Afterglow (Star Trek zine)
See also Afterglow (disambiguation).
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Afterglow |
| Publisher: | Bristol Star Fleet Registry |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | Jacqueline Comben |
| Cover Artist(s): | |
| Illustrator(s): | |
| Date(s): | 1990 |
| Series?: | Yes, sequel to Green Fire |
| Medium: | fan fiction fanzine, print |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Afterglow is a gen Star Trek novel written by Jacqueline Comben. It is a sequel to Green Fire. The cover is by Simon Lewis and Allistar Gourlay.
Summary from a 1990 flyer:
Spock is still adjusting to his rebirth following the dramatic events of Star Trek 3. Kirk, however, is concerned with the mystery of a Ferengi 'invasion' of the Federation's colony on Arcadia. However, as we know, life rarely ties up all loose ends as once. 'Afterglow' is not high-adventure: it is about how we cope with those loose ends, and more than anything else, about family life -- the 'family' in this case being the crew of the starship Enterprise.
Reactions and Reviews
Jacqueline has, as one would expect from her, produced an intriguing story which neatly dovetails all the unanswered questions from the first part of the story. Three distinct plot lines are interwoven. The crew have not yet fully integrated, the junior officers being very much aware that they are under the command of their former instructors. I enjoyed watching the new relationships forming, and there are some delightful touches of humour, particularly the confusion caused by having three 'Captains' on the Enterprise; it reminded me of the old joke about what the Buckingham Palace telephonist says when connecting the Queen with the Queen Mother. ("Your Majesty? Her Majesty, Your Majesty.*') The author's own characters are believable and appealing, even in their mistakes; and while they have important parts to play, they do not dominate the action.There is also the story line of Spock's Pledge with Saavik. Spock is considering his alternatives, and with the help of McCoy and Uhura is able to see that there is an answer which will allow him to continue to live the life he has chosen. His sounding board is McCoy, and Jacqueline shows the relationship between the two men very well indeed. The third thread of the story in the investigation into the fate of the colonists. As the crew begin to work together, each plays his or her part in reaching the answer. One negative reaction - personally, I do not share Jacqueline's interpretation of Kirk.
One negative reaction - personally, I do not share Jacqueline's interpretation of Kirk.
My favourite element in this story is the treatment of Uhura. She is the thread which runs through all three plot lines, and the scene in which Spock seeks her opinion of Saavik's motives is delicately and subtly handled. Jacqueline has produced a sequel which in every way lives up to the original, and is a pleasure to read. I would say, however, that you would really need to read Green Fire first to appreciate the story fully. [1]