Literary Treks: A Star Trek Books and Comics Podcast

The Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5: Part 1. It's been awhile, but it's once again time to dive into the hilarity and ridiculousness that is the Star Trek Gold Key comics! Incredible shrinking people, Japanese Samurais, and chilly red turtle people await you as we take on another round with the strangest corner of the *Star Trek* literary universe!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther take a look at Star Trek: The Gold Key Archives Volume 5, Part 1, which includes issues 25, 26, and 27: "Dwarf Planet," "The Perfect Dream," and "Ice Journey." Make sure to pack your heat-stabilizer tablets, it's gonna be a crazy journey!

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference for Literary Treks 267: That Word "Sacrifice" Keeps Coming Up.

News Listener Feedback (00:04:16)

Feature: Gold Key Archives, Vol. 5, Part 1 Gold Key Getting Better? (00:10:09) Dwarf Planet (00:12:41) The Perfect Dream (00:28:48) Ice Journey (00:46:13) Ratings (01:09:12) Final Thoughts (01:12:57)

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)

Michael A. Martin: The Red King. Searching for a lost Romulan fleet, Captain Riker and the Titan are swept out of the galaxy along with Commander Donatra and the Valdore. They find themselves in the Small Magellanic Cloud, an area of space visited nearly a century earlier by another Federation starship. An long-sundered offshoot of humanity has claimed this area of space, and when reality itself is threatened by an encroaching anomaly, Riker and his crew must save these lost children of Earth before the entire region is consigned to non-existence.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome author Michael A. Martin to the show to discuss Titan: The Red King, which he co-wrote with Andy Mangels. We talk about their experience in launching the Titan series, the origin of the Neyel, Tuvok and Akaar's troubled past, Donatra and the Romulans, religious belief vs. scientific fact, where Titan goes from here, and wrap up with what Michael is working on now and where you can find him online.

At the top of the show, we review the latest Star Trek: Waypoint special issue and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 266: Bringing the Truth Out of the Shadows

News Star Trek Waypoint 2019 Comic Review (00:03:46) Listener Feedback (00:26:19)

Feature: Michael A. Martin Launching Titan (00:31:32) The Neyel (00:42:49) Tuvok and Akaar (00:53:15) Klingons and Romulans (00:58:42) Religion is Reality (01:05:15) The Sleeper Consequences (01:11:50) Frane Talks to Akaar (01:16:51) Author Collaboration (01:17:51) A New Project and Being a Fan (01:20:48) Final Thoughts (01:24:04)

Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest Michael A. Martin

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)

Burning Dreams. Captain Christopher Pike: until recently, there has not been much canonically revealed about the predecessor of James T. Kirk. That has all changed with season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery. However, years before Anson Mount brought the character back to life, the definitive Christopher Pike novel was written, chronicling the life of the brave Starfleet captain from his earliest years as a boy to his life spent on Talos IV with Vina under the care of the mysterious Talosians.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther discuss the novel Burning Dreams. We talk about Christopher Pike's early years on the colony world Elysium, his relationships with his mother and the father figures in his life, the unique role that fire plays in Pike's history, his embodiment of the ideals of Starfleet and the Federation, how Pike in this novel compares to the Pike of Discovery, the epilogue of the novel, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we review the first issue of Star Trek: Year Five from IDW, and respond to your feedback from the Babel Conference about Literary Treks 265: The Music of Big Pink. News Star Trek: Year Five #1 Comic Review (00:03:25) Listener Feedback (00:18:35)

Feature: Burning Dreams Pike's Early Years (00:22:22) The Neworlders (00:30:57) Charlie's Relationship with Chris (00:36:40) The Motif of Fire in Pike's Life (00:48:34) "The Best of Us" (00:55:56) Comparing to 'Discovery' (01:00:33) Is Life a Dream? (01:07:27) Vina's Backstory (01:09:38) Pike's Love Interests (01:12:06) The Epilogue with Spock (01:15:15) Ratings (01:19:52) Final Thoughts (01:22:46)

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)

Dayton Ward: Available Light. For the past couple of years, the post-Nemesis novels have been in a sort of limbo. Contract negotiations dragged on, and at times it felt like the next chapter of the story would never come. Thankfully, that is all behind us with the release of the newest TNG novel, picking up on plot points from Section 31: Control, the previous TNG novel Hearts and Minds, and even going as far back as the Tezwa incident in the A Time To series!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson welcome author Dayton Ward back to the show to discuss his newest Next Generation novel, Available Light. We talk about the fallout from the end of Section 31, Picard's actions in the ousting of disgraced Federation President Min Zife, a mysterious apparent derelict hiding a technological marvel, the Jirol Salvage Guild, the importance of truth, Picard's decision at the end of the novel, the origin of the title Available Light, and wrap up with what Dayton is working on now and where you can find him online.

