The Human Adventure continues on my book shelf this week as I delve into another Trek novel. This one is written by the Reeves-Stevens who would later move onto writing for the Enterprise series.

Set during The Original Series and the original five year mission, the story opens after a very dramatic event, and we are plunged into its fallout.

The Prime Directive is the highest law held by Starfleet and the Federation, the rule of non-interference with species that aren’t technologically and intellectually advanced enough to handle the introduction to the wider galaxy of life around their planet, whether they suspect it exists or not.

Halfway through an observation mission to determine whether or not Talin IV is ready or not, or if their increasing political tensions will lead to war, the Enterprise are caught up in events that culminate in nuclear war, that puts the ship and her crew front and center, in apparent violation of the Prime Directive.

With a world in ruins, the crew go their separate ways as Scott works to restore the Enterprise. Meanwhile, Kirk is taking odd jobs, trying to make his way back to the Talin system, Spock is working a political angle, McCoy resigns, Uhura is drummed out of the service and Sulu and Chekov become pirates.

But events are constantly in motion, and the crew of the Enterprise find themselves drawn back to Talin IV, to determine what really happened, an to prove that they are not guilty of the violation, and to discover the truth.

the duo have a good handle on the characters and the way The Original Series told its stories, they also tie the narrative into the larger universe name dropping familiar characters into the story, and reminding us that Kirk and company are part of a huge tapestry that has grown over the decades.

It’s a fast solid read, though the introduction can be a little jarring to some. The disaster has already happened and all of our regular characters are dealing with the repercussions on their lives and careers.

I quite liked this one, and I know I had it in hardcover forever ago, but I don’t recall enjoying it as much as I did this time around. I think because I’m so immersed in Trek right now, I can tell what the good stories and characterizations are. And this one works.

Even if it’s not necessarily canon.

Boldy go…