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Kathedrale (Mission Gamma, #3)

(Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Mission Gamma #3)

Michael A. Martin,

Andy Mangels,

Christian Humberg (Übersetzer)

3.88 · Rating details · 698 ratings · 34 reviews

Peace talks test the morality and resolve of two longtime enemies, the Bajorans and the Cardassians. But when politics and diplomacy fail, a strange alliance of alien religions offers unexpected hope for lasting peace.

Meanwhile, a mysterious ancient artifact challenges the crew of the Defiant by 'restoring' crewmembers who have survived life-altering transformations, prop

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Paperback, 376 pages

Published June 2011 by Amigo Grafik (cross cult) (first published October 2002)

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Start your review of Kathedrale (Mission Gamma, #3) (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, #8.07)

Aug 09, 2015 Crystal Bensley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I cannot believe how awesome the DS9 relaunch has been! Ends on a cliffhanger but wow the two stories in this novel are both great!

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Nov 22, 2018 Erica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek-deep-space-nine

"Regarding the alien object," Bashir continued, looking in Ezri's direction as he spoke, "all we really know is that an intelligent and perhaps extinct species built it more than five hundred million years ago for some purpose which remains obscure. We also know that this structure possesses certain higher-dimensional characteristics that we don't fully understand. We really don't have any other information - except for the alien text file we downloaded from one of the thing's internal comput

"Regarding the alien object," Bashir continued, looking in Ezri's direction as he spoke, "all we really know is that an intelligent and perhaps extinct species built it more than five hundred million years ago for some purpose which remains obscure. We also know that this structure possesses certain higher-dimensional characteristics that we don't fully understand. We really don't have any other information - except for the alien text file we downloaded from one of the thing's internal computers."

3 1/2 stars. I really liked this novel. I mean, just the mention of other dimensions and parallel universes and things like that gets me going. I would even go so far as to say that it is one of my favorite sub genres within science fiction.

In the beginning of the novel Julian, Ezri and Nog, during an away mission on the shuttle Sagan, discover this mysterious cathedral that's only partially visible from their dimension. This becomes vital when they're later on starting to change in ways that will change their lives into something that might be who they would have been in an alternate reality. Into who they might have been had their lives taken a different direction. Which is a part of parallel universes that I really enjoy exploring and reminds me a little bit of novels like Dark Matter and Echoes, although this novel is also very different if you consider the cathedral and the consequences for the away team. But still.

The aliens we meet in the middle of all of this are interesting. Interesting and different. Think insectoids and some communications difficulties. For one, the Defiant crew can't make out if what they're saying is cathedral or anathema. Which kind of makes a huge difference.

Back home in the Alpha Quadrant there's not exactly a lack of things going on either. Bajor joining the Federation is coming up, for one. What I found the most interesting, though, was Vedek Yevir and this search for truth of his that kind of started off a little bit in the last novel. I think I could say that I got to see him in another light here, and not "just" as that Vedek who was a big part in getting Kira Attainted.

We also have the Ohalu that many Bajorans have started to believe in and who takes up more and more space in what's going on. I enjoyed reading about how this part of the Bajoran faith is in comparison to the more orthodox beliefs. One thing that's interesting concerning this is how Bajor for such a long time has ever really had one mainstream faith, which albeit not everyone believes in, and now we have this new faction within it that's taking off. It's not like with the Pah Wraith cult that a few believed in, but here we have a larger group of people joining and even Vedeks, too. As I'm sure I've mentioned in previous reviews, I enjoy the spiritual part of DS9, so I have a soft spot for these kind of stories and I'm looking forward to see where all of this is going. ...more

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Sep 20, 2017 Adam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Andy Mangels and Michael Martin pair up for the third installment in DS9's relaunch series quartet, "Mission Gamma". Cathedral carries on directly from the events of Book 2 as Shar is left to deal with the effects of Thriss' suicide... thankfully, Cathedral is Andorian Drama Lite, instead tackling everything from arguments of faith vs science to deadly political machinations.

