This book deals with some of the Orientalist weirdness Keiko has in her TNG appearances, saying she comes from a planet settled by ultraconservative Japanese nationalists (and, presumably, has chosen to leave that life behind...but still is shaped by it.) It makes me think about writing fanfic in which there's a MURRICA planet. I found the crew to be pleasingly in character. And again, actual extreme differences in viewpoint and culture are dealt with. A solid and very enjoyable outing.

Good addition to STTNG. It develops the character of Keiko in addition to providing a unique new race for the Enterprise crew to encounter ( )

The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid being with an extreme devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise™ are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of Ambassadors.

When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly. They invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate an unprovoked attack on the ship, Now Picard must unravel the aliens' mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise.