Oblivion

Star Trek: Stargazer #4

by Michael Jan Friedman

In 1893 a time-traveling Jean-Luc Picard encountered a long-lived alien named Guinan, who was posing as a human to learn Earth's customs. During this "first encounter," Picard saved Guinan's life, a favor she would never forget.Five centuries later, Captain Picard, now commander of the "Starship Enterprise" (TM), brought Guinan aboard as the ship's "bartender." The hope was that her wisdom and inner peace would provide a moral grounding for Picard's crew as they experienced the dangers of space.

Because he hadn't yet made his trip through time, Picard had no knowledge of his nineteenth-century meeting with Guinan.

But he did remember a different first encounter with the mysterious El-Aurian -- a tumultuous adventure in which Picard and Guinan would risk their lives in a maze of interplanetary intrigue, with the future of the known universe at stake.

This is the story of that fateful meeting, and of a Guinan very different from the woman we think we know -- a person wracked by pain and longing, shaken to the roots of her soul.

A Guinan who yearns for oblivion.

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Star Trek The Next Generation, Ebooks, Fiction, Media Tie In, Space Opera

259 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 25, 2003

About the author

Michael Jan Friedman is an author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction, half of which are in the Star Trek universe. Eleven of his titles have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. Friedman has also written for network and cable television and radio, and scripted nearly 200 comic books, including his original DC superhero series, the Darkstars.

Reviews

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

STAR TREK: STARGAZER: OBLIVION is the story about how Picard met Guinan (from his temporal perspective). While never my favorite character, I admit to having always liked Whoopi Goldberg's performance as her and felt like their relationship was an entertaining one. Oblivion is primarily a spy story with Captain Picard going undercover in space station made of cobbled together other ships and trying to stay one step ahead of a Cardassian spy that DS9 fans will recognize. No, not Garak.

I actually preferred the Stargazer section of the book that dealt with the crew's personal issues. Andreas Nikolas has suffered a catastrophic breakdown in his ability to do his job due to having his heart broken by Gerda Asmund. Television love is at work here since they only knew each other a few days before he decided he'd run away with her, only to find out that she was actually a member of the EVIL Mirror Universe's crew. He doesn't turn evil himself but he's standoffish, not sleeping, and resists any attempt to get himself help.

I also appreciate the somewhat surreal romantic relationship between Cole Paris and Jiterica the alien ionic cloud. It reminded me a bit of TOS: "Metamorphosis" which I imagine was deliberate as neither Kirk nor Spock seem too weirded out by romancing a cloud. Unlike that episode, though, she doesn't need to get a human body. Which, hey, whatever warps your starship. Who am I to judge? There's a third plot about a crew member who is apparently a traitor but I'm curious about how that's going to turn out as it's seemingly only set up here.

I really think I enjoy the crew and their oddball ticks much more than I do the actual adventures of the Stargazer. I will say that I appreciated the nasty cynical ending to the story. After all the effort that Picard went to try to save his friend, well, I won't spoil the ending but it does show why he's an emotionally reserved man in the future. Not every time he goes to the bat for one of his friends or associates is warranted. He's learning a lot of lessons in pragmatism and caution in this series even if it's only the first six months of his command.

One bit of this book I love, even if it makes him even more one-dimensional, is an entire chapter devoted to Admiral McInteer hating on MacBeth because he is rooting for the murderous traitor the entire time.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Trek: TNG: Stargazer 04 Oblivion by Michael Jan Friedman

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense 

Medium-paced

Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

4.25 Stars

This might be my favourite story that's been told in the Stargazer series (including The Valiant).

Guinan is such a great character, and her place within the timeline of Jean Luc Picard is very interesting. So many threads can/will be pulled, as they progress through their lives. I just loved EVERY moment the two of them were together.

Back when Patrick Stewart came on The View...to announce to everyone, that Whoopi Goldberg was going to reprise her role on Picard, the look that the two of them gave to each other...is the look I felt, while reading this story.

The reason for being on Oblivion was interesting. Won't spoil anything. BUT, my frustration with this younger version of Picard, is that he's too trusting (or he's trusting the wrong people). His discernment hasn't yet been honed. 

The subplot with Nikolas and his altercations with Hanta. Ugh. Why. I know he's a love sick puppy for Gerda Idun. I'm not sure he's long for the USS Stargazer, nor Starfleet...for that matter. BUT, my question is...what is the endgame in his head. What will fix the feeling that he has? 

