THE OFFICIAL For use with Star Wars: The Roleplaying Gamee Brian Daley Inspired Fans WHAT IS THE FUTURE OIN FOR As an unashamed child ofthe 1970s, one ofthe pivotal exper cd i Od ae dc tae NaN SEV ANS eo coi rere: MOVIES IN THE WORKS? sere An wh when the credits rolled, | wanted go back and see it mentioned in passing that a new book about # released in a couple of months. For weeks, | pestered my parents t located ain stomping grounds, Every day | asked with the new Han Solo book out yet? Is it My parents were always remarkably patieaidenbDookseae THE SEC Se ee ST AR. ET i) we. X-Wing, Black Fleet Sequels On The Wa a fe eer© New Horizons ‘The glant clty.-world from Whose massive towers the Imperial High Command directs the war, Coruscant is the evil heart ofa battered and reeling Empire. The Rebels will invade this mighty citadel in a daring move to bring the Empire to its knees. But first Wedge Antilles and his Xing pilots must infiltrate Coruscant to gain vital intelli ‘gence information. Capture means death, or worse — ‘enslavement by the vicious leader known as “Iceheart,” Ysanne Isard, now Emperor in all but name. And. ‘one of Rogue Squadron's own is already her slave, a traitor hidden behind a mask of inno- ‘cence, working to betray both colleagues and the Rebellion itselt Michael A. Stackpole has ‘written numerous other novels, Jncluding several based on role- playing games such as BaitleTech and Dark Conspiracy. His article “Missed Chance” — a “prequel” story about 1/ing Rogue Squadron hero Corran Horn — appeared in Star Wars Adventure Journal #7 This June Bantam will release the paperback edition ‘of Barbara Hambly's Children of the Jedi. Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca set out on ‘a mission vital to the survival of the fragile New Republic ‘They are searching for the longlost children of the Jed on the frozen world of Belsavis, from whose dark crypts no one has returned alive. Hallway across the galaxy, Luke Skywalker — haunted by ominous dreams and guided by 0 force he eannot identify = travels to a remote asteroid fleld over the planet Pzob. There he discovers the automat fed Dreadnaught Bye of Palpatine, a relic te cover from the days 0' allout war. ‘New Horizons eesiagst deop within a jblous gus cloud and dor- ent for 30 years, the ff Papatine te gv Pied by & supersophis: fleated artifical intelli flee known as the Wil re Wil has awakened The Bye of Puipatie Ison ihe mive. ts mission: the foal annibllation of Belsavis, Lake must find a “way to destroy the automat Eetahip. To succeed, he wil feed the help ofthe spit of the Jedi Knight Calista, who Be hee Hie to stop tho ship Bice before. The mystery of the Belnavs crypts, the Invin- ible power of the Dreadnaught, the lost led, and Bie burgeoning passion Dbetween Luke and Callista fome together ina stunning flimax worthy ofthe magn fet Sar Wars saga. Don't is the paperback edilon ofthis New York Times best-selling ‘Sor Wars novel Fans of Michael P. Kube “MeDowells frst novel, Before fe So, ean ok trad 0 8 Sequel, Shield of Lies, com. “ing out this August. This novel 1 the second in the best el Ung Bick Fleet Crsis series fn continues the story ofthe Ugh against new enemy as hthless as the Empire, an ant species beat on war Tas risen to threaten the ling New Republic As Leta must deal with a new threat to the fragile alliance that binds the New Republic, Lando becomes a prisoner aboard a runaway spacecraft ‘of unknown origin. The ship is following an unstoppable path to Its homeworld, destroyed by Imperial forces. Luke con- tunues his quest to learn more about his mother among the Fallanassi, where his every belief about the use of the Force 1s about to be chal- Tenged. v6 Str Ware Adentare Seareal= 9@ New Horizons And while Lela ponders a diplomatic solution to the aggression of the fierce Yevetha species, Han pilots a spy ship Into the heart of Yevethan space and finds him- self a hostage on one of the vessels of a vast fleet of war- ships under the command of a ruthless leader —a fleet more than a match for the New Republic's forces. Fans of Star Wars: Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Star Wars: Tales from Jabba’s Palace will want to check out a new science fiction anthology featuring many writers from the Star Wars anthologies. Wo: of the Worlds: Globo! Dispatches features stories about the invasion of Earth by Martians, from the perspec tives of famous writers and personalities like Mark Twain. Rudyard Kipling, HP Lovecraft, Teddy Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. The anthology was edited by Kevin J, Anderson, and will be pub lished by Bantam in May. Star Wars: Roleplaying for a New Generation This August West End Games will release Star Wars The Roleplaying Game, Second Faition, Revised and Expanded. ‘This revision of the popular ‘Star Wars roleplaying game will ‘be at Feast 240 pages long, with much of it in éolor. “This ver- sion of the Second Edition game is completely reorga. nized and more accessible for the firsttime player,” says Bil Smith, designer of the game. “The book’s presentation is designed to attract Star Wars fans who've never thought of buying a roleplaying game. We've added a solitaire adven- ture so readers can play their first game within a few pages ‘of opening the book. There's ‘also a handout that explains al the concepts and rules players need to know — gamemaste ‘ean give each player a copy ‘and get them ready to go in 2 couple of minutes. It's never been easier to learn or play this game!” With the special editions « the original movies coming i: 1997, West End recognized need for this book, “There w bbe a whole new generation « Star Wars fans, While roleplay ing Is a great way to exper ence Star Wars, it’s alway been difficult to learn. Thi book changes that. With th: Mlashy new presentation, org nization and expansion, th game Is easier to learn. W have characters like smuggler Platt Okeefe and. Allianc ‘ew Horizons In making these upgrades, West End considered the needs of its cus- tomers, "We're working hard to make this revision so exciting that ‘youll want to buy it, but we've been ‘careful to make sure that you don’t have to buy it. This edi tion is fully compat ble with all previ ‘ously published Star Wars products — the game Is still very elose to the original Second Edition roles. You'll General Airen Cracken hosting still be using the ‘chapters and talking to the same skills and game statis- Teader . making it more tis, but in a slightly different “direct and entertaining” way? In the updating process, _ West End also added sever. ‘West End has made a few revi- 41 new sections. “The re-orge ‘sions. “The rules are essential. nization is more intuitive and ‘y the same system that every easier to use. I's more fun to ‘one knows and loves, but read and less like a textbook. ve tweaked troublespots We've updated all of the first 10 make the game faster and edition templates and added a Tore ‘cinematic: For example, full adventure in the back so he movernent and chase rules #amemasters can begin run- "ate more streamlined. These Ing the game right away. hanes speed up the game Fitaly, there's the ‘Star Wars ‘allow players to concen. Rules Overview.’ This short ate on playing their charac. chapter collects all he rules in eS .. it's easier to picture ‘digest form.’ I's a great quick Hourscitin the middle of a Sur reference tool so you don't fars movie.” have to constantly fip through© New Horizons the much longer rules chap- ters. “For those of you who want to see what those rules ‘changes are, we will be pub- lishing a ‘rules upgrade” in The Official Star Wars Adventure Journal #11 (November 1996), Starting in September, the rules upgrade will be available to anyone who sends in a sel addressed stamped envelope ‘with Gte postage.” The revised Siar Wars role playing game will be availab In August at finer game, bool: and comic stores across the galaxy. Timothy Zahn Goes to GenCon New York Times best-selling Star Wars author Timothy Zahn will be a guest at this year's GenCon Game Fair, ‘August 8-11, in Milwaukee Sponsored by West End Games, Mr. Zahn be autographing books anci ‘games, participating in severa! Star Wars seminars, and talkin: with fans. He will also be play ing in two Star Wars roleplay ‘ng games with the highest bi. ders in a charity auction, Mr. Zahn has worked close ly with West End Games before, writing several shor’ stories for The Official Stor Wars Adventure Journal, co: tributing to the developmen and writing of the DarkSinuder Campaign boxed set, and hel) Ing to ensure the accuracy 0! the game sourcebooks base:! ‘on his novels. His appear ‘ance at GenCon 94 was vers ‘wellreceived Mr. Zahn. will also b: promoting his latest sc: novel. Conquerors’ Legacy, whic!» will be published in June by Bantam, In his prev ‘ous novels Conquerors and Conquerors’ Heritage, fi. Zahn depicted the drama lar war and savage fn invasion. Now humans @ aliens careen toward a I, cataclysmic showdown. both humans and Zhirrzh ed for all-out war, a handful ‘individuals from both races the explosive catalyst the approaching holo- ‘—a misunderstanding ‘tragic and profound it has ought two mighty elviliza- to the brink of mutual | In fact, Han Soto at Stars’ "was one of the frst books told the kind of story 1 ‘wanted to read and want- ‘even more to fell It didn’t down to me or treat me an idiot (as a Lot of pop fle- m tends to do — even ). Brian Daley handled es of honor, integrity and ‘in one exciting pack- that trusted me to be /emouigh to keep up. Han Solo at Stars’ End act Inspired me to start writ. stories of my own. | had New Hortzons @ opportunities to meet Mr. Zahn throughout the GenCon ‘convention. He will be answer- ing what questions he can about his Stor Wars and other ‘science fiction writing, as well as any upcoming projects, ‘The annual GenCon game {air brings together thousands ‘of avid roleplaying gamers, representatives from game ‘companies and special guests. For more information about attending GenCon, write to (GenCon 96 Game Fair & Festival, 201 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 endless fun crafting my own adventures for Han, Luke, Leia fand the rest of the gang, And ‘now, almost 20 years later, I'm still writing those kinds of sto- es. “Thank you, Brian, and clear skies. Major Erie Trautmann, Alliance Intelligence March 1996 To read more about Brian Daley, tura to "Remembering Brian Datey” on page 14.