The Trekker Newsletter Issue 42 02/25/01 1,496 Subscribers The Trekker Newsletter delivers Star Trek news, articles, reviews, trivia, and much more biweekly to your email inbox. The Trekker Newsletter http://www.treknewsletter.com/ =*=*=*=*=*= - Hello Everyone! STAR TREK NEWS - Star Trek News Bits - William Shatner Marries Again - Next Series Debuts Fall 2001 - Guest Appearance by LaBelle in 'Destiny' - Michael Taylor Interviewed - Shatner's Center for Alcoholics Scaled Back - Robert McNeill Q&A Interview - Voyager Episode Ratings - Series V Sets Already Constructed? - DS9 Horizons New Email Campaign - Bryan Singer to Direct 'X-Men' Sequel - XFL Ratings Terrible Since Premiere - Mulgrew Talks Final Day - Next Series Set Shown in 'Workforce' - Martha Hackett in 'Tom Walker' Play - John Eaves to Design Series V Starship - Piller Producing New UPN Show - Robert Picardo Talks 'Author, Author' - SFX Magazine Reader Awards - Joe Reinkemeyer Interview OTHER MISC. THINGS - Voyager Episode Schedule - Columns / Articles - Memorable Events - Star Trek Reviews - "The Void" - Jacqueline Bundy - "Workforce" Part I - Jacqueline Bundy - Star Trek Trivia - Star Trek Poll - What Do You Think? - Star Trek Quote - About the Next Issue - Conclusion Notes - Disclaimer =*=*=*=*=*= Hello Everyone! Welcome to another issue of The Trekker Newsletter! Jacqueline Bundy has recently just started writing weekly 'Star Trek: Voyager' episode reviews for the TTN web site. Since those reviews are on The Trekker Newsletter's web site, I will only be inserting a sample of her review in the actual issues of this newsletter and linking to where you can read the rest of her Star Trek review. This is mainly due to space restraints. Robert Lloyd, one of our columnists has been busy drawing. Take a look at his Science Fiction related pictures by going to http://www.treknewsletter.com/staff/lloyd.html Benjamin Winn [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= Star Trek News Bits The official site of Morn, the lovable bar stool warmer from Deep Space Nine is having a contest. Through the seven seasons of DS9, Mark Allen Shepherd's original artwork appeared in numerous scenes in a variety of episodes. If you can match the paintings with the episodes they appeared in you can win prizes, including possibly an autographed lithograph of one of Mr. Shepherd's works. Full details and examples of the paintings can be found at http://www.garrisonent.com/morn/contest/ - Thanks to Jacqueline Bundy for sending this in. Make it so Productions is planning three Star Trek Conventions this year, all with a specific theme. April 28th and 29th is the KLINGON KON in Jacksonville, Florida. As the name implies. The guests are Star Trek Klingon characters including Michael Dorn, J.G. Hertzler and Robert O'Reilly. May 26th and 27th, it's THE WOMEN OF VOYAGER in Cleveland, Ohio. Guests to include Kate Mulgrew, Jennifer Lein and Roxanne Dawson. And this summer, July 30 and 31st, it's THE BORG COLLECTIVE in Dallas, Texas. Yep, you guessed it, the guests have all played Borg. Jeri Ryan, Alice Krige, and Jonathan Del Arco just to name a few. More information on any of these events can be found by visiting http://www.makeitsoproductions.com - Thanks again to Jacqueline Bundy for sending this in. P/K All The Way (www.pariskim.com) has up a transcript of an interview Jeri Ryan did with UPN Nine News. She talked about the Voyager episodes "Human Error" and "Workforce." For the full transcript, go to http://www.pariskim.com/ Anna L. Kaplan posted up at Fandom.com an exclusive interview with Roxann Dawson (B'Elanna Torres), where she talks about directing, the future of 'Star Trek: Voyager,' and life after playing the Chief Engineer. To read the entire interview, go to www.fandom.com/master_site/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=258870&type_id=1 3031 Fandom.com has up an interview with Jonathan Del Arco, actor behind the makeup of 'Hugh' in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.' He also recently was in the Voyager episode, 'The Void.' To read more of the interview, go to www.fandom.com/star_trek/editorial.asp?obj_id=256614 UPN has cancelled the Voyager retrospective show that they were planning to air the day before Voyager's final two-part episode. The reason behind apparently cancelling this, was because of the cost of producing this show. When the UPN execs heard an estimate about how much this would cost, they decided to cancel it. Decipher, Inc. has acquired the assets of FANtastic Media, who are the founders and operators to the Official Star Trek Fan Club. They are also consequently the publishers of 'Star Trek: Communicator' magazine. Decipher along with the buyout has automatically hired all of the FANtastic Media staff, which will continue to be in the same positions. TrekWeb has up a full synopsis of next week's Voyager episode, 'Workforce' Part II by one of their insiders, 'Thinkey'. It contains a lengthy and very detailed synopsis of the events contained in next week's 'Voyager' episode. For the full synopsis, go to http://talk.trekweb.com/articles/2001/02/23/982960602.html Totally Kate! has put up a transcript of an