As the Defiant approaches the half-way point of its Gamma Quadrant expedition, Vaughn and the crew encounter two warring s Andy Mangels and Michael Martin pair up for the third installment in DS9's relaunch series quartet, "Mission Gamma". Cathedral carries on directly from the events of Book 2 as Shar is left to deal with the effects of Thriss' suicide... thankfully, Cathedral is Andorian Drama Lite, instead tackling everything from arguments of faith vs science to deadly political machinations.

As the Defiant approaches the half-way point of its Gamma Quadrant expedition, Vaughn and the crew encounter two warring species: the Nyazen and the D'Naali. Right in the center of their feud: a mysterious trans-dimensional construct known both as the "Cathedral" and the "Anathema", depending on which translation you pick. After the Cathedral causes Bashir, Nog and Ezri all to undergo life-threatening medical "reversions", the crew must race to unlock its secrets. Meanwhile, as Bajor prepares for the Federation entry signing ceremony, religious and political upheaval cause chaos.

Finally. A book in this series where I wasn't constantly waiting to get back to the Alpha Quadrant parts to discover the latest installment of political swordplay. The Gamma Quadrant's plotline involving the Cathedral is both gripping and emotionally wrought. What a unique prospect: a device which "tumbles" through dimensions, only ever giving its audience a glimpse of its full extent. The authors have truly come up with a clever concept here, and despite its use as a plot catalyst to "unravel" our away team, I loved the mystery and intrigue it served to generate. Likewise, our D'Naali visitor Sacajawea is enigmatic and alien enough to keep me guessing as to his intentions through most of the novel.

Despite the intriguing aliens and mysterious trans-dimensional constructs, the GQ plot is essentially a character study. Bashir’s descent into normalcy is both tragic and fascinating, although the authors' attempts to cloud this in some mystery early on in the book don't completely succeed. I couldn't help but be touched at some of the scenes, especially as a Dax-less Ezri must console Julian while still allowing him his dignity, despite his clearly fragile state. I almost felt as if I was reading about a person with Alzheimers or Dementia as they struggle to hold on to their core selves. The final revelation, that Julian could still have lived a very fulfilled life as the non-genetically enhanced Jules is both poignant and awfully sad. Here's a boy who, through no fault of his own, has been pushed into undergoing genetic resequencing to be "better". However when all is considered, what does better actually mean? It's a brave question for the authors to ask and I really enjoyed the ethical implications that were thrown up in its wake.

Likewise with Ezri. This is the second book in a row where we've had huge amounts of backstory and development layered over the Ezri character - and it REALLY works. Early on in the relaunch series I lamented about Ezri being a somewhat annoying add on to Bashir. How things have changed. Her uncertainty is no longer an annoyance; if anything, it's an asset. Such self-reflection and soul searching is something that most of us rarely get the opportunity to do, yet Ezri plunges to the depths of her very being to determine what it means to be Dax. This is a character who is finally arriving at peace with herself: she's not perfect, she's still unsure, but that's OK. And I have to say I enjoyed the result. There's also a nice throwback to "The Lives of Dax" where we were introduced to a malicious species similar to the Trill symbionts, and I'm hopeful that this will be picked up in future novels.

Back to the Alpha Quadrant. I did enjoy the widening schism between different religious factions on Bajor and how it impacts the Kira character. She's been thrust center stage in one of her peoples' most profound religious crises in living memory, and things are clearly coming to a boil. While the followers of Ohalu may seem benign, their beliefs are clearly a threat for Bajor's orthodoxy. Yet right now, I'm led to side with their cause: they are happy to champion the rights of Kira to worship the Prophets and have her attainder removed, despite the fact that it goes against their beliefs. True enlightenment? The verdict is still out on that.

Yevir is a confusing piece of this puzzle. After previously showing traits of the previous Kai, Winn Adami, he's almost done a complete 180 this time around, courting favour with the Cardassian Oralian Way (a nice hark back to "A Stitch in Time") to spur on peace between the two species after political talks stalled. I'm still trying to figure out where on the spectrum of good vs evil he stands, if there even is such a thing in this new intriguing (Bajoran) world order.