© New Horizons Remembering Brian On February 10, 1996, Brian C. Daley passed away at his home in Maryland. The author fof many selence fletion and fantasy books, he is well known for his three Han Solo novels and his radio seripts for ‘Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. He had recently completed the third radio seript in the serles, for Return of the Jedi, Tree nDIO. us Cah 14+ Str Ware Adventur Journal Daley which recently finished pr duction. Only hours before hi death, Mr. Daley recelved phone call from the wrap party In Los Angeles, where th radio show cast had finishes recording. The radio play may alr this fal. Mr. Daley's many novels Include — Doomfarers Coramonde, Starfollowers, Tapestry of Magies, and a thre: ‘volume series recounting the adventures of Alacrity Fitzhugh and Hobart Floy’ He collaborated with hi friend and fellow Ballantine author James Luceno — under the pen name Jack MeKinney — | write more than 20 books in the popular Robotec’: Sentinels and Black Ho Travel Agency series. 1 also scripted some dre matic recordings for Disneyland/Buena Vist ‘and a number of animate television episodes. But Brian Daley will als be well-remembered fo his three Han Solo nove!- = Han Solo at Stars’ En a1 Solo’s Revenge and in Solo and the Lost ty. They made the New York Times best- Faller list and were reis- red in 1994 in an “Smnibus edition from ‘DelRey. Pepe many Star Wars . Mr, Daley played an “important role in open- pan exploring hat lany “far, far away.” Bone of brian Daley's ‘most important contri- tions to the Star Wars 308 was not a char- ‘ora type of space: itwas a style of sio- 5° sald West End Games" Star Wars editor Smith. “All ofthe “trax jitional’ Star Wars ele- were present in his nov- from spaceships travelling ter than light to evil and upt villains scheming valiant heroes. Droids, 18, starships, blasters, Chewhacea the Wookiee it was all there. But not did the fate ofthe galaxy ‘on the actions of Han Chewie. The stories were ew Horizons @ ‘much smaller in scale and nar- rower in scope than the ‘movies, but were no less satis- fying. Brian Daley gave the Siar Wars universe a much more personal and intimate face. ‘The staff of West End Games ‘will always have fond memo ries of Mr. Daley’s contribu. tons to the Star Wars universe. (Clear skies.By Kath ryers, "Vessel on lunar bypass,” crackled the comlink. “This is Kline Security, vessel three-niner. Broadcast your entry permit data ‘Uh-oh,” grunted Woyia, ‘Bad company. Daye Avur-Jamin yanked himself upright. His leg braces whirred toadjust. Monor Il dominated the viewscreen, opaline atmosphere concealing its five continents, The Rebel tugship was an aging clunker, and it smelled like ol Sweat. Daye’s team had hoped to slip through the system, camou- Mlaged by dozens of similar craft."Do we answer?” he asked That or be shot,” said Toalar. Rebel gunrunner Una Poot had fiven Toalar an altered transponder code, but she'd warned him not fo put much faith init. oF the entry permit, Toalar clawed the Control board, “Transmitting now.” The Gotal spoke in monotones, Dut he would've passionately defended anyone's freedom. His Perceptor cones resembled thick horns. Gray-brown folds crossed 6@ Only Droids Serve the Maker his face where humans wore noses. ‘On a nearby moon, Toalar and Woyiq had just cached 10,000, blaster carbines and two powerful explosives. Monor Il was occu- pied by the Empire, Toalar still had to launch a small pod telling Monor’s native sentients, the Sunesis, where to pick up those ‘weapons. Una had ordered him to use a message pod, rather than transmit subspace, to avold Imperial interception. Their odds of ‘being hailed at all had seemed astronomically small. This was evil luck. ‘Woyia rubbed his cheeks with big, hairy hands. “They’re taking too long, blast them.” Woyiq had competed in Imperial wrestling tournaments. He and Toalar behaved like alife-ebt pair, though neither discussed what bonded them. Muscular legs bulged as Woyig leaned forvard, “Envious, Daye gripped his leg braces. Outside his light sul, stilt, metal strips Joined alloy rods that pierced his leg bones. The ‘automatons were droid-slaved to an implant low on his spine. Daye had sabotaged his own armament plant, rather than let the Empire selze control, Toalar had found him halflead under rubble nd spirited him offworld, At remote Silver Station, an Imperial raid had interrupted bacta treatment that'd repaired his hand and almost restored one crushed leg. Rebel medics later braced both legs, and replaced his shattered shoulder; but cranial damage let him 85 percent blind in his right eye, with blurred vision in the left. Restoringfull vision would have required surgery that those medics ‘weren't equipped to perform. They implanted a clip in his left cheekbone, enabling him to wear a temporary, high-powered ‘monolens. He was learning to ignore his right eye's misty tunnel vision, “Maybe we can outrun them.” Toalar was already vectoring past the moon, drawing Kline Security away from that weapons cache. ‘Security responded. “Your code isnot locally known. Stand by for boarding. Daye poised both hands over the armament board. “Hold fre” said Toalar. "We'll eed full engine power.” He abbed a control. "Pod away.” Much of the tugship’s momentum would transfer to that halt-meter alloy pod, speeding it toward Monor's surface. “In five seconds, we'll clear gravity —" ‘The tugship shuddered. Daye plunged forward against narrow seat restraints. “Toalarhit another panel. “Tractor beam,”he droned. Daye plainly {elt Toalar's anger, echoed by Woyia; Una’s lessons had accom 18 + Stor Ware Adventure Joureat ty. 196 Kathy Tyers @ Jed that much. “Hold fie, Daye. That won't help now." fou over there." The comlink crackled again, “Kill your engines. {for armed boarding. Cooperate or be shot, We don't care will cooperate,” Toalar answered. He cut the connection, “Daye, you're on deck,” he murmured. “Una says Administrator ‘detains casual smugslers, asks a few questions, and then ces them to menial labor. This was always a possibility, We'll ly get off planet.” frowned. Toalar like Una, believed too strongly in Daye's| Force sensitivity. Una had survived a husband who'd known, about using the Force. She'd recruited Dayetor his sensitivity, hls injuries. ipulate all conversations. "A few questions?” ‘smoothed gray fur over his knobby brows. “Just convince ‘we're no threat.” ck on Druckenwell, Daye had been considered a good charac ge. Only Tinian att had realized that he could faintly sense feelings — He shut his eyes, He'd loved her courage, creativity, and hitheart, She'd loved armament work, casual clothes, and uptempo and, amazingly, him. Ithurt to remember himself as Tinian : him, before Moff Eisen Kerioth destroyed their ives. AL Armament, she'd been heiress-apparent. He'd been her second, ider-supervisor, skilled at design and administration. She'd ca- sed the prematurely gray streak in his lett eyebrow and teased It, he'd have looked too fresh-aced to command her em- risk of that now. He flexed his aching shoulder. Moff Kerioth ‘dragged one leg ... but without mechanized help, Daye could -cravi. Furthermore, his monolens gave him all the charm of a -with one headlamp. east Tinian had escaped whole, thanks to Daye and a Wookiee d only wait. Monorll, listed on newer Imperial registers as ony, lay helpless before Imperial planet-rapists. Chemical coveted ts cirifog,a perpetual, glittering haze of crystals that they floated in Monor’s atmosphere. Daye adjusted his© Onty Droits Serve the Moker monolens’ adjustment ring for maximum distance. The iridescent ‘atmosphere focused ‘So did the other ship, growing slowly onscreen. Its long, thin shape, thicker at both ends, resembled an in-system hauler. He preferred staring at the planet. Monor’s native Sunesis had furry, speechless, intelligent juveniles with diffuse nervous sys: tems, At about 15 standard years, they stopped eating and pupated, Some never awoke, but most metamorphosed into hairless adults. Mature mouthparts let them speak Basic. They also used ultra: sound. Like many sentient species, they had squabbled for centuries. Now theirpriest-prince, Agaposthe Ninth, was incitingthemtounite ‘and revolt, Sunesian juveniles needed cirrifog to pupate success: fully, and the Empire threatened to take it all. Agapos’ writings were s0 eloquent — so universally relevant — that several planetary tundergrounds relayed every transmission. On board Una's ship, Daye had accessed several quotes. He particularly iked: “Ye that ‘oppose not only tyranny but the tyrant, stand forth! The New Order seeks to hunt down Lady Freedom. Let us receive this bold fugitive Let us fight boldly alongside her” ‘The Empire had responded with a death bounty. ‘The