Una bandera tachonada de estrellas

Star Trek: The Lost Years #2

by Brad Ferguson

James Kirk, nombrado jefe de operaciones de la Flota Estelar, ha dirigido una drástica modernización de la Enterprise. Pero, paralelamente, un científico klingon residente en la Tierra ha inventado un ingenio que dejará anticuada a la remozada Enterprise incluso antes de su vuelo inaugural: una nave aparentemente sin energía motriz que alcanza velocidades translumínicas y que dejará atrás conceptos como los de hiperespacio, materia y antimateria e incluso la ley de conservación de la energía. Pero el mayor problema no es científico, es que puede romper el equilibrio de la Federación con el imperio klingon...

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Media Tie In, Star Trek Original Series, Ebooks

231 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1991

About the author

Brad Ferguson (born 1953) is an American science fiction author.

He worked as a writer, editor and producer for CBS in New York, and is the author of a number of Star Trek tie-in novels, several short stories, and the post-holocaust novel The World Next Door.

He is married to scientist Kathi Ferguson, with whom he collaborated on one novel.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun with this one; recently watching Star Trek: The Motion Picture in its entirety for the first time helped me understand it. It's a different sort of story for Roddenberry's space opera...but a great one!

[Frank Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fair chunk shorter than book one, but I think it also packed a bit more punch. The story of a Klingon on Earth facing prejudice from humans and persecution from certain Klingon factions is a good one, with plenty of discussion around peace and coexistence post the Organian Treaty.

If anything was a bit off, it was Kirk seeming to entertain the possibility of reigniting an old flame while also having a new fiancee. But other than that this book seems rather modern for its time and I wonder if it had very much influence on some of the newer writers.

There's some depth to the Riley character which was an unexpected delight and might solve some of the reader grumbles I had read in reviews of book one. I didn't expect to see such a connection to Kodos the Executioner. My memory isn't super, and I was wondering how much of this held up with Dayton Ward's later novel of those events.

[Ben Guilfoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

A thoroughly uninteresting "Star Trek" novel ostensibly about a race against time to prevent a powerful new propulsion device from falling into the hands of the Klingons... but really about Klingon living in New York who teaches 6th grade and learns to love a kitten. He then manages to invent a magical device that can instantaneously travel immense distances and then puts it in his closet.

By the time anything of any importance happens in this book, it's more than halfway over and the limp climax that's implausible even by "Star Trek" standards just kind of happens and ties everything together in a neat but just as uninteresting bow since the only people who learn anything at all in this story is... the 6th graders.

This novel fails as a sequel to the first "Lost Years" book, jumping ahead a year but not advancing any of the characters' storylines in any appreciable way. Kirk still hates his job and wishes he could be back on the Enterprise, Nogura still wants him behind a desk for reasons that are never truly made clear (because he's Shadowy and Manipulative oooo), Riley still thinks he isn't good enough to serve as Kirk's aide and also wishes his wife wasn't dumping him... Spock and McCoy simply don't appear in this book at all (because why would we want to read a book called "The Lost Years" and learn what those characters were doing during the aforementioned years?).

Literally the most exciting part of this book is that the Klingon teacher, G'Dath, uses the same subway stop I do.

[Reesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. For me, that's really high for a book with no Spock, no McCoy, no Chekov, and Kirk as the main focus.

But Kirk isn't why the book rated relatively high for me - it was the Klingon story. The interactions between the children became a pleasant surprise, as I don't usually like kid stories in my Star Trek and expected to dislike it entirely, but found it well-written and easy to read.

This novel is not nearly as good as the first in this series - honestly, it doesn't feel like part of any series at all, as there are only incidental callbacks to The Lost Years - but it's a fun little story all on its own.

I would happily read more adventures of G'dath and Leaper outside of this series. It'd make for a fun comic book!

The implausible plot does leave a lot to be desired, with quite a few "say what now?" moments that tripped me up and that I had to shake off to keep reading. But given some leeway and suspension of disbelief, it's an enjoyable little romp.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with A Flag Full of Stars, finding it to be an enjoyable adventure with characters I found to be quite interesting. Even an implausible finish to the story didn't detract too much from my enjoyment, and it was fun to see Kirk in a situation other than starship command, and still succeeding brilliantly. Plus, there is a kitten in the story, and who wouldn't love that?

Full review: https://www.treklit.com/2019/09/tos54...

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Star Trek novel at all but I really enjoyed it. Set a year after Kirk has become an admiral, Kirk is forced to take on new responsibilities as a press agent for Starfleet. A new character is introduced, G’dath, a Klingon physicist who has been teaching high school on Earth, as one of the first non-warrior Klingons. He secretly invents a globe that can travel light years in seconds but he is being monitored secretly by the Klingon empire and his monitors want the technology. Not an action-packed novel like most ST books are but I found it to be an interesting storyline, a nice approach to the development of human-Klingon relations, and G’dath to be an interesting character.

[Ian Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A capably-written novel that nonetheless manages to be a pretty good Trek adventure. A lot of fun and a very easy read with a decently-exciting climax. I’m not after too much from my Trek Lit and this managed to punch a lot of my buttons.