I can't sign off on this review without mentioning the two shocking departures at the end. Joseph Sisko, in the space of one of the shortest chapters of the book, becomes a truly tragic figure. Mourning the loss of both son and grandson, his character is reintroduced only to presumably meet a desperately sad end. Unnecessary? Perhaps. At this point I'm really not sure where the relaunch is going with any of the Sisko family line.

And Shakaar. Not completely unexpected... although I'm left wondering what on Earth is going on with that silver box he is often hinted at concealing. Am I imagining things? I was assuming that the writers have something bigger planned for his character, although after the final act I'm not so sure...

All in all, a terrific read, and while not perfect, I'm inclined to award five stars for the sheer technical brilliance with which both plots are executed. ...more

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Feb 20, 2020 Jim Fulner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Cathedral has been the best of the "Mission Gamma" Mini-Series inside the DS9 Relaunch. returnreturnFor the first time in the series the portion of the story that actually takes place in the gamma quadrent is as interesting as what is happpening back on DS9. returnreturnThe Defiant send Bashir Nog and Ezri out to explore a new part of space in their shuttle craft. Nog somehow turns the subspace frequency into some annoying subtonal ferengi music. This ends up being important later in the story. ...more

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Jun 29, 2017 Jessica rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-star-trek

This one has my favorite Gamma quadrant plot so far -- a strange alien mystery and character-driven. The station plot was more like a bridge to set up the final book, but still full of intrigue as it is.

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Sep 21, 2017 Louisa rated it liked it · review of another edition

Meh. Compared with how the other two books so far in this series have been, this one wasn't that great. The solution to the problem the crew of the Defiant run into was abundantly obvious right from the get go. It did, however, end with a cliffhanger. I hope that the 4th book is better.

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Jan 26, 2018 William Sariego rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

A fine continuation of an amazing series. Far superior to most Star Trek novelizations. Looking forward to see how book four wraps this up.

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Feb 27, 2018 Annie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent

Highly recommended if you enjoy the world of Deep Space Nine. Beloved characters are alive and complicated in the novel.

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Mar 19, 2019 Yvette rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I’m reading all four parts. The first two books were good but dragged. This one moved along much easier.

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Oct 09, 2019 Shelby Lynne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: finished-interlibrary-loans

Was going to comment on (view spoiler) character assassination and then that happened.

3.5 stars ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Alvaro Zinos-Amaro rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2019

https://www.tor.com/2019/11/27/star-t... ...more

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Aug 31, 2015 Tina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Honestly probably a 4.5 rather than just a 4...I really enjoyed this book! I loved the Gamma Quadrant story arc especially, but the Alpha Quadrant story was great, too...I didn't see the twist at the end of it coming!

One thing I loved about this book is every time I saw something (whether it be an event, or a bit of a character's introspection) and thought "But what about X?" a few paragraphs or a chapter later the books would bring up X. Most books leave loopholes or gaps in the logic that leav Honestly probably a 4.5 rather than just a 4...I really enjoyed this book! I loved the Gamma Quadrant story arc especially, but the Alpha Quadrant story was great, too...I didn't see the twist at the end of it coming!

One thing I loved about this book is every time I saw something (whether it be an event, or a bit of a character's introspection) and thought "But what about X?" a few paragraphs or a chapter later the books would bring up X. Most books leave loopholes or gaps in the logic that leave me struggling with suspension of disbelief and eye-rolling, but not this one. This book didn't fall into the habit some of the earlier ones did either, of giving misleading clues then doing a sort of deus ex machina reveal, which I was glad of. I find that sort of contrived shock value in a story tiresome...

All of the characterization here was perfect. I'm continually impressed by how well Vic's dialogue is written; I can really "hear" his voice through the books. I loved the scene between Nog and Shar; it really shows how their friendship is strengthening. It reminded me of the scene between Nog and Jake, on the show, when they're forced to split up for a station evacuation (one of my favorite moments from the series.) I like Vaugn's command style; I think him and Ezri mesh really well as a command team.