interview with Kate Mulgrew originally published in the Star Trek Communicator. In the full interview, Mulgrew talks about her character, about being a role model towards women getting in various careers where they were inspired by Kate Mulgrew's work on 'Star Trek: Voyager,' and the short-lived relationship with her first officer, Chakotay. For more, just read the full transcript by going to http://sites.netscape.net/totallykate/articles/stcom131.html =*=*=*=*=*= William Shatner Marries Again William Shatner recently got married again. His new wife's name is Elizabeth Martin, who currently works as a horse breeder. Her previous husband died of cancer in 1997. The Indianapolis Star reported that she had graduated from Lebanon High School in 1977, who was also homecoming queen during that school year. William Shatner, currently 69, married Elizabeth Martin, 42, in a private ceremony in Lebanon, Indiana, only one day after they signed the official marriage license at the local courthouse. This is Shatner's fourth marriage, when the first two ended with divorce, the third, Nerine Kidd died in '99 in their local swimming pool at their Los Angeles home. =*=*=*=*=*= Next Series Debuts Fall 2001 Rick Ellis at the financial network at On24.com has put up details that Viacom has officially made UPN the network to carry the next Trek series. Along with that, Viacom now officially confirms that the next Trek series will be premiering in the fall of 2001. If the writers/actors strike takes longer than expected, there still may be some disruption in production of the next series, but we now know that Viacom is officially committed to producing the next Trek series. Another source confirms this located at http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/19/star.trek/index.html =*=*=*=*=*= Guest Appearance by LaBelle in 'Destiny' Rob LaBelle who previously played 'Crazy Eddie' on the Sci Fi Channel's original series 'First Wave' will be making a guest appearance on two different Science Fiction series this season. First of all, LaBelle will be appearing in the Feb. 20th episode of Fox's 'Dark Angel' who's main character is played by Jessica Alba. The second science fiction series he will be starring in is an episode of 'Star Trek: Voyager' as a Talaxian, the exact same species as Neelix plays on the ship on a full-time basis. LaBelle will most likely be appearing in the upcoming Voyager episode entitled, 'Destiny'. To read the interview Sci Fi Wire did with Rob LaBelle, go to http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2001-02/20/14.00.tv =*=*=*=*=*= Michael Taylor Interviewed Antony over at Star Trek Central has posted part one & part two of their interview with Michael Taylor, who is part of the Voyager writing staff over at Paramount. Here's an excerpt: Also in "Author Author" we`ll be seeing a number of Alpha Quadrant inhabitants, including family members of Harry Kim, Tom Paris and B`Elanna Torres. Could this be the start of an Alpha Quadrant arc at the end of the show? Michael is hesitant to say. "There`s aspects of it," he admits. However for the final episode itself, he is in the dark. "Not only do I not know what I can give way, but I don`t know much about the finale. It`s very secretive, and I`m not writing it Even the staff doesn`t exactly know what`s going on. I may have to read it on your website to find out myself!" He may not be writing the episode, but as a fan what would he like to see? "I just want to be surprised," he says. "That may be tough, because I think a lot of us expect Voyager to get home. How that happens, if it happens, I want to be surprised. I don`t know if we have arcs that need to be closed or anything, but I just want to see a fun and exciting episode that pays of these last seven years. And I think we will. I know we will." For more of the first part of this interview, go to http://www.fandom.com/star_trek/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=261296 For the second part, go to http://www.fandom.com/star_trek/editorial.asp?obj_id=262168 =*=*=*=*=*= Shatner's Center for Alcoholics Scaled Back William Shatner who purchased a $775,000 home on the West side of the Los Angeles area for the use of a residential recovery center for alcholic women had a couple neighborhood complaints about it's location. After funding the nonprofit 'Friendly House' in memory of his late wife Nerine Kidd who 18 months ago passed away because she had alcohol in her system while swimming and sadly drowned. When the new residential recovery center received complaints about it's location because of being placed in an upscale neighborhood had to reduce the center's occupancy by more than half just as it's first residents were moving in. Instead of the intended two dozen residents, the Nerine Shatner Friendly House will be limited to 11, according to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. The reduction was commented by Shatner, who was dismayed about this incident and said, "This is a shock. We were planning for 24 women." "I wanted to salvage something meaningful out of all that experience. I thought the best way to do that would be in Nerine's name to help other