Literary Treks: A Star Trek Books and Comics Podcast

Interview with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. Legacy isn't reserved for heroes. Some characters leave a mark not through their nobility, but through the incredible shadow they cast. Few exemplify this better than Khan Noonien Singh. Decades after his first appearance, Khan continues to shape the Star Trek universe - his presence echoing through generations of stories, creators, and fans alike. His legacy raises a fascinating question: what happens when a villain becomes just as iconic, just as influential, as the heroes they oppose? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt speak with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. They talk about the writing process, casting and recording, making it sound like Star Trek, allegory, the mind of a villain, and much more! Feature: Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Genesis of Khan Podcast (02:58) Writing for Audio (05:29) Collaboration (06:47) Nick's Vision (07:41) Late Night Episode Breaks (09:50) Podcast vs Audiobook (12:00) Production Involvement (14:40) Nick's Vision (again) and Canon (15:56) Sounds Like Star Trek, Sounds Like Khan (17:00) Recording and Casting Marla (19:46) Allegory and Villains (21:23) Just Trying to Tell a Good Story (28:30) A Contained Narrative (33:09) Give Us More Stories! (33:58) Wrap-up (36:11) Closing (38:59) Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt Guest Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer) Stream below or subscribe to listen at: Website - http://www.trek.fm/literary-treks/3374 Choose your podcast app: https://trekfm.link/lt-efm

In 1997, Pocket Books began releasing novels in a new series - one not based on a Star Trek television series. The brainchild of then-editor John J. Ordover and author Peter David, Star Trek: New Frontier was a way to have a series of novels with its own continuity, independent of the shows still on the air. Spanning over 20 novels, numerous short stories, and even some graphic novels, the series lasted until 2015. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss 2001's Cold Wars, the sixth book in the Gateways saga. We discuss the New Frontier series and characters, the overall plot, growing up too fast, a clean ending, and more! In the news, we talk about a new coffee table book and discuss the Star Trek: Defiant comic arc, No Old Warriors. News New Books (00:02:41) Comic review (00:05:17) Feature: Cold Wars New Frontier (00:11:24) Post-Coital Opening (00:14:43) The Characters (00:15:16) The Plot (00:19:39) The Mystery of "Smyt" (00:24:27) A Holo Ruse (00:26:36) She Had to Grow Up Very Fast (00:29:53) A Little Too Clean (00:34:15) The Gateways (00:38:44) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:11) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: No Man's Land. At one time, Christie Golden was the preeminent author in the Star Trek: Voyager novel line with 13 of her 16 Star Trek stories being with the crew of Voyager. In fact, even Kirsten Beyer hasn't surpassed Golden's contributions to the series. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss No Man's Land. Topics include characterizations, Janeway-Chakotay shipping, Seven instigating a slave uprising, not one but two murder mysteries, and, oh yeah, the gateways. Plus, we ask a very important question: What happens to Fluffy? In our comics discussion, we talk about IDW's Star Trek issues 25-30, When the Walls Fell (not to be confused with the Tamarian legend of Shaka). News Star Trek 25-30 (00:04:12) Feature: No Man's Land Classic Voyager (00:16:55) Gateway Issues (00:21:43) Continuity (00:24:30) Something Fun (00:27:59) Meat of the Story (00:31:33) The Weirdest Part (00:35:46) What Holds it Back (00:37:05) Seven’s Story (00:40:41) Arkathi (00:44:20) Ratings (00:51:14) Final Thoughts (00:53:54) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Demons of Air and Darkness. Star Trek literature’s mission was to expand the universe of the series beyond what was seen on screen, so in doing that the books continued series that had ended as well as created characters to follow; the Gateway series brought all of those together in one massive crossover. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about Demons of Air and Darkness. We discuss title questions, the opening, the treat of the book, Kira’s leadership, the “threat”, Shar and Nog, Quark, Ro, the reveal, the same scene, our ratings and final thoughts. For the news we discuss the upcoming novel in the Picard line! News New Picard Novel Coming (00:02:58) Feature: Demons of Air and Darkness Title Questions (00:05:52) The Opening Chapter (00:10:28) The Threat of the Book (00:12:55) Kira’s Leadership (00:17:32) “Threat” (00:19:35) Shar and Nog (00:23:55) New Recurring Characters (00:29:33) Quark (00:32:47) Ro (00:34:36) Finally Revealed (00:38:12) The Same Scene (00:40:15) Ratings (00:43:24) Final Thoughts (00:46:13) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

