[Section 31 books] Abyss (SPOILER)
.
S P O I L E R
This is the Section 31 book I had been looking forward to most, even
before "Avatar" was released. After reading "Avatar", my interest in
this book grew even more. Contrary to all other books of this mini
series, "Abyss" is taking place present day in the Star Trek book
universe and especially after "Extreme Measures", the last DS9 episode
dealing with Section 31, I was extremely curious what will happen next.
Another factor is, Dr. Bashir is my favourite DS9 character. I always
welcome a book that focuses on him. What also got me very interested in
this book is that one of the authors, David Weddle, was also the co-
author of "Inquisition", the episode in which we were introduced to
Section 31 and which is one of my top favourites.
Therefore I expected a lot when I started reading this book and now that
I have finished it, I must say, it delivered much more than I would ever
have expected. It was very hard to put this book down. It is very
complex, very intelligent and most definitely on the same quality level
as "Rogue".
I have been discussing Section 31 and Bashir`s position as an illegally
genetically enhanced human also in connection with this organization
for a very long time on numerous occasions and I found it interesting
that many of my observations and theories were confirmed in this book.
But I also encountered some surprises. The biggest surprise to me was
that Bashir had been promoted to Lieutenant Commander. I would never
have expected that. If it had been known from the beginning what he was,
Bashir would never have been allowed to become a doctor. He would never
have been allowed to join Starfleet in the first place. And I am pretty
sure, if his secret had been discovered during the first season of DS9,
Starfleet, including Sisko, would not have hesitated to kick him out and
nobody would have stepped in to stop it. But Bashir has proven in the
meantime that he is a very valuable asset to Starfleet and that he can
be trusted. Therefore Starfleet made an exception and let him stay. It
seems that his position in Starfleet is stronger than I thought, that he
also has friends in high places, not only Sisko. I think he is still in
a quite vulnerable position, but it is not as vulnerable as I thought it
would be. Since "Abyss" I am sure that Bashir has another very important
friend in high places who can protect him: Vaughn. Because Sisko is not
around any more, this makes it even more important. I welcome this
development very much.
I always assumed that there must be many more people like Bashir, living
in hiding. And I also always assumed that a lot of them, if not most of
them, are not "well socialized" as Cole, the Section 31 agent, put it.
Not only are genetically engineered humans like Bashir more prone to
psychological and mental disorders, being outcasts of society who can`t
fulfil their potential there without being discovered, it is not
surprising that many of them end up in dark, disreputable circles where
they are not punished for what they are, where they don`t see any reason
to work for the benefit of a society that hates and fears them, where
they can become very dangerous indeed. Bashir is a rebel who is probably
the first genetically enhanced human who succeeded to start the process
to get Starfleet to rethink their attitude towards people like him. To
me, this is nothing else but racism because these laws that forced
Bashir to hide what he is for so long judge people like him for what he
is, not who he is. I am glad that with this exception they made, things
are starting to change. It is about time.
Although Bashir had achieved a lot to be accepted the way he is, I could
observe myself when watching DS9 that he is still driven to hide his
full potential. In "A Time to stand" Bashir provided some quick
calculations without the help of a computer and I could see immediately
that some people became uncomfortable. Garak was joking half serious, he
was "showing off". To my surprise a discussion followed on the net
during which many fans accused him of being indeed "too Vulcan",
similar to what Garak said. I was just shaking my head. I could
understand Bashir only too well. I am not surprised that he was so
withdrawn, so serious sometimes. The war took its toll on all of them
but for Bashir, a doctor and a genetically enhanced human, it must have
been even more frustrating and painful to be able to do so little. And
such attitudes only made things worse for him.
Bashir`s outburst towards Ezri is therefore very understandable. Yes, of
course he still feels the need to hide a lot of his potential,
especially when he is not on his own in sickbay or doing research. It is
not only hard to break the habits of a lifetime, he knows very well that
he is an "exception" and that legally he is on very shaky ground. He has
to fit in and has to work carefully to gradually get his friends to
accept him completely.
