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Star Trek: Logs #9
Star Trek: Log Nine
Volume nine in a series of Star Trek: The Animated Series adaptations published by Ballantine Books.
—Volume nine includes one adaptation—
Bem: Ari bn Bem, an erratic observer from the planet Pandro, secretly watches the crew of the USS Enterprise to determine whether the Federation is ready to open diplomatic relations with his advanced species.
—Volume nine includes one adaptation—
Bem: Ari bn Bem, an erratic observer from the planet Pandro, secretly watches the crew of the USS Enterprise to determine whether the Federation is ready to open diplomatic relations with his advanced species.
183 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1977
1 person is currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Alan Dean Foster
510 books2,041 followersBestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2025
Alan Dean Foster's 1977 Star Trek Log Nine follows through with the previous two books in the series by containing--unlike Star Trek Log One through Log Six, which have 3 episodes--a single story, albeit an appropriately long and multi-stage one, adapted by Foster from a screenplay of the early 1970s animated cartoon television series that had been spun off from the original acted series of half a dozen years earlier.
Never having seen the animated series, I can make no comparison between the original episodes and Foster's adaptations, in the way I occasionally have with James Blish's adaptations of the original series. I can comment, though, that the cartoon series evinces some differences from the acted series. Here, for example, we have a handy piece of technology called a "life-support belt," which creates a very thin but tough force field, meaning that characters can stomp around in vacuum or poisonous atmospheres as if in a spacesuit. And of course another product of the animated nature of the show is that we have a few alien crew members--three-legged and three-armed, cat-like, or winged, for example--who would have been too expensive to produce every week via elaborate costuming, along with other odd aliens occasionally encountered. These differences are commonsensical, at least in science fiction, and they do not draw attention to themselves unduly.
"Bem," whose original screenplay was by David Gerrold, actually is more like a pair of stories than a single one--albeit the first comprising only about a fifth of the book, with the second correspondingly longer--though of course they are tied together by the titular character of "Commander Ari bn Bem, of the system of Pandro" (1977 Del Rey paperback, page 2). The title also seems a slightly playful evocation of the classic science fiction term "BEM," or "bug-eyed-monster."
Bn Bem, however, member of that "recently contacted intelligent race" with which "the Federation [is] going through a very delicate stage in its relations" in the quest to coax it into "close alliance with the Federation" (page 2), is no weird bug-eyed-monster. The Pandronian is a "biped...more or less of human size," "bulky, blue, and hirsute," with "all three characteristics amply evident despite the concealing full-length uniform" (page 5). Oh-- But he is weird, though. I dislike giving any plot-spoilers, but the blurb page under the cover already mentions that he can split his body into a number of pieces and then re-form, so...okay, there's that.
He's also a Grade A jackass when the book starts, too. "[H]ighly contemptuous" and acting as if "granting them a gigantic favor by deigning to grace the Enterprise with his presence" (page 5), bn Bem is more than a handful for poor Captain Kirk. Eventually, after voyaging to Pandro and experiencing the "world of constant change" created by the hugely strange biology of the planet, Kirk admits, "Coping with such change is an incredible racial feat. You have reason to have developed considerable pride" (page 81). In the first part of the tale, however, the once-smug bn Bem meets his match and learns that in some respects he "is still an eggling" (page 40).
After this chastening experience on "Delta Theta Three, a newly discovered Class M planet" whose "aboriginal life forms...of undetermined intelligence and accomplishment" warrant a secretive though "detailed study" (page 3), Kirk receives a sweeping order "to provide, pursuant to Federation law and naval restrictions, all services requested by Pandronian representative Commander Ari bn Bem" (page 43)...which includes transport to his homeworld "immediately" (page 50). I said almost nothing of the first part of the book--making certain not to mention the episode from the 1960s original series that would reveal too much--and on the rest I will say little as well. Suffice it to say that there will be political intrigue both planetary and interstellar, deadly jeopardies all around, some classic science fictional monsters even worse than BEMs, and a bit of humor sprinkled in here and there as well. It's entertaining.
