Live By the Code. In his Rise of the Federation series, Christopher L. Bennett has attempted an ambitious project: telling the story of the early days of the Federation, and showing how we got from there to here (to coin a phrase). Brain-sucking computers, smooth-headed Klingons, and interplanetary bigotry and conflict are just a few of the challenges that the young United Federation of Planets faces during this turbulent time. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther are joined by Bruce Gibson to talk about Live By the Code. We discuss the interesting series, the greater good, Trip’s soul and Section 31, Klingon connections, interference, fanatical racism, a full plate, the problem of dependency and our ratings. In our news segment we discuss the latest comic in the Legacy of Spock series, Ongoing #56. News Ongoing #56 (00:01:48) Feature: Live By the Code Continuing Enterprise (00:08:19) Interesting Stories (00:10:11) The Greater Good (00:11:19) Trip’s Soul and Section 31 (00:17:31) Klingon Connection (00:21:45) Interference (00:27:13) Fanatical Racism (00:41:15) A Full Plate (00:48:21) The Problem of Dependency (00:53:02) Ratings (00:58:55) Final Thoughts (01:03:38) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Dan Gunther Guest 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) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) Ken Tripp (Associate Producer) Will Nguyen (Associate Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Associate Producer) Bruce Gibson (Associate Producer)

Rise of the Federation: Tower of Babel. The premature cancellation of Enterprise left fans in the dark about two key events in Star Trek history. The first was the Romulan War, which has since had light shone upon it by Michael A. Martin. The second is the founding of the Federation, a pivotal time that we still know almost nothing about. Until now that is. Christopher L. Bennett's Rise of the Federation series tells the story of those early years of unity—or semi-unity—and the first book, A Choice of Futures, explored the struggles faced by the Humans, Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites as they began to work together. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones are joined by Dan Gunther or Trek Lit Reviews to discuss the second book in the series, Tower of Babel. We explore the internal debate over what form the Federation should take, as well as the external challenges that threaten to destroy the young union before it can spread its wings. We also find out what course Bennett has charted for familiar faces from Enterprise's television run, especially for Archer. In our news segment we judge The Light Fantastic by its cover, find out what new stories may be set for Seekers, and drool over some very pricey, but very beautiful limited edition Star Trek / Doctor Who crossover sets from IDW. 

Editing Star Trek with Margaret Clark. When it comes to Star Trek novels, it’s the authors who get all the glory. The covers are emblazoned with their names. They’re the ones fielding the questions in interviews. But there’s a whole other side to the process of dreaming up the stories, finding the people who will write them, and getting them into your hands. Those tasks fall upon the editor, and Star Trek is fortunate enough to have not only an extremely talented woman behind the curtain, but someone who is a lifelong Star Trek fan. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Christopher Jones are joined by Margaret Clark, the guiding force behind the Star Trek books, to talk about the process of planning the publication schedule, choosing the basic paths for the characters of the literally universe, and the challenges of publishing mass-market books in an age of digital media and dwindling storefronts. We also learn more about how The Fall came together, the plans for all of 2014, and even a few titles heading our way in 2015. Lastly, we find out what is in the works for the 50th anniversary of Star Trek in 2016. In our news segment we take a look at the cover art and blurb for the second Rise of the Federation novel, Christopher L. Bennett’s Tower of Babel.