“Crisis On Centaurus” by Brad Ferguson was published in the mid-eighties and after another read through, it shows its age in weird ways. The flashlights Spock and his landing party carry are referred to by their brand name, the hotel Kirk stays the night in is a Hilton, and later on, supplies are procured from a Sears Roebuck. When I first read this as a kid, I wouldn’t have blinked an eye. Nearly forty years later, they stick out like sore thumbs.
Nitpicking aside, “Crisis” is a fun if uneven ride. It starts off with a bang (literally), struggles its way through some politics, then finally picks up the pace as it barrels towards the end. In flashback sequences, the reader is treated to Jim and Leonard’s first introduction. This was primarily the reason I kept it. (That and the lovely descriptions of the interior of Jim’s rustic cabin.) Meeting Joanna McCoy was certainly a bonus. I can’t help but feel like there was an opportunity wasted though. Joanna is given only a few brief moments, heartwarming though they may be. Her first encounter with Jim as a child and then later on her reunion with her father. It seems like in some respects she was only added to the story to give Leonard a vested interest in the state of the planet, much like the author tied Kirk to the planet with the existence of Garrovick Valley.
What Ferguson did right: Kirk and Spock are fairly accurately portrayed, Jim a little over the top and Spock with all his elegance. All the characters have an important part to play (with one or two notable exceptions). Sam Cogley makes a reappearance and provides a fun running commentary opposite his former client. Jim gets to chill in his chair with an old book. The Enterprise saves the day.
What Ferguson could have done better: More of the McCoys, please.
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