story, Charlene even integrated source material about the Maelstrom and
the starliner that originally appeared in the game adventure. The
story provides a nice bridge between short fiction and previously
published game material.
Most Journal authors concentrate on one area: source material, game
adventures, or short stories. Tony Russo
covered all the bases.
His source articles have taken readers to Sevarcos, a world of Imperial
prisons and swash-buckling spice lords, introduced them to an elite
mercenary commando team, and explored the tyrannical holdings of the
Pentastar Alignment. In his adventure, players had to try to free a
frontier colony from the iron grasp of a crime lord. His story "Blaze
of Glory" successfully combined the excitement and character
interaction of a game adventure with source material about a commando
team, all in the form of a short story.
Erin Endom, who practices and teaches pediatric emergency medicine,
merged her medical knowledge and the drama of her job in a Journal
story. "Do No Harm" is a good example of how new fiction can focus on
and explore facets of the Star Wars universe otherwise glimpsed just
offscreen. While many stories focus on Rebel commandos making
desperate raids against Imperial forces, few contemplate the emotions
of normally peaceful people who injure and kill others in battle. By
demonstrating the conflict within a combat medic charged with saving
lives, Erin brought a different perspective to the war between the
Empire and the Rebel Alliance.
Angela Phillips also provided a new perspective on the Star Wars
universe with her story "Slaying Dragons." Her young heroine, Shannon,
has ambitions similar to characters in the Star Wars films--to rise
from humble beginnings and make a difference in the galaxy. Her story
is notable for its merging of the medieval theme of dragon slaying and
the movie mystique of the noble Jedi Knights.
Laurie Burns started by using her experience as a newspaper reporter in
her Journal story "Kella Rand Reporting."
By the time she submitted "Retreat from Coruscant," she had moved on to
integrating her characters into the more significant events in the Star
Wars chronology.
She chose to involve her independent courier in the New Republic's
flight from Coruscant that occurred just before events in Dark Horse
Comics' Dark Empire series.
In writing, Laurie did her homework--while fitting
her fiction into existing continuity, she included appearances by Garm Bel Iblis, Mara
Jade, and Colonel Jak Bremen, characters Timothy Zahn created in his
Star Wars trilogy.
That is perhaps one of the most exciting parts of working on the
Journal: expanding the breadth of the Star Wars universe. Since it's a
licensed publication, all the material becomes an official part of the
continuity. Where else could a kid with a wild imagination and dreams
of writing science fiction create stories based on the most popular
films of all time? Stories that unfold in a galaxy where two bantering
droids deliver plans for an Imperial super-weapon, where a scoundrel
smuggler becomes a selfless hero, and where a simple moisture farmer is
transformed into the last Jedi Knight.
This anthology is the culmination of four years of adventure.
Like the throne-room scene at the end of Star Wars, it is certainly not
the end of the saga, only a momentary triumph before we return to
work.
As Journal editor, I do not stand alone; I've been blessed to work with
some very talented individuals from across the Star Wars licensing
universe. Like any epic adventure, we meet important people along the
way who help us achieve our goals. The Journal owes a lot to those
heroes working behind the scenes. West End's Richard Hawran, Jeff
Kent, and Daniel Scott Palter have provided support and much-needed
encouragement as the Journal grew from an idea to an illustrated,
288-page quarterly magazine. None of this would have been possible
without the imaginative vision and perseverance of George Lucas.
Lucasfilm's Sue Rostoni helped guide the Journal's initial format and
content, while Allan Kausch continued his meticulous patrol over
continuity and quality. Timothy Zahn, Kathy Tyers, and Michael A.
Stackpole have delighted readers (and editors) with stories in which
they return to the characters and galaxy they love.
Up-and-coming authors have contributed stories that expand the Star
Wars galaxy's scope and still live up to Lucasfilm's standards of
excellence.
The Journal has been a place where writers can realize their Star Wars
dreams. These authors have risen from their humble beginnings to make
a difference--however small in the grand scope of the Star Wars
universe in the galaxy far, far away they love so much. They all have
stories to tell, tales that began as playful musings and imaginative
romps through George Lucas's Star Wars playground.
You're about to read some.
First Contact by Timothy Zahn With a last sizzle of jittering
repulsorlifts, the space yacht Uwana Buyer settled down into the
landing field that had been hacked out of the Varonat jungle.
"What a fine, civilized-looking place this is," Quelev Tapper
commented, peering out the cockpit canopy. "You sure we didn't
overshoot and land in someone's weed dump?"
