This is a star trek novel featuring the original crew. When Captain Sulu and some of the other Excelsior officers are taken hostage by Beta Promethian pirates, the Federation's hands are tied as diplomacy is stalled, and the officers remain in captivity, facing iminent death. A retired Captain Kirk and some of the old Enterprise crew, as well as a beautiful young Academy graduate come to the rescue. Lots of typical Star trek adventures before the story line is resolved.