To Reign in Hell: The Exile of Khan Noonien Singh

Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars #3

by Greg Cox

To Reign in Hell chronicles the fifteen years between the Original Series episode 'Space Seed' and the feature film 'The Wrath of Khan' - now widely regarded as a landmark in the Star Trek universe. Defeated by Captain James T. Kirk and exiled with his few remaining followers to the isolation of Ceti Alpha V, Khan Noonien Singh is marooned on a planet that has suddenly transformed into a hostile wasteland, where he and his band of acolytes must fight for their very lives. The once-proud conqueror finds his life irrevocably shattered, and begins his descent into madness…

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

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quite a lot, but I'm a big Star Trek Fan. The writing was solid, although I might not have enjoyed it so much if I hadn't already wanted to read about the character of Khan and about the time on Ceti Alpha V. The story didn't disappoint. Four stars.

[Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of those that I find myself stuck in the pages of at three in the morning, despite needing to be at work at eight the next day.

Disclaimer: this review will mean nothing to you if you aren't a Trekkie/Trekker.

This book covers the time between the original series episode where Khan was exiled to Ceti Alpha V along with his followers and a former Starfleet officer who becomes his wife, and the second Star Trek movie: The Wrath of Khan. The book explains what Khan and his people went through during all the years they were stuck on the planet, and does so in a way that made it impossible to put down. At the end of the book, you begin to understand why Khan was such a maniac, hell-bent on killing Kirk.

Today, the movie is considered a clunky piece of pop culture, with tee-shirts, countless mentions in television and movies, and even websites made for the iconic "KHAAAAAANNN!!!" scream. But really, this book fleshes out further what had become a bitter hatred between two people, Khan and Kirk by the time the second movie had rolled around.

An absolutely stellar book.

[Shainna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy the beginning. I didn't need Kirk's side mission until the end, but once Khan's story started, I enjoyed it. Cox managed to link Space Seed and Wrath of Khan together, filling in some gaps involving characters who weren't there (Chekov) and odd costume choices (the glove and the Starfleet medallion.)

I didn't agree with the characterization of Marla McGivers, nor that Khan loved her. The relationship on the Enterprise was abusive and controlling, they had no relationship that didn't revolve around her doing things for him and doting on him, so to have it portrayed as a healthy and good choice in the book was extremely disturbing and discouraging. She did whine a lot in the book, which did seem to fit McGivers in Space Seed (while I admit away missions are potentially dangerous - especially with Capt. Kirk - who would really consider them a painful chore when that's part of the whole mission of the Enterprise?) It also didn't make sense that she would know more than they did and be of better help in establishing the colony for anything other than Starfleet materials. She might be an historian but there's a lot of history on Earth, plenty of things she thought of seemed too out of field for her. Khan states that the augments are scientists and such, but why was one a professor of linguistics but none of them had an interest in agriculture? Not even a botanist?

I enjoyed how Khan became fleshed out - much more so in this one than the previous two. It was a great improvement. I wish Cox had extended that character development to Joaquin who had the character growth of a phaser. Zuleika was well done.

[Stiv_Matters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greg Cox wrote the excellent books "The Eugenics Wars" parts 1 and 2 which told the story of Khan from conception all the way to his departure from Earth on the Botany Bay. Now "To Reign In Hell" fills the gap between the time The Enterprise dropped him and his followers on Ceti Alpha V to the beginning of the movie "Star Trek II". Author Greg Cox has the writing skills and knowledge of the world of Star Trek to craft an exciting and satisfying story. The writing leans toward the melodramatic but it's quite possible that was a conscious decision. I re-watched "Space Seed", the episode from the the original series, where Khan was introduced and it's a very melodramatic show. So, I think it's fair to say that Cox definitely captures the spirit of the original series. Lots of fun finding the sly and not so sly references to various Star Trek trivia. For example, this book explains why Khan knew who Chekhov was even though Checkhov was not in the original episode. This is a fun read and recommended for fans of "Star Trek". Cox is a skilled writer who knows his subject, knows his audience, and delivers the goods.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Trek: TOS: 20th/21st Century: The Eugenics War 03 To Reign in Hell by Greg Cox, Greg Cox

3.75 Stars

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense

Medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm glad that I read this book, for it fills in a number of things about the life and downfall of Khan Noonien Singh and the people who followed him.

