TOS #28: Crisis on Centaurus by Brad Ferguson

TW: Bombings and Racism

Book Jacket’s Summary:
     “Massive computer malfunctions are plaguing the Enterprise when Kirk suddenly receives a shocking message from Starfleet Command: Centaurus has been bombed and annihilated; thousands are dead. Give whatever help you can. Centaurus is a beautiful, peaceful planet, home to many Humans – including McCoy’s daughter Joanna.
     The crew risks beaming down to investigate. But Kirk is thrown into a deadly struggle between violent enemy terrorists and vengeful Centaurians. Now Lt. Uhura, left alone in command, must jeopardize the crippled Enterprise to save Centaurus, Kirk – and Joanna McCoy!”

Yeaka’s Notes:
    Crisis on Centaurus is a well written, in character tale with plenty of great character moments. The only trouble is that it’s wholly unpleasant, especially for a Star Trek book.
     The bookjacket briefly sums up the story, but what it doesn’t adequately warn for is that half of this story deals with the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack, and the other half is Kirk protecting the white supremacists that caused it. Yes, the racism doesn’t stop at aliens—it goes all the way down to old white men sneering at Sulu. While the principle of smuggling the terrorists who killed millions and are still organizing racial government control off world for a fair trial makes sense, it’s quite difficult to read when you sympathize with the “bad guys” who want those terrorists tried on world. This isn’t one for light reading.
     Despite the troubles, all of the original cast is highlighted well and there are some fun OCs. Uhura gets to be acting captain for a fair chunk of the book, Kirk has his own secret cabin in the woods that he wants to take Spock to, Chekov has a quick romance, and Bones’ daughter (who calls Kirk “Uncle Jim” and often stays at his cabin) offers some much-needed tension relief. If your favourite character is Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu, or Chekov, there’s something for you here.
     But go in prepared. These aren’t the usual spacey, escapist troubles—this one has real issues, so read at your own discretion. 

Noteworthy moments:

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