Rebels: The Courageous.     Deep Space Nine is no longer under Starfleet's care as the Bajorans take running the station for a test drive, while Sisko and the crew of the Defiant find themselves in a no-win Prime Directive scenario on one of the strangest worlds you'll ever read about for Star Trek. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettitt talk about the second book in the Deep Space Nine trilogy Rebels, The Courageous. We discuss Sisko and his group's story, the Defiant, Jadzia and Julian, an Orb experience, our ratings and final thoughts.  In the news we talk about post Picard literature, then we review Star Trek #6, Defiant #2, The Illyrian Enigma #4 and The Dog of War #1.       News Post Picard Literature (00:02:56) Star Trek #6 (00:13:03) Defiant #2 (00:18:02) The Illyrian Enigma #4 (00:22:01) The Dog of War #1 (00:28:31)             Feature: The Courageous Sisko and Crew (00:34:05) Jadzia, Julian and the Defiant (00:37:59) An Orb Experience (00:45:01) Ratings (00:45:01) Final Thoughts (00:54:09)       Hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettitt  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Warped. Star Trek books had a long history of event hardcover novels for The Original Series as well as The Next Generation, but for Deep Space Nine, the trend seemed to grind to a halt. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettitt talk about the first DS9 hardcover, Warped. We discuss early DS9, a Bajoran coup, a license of freedom, the truth will set you free, a spiritual side, the voices our ratings and final thoughts. In the news second we look at the second issue of Lower Decks and the first issue of a new series called Star Trek. News Lower Decks #1 (00:03:17) Star Trek #1 (00:07:32) Feature: Warped Early DS9 (00:15:32) Bajoran Coup (00:22:24) A License of Freedom (00:31:49) The Truth Will Set You Free (00:37:25) A Spiritual Side (00:44:18) The Voices (00:51:16) Ratings (00:58:46) Final Thoughts (01:02:25) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettitt Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Alex White: Revenant. Jadzia Dax is one of the most complex characters from Deep Space Nine, in all of Star Trek really, which stemmed from the fact that she has had nine previous lives and these perspectives literally influenced her, every day. In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing welcomes Alex White to talk about their first Star Trek book, Revenant. We discuss diving into the universe, Alex's Star Trek story, the book's genesis, redeeming the past, Kira and Dax, Dax and Worf, the Trill, harmony, life is hard, no Trill is an island, a final question and our final thoughts. Feature: Alex White Diving Into the Universe (00:01:53) Alex's Star Trek Story (00:03:04) The Book's Genesis (00:09:35) Redeeming the Past (00:14:49) Kira and Dax (00:18:42) Dax and Worf (00:23:15) The Trill (00:25:36) Harmony (00:33:01) Life is Hard (00:34:40) No Trill is an Island (00:40:43) A Final Question (00:46:30) Final Thoughts (00:54:48) Hosts Matthew Rushing Guest Alex White Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Star Trek: Coda. The end of the litverse has come and gone but the feelings about the series continue to ripple through fandom as they digest the way the series was brought to a conclusion. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson welcome back Casey Pettitt to help them discuss the Star Trek: Coda series. We discuss coming to the end, Moments Asunder, the threat, other things in the first book, The Ashes of Tomorrow, Deep Space Nine threads, other things in the second book, Oblivion's Gate, hope, the final product and our final thoughts. Feature: Star Trek: Coda Coming to the End (00:04:46) Moments Asunder (00:16:04) The Threat (00:26:42) Other Things in the First Book (00:32:04) The Ashes of Tomorrow (00:37:02) Deep Space Nine Threads (00:42:38) Other Things in the Second Gun (00:50:49) Oblivion's Gate (00:53:10) Hope (01:04:25) The Final Product (01:10:47) Final Thoughts (01:19:04) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson Guest Casey Pettitt Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Raise the Dawn. It has been a long road for the crew of DS9, many of them have been put through the fire and the station itself has paid the ultimate price, meaning there is nothing to do but pick through the rubble and move forward. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson welcome Casey Pettitt back to talk about Raise the Dawn. We discuss, Emissary no more, false wormhole, a dramatic entrance, contrast, a new station, is she evil, Odo, another cliffhanger, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news section we talk about the release of the final book in the Coda series. News Oblivion's Gate Release (00:04:38) Feature: Raise the Dawn Emissary No More (00:07:43) False Wormhole (00:25:04) Dramatic Entrance (00:32:49) Contrast (00:32:49) A New Station (00:37:27) Is She Evil? (00:52:45) Odo (00:56:02) Another Cliffhanger (00:59:07) Ratings (01:04:00) Final Thoughts (01:09:35) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson Guest Casey Pettitt Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Plagues of Night. As the Typhon Pact series has progressed it has been clear that the crew of Deep Space Nine has jumped in time to make it concurrent to where the rest of the Star Trek universe is, so it is time to fill in the gaps. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson talk about Plagues of Night. We discuss Sisko's story, different ways, filling in a lot of gaps, plans within plans, characters in flux, the end of Deep Space Nine, Kira far beyond the stars, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we review the second issue of the Mirror War comic series. News Mirror War #2 (00:02:46) Feature: Plagues of Night Sisko's Story (00:09:32) Different Ways (00:19:29) Filling in a Lot of Gaps (00:21:03) Plans Within Plans (00:27:00) Bashir (00:34:33) Prynn (00:39:24) The End of Deep Space Nine (00:42:35) Kira Far Beyond the Stars (00:47:24) Ratings (00:49:40) Final Thoughts (00:51:19) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Bruce Gibson Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: The Ashes of Tomorrow. Time is of the essence for the literary universe of Star Trek and there are hard choices for the characters to make that will see them pitted against friends and thrust into the most desperate situations of their lives. In this episode of Literary Treks host Matthew Rushing is joined by author James Swallow to talk about his middle portion of the Coda trilogy, The Ashes of Tomorrow. We discuss how James is feeling, tying in DS9, Sisko and Kira, Bashir, Miles, Ro, Quark and Nog, Picard's next generation, artificial intelligence, the fire in which we burn, shadows, Worf's moment, prophecy fulfilled, wrapping up dangling threads, final thoughts and where to find James online. Feature: James Swallow How James is Feeling (00:02:34) Tying in DS9 (00:04:37) Sisko and Kira (00:08:40) Bashir (00:17:41) Miles (00:23:33) Ro, Quark and Nog (00:26:54) Picard's Next Generation (00:32:17) Artificial Intelligence (00:40:32) The Fire in Which We Burn (00:46:05) Shadows (00:55:03) Worf's Moment (01:00:33) Prophecy Fulfilled (01:05:46) Wrapping Up Dangling Treads (01:09:54) Final Thoughts (01:18:19) James Online (01:23:54) Hosts Matthew Rushing Guest James Swallow Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Too Long a Sacrifice. In the middle of the Dominion War, DS9 suffers a bombing on the Promenade at one of the restaurants, as well as a rash of murders that puts a big trade deal in jeopardy which could have dire consequences on the war effort for Starfleet. