Description
- Probe—an epic length novel that at last picks up the story of the USS Enterprise and her crew where Star Trek IV left off. A novel that reveals the secrets behind the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Earth—and whose reappearence now send Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and their shipmates hurtling into unparalleled danger… an unsurpassed discovery…
- Winds of change are sweeping the galaxy. The Romulan praetor is dead, and with his passing, the Empire he ruled is in chaos. Now, on a small planet in the heart of the Neutral Zone, representatives of the United Federation of Planets and the Empire have gathered to discuss initiating an era of true peace…
- But the talks are disrupted by a sudden defection—but as accusations of betrayal and treachery swirl around the conference table, news of the probe's reappearance in Romulan space arrives. And the Enterprise crew find themselves headed for a final confrontation with not only the probe—but the Romulan Empire.
Summary
After the mysterious reappearance of the primitives on the blue planet, the alien Probe moves toward the Romulan Neutral Zone. After its departure from Earth, Starfleet ordered a mission profile be conducted as to who sent it and why it was sent. Spock visits George and Gracie to find out if they know any more about the Probe; they anticipate its return in the near future. Dajan, a Romulan archeologist, is informed that all scientific missions have been recalled. Meeting with Admiral Cartwright and the Federation President at Starfleet Command, Captain James T. Kirk hears a report from a Romulan source that the Praetor is dead. Jandra, Dajan's twin sister and a gifted musician, performs at the Praetor's funeral.
- Captain's Log, Stardate 8475.3: What was once known only to Starfleet Command is now common knowledge: the Romulan Praetor, said by some to have been "third in rank but first in power" in governing the Empire, is dead...
The Romulans have proposed a peace conference and cultural exchange on Temaris Four, an uninhabited world; they deny the Probe's existence. Dajan and Jandra are reunited for the first time in five years, having been restored to Orthodox status by the government. The Romulan Bird-of-Prey Galtizh, captained by Commander Hiran, is assigned to the conference. An Interim Committee has assumed the Praetor's duties. The Romulans demand that Ambassador Sarek not represent the Federation at the conference; Sarek's protégé, Commander Kevin Riley, is chosen instead. Temaris Four is a major archeological site, the largest remnant of the Erisian Ascendancy, untouched for a hundred years because it lies in the Neutral Zone; a joint excavation will be part of the conference. The Romulans request the participation of Dr. Audrea Benar, a human archeologist who was tortured on Kalis Three by Romulans who killed the rest of her team, including her brother. She has rebuilt her life using Vulcan mental techniques and is now a rehearsal conductor with the New York Philharmonic. Uhura speaks to Benar, who agrees to the request. Jandra's husband, Centurion Tiam, is assigned as delegate to the conference, to which Jandra will accompany him aboard the Galtizh.
- Captain's Log, Stardate 8478.4: The Enterprise and its crew continue to prepare for departure...
Andrew Penalt, a famous and arrogant composer and conductor, beams aboard to lead the orchestra the Enterprise is bringing to the cultural exchange. Jandra hopes there will be a piano aboard the Enterprise; she once learned to play one that was a trophy of the Romulan War. Kirk meets Riley's aide, the nervous Ensign Ryan Handler. The Enterprise leaves spacedock and receives word that a moderate faction controls the Interim Committee. The Probe is on course to enter Romulan space at the time the Enterprise and Galtizh arrive at Temaris Four. Spock briefs the senior staff on Hiran's career: he put down a rebellion with only one casualty, his first officer and wife. Kirk asks Sulu to keep an eye on Benar while she is on the planet with the Romulan archeologists. The Probe approaches another world inhabited by primitives.
- Captain's Log, Stardate 8488.7: Word has come from the First Federation vessel Guarnerius that the Probe has suddenly crossed the Neutral Zone and entered Romulan space, abandoning any pretense of being out for a "stroll"...
Kirk, Spock, Sulu, Riley and Benar beam down to Temaris Four to meet the Romulans: Hiran, Tiam, Dajan, Subcommander Feric (Hiran's first officer), and Tiam's aides, Subcenturions Jutak and Kital. Hiran offers to give Kirk a tour of his ship if Kirk does the same for him. At a reception aboard the Enterprise, Kirk notices Kital give Hiran a look of hatred. Penalt gives a piano recital, a thunderously physical performance. Tiam congratulates him and asks if Jandra might play. She performs the same piece with which Penalt concluded in a more delicate manner which earns a far more enthusiastic ovation. Kital suggests that Tiam remind Hiran that he, Tiam, is the one empowered to negotiate. Back aboard the Galtizh, Jandra decides to defect; she tells Dajan, who has made the same decision.
| This article or section is incomplete |
|---|
| This article is marked as lacking essential detail, and needs attention. Information regarding expansion requirements may be found on the article's talk page. Feel free to edit this page to assist with this expansion. |
References
Characters
- James T. Kirk • Spock • Hiran
Starships and vehicles
Locations
Races and cultures
States and organizations
Other references
Appendices
Information
- Margaret Wander Bonanno has disavowed authorship of this novel, which was rewritten by several others, including Gene DeWeese. Bonanno's story of how this came about, along with her original manuscript, can be found on her website.
- Kirk's unfamiliarity with smiling and laughing Romulans somewhat contradicts TOS - Rihannsu novel: My Enemy, My Ally.
- Probe is a sequel to The Voyage Home filling in the backstory of the cetacean probe, though is actually set shortly after Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
- The lives of the humpback whales brought to the 23rd century in The Voyage Home and briefly seen in Probe are depicted in the Strange New Worlds short stories "The Hero of My Own Life" and "Scotty's Song".
Connections
- TOS movie: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
- SNW short story: "The Beginning"
- VOY episode: "Dragon's Teeth"
- TNG novel: Vendetta
| Published Order | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous novel: Prime Directive |
TOS novels | Next novel: Best Destiny |
| Previous story: Strangers from the Sky |
Stories by: Margaret Wander Bonanno |
Next story: Catalyst of Sorrows |
| Previous story: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country |
Stories by: J.M. Dillard (uncredited) |
Next story: Emissary |
| Previous story: Renegade |
Stories by: Gene DeWeese (uncredited) |
Next story: Into the Nebula |
| Chronological Order | ||
| Previous adventure: In the Name of Honor |
Pocket Books Timeline | Next adventure: Pathways Chapter 14, Section 2 |
| Previous adventure: "Trial and Error!" |
Memory Beta Chronology | Next adventure: Pathways Chapter 14, Section 2 |