Star Trek: The Lost Years
{4.5/5} “What if I made you an admiral without chaining you to that desk? If I made you a special envoy, put you in Admiral Ciana’s department as a troubleshooter? If it’s excitement you want, we could have you warping all over the galaxy again.”
Star Trek: The Lost Years by J. M. Dillard, published in 1989
The Enterprise returns to Earth after its 5-year mission. Spock is going to become a Captain or teach at the Academy. McCoy is going to return to Natira. Kirk wants to remain a Captain but the Admiralty has plans to make him an Admiral — Kirk threatens to resign if he doesn’t get what he wants.
This book takes place in between The Original Series and The Motion Picture. Eventually 3 other books were added to the miniseries.
The story involves Kirk’s interactions with Vice Admiral Lori Ciana, and an ancient Vulcan named Zakal whose katra has been sitting around for 2000 years.
It’s a great story with carefully crafted explanations for the actions of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Featured characters include Uhura, Sarek, and Kevin Riley.
This is the 2nd time I’ve read it.
I’ve read 10 books by Dillard, 9 of which were Star Trek.