Ever wanted to park yourself in Captain Sulu's seat aboard the U.S.S. Excelsior? Fans of the Original Series and of Hikaru Sulu can rejoice at the prospect of a new Excelsior adventure from Pocket Books. Not only does a potentially dangerous but strangely beautiful race return to rock Captain Sulu's world, but he also has to contend with the headstrong and athletic Ensign Hardaway, taking the young, impressionable and raw recruit on a journey of discovery that will change him forever.

"The Metrons Cometh," by first-time Trek novelist Rod Scepter, features the return of the Original Series race of delicate but godlike beings the Metrons. This strange, pallid race first came to Sulu's attention when they forced Captain Kirk to fight the Gorn in the classic episode "Arena." In this new and exciting novel, one of the Excelsior's probes ventures into a sensitive area of subspace and a whole new world appears. Captain Sulu literally finds himself up against the wall as the powerful but secretive Metrons appear. Intrigued that Humans have exposed their home but wary of what comes next, the Metrons seize control of the ship's systems, taking firm control, despite Sulu's pleas for a gentle approach. As the Metrons deliberate, Sulu finds himself pressed between the Metrons and young Ensign Hardaway, a brash new crew member with a penchant for speaking before thinking.

"The Metrons Cometh" combines explosive action with penetrating insight and vice versa. Coming soon in hardcover, softcover shortly therafter.

SAMPLE CHAPTER

"Slow down, Ensign Hardaway, not so fast!" bellowed Captain Hikaru Sulu, sweat rolling down his neck, "You don't want to finish right away, son. It's not all about the destination, it's about the journey as well."

"Not a chance, Captain," said Ensign Hardaway, thrusting forward, "I've been waiting for this for a long time!" And at that moment, Hardaway's point found its mark on Sulu's chest and it was over. The two men stayed frozen in position for a moment, and their heavy breathing was the only sound in the Excelsior Rec Room until Sulu dropped his rapier to the floor, pulling his fencing mask off.

"Well, despite your rough edges, young man, that was magnificent. All I'll say is you're not on a clock — you can take your time."

Hardaway shrugged and rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I got what I wanted done. Now I want a sandwich." And with that, he strode out of the Rec Room without a glance back at his superior officer. Watching Hardaway's back, Sulu smirked to himself and thought, "That one's going to be trouble. Next time I won't hold back, I'll really let him have it ... "

His brief reverie was interrupted by the sudden blaring of the Red Alert klaxon, followed by the husky voice of Science Office Valtrane. "All hands, battle stations, all hands, Captain to the Bridge!"

Sulu sighed and started for the door, saying to no one in particular, "I'm coming, I'm coming!"

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