security ship eclipsed Monor I Daye’s legs whirred as he slumped. Don't worry,” Toalar murmured. “Administrator Fugueé won't give us much trouble” T first man through the airlock wore a trooper’s black ‘uniform, ~Phew.” He pinched his nose. “Look, Lieutenant Karr. all stinkin’ droid, Where's the other halt” The next boarder wore the two-color Insignia of a naval lieuten ant. “So itis,” he snorted, lounging against the starboard bulkhead as two more men boarded, "You're going to wish you'd tried smuggling in some other system, boys. Administrator Brago de splses your kind. Brago ... not Fugueé? “We're not smugglers," Daye insisted Gunrunners was the proper term TToalar added, “We need repairs, We found out too late there's no “TellBrago.” Karr, lean and thirtysh, picked his teeth with along, ‘metal liver. "You launched a message pod. say you're smuggling ‘Una's informer must've guessed right: the Empire was preparing Kaihy Der to wipe out the Sunesis. Why else would it send in a tough new aministrator? They mustget those weapons. Hemust stall thiserew titi Una's message pod vanished into Monor’s atmosphere. “Take ‘em on board,” snapped Lieutenant Karr. Woyia whooped. He swung his beefy arms in long, powerlularcs ‘Two troopers flew against bulkheads. They slumped to the deck before a third Imperial stunned Woyiq, Kare kept picking his teeth. The third trooper, a red-haired boy. who looked more scared than tierce, prodded Woyiq with one baot ‘Thebighuman didn't move but he'd bought 15 valuable seconds Karr raised a comlink. “Kechon, send another squad. I've got three masses to drag.” He scratched his chin with his comlink, eyeing Daye and Toalar. “Care to make it ive, boys?” M59,© Only Drods Serve the Maker Daye shifted, balancing. I Toalar twitched a whisker, he'd jump to0, The droid legs were phenomenally strong, “Toalar raised his clawed hands, meek for the moment “Better,” observed Karr. “Conor, take them through.” ‘The young trooper twitched his blaster. Daye shulled through the airlock, Someone seized his arms from behind and snapped on binders. Toalar, too, was grabbed quickly. The young trooper ‘walked them upashort corridor to the patrol crat's bridge. "Sit" He ‘gestured toward a gap between lashed cargo piles along one bulk- head. ‘Atleast t smelled better over here. Daye cooperated as slowly as he dared, and the trooper didn't rush him. He cabled Toalar’s and Daye's binders to lockdown rings. Another group dragged in Woyia, ‘wrestled him upright, and secured him. Woyiq's head lolled. Lieutenant Karr stepped onto the bridge. “Disengage.” With a heavy ka-chunk, the Imperial craft loosed Una Poot's tugship. Karr stalked to anoverhead viewscreen, “Spot that pod,” he barked Una’ ship plunged into view. Maybeits mass would hide the pod, ‘A dark young man grasped handgrips that protruded from his. station. “Sir, permission to fire?” ‘Blast away.” White light lashed space. Una’s clunker dissolved into wreckage. ‘Come on,” growled the Lieutenant, “Half rations for al of you if nobody spots that pod.” Daye faintly caught the troopers’ disike and distrust. "see it” exclaimed the young red-haired trooper. “Heading six- five by two, Daye clenched his binders. ‘The dark gunner squeezed his hhandgrips again. “Target destroyed.” ‘Which target? Daye wondered frantically. Debris or the message pod? The gunner's sense felt just wrong. “About time,” Karr snapped. “This isthe slowest crew Ive ever had. Set course for Kline Colony.” K.. marched Daye's group downa long gray corridor to along gray room, Behind the bulkhead.-gray cesk sat a human with black hair and a short neck. Lieutenant Karr saluted, “Here they are, Administrator.” ‘Through the monolens, still adjusted for long distances, the Kathy Tyers & jstrator’s rank patch was along red and blue Bur. “Thank estenant.* he puted. “At ease He glared at his prisoners Moat was your cargo more THs wasnt the scenaro they'd rehearsed De jan get much cooperation with boarding, either Karr had drawn is toothpick again rye pod was destroyed” oe tanita Daye gritted his Gage laced his fingers and Bes tusck. "Which of you sthe feet?” Summoning eathr He aismissed Woyig, who ff that steel. Our blood. ood vobblingiromthestanbol, : i iiescirdhlganceTinCota, g UCls Hberty’ flame, Thine You Rebels alvays put ff he reminded him- Dbitballs ln charge. Are you spy- cose, flor the tumphesds?™ Stn Susess" prominent cranial melon was used for ultrasound. ampheads "We're not spies: Dayelistened hard. Brago'shostlty yemsined steady inerogate the Goal Lieutenant. We can terminate them ll atterthe feast Make festive Taeutenant Kar saluted again then jerked Daye's arm, "Move rod “Dro?” echoed the Administrator. “its mostly aman above the bet, si” Karr expand, "but look atthese lees” Drago petred over his desk, then looked up, Daye squinted into unnaturally green eyes.-What happened to you? Brago asked, Daye shrugged. “Explosion” *Sahoteur' Brago cocked an eyebrow. Dayesmiledinwarlyn gapos words, “Liberty's ame must be fueled with our blood mingled with that ofthe rants Brago waved and. “Lock hem up Asthey passed aguarded doubledor into abil murmured to Karr, s Adminstrator Brago ike “That doesnt concern You “He's not wells You may be right” Kar laughed. “Stop. The young, redhared trooper reached fora black wall panel, A sll open, Kar shoved Daye trough, andi shut with boom, Siilhindered bys binders, Nebaeked up toa wall Hestid down mothe bare, windowless cel’ or corridor, Daye fd Star Wor Adventure owral #22Only Drotds Serve the Maker Now what? Since fleeing Druckenwell, he'd lost track of days. New ‘Year's Fete must be starting. One of several Imperial festivals i widely celebrated with heavy eating, drinking, and spicing. He, Toalar, and Woyiq would be after-dinner entertainment i didn’t think of something. He looked hard at himself, hoping to find steel, He did not want to amuse Brago by begging for mercy Within minutes, two other troopers arrived. One had brown bait anda drooping mustache. "Brago wants the droid parts." He pointed ‘a blaster at Daye’s braces. “Souvenir.” They whirred as Daye struggled this feet, Without them, he'd b as helpless as anewborn Talz, “Leave them for now,” he pleaded. 5° much for steel. “Leave me my dignity “The paunchy blondetrooper lunged. Adrenalineoverrode Daye’s common sense. Halfway into a lunge kick, he realized he'd overe: Katty Tyers m. Hecrumpled on on tended. The super-strong droid legs threw h side “Theblonde|umped frombehindandrolled himontohis stomach, “rahought you'd try that," he grunted. He settled his bulk on Daye's ‘shoulders, his hands on Daye's hip bones. Daye clawed the rough floor. The binders made him doubly helpless, twisting his wrists, “The mustached trooper drew a wicked-ooking tool from his hip belt He knelt on Daye's left ankle and started prying Daye gritted his teeth, summoning that stecl. Our blood fuels iveny's lame, he reminded himselt. Through his nerve block, he felt conly pressure as the trooper wrenched rods from his bones. The paunchy blonde leaned hard on his hips, then sprang off, Daye pushed upon both elbows. Sweat slithered down his forehead, ‘The blonde guard stepped away. “Going to give us the glass eye? Or ‘do we take it our way?” ‘Something whirred in the near distance. Daye's wrists relaxed, Halt-hearted, he sat up and slid off the binders. Much help hands ‘would be, if he were blind and lame. He pressed his left check, ‘releasing the clip. The duraerete floor and walls became gray blurs. The trooper snatched his lens and binders, then tossed some- thing aside. His partner stepped down with a sickening erunch, *Karr has decided to send you back to the Maker.” he announced, “Waitll you see what we do with old droids, ‘They let. Slowly, Daye stretched his arms, He rubbed his wrists. Then he Squinted at his thin, limp legs. Already atrophied, they bled at the joints. He didn't intend to dle without a fight, though his effort might be Taughable. Rebels were terminated every day, in pockets of resis tance all over the Empire. Daye only wished he'd accomplished ‘More. He wondered what Karr planned, Fatt Armament had sold old droids for parts, but Daye had heard ‘ofhiugelmperial acid vats and settling tanks, from which composites Ad metals were reclaimed. I they meant to dump him into one of e, he'd dissolve hefore he could drown re was Una Poot? Not that he hoped to be rescued, but he Gade! he could tell her what'd happened. His musical fiends, Heeve and Yccakic, had traveled on with the Rebel medics. Hope- Sheeve's wife Twit would join them at the medies’ cushy ment station, The ultimate gig AYE was glad he could still smile. He tugged up one shipsuit leg. Mlb ante had stopped bleeding. He rolled over and started circling My,© Only Droids Sere the Maker the cell, dragging himself with his forearms. He mustn't give up. ‘Some whooping stranger dashed past his door. The feast must be underway. Daye laid his cheek on rough, cold duracrete. When was, the last time he'd seen Tinian happy? Young-looking with shoulder. length, red.gold hair, she'd worn the white chest protector and shoulder pauldrons of Imperial stormtrooper armor. Daye and Tinian's grandfather had invented anew way to dissipate blaster fire, Naive in their trust, Tinian and her grandparents had believed that the Empire would offer a lucrative contract. Instead, Moff Fisen Kerioth executed Tinian's grandparents and seized the plant. Daye and Tinian would have become his slaves i they hadn’tescaped, He'd wanted her to build anew lif, far fromthe Empire's leprous grasp. He'd seenher once more, froma great distance. SilverStation had bbeen drifting apart under Imperial attack. Woyiq had just carried hhim aboard Una Poot's escape ship, the Siting Duck. A small, saucer- shaped scout had fitted across the Duck's viewscreen, and despite weak particle shield —and energy shields with peculiar frequency {gaps — that saucer destroyed a TIE fighter before vanishing into hyperspace. Una had claimed Tinian was on board. She'd found another Wookie protector: Chenlambec, Una pronounced, is no ‘ordinary bounty hunter. He rolled onto his back. He'd tried to forget that. His spirited fiancee had joined a bounty hunter instead of finding a place to ie low. “Weare not afraid to follow truth wherever iteads,” Agapos had written. "We will even tolerate error, so long as our minds are lft free to combat it” But he feared Tinian had made a grave judgment error, {stil don't like it that we didn’t pick up any lifeforms.” rumbled. “Are you sure your contact found the right location’ "He crooned softly: this was the place. A sentry must have spotted Siete not even picking up anything underground.” _Ametal chamber wouldn't show on scanners against amajor ore Did she want to wait on board? “Not me" Over her plain black shipsuit, she straightened her siagona bet. Two cargo pockets bulged opposite the blaster he'd ner: ao Tat, unfortunately, but an inexpensive MereSonn Stepping quletly, Chen rounded the Wroshyr’s pitted hl, Tinian nstantlyurgedhim toupgradehisscoutship.Shemighthave been exper wth explosives, but she still din'tunderstandhunttrade ret low. “They groped through warm fogto the cis base. “Well Tinian tered, “here's a door. But its magnetically sealed.” nding this sit ha taken fast work, Imperial forces jammed all smissions out of Agapos’ defended headquarters, trying to the riestiyirebrand Butmanifestoskept appearing.Chen's el contacts had deduced a secret transmitter. They'd found a rkably straight ore vein, precisely twiceas longas his outsystem snssion frequency, 70 illometers away. It must be functioning a5amammoth dipole antenna “Prennerin.” Tinian snifed Even through her fiter, she must've cented the Sunesis’ explosive. "Not the best near contro.” He suggested it may have been al they could ford. She rolled her eyes. Wiss ofredbonde hair dangled over her rath filter's strap. _, chen’s source had insisted Agapos would transmit tonight, and mbiad seen no vehicle tracks. Agapos' entourage must be avoid nner visible mechanization ‘He rumbled an order. | “What, Chen?” | Growing, ne coreced ber Wpeifll right.” she sighed. “What, Ng'rhr?" She copied his inflection for a human, Uncle: He must be er family. She'd never had a clan, not even He repeated his instruction, then plucked a tiny, silvery cube om between the quarrels on his lizard-hide bandolier. Tinian slid «along the wall. “I'm looking,” she murmured, “but I don’t see ‘Sor Wars Adentare Soul © 2W Only Droids Serve the Moker a power point.” “Keep looking,” chirped the cube. Chen patted Flirt good-naturedly. Smaller than arestraining bolt, Flirt was a functioning droid. Chen's previous hunt partner had programmed Flirt to seduce an intelligent computer, subvert its security, or change commands. She needed only a nearby power Chen returned her to her bandolier perch, “Guess you'll want me, then.” Tinian dug in a cargo pocket “That depends,” piped up Flirt. Chen hushed her. Seconds later, Tinian sprinted away from the elifl."Getback."she urged. "Count 10." ‘Chen crouched behind thick, succulent greenery that gave off a floral scent. Another alien fragrance, biting with asea-tang, must be the Sunesis, closer to amphibians than mammals. He told Tinian to recheck her blaster. She peered down. "Stun,” she agreed. Chen hunted by tough rules. It would take skill,luck, and timing to snatch Agapos from his bodyguards without injuring anyone. ‘Thunder rattled the tropical night. Chen rushed the door. Ithung loose on one side. He thrust in his climbing claws and tore it off, ‘They sprinted downasteep, mistytunnel. Hehopedhedidn'tlose ‘Tinian, I'she lasted five minutes under fire, she might survive her apprenticeship. He'd have liked to just lob in a gas grenade, but he distrusted Sunesian biology. He couldn't risk killing Agapos. “Imust study war.” Agapos had written, “sothat my offspringmay study economies and astrography. They ought to study economics andastrography, philosophy and agriculture, to give thei offspring ‘a right to study painting, poetry, and porcelain.” With very litte ‘editing, Chen could have quoted that on Kashyyyk. ‘Tinian waved her small luma at gray’flecked white stone. “Their blast points aren't bad,” she conceded, whispering. Another mas sive door ended the tunnel. "Here, Flirt.” She spotted a metal cicle ear floor level “About time,” chirped Flirt Granting satisfaction, Chen pressed her prong into the power point. Inside her titanium shell, every nompositronic centimeter bulged with sensor and antenna windings. Her only downfall — besides being jealous — was inconsistency. Occasionally, simple seeming tasks took the tiny droid hours to accomplish. *You'reii, boss.” she squeaked. “Allsecurity systems are down, He asked two more questions, ‘Ser Wart Adentre Journal Kaihy Tyers & » she answered primly. “No other way out. And you've got inside.” (P Tinian asked, room. Transmitter against the left wall. Eight chairs. Don't passed Flirt to Tinian, Flirt buzzed protest, but if they He brandished his blaster and yipped an order. ‘door slid open. Cirrfog glittered to life in the corridor. shricked Tinian dropped to the dirt and crawled forward. “Careful < Flirt. “You'l scratch me!” en counted tive. hen heleaped into the center ofthe doorway whirled, firing stun bolts at anything turquoise. ‘Sunesis brandished primitive weapons. Avoiding scanners, calmly. Arows whizzed. He dodged, spun, kept shoot inged through his bandolier into his chest. inian shrieked, too. She'd lost home, love, and family. If ‘cherished anyone or anything again — not even survival Empire couldn't hurt her. without Chen, she'd have no reason to fight on. She dropped prangup, and gripped her miserable Merr-Sonn blaster. Blood from Chen's grizzled chest. A dark green stick protruded the wound. more Wooklee than human, she pumped out stun bolts. iber was so small she barely noticed the fog. “Look out!” ed a voice at one side, “Two of them!” ‘dlanced at the silver-robed alien. Unarmed. Two turquoise Sprawied on the dirt, Stunned. But another perched atop a cchair, brandishing a forearm-length knife. He shifted gangly to leap. Chen had rolled away to grope for the blaster he'd fired. The alien fell short. His knife clattered on the stone ster bolt whizzed over her head, no diffuse stun bolt, but Pp? trilled the voice again. “Leave us in peace!”© Only Droids Serve the Maker ‘She swung her blaster, searching for that final target. The trans: mitter console, a wall of primitive knobs and dials, stood out ameter from the rock wall Chenlambec ripped out the bloody shalt. Its barbed point gl tened red, Much to her reliel, he roared defiance, Blood streaked silver tipped fur. “Behind the transmitter,” Tinian shouted Chen roared again. He seized the transmitter bank and rocked i n stunned the final Sunesis as thelr protection crashed away “Now.” she panted, turning, ‘well deal with you Agapos stood unflinching. She had to admire his composure Overround black eyes, slivery crests and bulges setoffhisturquol skin lke jewelry “There's a price on your head,” she panted. The breath filter was choking her, be Katty Tyers @ you have won it Cchen growled Come on," Tinian translated. “Hurry “Your partner is injured,” tilled the priest-prince. +Right,” Tinian snapped. “The sooner we're back on board our ship, the better.” And where on that rustbucket were the medpacs? “You move.” Chen roared agreement. “Jam ready to die,” Agapos said calmly, “but Iwill not be taken. She shoved hair out of her face. “We're not that kind,” she tnsisted, “but we don't have time to chat ‘The Sunesi strolled toward Chen. Almost slavering, Chen heaved ‘deep, shaking breaths, The Sunes! extended a fourfingered, tur {quoise hand and shut his eyes. Chen bared his teeth. Agapos touched his bleeding chest. Chen rubbed it, Then he “Earn your blood money, and murder coved me. But my words “You're kidding." sheexelaimed SheglaredattheSunest "What aid Mf 'VE~ you do?” *Mylast git tomy executioner," hesaid steadily, ‘besides forgive- ness. He wil carry no scar but the memory of his crime. If had a ‘weapon, | would shoot you both down, Having none, I can only feluse to cooperate.” He raised both long hands over his bulbous head. Earn your blood money, and murder me. But my words lve Evidently he'd rather be blasted than go with a raging Wookiee ‘and a halt-crazed human gir Her trigger finger twitched. “Havelt your way.” Agapos crumpled, Chen shook his shaggy head as if wrested from rapture. He ‘tooned a question, “Im fine.” she snapped. “Come on.” Recovering, he pulled a large medjector from his bandolier Pouch. He drew 20 mils of Agapos' bright pink blood and squirted the chairs, walls, and transmitter wreckage. After capping the Collector, he returned it to his pouch. He hoisted the limp, stunned allen over one shoulder and sprinted toward the shalt. Tinian scooped up Flirt and followed Dirt” Fur screeched. "Don’t forget dir SShe paused at the tunnels entry to scrabble a handful of soll Mixed with settled cirrfog. Il anyone challenged them, they could Prove they'd been to Kline Colony Mg© Only Droids Serve the Moker ‘The Wroshyr’s landing lights flashed on. Cirvifog danced in their beams. Daye would have called it exquisite. He'd had a keen eye for beauty. I doverjoyed herwhen he alled herlovely.Hislong, strong hands had held her so gently ‘She would never stop grieving him, Never. Never. Chen’s roar drifted out the hatch. “Coming!” Blinded by tears, she groped toward the light. “Tm ‘coming, Ng'thr!" DD o.oo rice see onic eae seer nae era eee nreeneti eat eipeees Se ere monerennee wee eee eT wished he believed it now. He'd be glad for a rest, but here, he'd Footsteps stopped outside his door. He braced himself against a ence ene ee gegen toe mia ca ares oe ae mise Kathy Tyers @ zyesat sideways and wrapped both arms around Aitel’s shoul- “rm on.” he urged. “Go.” “The long-limbed Sunesis highstepped out. Aiteff followed. In the dor waited another group: several more turquoise blurs, two and a Gotal. “Hury.” OneSunesibeckoned withagray-cladarm. Dayesquinted urdit made hishead ache. This one had delicate brow crests and ‘probably female, “In courage is strength” she hissed. “Praise the Maker.” responded Daye’s droid —and his biological jpanions. Aiteff rolled forward. The others sprinted. only droids served the Maker ... or 80 Dayehad believed. He'd dithat Agapos' people let droid and humans live among them equals. Had they also adopted the droids’ quasieity? usually carry Daye.” Woyig offered. iotime,” Urek puffed, "Keep running, Got to get back tomy post. about stunning you. Shipboard. Selfefense!” *No harm,” Woyig grunted. The group turned right, away from Brago's office. Daye watched d. They took another right turn. Black blurs appeared from a passage. “Troopers!” he cried. two drotds fell behind, drawing weapons. Woyiq lingered with aye clung to his droid. His helplessness humiliated him. ell plunged into a lit shaft. They rode up several levels, then ‘were eating.” The droid sounded smug, having no such <. “Administrator Brago promised a feast. Urek knew it was our dt “Trade entry." Altetf maneuvered between uniformed Hold your reat /phinged through, Daye went totaly blind ina dense gray og thery crystals caressed his cheeks and hands as the droid rolled |, He heard — or was he imagining? — high-pitched squeals in tions. Ultrasound would be helpful in murky air. ef clanged through a hatch Daye hadn't seen coming and© Only Droids Serve the Maker < 002, PO cabingjumping Wig stamina 30-2 taming Do ‘TeCHWCAL 20-1 Computer programming/repair ADs, desation SDs), droid pro ng abst, dros repie 4D fist ald Dei, vepulsorit reps “et security Ge, space trans ons repair eI, trship weapon bel Ae: fn ean ace in the neared Spectrum, lowing them to see Is ompetedartness with no peal \dedtnere area sources Zonet cesses rom pares and depression ax are Othe trauma sltered wie 2 rol theScandiumTeam come go, Zeneta mist make bo. lpoer chest ewe ay to riglato depression, When De fats that sol ak hs skis ond tes slr 31D penal Points General Aiven Cracken Move: 10 Equipment: Civitan clothes, 2 gre fies (D) heater comlnk hota his former unt modified heavy Blaster ve @D-i) Scandium Team Scandium Team was a unit formed in the earliest days of the Allance, some time before the formal Declaration of Rebel- lion, The unit was based in the ‘Tharin sector, hough worked in virtually every corner of the galaxy. At its peak the unit had 28 operatives divided into four ‘units. Through a series of tragic ‘missions and perilous adven- tures, all but six of the opera: tives died in the line of duty. In Alliance SpecForces, the Sean- ‘dium Team Is legendary, and in light of the missions it accom- plished, highly regarded forhav- ing any surviving members. ‘Thoseremainingmembers of the Scandium Team continue to serve the Rebel cause, though they seldom — if ever — work with their old partners. The team’s tragic history makes it difficult for the former opera tivestobein oneanother'scom: pany for toolong, asthe topic of conversation always seems to turn to their old days and tothe bitter memories of friends lost. The Jin Zeneta’s species, the Jin, are seldam-encountered aliens in- digenous to the Zehtek worlds In the Mid-Rim, Gangly rept& Cracken's Rebel Operatives General Aven Cracken @ Jans with a culture rich In the | theinfrared spectrum, and they arts and literature, their home- | can therefore see in the dark world was brutally subjugated | ness with nodifficltyaslongas bythelmperialsduringtheearly | there are heat sources. days of Palpatine’s New Order. | The Jins’ coloration most of. nder, and hopes tosomeday | "type: Rodan foster Agent Many oftheir younger numbers | ten ranges from a ruddy yelloye “wise” (as Dheendo puts | DEXTERITY 1D joined the Alliance to helpcom- | toa dark green, though some ot i) as Dutra. bat the Empire, and their popu- | theJininhabitingthe equatorial ‘Thoughthegroup’s chietFos- lationhas thereforedwindledin | regions of thehomeworldstend , Dheendoisextremely recent years, tosport more brown or orange of Corint City's Lowtown din stand an average of 2.1 | jin scene. He spends much place in the ranks of the | just take him to be a highly so- ,, where he now serves | cial Lowtown denizen ... which eutenant Zeneta's first off | is also true. | He idolizes his Jin com- | gi Dheendo Blaster SDv2, brawing parry 8D, ‘odge 50, meee combat sD. 1 ‘len spectes 30, treatise 40:2 Reece” Const Cy 0D, survival ‘meters tall, and have long, al- ‘Atibate Dice: 120 ahs ime inthe various estab- ‘mostiralblookinglegsandarms, | DEXTERITY 20/De1 ts in the subterranean | 2,sartin gunnery 10-2, Despite their appearance, they | KNOWLEDGE 10/40, oltheclty,anditisoften | juaeSeRew a0 are a resilient species. The Jin | penceeniow 20/4D:2 where he meets with Ali- | SearehD2 sneak have short snouts and small | STRENGTH IDe2/3De1 ‘operatives inneed of relo- | STRENGTH AD42 ee ang stamina AD teeth, whieh are evolved from pp ‘ecinweaL 2 theirherbivorousancestorsand | Eom im can sce the iar Secu 30-2 eres Pot | thereforelesstearinspiringthan | spectrum. allowing them to sce i ‘complete darkness iho pena, (Character Potnts: 7 some other species' teeth, such ‘eyes of the Jin are sensitive to Dheendo. Operative Role: Foster Agent Current Location: Corint City, Pirik Species: Rodian Sex: ‘The Rodian Dheendo was once. mediocre bounty hunter under the employ of the minor crimelord Tyu of Kazlin 5. He now serves as Shroud Team's primary Foster Agent, since he is the agent most “or- ff phaned” Rebels know of in the Corint area, As a bounty hunter Dheendo was never really driven, and therefore never really became very good at his profession. He has found Ssthebarbas Tretargebiack | femteewrhatoare Siee!2.2.2 meters all what days, so agents inneed | — Movert0 ay find him. The regular pa- | Equipment Blaster pstol(AD),coxm ms of the many places | ltk.dstapad, numerous fae I Droicetve eit (1D phys Ener. torso only). sceury tool Thilis-Brin Role: Foster Agent Technician Location: Corint City, Pirik IshiTbSex:Female Ages touted as SpecForces material since thedayshecompletedher sed rapidly. She gradu- | training. Now with the opportu- first in her class during re- | nity to serve under the re- training, even placing | spected operative Dutra Zeneta th in the desert training | andcharged with the very peril- nar —quite an impressive | ousmission ofFoster Agent, she pecially considering her | is more than fullilling her prom- ‘aquatic nature. ise, Driven to succeed on a per- ‘Thilis-Brin serves as Shroud Suallevelandtodohermostto | Team's chief technician and in the destruction of the | “procurementspecialist” (thief) Aire, Thilis-Brin had been | when some of the more needed© Cracken's Rebel Operatives items, particularly vehicles and rations arelnshort supply. Prior to her service on Pirik, she worked the Calamari shipyards asatroubleshooter,butevent- ally wished for a more active role. ThilisBrin now serves as the secondary Foster Agent in Corint City after Dheendo. She has not yet decided in what ca- pacity she would like to serve for the duration of the Rebel. lon, but she has s0 far very much enjoyed her work with Shroud'Team Heronlyaitcuty is finding the time to make it to theUloitirSeaevery day —some \4 kilometers outside of Corint City's mits — a8 her physiol ogy requires (see Spectal Abi ties below). ‘Anaturalthil seeker, Thils: Brin fs known for her somewhat high proie res: cues. of of phaned Rebel ‘agents tn this regard. she could be considered somewhat dilleren, fromthenormallshiTIb,apeonie known for thelr very maid tem, eraments.ThlisBrinis ar irom mild, and she loves to show ito ‘ThilisBrinisespecially roug of the recent highspeed chase Jnwhich she led Imperial troops through the Talamp Industria Sector with a high-ranking Ali. ance officer her team was pro. tecting. She evaded an entive squadron of Imperial scout troopers, avoided positiveiden. tification, and safely delivered her charge. ThilisBrin credits her many similar success es- capes to her speeder bike, a modified Ikas-Adno Sunwolt, “which she uses for her personal transportation, m= Thilis-Brin “Type lh Tb Teebicon DEXTERITY 30 Blaster 4D dodge 4D, vice blasters 302 KNOWLEDGE 3D Boreaueraey 30. racy Calamarshipya bhiness3Ds2, lw iment Calamari tDystre ‘SDattuurtel aed ale oD AWrciANieAL 2D thip gunnery 30°1 cap {alehiplatngsDei apt ship sete $01. commont operation ADs speeder bike arship repair D2, capital Jp repel, Nebulon’ 6D-1 strep vepalr MCSD 70-2, srs weapon resi 5D Uprogammiag 4D. dtd repair me Prcbulsorlit repair €D-2, orf epae:speter ike 7. “Bear The beak of a nh Tb does “Sikezb damage ahi are tar phamers and orgrnzers ton Tiler ‘iter pending 30 Borst ofthe “Sater Habe ais 18 do thi, she Suter Deamage “Gamulstive) for “very hour oer 30 ot she star oot of Ait