Julian has been kind of more in the background in recent books, but this book more than makes up for it. I feel like it gives a lot more insight into his character than Abyss did, too. I like the way it deals with his genetic enhancements; it neither belittles their effect on his life, nor makes them the sum total of his existence. I like the book's focus on his core character, and what makes him tick as a person, rather than defining him by what he can do. Overall, this is probably my favorite "Julian book" so far! I'd recommend it to any fan of the character. Also, I'm really interested to see what the long term effects of this plot will be on the other characters affected.

Back in the Alpha Quadrant, I'm really interested in what's going to happen with Ro, and Quark. Vedek Solis' speech regarding Kira was amazing, as was Vedek Yevin's speech near the end of the book.

My only real complaint in this book was the final scene on the Defiant's bridge. The conversation took a kind of weird turn. It was meant to philosophical, but came on too thick, I think, for my tastes anyway.

As usual for the relaunch books, the quality was great and I can't wait to read the next novel! ...more

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Jun 23, 2013 Andrew rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, star-trek, reviewed

This is the third entry of the Mission Gamma series, and it's not as good as the first two. The Gamma Quadrant story is pretty predictable - something strange happens to Bashir, Ezri, and Nog, and the solution is obvious from the beginning. In the end, everything is back to normal, and there is very little insight into the amazing object they interacted with.

Bashir, Ezri and Nog become introspective as they deal with this mystery, and their thoughts were somewhat interesting. But there are bett ...more

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May 04, 2012 Daniel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Deep Space Nine relaunch continues, both with story and quality. The book is effectively split between the Defiant's mission in the Gamma Quadrant (Mission Gamma) and what is happening back on the station. On the Gamma side, the story focuses on Ezri, Julian, and Nog after their contact with an alien artifact, a "Cathedral." This sets off a chain of events that places the Defiant between two religious sects that view the Cathedral either as something to revere or destroy. Back on the station ...more

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Apr 27, 2016 Julio rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 18, 2015 'Nathan Burgoine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The continuing saga of DS9 after the relaunch of the books in "Avatar," this quartet, called "Mission Gama," takes us even further into the future past the point of "What you Leave Behind."

Basically, the Defiant is on an exploratory mission into the Gamma Quadrant, and in its absence, the Federation is ready to grant Bajor membership status.

Things aren't that simple, of course, and the political tensions on Bajor clash with the theological issues brought up in Avatar, and Ro Laren faces an unc ...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Dan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ds9, star-trek

The writing team of Martin and Mangels maintains the high quality of this miniseries for the most part. As has been the case with the previous books, I was more engaged by the story happening on the station than the Gamma Quadrant portions. However, that story wasn't bad. The characters in this novel come across as real and dynamic rather than one-note villains or heroes. Also, as a special bonus, it was a treat to see the enigmatic Garak, even if only for a few short pages.

Overall, I would give ...more

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Jun 29, 2011 Derek Oberg rated it liked it · review of another edition

I liked this one okay. The mission in the Gamma Quadrant is beginning to grate on me. It's starting to smack a little too much of the tired old alien/guest star of the week format that the TV show fell into so easily and often in its early days.

That being said, the stuff happening on the station and Bajor is among some of the best that this DS9 relaunch series has had to offer yet. So, I'm definately invested in continuing on.

(It was great to see Elim Garak again, if only for about 3 pages.)

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Jul 01, 2014 SmokingMirror rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: for-cardassia

CARDASSIA WATCH:
Gul Macet provides the acceptable face of the Cardassian military orders throughout the book.

Some of the paintings of Tora Ziyal were displayed on DS9, but vandalized. If only Kira or Garak could have held them in keeping.

