The Battle of Betazed · StarBase 118 PBEM RPG

Reviewed by: Lt Commander Alana Devar

The Battle of Betazed, by Charlotte Douglas and Susan Kearney
Published by Pocket Books, copyright 2002.
$6.99-US
$9.99-Can. I always wondered what had become of Betazed. It wasn’t really mentioned in any canon source, so I decided to pick up this book and see what happened… at least from a literary standpoint. This book narrates events on Betazed from approximately two months after the DS9 episode, Tears of the Prophets, until a few months before the movie, Insurrection.

The Dominion has invaded and is on the verge of conquering the Federation planet, Betazed. Destruction is widespread, both for the planet and its people. Cardassia, of course, is assisting in this destruction and is constructing a orbital base. There are few Betazoids willing to take the initiative to fight back, as most are venturing in the hills and rainforests to evade the terror. However, it will only be but a matter of time before the whole planet falls under Dominion rule.

The news travels fast to Starfleet, which vows to protect the people of Betazed. A Betazoid by the name of Sark Enaren risks his life to tell them pieces of vital information… he actually escapes through the blockade and presents the Fleet with this knowledge. However, as cruel fate would have it… well…

There is a plan, though, involving an hysterical and frightened Deanna Troi. This plan involves a Betazoid criminal, by the name of Hent Tevren, a psychological mess but a holder of key information of how to wield the telepathic energy for the means of killing. This was used in ancient Betazed, but with centuries of calming and peaceful notions, the Betazoid people became impervious to such malevolent notions. Will this ‘last hope’ in a criminal help Deanna begin the retaking of Betazed? Will they awaken such a forceful nature in a such a peaceful race?

Read and find out!

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