Diplomatic Implausibility (Star Trek: The Next Generation) [Mass Market Paperback]

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 connections. In the end these characters learn something about who they are and why their beliefs, while not necessarily wrong, might require reappraisal. DI uses characterization to further the plot; events happen because of who the characters are and what they believe, and in the end to rise above who they are.

Nothing comes across more clearly in DI than the fact that DeCandido is clearly a fan of Star Trek. Continuity references are unobtrusive, but provide an extra level of shading for the long-time fan. Additionally, references are made to two of Peter David's works, his first Next Generation novel Strike Zone and to the New Frontier series. A mention of The Captain's Table, setting of the crossover novel series of the same title from 1998, is so unobtrusive that a non-fan would pay it no mind while to the long-time fan would find a welcome smile crossing his face. As a fan who would like to think that the television shows, films, novels, and comics all occur within the same universe, the acknowledgement of other novels contributes to the sense that these other novels "matter."

Those passing up on Diplomatic Implausibility are passing up on an excellent novel. DeCandido has written a well-crafted novel that carries forward Worf's life while also introducing us to a group of characters that I hope to see more of in the future. I look forward to more from Keith R.A. DeCandido's pen. But for now, I have Diplomatic Implausibility, and this book fulfills what I want in a Star Trek novel: a story well-told and worth every penny. While some might quibble with the designation of this novel as a Next Generation novel when the Enterprise-E and crew appear but barely, they would be missing out on what may well be one of the best Star Trek novels published this year, and what is certainly the best debut Star Trek novel in some time.

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.