“It is only the difference, Captain Solo, between beliefs and the facts,” the droid reported.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Han grumbled, leaning a shoulder against the central computer. He had made the mistake of asking what big important thing the golden See-Threepio and his more compact counterpart Artoo Detoo had been busy with aboard his ship. He suspected they were just using the Millennium Falcon for power, leeching, while R2 downloaded a complicated and apparently sensitive stream of whatever to be interpreted by the one fee-free processer he had access to: Threepio. “But whatever you do, don’t explain it,” Han said.

“Was he being ironic?” Threepio said to the shorter droid. If it was possible for Artoo’s beep to sound like a shrug, it would have. Threepio noticed that Solo remained nearby and was not speaking at the moment, so he pressed on to provide listening material. “The Journal of the Whills was a confounding stew of reports from all around the galaxy, the outer rim, the Corporate Sector and beyond.”

Han crouched all the way to the deck and sat there, collapsed by boredom. Threepio took no hint, “This has been broken down is by focusing on dates of entry that match files thought lost with Alderaan ten standard years ago.”

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Setting: A natural tragedy has struck the former capital of Bothawui, Lktim.

Time: A few months after the Caamas Document Affair.

Characters: Luke, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, COS Borsk Fey’lya, Mara Jade

This story is dedicated to the victims and survivors of Haiti.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke looked out at the picture of pain and misery through the command center’s viewport. He had seen devastation before. Not like this. Most of the destruction he had seen in his years were caused by the living. He had seen X-Wings and TIE fighters blow up and disappear into space, reducing its parts and their pilots to particles of dust floating in the vacuum. He had never actually seen a whole planet become obliterated by super laser fire, but he did fly through the asteroid field that was the remains of Alderaan. That kind of destruction was immediate. The victims did not have enough time to even think about their own demise. Luke often wondered whether it was better to face death within seconds of knowing it was coming, or to suffer the knowledge over several days underneath rock and mud.

Yes, the destruction on Bothawui was different.

It was natural. There was no laser blasts that caused it. There was no ulterior motives among the Bothan spy network. This was purely nature acting on its own.

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Outlands: Lives of Dirt

An angelic blue sky hovered high above with puffy white clouds roaming its endless vista. Below, a serene rolling landscape of blown over grass rustled silently in a cool breeze. The vibrant greens literally stabbed the eye with their color.

A boy of about nine or ten swept away a lock of dusty brown hair from his face as he peered up into the sky. There was a ship veering in across the distant horizon. He squinted his blue jeweled eyes as he judged its speed.

Man that thing is zooming.

It took about three seconds for the ship to reach him. But as it approached, it began slowing down, easing itself to a stop right at the edge of town.

It wasn’t a very large town, just a simple colony of likeminded people. People who wanted to get away from the bustling cities and the heavy handed taxes of government. Families, farmers, and tradesmen who just wanted some land to themselves and a heaping handful of privacy. Out on the fringes there was plenty of both for everyone.

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“Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.

This is my code, my creed.”

“How can you say that? That is the Code of the Sith! You are a Jedi!”

“No, I haven’t believed what the Jedi believe for quite some time. The Jedi are liars.”

“Liars? You can’t be serious. The Jedi are the guardians of peace in the universe. We devote our lives to honor, and you call us liars? The Sith are evil and have always, always tried to destroy everything in their path so they could gain more power. They are the liars. They do anything they can to try and satisfy their unquenchable thirst for power. How could you even think that they could be in the right, and the Jedi in the wrong?”

“The Jedi see emotion as the enemy. In that, they are wrong. That is the foundation for what they believe. They are wrong because emotion is natural and cannot be denied.”

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In today’s episode we talk to Bioware Game Writer and Novelist Drew Karpyshyn.  We talk about his work and the development of The Old Republic online PC game.  We discuss his Star Wars novels including the Bane Trilogy and The Old Republic: Revan, and what it’s like to write a novelization tie into a video game, and much more.  It is a wonderul chat that you will enjoy.

After the interview, Wayne and I break down and discuss Karpyshyn’s The Old Republic: Revan.  We share about how fascinating Lord Scourge was and what an interesting ending this novel had.  We also share the weakness of this novel as well, and look at this novel from all angles.

Finally, we give an update on the exciting response we have had in our Fan Fic Face-Off 2012.  We hope that you will get on board this exciting contest and enter a piece or read and rate what we have and will receive.  We also announce a couple of upcoming interviews and other things that are coming down the shoot.

Thanks for listening, Jesse

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I had lived on Rassas my whole life. I hated it. I had heard of the Clone Wars, and longed to fight for the Republic. But Rassas was on the far reaches of the Republic space, and I had no hope of helping. Until the day Gap came back.

I went outside and down to the forest. I looked at all the signs of battle still there. A blast bolt here, a burn there, and the river had pieces of AT-TEs and Hailfire droids lodged in its banks. I heard something by my house and ran back there. I saw the door open and slowly went inside. Gap was lying on the couch with his eyes shut.

