Acknowledgments

Thanks to my editors, Ed Schlesinger and Margaret Clark, for inviting me to write my first Star Trek ebook. It’s going to be strange not having a physical copy of this book to show off on my brag shelf, but I guess I’ve finally joined the twenty-first century—by way of the twenty-third.

Oddly, this is the first time I’ve ever written the character of Saavik, whom I’ve enjoyed as a fan ever since her debut in The Wrath of Khan more than twenty years ago, so I want to take the occasion to thank both Kirstie Alley and Robin Curtis for bringing her to life on the screen. Feel free to visualize whichever actress you prefer when reading this book; I admit my mind’s eye swung back and forth between the two while writing it.

Funny story: I first came up with this plot at least fifteen years ago, when I was brainstorming possible pitches for Star Trek: Voyager. The original version involved Tuvok and Chakotay, but I like to think Spock and McCoy work just as well. I’m grateful for the chance to finally tell this tale.

I also want to thank my agent, Russ Galen, for handling the contractual details; as always, my girlfriend, Karen, who made an emergency coffee run just when I needed it; and our two four-legged kids, Sophie and Lyla, who got locked out of my office a few times when I needed to focus on giant killer leeches. Sorry about that.