In the current age of Star Trek, with new shows semingly being announced weekly, three smash-hit shows in Star Trek Discovery, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek Picard already thrilling audiences on Netflix and Amazon Prime and the hope for more movies joining in the fun, it’s impossible not to think back a quarter of a century to the last great era of Trek. Back in the ’90s, we had Star Trek: The Next Generation transferring to the big screen, while Star Trek: Voyager launched the nascent Paramount Network, and all the while the most underrated Trek of them all was quietly making Star Trek history. That show was Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and this lovingly crafted handbook delves into the nook, crannies, and self-sealing stem bolts of the former Terrok Nor, adding depth and detail to a show so rich it continues to reverberate right through to the present day.
As with many elements of Trek, DS9 has a rich in-universe history. Refitted from its former life as a Cardassian station, and the book opens detailing that refit, and its operational life serving the Federation on the frontier of the Demilitarized Zone between Cardassia and Bajor, home of the prophets and the tactically vital Bajoran Wormhole that led to the Gamma Quadrant on the opposite side of the galaxy. After detailing the station’s position and purpose, the book – deftly written by Eaglemoss stalwart Ben Robinson – then delves deep into the technical wonders of the station, from subspace relays, sensors, and transporter systems to areas of the station including Ops, the Promenade, the Infirmary, and Odo’s office. There’s even a look at the uniforms of the crew, changing as they did mid-show when Star Trek: First Contact arrived.
We also get a look at the key vehicles attached to the station including the workhorse Runabout and the experimental tough little ship that is the NX-74205, better known as the Defiant. That vessel saw proud service in a number of conflicts including battles against the Dominion in the Dominion Wars and fighting the Borg during the events of Star Trek: First Contact, but there’s far more here than dry statistical details. DS9 was a show with a huge heart, weaving disparate characters together in a seven-season tapestry that delighted fans for the run of the show and continues to, now screening on Netflix in the UK and delighting brand new Star Trek fans keen for fresh adventures.
It’s worth remembering that the much-missed Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas was largely based on Quarks Bar from DS9; what better way to enter and enjoy the Star Trek galaxy than via DS9 and its rogues gallery of characters, and thanks to the Deep Space Nine Illustrated Handbook, that location is closer than ever.
Out now from Hero Collector Books
