Simon & Schuster Audio, out now

Seven of Nine and Raffi are drawn closer together as they battle a Romulan warlord.

In this new audio spinoff, written exclusively for audio by Picard’s co-creator, writer and producer Kirsten Beyer and Star Trek stalwart Mike Johnson, we get to explore the blossoming relationship between Seven and Raffi, as touched upon at the end of Season 1.

Clearly the shipmates have moved along a step in their affections, and the opening section of this full-cast drama focuses on the sort of conversations that one has when filling in their lover on the gaps in their past. It feels authentic to the characters, and it’s fun discovering the new facets of Picard’s Seven as opposed to the Borg-like Seven in Voyager.

Things are interrupted by Hiro, a Fenris Ranger with an aversion to the universal translator and subsequently has a fine line in malapropisms. We discover that a belligerent Romulan (aren’t they all?) is planning to destroy a planet, and Seven has a vested interest in one of its occupants.

While this drama doesn’t feel like it’s essential listening before embarking on Season 2, the time spent in expanding our knowledge of the Fenris Rangers and Seffi (hey, Doctor Who has Thasmin) means that it’s time well spent. One also suspects that moments set up at the end will be explored further in the show’s sophomore year.

Verdict: Original cast members delivering a finely tuned script by writers who live and love Star Trek – what better way to ease yourself into Picard? 9/10

Nick Joy

Click here for our interview with the play’s director