Peter Schweighofer - Tales from the New Republic

Tales from the New Republic

Edited by Peter Schweighofer

In recent months, the scope of the Star Wars universe has expanded beyond our wildest dreams. Episode I: The Phantom Menace has given us a detailed view of the Star Wars galaxy decades before the adventures of Han, Luke, and Leia. But the era in which those heroes fought and lived remains as popular as ever, and the adventures in this collection chronicle other heroes of that same erawhen the Empire still cast an ominous shadow upon the galaxy and the New Republic struggled to maintain order and justice. The exciting stories contained in this anthology feature some of those heroes from the era of the fledgling New Republic; some of the adventures make their debut in this book.

For six months in 1998 I served as the editor of the now-defunct Official Star Wars Adventure Journal , a position previously held by Peter Schweighofer, editor of Star Wars: Tales from the Empire and co-editor of this volume. During my short tenure at the Journal s helm, I was fortunate enough to review work from several of the most popular Star Wars authors. In fact, the very first draft I received my first morning in the office was Timothy Zahns Jade Solitaire, a new story featuring Mara Jade that introduced characters later seen in Vision of the Future .

For this book, our assignment was the relatively simplebut excruciatingtask of deciding which stories we would choose from the scores under consideration: some previously published under Peters direction and some from my turn as the Journal s editor. Those appearing in this anthology represent the finest Star Wars short fiction; they are a diverse group, set in a variety of locales and starring a wide range of characters.

More people than I could list deserve thanks for assistance along the way. Chief among them are the authorswho naturally did all of the hard work and deserve the creditand Pete, my predecessor. Pete welcomed me aboard the West End staff and not only provided me with a strong example, but also became a good friend. His diligent attention to detail and solid work ethic gave me the steady platform from which an even stronger Star Wars Adventure Journal would have been launched. Though those issues never came to be, I thank him for his faith in me and for the opportunity to join him in editing this anthology.

Thanks also go to Pat LoBrutto for leading the way, and our former West End associates for their input, advice, and encouragement. My wife Karrie has supported me in every endeavor and has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. My parents, my brothers Billy and Doug, and the infamous Gotham Highlanders have always been there for me and have supported my pursuits throughout the years.

And thanks finally to all the Star Wars fans whose support of the Journal and subsequent anthologies has meant a great deal to us both.

Craig Carey, March 1999

Inspiration and support comes from many sources.

Numerous talented authors, a fine co-editor, and many supportive friends deserve commendations for their work in Star Wars: Tales from the New Republic . As an editor, I helped channel others inspiration and ideas, honing their storytelling skills so they could share these Star Wars tales with you. Craig and I enjoyed working with all the authors; each earned their place within these pages.

When West End Games hired Craig Carey to run the Official Star Wars Adventure Journal in January 1998, he brought his professional attitude, boundless enthusiasm, and a positive spirit, all of which I admire. After editing the Journal for four years myself, I was pleasantly surprised how well Craig learned all aspects of the job. He provided a firm hand, guiding these stories to their final form. I consider Craig a far better Journal editor than I ever was. It has been a pleasure working with him. As circumstances dictated, West End Games never published any of his work. Im proud to finally see it here.

Many others deserve special thanks for Tales from the New Republic . Patrick LoBrutto and Evelyn Cainto at Bantam Spectra provided invaluable guidance and assistance through the logistics of producing this anthology. Timothy Zahn, Michael A. Stackpole, Jean Rabe, John Whitman, and Richard Hawran offered their constant encouragement and friendship. Numerous dark side and light side friends (and those in between) helped bolster my spirits when things seemed rough. Denise Clarkstons warmth, kindness, and late-night chats helped put everything in perspective. My family provided firm support and love, as they always have throughout my life, no matter what endeavors I undertook.

Thanks to Lucy Autrey Wilson and Allan Kausch for their official guidance at Lucasfilm. And, of course, George Lucas deserves special thanks for creating movies which inspired us yesterday, excite us today, and will enthrall us in years to come.

Peter Schweighofer, March 1999

Senator Bel Iblis?

Garm Bel Iblis looked up from his datapad, frowning with the subtle tension of prespeech jitters. The man standing in the doorway was the assistant director at the Treitamma Political Center, charged with the responsibility of smoothing any obstacles that might impede the firm step and stalwart tread of an exalted member of the Imperial Senate.

Or so the gentleman had gravely explained upon Bel Ibliss arrival this afternoon. Clearly the Anchoron reputation for flowery speech and genteel decorum had found a focal point here at the Treitamma.

Which was going to make the bluntness of his speech tonight all the more shocking. The dark truth about Emperor Palpatine and his secret agenda for his newly established Empire

He shook his head briefly in annoyance. Assistant Director Graskt was still waiting patiently, and here he was letting his mind drift. It showed just how seriously this speechand the situation it representedhad taken over his every waking thought. Yes, AsDir Graskt, what is it? he asked.

A gentleman from your staff has just arrived from Coruscant, Graskt said, stepping forward and holding out a datacard. He asked me to deliver this to you right away.

Thank you, Bel Iblis said, the hairs on the back of his neck tingling as he reached across the desk and took the datacard. Sena would never send a package to him without making sure the courier had his private comlink frequency. The fact that there had been no calls concerning any such arrivals

He slid the datacard into his datapad. There was nothing on it but a single line: Meet me at the northeast exit. Urgent. Aach.

Will there be a return message, Senator? Graskt asked.

No, thats all right, Bel Iblis said, long experience in the political arena enabling him to keep the sudden tension out of his voice and face. Aach was the code name of a special messenger from Bail Organa, a messenger the Alderaanian viceroy used only for top-level Rebel Alliance business.

Would you like to speak with the gentleman? Graskt persisted. I asked him to wait at the main entrance.

That wont be necessary, Bel Iblis said. The last thing he could afford was for the two of them to be seen in public together. Besides, Aach had undoubtedly slipped away by now for their more private meeting. Ill have plenty of time to see him after my speech.

Then the message does not in fact bespeak a crisis? Graskt asked.

Bel Iblis felt the skin around his eyes crinkle as his eyes narrowed slightly. For someone who had struck him as having taken a double helping of the traditional Anchoroni politeness, Graskt was suddenly being uncharacteristically nosy.