by Diane Duane “You have sold honor for power. You have sold what a Rihannsu used to be for what a Klingon thinks a Rihannsu ought to. You have sold your names, you have sold everything that mattered about this world – the nobility, the striving to be something right – for the sake of being feared in nearby spaces. You have sold the open dealing of your noble ancestors for plots and intrigues that cannot stand the light of day, and sold your courage […]

by Diane Duane “As if you could chop a mind in half, like an apple.  He’s one whole being—a Spock—and the sooner you armchair shrinks get that through your heads, the better you’ll be able to deal with him.”—McCoy, regarding the behavior of Spock’s Human and Vulcan ‘halves.’ Romulan commander Ael i-Mhiessan t’Rllaillieu discovers her government is kidnapping Vulcans so they can harness their mind power through genetic experimentation and developing galactic WMDs.  Ael decides mnhei’sahe—honor—demands she cannot support her Empire’s actions. She enlists Kirk […]

by John M. Ford “If you do not wish a thing heard, then do not say it.” “If you are going to bite, bite deep.” “Only a fool fights in a burning house.” This is the book that explains Klingons.  It explains their philosophy of honor, their warrior culture, why so many have names that begin with “K.” It begins to develop a language and a belief system for the Klingons.  It is a beautiful and thoughtful book, philosophical and action-packed at the same time. […]