Launching with a couple of chapters reliving the climax of the iconic episode, Where No Man Has Gone Before, Micheal Jan Friedman’s first novel, in a three part series call My Brother’s Keeper, explores the early relationship of Lt. James T. Kirk, and Cadet Gary Mitchell when they first encounter each other at Starfleet Academy.

Captain Kirk is still reeling from having to kill his best friend in a climactic battle on Delta Vega, as he and the Enterprise attempt to get underway and continue their mission to boldly go, Kirk is approached in his quarters by his First Officer, Spock.

They are at the beginning of their decades long friendship, and Spock is curious about the history between Kirk and Mitchell. So, as one does, he shares a tale, one that works to tie itself solidly into Trek lore and canon. There are mentions of Captain Robert April, as well as explanations about Kirk’s broken friendship with Ben Finney, and his violent encounters with Finnegan.

Mitchell and Kirk don’t quite click right off the bat, and Kirk, who is teaching a course on Federation History is less than impressed that Mitchell isn’t applying himself, but coasting, and using his latent psychic ability to get by.

So he arranges for a journey on the Republic, a training cruise, if you will. Unfortunately, Mitchell is starting to rub off on Kirk, and the pair get into serious trouble, trouble that could jeopardize Kirk’s dreams of sitting in a command chair.

Mitchell definitely has had an influence on Kirk, especially in helping him deal with the fairer sex, as Jim romances a beautiful fellow cadet, an Andorian female, even as an unlikely assignment comes the Republic’s way.

The pair soon find themselves in a situation Kirk knows well, toeing the line, or violating orders to do what is right, and perhaps save the day? Something that could also have a lasting impact on the blossoming friendship between the two young men.

It’s a fun and well-written novel. Friedman makes sure to tie the story as solidly into established Trek history as he is able. We know certain things have to happen, but I also like the fact that the friendship between Kirk and Mitchell is explored more, and filled out.

You know at the end of the episode that Kirk is hurting over the loss of his friend, but because of the episodic nature of the series at the time, they could never explore that. But here we can, through these three books, I’m sure we’ll explore their friendship, and that will make the impact of Mitchell’s death (?) at the end of Where No Man Has Gone Before all that more powerful.

The voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise will continue, the next time I join The Original Series crew on an adventure, it will be in book two of My Brother’s Keeper, Constitution.

The Human Adventure is just beginning…