After having done so much world-building for the Cardassians in her Deep Space Nine novels, Brinkmanship’s focus on the Tzenkethi gave Una the opportunity to do the same for that species. “David R. George III had already done wonderful work with the Tzenkethi,” she reminds us, “creating the unusual interior spaces that the Tzenkethi prefer, and their fascinating system of naming. I had a great deal of fun exploring this new planet. I also loved what David Mack did for the Breen in Zero Sum Game, and wanted to do something similar for the Tzenkethi. I had a blast.”
There is also a Cardassian component to the novel, which allowed Una to add to the roster of Cardassian characters she has created. “I think these are All New Cardassians!” she says, pointing out two exceptions: “Glinn Dygan, who has appeared in other books, has an important part to play” – and, she adds sheepishly, “Garak has a cameo, because I can’t stop myself!”
