Star Trek Discovery: Drastic Measures by Dayton Ward

Dayton Ward brings to life one of the most notorious crimes referenced in Star Trek: TOS. The story of Kodos the Executioner is told in all its tragic horror in Star Trek Discovery: Drastic Measures. The planet Tarsus IV is on the brink of starvation due to a virulent disease affecting crops and food processing. Star Fleet help is on the way, but it doesn’t look like help will arrive before it is too late.

Gabriel Lorca commands a small federation outpost on Tarsus IV and bears witness to Governor Kodos’s heinous crime taken in the name of stretching the colony’s food supply. Commander Philippa Georgiou leads a rescue mission that arrives far earlier than expected but too late to prevent Kodos’s crimes. While waiting for further Star Fleet help to arrive, Georgiou must help stabilize the population, distributing food and restoring power and order. Lorca, at the same time, begins the manhunt for Kodos who, though largely reviled, still has allies among the residents. The hunt has become very personal for Lorca, who must temper his anger with his duty.

Since the ultimate fate of Kodos is known to viewers of the Star Trek: TOS episode, “The Conscience of the King”, Ward is left devising a story whose ultimate outcome many fans already know. The episode is light on the details of Kodos’s crimes, however, leaving room for a lot of exploration. The magnitude of the crimes weighs heavy over the first part of the story, even for those who know what is coming. They also lend urgency to the hunt for Kodos and the desire to make him pay for his crimes.

Ward does a good job of describing the chaos of the situation, both physically and emotionally. The stress of the situation on everyone makes it difficult for Star Fleet personnel to operate. Kodos’s actions are painted in a rather straightforward manner. He is clever and devious. The rationale for his claiming power and taking the actions he took are presented as him making a choice that was logical to him. Even though other motivations are hinted at, they are never explored.

Georgiou and Lorca are great characters and they really shine in this book. They each have difficult balancing acts between duty and desire, even if the reasons are very different. Lorca is particularly fascinating and somewhat tragic. Ward does a great job of bringing to life one of the most notorious events in the Star Trek Universe.

Robert Petkoff again does his usual outstanding job with the narration. His voice characterization is great and his tone and tempo underscore the gravity of the situation. He lends excitement to the action sequences and somberness to the more reflective moments. His performances make audio my preferred way to read Star Trek stories. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the publisher.

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