His outburst also showed me how frustrating, how painful this must be at
times. I understand that a lot of it was staged in order to get Locken`s
attention, but not completely as Bashir also explained later. I could
understand very well how tempting it must be to go one step further and
entering the path Locken walked that led to his destruction. This man
was in so many ways like him. He understood him. Finally Bashir didn`t
have to adapt all the time to people who don`t have his advanced brain.
Ezri, a counselor and his lover, showed me that she understands him very
well. She could see why Bashir was at first drawn to Locken but she
also had to learn that she didn`t know him as well as she thought.
Locken planted a cruel seed in her by leading them around and showing
them his solution for immortality. Locken showed Ezri enough to disgust
her and to be afraid, something he doubtless took pleasure in. But I am
sure, that was just a bonus to him. He showed Bashir just enough to
tempt him to join him but not too much so that he would be shocked by
his methods. As the authors put it, Bashir was indeed staring into the
Abyss.
From being frustrated with his situation, being impatient sometimes with
"normals" who can`t keep up with him there is not a long way to come to
the conclusion that genetically enhanced people are "better", that
"normals" are less worth, that it is his obligation to help humans to
evolve. And from there is not a long way to reach the conclusion that
they are worthless, that you can do whatever you want with them, also
using them for experiments and kill them so that the world will be
populated one day only by a "better" kind of human who will create a
"better" world.
Bashir had already started to cross this dangerous line in "Extreme
Measures". Section 31 looks for people who have a hidden killer instinct
and they definitely succeeded to awaken it in that episode. What I found
chilling is not so much what he did but the cold blooded attitude he
had. Bashir had no scruples whatsoever, no doubts at all - at least at
that time. From this book, especially Ezri`s reflections, I get the
feeling that he thought about what he did later and that it startled
him. The more Bashir learned about Locken, the more he must have had the
feeling to stare into a mirror, that if the circumstances were
different, he could have been very much like him. That Section 31 drove
Locken to this path - and that Section 31 had already succeeded to push
him in that direction... I am not surprised that Bashir was in shock.
And I must admit, when Bashir explained to Locken what Section 31 had
done, I was quite shocked myself.
When Bashir and Ezri embraced each other after this revelation and he
relaxed in her arms, I was smiling. This was such a beautiful scene and
I found it quite powerful. As painful as this experience was for
Bashir, it also provided a very valuable lesson. It made him more aware
of the dangers that lurk inside him. It also made him more immune to
Section 31`s methods of using his weaknesses and manipulate him this
way. I am sure, what happened also brought him and Ezri closer together.
Their problems that got so much on my nerves in "Avatar" should
definitely be a thing of the past. What happened should also help to get
him accepted more for who and what he is and perhaps it will also make
Ezri think. Locken was right when he pointed out that Ezri is also part
of an elite because she is a joined Trill. And we have seen that joined
Trill often think they are "better" than unjoined ones.
Bashir`s experience also showed him that just having the gifts he and
Locken got is not the decisive aspect which make them good or bad, it is
what you are doing with them. Because Locken believed in his
superiority, he became unstable, careless, ruthless and arrogant. It was
not only Bashir who stopped him, but also Ezri and other people who he
considered to be at best tools to achieve his insane dreams. I can
imagine that this was also an important lesson to Bashir.
After this I am sure Bashir is determined more than ever to destroy
this organization. And the heads of Section 31 should be very much aware
of that, that Bashir is a threat to them, now more than ever. That they
won`t have any chance at all any more to get him to join or to
manipulate him to do dirty work for them. I predict that it won`t be
long and Section 31 will try to kill him.