people," Shatner said. "The Friendly House has a success rate that is very impressive. Although my wife was not a success story coming out of it, there are many." he said. Shatner continues his comments, "Nerine said to me frequently that when she was able to overcome this disease to the extent she could, she wanted to help other people, unfortunately she wasn't able to gain the upper hand. But in her memory this house stands for a courageous attempt at overcoming a dreadful disease." Shatner said the Westside neighborhood was chosen as an alternative to the grittiness of the current and aging Friendly House location. He also continued in saying he hoped that Los Angeles would relax until the facility proves that it is a positive addition to the community. =*=*=*=*=*= Robert McNeill Q&A Interview StarTrek.com just put up an exclusive Robert Duncan McNeill question and answer interview to their web site. Here's an excerpt: Q: Hi Robbie! I was wondering, are you happy that Tom and B'Elanna got married and are having a child, or do you wish that Tom could have had romances with new aliens every week? Wendee B. Robert Duncan McNeill: I'm glad we got married. I think for a couple of years, Roxann and myself felt like we had the worst of both worlds; we were supposedly dating, but it was never really dealt with that seriously. We weren't really available to explore other relationships or romances week after week. So, for awhile it wasn't really satisfying to play that relationship; for us or the fans. This year, it was very surprising to me that they decided to go ahead and jump in with both feet. I think it's been great. It's an unusual kind of direction with series regulars. It's rare for [Star Trek] to get into that ongoing romance or relationship that way. Who would have thought in the pilot, that these two characters would ever get together. Now, here they are together but both very changed people. For the full interview, go to http://www.startrek.com/production/voyager7/articles/022101.html =*=*=*=*=*= Voyager Episode Ratings 'The Void' Overnight Ratings UPN for the night received a strong 4.0/6 (last week 3.9/6). 'Seven Days' aired at 8 pm getting a 3.2/5. At 9 pm 'Voyager' aired a new episode, 'The Void' receiving a 4.9/7, last week getting the same, 4.9/7. =*= 'Workforce' Part I Overnight Ratings UPN received a 3.8/5 (4.0/6) for the night. The new episode of 'Seven Days' aired at 8 pm, which starred Robert Picardo earning a 3.0/5 (3.2/5). 'Voyager' than aired with it's two-part episode, 'Workforce' at 9 pm, getting a 4.5/6 (4.9/7). =*=*=*=*=*= Series V Sets Already Constructed? Armin Shimerman who attended a convention in Champaign, IL revealed possibly major details that he heard Paramount had already constructed the sets for the next Trek series. In previous interviews Star Trek Executive Producer, Rick Berman had already confirmed that Paramount was trying to get production going on the pilot of the next Trek series by March or maybe April, so it wouldn't quite be so outfetched to hear that the sets have already been created over at the Paramount lots. Also mentioned in a TrekToday article, the TrekToday editor says Shimerman said the possibility of a writers & actors strike is expected, and will probably last at least through July of 2001. That would make Paramount's goal in getting the series on the road pretty difficult, so we'll just have to wait and see what exactly the turn of events reveal to us. Along with the above details, there have been rumors that Paramount will be purposefully revealing details right after Voyager's finale airs, since they want all of the Star Trek fans to concentrate on Voyager's last episodes rather than concentrating on the next series. There is also the possibility of the writers' strike disrupting Paramount's coveted time to properly publicize the next Trek series. Because of this, they may be forced into deciding to air the next series later on in the season. =*=*=*=*=*= DS9 Horizons New Email Campaign DS9 Horizons (http://www.lcarscom.net/ds9horizons/) has put up details on the new campaign they've just started, where it just takes sending an email to Paramount Executives, to encourage getting DS9 back as a movie, or maybe as a tele-film. For more details about this, go over to their email campaign web page located at http://www.lcarscom.net/ds9horizons/email.html =*=*=*=*=*= Bryan Singer to Direct 'X-Men' Sequel According to an interview with Bryan Singer, he tells us he has just been confirmed as director of the upcoming 'X-Men' sequel, which will again star Patrick Stewart as 'Professor X'. According to Singer, filming will probably start towards the end of the year. You can read the full interview with Bryan Singer by going to http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2947 (Thanks to TrekWeb.COM) =*=*=*=*=*= XFL Ratings Terrible Since Premiere The XFL's premiere started with more than expected ratings. One week later, the ratings go under what UPN and NBC told advertisers they would be. It's come to the point where network affiliates are worried about what will become of this new football league. Ratings went down 60% after the XFL aired