Jean Lorrah

Jean Lorrah's novels have a loyal following, but her many fans are unaware that she’s also written short stories. Here are all her best tales collected in one volume. The author provides a lively introduction, telling how she became first a science fiction fan and then a writer. She provides hints for aspiring writers, and shows the pitfalls in a writer's life.The theme of these seven stories is the power of the word -- a truly magical power that can be used for good or for evil. From outer space to the inner city, the characters in these tales of fantasy and science fiction all exhibit verve, flair, and the willingness to take responsibility for their own actions.Great reading from a great writer!

Kirk and McCoy accompany Spock to the Vulcan Academy Hospital, seeking experimental treatment for a badly wounded Enterprise crew member. Spock's mother is also a patient in the hospital, and Kirk soon becomes involved in the complex drama of Spock's family... Suddenly, patients are dying, and Kirk suspects the unthinkable—murder on Vulcan! But can he convince the Vulcans that something as illogical as murder is possible? Until the killer is caught, everyone is in danger!

Treva—a Human colony on the fringes of known space. Isolated from the rest of the galaxy, at last a report they were on the verge of becoming a true interstellar community—a full fledged member of the Federation. But now the USS Enterprise has received a distress signal. Treva is in the throes of a violent revolution, a revolution led by a merciless warlord who has committed countless atrocities in the name of freedom. Data and Lieutenant Tasha Yar are dispatched to investigate. But once they reach Treva, they discover the truth—and any possible solution—may be far more complex than a simple rebellion. For Treva's president wants more than Starfleet's good words in her fight against the rebels. She wants their weapons. And before the battle is over, she means to get them. Over Data and Yar's dead bodies, if necessary.

It's an all-new crew -- an all-new starship -- but the same Star Trek magic that has thrilled audiences for almost twenty-five years! Now join Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the men and women of the starship Enterprise for their most challenging, exciting mission yet... Metamorphosis In the bestselling tradition of Spock's World and Enterprise: The First Adventure, comes another epic Star Trek adventure -- a sweeping saga of transformation and tragedy. Unexplained gravitational disturbances summon the Enterprise to the planet Elysia, and the android Lieutenant Commander Data to a date with destiny. For on this alien world, he will be drawn into an impossible quest, leading him to consequences both heartwarming and disastrous, as he finally dares to pursue his fondest desire: to become human.

IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. More than just a simple credo, for those of the planet Vulcan it is the cornerstone of their philosophy. Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is being put to its sternest test. For here, on a planet where Vulcan, Human, Klingon, and countless other races live and work side by side, a deadly plague has sprung up. A plague whose origins are somehow rooted in the concept of IDIC itself. A plague that threatens to tear down that centuries-old maxim and replace it with an even older concept: Interstellar war.

In Alaska, PI Kate Shugak, who has always shied from tribal politics, is forced to become involved by a murder. The victim is a native councillor attending a conference on oil exploration of native lands.