The DS9 segment of the dark and disturbing Section 31 novels is Abyss, set a few months after the end of the TV show"s run. Julian Bashir is once again approached to work for Section 31, who want him to recover the work of a genetically enhanced scientist who has betrayed them. Dr Locken was sent to Sindorin, a remote planet in the Badlands, to breed Jem"Hadar soldiers to serve Section 31, but instead he has made them loyal to himself. Bashir agrees to go on the mission, despite his hatred of everything the covert operations organisation stands for, because he doesn"t want all genetically enhanced humans to be seen as potential megalomaniacal Khans. Accompanied by Ezri Dax, Ro Laren and a Jem"Hadar called Taran"atar, who was sent by Odo to serve Kira, Bashir sets off for the Badlands. On Sindorin, Bashir and Ezri are captured and taken to Locken"s labs. Ro and Taran"atar are stranded in the forest surrounded by Locken"s Jem"Hadar and try to fight their way into the labs with the help of the local humanoid inhabitants. Locken himself is a mad scientist of the old school, charming and mysterious which, as Ezri points out, has always been a combination to intrigue Bashir, and the two men have several very civilised conversations as Locken tries to win Bashir over with persuasive arguments in favour of genetic engineering. The combination of argument and action make for a good, thoughtful read. This is a strong instalment in a very enjoyable quartet of books. --Elizabeth Sourbut