their weekend games the second week, then in the third week since the premiere received 30% less ratings than of the previous week. Network affiliates say their programming received more money per commercial before the XFL even premiered. With UPN network affiliates and NBC network affiliates complaining, the NBC half owned XFL Football League may not return next season. The XFL ratings on NBC averaged a 3.1 household rating, which is well below the 4.5 NBC promised to it's advertisers. =*=*=*=*=*= Mulgrew Talks Final Day Cinescape Online (www.cinescape.com) posted a small portion of a full interview they had with Kate Mulgrew (Capt. Janeway) to their web site. "If I know myself as well as I think I do, I'll be an emotional basket case," she says of Voyager's final day of filming. "I imagine it will be a real tough day, because I'm sure I'll have to be containing myself in ways that are going to be very hard for me. [Janeway] is a character I love -- love own, and trust. It's a real marriage now, and on that day, I'll be saying goodbye to Janeway as I say goodbye to everybody else, so it's going to be a double whammy. I'm an emotional creature to begin with." After Voyager wraps, Mulgrew plans to devote herself to another important enterprise: her marriage to Ohio politician Tim Hagan. (The couple were wed on April 19, 1999.) "I would like to allow my husband some time to readdress his own life. He's made such a huge sacrifice in the last couple of years to accommodate our marriage and this crazy schedule of mine," the actress says. "When this is finished, it will be my turn to shine the light on him. And I intend to do so." For more of the interview, pick up the latest issue of Cinescape Magazine. Thanks to Qie for the heads up! =*=*=*=*=*= Next Series Set Shown in 'Workforce' According to Dark Horizons, the bar/restaurant-like set shown in 'Workforce' featuring Tom Paris who becomes a waiter for the owner of the bar is actually a set that will be featured prominently in the next Trek series. Images taken from the bar have been taken by Section31.com. Take a look at them by going to http://www.section31.com/stories/feb-2001/022201_d.htm =*=*=*=*=*= Martha Hackett in 'Tom Walker' Play Martha Hackett, who has appeared in "Star Trek: Voyager" as Seska and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" can now be seen as Widow Baine's in Arena Stage's world premiere of Tom Walker. Tom Walker is a richly comic, colonial-era tale filled with folklore, legend and magic. Set in 1727, Tom Walker explores some of the precepts and politics on which America was founded through the tale of Tom Walker, a tavern-loving fiddler and colonial underachiever who fails at various attempts at livelihood. His luck changes when he meets the Devil, who promises Tom abundant treasure... in exchange for his soul. Narrating this tale of mystery and mayhem is Cora, one of the Devil's 12 daughters. Through Cora, Tom and Widow Baine's learn that appearances are not always what they seem. Martha Hackett made her debut at Arena Stage as Sylvia Fowler in the 1999 production of The Women. She received rave reviews and local Star Trek fans were among the many who filled the house each night to see Ms. Hackett up close and personal. This season's production of Tom Walker presents another great opportunity to see Martha at her finest. Tom Walker runs through March 4, 2001 at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. For additional information and tickets visit Arena's website at http://www.arenastage.org/ =*=*=*=*=*= John Eaves to Design Series V Starship John Eaves, who was the designer of the Enterprise E is going to be creating a new starship for the next Star Trek series, according to the president of the official Star Trek Fan Club, Dan Madsen. According to Madsen, "He is currently working on the new Star Trek series that's in development and he is designing the new starship for that show." To hear the full interview, you can listen to the audio interview by going to http://www.decipher.com/rfd.index.html =*=*=*=*=*= Piller Producing New UPN Show Michael Piller along with his son Shawn Piller, will be executive producing a new series that UPN has now given the green light to start producing. The TV series will be based on Stephen King's 'The Dead Zone.' "David Cronenberg directed the 1983 feature film adaptation which starred Christopher Walken as a high school teacher named Johnny Smith. Upon coming out of a coma, Smith learns that he has the ability to see into the future... and that he may be able to change it. King has publicly noted that the film was one of the best adaptations of one of his books." (Cinescape Online) For more, just go to the original article over at Cinescape Online, located at http://www.cinescape.com/insider/ =*=*=*=*=*= Robert Picardo Talks 'Author, Author' Cinescape has up a sample of what's to come in the full interview published in Cinescape Magazine. In the interview, Robert Picardo talks the upcoming episode, 'Author, Author' about hologram rights. The excerpt below contains major spoilers about the episode, so beware. "It's called 'Author, Author,' [and] we finished [it] probably