Hubris and arrogance seemed to be his downfall. Superior genetics doesn't outweigh the wit and competence of someone skilled in their job (and the hero of the Star Trek universe).

"What could've been...?" will forever be the question (that leads to many more questions). I am glad that I read this story, but at each move to achieve more power, they (those fateful people of the S.S. Botany Bay). If only they hadn't pursued dominance, but desired to find a place to "build a future". They seemed to be on a never-ending spiral DOWN, when they should've been building UP for the future. Such wasted potential.

The events of the aftermath of the TV episode of Space Seed, and the abrupt destruction of Ceti Alpha VI...and the impact that that event had on Ceti Alpha V and its stranded inhabitants...doomed to their own destruction...lived longer than most would've, but BECAUSE of their "superior genetics", they continued to suffer (as if in punishment) for their hubris.

The characters live forever in my mind, as I read on...in the Star Trek franchise.

The next book on the docket is: Star Trek: TOS: 20th/21st Century: From History's Shadow by Dayton Ward.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book if you're a Star Trek fan. It fills in and fleshes out the story of Khan on Ceti Alpha 5, taking the reader from the OST episode "Space Seed" through the events of ST2 Wrath of Khan. Like all good villains, when you learn of his trials, you can see the origins of his hatred, especially for Kirk, and how he becomes a suicidal monster bent on revenge.

I liked the story - it mostly made sense within the ST canon and fills the gap well. All the characters that you expect are there in one way or another. The author shows a good understanding of the characters and the entire ST universe. If you like ST, then this one will likely appeal to you, but it's less likely to appeal to other sci-fi fans.

[Benn Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

"To Reign In Hell" is the final book of Greg Cox's Khan trilogy. It's probably the best of the three, which isn't really saying much. It's not that the books are horrible. They're just mediocre, a flawed, but good read.

Among the flaws is something most Trekkies, I suspect, actually liked about the series. Well, about the first two books, anyway. The first two volumes of the series featured numerous cameos or mentions of non-TREK characters like the Stepford Wives, Jamie Somers, aka, the Bionic Woman and the Equalizer. They also featured characters from various incarnations of the STAR TREK. While to many fans, these were fun and cute easter eggs, I found them a bit distracting and could've done without them.

"To Reign In Hell" has none of those flaws. Instead, the flaws it share with its companion novels is the framing sequence featuring Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy. I'm sure that either the novels' editor(s) or Paramount itself mandated these framing sequences, but frankly, they're the weakest parts of the whole series. Not only are they distracting, but they feel only half-thought out, shoe-horned into the books. The framing sequences could easily be removed and none of the books would suffer from it. They'd actually be better if they novels were allowed to focus on Khan and his people and situations and that only.

The other problems I had with "To Reign In Hell" include numerous errors such as Kirk thinking about McCoy on Exo III. Which would be fine, except from what we saw in the episode, "What Are Little Girls Made Of?", Bones never was on Exo III. Nor was Marla McGivers, who thinks about the androids on that planet. Odds are, she never saw them. In addition to such TREK errors, the book does have a few typos here and there. An editor less concerned with having the crew of the Enterprise butting into the story might have spotted those typoes and grammar errors and fixed them before going to print.

The worst thing about "To Reign In Hell" is it's often too predictable. No, I'm not talking about the fact that things like McGivers getting killed by Ceti eel, Ceti Alpha VI exploding and knocking its sister world off course, etc. I'm talking about actions that are particular to the novel are a bit predictable. Khan falsely accuses Zuleika of attempting to murder his wife and Marla McGivers, Khan's wife, stands up for Zuleika? Saw that coming. Just as it was obvious McGivers would go with Zuleika into exile and afterwards, the two women would become friends. There are others elements that are equally predictable and obvious, almost amateurishly so.

