Book 8

Starfall

by Brad Strickland

Published 1 October 1995
Jean-Luc Picard has failed his entrance exam to Starfleet AcademyTM. Now all his plans for the future are gone, and he must make the best of his life in his parents' vineyard. Pressure from his father to become more involved in the family business and the constant fighting with his older brother, Robert, make this life difficult. Jean-Luc's best friend, Louis, tries to cheer him up with an exciting trip, but the future captain's dream of the stars still haunts him.

A chance to re-apply to the Academy arises and Jean-Luc must use all his skills to pass the challenging tests. But the greatest risk he faces is the wrath of his father.


Book 9

Nova Command

by Brad Strickland

Published 1 January 1995
Cadet Jean-Luc Picard is struggling through his first year at the Academy. He's near the top of his classes, right behind Roger Wells. Jean-Luc is determined to do everything better and bigger than Roger. But privately he has doubts. And the lack of communciation from home only reminds him of how badly he left things with his father.

Then Jean-Luc and his friend, Marta, discover they've been selected to fly with the Nova Command team, a special training mission through the solar system. Jean-Luc tries to ignore the presence of Roger, but the pressure builds between the two cadets. When the mission leader falls ill and the ship receives a distress call, Jean-Luc and the other cadets must decide whether to obey orders or attempt a rescue as the ship heads for disaster.