about three weeks ago, though I still have some second-unit shooting to complete. It's about holographic rights," reveals the actor, who will soon begin work on Voyager's four final episodes. "It starts off as a comic outing, one our best, I think, though it turns quite serious at the end. The premise is the Doctor has written a book and is basically e-mailing it back to the Alpha Quadrant now that we have these regular communication sessions. He has sent it to a publisher on Earth who has downloaded the book and is interested in publishing it. The Doctor, however, hasn't realized that what he's written is a roman á clef [a novel based on one's own experiences]. He thinks he's writing a call to arms for the audience to understand that holograms are not respected and not accorded the rights they should be. But in so doing, he has based this hypothetical crew on the physical parameters and the thinly changed names of Voyager's crewmembers. He's done these very unflattering portraits because he's pursuing a political agenda in his book, not realizing [that] when the book is published it's going to hurt and damage the reputations of his fellow shipmates." For the full interview, you will have to buy a copy of Cinescape Magazine. =*=*=*=*=*= SFX Magazine Reader Awards The Great Link have put up a news article (http://greatlink.ewebcity.com/shownewsitem.asp?item=630) showing all of the Star Trek related results from the SFX Magazine Reader Awards. Just to name a few, 'X-Men' received the award, 'Best SF/Fantasy Movie,' Patrick Stewart was #2 as 'Best SF/Fantasy Film Actor' following X-Men star, Hugh Jackman who received the #1 spot. 'Voyager' got #6 as 'Best TV Show', and also #5 in the category of 'Most Improved TV Show'. =*=*=*=*=*= Joe Reinkemeyer Interview The Trekker Newsletter recently got the opportunity to interview Joe Reinkemeyer, one of the many staff writers for 'Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda.' A permanent page has been dedicated for the interview located at http://www.treknewsletter.com/interviews/jr.html =*=*=*=*=*= For even more Star Trek news, you can go to TTN's news page located at http://www.treknewsletter.com/news/ =*=*=*=*=*= Voyager Episode Schedule Week of: Prod# Title 02/21/01 262 "Workforce" 02/28/01 263 "Workforce" Part II 03/07/01 000 Unknown Rerun 03/14/01 000 Unknown Rerun 03/21/01 264 "Human Error" 03/28/01 265 "Q2" 04/04/01 000 Unknown Rerun 04/11/01 000 Unknown Rerun 04/18/01 266 "Author, Author" 04/28/01 000 Unknown Rerun 04/25/01 267 "Friendship One" 05/02/01 268 "Natural Law" 05/09/01 269 "Destiny" 05/16/01 270 "Renaissance Man" 05/23/01 271 Series Finale Part I 05/23/01 272 Series Finale Part II Syndicated Schedule: Year 2, Week 25 02/26/01 101 "Caretaker", Part I 02/26/01 102 "Caretaker", Part II 02/28/01 103 "Parallax" 03/01/01 104 "Time and Again" 03/02/01 105 "Phage" Year 2, Week 26 03/05/01 106 "The Cloud" 03/06/01 107 "Eye of the Needle" 03/07/01 108 "Ex Post Facto" 03/08/01 109 "Emanations" 03/09/01 110 "Prime Factors" Weekend Episodes: 02/24/00 176 "Year of Hell" 03/03/00 177 "Year of Hell, Part II" 03/10/01 178 "Random Thoughts" 03/17/01 179 "Concerning Flight" 03/24/01 180 "Mortal Coil" Schedules are always subject to change, check your local listings. Thanks to psiphi.org for the syndicated Voyager listings! =*=*=*=*=*= Columns / Articles None ;o( =*=*=*=*=*= Memorable Events Birthdays: Feb 23 - Majel Barrett (Christine Chapel, Lwaxana Troi - TOS/TNG/DS9) Feb 26 - Chase Masterson (Leeta - DS9) Mar 02 - Gates McFadden (Doctor Beverly Crusher, TNG) Mar 03 - James Doohan (Engineer Montgomery Scott, TOS) Mar 18 - Brad Dourif Mar 20 - John de Lancie (Q, TNG/DS9/VOY) Mar 22 - William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk, TOS) Mar 22 - Michael Westmore (Makeup Designer, TNG/DS9/VOY) Mar 25 - D.C. Fontana (Story Editor, TOS) Mar 26 - Leonard Nimoy, (Cmdr. Spock, TOS/TNG) Mar 29 - Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi, TNG) Have something memorable that I have not remembered? Send it to me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= Star Trek Reviews "The Void" Review by Jacqueline Bundy Based on the synopsis I had read of this weeks Voyager episode, and the trailer, I expected to be disappointed in "The Void". Especially after last week's wonderful episode "Prophecy". But "The Void" exceeded my expectations. The story by Raf Green and Kenneth Biller was turned into a wonderful teleplay by Raf and James Kahn, who also penned scripts for TNG. The episode opens with Seven trying out her culinary skills on the amazed and appreciative group of Janeway, Chakotay, Paris and B'Elanna. This humorous scene quickly turns alarming as the ship lurches and Tuvok reports that the ship is being pulled into a spatial anomaly. An apparent 'void' where no stellar phenomena or resources exist. Voyager is immediately attacked and while vulnerable, food stores and other vital supplies are beamed off the ship. Upon making contact with a General Vallen, Janeway learns that there are numerous ships trapped in the void, and they have turned to preying on each other in order to survive. Despite the reports from her crew of the desperation of their situation, Janeway assures Vallen that she will not join him in killing and robbing others in order to survive. Read more: http://www.treknewsletter.