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones discuss the comic series Too Long a Sacrifice. We discuss the art for the comic, all four of the issues and give our ratings. In the news section we talk about the upcoming comic releases and have an announcement you'll want to tune in for! News Upcoming Comics (00:03:33) An Announcement! (00:05:42) Feature: Too Long a Sacrifice The Art (00:07:37) Issue 1 (00:13:14) Issue 2 (00:23:05) Issue 3 (00:37:00) Issue 4 (00:53:21) Ratings (01:01:13) Final Thoughts (01:04:31) Hosts Matthew Rushing and C Bryan Jones Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Hollow Men. Deep Space Nine has always tended towards the darker side of Star Trek, and there is no greater example than the sixth season episode "In the Pale Moonlight." In order to bring the Romulans into the war on the side of the Federation, Sisko enlists the aid of Garak to produce fake evidence of a Dominion invasion plan for Romulus. Of course, things go sideways, and the result is murder. But what was the fallout from these events? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the Deep Space Nine novel Hollow Men by Una McCormack. We talk about how the novel follows up on "In the Pale Moonlight," the guilt that Sisko is wrestling with, the enigma of Tomas Roeder, former Starfleet officer turned peace activist, the strange crew of the freighter Ariadne, Odo's suspicions about a theft on the station, how all these storylines tie together in the end, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings. In the news segment, we judge Alan Dean Foster's upcoming Trek novel The Unsettling Stars by its cover, and we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 293: And Then What Happened?. News The Unsettling Stars Cover (00:02:43) Listener Feedback (00:06:08) Feature: Hollow Men Following "In the Pale Moonlight" (00:11:09) Sisko's Guilt (00:17:37) Garak in a Deep, Dark Hole (00:28:40) Tomas Roeder (00:34:45) The Crew of the Ariadne (00:37:50) Suspicious Activities (00:42:58) Putting the Pieces Together (00:49:20) Ratings (01:10:31) Final Thoughts (01:16:18) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Production Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Inferno. The unthinkable has happened: the red and blue wormholes have come together to signal the annihilation of the universe as we know it. However, in a pocket reality, the crew of Deep Space Nine must work to return to their station at one of two points in history. The first: The Day of Withdrawal, when the Cardassians left DS9 at the end of the occupation, and the second: the moment when the red wormhole destroyed the station. Can Sisko and his crew change history and possibly prevent Armageddon? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the conclusion to the Deep Space Nine: Millennium trilogy: Inferno by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the crew's individual personal hells, a paradox-filled time-twisting storyline, some lingering mysteries in the story, Arla Ries's surprising arc, Sisko's role as the Emissary, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings. In the news segment, we talk about an upcoming Discovery comic from IDW: Captain Saru, set for release in February 2019. News Star Trek: Discovery - Captain Saru (00:03:09)) Feature: Inferno Personal Hells (00:05:42) Being Prepared (00:17:40) Timey-Wimey (00:20:24) Vic Fontaine Walks the Promenade (00:34:33) Arla Rees Finds Religion (00:47:34) Sisko is the Emissary (00:58:24) Ratings (01:06:03) Final Thoughts (01:10:51) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Production Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The War of the Prophets. Trapped 25 years in the future, the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant is faced with a future that is nearly unrecognizable. Only days away from Armageddon, the galaxy stands on a knife's edge. On one side, the Bajoran Ascendancy: a cult-like theocracy led by the Emissary of the "True Prophets": Weyoun. On the other, the remnants of a Federation nearly brought to its knees. In the middle: Captain Benjamin Sisko, who must decide once and for all the outcome of "The War of the Prophets." In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the second book of the DS9: Millennium trilogy: The War of the Prophets by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the events that led us to this point, an alternate future, Weyoun and the Pah-Wraiths, the mysterious Grigari, the mirror universe tactic, Starfleet's desperate "Project Phoenix," and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings. In the news section, we judge the cover of the upcoming TNG: Available Light by Dayton Ward, talk about the new Picard Stargazer one-shot comic coming from IDW, and review the first issue of Star Trek vs. Transformers. issue of the Star Trek: Discovery: Succession miniseries. News Available Light Cover (00:02:35) Picard Stargazer Comic (00:11:14) Star Trek vs. Transformers #1 (00:15:41) Feature: The War of the Prophets How We Got Here (00:21:10) The Future (00:27:39) Kai Weyoun? (00:36:40) Grigari (00:48:31) The Mirror Universe Tactic (00:51:54) Project Phoenix (00:58:41) Ratings (01:07:48) Final Thoughts (01:13:04) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Production Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Fall of Terok Nor. Mysterious events are taking place on Deep Space Nine: Quark is accused of murdering a visiting Andorian, Jake and Nog reveal a mysterious, hidden holosuite deep in the bowels of the station, and a fearsome Cardassian scientist arrives for sinister purposes. All of these events relate to a mystery that has lain dormant since the withdrawal of the Cardassian forces from DS9 following the end of the Occupation of Bajor: a lost set of orbs that may have the ability to set the apocalypse in motion! In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the first book in the Deep Space Nine: Millennium trilogy: The Fall of Terok Nor by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens. We talk about the periods of time the book covers, a somewhat confusing but compelling plot, some fun elements of the story, the varied cast of villains, questions we're left with at the end of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings. In the news segment, we talk a bit about Star Trek: Discovery: The Making of Season One, available now from Titan books! News Discovery Special Edition (00:03:22) Feature: The Fall of Terok Nor Periods of Time (00:07:36) A Confusing Good Plot (00:14:07) Other Story Points (00:21:37) The Rogues Gallery (00:38:50) Questions We're Left With (00:49:52) Ratings (01:07:06) Final Thoughts (01:10:02) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Production Bruce Gibson (Editor and Producer) Dan Gunther (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

