Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Lives Of Dax

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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Lives Of Dax by Steven Barnes, Michael Jan Friedman, LA Graf. Jeffrey Lang, SD Perry, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, Kristine Kathyrn Rusch, Jill Sherwin, Robert Simpson and Susan Wright
pub: Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster. 367 page paperback. Price: Ł 6.99 (UK), $ 6.99 (US), $10.50 (CAN). ISBN: 0-7434-5682-3

check out website: www.simonsays.co.uk

One of the most alluring and interesting characters in ‘Star Trek: DS9’ has acquired an extended life in a new 'novel' by the Star Trek team.

Jadzia is one of a long line of Trill joined to the symbiont Dax. Her facial markings identify her but she has chosen a life away from the planet Trill in the service of Starfleet.

Every Trill has the right to choose to be 'joined' to a symbiont but not everyone is chosen. 'The Lives of Dax' looks at a particular defining moment in the life of each Trill host that forms the history of Dax.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Lives Of Dax As we join the story, Jadzia has been killed and the team are battling to save the symbiont. There are two possible hosts on board the cruiser and one of them, Ezri, has already decided that joining is not for her. Judith and Garfield Reece-Stevens explain the circumstances of her taking on the symbiont despite her misgivings.

This forms the framing story to what is a collection of short stories about different hosts. The other stories offer glimpses into the character and mind of the host and try to marry up the many qualities that will be possessed by Ezri Dax as part of her inheritance.

This is an exhilarating read, taking you right into the heart of Star Trek folklore. My particular favourite is 'Emony' where 'Bones', Leonard McCoy, as a young man meets Emony Dax during an athletics tournament on Earth.

He is immediately smitten and we are treated to a glimpse of a bygone age of chivalry and loss. The writers are well informed about the Star Trek-verse and are able to write about it fluently. Christopher Pike, The Emissary, Odo and even Vic Fontaine are featured in other stories.

Not one of these stories is dull and the book would make an excellent extended episode if they ever chose to film it. The stories follow chronologically building up a picture of Trill history.

For a long time, they are secretive about their joining but by the time of Jadzia they have learned to be more open. In the same thrilling way that humans from Earth 'boldly go' the Trill are taking part in their own 'Star Trek'. There are one or two surprises in the stories and often fine detail.

This is my favourite sort of Trek book that can be directly related to the series and I will certainly read it again.

Sue Davies

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