In any event, Alan Dean Foster's Star Trek Log Nine may begin with a story originally from a cartoon show, yet the adaptation is well done and aimed at an adult audience, and for any fan of the starship Enterprise and its historic five-year mission, the book will be an enjoyable 4.5- to 5-star read.
Never having seen the animated series, I can make no comparison between the original episodes and Foster's adaptations, in the way I occasionally have with James Blish's adaptations of the original series. I can comment, though, that the cartoon series evinces some differences from the acted series. Here, for example, we have a handy piece of technology called a "life-support belt," which creates a very thin but tough force field, meaning that characters can stomp around in vacuum or poisonous atmospheres as if in a spacesuit. And of course another product of the animated nature of the show is that we have a few alien crew members--three-legged and three-armed, cat-like, or winged, for example--who would have been too expensive to produce every week via elaborate costuming, along with other odd aliens occasionally encountered. These differences are commonsensical, at least in science fiction, and they do not draw attention to themselves unduly.
"Bem," whose original screenplay was by David Gerrold, actually is more like a pair of stories than a single one--albeit the first comprising only about a fifth of the book, with the second correspondingly longer--though of course they are tied together by the titular character of "Commander Ari bn Bem, of the system of Pandro" (1977 Del Rey paperback, page 2). The title also seems a slightly playful evocation of the classic science fiction term "BEM," or "bug-eyed-monster."
Bn Bem, however, member of that "recently contacted intelligent race" with which "the Federation [is] going through a very delicate stage in its relations" in the quest to coax it into "close alliance with the Federation" (page 2), is no weird bug-eyed-monster. The Pandronian is a "biped...more or less of human size," "bulky, blue, and hirsute," with "all three characteristics amply evident despite the concealing full-length uniform" (page 5). Oh-- But he is weird, though. I dislike giving any plot-spoilers, but the blurb page under the cover already mentions that he can split his body into a number of pieces and then re-form, so...okay, there's that.
He's also a Grade A jackass when the book starts, too. "[H]ighly contemptuous" and acting as if "granting them a gigantic favor by deigning to grace the Enterprise with his presence" (page 5), bn Bem is more than a handful for poor Captain Kirk. Eventually, after voyaging to Pandro and experiencing the "world of constant change" created by the hugely strange biology of the planet, Kirk admits, "Coping with such change is an incredible racial feat. You have reason to have developed considerable pride" (page 81). In the first part of the tale, however, the once-smug bn Bem meets his match and learns that in some respects he "is still an eggling" (page 40).
After this chastening experience on "Delta Theta Three, a newly discovered Class M planet" whose "aboriginal life forms...of undetermined intelligence and accomplishment" warrant a secretive though "detailed study" (page 3), Kirk receives a sweeping order "to provide, pursuant to Federation law and naval restrictions, all services requested by Pandronian representative Commander Ari bn Bem" (page 43)...which includes transport to his homeworld "immediately" (page 50). I said almost nothing of the first part of the book--making certain not to mention the episode from the 1960s original series that would reveal too much--and on the rest I will say little as well. Suffice it to say that there will be political intrigue both planetary and interstellar, deadly jeopardies all around, some classic science fictional monsters even worse than BEMs, and a bit of humor sprinkled in here and there as well. It's entertaining.
In any event, Alan Dean Foster's Star Trek Log Nine may begin with a story originally from a cartoon show, yet the adaptation is well done and aimed at an adult audience, and for any fan of the starship Enterprise and its historic five-year mission, the book will be an enjoyable 4.5- to 5-star read.
Read
February 1, 2020For the first 41 pages, this is an adaptation of the TAS episode "Bem". That part is okay, but the story isn't very interesting to begin with, and the adaptation doesn't particularly improve it.
The remaining 142 pages of the book contain an original adventure taking place on Pandro. 'Original' may be a bit of an overstatement, though: an artifact has been stolen by religious fanatics, and Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, plus some Pandronians must trek through some dangerous territory in an attempt to recover it. One of the party turns out to have been responsible for the theft. That's all nearly the same story as "The Jihad", which Foster adapted in Star Trek Log Five.