rotor amas ‘ee per hour stating at Hour “BW. the Ur Sen hist ned Ghareter Pont: 7 Move Eautpment laser pstl(4D).com- “tk Speeder ik, tol bag te Fr more oration on te by see pages tad 35 of Ga. =) Gide en Races ESunwoif ‘Era tas-Adno Sunol! speeder ie el a. General Airen Cracken @ Sat Repusonittopeaton speeder ‘ie Crew 1 {Grew Shi: see Titer (over cand levels {Cost 5500 (new), 1180 (sed) Body Strength 10-1 ‘Weapon Ee Canon Se Vice blasters Fire Conn 20 Range: 30/ 100-20, Damage 20:2 Capsule: Hkas-Adno's frst ver ture into the mltary speeder bake market, the Sunol s ‘an improved werston ol the popular civilian Starhawk While no ‘competition tothe Taster, more pov erfulandmoreex- pensive Aratech Fz, the Sunwolt thas found a loyal following among planetary govern- ments and merce ary groups that do not have the Empire's extensive financial re sources WheretheStarhavikhas oom for a second passenger theSunwollisaoneseater. Aside from the upgrade the Sunwolt hhas undergone for its military applications tis nearly ident alto its predecessor in appear lance. For this reason it has be- ‘come very popular with many Rebel agents, mercenaries and other such individuals, as itis fften mistaken by others for ts ‘ivilan (and thus harmless)& Cracken's Rebet Operatives Tamo Lan ‘Operative Role: Foster Agent medic Current Location: Corint City, Pirik Speeles: Carosite ‘Sex: Male AM ‘Tamo Lan, Shroud Four, serves as the unit's medic. Heis, frequently called upon to not ‘only treat his fellow op- fratives, but more of- tentohelp*orphaned” agents who have been wounded in thelr flight Dr. Lan was raised and trained on Carosi XI, the Carosite home- world There he learned the skills that make him an ex- cellentficld medic. He has served ina number oflocaleswith the Alliance, in- cluding a short ‘campaign on Baes Logia and a brief stint at the Headquarters Base at Yavin shortly before the destruction of the first Death Star. Tamo left his home system for a combination of two rea- sons. He wished to enter into the service of the Rebellion, but Taso was pressured out ofthe trenaterhaiylcda Tate Sinverwto had hreened on dius aunts Ube any good Carat, Tamo protected is ehargebut indo Se took anathe i “inehehadnotbaty sanished helen wuld be best he Troveaong Thea lance is where he Taned. Tamo's separa fate cls weit Mer Mas changed Tha cpe dea nen est Joined Pr reranss . of the Re bation ete mast Carotten was considered aopeen op mis Therevger far anette tyranny of the Empire ave angel ths lost, at thoughetstllan optimist enol 0 telson asenedtohlewortendeape clay protectiveor hs recent acquired charge, the Aqualist ‘abtescent onaaray the My 8 Genera Aen Cracken @ ex sister of Tamo’s best | STRENGTH 20.2 B who recently perished | Btawliag3D-2 stamina 4D.2 nting Imperial forces. Taro sa young Carosite with ‘brown fur and small dark Hecarries equipment that ould be considered typical of Computer. programmingirepair De. droid programming: 218 se fies sure oid SDste st ad Det (medicines, repusortt ‘Delssecuty Speclal Abies: ‘Mecca Apne Carosites automat cally nave ast aslo they ‘ay not add adational sil dice st the time of character eration. bat {Oise tree sch" ProteccenesCaroaites are ined. Iblyprotectivectyoungpatientsand theres being yin 2 {other being ailand damagein ee imbat when acing to protec he ietpoe EDGE 30-2 Force Points pecs 6D) cultures 0, la | Bar Side Pot "ied eurvival ,eoriva | Characte fo Equlpment: Comin ¢atapad. cig ICAL 2D a wicationséo, | bene computer, hey blaster ps Seer sansens | tel GO), kite (STRsID). medpacs ‘Not: For more Infomation ot the ErtaD (arose, see pages 204206 of the can ‘Star Ware Panes Caecton Gondara Role: Foster Agent ‘Location: Corint City, Pirik ‘Aqualish Sex: Female _ Age: 17 fs hardly a veteran | since entered active duty with snt. She was raised by | the Alliance under the guidance brother Karlonon the | of the Shroud Team's medic, homeworld Andountil | Tamo Lan. lerjoined the Aliance. | Gondaraisaskiled thet, but parents having been killed | is also quickly developing some ial troops months ear- | of the sls that enable her to dara was iced onan | Serve as TamoLan’s asian Safeworld to prevent ‘from getting to her ays ‘Type: Aqualish Teenager ther’sactions.Karlon | DEXTERITY 3D+2 Dodge 4D+1 pickpocket 5D-2 killed on the fields | DedgeaD-t:plckpoc and Gondara has | hen species 80-2 languages 30,© Crucken’s Rebel Operatives MECHANICAL 8041 PERCEPTION sD+1 {Con 4 ide SDI sneak SD:1 ‘TECHNICAL 20-2 =“ Eqlpment: Cub (STR-2), coming Note For more nfrmatton on th Corint City CorintCityisarelatively small city by galactic standards, but Its dense population and strong, economy makeit one ofthemost portant urban centers of the Divis Arm. The elty is anchored by the Jalor docking facilites Most ofits commerce consists ofeitherthe administrative bus ness of the various ytterbium and corintium extraction fields throughout the system, or ca tering to smugglers and those who work in the mines, Alargely urban sprawl,Corint City is a soaring range of high tower buildings, Most edifices areat least 15 floors, and some such as the Strak Tower in the financial district, exceed 221 floors. The city aiso sports ex tensive subterranean architec ture and residences, known lo cally as Lowtown. Lowtown Wheremostofthe cantinas, bars and such seedier establish ments can be found Corint City's population is overwhelmingly alien: only ap: proximately five percent (500,000) ofthecity’s estimated 10 million inhabitants are hu: man. Thousands of other spe- cies roam the metropolis; the largest allen communities in Corint consist ofRodians, Duros and Trandoshans. The city's high diversity makes it easy the allalien Shroud Team blend in, Corint City's divided into only 4 few distinct zones. The bush ness district, thelargest ofthem is home to a number of minio corporations and other such companies which profitfromthe rich ore content of the nearby systems, Between the business dlisteiet and the industrial are (the Talamp District) isa st General Airen Crachen Ter Lowicwn (White Lined "are No Lowtown i @ 1356 Star Wor Adventure darn + 69© Cracken’s Rebel Operatives or rocky, barren land that re- mains relatively undeveloped. ‘Thestripisreferredtolocallyas the “Bounds.” Talamp Industrial District Corint City’s industrial sector skirts the shores of the Ulotir Sea. Officially designated at the ‘Talamp District, theareaisarun- down and dangerous environ ‘ment that houses several urban gangs, among them two particu. larly vicious swoop gangs. The areais for the most part ignored by the local bureaucracy, and Continues to fall further into ruin, Most Corint citizens avoid the area altogether. Laforn Residential District ‘The Lafon District houses a ‘number of alien denizens, and is very important to Rebel logistics because many ofthose aliens are Allianceaallied species. A large Wookiee population inhabitsone corner of the Laforn area, and thereisevery ooftensomestrite between thoseWookieesandthe rather large Trandoshan popula- tion throughout Corint City. A number of inexpensive restau- rantswithsurprisingly goodfood can be found here, owned and ‘operated by various alien fam- lies or clans. Probably the most notedis the Kalien Kol, run by an elderly Sullustan woman and her two sons, Overtown Overtown is Corint City, pleasure spot for tourists an locals relaxing after work op whatever their dally toils ig volve. It is populated for the ‘most part by pro-mperil ind ‘iduals who have absoltelyng interest inthe lawless zone dh rectly below them. Lowtown Densely populated, Lowtown ishometojustabout everything the smuggler, Rebel or fugitive could want, An entirely subter ranean area, this dangerous re. gion ishome to some extremely treacherous characters. Low. town sports an extensive black ‘market and several food and drink establishments that often prove to be excellent sources for ill-gotten information and employment. The local Imperial troops seldom patrol the area, ‘but when they do they are swift and harsh. The primary en trances to Lowtown, known as the “Tunnels,” are just beyond the Corint City limits, west of Overtown, Jalor Docking Facilities ‘The Jalor Docking Facilities provide spacers — most comm ‘monly those in light freighters — with landing facilities ideal for quick arrival and departure Though administered by the Empire, the facilities are rele tively lax in their customs i | Several repulsor- vgystems ferry spacers JalortoCorint ity ‘area s just outside proper, in an area ‘once rolling grass wand rocky outeroppings development paved it the starport. Many of facilities were built rockformations, giv- facilities a somewhat 1ce when lit by illumibanks. Genera Airen Cracken mm Jalor Docking Facil ‘Syatem: Piri system, irk ‘Starport Clan: Standaed “ralfie Moderate Controls Contlier Landing Decora beacon ‘Docking Areas: Landing pads Docking Fee: 50 creas pe Local ay {Cestoms: peril pao Services: Food oda. repair. ew This issue's Cracken’s Rebel Operatives were created by C. Robert Carey and illustrated by Kathy Burdette o© Do No Harm STAR. WARS turally I wondered what kind of detached duty a hospital-ship "warranted, but Ididn't have to wonder very long —only until D it Haslam showed up. have to say he didn't look like a topnotch commando. A couple af centimeters taller than | light brown hair thinning on top, pale ‘eyes, roundish face, slender build; he looked like an accoun- But everyone in the Rebellion knew his reputation by then. ‘could he possibly want with me? Hound out in short order. Gebnerret Vibrion, the political head another Rebel cell, had been captured by the Imps and was. dergoing interrogation on Selnesh, a notorious prison planet in rishi Sector. He knew too much to be lft in custody; he had to ther broken out or killed quickly. Okay, could understand that, been withthe Rebellion very long, but even knew that given time, anyone could and would break under interrogation: psieal torture, drugs, threats to loved ones — everyone has a reaking point. So where did a medic come into the picture? It Jed out Vibrion wasa rather elderly human male with Zithrom's ome,akidney problem requiring himtotakecontinuousdoses jondex in order to stay alive. It was a pretty sure bet the Imps guldn't be taking tender eareof his medical problems. Even worse, he died he'd go into delirium. And who knew what secrets #d give away then’? S0 [ reported to the mission briefing with no small amount of hension,[haci’t joined theRebellion for alifeof adventure: don to save lives. (Skies, that sounds pompous. It's more feto say I'd signed on fora steady job doing what Im goodat, the benefit of the Good Guys.) Ifelt even more out of place when et the other team members, commandos all: Melenna, a tiny ful, exquisitely beautiful woman with a cap of loose golden and the coldest blue eyes I've ever seen; Gowan, abig dark guy, okiee with long golden-brown fur and an almost palpable aura of about him; and Haslam, regarding us all with his coolly analy By Erin Endom errogation Center; we're not gong to slaughter Imps; we're not Itstrations by Christopher Trevas BBEor glory. We're gonna get Vibrion. Period ‘nto Histone of voice was making me uneasy, “Get him in what sense?” d ced, It all seemed pretty straightforward the day | was calle Commander Briessen’s office. "Temporary detached duty,"he calleDo No Harm “Inwhatever sense we have to,” Haslam replied calmly. “Ifwe can, ‘evacuate him, fine. Ifwe can't, we can give him a quicker and easier death thanthe Imps will,and wecan keep him from talking. Have you jot a problem with that, Doctor Leith?” He stressed the ttle just litte. Actually, I did. I could see his point: burdened with rnonambulatory rescuee, there was almost no chance the team would make it out intact. On the other hand, Iwas a doctor, and jobwas to do everything lcoula to save my patient. kept my mouth ‘shut for the moment, but the twisting sensation in the pit of my stomach was picking up considerably. 'So,” he addressed the others. "Basie very-umb-orphan seoop- and-run — you've done it a hundred times. We infiltrate the center Incognito — Melenna, Liak, you're the prisoners; standard smug slers-suspected-of-Rebel-syimpathles scenario, Gowan and Enkhet are stormtrooper guards, I'm the officer in charge. Aurin —" he turned to me, “you'll have to be another prisoner. You're taking passage with Melennaand Liak to Sestooine, you've been picked up by mistake, and you don’t know anything about anything. Just keep ‘your mouth shut and you'll do fine. How much equipment will you need to bring?” Luckily Pd had the foresight to think this out ahead of time. “lean ‘manage with one medpac,”Ireplied alittleshortly.“llneed to pack it with extra Clondex and some special equipment.” "Good. We'llget to the prisonsector, find out where heis, then get rid of the guards and break into his cell. Once we get in, your job is toget him alert and moving quickly ifatall possible. Iryoucan’t, we'll haveto... breakout without him," The others nodded casually: had the feeling his hesitation was entirely for my benefit "Once he's up, ‘we get back tothe shuttle. For this part, well take the repair access. tunnels,” He touched a button on the tabletop console, and a holographic schematic ofan mperia-style installation leaped out of the center of the table; another adjustment, and a series of passages ‘were outlined in red. The route from the prison cells to the docking bays was long, tortuous, and confusing. “Melenna chuckled. “This is where Liak comes in. His people ar® treedwellers; he can find his way through any strange maze of branches with never a wrong turn. For some reason it works 0° space stations as well. We don't understand it, but we don't argue wit it” ‘The tractor beam’s just a single.” Haslam continued. "Weak design — says they don't think anyone can escape. Gowan, youl Doctor Aurin Leith “Type Rebel Mec DERTERMY 3be1 Hlster 30-2: dodge AD-2 KNOWLEDGE D2 ‘Aen species 4D, languages 4D, sural tba MECHANICAL 20, PERCEPTION 3D Command SD-2. persuasion 4D, search woe Droidreair dec series droits 50, dod programming” Eindee serss drlds 0. first a D2.) eediene sD. (A) med ce urmery > Force Polat 1 (Chumcter Polat 7 Move: 10 Equlpment-Customlzed ep datapad ‘Capsule: Aurin grew upon Coruscant the last years ofthe Old Republi. the daughter oftwo minor eauicrats who suffered reversals of fortune during the political “dphesval surrounding Senetor Palpatine’ ise to supreme power. quently her distastefor polities was —and remains —acute. TBshe was accepted as a student atthe Academy of Medicine at University of Byblos, and graduated six years later with large "amount ofbook-knowledgeand very litle practicalexperience She _Fetumed to the Core Worlds and began work in the emergency “department ofthe University Faculty Medical Center on Ralltir "providing care for hose who could notalford the more prestigious allie Diagnostic Center. Inthe endlessly busy environment ofthe LUFC. Aurin became a physielan. Aurin’s decision to join the Rebellion was neither simple nor “trightforward, but stemmed from a combmation of factors: the Aisappearance ofan outspoken co-worker and close friend folow- Inglmperial interrogation; her (rustrtion over the sufferingsofher| ‘atients under the Emperor's new system of administration and health care-a desire to simply practice medicine without worrying bout how ber patients were going to pay for thelr medicines, oF where they were goingto sleep tat night, or what they were going {oeat Shecurrently servesinthetriagebay ofthe Allance medical (othe main computerand disengagerit while ourmedic here Virion. At full power and with some of Enkhet's fancy idling, we should be able to break free long enough to make “ump to hyperspace. Questions?” Stor Ware Adventure nara #75& Do No Harm nara eee Jaliq Ramas, Scout Alliance Command Subject: Selnesh Imperial Detention Center Selnesh is the sixth planet of Sela, the primary star of the Seltaine system. The planet has no moons or other satellites, With the exception of the Imperial Detention Center, the planet appears to be devoid of any life, sentient or otherwise. The surface is rocky and pale gray in color. No free water fs present. The atmosphere consists of 82 percent nitrogen, 18 percent enor es ere eee ee a four to six hours for most humans during minimal activity), Ambient temperature ranges from -23 degrees in direct light eee eee ee The Selnesh Imperial Detention Center is a domed, sell contained enclosure 1.2 kilometers in diameter, located on a Pe en ea en een eR Se nee nee ee ee ee nee ss ere ae me ass Imperial base: supply ships visit the system at intervals of 38, standard days. Gravity has also been standardized within the eres An entry bay blast door opens to permit the passage of shuttles and other small ships in and out of the complex. Inside If anyone else had any, they weren't admitting it the sponse was a series of crisp nods trom the other t hhad one, and it was bothering me enough that I didn't even rea the interesting fact that Gowan and not Enkhet was the computer jock. Haslam looked at me sharply, but only said, “Okay, dismissed We'll meet outside the shuttle at 0600 tomorrow, bay 36. Gets sleep, everyone. Aurin, stay a moment, please Once we were alone, said, "You left someth: goutotthebrie ‘What if can’t get him moving? I don't think you mean for us 0 off and leave him alive, Who gets to do the dirty deed Frankly, I rather have a medical droid along.” Haslam rin Endo ec npc rey pene ean ere eer ea en eee cre tant nee a rnment Is apparently considered impractical). Sensor tem ne ecm re een es Reece arene aren ea net See ee tes eee ea eC ee ecm eee) ena ence ers Se eee ee erent eras cay Perens etre {rom the centers theorized! tobe impossible or nearly ainy it appears that any attempt to leave the enclosure enter nee nena tts sue within hours of exit from the prison facility Eoolly. Puta glitch inits programming, andit does exactly what the Mission calls for and it doesn't develop any moral seruples at the Fast minute, Unfortunately, Emdees are expensive, Human medics re alot cheaper and easier to replace, “Nice to know I'm expendable,” | murmured under my breath. Haslam ignored the comment, but after a moment some foldness faded from his face leaving look of — almost —helpless “Aurin,t don’t get any thrill out of killing. 