Diplomatic Implausibility (Star Trek The Next Generation, No 61)

by Keith R.A. DeCandido and R. F. Delderfield

Book Overview

In the aftermath of the Dominion War, the Klingon cruiser IKS Gorkon is on its way back to the homeworld when it is diverted by a distress call. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671785540
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 4.2" x 0.8" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

STNG #61 Diplomatic Implausibility - Exceptional!

"Diplomatic Implausibility" is author, Keith R.A. DeCandido's first full length novel in the Star Trek genre. From his work in the Star Trek S.C.E. (Starfleet Corps of Engineers) e-Book series one could tell that he was going to become a major influence in the Star Trek genre which has proven quite true given his breadth of work since this, his first outstanding Star Trek The Next Generation novel. DeCandido's work stands out with great flare as its originality in the story telling is quite clear, his knowledge of the Star Trek universe is extensive and most importantly, the story is extremely well balanced between pace and narrative! Pocket Books has done a great job over the last few years in bringing in authors such as Keith R.A. DeCandido who are not only authors but fans of Star Trek which, in this reader's opinion, is quite integral in the pursuit of being able to write a decent Star Trek story such as this novel. The Premise: Fresh off the heels of the events depicted in Star Trek Deep Space Nine's final episode, "What You Leave Behind" where Lt. Commander Worf, after defeating the Klingon High Chancellor Gowron and giving the Chancellorship to General Martok, is then offered the opportunity to be the Federation's Ambassador to Klingon which he gladly accepts. Some two hundred years ago, a mineral rich world known as taD was conquered by the Klingon Empire and its inhabitants became slaves of the Klingon Empire. When the Klingons were mislead by the Dominion into attacking the Cardassians the people of taD, seeing a shortage in Klingons guarding their world, seized the opportunity and retook their world for their own and called upon the Federation for assistance however, the Federation could not and would not intervene due to the potential political ramifications. With the end of the Dominion war came the Klingons retaking of taD and its inhabitants renewed efforts to gain protection from the Federation comes the need for Ambassador Worf who is now called into the situation to negotiate between the Klingon Empire, the Federation and taD's inhabitants... I highly recommend this numbered Star Trek The Next Generation novel as you will find it to be among the best of the numbered novels and in it, a truly knowledgeable and crafty author who stands out in the genre. {ssintrepid}

A real story, at last.

Set after the events of "What you Leave Behind," this book makes me glad DS9 ended! No, no, maybe that's too strong a sentiment, but this novel is sure a long way from some of the other pro Trek novels I've read, and it gets an A+ for continuity. This one contains resolution on many levels - something the pro novels have notorioiusly lacked up till now. We learn what became of Worf's brother, Kurn. We get to feel some of Worf's grief over the death of Jadzia. We even get to taste the heartache he still carries for K'Ehleyr - even as he now tackles his first job as Klingon Ambassador to the Federation. Why, this little story is just *packed* with tidbits of continuity and resolution, at the same time delivering a sturdy, believable tale about a race of beings who simply want their planet back. Not only that, but there's a Glossary of Klingon Terms in the back. Who could ask for more? I could! More, I want more!

Klingon Diplomacy

Worf the diplomat! As ambassador to the federation; Worf has to negotiate a delicate peace between the white wolf aliens on the cover and the Klingons that conquered them long ago. We get to see Klag; the first officer that Riker encountered on the Klingon officer exchange episode in Next Generation. Klag is captain of his own ship and doesn't see eye to eye with Worf. Lots of the Klingons in the Deep Space Nine episodes make appearances here. The book has dialogue that is true to the characters. This would have made a terrific two part episode. Rodeck; Worf's brain altered brother is a crew member on Klag's ship. He appears to be pretty much an officer who does not have the spark of his former life as Kurn. It's too bad his brother had to be changed. This one is the best Klingon novel to date. I can't wait for the one by the actor that plays General Martok!

DeCandido has written a compelling and fun novel.