[Clay Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

No real action to keep a readers interest.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read: tightly focused, full of character development, and a fast-moving exciting plot that slows down at just the right times to give us very human (and very Klingon) moments that scream "this is Star Trek". A concise little powerhouse of a Trek novel.

[Nicolas · Rating 1 out of 5]

None of this worked for me. Too much focus on original/minor characters, Kirk's choices feel out of character, and the plot was never compelling to me.

[Steve Tamargo · Rating 2 out of 5]

SUMMARY: This second book in the "Lost Years" series is not very good and imminently skippable.

"A Flag Full of Stars" takes a well-worn trope - pacifist scientist invents amazing tech that military types want to exploit - and awkwardly attempts to graft it onto a Star Trek story. Unfortunately, it reads like a generic 1950s sci-fi short story stretched to novel length with no Star Trek vibe at all. Kirk is the only Enterprise crew member who makes more than a cameo appearance, but that's not really a good thing, as he's completely out of character throughout. (No Spock or McCoy at all.) The plot is simplistic and the new characters severely underdeveloped, but my least favorite parts were the cringeworthy scenes involving the Klingon scientist / NYC high school teacher (yes, really) and his students. Apparently, the same pedagogy, bigotry, classroom design, etc. experienced by baby boomers back in the day will come roaring back in the 23rd century. It's jarring how backward it all feels.

Putting aside the weaknesses of this individual novel, there was evidently little plot coordination in the making of the "Lost Years" series, at least between this book and volumes that came before and after. Characters and plot points introduced in "The Lost Years" are barely mentioned here, and the new stuff from this novel are completely disregarded in the next. Best example: Early on, the saucer section of the Enterprise (with Capt. Decker in command) is launched back into space from the navy yard where it was being refitted. It's an interesting scene that becomes a major plot point by the end. However, in the next volume of the series ("Traitor Winds"), the saucer is most definitely still on the ground, and the fact that the Enterprise has NOT been put back together becomes a major plot point in THAT story. Huh?

The lack of continuity is actually a blessing, because one can navigate directly from "The Lost Years" to "Traitor Winds" and skip this novel without missing a thing.

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story and for those that are a fan of James T Kirk I am sure that they will love it. While Scotty , Uhura and Sulu play a small part in this story they are the only members of the original crew that show up.

James Kirk is working as head of Fleet Operations and is just finishing the work on refurbishing the Enterprise. William Decker is now captain of the Enterprise and I think Kirk has resigned himself for the time that he stuck behind a desk. Jim is married, although the marriage isn't going well in this story. Admiral Nogura appoints Kirk to be the face of Starfleet for the press. It is during this first interview that he meets a Klingon that is working on a new power source. The Klingon Empire wants the device and will do anything to get it, including taking a child and Kevin Riley, Kirk Chief of Staff, as hostage so they can get off the planet and head for home.

I have never been a really big fan of James T Kirk. I have always preferred Mr. Spock and it was said that there was only a tiny mention of him or Dr. McCoy in this book. It bothers me that Kirk has resigned himself to losing both of his closest friends. I realize that there probably isn't much of a story in Spock trying to purge all his emotions but it would have been nice to know that he was struggling with what had happened to him and what he left behind. I do like Kevin Riley and I hope that he straightens himself out and gets over feeling sorry for himself and get a little confidence in who he is and what he is capable of. I know that happens it is in one of the later books that he finally finds it calling and is doing a very good job. Oh yes, this sorry is set just before the events of the first movie.

[Mike J · Rating 1 out of 5]

The description makes you think that Klingons take the invention and Kirk and Riley chase after them to get it back. Which honestly does happen in the last third of the book.
The first two thirds of the book bounce between the following characters.
A married Kirk (but maybe not for long) adjusting to life after the five year mission. He has been overseeing the Enterprise refit and is handing it off the Decker.
Meanwhile Riley has personal problems .
A Klingon scientist who is a high school teacher on earth has invented a device that will enhance space travel and two Klingon agents have been spying on him .
The book spends sometime on some of the Klingon's students s well.
And there is a lady reporter as well.
The two Klingon agents eventually steal the device and kidnap the teacher with a few of his students.
And everyone comes together at the end to save the day. Too many unnecessay characters and way too long for anything to happen made this book hard to even finish.

[Steven H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second novel in The Lost Years saga. It drops McCoy and Spock's storylines almost entirely in this installment. Instead it focuses on a Klingon teacher and his new universe changing invention. Kirk and Riley are eventually ensnared in his plight but not until deep into the book. The classroom sections feel out of place for a Trek book and feels like something from a young adult story. It has a nice conclusion but the build up is dull, and pretty predictable. The Kirk and Riley part of the story is interesting thankfully and adds nicely to both characters, and I am glad Riley got even more room to shine compared to the first novel. Overall this book is a fine book it's just not anything special, and the school scene feels removed from the science fiction future feel of Trek. I recommend it to those that read the first novel as this is a necessary story even if Spock and McCoy are dropped entirely.

