How Much for Just the Planet?
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Science fiction literature |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | John M. Ford |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
How Much for Just the Planet? is a 1987 science fiction novel authored by American writer John M. Ford, set within the Star Trek universe.
Plot
The discovery of substantial dilithium reserves on a remote colony world triggers negotiations between representatives of the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire over mining privileges. Although tensions rise, direct hostilities are averted through intervention by the "Organian Lightbulbs," an allusion to the original series' Organians. The world of Direidi and its inhabitants exhibit peculiar behavior, often bursting into song or seemingly launching attacks against visitors. Both the Federation and Klingon crews, alongside the Federation exploration team that originally located the planet, encounter numerous trials orchestrated by the local population. Ultimately, these experiences unveil "Plan C"—Comedy—intended to foster collaboration rather than resource exploitation.
Klingons
The depiction of Klingons in this narrative draws from the cultural and historical framework Ford established in his prior novel The Final Reflection, presenting a contrast to later television interpretations. Ford integrates elements from Marc Okrand's canonical Klingonese with his own constructed Klingonaase dialect.
U.S.S. Smith
The USS Jefferson Randolph Smith (NCC-29407) is a Sulek-class Federation prospector vessel under the command of Captain Tatyana Trofimov. Its namesake is nineteenth-century con artist Jefferson Randolph Smith, better known as Soapy Smith.
Writers appearing as characters
Several actual authors are featured as characters (tuckerizations) within the story:
- Princess DeeDee the First: Diane Duane
- Pete Blackwood: Peter Morwood
- Ilen the Magian: Neil Gaiman
- Pam: Pamela Dean
- Janeka: Janet Kagan
- Lieutenant "Ann" (minor role, belowdecks): Ann Crispin
- The Stage Manager: John M. Ford
Reception
In Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer No. 84, reviewer J. Michael Caparula commented on How Much for Just the Planet?, stating that although "the conclusion is quite foreseeable, readers are too entertained by that point to mind." He described it as lighthearted reading on the more humorous side of Star Trek, arguably its most enjoyable aspect.
Reviews
- Don D'Ammassa reviewed it in 1988 in Science Fiction Chronicle, #101 February 1988
- Ken Lake provided a review in 1988 for Paperback Inferno, #75
- Glen Engel-Cox offered commentary in 1998 through First Impressions, Installment Forty-One
- Graham Sleight reviewed it in April 2012 for Locus, #615