Fallen Heroes. Deep Space Nine under siege! A seemingly indestructible and implacable foe is tearing through DS9 deck-by-deck, destroying everyone in their path. Salvation will come from an unlikely place, however, and it is up to Quark and Odo to work together to solve the mystery and save the station! In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther are joined by guest host Brandon Shea-Mutala to discuss the Deep Space Nine novel Fallen Heroes by Dafydd ab Hugh. We talk about when the novel was written, a Quark and Odo team-up, whether the author captured the voices of characters adequately, time travel shenanigans, the alien of the week, the resolution of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings. In the news section, we review issue #18 of Boldly Go, which is sadly the final issue of the series.

David R. George III: The 34th Rule. Deep Space Nine was known for, among other things, the quality of its writing and the depth of its characters. The care that the writers put into developing each character along with the obvious passion the actors themselves had for the roles made the character development on DS9 second to none. With that in mind, what better way could there be to explore a character in novel form than to turn the reigns over to a prolific writer and a talented actor who knows his own character inside and out? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author David R. George III back to the show to discuss The 34th Rule, a novel he co-wrote with DS9's Armin Shimerman, whom you may know as Quark! We talk about the genesis of the story, the Ferengi belief system, politics, racism towards the Ferengi, the cycle of violence, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings and where you can find David R. George III online. In our news segment, we review issue 16 of Boldly Go, the fourth part of the "I.D.I.C." miniseries. News Boldly Go #16 (00:03:00) Feature: David R. George III An Oldie But a Goodie (00:13:10) Coming Together (00:15:04) The Title (00:19:38) Business is Religion (00:20:47) Fear Leads to Anger... (00:31:38) Racism is All Ears (00:41:40) Character Voices and Comedy (00:50:43) The Cycle of Violence (00:53:50) Good Men Do Nothing (01:03:54) Ratings (01:05:45) David Online (01:10:35) Final Thoughts (01:13:13) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Guest David R. George III Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Jeffery Harlan (Associate Producer)