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid982257197,26180, =*= "Workforce Part 1" Review by Jacqueline Bundy I hate two part episodes. The only thing worse than a two part episode, is a two parter where the first part is really good, and you know, no matter how much you rant, you are stuck waiting for the conclusion. It might just be me, but the writing on Voyager this season, for the most part, has been consistently high quality. A big improvement over most of last seasons offerings. "Workforce-part 1" is another example. Kenneth Biller and Bryan Fuller have done an excellent job with the script for part 1 of this story. The opening shot of the capitol city on Quarra is spectacular. A smiling Kathryn Janeway certainly looked enchanted by her surroundings. She is on her way to report for her new job, looking about herself with delight. I loved her line directed at her new employer in response to his statement that he hopes she will be satisfied with her new job. "I can already tell it's going to be much better than my last job." Read more: http://www.treknewsletter.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid982954671,4434, =*= Star Trek: Rihannsu By Shirley J. Kolb Book one, three, & four by Diane Duane Book two by Diane Duane and Peter Morwood Star Trek: Rihannsu is a set of four novels (so far) about the Original Star Trek characters and the Romulans. The first two were originally issued in 1984 and 1987 respectively but were re-issued with the third and fourth in 2000. The first book, My Enemy, My Ally has always been one of my favorite Trek novels. It is about a female Romulan commander named Ael t'Rlailiiu. She happens to be the aunt of the unnamed Romulan commander who was deceived by Spock in the episode "The Enterprise Incident" (the one where Kirk steals the cloaking device from a Romulan vessel). So she has every reason to hate James T. Kirk, Spock, and the Enterprise. But she discovers that her own people are acting with dishonor with a plot to kidnap Vulcans so that their mind power can be harnessed. So she makes a decision to join her greatest enemy, so that together they can destroy the research and free the Vulcans. Ael is a deep and fascinating character and the book is very fast-paced and exciting from start to finish. For Book Two, The Romulan Way, Dianne Duane's husband Peter Morwood joined her in authorship. It is about a deep cover Federation agent named Terise Haleakala LoBrutto, who, for eight years, has been on assignment in Romulan territory. In fact, she has been surgically and chemically altered to appear to be Romulan and has been living amongst the Romulans. Her reports to the Federation have stopped so Dr. McCoy is sent to investigate at great personal danger. The book also covers some of the history of the time when the Romulans split from the Vulcans. I have heard that some people do not like this book because there is a lot of Romulan language in it, and even though there is a glossary in the back, it is a little bit hard to read. However, I feel that it is still an interesting book. It features the reappearance of the Horta from the episode "The Devil in the Dark". They have learned to control their acid secretions and to communicate with the universal translator, and are valuable allies to the Federation. Book Three, Swordhunt, picks up only a few months after the events of Book Two. Ael is a fugitive in Federation space in a stolen Bird- of-Prey, the Bloodwing, and is in possession of a sword that was stolen from the Romulan Senate Chamber. The Romulans want to recover this sword at any cost, as it is a symbol of power, tradition, and pride. Since Ael believes that the Romulans who are currently in power have no honor and no longer hold to the ancient Romulan ideals, she is just as determined that the sword will not be returned. The Romulans have a plan to trap the Klingons and the Federation in war, and are hopeful they will reap some of the spoils. In Book Four, Honor Blade, we see the re-appearance of Terese LoBrutto, (Romulan alias Arrhae i-Khellian), who is now a Romulan Senator. She has been chosen to attend, as an observer, a set of peace talks between the Romulans and the Federation on a neutral ship. Even amongst the Romulans, there is great disagreement. There is rebellion in some of the Romulan outerworlds and some danger that the colonists may try to rally behind Ael. Some Romulans are trying to use the Klingons against their own people, while others find that idea deplorable. Senator Arrhae is asked to hand false information over to McCoy, and has to find a way to make sure he knows what is true and what is false, to remain true to her oath to the Federation. And the Federation has to make a decision about whether to grant Ael permanent asylum, or perhaps to turn her over to the Romulans to try to avert war. The book ends with the words "To be continued . . ." The four books in Star Trek: Rihannsu are all very good, and anyone who has an interest in the Romulans