Foundations (Star Trek: S.C.E.) [Mass Market Paperback]

Dayton Ward (Author), Kevin Dilmore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 2004 | Series: Star Trek: S.C.E (Book 5)

In the twenty-fourth century, the USS da Vinci and its S.C.E. team led by Commander Sonya Gomez roam the galaxy, solving the technical problems of the universe in a state-of-the-art ship. But back in the twenty-third century, for the newly-formed Starfleet Corps of Engineers, things did not always run so smoothly...And on board the da Vinci, Captain Montgomery Scott recalls his younger days as the chief engineer of the legendary USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, and his encounters with a very different Corps of Engineers. From the edge of the Romulan Neutral Zone to the uncharted regions of deepest space, Scotty joins forces with a battered old vessel, the USS Lovell, to bring the S.C.E. into the future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Trek Nation A perfect opportunity to be introduced to a wonderful set of characters that fulfill a distinctive role and provide a fresh and unusual perspective on the Star Trek universe. -- Review

About the Author

Kevin Dilmore has been a contributor to Star Trek Communicator magazine since 1997. Teaming up with Dayton Ward, their several Star Trek novels include two of the popular Next Generation A Time To... series: A Time to Sow (0743482999) and A Time to Harvest (0743482980)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Star Trek (February 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743483006
• ISBN-13: 978-0743483001
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #946,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

If you're reading this, then chances are you've read one of my books or are considering doing so.

Or, maybe you just clicked on a link by mistake while on your way to something more interesting.

Doesn't matter. Welcome!

So...about me...yeah. Well, you see, it's like this:

When I'm not writing, I'm a software developer, having become a slave to Corporate America after spending eleven years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Why did I join the military? Pretty simple, really. I'd gotten tired of people telling me what to do all the time, and was looking for a change.

Whoops.

Though I've written a few short stories and novels on my own, I've written a lot more in collaboration with my friend and fellow author, Kevin Dilmore.

What types of stories do I like to write? Pretty much the same kind I like to read: Engaging plots with interesting characters. Whether I actually succeed in crafting stories which meet those criteria are for you to decide.

Though I was born and raised primarily in Tampa, Florida, fate and circumstances have seen to it that my wife and I now call Kansas City home. My wife spends a great deal of time and effort as a volunteer K-9 handler and search & rescue tech, training along with one of our dogs in order to assist law enforcement when searching for missing persons. As you can imagine, there are a few story ideas to be gleaned from that.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly Entertaining, April 8, 2004

By 

Jacqueline Bundy (Calabasas, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Foundations (Star Trek: S.C.E.) (Mass Market Paperback)

The first full-length Starfleet Corps of Engineers novel, "Foundations" is a story that offers something for any Star Trek fan that enjoys passing some time with a good book.

Set within a 24th century framing story that sees the crew of the USS da Vinci attempting a dramatic rescue of a runaway vessel, authors Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore take the reader back to three key S.C.E. missions set during the 23rd century in a tale that explores the origins and evolution of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers.

Utilizing flashbacks to tell a story certainly isn't original but it definitely works well in this instance. Each of the three flashback stories is a complete and interesting story on their own. Ward and Dilmore know how to engage your attention from the opening paragraph of a novel and spin a highly entertaining tale.

Originally released as an eBook trilogy in 2002, as a full-length novel Foundations is an even more effect story without the recapping needed when a story is broken down into individual parts. Well paced and carefully plotted, "Foundations" is mighty satisfying reading in a number of ways.

The 24th century framing story effectively sets up each jump back to the past while at the same time provides it's own interesting dilemma. Using the same characters, the crew of the USS Lovell, in each of the three flashbacks provides continuity and good flow to the overall narrative while at the same time allowing the reader to get to know and appreciate the characters, particularly Commander Mahmud al-Khaled. Al-Khaled, like the da Vinci's Commander Sonya Gomez, commands a crew of unique individuals you can't help but like.

Ward and Dilmore have a real knack for writing dialogue that very effectively brings the individual characters to life.

If you are not already a follower of this popular series, then give "Foundations" a try. It's a perfect opportunity to be introduced to a wonderful set of characters that fulfill a distinctive role and provide a fresh and unusual perspective to the Star Trek universe. Best of all, it's a fun read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Landru returns, March 19, 2004

By 

picardfan007 (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations (Star Trek: S.C.E.) (Mass Market Paperback)

In this e book series the spotlight is on Scotty and his early days forming the S.C.E. In this tale the Landru computer is reactivated and Scotty must solve the problem. With the help of his engineering friends of course. For all it's worth, it's a good story featuring Scotty as the star of the book. I'd like to see a seperate e book series featuring his early career after this one. Scotty's character can still work with modern readers.

I have to give this one five stars and hope it inspires the editors at Pocket books to publish more e books about the original series era with our favorite engineer.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First dose of SCE, March 22, 2004

By 

B. Everett "branicxerosea" (Pacifc Northwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Foundations (Star Trek: S.C.E.) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was my first dip in the Starfleet Corps of Engineer world and I have to say I will be swimming again with the crew of the `USS da Vinci.' This is basically three stories that of the initial crew of the SCE and a much younger Scotty.

I enjoyed seeing the aftermath of the reckless Captain Kirk as he explored the galaxy. The problems he created and the SCE had to clean up, seemed very realistic and creative. Each adventure felt complete and help extend the adventures of the original Enterprise.

Since this was my first step into the SCE, I felt partially at a loss and out of touch with some characters. The book was great and I will be picking up more adventures with the SCE crew.