The subplot with Paris is interesting, at least. How Jitarra and him will "get together" is mindblowing. You do you, kid. Honestly, you couldn't have picked a more complicated relationship. But, that's your life. I'm not going to "yuck on your yum."

Now, the Ulelo...that is the most interesting subplot. What in the world is he doing? Who is he communicating with? Is it that admiral? I don't thinks so. If it was, then why would he have needed the previous guy to become the one to find dirt on Captain Picard and Ben Zoma? I'm am lost on why he's doing what he's doing.

All these subplots are entertaining, but not as compelling as I wish they had been (the last one, is the most interesting, but it's the one we know the least about).

Overall, this was a fun book to read. Now I'm on to Star Trek: TNG: Stargazer 05 Enigma. I'll pick it up, soon.

[D. H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This episode's tie-in with TOS
For the first time, the tie-ins were with TNG and DS9. The TNG episodes were Time's Arrow (5.26 & 6.1), and the movie Generations. The DS9 tie-in involves Enabran Tain, a recurring badie.

The defector of the episode is...
Yes the odd theme of betrayal continues, and this time it was Picard friend, Demmix, who does the betrayal. However the ongoing story of Com Officer Ulelo continues as well.

It was awesome that...
the previous episodes continue to affect the characters.

It was too bad that...
Nikolas resigned.

And what was that unrelated B-plot?
This time around the B-plot consists of a hodgepodge of episodes about the lower ranks of the crew, and much of it is more compelling than the A-plot.

[Burns Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Stargazer book so far
While I have enjoyed the Stargazer series so far, Oblivion was a step above the rest. The main story is centered on Picard, and follows his first meeting with Guinan. Friedman’s characterizations of both characters were excellent, and I really enjoyed how Guinan’s story tied into her previous appearance in Star Trek. Oblivion also featured some Cardassian characters, who helped tie the story into the events of The Art of the Impossible. These characters and connections are one of the reasons I love Star Trek novels, so I’m glad Friedman was able to do that so well.
Of course, other plot lines from the Stargazer series also continued in this book. Specifically, Ensign Nikolas’s reaction to the events of Three, and Paris and Jiterica’s friendship after the events of Progenitor. I have been enjoying these storylines, but it was almost jarring to revisit them after the stark contrast of Picard’s story in this book.
If you’re on the fence about reading the Stargazer, Oblivion is definitely worth any dull moments in the rest of the series. I think it could even be read on its own for any fans of Guinan’s character.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a Stargazer book that puts Picard as a central part of the story and where he meets Guinan, from his perspective, for the first time. I don't think mentioning Guinan in the book is a spoiler as it's obviously her on the cover. Anyway, I liked the story even though it was a little unoriginal ripping off the Valerian city concept but it was cool have a type of place like that in the Star Trek universe. Picard and Guinan'z adventure was fun and how they learn to trust one another. The Stargazer moments are interesting enough if you care for those other characters but it is kind of funny seeing what they get up to while they are waiting for their captain. The third element to the story I thought was the weakest element but it is interesting to think of what that character was up to during this time. Probably my favourite of the series thusfar.

[Rob Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of a letdown. Billed as the 'first' meeting between Picard and Guinan, the book quickly skips through a chase through an alien planet as the pair hunt down an old acquaintance of Picard's whilst being hunted by local security forces and Cardassian Enabran Tain (from DS9). Guinan's interaction with the Nexus is briefly touched upon but not in depth enough.
To pad out the book, the remaining (and there are quite a few!) crew members on the Stargazer go through their personal lives in various side plots that don't really seem to go anywhere and feel like page fillers.
The book would have benefited from removing the Stargazer entirely and focusing solely on Picard and Guinan and fleshing out that story.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it's a perfectly adequate story, and easy to read, I was hoping that the long await first meeting (from Picard's perspective) with Guinan would be more...special, in some way. Maybe it's just a victim of the serialized nature of the "Stargazer" storytelling at this point, but there is a certain magical element missing from this story. As an adventure tale, on its own, I have no complaints...and I did enjoy an early look at a younger Enabran Tain -- father of Garak, future head of the Obsidian Order. I just wish all of this added some to something even greater...