The Long Mirage: David R. George III. We once again return to everyone's favorite space station, Deep Space Nine! Kira has returned from her time in the celestial temple, Morn is still missing, and Nog wants his friend Vic Fontaine back. All of these stories end up tied together in ways you couldn't possibly imagine! In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined by author David R. George III to talk about his latest DS9 adventure, The Long Mirage. We discuss where the characters are now, the possible sentience of Vic Fontaine, Quark's relationships, Ro's choices, Sisko's absence, tying the Vic Fontaine and Morn stories together, faith and belief, and the meaning behind the title. In the news segment, we preview the Jean-Luc Picard autobiography, anticipate the release of Section 31: Control, review the new Star Trek Deviations comic, and announce the title of David Mack's upcoming Star Trek: Discovery novel! News Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard (00:02:04) Section 31: Control (00:05:16) Star Trek Deviations #1 (00:07:30) Desperate Hours (00:12:18) Feature: David R. George III Back on DS9 (00:18:30) Setting Up (00:19:41) The Importance of Vic Fontaine (00:28:52) Morn (00:34:34) Quark and Ro (00:39:32) Kira's Perspective (00:49:22) Sisko (00:52:52) Tying it All Together (00:56:41) Faith and Belief (01:09:02) Meaning of the Title (01:22:21) On the Horizon (01:25:51) Final Thoughts (01:30:32) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Guest David R. George III Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

The Siege. In 1993, a new Star Trek series hit the airwaves: Deep Space Nine, a darker, grittier Trek set aboard space station. Like every new Star Trek series, a line of original novels was produced by Pocket Books, and the first book in that series would be penned by none other than Trek literary legend, Peter David. In this episode of Literary Treks, Dan Gunther, Bruce Gibson, and special guest Brandon Shea-Mutala discuss the first original Deep Space Nine novel, The Siege. We talk about the links to season one of DS9, how well Peter David captures the voices of the characters, the violence of the story, a possible Babylon 5 connection, Bashir's actions, and the story's villain. In the news segment, we share our thoughts on the new comics Boldly Go issue 5, and Stranger Worlds issue 3. News Boldly Go #5 (00:04:33) Stranger Worlds #3 (00:07:37) Feature: The Siege Classic Deep Space Nine (00:18:00) References to Season One (00:19:38) Character Match (00:23:08) A Violent Station (00:31:06) Babylon 5 - "Believers" (00:35:22) It's a Good Law (00:43:56) The Villain (00:48:13) Ratings (00:54:49) Final Thoughts (00:58:11) Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Guest Brandon-Shea Mutala Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

Star Trek Archives 4: Best of Deep Space Nine. Writers and artists often struggle to properly emulate the style of a show when adapting Star Trek to comics, especially in the early days of a series. We've recently seen examples of comics wildly missing the mark! However, when it is done well, the results can be impressive. Such is the case with the Deep Space Nine tales we are looking at this week! In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing, Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson talk about the Star Trek Archives 4: Best of Deep Space Nine. We discuss it being so much fun, Stowaway part I and II, Old Wounds, Emancipation part I and II, Hostage Situation and our ratings. In the news we talk about the announcement of another Star Trek/Green Lantern Crossover. News More Star Trek/Green Lantern (00:03:50) Feature: Best of Deep Space Nine So Much Fun (00:08:05) An Admission (00:10:51) Stowaway Part I & II (00:10:51) Old Wounds (00:21:26) Emancipation Part I & II (00:30:17) Hostage Situation (00:40:01) Ratings (00:44:17) Final Thoughts (00:48:20) Hosts Matthew Rushing, Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

Force and Motion: Jeffrey Lang. A buddy-buddy cop movie featuring Nog and O’Brien: what more could die-hard fans of Deep Space Nine wish for? Of course, as we all know, trouble finds these two whenever they leave the station together, and this week’s novel adventure is no different! Throw in disgraced former Captain Ben Maxwell, and you have the makings of a fascinating story exploring an interesting corner of the Star Trek universe! In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther are joined by Jeffrey Lang to talk about his latest Deep Space Nine novel, Force and Motion. We discuss being back in DS9, a unique story, losing a bro, Benjamin Maxwell, the psychology of Star Trek, an eccentric station, flashbacks and what’s next for Jeff. Note, interview does contain a few colorful metaphors. In the new segment we talk about the finales of Manifest Destiny and Legacy of Spock. News Manifest Destiny #4 (00:03:00) Legacy of Spock #4 (00:08:13) Feature: Jeffrey Lang Been a While (00:15:25) Back to DS9 (00:16:10) A Unique Story (00:21:25) Lost His Bro (00:32:46) Speaking of Maxwell (00:36:18) The Psychology of Star Trek (00:41:48) Eccentric Station (00:50:48) Flashbacks (00:59:40) Up Next (01:06:36) Final Thoughts (01:14:49) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Guest Jeffrey Lang Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

The Last Will Be First: Tristan Riddell. On November 17th, 2012 a new show was added to the Trek.fm network that was dedicated to the books and comics of Star Trek and that would also allow the authors a place to come and talk about their work, giving fans behind-the-scenes access to the stories. With Strange New Worlds winner and Star Trek author Dayton Ward as the first show guest, Literary Treks boldly went. In this very special episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther are joined by Bruce Gibson and Strange New Worlds contestant Tristan Riddell to talk about his DS9 story The Last Will Be First. Then as a special treat and for the first time ever, we present the audiobook version of his story to the world. Interview: Tristan Riddell Thank You (00:01:25) A Trek.fm Author (00:03:48) Tristan’s Star Trek Story (00:06:57) Kept Him Going (00:08:38) Entering the Contest (00:11:48) Two Weeks to Write Something (00:14:30) The Process of Strange New Worlds (00:23:23) Tristan’s Book Picks (00:28:43) Creating the Audio Book Version (00:31:54) Feature: The Last Will Be First Read by Tristan Riddell and The Girl (00:34:14) Final Thoughts (01:26:09) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Guests Bruce Gibson Tristan Riddell Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

