Doctor's Orders

Diane Duane has once again managed to write an excellent novel. Having this book focus mainly on Dr. McCoy instead of Romulans or Klingons was a change for her, but it worked out none the less.Diane really knows her characters, which is obvious in the way she wrote McCoy. The doctor is his same old grouchy self, but we learn that he can hold the fort if he has too. We also learn why he isn't a diplomat...The chemistry between the entire crew is excellent, and allows us to see each person in a good light.All in all, a great read.

Diane Duane's prior Star Trek novels have given us a level of insight into the main characters of the series that we were never really able to see during the run of the show. This novel is a chance for her to turn her talents specifically on Dr. McCoy, and allows us to really see his relationship with Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise crew from a totally different perspective.From the first chapter to the last, Duane has captured vintage McCoy; we even have the added benefit of hearing it from the "inside" during those parts of the story when he must struggle to face an impossible situation. When he winds up in command, after complaining once too often to Kirk regarding how the ship is run, McCoy -- and the readers -- find out just how challenging it really is to sit in the "center seat."As with her past novels, Duane has not forgotten about the other core characters. Each has his or her own moment in the sun; however, there is no question that this novel belongs more or less exclusively to Dr. McCoy. This is another beautifully crafted Star Trek tale from an extremely talented author.

The U.S.S. Enterprise is on a diplomatic mission to a distant planet nicknamed Flyspeck. While there, the crew is to open relations with the three races that inhabit the planet.No sooner are the talks underway, when the Klingons show up, claiming the planet for their own. And then another alien race arrives, threatening to destroy them all. Sound like another mission Captain Kirk can handle, right?WRONG!Captain Kirk has vanished from the face of the planet, and he left somebody behind in the center chair for a lesson in the rigors of starship command.Dr. McCoy.And how can an "old country doctor" resolve the situation?Great starship combat! It gets a little techy, but that comes with the territory. Excellent novel! One of my favorites! And refreshing new command viewpoints from someone who has never commanded a starship! A classic! Enjoy!

Several years ago I spent the summer checking out Star Trek paperback novels. There were two that I went out and purchased so I could have my own copy and "Doctor's Orders" was one of them. While orbiting yet another strange planet, Captain Kirk beams down to handle diplomatic negotiations and places Dr. McCoy in charge of the Enterprise. It seems Bones has been wearing himself down in Sick Bay and he wants to give the good Doctor a rest. Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. No sooner does McCoy take the center seat then Kirk disappears and the Klingons show up looking to pick a fight.The situation is a bit contrived since I find it hard to believe that Starfleet regulations do not allow Spock to assume command, but who cares? The scenes where McCoy talks to the Klingons or goes toe to toe with Spock are well worth it. Duane's humor in these conversations is entirely grounded in the characters, which was always the strength of Star Trek. This is not a big epic like many of the Star Trek novels tend to be, but there are only so many times the gang can save the universe (I believe the number is 56). This is a delightful tale and well worth the reading.

"Star Trek: Doctors Orders" is definately one the finest Star Trek Books. It was the first Star Trek book I ever read and it really turned me on to Series. As you know DeForest Kelley himself, very sadly passed on Friday. I then thought of this book and how it is a great way to rememeber and honor the man who told a good joke on Star Trek when it was needed the most. DeForest Kelley will always be rembered, and "Doctors Orders" is a wonderful tribute to him !