Talon Karrde looked out at the pale yellow trees encircling the field
and the thirty or so dilapidated buildings
nestled in beneath them.
"No, this is it," he assured his lieutenant. "The Great Jungle of
Varonat. Home of a handful of third-rate trading depots and a few
thousand colonists who haven't the brains to pick up and go
elsewhere."
"And an ugly Krish named Gamgalon," Tapper said. "I don't know,
Karrde. I still think we should have brought in the Wild Karrde and
Starry Ice and had some decent firepower behind us. We're kind of like
sitting mynocks here."
"We're here to observe, not make trouble," Karrde reminded him, popping
his restraints and standing up.
"Gamgalon wouldn't be bothering with these private Morodin-hunting
safaris if there wasn't some big profit involved. I just want to know
what he's up to, and whether we can carve a piece of it off for
ourselves."
"All the more reason to have backup along," Tapper grumbled, checking
the draw of his blaster as he followed Karrde to the hatchway aft.
"But you're the boss."
"How very true. You ready?"
Tapper took a deep breath, exhaled it noisily. "Let's do it."
Karrde punched the control and the hatchway slid up into the hull.
Sniffing at the exotic aromas, he and Tapper walked down the ramp and
headed across the field toward a building with a faded Port Facilities
sign hanging on it.
They were no more than halfway there when two men lounging beside
another of the buildings peeled themselves away from their wall and
moved casually to intercept the newcomers. "Howdy," one of them said
&
nbsp; as they got within earshot. "Welcome to Tropis-on-Varonat. Here for
the sights?"
"That's very amusing," Karrde complimented him.
"No, we're here for the hyperdrive mechanic we very much hope you
have."
"Ah," the other said, glancing back at the Uwana Buyer.
"Yeah, I'm not surprised. The flashier the hull, the more crumbish
the innards."
"Save the colorful language for the tourists," Tapper growled.
"You have a hyperdrive mechanic here or don't you?"
The other eyed him a moment, then turned back to Karrde. "Your
friend's a little short on manners," he said.
"He makes up for it in ability," Karrde said, pulling a handful of
high-denomination coins from his pocket and sorting ostentatiously
through them. "And in the understanding of schedules. We have some
highly important business waiting for us on Svivren."
"Sure, I understand," the other said. "No offense, ah--?"
"Syndic Pandis Hart of the Sif-Uwana Council," Karrde identified
himself. "This is my pilot, Captain Seoul." He chose one of the
coins, held it up. "And we're rather in a hurry."
"Hey, no problem," the man grinned, jerking a thumb toward the port
facilities building as he deftly took the coin from Karrde's hand.
"Buzzy, go tell 'em they've got a customer. Rush job."
His companion nodded silently and loped off toward the building.
"Name's Fleck, Syndic," the man continued.
"Offhand, I'd say you're going to be stuck here for a few days.
Got any plans?"
Karrde glanced pointedly around. "Would there be any plans worth
having?"
"Matter of fact, there would," Fleck said. "Fellow here runs a pretty
neat safari out into the jungle--got a trip heading out first thing
tomorrow morning, in fact. Ever hear of Morodins?"
"I don't think so," Karrde said. "Big game?"
"The biggest," Fleck assured him. "Giant lizard-slug things, ten to
twenty meters long. Make great wall or hallway trophies." His lip
twitched sardonically. "They're not too fast or mean, either. Good
way for a beginner to start."
"That's comforting to hear." Karrde looked at Tapper.
"What do you think, Seoul?"
"Doesn't sound too dangerous, sir," Tapper said with just the right
note of concern. "I trust you wouldn't be going alone?"
"Naw, there's four other hunters signed up," Fleck said. "And the boss
always takes a couple of escorts along as guards. Safe as in a
snuggy."
"I'd still recommend I accompany you, sir," Tapper persisted. "I used
to be pretty good with a BlasTech A280."
"Let's find out first how much it costs to be as safe as in a snuggy,"
Karrde said dryly.
"Hardly anything," Fleck sniffed. "Not to a gentleman of your means.
Only twelve thousand each."
Karrde smiled. "A man of means doesn't stay there by throwing money
away. Fifteen thousand for the both of US."
Fleck grinned. "Hard bargainer, huh? Make it twenty."
"Experienced businessman," Karrde corrected. "Make it seventeen."
The other's forehead wrinkled, then cleared. "All right.