I loved the end when we learned that Vaughn is the member of a small
group that works against Section 31, a group that was perhaps founded
after Kirk`s meeting at the end of "Cloak" and that Bashir is now a
member of that group as well. Vaughn`s revelation about Section 31`s
activities in "Insurrection" and his theft of the holoship were
fascinating to read. I would love it to read more Section 31 books in
future, books that mainly build on "Rogue", "Abyss" and also NF, meaning
Calhoun`s involvement with Nechayev and her "office". My biggest wish at
the moment is a book in which Bashir, Vaughn and Calhoun work together
against Section 31. But if you ask me, I am in favour of leaving Janeway
out of this. If you must, give her an extra book in which she fights
Section 31. I know, I am selfish, but I simply don`t like the Janeway we
met in the last seasons much.
I am also looking forward to read more about the relationship between
Bashir and Ezri. I enjoyed it very much in "Abyss". They are a good
couple and after having read this book I am more than ever convinced
that this relationship can work. They both have childish qualities (I
don`t mean it here in a negative way) which made me smile. How best to
pack a suitcase and to be ready in time and Ezri`s last minute exercise
with clay - it was great! The whole Bashir/Ezri story provided an
excellent mix of serious aspects with fun and humour. I want more :-).
But "Abyss" is not only a very well written character study of Bashir,
it also has other aspects to offer I enjoyed very much. I builds very
nicely on "Avatar" in which S. D. Perry laid the foundation for DS9
Relaunch. Only this time it concentrates on certain characters, which
is a good idea. Each series should have a mix of ensemble stories and
others that explore individual characters in more detail. I liked the
short scene which dealt with Kasidy, Sisko`s father and Jake`s
disappearance. I am sure, we will learn more about this and be able to
read more about them in future books.
I don`t read e-books but already what was told about Nog`s plan to
restore the energy supply of the station with the help of the SCE
impressed me a lot. I liked the scenes with Shar, Kira`s conversation
with Shakaar and it was interesting to see how Bajorans react
differently to her excommunication. But especially interesting to me
were the scenes with Vaughn and Ensign Tenmei. That they are father and
daughter, that is a twist that surprised me and which made me very
curious. If I am not mistaken, this is the first and so far only
father/daughter relationship in Star Trek. I am very interested in
finding out how this will develop. And I am very interested in finding
out what Odo had hidden in his office.
I also enjoyed the adventure story with Ro and Taran`atar. There is not
much I can really write about that. A Jem`Hadar with an interesting
personality, that is something I wouldn`t have thought possible when
watching DS9. I am impressed. I also think, Taran`atar and Ro were an
impressive team. They worked well together and Ro could show me again
her qualities as a fighter and survivor. Not only did she show me her
qualities as security chief, I also liked it that I had the impression
that she felt much less as an outsider that in "Avatar". I welcome that.
NF will probably always stay my favourite series but DS9 Relaunch is a
very close second. I am very much looking forward to the next book
within "Gateways".
Baerbel Haddrell
Georgiana Gates
>
> S P O I L E R
>
> This is the Section 31 book I had been looking forward to most, even
> before "Avatar" was released. After reading "Avatar", my interest in
> this book grew even more. Contrary to all other books of this mini
> series, "Abyss" is taking place present day in the Star Trek book
> universe and especially after "Extreme Measures", the last DS9 episode
> dealing with Section 31, I was extremely curious what will happen next.
> Another factor is, Dr. Bashir is my favourite DS9 character. I always
> welcome a book that focuses on him. What also got me very interested in
> this book is that one of the authors, David Weddle, was also the co-
> author of "Inquisition", the episode in which we were introduced to
> Section 31 and which is one of my top favourites.
>
> Therefore I expected a lot when I started reading this book and now that
> I have finished it, I must say, it delivered much more than I would ever
> have expected. It was very hard to put this book down. It is very
> complex, very intelligent and most definitely on the same quality level
> as "Rogue".
>
warren
comments to share.
"." <Em...@trekdata.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:v2SfPMAL...@trekdata.demon.co.uk...