What saves the book is that the adventure story is basically used as an excuse to explore the implications of the Pandronian ability to separate into several parts. Foster asserts that all advanced life on Pandro is thus, constantly separating and combining into new forms, with a minority joining into 'stable' integrations, reproducing through some complicated but unstated means so the next generation also has the same components and so can combine in the same way.
The resolution is predictable: the Tam Paupa turns out to be a living creature also, and Ari bn Bem is chosen as the new leader of Pandro, to the surprise of no one. Still it was interesting enough, though I am pleased that the next book in this series of adaptations is also the last.
This review is also available on Barba Non DB.
The remaining 142 pages of the book contain an original adventure taking place on Pandro. 'Original' may be a bit of an overstatement, though: an artifact has been stolen by religious fanatics, and Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, plus some Pandronians must trek through some dangerous territory in an attempt to recover it. One of the party turns out to have been responsible for the theft. That's all nearly the same story as "The Jihad", which Foster adapted in Star Trek Log Five.
What saves the book is that the adventure story is basically used as an excuse to explore the implications of the Pandronian ability to separate into several parts. Foster asserts that all advanced life on Pandro is thus, constantly separating and combining into new forms, with a minority joining into 'stable' integrations, reproducing through some complicated but unstated means so the next generation also has the same components and so can combine in the same way.
The resolution is predictable: the Tam Paupa turns out to be a living creature also, and Ari bn Bem is chosen as the new leader of Pandro, to the surprise of no one. Still it was interesting enough, though I am pleased that the next book in this series of adaptations is also the last.
This review is also available on Barba Non DB.
May 24, 2022
Pretty much cookie-cutter short story series roughly based on the Star Trek original series. Nothing special, really, and rather silly these days.
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book a little more than log 8. The beginning or middle of the book was kind of annoying. But he through in some new ideas that I appreciated.
December 26, 2013
I bought this book on my arrival in Aachen and started reading it to improve my German a little. The book I read contained the stories:
- Mordsache McCoy
- Der Witzbold
- Schärfer als der Schlangezahn
It was fun to read German names for all the familiar equipment in the Star Trek universe, like ships, phasers and transporters. The stories themselves were like many of the tv-episodes. A remotely good idea expanded into an imperfect script.
Let me end with the full Shakespears quote that gave its partial name to the third story:
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." (King Lear)
- Mordsache McCoy
- Der Witzbold
- Schärfer als der Schlangezahn
It was fun to read German names for all the familiar equipment in the Star Trek universe, like ships, phasers and transporters. The stories themselves were like many of the tv-episodes. A remotely good idea expanded into an imperfect script.
Let me end with the full Shakespears quote that gave its partial name to the third story:
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." (King Lear)
September 23, 2012
It was good to see Kor again in this book. It was also good to see the story of Bem extended into a look at the xenobiology of Bem's people. The science and logistics behind a planet that naturally creates colony life forms was very interesting to become involved in. This was a good way to relive my memories with the animated series and Star Trek in general.
September 4, 2009
Another three episodes from the Animated Star Trek Saturday morning cartoon series have been adapted by Alan Dean Foster in novella form. Nearly the only format available of the Animated Star Trek series.
June 24, 2012
I was pretty disappointed. I just couldn't get into it. The Star Trek characters were well developed but the "guest star" character, and his entire race just didn't engage me or strike me as interesting. I ended up scanning most of it.
March 12, 2016
An unknown race of whitch the individuals can split themselves up in 3 autonomous parts. Klingons up to their usual tricks. Kirk, the doctor and Spock have their work cut out for them in this fascinating adventure. An old fashioned exploration of the unknown in the best way imaginable.
August 21, 2012
Quite a bit better than Star Trek Log Eight, but it could hardly have been worse.
June 26, 2016
Very interesting concept for the Pandronians, but the story felt like it took too long to get where it was going.
June 9, 2016
The crew try to save the race from the Klingons as well as from a traitor.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews