Editing Newsletter/Fall 2008 (section)

== Star Trek Book Review ==
 [[Image:Captains_Orders.JPG|250px|right]]
submitted by [[herbalsheila]]

'''Doctor's Orders''' by Diane Duane

ISBN 0-671-66189-2

Published by Simon and Schuster 1990, 291 pages

'''Back Cover:''' ''When Dr. McCoy grumbles once too often about the way the USS Enterprise ought to be run, Captain Kirk decides to leave the doctor in command while he oversees a routine diplomatic mission. Kirk beams down to a strange planet nicknamed Flyspeck to negotiate its admission into the Federation, leaving Dr. McCoy to enjoy his new authority.'' 

''However, the doctor soon learns that command is a double edged sword when Kirk disappears without a trace. Desperately trying to locate his captain, McCoy comes under pressure from Starfleet to resolve the situation immediately. Matters go from bad to worse when the Klingons arrive and stake their own claim on Flyspeck.'' 

''Then another more deadly power threatens them all, and suddenly Dr. McCoy and the Starship Enterprise find themselves pitted against an alien fleet in a battle they have no hope of winning.''

With a plot that is brilliantly written and expertly woven by Diane Duane, this often humorous and entertaining work is enchanting with its engaging new contact species and its viewpoint of dour dry witted Dr. Leonard McCoy. At various points he surprises all of the Bridge crew with some of his own ideas of command and how to handle potentially hostile Klingons. Using a little psychology and his quick wits, he manages to stumble around enough, with plenty of help and support from the crew, to figure out how to outsmart a terrible foe though he is untried in the center seat. 

The three species, indigenous to the planet, are won over by Dr. McCoy's actions and Captain Kirk's honest and open diplomacy.

Though this book is out of print, it can be purchased inexpensively as an immediate download from Simon and Schuster or purchased and shipped as a used book from various online book sources such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Follow the ISBN link and shop around or check with your local used book store.