[Vorik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Die Idee mit der Untertassensektion in den ersten beiden Kapiteln ist ganz nett und erzeugt eine angenehme Atmosphäre, und die meisten Figuren sind sehr lebendig beschrieben, aber leider folgt darauf lange nichts, was irgendwie spannend oder interessant wäre. Zudem schleppen die Protagonisten und Antagonisten allesamt emotionalen Ballast mit sich, den sie zu bewältigen versuchen. Wie in „Die verlorenen Jahre“ kommt auch noch langweiliges Bürogeplänkel im Sternenflottenhauptquartier hinzu. Dass der Autor Themen wie Fremdenfeindlichkeit einbaut, ist lobenswert, jedoch verdichten sich die verschiedenen Handlungsstränge im letzten Romandrittel auf so stark konstruierte Weise, dass die Glaubwürdigkeit dabei größtenteils auf der Strecke bleibt. Von den bekannten Figuren ist nur Kirk wesentlich an Brad Fergusons Geschichte beteiligt. Fazit: Man kann den Roman lesen, muss es aber bei Leibe wirklich nicht.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighteen months have passed since the Enterprise completed her five-year mission, and the legendary crew has taken separate assignments across the galaxy. On Earth, I have married and become the Chief of Starfleet Operations, overseeing the refit of the Enterprise, now commanded by Captain Willard Decker. My only remaining connection to my former crew is through my Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Commander Kevin Riley. My quiet life is disrupted when I encounter a scientist named G'dath, who is on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery that could greatly enhance Federation technology. When Klingon agents seize this new technology, it falls on me and Lt. Commander Riley to protect the Federation from potential devastation.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to rate this for the book that it is. It's a sequel to a book that I didn't get overly excited about so in my opinion this one is an improvement. The theme of nationalism and the greater good is also something that comes through strong and digs into that topic very well. For not really going anywhere and not having Spock or McCoy seemed like there was something missing but this definitely looked like the Kirk that we saw at the start of the Motion Picture. Probably could have had less of the students but I really don't know what you would put instead. It's a tight little story and does it's job well. However, is the theme of the Lost Years Saga divorce? Yeesh.

[Joachim Sjöqvist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much controversy surrounding this novel. A lot of rewrites, unhappy and difficult publishers probably. I will not discuss it any more, but it is an interesting "drama" in the Star Trek novel universe. Research at your will and be prepared to find a very niche rabbit hole.

Whatever this novel was a result of, it is good. Different and daring. Some incredibly boring and long scenes, some embarrassing tries in language and style. But in the end, I really enjoyed it. Short, sweet and a good follow-up to the first entry to The Lost Years Saga.

[William Crosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

G'dath and Kirk are the most interesting parts of the story. Not enough of them.

A little disappointing that this future has news shows with interviews being done just like in the 20th century (including commercials). In addition, schools are in the 20th century style, including the same old bored schoolboys slinging insults and being bullies. Maybe some things don't change, but this did not seem imaginative in projecting what a future earth would be like.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than average for a Trek novel. The Lost Years series isn’t afraid to build a few stakes, and this is definitely better than the first LY book. The overall narrative of what is happening between the end of TOS and the Motion Picture is the more interesting story. It’s kind of a shame the book can’t indulge too much in that, but the main plot doesn’t interfere too much in the background Trek fun.

[Roz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, enjoyable and has an interesting undercurrent of racism in the federation that Trek didn’t get around to showing on tv until ds9 a good half decade later. But the story is pretty light and doesn’t get moving until maybe halfway through - which considering how short this book is, really says something

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this higher, because it was very enjoyable and a great example of the spirit of Star Trek. However, there were a few plot contrivances I just didn’t care for. I would have to add a spoiler tag to go into more detail. I’ll say that those choices may work very well for others but didn’t resonate with me.

[Robert Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story from the "Lost Years," series of Star Trek tales. It's interesting read a story from the past that ties into current events with the prejudice faced by G'Dath seemingly similar to the cultural and race issues facing society today. Overall a good story also looking at the personal lives of Kirk and Riley while the original crew is presit, but not the stories focus.

[Ken Gulick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing my quest to read every Star Trek book ever released. Fun quick read in that pre motion picture era and the second of four books in The Lost Years saga. Particularly liked the launch of the saucer section of the Enterprise to space dock and how they tied Riley’s character with a young Kirk in the C plot.

[Taaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nach ersten Ärgernissen und trotz kleiner Schwächen erstaunlich gut und unterhaltsam geschrieben, mit sympathischen neuen Charakteren.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the personal views and feelings of the characters in this story. The plot, not so much, but it was still a good story. I liked the background information.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying this. It took a while to get going but I liked the characterisations and the plot was interesting.

[Adam Gaylord · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few charming characters but little else going on in this slow, clumsy attempt to examine race and prejudice.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enterprise is getting refurnished under the command of Will Decker, while Admiral Kirk is married, and now Chief of Starfleet Operations. But why are the Klingons monitoring a Klingon teacher, Dr. G'dath, on Earth, and what is he doing his spare time.
An entertaining re-read.

[Juan Mesa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Que libro tan pobre..... el tedio consume la lectura hasta que llega el punto donde ya no hay esperanza de que llegue a algun lugar y se abandona