TOS #42: Memory Prime by Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens Book Jacket’s Summary:      “Memory Prime is the central core of an immense computer library, an entire network of research planetoids. Here, the Pathfinders, the only artificial intelligences legally permitted to serve the Federation, control and sift the overwhelming dataflow from thousands and thousands of research vessels across the galaxy.      The greatest scientists in the Federation have gathered at Memory Prime for the prestigious Nobel and Z-Magnees prize ceremonies, unaware that a deadly assassin is stalking one of them. As Captain Kirk struggles to save his ship from sabotage and his first officer from accusations of murder, he discovers the hidden assassin is far from the deadliest secret lurking on Memory Prime.” Yeaka’s Notes:     First of all, this story is already confusing, so you may as well watch the TOS episode “The Lights of Zetar” before reading this to at least get Memory Alpha and Mira Romaine fresh in your head. This serves as a semi-sequel, in the sense that it’s set on Memory Prime, a rebirth of the TOS Memory Alpha concept—a universal Federation library. Only this time, it’s armed and ready for military ‘drills’. Mira Romaine, a scientist who had a fling with Scotty, works there, along with a few new original characters of the human and Andorian variety. Memory Prime also houses an entirely new type of species—synthetic consciousnesses that need a specialized team to communicate with the outside world. Meanwhile, a group of renowned scientists from across the Federation are headed there onboard the Enterprise for a peace prize ceremony, and some unknown assassin is somewhere doing something.     In the beginning, this can be difficult to track—there are several different factions, and many are only explained a few hundred pages after their introduction. Fortunately, the core TOS cast is engaging enough to make the story compelling even when it’s hard to understand what’s going on. Almost immediately, Spock’s arrested, and a commodore with a thing against Kirk takes over. There are moments where others actually doubt him—even Bones—but overall, the crew is staunchly loyal, and they all perform miracles in pursuit of the truth. Mostly, Kirk and Bones try to solve the mystery of just who’s trying to kill the delegates, and Scotty, Uhura, and Mira soon join in, with Sulu and Chekov holding down the fort and ready should Kirk need them. There are a ton of twists and turns, but the character relationships at the core of it all make it wholly rewarding. Scotty and Mira are as cute as ever, Kirk, Bones, and Spock have their usual great banter, and Uhura’s just plain badass. Add to that a plethora of references to other books, and you have an intensely Star Trek read.     There are parts that make no sense, both from plots and characters. There’s more technobabble in this than three episodes of Voyager combined. It takes its sweet time to explain itself. But in the end, it’s a great read. Kirk, Bones, Spock, Scotty, Uhura, and Mira are particularly enthralling. The climax is complex and surprising. The wrap-up is thoroughly satisfying. For its sheer love of Trek, it’s a keeper. Noteworthy moments: (below cut; some spoilers)

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