Star Trek: Typhon Pact: Brinkmanship by Una McCormack
Synopsis:
The Venette Convention has always remained independent, but it is about to become the flashpoint for a tense military standoff between the two power blocs now dominating interstellar space—the United Federation of Planets and the recently formed Typhon Pact. The Venetan government turns to the Typhon Pact’s Tzenkethi Coalition for protection in the new order, and has agreed to allow three of their supply bases for Tzenkethi use. But these bases—if militarized—would put Tzenkethi weapons unacceptably close to Federation, Cardassian, and Ferengi space. While Captain Ezri Dax and the crew of the U.S.S. Aventine are sent to investigate exactly what is happening at one of the Venette bases, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise are assigned to a diplomatic mission sent to the Venette homeworld in order to broker a mutually acceptable resolution. But the Cardassian delegates don’t seem particularly keen on using diplomacy to resolve the situation, which soon spirals out of control toward all-out war.
Review:
Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher join talks with the Venetans along with the Cardassians and Ferengi to discuss relations now that the Typhon Pact threatens to infringe on Federation space. Meanwhile, Captain Dax and her crew investigate the Venetan starbases close to the border where there are rumors of a threat to the Federation. While the focus jumps from ship to ship, as well as following a Cardassian spy, it’s never hard to follow. Though, to be honest, I was confused who the Tzenkethi were. But I have only read a couple of the previous Typhon Pact novels.
Brinkmanship is a well-paced, complex story with plenty of twists and surprises along the way. My favorite storyline was actually the Cardassian spy and her adventure. Politics, conspiracy, espionage, and a unique alien culture made this latest Star Trek installment a gripping fascinating read.