding the successful ongoing exploration of details relevant to the larger meta-story, I felt something similar about the novel's handling of the Alpha/Beta quadrants' political situation in general, which is in the backdrop but not the focus. Comments about being "closer to détente with the Romulans than ever", for example, which acknowledge Kamemor's efforts without bringing her into a story that's too focused and low-key for her to be involved. And it's nice to have a political dilemma that isn't high-stakes threat-of-armed-conflict but more, shall we say, realistic? The Cardassian-Romulan-Federation situation is well played. I'm also so glad to see the slow but steady thawing of relations (Romulan-Cardassian, Federation-Tzenkethi for whatever degree that's currently possible). The pax galactica of the 25th Century (as described in The Good That Men Do) is starting to seem a realistic goal.
The Tzenkethi continue to be explored well; I really enjoyed the various musings, from both Tzenkethi and non-Tzenkethi, on their social customs and the experiences of the lower grades. Reintroducing Corazame and Alden, giving them continuing character arcs, was a choice that paid off well.
Tanj's "I'm sick of all this quarrelling" was a great moment. A little funny, and also greatly sympathetic. It successfully conveyed the disappointment and regret that an expedition launched with such high hopes had been caught in such tiresome and goodwill-sapping clashes.
I did enjoy the various reflections on the social sciences, perhaps particularly because I have an essentially Pulaski-esque view on them. Having immersed in them myself, I would say they have potential value, but are far too entrenched in narrow-minded conservatism, ideology and (even by tribalist standards) an appalling lack of self-awareness and self-reflection. Give them a complete overhaul and maybe they can earn some approval.
I'll rate this one Above Average; a very enjoyable, well-written book which skilfully introduces a lot of themes and discussions into a relatively confined story and makes it elegant.
Wait! corazame is that Tzenkethi girl saved by the undercover cardassian agent, right? It's awesome to hear that Una talks about her , i always wondered what a poor genetic created Tzenkethi girl will do once she discoveres that there is another world outside her home world and there is more than what she was created to think.
Yep, you're thinking of the right person.
And the book does a really good job with her, too; I very much enjoyed how McCormack portrayed her in The Missing. I think you'll enjoy her parts of the book; how she relates to the galaxy and possibilities outside of her original role is explored quite a bit.
Nice review Nasat I'm Glad Alden and Corzame are in this book. What about Beverly Crusher's story arc serving on ds9. I'm curious to find what people think about serving as CMO aboard Ds9 and being away from the Enterprise and where is her son Rene and who's taking care of him.
Got my copy this morning. I should start tomorrow.
Done.
It's revealed midway and has no bearing on the plot, but I like that the Athene Donald is of a familiar starship class. The ship does not seem to have a prefix and is consistently referred to as the Athene Donald.
And while we're on the ships; there's no specific design reference given for the aliens' ships.
Originally, I thought the aliens would come through the wormhole but it appears they're from deep in the Beta Quadrant. That's another large unexplored area, too.
Also, the Federation makes tentative steps towards progress again.
I enjoyed the characterizations and character developments of the old and new people. The inclusion of several plots was another major strength of the book. It was reminiscent of the grand old Relaunch.
With the DS9 brand revived, I also hope to see more of O'Brien and meet Nog again.
It's revealed midway and has no bearing on the plot, but I like that the Athene Donald is of a familiar starship class. The ship does not seem to have a prefix and is consistently referred to as the Athene Donald.
Olympic
And while we're on the ships; there's no specific design reference given for the aliens' ships.
Originally, I thought the aliens would come through the wormhole but it appears they're from deep in the Beta Quadrant. That's another large unexplored area, too.
Also, the Federation makes tentative steps towards progress again.
Pulaski is actively working on extending Human lifespan.
Plus, the characters are familiar with the concept of transwarp beaming, and Blackmer is sure to cook up some countermeasures. The technology causing damage to its user vibes with the danger in the Star Trek Into Darkness novelization. However, it is a technology that has moved into the realm of the feasible, in-universe. (Yes, I'm aware it appeared in a TNG episode.)
Plus, the characters are familiar with the concept of transwarp beaming, and Blackmer is sure to cook up some countermeasures. The technology causing damage to its user vibes with the danger in the Star Trek Into Darkness novelization. However, it is a technology that has moved into the realm of the feasible, in-universe. (Yes, I'm aware it appeared in a TNG episode.)
I enjoyed the characterizations and character developments of the old and new people. The inclusion of several plots was another major strength of the book. It was reminiscent of the grand old Relaunch.
With the DS9 brand revived, I also hope to see more of O'Brien and meet Nog again.
Be aware that there are mild spoilers included within this review (largely in terms of which characters appear).
I thankfully received the book in the UK between Christmas and New Year and finished it within 24 hours. I absolutely loved it (a 5 rating from me). I admit that I was a little bit unsure of what Pulaski would add to the book, since she didn't come across that well in TNG, and she would merely be taking the wordcount away from the DS9 characters. However, she was written brilliantly and added so much to the story, I loved how the book didn't shy away from the more negative aspects of her character. I now would love to read more Athene Donald books, which is surely the highest praise you can give when only Pulaski had appeared in the TV series, and normally I'm only interested in books when several/most of the characters appeared on the tv shows.
Having Pulaski and Crusher together was delightful, not least Crusher's evolving thoughts and opinion on Pulaski - have they ever appeared together in print before? I wonder if it was Una McCormack's idea, not least when it turned out Crusher would be temporarily replacing Bashir, an ideal opportunity for the two women to appear together.
