Star Trek 1259: One of a Kind

1259. One of a Kind

PUBLICATION: Star Trek: Early Voyages #9, Marvel Comics, October 1997

CREATORS: Ian Edginton and Dan Abnett (writers), Michael Collins and Greg Adams (artists)

STARDATE: 2361.6 (follows the last issue)

PLOT: Communications officer Nano is recalled to his homeworld after unexpected deaths throw the Lirin Unity out of balance. Having been bred as an envoy, he has trouble fitting into his society/shared racial consciousness however. While on Liria, the crew witnesses another death, caused by a primal pyrotechnic effect triggered by the fear of the unknown. Nano convinces his people that they should accept the Federation's help and send for a science vessel to study the situation. He will return to the Enterprise, but return regularly to share what he has experienced, hopefully getting the Lirins used to what's "out there".

CONTINUITY: None.

DIVERGENCES: See previous issues (stardates).

PANEL OF THE DAY - Not everyone wears a hat well.
REVIEW: Though One of a Kind suffers from the crew not fixing the Lirin problem by the end of the issue, that wasn't really its point. Liria is an interesting planet, both visually and story-wise, and its culture is well represented. Nano's unique place in that society (or outside of it) is likewise well thought out. As much a Mohindas story as it is about Nano, the conn officer gets a bit of action, and is also presented as Nano's best friend aboard ship. Her father was responsible for first contact with the Lirins, so his very existence is his responsibility, and hers. Ultimately, the story's too short. A second issue might have allowed the Enterprise crew to win the day without anti-climax, and would have permitted an even better look at Lirin society.