Ascendance: David R. George III. The Deep Space Nine relaunch had been building to a showdown with the Ascendants and The Soul Key left fans with a massive cliffhanger but with Star Trek Destiny bringing all the crews together, the Ascendants story line was dropped in order to align the DS9 books with the rest of the 24th century. Fans have long wondered what transpired with the Ascendants and how it spurred major changes for many of the DS9 characters, luckily the answers have finally arrived. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther are joined by author David R. George III to talk his latest Deep Space Nine book Ascendance. We discuss weaving the tapestry, research, what to tell and what not to tell, prophesies, character arcs, Sisko, faith and belief, working things in, what’s next and where to find David online. In the news segment we let everyone know that we are covering The Good That Men Do next week. Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) News Next Week (00:01:39) Feature: David R. George III First Interview of the Year (00:03:58) Weaving the Tapestry (00:05:05) Research (00:09:08) What to Tell and What Not to Tell (00:12:20) Prophesies (00:15:51) Character Arcs (00:18:29) Sisko (00:23:42) Faith and Belief (00:31:11) Working Things In (00:38:01) Coming Up (00:43:48) David Online (00:48:22) Final Thoughts (00:50:32) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

When the Deep Space Nine relaunch began in 2001, readers were treated to a great series of stories that laid the groundwork for the shared continuity of the 24th century novels. Unfortunately, the ongoing story of DS9 under Captain Kira came to an unexpected halt with The Soul Key, the final novel before the narrative was jumped forward to catch up with the rest of the shared universe. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther talk about The Soul Key. We discuss the end, a convoluted plot, Ghemor and her plot, characters we know and love, forgotten characters, comparisons, the cover and our ratings. In the news segment we talk about Ongoing #52 and Star Trek/Green Lantern #6. Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) News Wrap-Up Podcast (00:03:00) Ongoing #52 (00:04:08) Star Trek/Green Lantern #6 (00:07:11) Feature: The Soul Key The End (00:14:04) Convoluted Plot (00:18:41) Ghemor and Her Plot (00:21:56) Characters We Know and Love (00:24:35) Forgotten Characters (00:28:55) Comparisons (00:33:07) The Cover (00:36:41) Ratings (00:38:34) Final Thoughts (00:41:13) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Fearful Symmetry. Deep Space Nine was the first Star Trek series since the original to make use of the Mirror Universe and as the relaunch series worked it’s way to telling the showdown with the Ascendents, a wrinkle was thrown in as Iliana Ghemmor from the prime universe was revealed to be the one behind Taran’atar’s recent madness and that was only the beginning of her diabolical plan to become the only Kira in the multiverse. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther talk about Fearful Symmetry. We discuss a couple quick notes, the gimmick, the “present day” story, the backstory, fanning the flames of fanaticism, the Sisko, our ratings and how the new series might affect the books. In the news segment we look at Star Trek: Hollow Man, the latest photo comic. Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) News Star Trek: Hollow Man (00:02:25) Feature: Fearful Symmetry A Couple of Notes (00:13:09) An Interesting Gimmick (00:15:43) “Present Day” Side (00:25:55) Backstory (00:29:35) Fanning the Flames of Fanaticism (00:35:10) The Sisko (00:39:45) Ratings (00:46:49) New Star Trek Series and the Books (00:50:35) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Warpath. Deep Space Nine was the one Star Trek series that was not afraid to show the darker side of the universe, so it should come as no surprise to readers of the relaunch novels that the books continued that tradition as the story continued to unfold. In this episode of Literary Treks Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther talk about David Mack’s book Warpath. We discuss going from bad to worse, lack of direction, main characters that aren’t main, Prynn and Vaughn, setup syndrome, a trip to Bajoran Minis Tirith, person and our ratings. In the news segment we judge the cover to James Swallow’s upcoming book The Latter Fire, talk about the latest issue of Star Trek/Green Lantern and Ongoing’s 50th issue. Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer) News The Latter Fire Cover (00:01:55) Star Trek/Green Lantern #4 (00:07:58) Star Trek Ongoing #50 (00:10:16) Feature: Warpath Mirror Universe Series (00:17:03) From Bad to Worse (00:18:32) Lack of Direction (00:22:08) Main Characters That Aren’t Main (00:29:25) Prynn and Vaughn (00:31:25) Setup Syndrome (00:35:16) Trip to Bajoran Minis Tirith (00:38:34) Personhood (00:43:26) Ratings (00:46:59) Final Thoughts (00:49:32) Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Trill: Unjoined. The Deep Space Nine book Unity left the Trill people shaken to their very core with the revelation that the parasites were actually somehow related the symbionts. With the planet in turmoil, Julian Bashir and Ezri Dax travel to Trill in hopes of unraveling the mystery of the parasites and bringing peace to a planet on the brink of civil war.  In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther navigate the deep philosophical waters of Trill: Unjoined. We discuss the world building, a society of secrets, Star Trek genetics gone wrong, the universe being grey, class warfare, history, Julian and Ezri and wrap up with our ratings.  In the news we remind everyone that David Mack's Seekers 3: Long Shot is now available.    Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Executive Producers Norman C. Lao and C Bryan Jones   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Ken Tripp   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   News Seekers 3 is Out! (00:02:50)   Feature: Trill: Unjoined Worlds of DS9 (00:04:33) The World Building (00:06:11) A Society of Secrets (00:12:13) Star Trek Genetics Gone Wrong (00:20:22) The Universe is Grey (00:24:05) Class Warfare (00:28:16) History (00:37:55) Julian and Ezri (00:43:15) Ratings (00:49:58) Wrapping Up (00:52:16)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Goodreads: Goodreads Group    Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