James Swallow: Toward the Night. One of the beauties of tie-in fiction is to do exactly what the name implies, to tie in to the show or universe and add details that the films or shows just don’t have time to do. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan welcome author James Swallow to talk about his Star Trek: Strange New Worlds novel, Toward the Night. We discuss the genesis of the book, the focus, introductions, dynamics, La’An, the Klingons, the planet, in the future, coming soon and our final thoughts. In the news we have an in memoriam for some losses in the Star Trek literary world. News Sad News (00:02:53) Feature: James Swallow The Genesis of the Book (00:06:44) The Focus (00:13:25) Introductions (00:16:52) Dynamics (00:23:04) La’An (00:26:58) The Klingons (00:30:09) The Planet (00:35:37) In the Future (00:41:30) Coming Soon (00:44:19) Final Thoughts (00:47:20) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest James Swallow Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Doors Into Chaos. The early aughts were an intriguing period for Star Trek books, as shows like DS9 concluded, Voyager continued to air, and TNG continued to produce films. The literary landscape truly embraced experimentation and explored new avenues. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan continue the Gateways series with Doors Into Chaos. We discuss this feeling like a beginning, getting lucky, crew movement, used well, Riker, connections, Picard, the conference, building excitement, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we talk about the Ring of Fire blurb, comic news, Lower Deck comic reviews and some sad news. News Ring of Fire Blurb (00:02:33) Comic News (00:07:06) Lower Decks Comic Reviews (00:11:59) Sad News (00:22:24) Feature: Doors Into Chaos Feels Like the Beginning (00:27:16) Getting Lucky (00:37:18) Crew Movement (00:38:18) Used Well (00:41:12) Riker (00:43:37) Connections (00:47:05) Picard (00:51:57) The Conference (00:55:15) Building Excitement (01:01:39) Ratings (01:06:39) Final Thoughts (01:08:54) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: Chainmail. Books set in the Star Trek universe that aren’t based on any of the television series can be a mixed bag when it comes to fan reception. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about the second book in the Gateways series, Chainmail. We discuss the Challenger, it being out there, character work, worldview differences, drawbacks, Riutta and her people, use of the gateway, timey-whimy, thematic link, by the end, a page from Kirk, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we talk about the Lower Decks comic, Warp Your Own Way. News Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way (00:02:53) Feature: Chainmail Star Trek: Challenger (00:05:46) It’s Out There (00:11:49) Character Work (00:15:49) Worldview Difference (00:23:41) Drawbacks (00:26:03) Riutta and Her People (00:26:50) Use of the Gateway (00:30:57) Timey-Whimy (00:34:12) Thematic Link (00:37:29) By the End (00:39:46) A Page From Kirk’s Book (00:42:44) Ratings (00:45:12) Final Thoughts (00:48:10) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Star Trek: Gateways: One Small Step. In 2001, the Star Trek literary universe was at the hight of it’s popularity especially as it continuing series like Deep Space Nine and The Next Generation, which lead to a massive crossover between all the ongoing series that Pocket books were publishing at the time. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about One Small Step. We discuss the new series, watching an episode, the virus, impersonating Kalandans, the Klingons, the gateways, restructuring, something that works well, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news there is a new book announcement as well as comic reviews on Star Trek 500 and Star Trek Defiant issues 17-21. News New Book Announcement (00:03:00) Star Trek 500 (00:06:47) Star Trek Defiant 17-21 (00:11:16) Feature: One Small Step A New Series (00:23:57) Watching an Episode (00:28:58) The Virus (00:30:57) Impersonating Kalandans (00:32:22) The Klingons (00:37:25) The Gateways (00:43:36) Restructuring (00:44:29) Something That Works Well (00:53:39) Ratings (00:59:33) Final Thoughts (01:01:30) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Pandora Principle. Star Trek books are some of the longest running tie-in fiction series out there which means that you never know when an entry will be a diamond in the rough or just rough. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about the TOS novel, The Pandora Principle. We discuss, development hell, get him out of the way, the first chapter, Saavik, a positive or negative, mystery boxes, what?, disjointed, our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we look at the upcoming new releases for books as well as review some comics with Star Trek issues 19-24 and Defiant issues 12-16. News New Books Coming (00:03:21) Star Trek 19-24 (00:11:30) Star Trek Defiant 12-16 (00:17:21) Feature: The Pandora Principle Development Hell (00:27:28) Get Him Out of the Way (00:32:30) The First Chapter (00:37:08) Saavik (00:39:12) A Positive or Negative (00:44:05) Mystery Boxes (00:50:11) Wait, What? (00:52:41) Disjointed (00:55:49) Ratings (01:00:26) Final Thoughts (01:02:18) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Una McCormack: Asylum. One of the joys of tie-in fiction is the way that it can delve into the backgrounds of characters to make the viewing experience feel richer because the fan has a greater understanding of what motivates the characters. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt are proud to welcome author Una McCormack to talk about her Strange New Worlds novel, Asylum. We discuss starting the book, timelines, the Academy storyline, lectures, and interesting friendship, the mystery, themes, writing the SNW crew, references, using talents, heartbreak, a fun note, where to find Una and our final thoughts. Feature: Una McCormack Starting the Book (00:03:50) Timeframes (00:06:24) The Academy Storyline (00:09:49) Lectures (00:13:05) An Interesting Friendship (00:16:09) The Mystery (00:18:02) Themes and Questions (00:22:42) Writing the SNW Crew (00:27:12) References (00:29:19) Using Talents (00:34:41) A Fun Note (00:44:56) Where to Find Una and What is Coming (00:48:23) Final Thoughts (00:50:30) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest Una McCormack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Nanotech War. Star Trek Voyager is a polarizing series to say the least and yet in the realm of literature, it has made for some of the best stories in Treklit. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Nanotech War. We discuss the book not being numbered, first impression, first contact, B’Elanna and Seven’s arcs, putting everything back in the box, wrapping up with our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we return to the comics and discuss the Sons of Star Trek series, the Star Trek 2024 Annual as well as the Star Trek Celebrations one shot. News Sons of Star Trek (00:04:21) Star Trek 2024 Annual (00:11:53) Star Trek Celebrations (00:16:03) Feature: The Nanotech War No Number (00:20:26) First Impressions (00:21:54) First Contact (00:27:30) B’Elanna’s Arc (00:34:47) 7 of 9 (00:41:27) Put Everything Back in the Box (00:48:48) Ratings (00:51:32) Final Thoughts (00:56:21) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Catalyst of Shadows. The almost ninety year period between The Original Series and The Next Generation was perfect fodder for the novels to mine, connecting the dots between the eras as well as characters we would meet in the 24th century to those we knew from the 23rd century. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Lost Era book, Catalyst of Shadows. We discuss an Uhura story, Crusher vs Pulaski, the rest of the cast, other characters, the mystery, trauma, flashbacks and timelines, plus our ratings and final thoughts. In the news we talk about a newish book, a comic milestone and an upcoming novel release. News A Newish Book (00:03:52) Star Trek 500 (00:05:46) Strange New Worlds: Asylum (00:08:01) Feature: Catalyst of Shadows An Uhura Story (00:10:17) Crusher vs Pulaski (00:17:42) The Rest of the Cast (00:18:56) Other Characters (00:24:08) The Mystery (00:31:25) Trauma (00:42:55) Flashbacks and Timelines (00:47:16) Ratings (01:01:19) Final Thoughts (01:05:59) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Deny Thy Father. On of the beauties of tie-in fiction is the ability to go back and fill in important details or stories that might have been alluded to in a series yet the full story was never told, which is what made the idea of Star Trek’s Lost Era so enticing for fans. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Lost Era novel, Deny Thy Father. We discuss the story, the connective tissue, as snapshot, a change, political thrillers, big action, how it all turns out, cameos, Star Trek stories, ratings and final thoughts. In the news we discuss the release of the final covers for two upcoming books. News Cover Reveals (00:03:00) Feature: Deny Thy Father The Story (00:04:22) Connective Tissue (00:10:54) A Snapshot (00:15:53) A Change (00:21:05) Political Thriller (00:26:12) The Big Action (00:33:47) How It All Turns Out (00:31:11) Cameos (00:39:09) How to Do Star Trek Books (00:44:16) Ratings (00:48:40) Final Thoughts (00:50:07) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Greg Cox: Lost to Eternity. One of the beauties of Star Trek is all the treads that one can pull on from the plethora of stories that have been told over the years making the books the perfect place to explore all these possibilities. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan welcome author Greg Cox to talk about his new Star Trek book, Lost to Eternity. They discuss, being back with a new book, the genesis of the book, Saavik, a new species, the antagonist, bringing it together, writing 2024, no Past Tense, approvals, what’s coming up and final thoughts. Feature: Greg Cox Greg Cox is Back (00:03:53) The Genesis (00:04:53) Saavik (00:13:53) A New Species (00:17:54) The Antagonist (00:26:10) Bringing it Together (00:32:44) Writing 2024 (00:39:58) No Past Tense (00:43:56) Approvals (00:47:38) What’s Coming Up (00:50:05) Final Thoughts (00:57:04) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest Greg Cox Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Well of Souls. Captain Rachael Garrett and the crew of the Enteprise-C were some of the biggest highlights of an already stellar episode of The Next Generation making them the perfect subject for one of The Lost Era novels from Pocket Books. