Title: "Into the Void" Date Published: 1997
Author/s: Peter David
Main Plot:
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The final days of the Thallonian Empire is at hand and the U.S.S. Excalibur is finally ready to launch on her errand of mercy. A First Officer, whose past is intertwined with Captain Calhoun's, joins the crew. A stowaway becomes an unexpected ally as the ship speed towards its destiny, alone, outside Federation Space.
My Short Review:
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Wow, Commander Elizabeth Paula Shelby... This has to be the most volatile pairing of a ship's top two commanding officers of all time, and they have a past to boot. Commander Shelby, of "The Best Of Both Worlds" fame, is a by-the-book Starfleet officer that compliments Captain Calhoun's gut-instinct style of command perfectly. Together, they should test Federation regulations, and even the Prime Directive, to their limits. Great setup here.
Si Cwan, a member of the displaced ruling family of Thallon, joins the crew as an expert on the region of space the ship was headed for. Remind you of someone? Right, Neelix. Only this one is royalty, has his own agenda, one that he will obsessively pursue at any cost, even his own life. Calhoun should have his hands full with this one.
The rest of the crew is as colorful as well. Zak Kebron, a Brikar, is Security Chief. He was an old classmate, rival, sparring partner and friend of Worf during their Starfleet Academy days. Burgoyne 172, a Hermat, is Chief Engineer of the Excalibur. Hish dual sexuality makes for interesting interactions with the rest of the crew. Mark McHenry, a Human, is the navigator, also an old classmate of Worf's from the Academy. This guy makes Einstein look like a dinosaur when it comes to brain function. And of course, we shouldn't forget Robin Lefler, and old flame of Wesley Crusher's. Not much character development for her yet, but I expect there will be in the succeeding books.
As the crew settles into what will be their home for the next few years, they receive a distress signal. Captain Calhoun dispatches a shuttle to investigate as the Excalibur speeds on to their primary objective...
Yes, this book leaves us with a cliff hanger. I thought my review should reflect that as well. As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to like the way Peter David is writing this. While I like seeing how goals are met, problems are solved and objectives reached, I also expected a story arch to this series. This is one series that should have hit the television screens.
My Overall Rating:
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