Trek to Madworld

Trek to Madworld is one of the original Star Trek novels set in the universe of the original Star Trek television series. It was authored by Nebula Award finalist Stephen Goldin, with introduction by Star Trek author David Gerrold (writer of the popular Star Trek episode "The Trouble With Tribbles"). It was first published by Bantam Books (ISBN 0-553-24676-3) in January 1979 (copyright 1978) and has been described as "Star Trek meets Willy Wonka."

Plot summary

The Starship Enterprise receives orders to proceed at maximum warp to Epsilon Delta IV, where 700 colonists are slowly perishing due to radiation poisoning. The journey is interrupted when Enowil, an eccentric being of incredible power, seizes control of the Enterprise, in addition to a Klingon and Romulan star cruiser. Enowil, requesting aid from all three parties in resolving a purported “private matter,” offers any reward within the scope of his power. Captain Kirk is thus faced with a dilemma: If he opts to decline, both the Romulans and Klingons have the opportunity to acquire a potentially unstoppable weapon, which would disrupt the galactic balance of power. Yet if he chooses to accept, the abandoned 700 colonists on Epsilon Delta IV will most certainly succumb to an agonizing and protracted death.

Sources

• http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/~curtdan/Novels/Novels_x.html