Oblivion
Oblivion is a Star Trek: Stargazer novel – the fourth novel in the series – written by Michael Jan Friedman. Published by Pocket Books, it was first released in .

Summary 
From the book jacket
In 1893 a time-traveling Jean-Luc Picard encountered a long-lived alien named Guinan, who was posing as a Human to learn Earth's customs. During this "first encounter," Picard saved Guinan's life, a favor she would never forget.

Five centuries later, Captain Picard, now commander of the Starship Enterprise, brought Guinan aboard as the ship's bartender. The hope was that her wisdom and inner peace would provide a moral grounding for Picard's crew as they experienced the dangers of space.

Because he hadn't yet made his trip through time, Picard had no knowledge of his nineteenth-century meeting with Guinan.

But he did remember a different first encounter with the mysterious El-Aurian – a tumultuous adventure in which Picard and Guinan would risk their lives in a maze of interplanetary intrigue, with the future of the known universe at stake.

This is the story of that fateful meeting, and of a Guinan very different from the woman we think we know – a person wracked by pain and longing, shaken to the roots of her soul.

A Guinan who yearns for oblivion.

Memorable quotes 
She stared at Picard a moment longer, as if caught in some strange kind of inertia. Then, in a voice as weary and defeated as her eyes, she said, "You've got hair."
It was a bizarre observation, to say the least. "Apparently so," he responded.
The woman's eyes narrowed. "You don't remember…?" Her voice fell like a wounded bird.
The captain looked at her. "Remember what?"
Her brow puckered. "No," she said with something like resignation. "Of course you don't."

Background information 
 In the episode  Guinan tells Ro Laren that "a very long time ago I got into some serious trouble too, and I mean serious, and I'd probably still be there, if I hadn't trusted one man." This book explains what Picard did to help Guinan, and explains much of the backstory for their friendship.
 During their mission, Picard and Guinan encounter a younger Enabran Tain, who shall go on to become the father of Elim Garak, a prominent recurring character in .

Characters 
Jean-Luc Picard  Captain of the 
Guinan
Gilaad Ben Zoma  First officer of the Stargazer
Cole Paris  Ensign on the Stargazer; brother to Owen Paris
Enabran Tain  Prominent member of the Obsidian Order on Cardassia

References 
  A  vessel under the command of Captain Picard
El-Aurian
Yridian
Klingon
Orion
Tellarite
Oblivion  An orbital city

External link 
 

Novels