David R. George III: Sacraments of Fire. When The Soul Key ended in 2009, Star Trek fans were left with a massive cliffhanger as Illiana Ghemor stood in front of the Ascendants and proclaimed; " I am the Fire." Unfortunately the story of the Ascendants arc was lost as the DS9 books caught up with the rest of the 24th century in the Typhon Pact series. that is, until now.  In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther welcome author David R. George III back to discuss is latest DS9 novel, Sacraments of Fire which begins the final arc of the Ascendants story. We talk about stitching together the DS9 quilt, what goes where, the different faces of faith, Ro's growth, a place for Sisko, the many plot threads, the new DS9, tidbits about Ascendance and where to find David online.   Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Guest David R. George III   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Executive Producers Norman C. Lao and C Bryan Jones   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Ken Tripp   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   News Comic News from ComicCon (00:01:57)   Feature: David R. George III David at ComicCon (00:08:28) Stitching Together the Quilt (00:11:15) What Goes Where (00:21:05) Ro Grows (00:35:23) A Place for Sisko (00:45:27) So Many Plots (00:53:22) Time on the New DS9 (00:58:16) Tidbits About Ascendance (01:06:18) Closing (01:17:26)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Goodreads: Goodreads Group    Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Rising Son. The last time Jake Sisko was seen in the Deep Space Nine relaunch, he had bought a ship from Quark and was headed into the wormhole, in an effort to fulfill a prophecy that seemed to indicate he would be reunited with his father. It would not be till six books later that we would have an answer to the question, "What happened to Jake?". In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther talk about Rising Son. We discuss our first impressions, Opaka's escape, Jake's life in his father's shadow, how we live, free will, predestination, responsibility, life's purpose, planting the seeds for the future and our ratings.  In our news segment we talk about the way the Star Trek books hold up, judge a book by it's cover and then celebrate the 100th episode by talking about some of the favorite books we've covered, interviews and a sincere thank you to all of the listeners for their support as well as to the authors for being so generous with their time.   Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Ken Tripp   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News How the Books Hold Up (00:02:39) Judge a Book by it's Cover (00:05:21) Thanks for 100 Episodes and to 100 More (00:10:53)   Feature: Rising Son First Impressions (00:21:48) Opaka's Escape? (00:24:49) In His Father's Shadow (00:27:42) How Do I live? (00:32:19) Free Will, Predestination and Responsibility (00:41:03) Life's Purpose (00:51:23) Planting the Seeds (00:54:42) Final Thoughts and Rating (00:57:23) Closing (01:00:51)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm Goodreads: Goodreads Group    Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Mission Gamma: Lesser Evil. Season 8 of the DS9 relaunch is quickly coming to a close as Mission Gamma comes to an end. On their way home, Elias Vaughn and the crew of the USS Defiant make a shocking discovery. Meanwhile, Kira Nerys pursues Shakaar Edon's supposed assassin to Trill, while Ro Laren, Admiral Akaar and General Lenaris investigate why Hiziki Gard assassinated the Bajoran leader. In this episode of Literary Treks Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther dive into Lesser Evil, the last book in the Mission Gamma series. We discuss our initial thoughts, how DS9 makes things their own, the hardest part of the book to read, the fast-paced plot and our ratings. In the news segment we pay our respects to Leonard Nimoy by talking about some of the best Spock books, then move to recent comic issues of the Apes/Trek crossover, Ongoing #42 and New Visions #5.     Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Lisa Stevens Kenneth Trip   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Remembering Leonard Nimoy through Spock Books (00:02:16)   Apes/Trek 3 (00:12:42) Ongoing #42: Behemoth Part 2 (00:17:46) New Visions #5 (00:21:45) Spock's World Reflections comic Spock Must Die Troublesome Minds Devil's Bargain  The Fire and the Rose The Sorrows of Empire Vulcan's Soul Trilogy Feature: Mission Gamma Wrapping up Mission Gamma (00:29:29) First Thoughts (00:31:06) DS9 Makes Things Their Own (00:36:37) Hardest Part of the Book (00:41:19) Fast-Paced (00:46:13) Ratings (00:55:37) Closing (00:59:07)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm   Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