> Although Bashir had achieved a lot to be accepted the way he is, I could
> observe myself when watching DS9 that he is still driven to hide his
> full potential. In "A Time to stand" Bashir provided some quick
> calculations without the help of a computer and I could see immediately
> that some people became uncomfortable. Garak was joking half serious, he
> was "showing off". <snip> Garak said "too Vulcan"
I always thought that Garak wasn't just being mean. Garak kind of took
Bashir under his wing, in the beginning, and I think his comments were meant
to caution Bashir on the dangers of showing too much of his (Bashir's)
abilities. Sadly, Garak knew much better than Julian just what the
Federation, & Section 31, is capable of. As an Obsidian Order Agent, Garak
MUST have been seriously exposed to the Federation's 'dark side' (Section
31). I think Garak was just issuing a friendly word of experienced wisdom
in his own twisted way (Bashir would not have listened if he'd told him
outright). Then there's the fact that Cardassian's flirt by arguement and
insults, and Garak's sexuality is, at best, up for grabs.
>
> But if you ask me, I am in favour of leaving Janeway
> out of this. If you must, give her an extra book in which she fights
> Section 31. I know, I am selfish, but I simply don`t like the Janeway we
> met in the last seasons much.
I say that if they're going to have any of the Voyager crew fight Section
31, Tom Paris would be the best character choice to do this, not Janeway. I
can see the Janeway of the last seasons *almost* fitting in with Section 31
(Not meaning to offend anyone).
cheers,
Blindwolf
>
.
writes
>Thanks for that in-depth review. I enjoyed it. I just had a couple of
>comments to share.
Thank you :-)
>> Although Bashir had achieved a lot to be accepted the way he is, I could
>> observe myself when watching DS9 that he is still driven to hide his
>> full potential. In "A Time to stand" Bashir provided some quick
>> calculations without the help of a computer and I could see immediately
>> that some people became uncomfortable. Garak was joking half serious, he
>> was "showing off". <snip> Garak said "too Vulcan"
>
>I always thought that Garak wasn't just being mean. Garak kind of took
>Bashir under his wing, in the beginning, and I think his comments were meant
>to caution Bashir on the dangers of showing too much of his (Bashir's)
>abilities. Sadly, Garak knew much better than Julian just what the
>Federation, & Section 31, is capable of. As an Obsidian Order Agent, Garak
>MUST have been seriously exposed to the Federation's 'dark side' (Section
>31). I think Garak was just issuing a friendly word of experienced wisdom
>in his own twisted way (Bashir would not have listened if he'd told him
>outright). Then there's the fact that Cardassian's flirt by arguement and
>insults, and Garak's sexuality is, at best, up for grabs.
>>
Interesting. I think this is a very good point and you are probably
right. It must have been a combination of both, as you said.
>
>> But if you ask me, I am in favour of leaving Janeway
>> out of this. If you must, give her an extra book in which she fights
>> Section 31. I know, I am selfish, but I simply don`t like the Janeway we
>> met in the last seasons much.
>
>I say that if they're going to have any of the Voyager crew fight Section
>31, Tom Paris would be the best character choice to do this, not Janeway. I
>can see the Janeway of the last seasons *almost* fitting in with Section 31
>(Not meaning to offend anyone).
I don`t know if you have also read the Voyager book of the Section 31
series, "Shadow".
I am copying part of my comments I made then:
***
Janeway`s reaction was also in character. She often annoyed me with her
attitude towards rules and regulations, how much she idolizes at times
what Starfleet is about. This revelation must be painful and quite a
blow to her. That she intends to go after Section 31 after her return is
understandable and should this be a topic in Voyager Relaunch, it could
be very interesting to read.
And I couldn`t help to notice the irony that this story takes place
before "Equinox" in which she was IMO no less dangerous and
unpredictable than this S31 agent. I would even say, Janeway was worse.
At least this agent had a rational reason to kill Seven. Janeway was
completely irrational and if what happened in this book is supposedly
the excuse for that, I don`t accept it. According to the novelization
she even swept what happened under the carpet.
***
I really don`t see what motives Tom Paris would have to go after Section
31, what passion would drive him to do so.
>
>cheers,
>Blindwolf
>>
Baerbel Haddrell