“My name,” the man said, “is Altek Dans.”
• • •
Kira existed in a realm she could not characterize. Time did not seem to elapse—or perhaps it all elapsed at once: past, present, and future blending together the way colors did, into a perfect white. She waited to discover what new path the Prophets had laid out for her. Somehow, she knew that she was leaving the Celestial Temple.
All of a sudden, a flash of white light surrounded her for an instant, then released her. She saw coils of green luminescence twisting around her, and then those too faded. She looked around. She seemed to be on a transporter platform of some sort, in what appeared to be a cargo bay. She didn’t recognize—
Kira’s gaze came to rest on a figure standing across the compartment from her. She blinked, thinking that she might have mistaken his identity, but when her eyelids rose, he still stood there—he stood there alive, even though he had died years earlier. But it’s him, Kira thought. Not a double, not a mirror-universe version, not a reanimated corpse, not an illusion or phantasm of any kind. She knew it was him.
“Taran’atar,” she said.
Acknowledgments
I always feel it most appropriate to begin by acknowledging the people without whom a particular novel would never even have existed. In the case of Revelation and Dust, that means Margaret Clark and Ed Schlesinger. Seeking to publish a Star Trek “event” in 2013, they approached me and several other writers with an idea for a five-book series that we would ultimately entitle The Fall. For the trust they demonstrated in me, for the opportunity they afforded me, and for their professionalism from beginning to end, I thank Margaret and Ed. I am fortunate indeed to have such skilled editors in my corner.
It has been a great boon—and quite humbling—to be included in a lineup that features exceptionally good writers: Una McCormack, David Mack, James Swallow, and Dayton Ward. The process of working with such fine novelists could not have been more satisfying. Each of them brought great creativity and ability to our project, and the works they have produced are of the highest caliber. They also all proved to be wonderful collaborators, selflessly doing everything they could to ensure that the details of our individual stories meshed to produce five single novels that, when taken together, form a cohesive, overarching story. I thank each of them.
I am also grateful for the cover art depicting the new Deep Space 9. My entreaties to my editors that we should offer readers a visual rendering of the new starbase did not fall on deaf ears. On the contrary, they enlisted the efforts of Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Doug Drexler to create the cover art, and Doug in turn called upon fellow artists and modelers Andrew J. Probert and Douglas Graves to construct a digital version of the station. I am indebted to all three men for their head-turning efforts.
As is sometimes the case when penning a Star Trek work, I found myself reaching for details of the literary Trek universe not quite at my fingertips. On several occasions, I turned to Keith R. A. DeCandido with questions, and he graciously provided me the answers I needed. Thanks, Keith.
On a personal level, thanks to Kirsten Beyer and her wonderful family for their friendship. Well known to Star Trek readers for her popular Voyager novels, Kirsten is a talented writer and a good friend. I’ve enjoyed our many conversations over lunch—sharing stories and perspectives on the whole process of committing a Trek novel to paper—as well as our family dinners.
Over the course of the past year, I have been privileged to witness the inspiring journey taken by Lauren Ragan. Showing determination, courage, compassion, strength, and growth, all in remarkable measure, she provides a stirring example of what it means to take charge of your life. It has been a pleasure to spend time with Lauren; her son, Haydon Bartels; and her parents, Diane Ragan and David Ragan.
Meanwhile, Colleen Ragan continues to be a compelling figure in my world. Bright, warm, funny, and loving, she is a force of nature. Colleen considers herself the Qveen of All She Surveys, and I count myself as one of her fortunate subjects.
Patriarch of the clan, Walter Ragan also plays an important role in my life. A good man and a good friend, he always leads by example. I could not ask for a more honest, loving, and supportive father figure.
Thanks as well to Anita Smith, a stalwart supporter year after year. Kind, hardworking but quick to joke and laugh, and so loving, she has for decades been half of one of the most inspiring couples I have ever known. We have enjoyed many adventures together, and I look forward to many more.
I also want to thank Jennifer George, my sister, who each and every day makes me the proudest of brothers. “CJ” has accomplished so much in so many different ways: academically, professionally, athletically, artistically, and personally. My little sister has grown into a woman easy to love and admire.
I am likewise grateful to have Patricia Walenista in my life—and for more reasons than the simple fact of my existence. She has given me so much through the years—some of it by example, some of it by intention, some of it directly. She has helped me lead the happy life that I do. I could not have done any of it without her.
Finally, thanks to Karen Ragan-George, a constant source of laughter and joy, of honor and love. She is bright enough to be the sun in my days, and inspiring enough to be the stars in my night. If I owe the universe anything at all, it is for the rhythms of existence that first brought Karen into my life; after that, I owe everything to Karen herself.
About the Author
You have reached the end of Revelation and Dust, but David R. George III will be back . . . in the lost era!
You can contact David at facebook.com/DRGIII, and you can follow him on Twitter @DavidRGeorgeIII.
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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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Cover design by Alan Dingman
Cover art by Doug Drexler
ISBN 978-1-4767-2217-7
ISBN 978-1-4767-2230-6 (ebook)
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Star Trek: The Fall: Revelation and Dust Page 34