Review: STAR TREK EXPLORER PRESENTS: “THE MISSION” AND OTHER STORIES

Every quarter, subscribers to Star Trek Explorer Magazine get access to a digital supplement that includes additional fiction stories set in various parts of the Star Trek universe. They're always written by extremely talented science fiction writers and, though aren't considered canon, certainly add to the experience of being a Star Trek fan.

On January 30th, Star Trek Explorer will release its first collection of short stories—STAR TREK EXPLORER PRESENTS: “THE MISSION” AND OTHER STORIES. This is an exciting array of stories set in various parts of the universe, including Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager.

From a cute story with Porthos, Captain Archer's faithful companion aboard the Enterprise on Star Trek: Enterprise to a compelling prequel to "What Are Little Girls Made Of" from Star Trek: The Original Series, these short stories are perfect complements to each series. My personal favorite was THE GUARDIAN by Gary Russell which was the prelude to the “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” It's both eye-opening and heartbreaking to see what took place before we were introduced to Nurse Christine Chapel's fiance, Dr. Roger Korby.

There certainly is something for everyone in this collection, even for those of you who were Dr. Pulaski fans from the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She finally finds out what it's like to walk a mile in Data's shoes! Of course, no collection would be complete without the Borg threatening assimilation and a trip back in time with Dixon Hill! Overall, these adventures and thought-provoking moments with the characters we've grown to love are must-reads for any Star Trek fan. Below is the official, full synopsis with story descriptions and purchase price details for the collection.

Synopsis

Adventure to the final frontier and beyond...

The short stories collected in this volume feature characters and situations from across the Star Trek universe, including Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager.

These mini-epics include the return of noir detective Dixon Hill, a strange tale of the crew of the Enterprise-D forgetting their first officer, William Riker, a dramatic prelude to the classic episode “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” and even a story showcasing Captain Jonathan Archer’s loyal hound, Porthos.

Includes original short fiction by James Swallow, John Peel, Gary Russell, Greg Cox, Una McCormack, Michael Carroll, Christopher Cooper, Chris Dows, Michael Collins, and Keith R. A. DeCandido.

CONTROL by John Reed, Art by Louie De Martinis
A tale starring Captain Jonathan Archer’s loyal dog, Porthos.

THE GUARDIAN by Gary Russell, Art by Louie De Martinis
A prelude the classic episode “What Are Little Girls Made Of?”

THE DISAVOWED by Christopher Cooper
The crew of the Enterprise lose all memory of William Riker!

PAGHABI by Chris Dows, Art by Louie De Martinis
Guinan is invaded by a sinister force.

“PULASKI 2.0” by Greg Cox
Doctor Katherine Pulaski experiences life as an android.

THE EXPERT by Gary Russell, Art by Louie De Martinis
A family is torn apart when the Borg strike.

SCRAMBLE by Greg Cox, Art by Louis De Martinis
A return to the noir world of Dixon Hill.

THE MISSION by James Swallow, Art by Louie De Martinis
Espionage runs rife aboard Deep Space 9.‘

THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER’ by Una McCormack, Art by Louie De Martinis
Kira Nerys and Garak discuss their opposing ideologies.

FRONTIER MEDICINE by Michael Carroll, Art by Louie De Martinis
Doctor Julian Bashir has a career defining adventure.

BY SPECIAL REQUEST by John Peel, Art by Louie De Martinis
Miles O’Brien and Julian Bashir enjoy some rest and recreation with a difference.

THE VICTIM by John Peel, Art by Andy Walker
Garak moves in for a kill, but can he pull the trigger?

YOU CAN’T BUY FATE by Keith R.A. DeCandido, Art by Andy Walker
A first contact mission through the wormhole doesn’t quite go according to plan.

SUMMER DAYS CAN LAST FOREVER by Michael Collins, Art by Michael Collins
The dull 1950s town of Patterson Creek is livened by some unusual visitors.

STAR TREK EXPLORER PRESENTS: “THE MISSION” AND OTHER STORIES
ON SALE: JANUARY 30, 2024
US $24.99 / CAN $33.99 / UK £21.99

Special thanks to Titan Books for providing a review copy of this collection!