Star Trek: Doctor’s Orders
{4.5/5} “I can leave anybody with the conn that I please, especially a department head and a fellow officer. There’s no need to be in the direct chain of command at all — that’s a common misconception. I could leave an Ensign Third-class with the conn if I liked, and the situation seemed to call for it.”
Star Trek: Doctor’s Orders by Diane Duane, published in 1990
The Enterprise is visiting a world called Flyspeck where there are 3 intelligent species who have evolved there. The Federation wants to know if they’re interested in membership, but first they have to talk to them. One day Captain Kirk leaves Dr. McCoy in command of the ship — and then Kirk disappears.
It’s about communicating with beings who speak a different language — and have a different worldview. It’s about supporting your friends, and making new friends.
It’s a terrific story. McCoy’s first conversation with the Klingon commander is priceless.
This is the 2nd time I’ve read it.
I’ve read 10 books by Duane. I previously reviewed Star Trek: Spock’s World.