That's not to say "To Reign In Hell" is a bad novel. It's a fast and easy read. The narrative does grab and keep your attention. (More so than the previous two books did.) Greg Cox is an excellent storyteller and knows how to keep the plot and story moving. So TRIH has that going for it.

Basically, it's a good read, very entertaining. You just have to overlook some of the flaws in it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third and final book in Cox's trilogy chronicling the "Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh."

I thoroughly enjoyed this series - it was a true treat for a Trekkie/Trekker with vast knowledge of the many episodes and movies spanning 5 TV shows and (at the time) ten films. Cox wove so many little elements and details together in his wonderful retcon of both the Star Trek universe and our own real world.

I preferred the first two books; they involved much more humor, fun, intricate connections and "a-ha" moments. This book was darker, more linear, and overall a sad end to the tragic tale of Khan. In the first two books, you are rooting for Gary Seven; in this one, you want Khan to wring the necks of his dissenters, and actually start to have a little compassion for him, despite his Jovian-sized ego.

If you love Star Trek, read the first two books, for sure. This one is an optional finale, in my opinion.

[Kevin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a Star Trek fan forever, I found this to be a very good book that fits in nicely with the storyline before (TOS Episode 'Space Seed') and after (Star Trek II - The Wrath Of Khan). It actually cleared up some loose end questions that came up during the movie! For example, now I know how Khan knew of the Klingon proverb that 'revenge is a dish best served cold' when he never would have had the chance to meet a Klingon! Very nice work.

[Christopher Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best Star Trek novel I have ever read. The story of Kahn and his people living on Ceti Alpha V is very entertaining and fascinating. The story is also very tragic and you see the reasons why Kahn hates Kirk as much as he does. The death of Kahn's wife, Marla McGivers, was very well done and lived up to my expectations.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a worthy companion to the Eugenics Wars book. The novel documents the time period between "Space Seed" and "The Wrath of Khan" answering most (if not all) the questions. Cox's keeps the characters alive. We understand Khan. We recognize his charisma. In fact, we almost get to like him.

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ending the the Khan books.

[Matthew Lipson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are episodes I used to wait, wish for when watching the syndicated run of ST:OS. This was my main experience of the show. Sitting in front of the TV on afternoons during the week and watching those 76 episodes over and over again. Space Seed, the first appearance of Khan, was an episode that grabbed my imagination and became ensconced in my Top 10 of the show, only falling behind City on the Edge of Forever, The Menagerie, and tied with The Doomsday Machine. When originally watching, we still had not reached the Orwellian 1984, and now I had to think about the devastating Eugenics War on top of that. Imagine my excitement when I found out they were finally addressing my childhood imaginings in book form. While it took me years to get to them, I have finally read all of trilogy.

This book is he most readable of the lot. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the books and am happy to have read them. If you read my reviews for the previous two, you'll understand more. This was the only one not hampered by having to be forced into the reality of historical events. Taking place between Space Seed and ST II: The Wrath of Khan, Cox is allowed to let his imagination run for the first time in the series. ST II: TWoK does not give any clue to what life was like on Ceti Alpha V before Ceti Alpha VI explodes and turns the "Eden" into Hell. Going off the characters he created in the previous two novels, he is allowed to let the Eugenics War to come to a full conclusion on a planet only people of superior genetics could survive. He rounds out most of the characters, especially doing a fantastic job on making Lt. Marla McGivers a full, three dimensional character. Indeed her death, which is clearly outlined in ST II: TWoK, is one of the most touching and exiciting sequences in the book.

