|
|
"I don't see the harm in allowing these aliens to make formal contact with our world. As you say this is a historic moment. The first time a Cardassian has set foot on Bajor."
In 2318 Bajor was a prosperous, wealthy, isolationist space faring culture. Resource rich with colonies, space flight and limited contact with alien races. It revelled in its ancient culture, prosperity and bounty. So when the resource poor Cardassian Union makes diplomatic overtures, the opportunity is viewed with cautious optimism by some, trepidation by others and with calculating greed by a few.
What begins as a short visit becomes a 10 year stay as the Cardassian presence grows slowly but surly. Some Bajorans seeing what is coming flee. Others see it as a chance to become rich. Others try to go on with normal lives. But one day in 2328, the Cardassians make it official Bajor is under Cardassian occupation. It has happened so slowly and surely the occupation, the downfall of the Bajoran government and the decline of their civilization seems inevitable.
And so it begins the Occupation that will one day lead to the resistance, the construction of space station Terok Nor, the withdrawal, the coming of the Emissary, Terok Nor becoming Deep Space Nine, the discovery of the wormhole, the Dominion War and the decimation of Cardassia. All those events are set in motion in this book.
'Day of the Vipers' is a good account of an undocumented part of Trek history. Told from both Cardassian and Bajoran perspectives, it features a young Dukat and other characters who would go on to be important later. Dukat is young, ambitious and patriotic. In 'Day of the Vipers', it is shown how events shape him into what he will become.
There is a brief appearance by Starfleet, which explains why the UFP never got involved in the Occupation. But this book centres not on Starfleet types but on Cardassian and Bajoran characters and how their personal, religious and political conflict will shape the course of two worlds. This conflict between the seemingly incompatible Bajoran and Cardassian mindsets breeds resentment and hate on both sides. Also intriguing hints about a possible connection between the Bajoran's Prophets and Cardassia's suppressed Oralian Way religion are laid before us.
This well written tale of religion, politics, spies, treachery and tragedy is a good start to the 'Terok Nor' trilogy. The story continues in 'Night of the Wolves 2345 - 2357'
Recommended.
P-Con VI March 27th/28th/29th 2009
 |
 |
bravenet.com