The Q Gambit. Star Trek Ongoing has finally made it to the five year mission and their first experience is completely unexpected when an "Old Friend" from the prime universe shows up and it's Q. What happens next sends the Enterprise to Terok Nor and mixes the crew with some of our favorite characters from Deep Space Nine. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther talk about The Q Gambit series, walking through each issue, discussing the plot and whether or not this crossover works.  In the news segment we ponder the news from Margaret Clark about this year's novel releases and the light she shed on them. We then move to the new issue of the Trek/Apes event to see if the story line has improved, rounding out with a look at John Byrne's latest New Visions comic staring everyone's favorite scoundrel, Harry Mudd.    Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Lisa Stevens Kenneth Trip   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Margaret Clark Shares Book News (00:01:58) Trek/Apes 2 (00:14:25) Made Out Of Mudd (00:19:48)   Feature: The Q Gambit Issue 1 (00:28:32) Issue 2 (00:38:27) Issue 3 (00:49:13) Issue 4 (01:01:11) Issue 5 (01:07:28) Issue 6 (01:15:11) Ratings (01:23:17) Closing (01:25:38)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm   Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Mission Gamma: Cathedral. Things on Deep Space Nine and in the Gamma Quadrant are heating up. Bajor looks to finally join the Federation while at the same time talks with Cardassia about formal relations have stalled. On the Defiant Bashir, Nog and Ezri all face issues that may radically alter their lives forever after an encounter with an alien object in space.  In this episode of Literary Treks Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther discuss the pivotal third book in the Mission Gamma Series, Cathedral. We look at the pace of the series, the importance of pain, the role of faith, Kira's place in the Bajoran reformation and the character growth that has continued from Deep Space Nine through the novels. In the news segment we talk about the first issue of Star Trek's crossover with The Planet of the Apes as well as get Dan's thoughts on John Byrne's New Vision series.   Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther   Editor and Producer  Matthew Rushing  Richard Marquez   Associate Producers Will Nguyen Lisa Stevens Kenneth Trip   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Star Trek/Planet of the Apes Issue One (00:02:15) New Visions Discussion (00:08:26)   Feature: Mission Gamma Cathedral (00:13:58) Pace of the Series (00:15:35N Need Our Pain (00:23:05) You Gotta Have Faith (00:25:35) Kira is John Wycliffe (00:34:18) It's the Characters Stupid (00:40:27) Rating (00:49:22) Closing (00:52:15)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/ Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm   Support the Network!   Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found). Ladies and gentlemen, Vulcan Love Slave as we know it has now been in existence for three versions, and a fourth will be added just as soon as Quark can figured out to get his hands on it. Yes, when business at Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade began to dry up, a big move was needed to get things back on track. Something bold, something exciting, something… exclusive. The holosuite program Vulcan Love Slave has become a bit of a legend within Star Trek, but we've never learned much about it. It's just been mentioned in episodes like "The Ascent," "Doctor Bashir, I Presume," and "The Emperor's New Cloak." So what better topic for a fun adventure set aboard DS9—with a quick trip to Wrigley's Pleasure Planet? In this episode of Literary Treks we're joined by the mastermind behind The Trek Collective, James Edwards, to discuss Terry J. Erdmann and Paula M. Block's new eNovella Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found). Few people know more about Deep Space Nine than Terry and Paula, and they deliver a delightful romp that slips in some meaningful messages about empowerment and equality. James also joins us for our news segment as we take a look at IDW's Star Trek: New Adventures collection of the first twelve issues of Star Trek Ongoing, judge some apes by their covers, and find out how John Byrne plan to bring back Harry Mudd.   Hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones   Guest James Edwards   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producers Become one! Support Trek.fm and Literary Treks at the $25/month level or higher! Visit patreon.com/trekfm   News Getting to Know James (2:06) IDW's Star Trek: New Adventures collects Ongoing comics (9:39) Planet of the Apes and Star Trek set to meet (14:31) John Byrne brings back Harry Mudd in "Made of Mudd" (19:32) Sponsor: Audible (23:24)   Feature: Lust's Latinum Lost (and Found) Initial Thoughts (24:43) Of Expos and Empowerment (and Swag) (31:26) A Sense of Adventure (43:00) The Future of DS9 Books (48:27) Final Thoughts (56:10) Closing (1:01:16)   Support the Network! Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact   Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/   Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm

Horn and Ivory. When we last left Kira she was faced with a choice of paths on a distant world in the Delta Quadrant. Two Iconian gateways offered very different escape routes from a seemingly hopeless situation. Which did she choose? Demons of Air and Darkness left a huge thread dangling—but it was by design. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones discuss the Deep Space Nine entry in the final Gateways book, What Lay Beyond, which tells the story of what happened to Kira after Taran’atar returned to the station. We explore what this short story, “Horn and Ivory,” adds to the richness of Bajor and how it helps Kira stop living in the shadow of the baseball. In news we find out what the coming year has in store for fans of The Lost Era and Section 31, and we delve into Mike Johnson’s new StarTrek.com series “Writer’s Log.” 