Where the book suffers is in the doldrums of them figuring out how to survive after the explosion of Ceti Alpha VI. This could have been established more quickly and set up the more interesting conflict between Khan and one of his kinsman, which leads to open rebellion. In using the trope of having Kirk read Khan's diary and McGivers data tapes, he quagmired the book in minutiae that could have been glossed over. (A little too much on the eels and the children/second generation super people.) There is also the factor of just proof reading. There are typos and misused/misplace words galore. Maybe this comes from reading an early edition hardcover that may have been corrected in the paperback. Having to interpret what the author may actually mean or realizing your confusion comes from a description muddied by poor editing took me out of the narrative and spoiled my enjoyment of, on the whole, a well crafted yarn.

Khan is a worthy subject of a book, and this trilogy does the best it can within the confines of real historical events and, more than likely, the ST Bible he was forced to work under. The faults of the book can be traced to the faults of ST itself. As a touchy/feely universe of empathy and conflict avoidance, I can imagine feeling handcuffed to a more internal prose narrative dealing with how the characters are feeling and not what they are doing. While this does fill out character, it may not be what you are looking for in a book that is supposed to be about war -- the ultimate conflict. A balance needs to be struck, as knowing the motivations are as important as the conflict they are heading into. Now is the time to watch ST II: TWoK.

[Troy Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Story

Overall I thought this was a very good book. In many ways, the book explains why Khan became obsessed with wanting to kill Captain Kirk. Captain Kirk, after leaving the colonists on Ceti Alpha V, never checked back to see how the colonists were fairing. Someone, from Starfleet, should have at least stopped by the solar system just to check up on the colony, even if they didn't make contact with the colonists. It was sad that the colonists were just abandoned like they were. Of course, we wouldn't have had such a good movie plot then, but it was still a huge failure for the all powerful Federation.
I had to ding the author for his lack of research and his lack of knowledge concerning the metric system. Twice he mentioned things using kilograms and quoted weights that were way under what should have been. He mentioned that the colonists had 250kg of thermoconcrete, this amount of concrete would barely be able to fill a couple of post holes, because, according to Star Trek canon, thermoconcrete is tougher and lasted15% longer but was otherwise the same, so the amount that they had would not have allowed them to build much of anything.
The second reference to kilograms was about a reptile that to Marla was as big as the extinct Sarcosachas. A prehistoric crocodile that weighed between7700 and 9500 pounds, or 3493 to 4309 kg. The author put in the very tiny amount of 80kg or 176lbs which is the weight of an average female crocodile of the modern age, which are way smaller than the male crocodile that weight up to 2205lbs.
If an author is going to use references to anything, then they should do enough research into the subject that they are writing about, otherwise it makes them look like an idiot. Somewhat like a layperson trying to tell a physicist about physics when they don't know anything about the subject.
Otherwise, I thought the book had a very good story and well worth reading.

[Max Tachis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This final entry in the story of Khan give us one last engaging look at the unfathomable circumstances that led to one of the most captivating villains in science fiction. It's a tale of adventure and discovery, pitting the complex antagonists from the prior volume up against the danger of colonizing an unknown and exceedingly dangerous world. Cox does a great job flipping these characters, who have caused so much havoc and pain to others, into the victims and underdogs; not an easy feat for genetic superhumans. But it's crafted to great effect, and the inclusion of Martha McGivers adds a much-needed dose of real humanity to our group of exiles. It doesn't take the time to ponder over the same moral questions brought up in the previous volumes, either (aside from, I suppose, Kirk's very slim subplot), focusing instead purely on survival and its many intriguing elements, and unearthing a tender (albeit melodramatic) love story at the same time.

All of which is to say that I found it too brief. The latter third of the book, specifically, jumps over huge swaths of time in extremely short bursts, pushing us (almost unwillingly) to the ultimate conclusion without the care and attention such intriguing circumstances could demand. It's an interesting story that feels rather rushed.

