TOS #43: The Final Nexus by Gene DeWeese (sequel to Chain of Attack)
Book Jacket’s Summary:
“Uncounted centuries ago, an unknown race from beyond our galaxy created a series of interstellar gates – shortcuts across our universe – and then disappeared, leaving behind no clues to their fate, or the operation of their system. Twice before, the Enterprise has used the system to traverse the galaxy, and returned each time no wiser to the gates' operation.
Now it is imperative that they find out. The gates are breaking down, taking the very stars in the sky with them. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of the Enterprise crew, and their ability to communicate not only with creatures from another world – but from another universe as well.”
Yeaka’s Notes:
The Final Nexus is a direct sequel to Chain of Attack, and while reading that first will help, it isn’t necessary. The Final Nexus deals with the same mysterious portals but none of the same aliens, though it does offer some small (still largely unresolved) back story for how those last aliens got to the point Chain of Attack found them in. Rather than the obnoxious civilian that was aboard the Enterprise last time, a far more likeable science officer transfers from another ship. She’s much older than but still looks up to Kirk and proves helpful to Spock. While all of the core TOS cast is around for the adventure, that woman, Kirk, Spock, and Bones are the only ones that do much.
Long story short, new ‘gates’—engineered but malfunctioning wormholes—are popping up everywhere in dangerous locales. They’re also leaking pure-energy aliens that latch onto anyone near them and drive the host insane and suicidal through fear. There’s a lot of talk about the destruction they cause, but it’s not overbearing and certainly isn’t one of the darker Trek books, largely thanks to Kirk and crew’s ability to control their fears. The Federation wants that presence stopped immediately and everyone far away from the gates, but Kirk and Spock insist on exploring the gates despite threats of a court martial. In true Trek spirit, they do everything they can to figure out what’s happening and a peaceful way to resolve it. Unfortunately, they’re largely unsuccessful, and the book-jacket revelation that the gates actually transport to other universes rather than just other locations doesn’t come until the end. Bones is at his wits’ end through most of it, but Kirk’s strong, and Spock’s mental powers are in full effect.
Despite the somewhat abrupt ending full of loose ends, this is a solid read. The narrative’s littered with TOS references. The plot is unique, intense, and constantly evolving. The characters are gripping, and it’s always fun to hear about the Enterprise pulling together and braving through things no one else could. If you enjoyed its predecessor, pick this one up.
Noteworthy moments:
Ch11/p107 Admiral Noguchi scolds Kirk for recklessness and bans him from using the alien knowledge he’s found under Kirk’s protest, the Enterprise is ordered away to keep Kirk out of trouble; Bones is unusually formal and difficult and Spock suggests a checkup on him
Ch12/p121 An admiral goes off on Kirk and orders the Enterprise taken away from him, Spock stands up for him and is also scolded, Spock advises Kirk to completely disobey Starfleet HQ