Demons of Air and Darkness. The two-part Avatar kicked off the relaunch of Deep Space Nine in the novels and, along with Abyss, introduced new faces and moved familiar ones beyond "What You Leave Behind." In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones continue their look at the DS9 relaunch with the fourth book, Demons of Air and Darkness. Unlike the first three novels, this instalment doubles as DS9's entry in the seven-part Gateways series rather than being purely the next chapter in the relaunch. As such, Keith R. A. DeCandido had to balance the tone between the special series and the continuation of Deep Space Nine. How well did that work? We find out as we discuss the concept, the Iconian gateways, the spiritual questions with which Kira and Taran'atar are faced, the growth of Ezri, and more.   Plus, in our news segment we find out that there's more to come for the resurrected Data and we review the first issue of IDW's new Khan series.

Deep Space Nine: Fool's Gold. Some comics read like, well, comics. Short reads that leave you wanting more. On the other hand, some comics read like episodes and make you wish the story had been put on the screen. Such is the case with IDW's first DS9 miniseries "Fool's Gold." This story of Cardassian deceit, hidden treasure, and a map the size of the station itself pulls you into the world of fourth-season Deep Space Nine and takes you on a fascinating adventure. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones go along for the ride as Sisko and his crew try to unravel the mystery of a station overrun with "sightseers" and get help from unlikely sources. In our news segment we learn that Star Wars author John Jackson Miller plans to cross over to the Trek Side for some Titan-sized fun, get details about Una McCormack's entry in The Fall series, The Crimson Shadow, scream "KHAAAN!!!" with IDW, find out what is Ongoing for the Romulans and Klingons, and explore a new collection of comic adventures from the many authors and publishers who have had their hands in Trek over the years. 

Abyss. "For every Julian Bashir that can be created, there's a Khan Singh waiting in the wings." Those are the words of Starfleet Rear Admiral Bennett, and they highlight why the Federation is skiddish on genetic enhancement. But not everyone is so concerned about the risks—including Section 31. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones continue their look at the Deep Space Nine relaunch with the third book in the series, Abyss. A worthy continuation of Avatar's aftermath, Abyss challenges Bashir's ideas of who he is as well as our ideas of right, wrong, and strength of faith. In our news segment we get our first look at the new Deep Space 9 station with the new cover art for Revelation and Dust, find a few new clues about the McCoy-centric Seasons of Light and Darkness, hear Alan Dean Foster's thought on novelising Star Trek Into Darkness, find out what Mike Johnson has planned for After Darkness, see The Best of Klingons, and learn about a John Harrison miniseries. 

Avatar, Book Two. S.D. Perry set up the continuation of Deep Space Nine beautifully in the first part of the Avatar duology, but the real payoff comes in book two. On the final pages of the first half we were left with a cliffhanger that threatened to renew hostilities between the Federation and the Dominion. In this episode of Literary Treks we conclude our look at the start of Pocket Books' relaunch of DS9 and how S.D. Perry may have not only captured the pure essence of Deep Space Nine but actually elevated it. In our news segment we look inside Mike and Denise Okuda's new book On Board the U.S.S. Enterprise, get an update on Willain Leisner's upcoming TOS novel The Shocks of Adversity, learn how to speak Klingon, and check in on the release schedule for IDW's Star Trek Ongoing #19 and the Ongoing Volume 4 omnibus. 

Avatar, Book One. In the final scene of DS9 we saw Jake Sisko peering out of a window at the wormhole. As we pulled away from the station, so much had been resolved yet so much was left undone. The TV series had signed off, but the story didn't end there. In an unprecedented experiment, Pocket Books decided to continue a Star Trek series in book form with what is essentially the Deep Space Nine Season Eight premiere, Avatar. Penned by S.D. Perry, this two-part story opens with Jake and propels us into the next stage of the story surrounding Bajor, the Dominion, and the Prophets. In this episode of Literary Treks we take a close look at the first half of this story, the new and familiar faces that make up the new DS9 crew, the cyclical nature of events, and the search for new directions.  In our news segment we check in on Dayton Ward's entry in "The Fall" series, Peaceable Kingdoms, discuss our expectations for Star Trek Ongoing #18 and Countdown to Darkness #2, and talk about how comics could be the perfect format for launching Enterprise Season Five. 

James Swallow. From Terok Nor to the Myriad Universe, from the bridge of the Titan to the aftermath of The Undiscovered Country, author James Swallow has played in many corners of the Star Trek universe. In this episode of Literary Treks we're joined by James to discuss what it's like to tell stories from the lost era of Deep Space Nine, why it's difficult to write Picard, what it takes to redeem Valeris, and many more topics from across Star Trek literature. In our news segment we look at the five books that will make up the new miniseries "The Fall," Tony Daniel's TOS novel Devil's Bargain, William Leisner's The Shocks of Adversity, the sticker book Stuck On Star Trek, some of the first interior views of The Star Trek Visual Dictionary, Countdown to Darkness #3, Star Trek Ongoing #19, and the Ongoing Volume 4 compendium. We also lament the lack of Star Trek audiobooks at a time when the spoken format is more popular than ever.