The First Virtue

Years before the USS Enterprise-D, a young Picard must prevent a war.

Summary

 * From the book jacket
 * ''An insidious plot for revenge has spanned several years in the life of Jean-Luc Picard, but how did this merciless vendetta get started? Like a double helix, curling back on itself, the final answer lies at the very beginning...


 * A series of terrorist attacks have heightened tensions between two alien races, bringing an entire sector to the brink of interplanetary war. While Picard, captain of the USS Stargazer, struggles to keep the peace, Lieutenant Commander Jack Crusher must team up with a Vulcan officer named Tuvok to uncover the hidden architect of the attacks, but the outcome of their quest would breed dire consequences for the future.

Prologue
Governor Gerrid Thul visits the Thallonian emperor, Tae Cwan. As a general, Thul had previously only entered the throne room during crowded gatherings, but now was invited alone. After being greeted by Cwan, handmaidens emerge and introduce Mella Cwan, sister of the emperor. Thul professes his admiration to the plain-looking woman, and asks for her hand in marriage, which Tae Cwan withholds. Tae Cwan states Thul, as a military man, is below royal standing, and is not trusted. Thul is insulted, but leaves in peace and vows to find a way to increase his standing, and power, in the Thallonian government.

Chapter One
Thul travels to a Reggana City tavern in commoner's clothes and hood.

Background Information

 * The sixth and final novel of the Double Helix series. It is actually a prequel rather than a finale.
 * The concept for the Double Helix series was devised by editor John J. Ordover and author Friedman.
 * Two versions of this book's cover exist, one shows Picard and Beverly Crusher, the other shows Crusher and Tuvok. Both versions are anomalous, as Crusher only appeared on two pages in this book.
 * The novel contained Chapter One of the serialized novel Starfleet: Year One.

Characters

 * Jean-Luc Picard : Captain of the USS Stargazer.
 * Jack Crusher : Lieutenant Commander under Picard's command, second officer of Stargazer.
 * Tuvok : Ensign in Starfleet Security.
 * Gerrid Thul : Thallonian general.
 * Gilaad Ben Zoma
 * Peter "Pug" Joseph
 * Phigus Simenon
 * Beverly Crusher : Wife of Jack Crusher, junior medical officer.
 * Mendan Abbis
 * Tae Cwan
 * Mella Cwan
 * Karl Broadnax : Captain of the Wyoming.
 * M'ketwa : Stargazer lieutenant.
 * Cabrini : Stargazer lieutenant.
 * Moore : Stargazer ensign.
 * Kirby : Stargazer ensign.
 * Philip Terrance : Space captain who made the first survey of Zebros IV.
 * Possibly named for South Park'' characters Philip and Terrance.

External link


The First Virtue