Star Trek: TNG — Dragon’s Honor
{4/5} “‘We have no desire to disturb your sacred traditions,’ Kakkh assured him. ‘Fear instead the wiles of the Federation, and strike now before they corrupt your Empire as they have contaminated so many other worlds before you. You must take action — for honor’s sake.'”
Star Trek: The Next Generation — Dragon’s Honor by Kij Johnson and Greg Cox, published in 1996
Humans who have been out of contact with Earth have formed the Dragon Empire in a far system. The Federation would like them to join, but only if their civil war ends. In order for that to happen, a man and woman from the royal family on each side are getting married. The reptilian G’Kkau want the emperor’s planet for themselves and will kill him and everyone else on it to get it.
Like Onward, the beginning and ending are fine but the middle is less interesting. In this case, there is too much time taken up by frustrating activities. The crew interacts with obstinate and sexist people.
There are clever solutions to various parts of the problem — Picard, Riker, Worf, Crusher, and Troi are on the away team.
This is the 1st book I’ve read by Johnson.
I’ve read 9 books by Cox. I previously reviewed Star Trek: Miasma.