Jeff Ayers' "Star Trek" fiction favorites

"Federation," by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (originally published in hardcover, November 1994): A skillful combination of original "Star Trek" and "Next Generation" narratives, flawlessly interwoven by the respected husband-wife team now writing "Trek" novels with William Shatner.

"Q-Squared," by Peter David (originally published in hardcover, July 1994): The most prolific of all "Star Trek" authors wreaks playful havoc by teaming "The Next Generation's" omnipotent villain "Q" with Trelane, an equally popular villain from the original series episode "The Squire of Gothos."

"Imzadi," by Peter David (originally published in hardcover, August 1992): Another best-seller from David, exploring the "NextGen" romance between "Enterprise" Cmdr. William Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi. A huge hit with fans, especially women.

"Prime Directive," by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (originally published in hardcover, September 1990): An original "Star Trek" epic in which Capt. Kirk violates Starfleet's cardinal rule of planetary non-interference, with disastrous results for his primary crew.

"Articles of the Federation," by Keith R.A. DeCandido (published in paperback, June 2005): The most recent of Ayers' favorites, this follow-up to DeCandido's 2004 novel "A Time for War, A Time for Peace" focuses on the first year in office of Nan Bacco, female President of the United Federation of Planets.

Jeff Shannon, Special to The Times