Enterprise

Vonda N. McIntyre

9/1/1998

This is a Star Trek novel I read many years ago and still enjoy re-reading. James T. Kirk has been promoted to Captain and has boarded the Enterprise for his first mission. He is anticipating a challenge, exploring the galaxy, perhaps discovering a new species, and possibly even meeting some Klingons. Instead, the Enterprise is ordered to escort a troup of acrobats and circus around to Starbases.

Spock has served with Captain Pike since the Enterprise was commissioned. Now Pike has been promoted and this new guy, James Kirk, is coming on as Captain. Spock will adjust to this new person. Yet he has to learn what this new captain expects of him. And one of the acrobats turns out to be a blaspehmous Vulcan, one who laughs and allows his emotions to show.

Hikaru Sulu was looking forward to his first posting out of Star Fleet Academy. He was to be posted out on the border, a position that excited him. At last minute his orders were changed, and now he is helmsman of the Enterprise.

Uhura and Scotty are returning to the Enterprise after a leave. They, along with all the other crew members, must adjust from working with Captain Pike to the new hot shot, youngest ever captain in Star Fleet. They are professionals and know their job. They will adjust. But Uhura has her music to help her through the coming stresses. Scotty has his engine room. It's a good thing.

This is the Starship Enterprise. Even a simple transport mission becomes more. The "tame" trip that is to help the crew shake down and get to know each other gets thrown in the middle of Klingon problems. There is also a strange entity in the same region of space. And of course, there are the circus performers and acrobats. They cause their own stress as well, especially with a flying horse.

This one is lots of fun. It helps if you are a Star Trek fan. I cannot give the opinion of someone who does not already know the characters. I am pleased to get these glimpses into the history of the characters I have watched and read about for over 30 years. Star Trek fans will like this one. I think even Science Fiction fans who enjoy lighter works occasionally will like it, too.

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