Garak rappels down some Obsidian Order ruins (from the Dominion War) and turns over a bunch of Orbs of the Prophets to Bajor, which seems to be in the midst of yet another nutty religious fad. Garak's wit and charm are not up to his best level, but forgivable a ...more

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Dec 27, 2016 Madeline rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: errol-flynn, novels, grief, library-books, quest, sff, 2016, yeah-i-read-star-trek-novels

This book was fine. I wish the Space MacGuffin had not been so much a MacGuffin, and I wish the book had given me more than three sentences of Garak (that really was cruel), but it was perfectly serviceable and enjoyable. Actually, the Space MacGuffin did provoke some fairly interesting soul searching, and I am really into the whole Jem'Hadar storyline these relaunch books have going on. Also, the plotline with Ziyal's pictures was very affecting - only sort of in the way a Karan Johar movie is, ...more

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Sep 03, 2017 Christina Farr-Thompson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 17, 2013 Angela rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek-ds9, science-fiction

The series continues with Bajor due to join the Federation. Meanwhile the Defiant comes across a strange space building that has profound effects on the crew. For once in this series the Defiant storyline is the better one. Full of character development and very memorable moments for some of the regulars. I actually found myself wanting the DS9 sequences to finish to read that storyline. A very good read.

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Jul 23, 2010 Tammy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, science-fiction, star-trek

Cathedral mostly focuses on Julian, Ezri, and Nog's encounter with an artifact, which causes them to 'regress' to previous physical states. Julian is no longer genetically enhanced. Ezri's body rejects Dax, and Nog regrows his leg. In the background, life goes on on DS9 with Bajor's entrance into the Federation.

Thus far, I like this book the most in the Mission Gamma series.

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Nov 03, 2014 Greg Molumby rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was much better than This Grey Spirit, but not quite on the level of Twilight. The Bajor stuff is reminding me a lot of Season 2 of DS9, especially the Circle Trilogy, which I loved so I'm really getting a kick out of what is happening here. As for the gamma quadrant, I think I'm ready for Vaughn and crew to finally return home.

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Oct 11, 2015 Robert Jenkins rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek

Overall I enjoyed this book. Nog was one of my favorite characters on the DS9 TV series, and this book gave him some well-done character development. The overall Gamma Quadrant narrative continues apace with a couple of new alien species, but the developments back on DS9 are much more interesting as we deal with fallout from the events of previous novels as well as some new twists.

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Mar 05, 2016 Mrsculpepper rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, trek

really interesting premise out in the gamma quadrant. a chance to get inside the heads of bashir, ezri, dax, and nog. the linguistics nerd in me enjoyed the translated speech of "Sacajawea ". and I'm really enjoying kira's religious development back on deep Space nine. can't wait to see what kind of business venture quark and ro have planned as well.

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Jan 19, 2011 Michael rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The entire DS9 relaunch (via novels) was fabulously done - especially the Mission Gamma series of four books. It was as if the beloved series had never ended . . . a real treat for anyone who loved the series and lamented its end. If you loved DS9, read the DS9 relaunch!

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Feb 11, 2012 Annie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sci-fi, star-trek, 2012, tie-in

I've always been a fan of Dr. Bashir and I always wondered how he would be without the genetic enhancement. That book really covered that for me. It had a great plot, was well written and fast paced. I really liked it.

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Jul 19, 2015 Jamie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Kira and Vaughn, especially Kira, and their development as top commanders are my favorite part. Secondarily, the contrast with Nog, Shar, Prynn, Bowers, and the other way junior officers at very different points in their lives. The actual dilemmas and plots are somewhat less compelling.

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Jul 30, 2011 Benjamin Plume rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: star-trek, sci-fi

Do what now? shocking and good.

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About Michael A. Martin

Michael A. Martin

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Michael A. Martin's solo short fiction has appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. He has also coauthored (with Andy Mangels) several Star Trek comics for Marvel and Wildstorm and numerous Star Trek novels and eBooks, including the USA Today bestseller Titan: Book One: Taking Wing; Titan: Book Two: The Red King; the Sy Fy Genre Award-winning Star Trek: Worlds of Deep Space 9 Book Tw ...more

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