One terrific highlight, however, was the absolutely stunning chapter in which Cox puts us in the mind of someone under the control of the Ceti eel. After witnessing the damage of those tiny, insidious creatures from the outside, it was quite striking to read through the experience from the inside.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the original Star Trek series aired the episode Space Seed back in 1967, they had no idea the stories it would spawn, including the second Star Trek movie. Author Greg Cox filled in the backstory to that episode nicely in the first two books he wrote in the series. Here, with the third, he fills in what happened in between the events of that episode and the second Star Trek film.

The story is told partially from the point of view of Captain Kirk. He returns to Ceti Alpha V to try and gain an understanding of just what went wrong. He’s wracked with guilt and looking for absolution. Between watching Spock die (and come back) and losing his son to the Klingons, he’s trying to get a grasp on just why all of this happened and what his part was in it. As they search the settlement where Khan and his fellow colonists were living, he comes across journals and data discs that tell much of the story.

After Khan tried, unsuccessfully, to take command of the Enterprise, Captain Kirk marooned Khan and his followers on the planet Ceti Alpha V. He gave them enough supplies to get them started, but the landscape is quite lush and promised that if they worked hard they can carve out a civilization here. They are given few weapons, but one of the last things Chekov does before leaving is hand over one phaser to Khan. It would appear he is the true leader of the 72 new residents of the planet.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

About 15 years ago, I read the Eugenics Wars series. The only book I remember to any extent is this one. The others just faded away into the sunset of my mind.

The Star Trek universe is a bit like the Sherlock Holmes universe, where other events are hinted at, but not gone into. Doyle's publishers hadn't realized the amazing earning power of tie-in novels, or the world would be buried hip-deep in them.

If you know nothing else about Star Trek other than Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, you could probably figure out what's going on in this book. This was all hinted at in Khan's remarkable monologe when poor Chekhov and his Capitan discover Khan is still alive.

I loved the fact that Starfleet completely ignored Khan and his wild bunch after they were dumped on Ceti Alpha Whatever. It's such a realistically military thing to do. Keep in mind, that at the time of the movie's release, Starfleet was seen as pure as the driven snow.

Yeah, so it's a tragedy, and nothing is really that much of a surprise. I was kinda hoping to see how Khan went completely bug-fucking nuts, but he was always a narcissistic sociopath, so not much in the way of character development.

It's nothing brilliant, but an okay read in the far fringes of the Trek multiverse.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.
Of the 3 books in this series, this was my least favorite. It felt like a ST episode, but not a good one. This story could have easily been an episode during the final season when the show was doomed to cancellation. Khan and company's adventures on the Ceti planet could have been a great premise for a ST novel, but this one just didn't work as well as it could have.
So many elements of this novel were cliche. Khan (and whoever else) fought an animal that was essentially a saber tooth tiger at the beginning. One disaster after another happened. Everyone knows the planet is going to become a hell-hole, but the disasters became boring. I also could not reconcile the Marla character in this novel with the mousey actress in TOS, nor could I accept how Khan had fallen head over heels in love with her. This seemed completely out of character for Khan. Maybe the author was trying to add dimension to Khan, but I cannot accept that he was madly in love with this woman. I am so glad the author left their honeymoon vague. I did not need that image of Mr. Rourke.
Overall this was not a terrible book. It felt a little campy, just like an old below-average episode of ST.

[Dirk Wickenden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Cox's third Khan novel ties up loose ends and addresses some vagaries that fans have pointed out in the film that reintroduced Khan, Star Trek II. Greg describes the exiles' life on Ceti Alpha V very well but, especially towards the end, it was a bit too bloodthirsty and graphic for my liking. Greg cleverly depicts Kirk and friends' return to the planet as before the events of the fifth film, as that really would have been the first time they would have to do it in the timeline.

It was good to end the book on a note of hopefulness, given the tragic story told within, so that was a good moment. Unfortunately, the book is marred by quite a few typos along the way. They needed a better proofreader. It was also marred for me, by shoving in same sex marriages, why bother mentioning it?

Greg knows his Trek and the only missing jigsaw piece is who picked up the rest of the Reliant's crew immediately after the end of the second film and before the third?