[Rich Schepis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Reads like a lost episode where Captain Picard of the Stargazer meets Guinan for his first time, but not hers. Terrific race against the Cardassians (including a future head of the Obsidian Order) to locate the person who could be the key to the war between the two species. Only disappointment was the story was a pretty basic A-to-Z tale. Not much going on outside the main story, with the Stargazer events almost meaningless.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wanted to read about Guinan because I thinks she's a fascinating character with so much potential. When this book came on sale, I immediately got the e-book. It's a good book, and there are some interesting plot points and a few interesting characters that I have never "met" before.

My only complaint about this book, really, is that I really wanted it to be a book about Guinan. In reality, it's more of a book about Picard with a splash of Guinan.

[Laurie Kazmierczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look back before Captain Picard took control of the Enterprise. The set up is a bit contrived as Picard is the only person who can rendezvous with a friend from his past to pass on info to the Federation. But the action, aliens, and environment of Obivion keeps the novel interesting. The adventure adds even more interest as Guinan has a major role in the whole scheme.

[Mrklingon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guinan! A nice backstory for Guinan, and adventure for young Picard. Complicated and good multi-threaded story as Friedman fills in Picard's history as a young captain.

[Toby Quaranta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not well written. Such a great idea that fell flat. Abandoned after a few chapters.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Star Trek tale. Good read. =)

[Jonny · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a miss for me. The subplots were just boring and added nothing to the story. I will go on to book 5.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous ones in the series but enjoyable still.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book about Picard’s first meeting with Guinan, I expected a bit more. And of course they had to include an explanation for why he becomes bald…

[Stasia Bruhn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picard is 28 and Cpt. of the StarGazer. He goes to Oblivion to meet with a Zartani named Demmix who supposedly has information on a new sort of tactical system being installed in the Ubbarak's warships. His family was killed by the Ubbarak so his revenge was giving information to the federation. Picard arrives and goes to a bar to waste time before the meeting. This is where he meets a woman who seems to know him.Picard is accused of setting a bomb and is taken to a cell. The woman who he met rescues him. Who is this mysterious woman why it's Guinan...This book doesn't explain alot about Guinan which is the real reason why I got it. U do learn that the El-Aurians were going to build a new life on Earth but their ships ran into the Nexus. Only forty seven El-Aurians came out of it alive. For some time Guinan had been in a deep funk because when she had been in the Nexus all of her family were alive. I only give it a 3 because some characters are introduced and it has nothing to do with the main storyline. They were a bore to read but the Guinan/Picard story was good. Could have been better though I think...

[Richard Tubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the first encounter between Guinan and Jean-Luc Picard... from Picard’s perspective. Guinan had first met Picard 400-years before, but still to come in Picard’s future!

The book picks up years after the events of Star Trek: Generations, when Guinan is recovering from her encounter with the bliss of the Nexus.

Captain Picard of the Stargazer is going undercover at the Oblivion Space Station to try to recover a friend with key tactical information that will help the Federation. Unfortunately, the Cardassian’s also want Picards friend.

This is a fun read, made more enjoyable by the fact that we, the reader, know what is in Picard and Guinan’s future.

As this was my first Stargazer book (I’m reading the series out of order) I wasn’t familiar with the story arcs of the other Stargazer staff, but this didn’t spoil the book for me.

If you’re a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, then you’ll enjoy this glimpse into the early relationship between Picard and Guinan.

[Scott Vout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 of the 6 book series and by far the best one so far.

This book introduced the Guinen character, a personal favourite of my from the Next Generation
series.

This one is mostly about Picard on a secret mission and his exploits therein.

All in all, very enjoyable for a Star Trek believer.

On to book 5.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying the Stargazer series, so I was disappointed in Oblivion, in comparison. The book is okay, but I had high hopes for this book because it featured Guinan. I didn't feel that the plot or the character driven subplots were all that interesting, so for me, it dragged.

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the Stargazer books so far. The intrigue involved on Picard's mission away from the ship is well-executed, and there are plenty of great character moments for those who remain aboard Stargazer.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not terrible, not super memorable. To me, Picard didn't really feel very...Picard-y. And that's probably because he was a young Picard without the calm and wisdom that comes with age and experience. It still threw me off for most of the book though, and I came away largely disappointed.

[Biz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that goes into how Picard met Guinan. I enjoyed it a lot

[Brian Delambre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I havn't really read Star Trek books in the last 14 years, but I am really enjoying the Stargazer series by Friedman. I do miss seeing Next Gen on the air, and really loved the new movie.

[Joe]

Fun, wonderful. A really good read.

[Drake Tungsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is a good part of the "Stargazer" series and a nice tie-in with the "TNG" TV series.