Title: Pliable Truths
Author: Dayton Ward
Publication Date: May 21, 2024 by Pocket Books/Star Trek
Genres: Science Fiction
Protagonist Gender: Various
Back in the heyday of Star Trek's first revival, when we had The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager soaring across our screens, I was a devoted reader of the wider tie-in literary universe. There was nothing like going to the bookstore and seeing a new 'episode' on the shelves, just waiting to be devoured.
As Trek disappeared from our screens, it largely disappeared from my shelves as well. I came back to it on occasion, as cover blurbs drew me in, but it felt as if the tie-in universe had been stretched too far, with too many authors struggling to capture the personalities of the characters. Strange New Worlds rekindled my love of all things Trek, however, so when I saw a TNG/DS9 crossover with Picard and Garak on the cover, I decided to beam aboard.
I am delighted to say Dayton Ward demonstrates precisely the grasp of the universe and its personalities that I missed. Pliable Truths felt like a missing episode that more directly connects the TNG and DS9 universes. It explores the Cardassian withdrawal from Bajoran, the skepticism with which the Federation's assistance is seen, and the consequences of war on all sides. Given all that's happening in the Ukraine and Palestine, it's a very timely story, and one that reminds us of how well Trek has always shone a spotlight on current affairs.
One of the things I felt Ward did really well was explore Captain Picard's discomfort in facing the Cardassians again, so soon after his torture at their hands. He's still the strong, capable, commanding officer we know, but we see him get agitated and distracted in a way that was never really explored in the series. I also felt Ward did an exemplary job of making this about more than just Picard and the Enterprise crew. While they are there to render assistance and help negotiate peace, it's as allies, not saviors. Indeed, significant portions of the book explore how the Bajorans themselves band together to resist, infiltrate, and quietly combat their oppressors.
Being something of a gap book that takes place before DS9, we don't encounter a lot of that cast, but I enjoyed seeing how characters like Kira and Miles came to join the crew, and how Odo, Quark, and Garak were already establishing their odd camaraderie. There was enough here to feel familiar, but the story itself felt necessary, a tale that needed to be told as opposed to just an excuse to revisit old friends.
Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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