[Steven Shinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite of the three Khan books that Greg Cox wrote. This is more standalone compared to the first two, though of course it assumes you’ve seen “Space Seed” and The Wrath of Khan, as well as The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home, thanks to the wraparounds that take place after those films. (There’s even a call forward to The Final Frontier, with McCoy suggesting they go to Yosemite). One could argue that the wraparounds with Kirk and company finding Khan’s journal and seeing who remained on Ceti Alpha V didn’t need to be part of this book that’s mainly meant to fill the gaps in Khan’s history between “Space Seed” and The Wrath of Khan. In fact, the wraparounds could’ve been a separate story altogether. Regardless, this is still a great book, and seeing Khan’s rise to power on Ceti Alpha V feels very authentic and gives Marla more to do, up until she meets her fate.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

You do not need to read the previous two books to enjoy this, in fact I'm going with: skip the other two in the series. The book almost got 5 * from me but again the framing sequences of Kirk, Spock and McCoy are superfluous BUT (minor SPOILER) they do serve well to address the "aftermath" of the events of Trek II, III, and IV and Kirk's "guilt" over effectively abandoning Khan.
I ended up not "rooting" for Khan so much but like the X-Men's Magneto, by story's end, I get why he hates Kirk so much. Too bad elements of this one book in the series aren't canon because they work really well.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best of the trilogy. How Kahn dealt with life as an exile on a hostile planet. He was a leader, but not a visionary. His own ego blinded his vision. An entertaining and well-told tale. I was surprised that the conflict between Kirk and Khan was not discussed, but that is the subject of another novel. The novel is in two parts, before Kahn escapes to do battle with Kirk and then the aftermath. All told retrospectively by James T. who visits Khan's underground lair and discovers historical records.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and fast paced. From the moment I started reading, I had difficulty putting it down. If you enjoyed "Space Seed" and "Wrath of Khan," you will certainly enjoy this. The author captured the character's personalities perfectly. In fact, this SHOULD have been Star Trek V, instead of "The Final Frontier!" With the right direction, this would have won multiple Emmy's.

Highly recommended. JUST READ IT!

[Read Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much like a Star Trek TOS story in presentation.

Reads pretty much independent of books #1 and #2. It does fill in some plot holes brought up by fans over the years. I thought some of the catch phrases were a bit over used, but they were just overemphasizing Khan's massive ego.

I was not a big fan of the hard science used to explain the orbital change, but I could go with it. After all, it was a fixed point created by the movie.

Now go find your next GoodReads.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in a trilogy of books that covers Khan from his beginnings to his demise in the second movie. The trilogy really puts a lot of questions to rest and explains some of the things that the tv show and movie simply didn’t have time to address. It even addresses an obvious error that any Star Trek fan knows about. Definitely recommended

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finale to a well written Star Trek series. The entire trilogy captured Khan, in youth and in exile, but humanized him with more empathetic moments and an understanding of how and why he "descended into madness". Marla McGivers's end, the loss of so many friends, the planet's descent into total death, the lack of assistance. All three recommended.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book and good series

The final book in this series links the original series episode Space Seed with the 2nd movie. We finally learned about Ceti Alpha V and the horrible conditions Khan and his followers were living in.
In a way I felt sorry for Khan at times.
The book overall was good and a good series about one of Star Treks popular villains.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Khan was a fantastic enemy on the TV series and in the movie but his development in this story was uninteresting. Pretty predictable. The characters were two dimensional. The writing was bland.

[Andy Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BEST STAR TREK BOOKS I HAVE READ IN YEARS!!!

This book covers the events of what happened between "Space Seed" and "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." This book answers questions Star Trek fans have had for years and gives many Trekkies closure to Khan's story.

[Laurie Kazmierczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of Khan's driving force. This book answers the questions of survival on a doomed planet with Khan as the leader. Marla McGivers and her Starfleet training is woven nicely into the story line. I was glad to read this aspect of Khan's personality/leadership.