The Final Reflection
A Star Trek novel that shaped Klingon culture.
John M. Ford's 1984 novel The Final Reflection, part of the Star Trek universe, introduced the Klingon language klingonaase prior to the official version. It also served as the basis for the Klingon content in the FASA Star Trek role-playing game sourcebooks.
Quick Facts
- Author
- John M. Ford
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Series
- Star Trek: TOS #16
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Publisher
- Pocket Books
- Released
- May 1984
- Format
- Print (Hardcover, Paperback)
Facts from the source article.
Plot
The novel depicts Klingon society's emphasis on battle-related games, including klin zha, a game similar to chess. The title refers to a move in the reflective variation, where both players take turns playing one set of pieces. Military strategy is the province of thought admirals, who hone skills in games with living pieces. The story involves an intergenerational conflict within the Klingon government between a faction wanting war with the Federation and one desiring accommodation. The Klingon ambassador and his associates play a secret role, revealed forty years later in a tell-all book read by Captain James T. Kirk in the framing story.
Influence
Eric Burns suggested that Ford's positive portrayal of Klingons as honorable by their own lights influenced later canonical depictions, paving the way for honor-driven Klingons like Worf. The Next Generation novel A Singular Destiny includes The Final Reflection in a list of Klingon literature. The 2017 series Star Trek: Discovery canonized the Black Fleet element from the novel in its premiere episode. Season 2 of Star Trek: Picard canonized the main character when the USS Rustazh, named after Krenn sutai-Rustazh, appeared. Actor Kenneth Mitchell read the novel to prepare for his role as the Klingon Kol in Discovery's first season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who published The Final Reflection?
The Final Reflection was published by Pocket Books.
How many pages is The Final Reflection?
The Final Reflection has 256 pages.
Which book follows The Final Reflection?
The Final Reflection is followed by Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
More in Novels Based on Star Trek: The Original Series
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