Interview with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack.

Legacy isn't reserved for heroes. Some characters leave a mark not through their nobility, but through the incredible shadow they cast. Few exemplify this better than Khan Noonien Singh. Decades after his first appearance, Khan continues to shape the Star Trek universe - his presence echoing through generations of stories, creators, and fans alike. His legacy raises a fascinating question: what happens when a villain becomes just as iconic, just as influential, as the heroes they oppose?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt speak with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. They talk about the writing process, casting and recording, making it sound like Star Trek, allegory, the mind of a villain, and much more!

Feature: Kirsten Beyer and David Mack
Genesis of Khan Podcast (02:58)
Writing for Audio (05:29)
Collaboration (06:47)
Nick's Vision (07:41)
Late Night Episode Breaks (09:50)
Podcast vs Audiobook (12:00)
Production Involvement (14:40)
Nick's Vision (again) and Canon (15:56)
Sounds Like Star Trek, Sounds Like Khan (17:00)
Recording and Casting Marla (19:46)
Allegory and Villains (21:23)
Just Trying to Tell a Good Story (28:30)
A Contained Narrative (33:09)
Give Us More Stories! (33:58)
Wrap-up (36:11)
Closing (38:59)

Hosts
Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt

Guest
Kirsten Beyer and David Mack

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

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In 1997, Pocket Books began releasing novels in a new series - one not based on a Star Trek television series. The brainchild of then-editor John J. Ordover and author Peter David, Star Trek: New Frontier was a way to have a series of novels with its own continuity, independent of the shows still on the air. Spanning over 20 novels, numerous short stories, and even some graphic novels, the series lasted until 2015.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss 2001's Cold Wars, the sixth book in the Gateways saga. We discuss the New Frontier series and characters, the overall plot, growing up too fast, a clean ending, and more!

In the news, we talk about a new coffee table book and discuss the Star Trek: Defiant comic arc, No Old Warriors.

News
New Books (00:02:41)
Comic review (00:05:17)

Feature: Cold Wars
New Frontier (00:11:24)
Post-Coital Opening (00:14:43)
The Characters (00:15:16)
The Plot (00:19:39)
The Mystery of "Smyt" (00:24:27)
A Holo Ruse (00:26:36)
She Had to Grow Up Very Fast (00:29:53)
A Little Too Clean (00:34:15)
The Gateways (00:38:44)
Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:11)

Hosts
Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: No Man's Land.

At one time, Christie Golden was the preeminent author in the Star Trek: Voyager novel line with 13 of her 16 Star Trek stories being with the crew of Voyager. In fact, even Kirsten Beyer hasn't surpassed Golden's contributions to the series.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss No Man's Land. Topics include characterizations, Janeway-Chakotay shipping, Seven instigating a slave uprising, not one but two murder mysteries, and, oh yeah, the gateways. Plus, we ask a very important question: What happens to Fluffy?

In our comics discussion, we talk about IDW's Star Trek issues 25-30, When the Walls Fell (not to be confused with the Tamarian legend of Shaka).

News
Star Trek 25-30 (00:04:12)

Feature: No Man's Land
Classic Voyager (00:16:55)
Gateway Issues (00:21:43)
Continuity (00:24:30)
Something Fun (00:27:59)
Meat of the Story (00:31:33)
The Weirdest Part (00:35:46)
What Holds it Back (00:37:05)
Seven’s Story (00:40:41)
Arkathi (00:44:20)
Ratings (00:51:14)
Final Thoughts (00:53:54)

Hosts
Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

Production
Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)