In the news segment, we talk about the upcoming Star Trek: Year Five series and Star Trek: Discovery: Aftermath miniseries, both from IDW. We also review issue #3 of The Q Conflict and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 264: No Member Berries. News Star Trek: Year Five Update (00:03:56) Star Trek Discovery - Aftermath Announcement (00:07:15) The Q Conflict #3 Comic Review (00:09:16) Listener Feedback (00:15:24)

Feature: Dayton Ward Writing New Star Trek (00:25:09) The Bigger They Are... (00:30:22) Innocent Until Proven Guilty (00:37:12) The A Storyline (00:41:30) The Osijemal Ship (00:45:32) The Jirol Salvage Guild (00:56:34) Admiral William Ross (01:02:48) The Truth (01:08:31) Meaning of the Title (01:17:13) Currently Working On (01:21:16) Final Thoughts (01:26:42)

Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest Dayton Ward

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)

Keith DeCandido: Articles of the Federation. In Star Trek, we are used to seeing mighty Federation starships exploring space and boldly going where no one has gone before. However, there is more to Federation society in the 24th century than the men and women of Starfleet: newly-elected Federation President Nan Bacco finds herself embroiled in one crisis after another as she and her administration deal with the fallout from the Tezwa affair and the surprise resignation of her predecessor. The first year of her tenure as president will be her trial by fire, and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the United Federation of Planets.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther welcome author Keith DeCandido back to the show to discuss his landmark novel, Articles of the Federation. We talk about The West Wing of the 24th century, linking this novel to the other novels in the literary universe, the huge cast of characters, various issues that the Bacco administration has to deal with, answer some questions listeners posted in The Babel Conference, and wrap up with what Keith is working on now and where you can find him online.

In the news segment, we announce the upcoming Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series co-written by Trek.fm's very own Aaron Harvey, and report on the tragic loss of a Star Trek literary legend, author Vonda McIntyre. We also respond to listener feedback from The Babel Conference about Literary Treks 263: Traveling at the Speed of Plot.

News Star Trek: The Animated Series Book Revealed (00:02:50) Remembering Vonda McIntyre (00:06:21) Listener Feedback (00:08:49)

Feature: Keith DeCandido The West Wing of the 24th Century (00:13:29) Writing Federation Politics (00:22:36) Links to the Wider Fiction (00:27:28) Trinni/ek Food Fight (00:32:43) A Huge Cast of Characters (00:34:20) If 'Articles' Were Written Today (00:38:45) Freedom of the Press Consequences (00:42:11) Civilian Point of View (00:45:31) Aligar Trade Renewal (00:49:47) Ideological Differences (00:52:09) Nan Bacco Character Influences (00:55:37) Commencement Address (01:06:02) Democracy is a Conversation (01:08:06) Answering Listeners' Questions (01:09:23) Other Projects (01:18:31) Final Thoughts (01:29:48)

Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest Keith DeCandido

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)

Taking Wing. A new ship, a new crew, and a new mission! Captain William Riker takes command of the brand new U.S.S. Titan, and along with the most diverse crew in Starfleet history, undertakes a mission to Romulus for negotiations that will shape the future of the quadrant. A number of dangerous factions are vying for control of the Romulan Empire, and Riker and his crew are caught in the middle!

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss the first novel in the Star Trek: Titan series, Taking Wing. We discuss the new ship and her diverse crew, a potential Romulan civil war, Spock's role in the novel, a surprise appearance by Tuvok, Riker's unorthodox solution to the crisis, the cliffhanger ending, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we respond to listener feedback to Literary Treks 262: We Almost Had a Spit Take from our Facebook group, The Babel Conference.

News Listener Feedback (00:03:15)

Feature: Taking Wing Commander Christine Vale (00:12:45) Starfleet's Most Diverse Crew (00:20:03) Romulan Civil War (00:36:53) Ambassador Spock's Unification (00:42:41) Undercover Operative (00:50:38) Captain Riker's Solution (00:56:31) The Cliffhanger (01:01:15) Ratings (01:09:40) Final Thoughts (01:13:19)

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)

Enemy of My Enemy. A rogue Changeling on the loose, having replaced Captain Chakotay, threatens the crew of Voyager, while the Cardassian war criminal Crell Moset performs dangerous experiments on Chakotay and his sister, Sekaya. It's up to Dr. Kaz, Harry Kim, and some help from Admiral Janeway and Tom Paris to free Voyager from the grip of forces determined to tear the crew apart.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are once again joined by Brandi Jackola to discuss Enemy of My Enemy. We talk about the Changeling's plan, Jarem vs. Gradik Kaz, "Super Chakotay," Tom Paris's role in the story, B'Elanna's continuing search for answers on Boreth, the conclusion to the story, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

In the news section, Bruce and Dan announce the release date for TNG: Collateral Damage by David Mack. We also review the special Star Trek: Discovery comic Captain Saru, and respond to listener feedback from the Babel Conference for Literary Treks 261: A Gem of a Novel.