will love them. My Enemy, My Ally stands alone as one of the top ten Original Series novels, so even if a person is not particularly interested in the Romulans, it is still worth reading. The Romulan Way is interesting in that it tackles several "what if" questions - "what if a person is in deep cover and has come to love the people she is living amongst, yet still has vows to honor and people to help from her previous life?" "What if that person has to choose between blowing her cover, or saving a life?" Swordhunt and Honor Blade continue the investigation of Romulan intrigue and honor, and help you to continue to get to know Ael and Arrhae, who are both wonderful characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. =*= "Tooth and Claw" by Doranna Durgin Review by Jacqueline Bundy The second new trek book to be released in February from Pocket Books, "Tooth and Claw" is, like "DI" a first time trek effort by the author Doranna Durgin. Durgin is an award winning fantasy author, and like most of the authors of trek books, a Star Trek fan. But unfortunately this book offering falls far short of the urgency and excitement usually associated with reading a Star Trek adventure. "Tooth and Claw" is another TNG novel, and is set before "Star Trek-Generations". The Enterprise D's mission? To save the population of the planet Ntignano, whose sun is failing; by negotiating for the use of star charts for a hard-to-navigate area of space that is controlled by the non-Federation race of the Tsorans. The charts for this area of space are necessary because time is rapidly running out for the Ntignano and charting the area themselves will be too time consuming if the inhabitants of Ntignano to be saved. The Tsorans society is based on physical prowess. From the description, a short cat or wolf like species. While Picard is negotiating for the use of the charts, Commander Riker is expected to escort the Tsoran ReynTa, or prince, on his ceremonial rite of passage, the prime kaphorra. It is a ceremony of great prestige in which the candidate is expected to bring back a hunting trophy from one of the deadly, predatory carnivores that inhabit a nature preserve on the world of Fandre. The prince, Akaar, is an arrogant, impatient creature. From the beginning nothing seems to go right, and when the shuttle carrying Riker and the prince's party crashes in the jungle like preserve, a right of passage becomes a desperate struggle for survival. Meanwhile it soon becomes obvious that the Tsorans never had any intention of supplying the all important charts, vital to the evacuation plans. Of course it all comes right in the end. Akaar gets his trophy, and Picard is successful in forcing the Tsoran ruler to provide the star charts, but despite the happy ending, this story falls flat. The story never draws you in. I found it hard to care about the fate of a planet that while mentioned frequently, was never more than a name. The Ntignano never became real. The Tsorans I simply disliked. Frankly the only thing that kept me reading was the hope that Akaar never got his trophy and either had to go home in disgrace, or better yet got himself eaten. I did like the way the author used Riker, and there were the occasional innocent witticisms from Data. But my advice would be to give this book a pass. =*= If you have an exclusive review about anything Trek, send it to me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= Star Trek Trivia Last issue's trivia question: What Deep Space Nine actor was originally going to portray Captain Sisko and who did he end up playing in Deep Space Nine? Answer: Captain Sisko was going to be played by Alexander Siddig who ended up playing Dr. Julian Bashir throughout the series' seven year run. Some answers I received were: Tony Todd, Rene Auberjenois, & Bernie Hudson, although I have no way of knowing if you are correct or not. They may have all auditioned for the part. Here are the people who got the correct answer. The results are listed as they were received. 1st: Nova 2nd: JTK 3rd: Mark Chrisco 4th: Al Kulp 5th: Steve 6th: Catherine Hardee Now here is this issue's trivia: How many people total did the Fear Clown kill? Send your answer to [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you'd like to submit a trivia question, along with it's answer, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= Star Trek Poll Last issue's question: If you could change your child's appearance and tendencies by changing his/her DNA, like B'Elanna tried to do in 'Lineage', would you do it? And why? Last issue's results: Yes: 0 No: 3 =*= Absolutely not. I'm a firm believer of what you see is what you get. When we start genetically engineering people, we're treading on very thin ice morally and ethically. I mean, they're killing female babies in some countries just because they're female. Where would it stop? Selek =*= I wouldn't! That is against my beliefs & my moral sensibility. I think that is just wrong. Unless she/he would die without the restructuring. Tyler =*= No I would not do that. I think it takes something away from the child. Also, he/she would no longer be your child. He/She would no longer