The Final Nexus by Gene DeWeese (Star Trek #43, December 1988)

Gravitational turbulence begins to appear across the galaxy, of the type encountered before by the Enterprise (Chain of Attack, ST #32) that led to the discovery of a "gate" to another part of the galaxy, or perhaps even another galaxy entirely. These gates seems to be associated with an abject, irrational fear on the part of people near the openings when they spontaneously appear. The Enterprise is diverted to investigate.

The Enterprise also encounters the fear-causing presence, and the paranoia it brings. Mr. Spock feels the presence in his mind, and comes to the conclusion that it belongs to a sentient entity. But just how, or why, it causes this fear is unknown. One thing is sure: these gates will have to be controlled, before one opens up in an inhabited area.

Gene DeWeese writes a sequel to his earlier novel in his second Star Trek novel outing. DeWeese had also written the second book of the Next Generation novel series, released not long before. DeWeese is a rather prolific author, in genres from science fiction to mystery to romance, often with a pseudonym, but his stuff is usually just workmanlike, not often inspired. He's sort of a generic writer. The story is engaging enough, and DeWeese writes short chapters that often end in cliffhangers (at least in Nexus) to keep the pages turning, but there is little or no inspiration here. No flow or sweep to the writing, just words on a page.

As is often the case, Spock becomes a deux ex machina in the story. Spock is easily the most featured character, and in fact the story resolution is impossible without him. The other characters make appearences, and nice things are said about Captain Kirk, for one, but we don't get to read about them doing much of anything. The other featured character is Commander Ansfield, a fiftyish woman and first officer of another ship who becomes a key in the plot, but for most of the book she simply stands around and has little to do. Most of her part could easily have been given to Dr. McCoy without losing anything. Ansfield is apparently based on a friend of DeWeese, and even her name is used.

The book does introduce two alien species of some interest, but there is little to be learned about either here. They seem simply to function as part of the plot, and have no other existence or use outside of the book itself. As with his previous book, I am simply not impressed.