What I particularly loved about the book was how it seemed like a missing episode from the series, but set in the modern era where the books now reside. Generally I have little interest in books set within the series of DS9, since I know where the characters are ultimately going to end up, yet this had the feel of the series in the new era. I did wonder how I would like the books now they have (for the time being) moved on from the more military focus to exploration, but this was simply wonderful. Yet I also love how it was referred that the younger Starfleet personnel, having been brought up in that era, can almost be overly militarily focussed.
The best bit of all though was that my favourite character in the whole or Trek had a considerable part in the book (Odo!), and looks to be hanging around for longer and they were written brilliantly.
Some of the dialogue was superb too, as if I was watching a classic episode. the long scene between Odo and Garak was probably the best in the whole book, unmissable. And I love Quark's description of Odo at one point.
The book superbly tied pretty much all of the story threads under the title 'The Missing'. With such a focus on parenthood in various ways, I wonder whether the author (who was pregnant during the writing, as it mentions in her Author Notes), was influenced by that.
I can't really critique the book. There's still a lot that is barely explained about the aliens in the book, but that is not a bad thing, it adds mystery, and gives the opportunity to revisit them. The Enterprise episode 'Silent Enemy' is still one of my favourites, and the aliens from that were brilliantly revisited in Christopher L Bennett's 'A Choice of Futures'. Like a classic DS9 episode, I liked how certain characters dominated the book, with others having much smaller but still important roles like O'Brien and Quark. I guess the only confusion is the cover of the book, it is a gorgeous cover but has no major relevance to the plot? I'm not complaining though, I would love a larger copy for my wall.
I thankfully received the book in the UK between Christmas and New Year and finished it within 24 hours. I absolutely loved it (a 5 rating from me). I admit that I was a little bit unsure of what Pulaski would add to the book, since she didn't come across that well in TNG, and she would merely be taking the wordcount away from the DS9 characters. However, she was written brilliantly and added so much to the story, I loved how the book didn't shy away from the more negative aspects of her character. I now would love to read more Athene Donald books, which is surely the highest praise you can give when only Pulaski had appeared in the TV series, and normally I'm only interested in books when several/most of the characters appeared on the tv shows.
Having Pulaski and Crusher together was delightful, not least Crusher's evolving thoughts and opinion on Pulaski - have they ever appeared together in print before? I wonder if it was Una McCormack's idea, not least when it turned out Crusher would be temporarily replacing Bashir, an ideal opportunity for the two women to appear together.
What I particularly loved about the book was how it seemed like a missing episode from the series, but set in the modern era where the books now reside. Generally I have little interest in books set within the series of DS9, since I know where the characters are ultimately going to end up, yet this had the feel of the series in the new era. I did wonder how I would like the books now they have (for the time being) moved on from the more military focus to exploration, but this was simply wonderful. Yet I also love how it was referred that the younger Starfleet personnel, having been brought up in that era, can almost be overly militarily focussed.
The best bit of all though was that my favourite character in the whole or Trek had a considerable part in the book (Odo!), and looks to be hanging around for longer and they were written brilliantly.
Some of the dialogue was superb too, as if I was watching a classic episode. the long scene between Odo and Garak was probably the best in the whole book, unmissable. And I love Quark's description of Odo at one point.
The book superbly tied pretty much all of the story threads under the title 'The Missing'. With such a focus on parenthood in various ways, I wonder whether the author (who was pregnant during the writing, as it mentions in her Author Notes), was influenced by that.
I can't really critique the book. There's still a lot that is barely explained about the aliens in the book, but that is not a bad thing, it adds mystery, and gives the opportunity to revisit them. The Enterprise episode 'Silent Enemy' is still one of my favourites, and the aliens from that were brilliantly revisited in Christopher L Bennett's 'A Choice of Futures'. Like a classic DS9 episode, I liked how certain characters dominated the book, with others having much smaller but still important roles like O'Brien and Quark. I guess the only confusion is the cover of the book, it is a gorgeous cover but has no major relevance to the plot? I'm not complaining though, I would love a larger copy for my wall.
The aliens just arrived, so I'm not far in - but this has to be my favourite trek book of the year (from this small section). It's that familiar observant, witty point of view, the female focal characters (Ro, Pulaski, Crusher, Corizome), the nods to literary history and the sociological and psychological aspects...
Pulaski! I'd never have thought that I wanted a book focused on her. But here it is!
Indeed as someone mentioned this does feel very Relaunch-esque, following on from plots, characters and events in many diverse books. Brilliant!
Pulaski! I'd never have thought that I wanted a book focused on her. But here it is!
Indeed as someone mentioned this does feel very Relaunch-esque, following on from plots, characters and events in many diverse books. Brilliant!
Pulaski and Crusher, as far as I can remember, shared a scene in the second Double Helix book, since Crusher was just returning to the Enterprise-D after her 1 year stint as Head of Starfleet Medical (during the TNG's Season 2), while Pulaski was leaving the D for a mission to Terok Nor and Bajor.
About a chapter and a half in, I'm afraid that so far at least, what's "missing" seems to have been a good proofreader and copy editor. Caught one sentence so jarringly ungrammatical (I think we were inside Pulaski's head at that point) that I could ascribe no meaning to it whatsoever, and later, inside Corazame's head, Peter Alden had convinced her that he could trust her?!?
That's not a mistake, so far as I can tell. It comes at the end of a passage in which Corazame was reflecting on how she didn't know how to placate him, because the usual gestures and other bodily cues weren't appropriate with a non-Tzenkethi. I read it as "he convinced her that he felt that she wasn't a threat or doing Something Bad, as she had feared"; that she didn't have to worry that she was giving off wrong signals (or more accurately, not giving off the right ones) and therefore he would think she were being deviant and untrustworthy, unaware of her place and correct function.
Alden: "You can trust that I trust you".
Corazme: *Relief that she hasn't, in fact, messed up*
Similar threads
- Poll