Do you enjoy reading novels about Klingons? Do you enjoy the character of LT/LCDR and now Ambassador Worf? If so, then _Diplomatic Implausibility_ comes about as recommended as it gets. With his first Star Trek novel, Keith DeCandido has scored a major hit, creating a compelling story that also demonstrates a wonderful enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the Trek Universe.Telling the first story of Worf's journeys as Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire, _Diplomatic Implausibility_ moves the character of Worf forward from where he was last seen in the "Deep Space Nine" finale. Even better, it is done with style and grace, and reads as highly true to the Worf character. Worf's fans will not be disappointed. Many times, while reading, I could hear Michael Dorn's voice in my head, delivering those lines. The story itself poses challenges for Worf that compel him to be both resourceful and creative, and does so very effectively.Worf, however, is not the only reason to buy _Diplomatic Implausibility_. Mr. DeCandido's use of a myriad of characters from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" firmly anchors this story in the well-known Trek Universe, but equally, never comes off as forced or contrived. The characters fit naturally into their environment, and one never gets the sense that someone was shoehorned into a spot just for the sake of being there. The crew of the IKS Gorkon are a unique and fun bunch of Klingons, and a large chunk of the fun of this book is heavily tied to reading about *them*. Cardboard cutouts these are not, nor are they a bunch of stereotypical Klingons. In fact, one of the real successes of this book is in portraying the variety of personalities among these characters.Continuity is also quite strong here, with character and situation references going back to "Encounter at Farpoint". Clearly, Mr. DeCandido has done his homework, and the result is a richer world within this novel. Going even further, there are several subtle-but-noticeable references to other Trek novels. It's not at all necessary to have read the books referenced to fully appreciate the storytelling here, but if you are familiar with those stories, it gives a nice sense of verisimilitude.Overall, _Diplomatic Implausibility_ scores on multiple levels, and the combination results in a book that's well worth reading. I recommend it highly.

Excellent novel, and highly recommended

Keith R.A. DeCandido's first Star Trek: The Next Generation novel satisfies everything I want from a Star Trek novel: a solid story, a well-written novel, and value for the money. While 2001 may be young, I venture that there will be few Star Trek novels this year to match Diplomatic Implausibility (hereafter DI). Quite simply, DeCandido has crafted an excellent novel, one that tells a sound story and captures well the essence of the Star Trek characters and their universe. Immediately, DI sets itself apart from Trek-as-usual; the main character of the novel is Worf, but a Worf no longer in Starfleet and in the service of the Federation's Diplomatic Corps. At the conclusion of Deep Space Nine's final episode, "What You Leave Behind," Worf left Starfleet to become the Federation's Ambassador to the Klingon Empire, and DI relates Worf's first assignment as Federation Ambassador. Thus, we have a Star Trek novel is which one of the usual hallmarks of Star Trek storytelling, namely Starfleet, is barely present and has little bearing upon the events of the novel. While the Enterprise does appear, her role in the story is minimal, amounting to a cameo appearance that conveys some important character moments for Worf. Instead, the Enterprise's usual role is filled by the IKS Gorkon, a Klingon Defense Force ship assigned to ferry newly-minted Ambassador Worf to the planet taD. Here is where DI shines. Not only does DeCandido convey effectively Worf's efforts to find a solution to the taD crisis while bridging his Klingon heritage and his Federation upbringing, he also introduces us to the crew of the IKS Gorkon, bringing these characters vividly to life. While most of these characters have appeared in The Next Generation or Deep Space Nine before, they were largely unknown, disposable characters. Given life here they come across well on the printed page with histories and personality quirks. Klag, the one-armed hero of Marcan, saddled with a crew not of his liking for his first command. Drex, the son of Martok, unable to conceal his distaste for being second-in-command of the Gorkon and his hatred for Worf. Vall, the engineering genius, ill-suited by disposition to serve on a Klingon ship. B'oraq, the ship's doctor, wanting to bring Federation medicine to an Empire badly in need of it. These characters and others come to life, each with his or her own motivations, their own role in the unfolding drama. I was intrigued by these characters. I could understand their motives, whether they assisted Worf in his mission or hindered his progress. I would welcome a return engagement of the Gorkon and her crew. To some extent the novel stands as a study in characterization. Worf faces hostility from the Klingons and the al'Hamatti while at the same time dealing with the realization that he might be ill-suited for his new role as Ambassador. Klag must confront his prejudice against medicine and his distrust of those who gained their positions through familial conne