've gota job to do here Pistlike you. Thefactis, we can’t leave him todieat the hands of the IMerias, or of his disease. And it's not just because ofthe informa- My iDo No Harm tion he'l spill Interrogation Is... well, not a pleasant way to die. want to get him out as much as you do, but it may not be possible The question is, fit comes to that —can you give him something make it quick and easy for him? “You're asking me to kill him. I can’t do that.” I was sure of nothing else in this confusion, | was sure of that much, Apart from any other considerations, Id swom an oath before they let me out of the Byblos Academy of Medicine: boiled down, it consisted of "Fst, dono harm Haslam wasn’t surprised. “Okay,” he sighed, “t's my responsibit ity. I'l take care of 1." Then, in a whisper, “Blast it, I wish they wouldn't do this to me.” hesitated. | didn't like the train of thought developing in my mind: Look, ifthe guy’s gonna die anyway, isn't it your job as a physician to make sure it's as easy as possible? we can't get him out, Haslam is gonna shoot him. fyoucan tsquare your conscience enough tooverdase him with potassium and make it fast and painless, can yout at least sedate him enough so he sleeps through it? But hat means 'm helping Haslam kill him. being dragged a ‘this mission to save his ife ifs at all possible, not 1 help end i You're onthis mission to serve yourpatientas best you can, whether ‘tmeans saving his life or helping him die as easily as possible. Skies, Ihate his! I can give him some conergin,” Lheard myself saying abruptly. was dimly surprised to hear that my voice was flat, steady, my insides certainly weren't. “It won't kill him, but il put him down deep enough to let you do what you have to.” Haslam looked up sharply. “You'll help me? “Tiihelp you. But only after I've tried everything lean to get him movingandoutofthere. Andthisisamedicalproblem, not amilitary ‘one. Ithasto be my decision, Notyours."Iheld hiseyes with my own, feeling sick. "Il that’s not acceptable, you and the Rebellion can fv yourselves another medic. Or a droid.” “Done,” Haslam replied, grasping my wrist asf closinga business deal. Which, of course, we were Brin Edom Dister up my left sleeve. Melenna had handed it to me just alter Boarding a matter of course Walt? blurted. “Idowt want this. don't even knowhow touse ne “Real simple.” Melenna shrugged. “Point and shoot “But I don't want im a doctor I don't shoot people! “This goaround, you may haveto.”Disgustedly, Melenna pushed ‘my tunic sleeve, fastened the itle holster around my forearn And snappedit down witha final sounding click. “Myou cant, don't Just try not to shoot any of us, okay We popped back into normal space over Selnesh about the mi Won othe fourth day ITdsetoutto bulda prison planet core outward, this wouk! have been it: gray rocky bal inthe dale of nowtere ts sun no more than bright Dish str. “Bleak” M6© Doo Harm did not even begin to describe It. The surface was totally bare of coloror vegetation. The sterile white lastee! domeolthe prison sat like a fungus directly below us as we descended. There was literally hhowhere else to go on this world that would support life for more ‘han a few hours. I could see why nobody escaped from here. ‘While Enkhet, already in his stormtrooper armor, exchanged, code strings and pleasantries with the dacking bay, the rest of us lined up in preparation for deception. Melenna wore free-trader's sear, Liak only his fur, and Ia plain civilian tunic and trousers; the Precious medpac was fastened around my waist under the loose, Jong tunic. All three of us wore wrist binders, Gowan, alsoin armor held ablaster riflecarefully pointed atthe oor. Haslamwas inagray officer's uniform and looked, atleast to me, thoroughly official and intimidating. ‘The jar of landing in the bay was slight; evidently Enkhet was as {good a pilot as everyone said he was. [clenched my ists tightly, the cut of the binders into my wrists announcing, don't ike this. [want ‘0 go home. Right now: !m notcut outfora life of adventure. Somehow sensing my nervousness, Llak turned around and growled some- thing incomprehensible but reassuring-sounding. “Pretend you're in holovid,” Melenna suggested brightly, “Play- Ing the part of a prisoner. That's what { do. Just don’t say anything. Let the Lieutenant do the talking — I's what he's here for.” “Thanks,” I muttered. Nerves always take me inthe stomach, and ‘mine was turning somersaults|ust then. Better thestomach than the hhands, anyway —a doctor had better have steady hands, whethier| she's nervous or not. Enkhet Joined us from the cockpit. “All clear,” he announced casually. "No challenge. They sound bored.” "Good enough,” observed Haslam, “Let's move out.” Ges et cin hy tae tn sronttinalt cane eee mesa te ia tsaraiievinesidicarcneyomesameers = Melenna Seltrayne “Type: Commando DIRTERITY 40 Haste 2 ber, nltout aster bed, basting parry SD, Godge 6D. meee ‘Combat eile 60, melee purty 5D. pk [pocket 50.2 thrown weapons, viele Baste 40:2 KNOWLEDGE 30 ‘Aten species 5D, intimidation 40, tan (gongs Abe, srecwiee OD, sur - MECHANICAL sD Cormmintstons 4-2, roundvehieleop- ‘raion 4D, hover vehicle operation 40, ip gunnery 8, starship shila 4, (Con So, emi 4D, ide 4D:2, persue ‘Sto 6, Search, sneak SD-2 STWENGTH De1 Brawling SD, clibingiumping 1 ‘TECHNICAL 20 [Blostr repair 4, st ld 30-1, starsp weapon eps ADs1 ‘Force Points: 2 ‘Gharacter Pints: 1) Move: 10 eat: Conlin holdout blaster (3), Ale (STR+1D}.thowing hile ei) : Melenna grest up a street urchin on Ord Mantel. She joined the Rebel Allance in-a rather roundabout way; she was ‘recrulted by Haslam alter afalled attempt to pick is pocket. Once ‘having made thedecision to joi, shenas been — inher toughened, ‘nical way — an unswervingly loyal and dedicated soldier who answers first tof lasam, and onl aftr him tothe powersthat-betn the Alliance command structure. ‘hes small slightly bull, and exquisitely beautiful with short, curly golden onde Nair and vivid blue eyes — tralts she's not Above using to gain an edge over the enemy ..o siting his throat ‘tterward if necessary ter bank was Inhabited by four stormtroopers holding blaster at least as big as the ones Enkhet and Gowan wielded, and a ply pressed olficer type wearing captain’s insignia who looked, ot more alert than his commander. The officer glanced up ‘came in, and the troopers al shifted slightly to aim their rifles 'precisely at us but definitely in our direction. {suddenly found der to breathe. Part of my brain was seriously considering “Count me out, thanks, Idon't want toplay anymore,"turning,© Do No Harm Lieutenant Koris Haslam ‘Type: Commando Team Leder DEXTERITY 40 Blaster SD, baste: heat baste pis Dez asterhedd out basterD-bro Ing party, dodge TDs, eenade 1, Wiel baster 90 KNOWLEDGE 30 ‘len sects 8D, bureaueraey: pera De, itimidation 4D aw enforcer {D:2 survival bet MECHANICAL D ‘Aatogstion capita! ship gunnery 4, {aptal ship shield 4D, comunlcaons 5D. hover vehicle operation 30-2 se sors 3D, space ansports 5D. starship burner bea PERCEPTION 30 Command S02 con 8, hide 40-2, per. Sasion 6, search 3D, sneak 8D ‘Srmrncrn 30 Brawn tamiae 42 {TECHNICAL 20 "Equipment: Comlink BlasTeeh DL-18 (AD, datap holdout late (20) CCapaute: Haslam is a quiet, reserved individual with an i of authority to even his lightest utterance.’ hnted that be may be 8 former Imperial —It would certainly explain his uneanny knowi- ‘edge ofthe Empire's itary structure —but noone relly knows for sure; Haslam isn't a talker. What is sure Is that his _unprepossessing appearance, combined with his abilty to imper Sonate Imperial officers, frectraders, planetary dignitaries almost any other imaginable role, has shade his commando teat ‘one ofthe most successful inthe Rebel Alliance. Haslam sin his mid-thiries —thisning, light-brown hair tops a roundish face, and hehas ageneral appearance! phlegmatic eal ut him Only the glint in hs cool pale eyes reveals there's more here than a mic-evel bureaucrat, around and walking back to the ship. Since this would have ruined Haslam’s pretty scenario, and | was too frozen to move anyway. kept still and silent ves Haslam repeated the name-rank-and-operating number business for the officer, who (thank the skies) didn't seem inclined to be challenging. Instead, he helpfully fired up the computer and as signed the three ofus cell numbers. Prisoner processing appareit!¥ hin Endo seinside the cells, rather than in the open area—to reduce idence of breaks, Iquessed. Since a break was precisely what planned, I didn’t find this information encouraging ndhet pressed the muzzle of his blaster into my back, pushing xrd. Captain Whoever stepped forward to help get us ed criminals into cells for processing, Haslam stopped him th an upraised hand. 'm going to have to ask you and your men to leave for a few (7" the captain asked blankly: you and your men to leave the area temporarily." Haslam ‘even more quietly, with an air of complicity. “Tm wit Intel , We suspect these prisoners have had access to top-secret on about the movements of various Rebelcells.l's not that t trust a loyal Imperial officer, but the presence of these hhere has to be kept absolutely top secret until interroga- js complete. I'm sure you understand.” Commander Caton know about this?” fo, and it's important to the war effort that no one knows just lean'ttell you any more. |shouldn’t even have said this much, reason | brought them here is because I now the reputation of, base's ollicers and men, There's no more secure place in the understand,” the captain said gravely, and motioned the troop: 5 ofllow him out the door. Evidently flattery went a long way " “Tialso have to disable the security cameras temporarily. Just nlthey’re processed, you understand. No one must know ofthelr esence here.” derstood.” Andit was as easyas that. The Imps simply walked and closed! the doors behind them. Gowan, helmet off, was slicing into the computer: ater @ moment, the cameras “Mounted around the celing went dark _Haslammoved lightly around theroomcheckingfor ldidn'tknow What, while Enkhet removed our binders, Melenna stretched her and hands forward to remove the stifiness."You didn'thave to _ “You're the one wanted to be convincing.” ak growled an admonishment, and the squabble — probably test chapter in an ongoing saga — ceased. Meanwhile, | was Into my medpac again, assuring myself one more time that of the precious equipment or drug vials was damaged. The 6 Star Ware Adentre Sorel 63