have the same genetic makeup that you do. Messing with DNA is no more appropriate than having an abortion because you didn't use birth control. David Conley =*= Now here is this issue's Star Trek Poll: The universe Star Trek is based in always has tried to give the same rights to everyone in the universe, should holograms be included? In the case of Voyager's holographic doctor, do you think he has over-used or abused those rights? Send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] right now to send an answer. A tally of the results will be in the next issue of The Trekker Newsletter. =*=*=*=*=*= What Do You Think? Here is last issue's question: What do you think makes a good/great/excellent captain in Starfleet? Here are the results of last issue's question: =*= You have to have what it takes to garner crew loyalty. Think of Kirk. He was a cowboy, sometime diplomat, scrapper, and his crew would follow him to hell and back. Would Picards? Not sure. Would Janeway's? Most likely. Selek =*= Well I would first have to start out with experience. That is the foundation of learning. For example, in Voyager Ensign Harry Kim will make an excellent captain. He has experience from being in command during the night shift. Role-models are another important factor. Ensign Kim has some very good role-models to look up to and learn from. Next I will group together determination and ambition. We have seen these traits in Ensign Kim all to often, and it separates the leaders from the followers. Knows when to be strict and when to be easy-going. There are a bunch of other traits of an excellent starfleet captain, but these are the most important to me. David Conley =*= [From previous WDYT question]: I think Picard is a much better Captain than Janeway, because she often risks the life of her crew when it's not absolutely necessary, and Picard would never do that. Holger =*= Now this issue's question: Which Star Trek crew would you rather see in the next Star Trek film? (Even if we already know to be the TNG crew). To answer the question, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= "Star Trek Quote" Last issue's quote: "All right, Gamma shift, time to defend the Federation against gaseous anomalies." Answer: Commander Rand on Voyager's episode, 'Flashback.' Here are the people who got the correct answer. The results are listed as they were received. 1st: Matthew Goff 2nd: Nova 3rd: Meghan 4th: JoJo Schmidt 5th: Asim 6th: Brett Siata 7th: TCN 8th: Steve 9th: Catherine Hardee Now here is this issue's quote: "I've thought about having children, but I must say I never considered having them with you." (Series: 'Star Trek: Voyager') Who said that? Respond by sending an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] =*=*=*=*=*= About the Next Issue The next regularly scheduled issue of TTN will be sent out March 9, 2001. =*=*=*=*=*==*=*=*=*=*= CONCLUSION NOTES: Subscription Information: To subscribe via email, send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe via email, send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web Site Links: If you would like to learn more about The Trekker Newsletter, get subscription information, and more go to http://www.treknewsletter.com/ Main Page: http://www.treknewsletter.com/ Recent Star Trek News: http://www.treknewsletter.com/news/index.html Archive: http://www.treknewsletter.com/archive/index.html TTN BBS: http://www.treknewsletter.com/ttnbbs/index.html Web Chat: http://www.treknewsletter.com/chat/index.html About TTN: http://www.treknewsletter.com/about.html Links: http://www.treknewsletter.com/links.html Link to TTN: http://www.treknewsletter.com/linktottn.html Disclaimer: http://www.treknewsletter.com/disclaimer.html ISSN: 1529-3319 =*=*=*=*=*= DISCLAIMER: All original material on the The Trekker Newsletter and contained within The Trekker Newsletter web site, expansions, and projects, is copyright © The Trekker Newsletter. All material submitted to the publication becomes property of the publication to be used or not used in any manner or form in accordance with the needs of the publication. You may distribute issues of The Trekker Newsletter privately or to post them in public locations, whole or in part, so long as the text remains unchanged, and full credit is given. All non-original content used within The Trekker Newsletter issues bears copyright by the original owner, and cannot be re-used without permission of the original copyright holder. The text in reviews, columns, and articles are the author's own views. The views expressed there are not necessarily the same views of me (TTN's Owner). Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and all related materials are copyrighted to Paramount Pictures, a subsidiary of VIACOM, and are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. No copy infringement is intended. The Trekker Newsletter and its owner is in no shape or form earning any profit in the creation of this newsletter. This email publication is a free service to Trekkers (AKA: Star Trek fans) of all ages! ____________________________________________________________ T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