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about the Well of Souls. They discuss their expectations, kind of being in it, other characters, the structure, doing too much, ending with their ratings and final thoughts. In the news section they discuss the latest book announcement! News Toward the Night Announcement (00:03:11) Feature: Well of Souls Expectations (00:10:20) Kind of In It (00:12:37) Other Characters (00:19:01) The Structure (00:29:08) Do Too Much (00:34:14) Rating (00:43:10) Final Thought (00:46:06) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Dayton Ward: Pliable Truths. The best tie-in fiction is something that takes the reader on a journey they never knew they needed to go on and transforms the way they look at the source material forever when they are done. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Jonathan Koan welcome author Dayton Ward to talk about his new Star Trek: The Next Generation book, Pliable Truths. We discuss the genesis of the book, Picard’s struggle, similar themes and true evil, an inconvenient truth, the O’Briens, cameos, the Oceanside, capital Qs, the end, where to find and what’s next plus our final thoughts. Feature: Dayton Ward Idea for the Book (00:03:11) Picard’s Struggle (00:08:01) Similar Themes and True Evil (00:10:50) Inconvenient Truth (00:20:07) The O’Briens (00:27:36) Cameos (00:34:22) The Oceanside (00:39:53) Capital Qs (00:45:30) The End (00:49:05) Where to Find and What’s Next (00:55:35) Final Thoughts (01:01:42) Hosts Matthew Rushing and Jonathan Koan Guest Dayton Ward Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Comics Catch Up. Comics have been an important medium for Star Trek ever since the release of the first Gold Key comic in 1967 and they have continued over various publishers since that time. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan catch up on all the issues they’ve missed recently. They discuss being new to Star Trek comics, Picard’s Academy, The Scorpius Run, Sons of Star Trek, Star Trek, Star Trek: Defiant, wrapping up and their final thoughts. In the news they discuss a new release that is imminent and the delay of an upcoming book as well. News New Releases Coming (00:02:55) Feature: Comics Catch Up New to Comics (00:04:27) Picard’s Academy (00:06:10) Strange New Worlds: The Scorpius Run (00:11:20) Sons of Star Trek (00:21:42) Star Trek (00:31:44) Star Trek: Defiant (00:44:48) Wrapping Up (00:51:45) Final Thoughts (00:53:55) Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Art and Making of Star Trek: Picard. On August 4th, 2018 at Star Trek Las Vegas a man well known to Star Trek fans walked on stage and announced that he was back to continue the journey of a character that had begun 31 years prior. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing, Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about The Art and Making of Star Trek: Picard. We discuss a new show, kicking off the story, had it been done before, seasons 1-3, is anything missing, our ratings and final thoughts. Feature: The Art and Making of Star Trek: Picard A New Show (00:03:08) Kicking Off This New Show (00:09:48) It Has Been Done Before (00:16:46) Season One (00:21:33) Season Two (00:28:54) Don’t Step On Toes (00:35:01) Season Three (00:41:23) Anything Missing? (00:48:08) Ratings (00:51:14) Final Thoughts (00:55:18) Hosts Matthew Rushing, Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

David Mack: Firewall. With the release of Star Trek: Picard the questions of what happened to our favorite characters from shows like Deep Space Nine and Voyager was once again up in the air and the introduction of Seven of Nine to the show made the questions around her history after the series even more mysterious. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts, Matthew, Casey and Jonathan welcome author David Mack to discuss his new Picard era novel, Firewall. We discus the background of the story, writing in the Picard timeline, Seven’s emotions, an anchor, getting in the way, new characters, the spy element, staying true, the framing device, production, making the map, what’s next for David and our final thoughts. In the news section we discuss two newly announced books for 2024! News Book News (00:01:43) Feature: David Mack The Background of This Story (00:09:45) Writing in the Picard Timeline (00:13:18) Seven’s Emotions (00:20:25) An Anchor (00:30:40) Getting in the Way (00:36:50) New Characters (00:41:33) The Spy Element (00:46:16) Staying True (00:54:34) Framing Device (00:56:39) The Production of the Book (01:00:54) Making the Map (01:05:08) What is Coming Next (01:08:54) Final Thoughts (01:18:08) Hosts Matthew Rushing, Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

The Art of the Impossible. The era between the Star Trek TOS movies and the beginning of The Next Generation has a lot of events that are referenced in the shows but were never seen, which is fertile ground for the novels to cover. In this episode of Literary Treks hosts Matthew Rushing and Casey Pettitt welcome a new host to the show in Jonathan Koan to help us talk about the next book in The Lost Era, The Art of the Impossible. We discuss the Cardassian and Klingon conflict, the juxtaposition, Curzon, many characters, other things, our ratings and final thoughts. News A New Host (00:01:47) Feature: The Art of the Impossible Cardassian and Klingon Conflict (00:14:18) The Juxtaposition (00:30:47) Curzon (00:33:32) Many Characters (00:41:17) Other Characters (00:50:18) Ratings (00:54:34) Final Thoughts (00:59:03) Hosts Matthew Rushing, Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)