crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is looking forward to a little exploration when the enigmatic Q informs them that the universe is at stake if they don't unravel the mystery of a strange planet in this Star Trek: The Next Generation novel.

Nearly two decades ago, Jean-Luc Picard took command of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, knowing it was an honor without equal.

On her first mission, the Enterprise was sent to Farpoint Station for a simple, straightforward investigation. Perfect for a crew that had never served together. Then there was Q; an omnipotent lifeform that seemed bent on placing obstacle after obstacle in the ship's--and in particular in Picard's--way. And it hadn't ended with that first mission. When he was least expected, Q would appear. Pushing, prodding, testing. At times needling captain and crew with seemingly silly, pointless, and maddening trifles. Then it would turn all too serious, and the survival of Picard's crew was in Q's hands.

Why was it today that Picard was remembering the day he took command of the Enterprise-D? Now he commanded a new ship, the Enterprise-E, with a different crew. But Picard couldn't shake the feeling that something all too familiar was going on. All too awful. All too Q.