The novel includes the first occurrence of given names for the characters Hikaru Sulu and Nyota Uhura, each of which were later made canon.

While en route to the penal colony, Mordreaux appears on the bridge, injures Braithwaite, and shoots Kirk and Security Chief Mandala Flynn.

The disoriented Braithwaite later sees the two terminate the life support that was maintaining Kirk's brain-dead body, causing him to suspect Spock and McCoy of a conspiracy plot.

The realization by the younger scientist that he would rather die than face the consequences, leads him to destroy his device and his research.

Robert Greenberger, the Editor at Starlog Press with responsibility for the Star Trek franchise, reviewed the novel favorably, calling it "captivating reading" and praising the characterization and the "scientific emphasis".