News TNG: Collateral Damage Comic Release (00:03:37) DSC: Captain Saru Comic Review (00:06:54) Listener Feedback (00:15:59)

Feature: Enemy of My Enemy The Changeling's Plan (00:22:56) A Sense of Time (00:35:12) A Bumbling Idiot (00:39:13) Jarem and Gradek Kaz (00:47:03) Super Chakotay (00:53:31) Paris Steps In (01:08:11) B'Elanna's Search Continues (01:15:17) Secession from the Federation (01:19:22) Ratings (01:25:47) Final Thoughts (01:36:01)

Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest Brandi Jackola

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)

Old Wounds. Voyager is back in the alpha quadrant and ready to take on new missions for the Federation! Under the command of newly-promoted Captain Chakotay, Voyager sets off with a group of former colonists to make contact with Loran II, their home and a former Maquis colony that has gone silent. Accompanying them on the journey is Chakotay's sister, Sekaya, who's spiritual guidance is sorely needed by the former inhabitants of Loran II, who aren't sure what Voyager will find when they reach their old home: their loved ones, safe and sound, or more bodies to add to the toll that the Dominion War took on the Alpha Quadrant.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson are joined Brandi Jackola to discuss Old Wounds by Christie Golden. We talk about new tensions among the Voyager crew, Torres and Paris taking a side quest on Boreth, Harry and Libby's tumultuous relationship, what the rest of the old crew is up to in the Alpha Quadrant, Voyager's mission to Loran II, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Dan and Bruce review issue #2 of IDW's Star Trek: The Q Conflict, and respond to your feedback from the Babel Conference on Literary Treks 260: Sorry to All the Sela Fans.

News The Q Conflict #2 Review (00:02:49) Listener Feedback (00:16:55)

Feature: Old Wounds New Tensions Among the Crew (00:26:07) Torres and Paris on Boreth (00:36:10) Libby and Harry (00:46:07) The Other Former Crew Members (00:51:57) The Trill Host of Kaz (00:56:47) The Huanni Counselor (01:08:12) Chakotay's Sister, Sekaya (01:11:07) The Sky Spirits (01:17:26) Sexualization Problem (01:21:02) Ratings (01:28:01) Final Thoughts (01:33:44)

Hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson

Guest Brandi Jackola

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)

Vulcan's Glory. With the exception of the glimpses we see in "The Cage" and "The Menagerie," not much is known about Spock's early days aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, or the crew that he served: Captain Christopher Pike and his stalwart first officer Number One. Now that Star Trek: Discovery is exploring this time period and these characters, we feel the time has come to look at some of the books that chronicled Pike's captaincy, starting with one authored by a true veteran of Star Trek writing.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Bruce Gibson and Dan Gunther talk about Vulcan's Glory, written by Original Series writer Dorothy "D.C." Fontana. We discuss the references to past Star Trek such as The Animated Series, the crew of the Enterprise under Pike's command, how well we feel this connects to Star Trek: Discovery, the historical artifact known as "Vulcan's Glory," Pike's mission to the devastated planet Areta, a mysterious murder plot aboard the Enterprise, Scotty and his engine room hooch, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, Bruce and Dan review the final issue of IDW's Star Trek vs. Transformers and respond to feedback from The Babel Conference about Literary Treks 259: He's Gotta Grow Some and Just Do It.

News Star Trek vs. Transformers #5 review (00:03:39) Listener Feedback (00:16:09)

Feature: Vulcan's Glory 30th Anniversary (00:22:37) Yesteryear (00:28:02) First Pike Novel (00:33:15) Number One of Illyria (00:36:16) Picturing TOS and DSC (00:43:22) Historical Artifact (00:49:01) Family Squabbles on Areta (00:53:35) The Hunt for Glory (01:01:59) Spock's Love Interest (01:09:44) Engine Room Hooch (01:14:04) Ratings (01:18:33) Final Thoughts (01:23:24)

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)

Death in Winter. Following the film Star Trek Nemesis, novels in the Star Trek literary universe were given more of a free reign to play with the familiar characters and situations, creating what has been termed the "novelverse." Without any more televised or filmed adventures for the crew of the Enterprise-E on the horizon, authors could take the story in new and exciting directions. One of these directions involved the culmination of the "will they/won't they" romance of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher, as well as a new source of turmoil for the Romulan Empire.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Dan Gunther and Bruce Gibson discuss Death in Winter. We talk about Beverly's transfer off the Enterprise, the state of the Romulan Star Empire, an undercover mission into Romulan space, Worf and Geordi's role in the story, the love between Picard and Crusher, and wrap up with our final thoughts and ratings.

At the top of the show, we discuss your feedback from the Babel Conference on Literary Treks 258: Inaccurate Operas Will Be Performed of This Day!

News Listener Feedback (00:03:36)

Feature: Death in Winter Post-Nemesis Novels (00:10:13) Beverly's First Assignment (00:13:34) Sela Strikes Again (00:20:54) The State of the Romulan Empire (00:24:34) A Stargazer Reunion (00:31:56) Worf and Geordi's Role (00:40:56) Love Comes Around (00:45:45) Ratings (00:53:22) Final Thoughts (00:59:03)

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)