Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The Orb 117: A Flash in the Pan Love Affair
Natima Lang. We focus on the Cardassian professor and dissident who appeared in the second-season episode “Profit and Loss,” and how she influenced Quark and Garak.
The Orb 116: Untitled Bashir
"Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" Commentary. We discuss what happens to the rule of law when nations go to war, as Bashir is once again tapped by Section 31.
Literary Treks 197: You've Been Macked
Enigma Tales: Una McCormack. We discuss the plot, the characters, some historical touchstones that the story parallels, enigma tales, the state of Dr. Bashir, and wrap up with Una's upcoming projects and where you can find her online.
The Orb 115: Kind of Like a Jazzcat
Music and DS9. We take a look at the show’s music, why Star Trek rarely uses pop, why jazz fits the series so well, and what it could be like if today’s artists replaced the jazz.
The Orb 114: Life Is Way Bigger Than 140 Characters
Past Tense, Part II. We conclude our look at this two-part story, discussing how B.C., Vin, and Sisko reflect the realities of our society, anger vs. reason, and more.
The Orb 113: Path through Hell
Past Tense, Part I. In Star Trek’s 2024, America has tucked away undesirables in Sanctuary Districts. We dive into the first part of this glimpse at the humanity’s difficult road to Gene’s future.
Literary Treks 186: Tragedy in Every Sense of the Word
Control: David Mack. We talk about Control's origins, the surveillance state, a chapter written in computer code, the power behind Section 31, Data and Lal, Sarina Douglas, what's next for the Federation, future Trek novel hints, and upcoming convention appearances by David Mack.
Literary Treks 183: Morn's Little French Beret
The Long Mirage: David R. George III. We discuss the characters, Vic Fontaine, Quark's relationships, Ro's choices, Sisko's absence, tying the Vic Fontaine and Morn stories together, faith and belief, and the meaning of the title.
Literary Treks 181: Mas Marko? Mas Polo!
The Siege. We discuss DS9 season one, the characters, violence, a possible Babylon 5 connection, Bashir's actions, and the story's villain.
The Orb 112: The Goodmiral
Remembering Barry Jenner. In only 12 episodes, Admiral William Ross turned the tide of the war through firm yet thoughtful interactions. We remember the man who brought the character to life.
The Orb 111: Temporal Bluetooth
The Orb of Time. This mystical object offered DS9’s writers a unique way to facilitate time travel; yet they only used it twice. We explore the reasons, how it works, and imagine new stories.
The Orb 110: Sleeping with the Enemy
Kira Meru. When her mother was ripped away to serve as a comfort woman aboard Terok Nor, Nerys’s life changed forever. We discuss the shocking truth revealed in “Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night.”