Seventeen it is."
"Very good," Karrde said. "When do we leave?"
"Five-half tomorrow morning," Fleck said. "Just be here I'll tell the
boss you're coming. Don't forget to bring the seventeen." He pointed
across the field. "You can get outfitted over at that building over
there, and get a room for the night in the hotel next door. It's, uh,
nicer inside than it looks."
"One would hope so," Karrde agreed. "I trust no one will be offended
if we pass on the accommodations. The outfitters will know what
equipment we'll need?"
"Sure," Fleck nodded. "Like I said, the boss runs these safaris all
the time."
"Very good," Karrde said. "Come, Seoul, let's go see what they have to
offer."
Varonat's sun was beginning to settle down behind the jungle by the
time Karrde and Tapper finally made it back to the Uwana Buyer with
their purchases. "I hope we gave them enough time," Tapper commented
as they climbed up the ramp.
"I'm sure we did," Karrde said. "It doesn't take long for a
professional to search a ship this size. And I'm not expecting
Gamgalon to be employing amateurs."
Abruptly, Tapper touched Karrde's arm. "Maybe he is," he said,
dropping his voice.
Karrde frowned. Then he heard it: a muffled clank from the aft section
of the ship. "Should we take a look?"
Tapper murmured.
"It would look suspicious if we didn't," Karrde said, grimacing.
If this whole thing fell apart through the incompetence of Gamgalon's
own people . . . "Nice and easy."
Moving quietly, they headed down the central corridor to the engine
room, hearing another clank as they reached the door. Karrde caught
Tapper's eye, nodded.
The other nodded back, lowering his bundles to the deck and getting a
grip on his blaster. Karrde touched the release, and the door slid
open-The woman sitting on the floor beside the open access panel was
young and attractive, with a cascade of red-gold hair tied back out of
the way behind her head. Her face was calm and controlled as she
looked up at their abrupt entrance; beneath her jumpsuit, her figure
was slim and athletic and nicely formed.
And in her hands were a hydrospanner and one of the power flux
connectors from the Uwana Buyer's hyper-drive.
"Can I help you?" she asked coolly.
"I think you already are," Karrde said, the brief moment of surprise
passing into relief. Gamgalon's searchers had not, in fact, fouled
up.
"I take it you're the hyper-drive mechanic."
"Cleverly deduced," she said. "Celina Marniss. You have any
problems?"
"Only with the hyperdrive," Karrde said. "Why, were you expecting me
to?"
Celina shrugged, returning her attention to the power flux connector.
"I've known some men in my day who didn't think a woman could be
decorative and competent at the same time."
"Personally, that's my favorite combination," Karrde told her.
She favored him with a look that was slightly amused, slightly
strained-patient. "So you're Syndic Hart. Buzzy was most impressed
with you."
"I'm ever so pleased," Karrde said. "I won't ask which way he was
impressed." He nodded at the access opening.
"Any idea yet what's wrong?"
"Well, for starters, your flux connectors are all about four degrees
out of sync," Celina said, hefting the one in her hand. "They have to
have been ignored for a long time to drift that far off."
"I see," Karrde said, his favorable first impression of this woman
moving up another notch. Chin had assured him that the flux connector
gimmicking would take an average hyperdrive mechanic at least a day to
find. "I'll have to speak to my maintenance man."
"Personally, I'd fire him," Celina said. "I'll get these readjusted,
then we can see what else is wrong."
"Good," Karrde said. "As Buzzy may have mentioned, we're in something
of a hurry."
/>
"Funny way to go about it," she said, nodding toward the packages in
the corridor behind them. "Gamgalon's safaris usually take upwards of
four days."
"It's been my experience that a failed hyperdrive normally takes at
least six to ten days to fix," Karrde said.
"Possibly another reason to fire your mechanic," Celina grunted.
"I'm guessing I can do it in two or three."
"What makes you think we're going on a safari?" Tapper asked
suspiciously.
"The packages, for a start," Celina told him. "Besides, you're
obviously well-off, and you talked to Fleck. He's Gamgalon's chief
come-up flector-does his job pretty well." She shrugged, turning her
attention back to the flux connector. "Besides, what else is there to
do around here?"
"Cleverly deduced," Karrde said. "You're wrong about my personal
wealth, though. I'm merely chief purchasing agent for the Sif-Uwana
Council."
"I'd call that a marginal distinction," Celina commented.
Tales From The Empire Page 3