“Gap! What are you doing here?” Gap was a clone and had fought for Rassas in the early stages of the Clone Wars. I had forged a close friendship with him and had told and showed him everything about my life. The droids had killed my family, so when several clone squads stayed to help rebuild, Gap looked after me. He knew my desire to be in the army, and he himself hated war. So he came back to trade places.

“We both want what each other has. So, we can change places, and it’ll all be fine.” He said. I nodded. I’m a half Clawdite/ half Human, meaning my natural shape is human, but I can change my shape whenever I want. We switched, he gave me his armor which I painted with green stripes, I gave him my tiny farm. As I went to take the trail to the Republic outpost, I remembered the one thing I could not leave. I picked up my old lightsaber and activated it. Its orange blade glowed against the brick wall, and I swung it several times. I can learn how to use any weapon within 5 minutes, and know it well enough to use it in battle within ten. I looked back at Gap as I put the hilt where the detonater would be and slid the helmet over my new face.

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Title: X-Wing: Rogue Diplomacy

Auhor: LaneWinree
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Angst, Political Conspiracy
Rating: PG
Timeframe: 42-43 ABY, During FotJ
Characters: Syal Antilles, Tycho Celchu, Wes Janson, Hobbie Klivian, Doran Tainer, Rogues, OCs
Disclaimer: I don’t own Star Wars. Plots and characters belong to George Lucas, Tim Zahn, Mike Stackpole, Aaron Allston, and the rest of the EU writing fleet.
Summary: Violence on the slave trading world of Orvax IV spreads like fire. With the Alliance on edge of full-blown rebellion on numerous Outer Rim worlds, Chief of State Natasi Daala coerces retired General Tycho Celchu into traveling to the system in an effort to find a solution to the slave revolt before it can spread to other worlds. Tycho enlists the aid of Syal Antilles and Rogue Squadron, but they soon find themselves torn between their personal ethics and their responsibilities to the Alliance. Meanwhile in the shadows, Moff Nyla Kaartinen engages in a deadly plot to insert herself into Alliance affairs.

Author Notes:

Rogue Diplomacy is the successor to my last longfic, X-Wing: Genesis of a Rogue. Like that tale, RD centers around the adventures and trials of Syal Antilles, daughter of the illustrious Wedge Antilles. As I try to do with all of my longfics, Rogue Diplomacy can be read as a standalone entry. If you wish to read Genesis first, you are more than welcome to (and that would absolutely make my day) but if you want to jump straight into this story, you can!

This fic plays with the slave rebellions that occur during the Fate of the Jedi series. In that chronology, Rogue Diplomacy takes place simultaneously with both Abyss and Backlash. I will note, however, little knowledge of that series is needed in order to read and enjoy Rogue Diplomacy.

***

Dramatis Personae

With the Rogues:
Major Syal Antilles (Rogue One)(Human female from Corellia)(Rogue Squadron CO)
Commander Quint Staven (Rogue Two)(Human Male from Baroli)(Rogue Squadron XO)
Captain Haruko Skobra(Rogue Three)(Human female from Coruscant)
Captain Ryann Anthek(Rogue Four)(Human male from Danteel)
Captain Ryomir Versai (Rogue Five)(Human female from Kessel)
Captain Rixar Dain(Rogue Six)(Human Male from Dantooine)
Captain Diona Katar(Rogue Seven)(Human Female from Raltiir)
Lieutenant Kessila Zorvan (Rogue Eight)(Human female from Nar Shaddaa)
Lieutenant Jamee Farlander (Rogue Nine)(Human female from Tatooine)
Lieutenant Telon Salan (Rogue Ten)(Human male from Contruum)
Lieutenant Kellin Maru(Rogue Eleven)(Human male from Iattu IV)
Flight Officer Zhane Nezuma (Rogue Twelve)(Human male from Barolis)

With the Galactic Alliance diplomatic corps:
Colonel Tycho Celchu ret. (Human Male from Alderaan)
Major Derek “Hobbie” Klivian ret.(Human male from Raltiir)
Major Wes Janson ret.(Human male from Tanaab)

With the Smuggler’s Network:
Vikan “Vik” Kelrune (Human male from Kessel)(Captain of the Wayfarer)

With the Jedi Order:
Doran Tainer (Jedi Knight)(Human male from Toprawa)

With the Galactic Alliance:
Natasi Daala (Chief of State)
Wynn Dorvan

With the Imperial Remnant:
Moff Nyla Kaartinen (Human female from Bastion)

With the local Orvax IV government:
Jarol Cridmeen (Human male from Orvax IV)

With the Orvax IV slave resistance:
M’Trudar Cerulo (Rodian female from Rodia)

With Freedom Flight:
Dia Passik (Twi’lek female from Ryloth)

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Title: Alliance of Heroes
Author: JediMara77/nancipants
Timeframe: 0 BBY – 1 ABY
Characters: L/M, H/L, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Wedge Antilles, Tycho Celchu
Genre: Drama, Action, Romance
Summary: After the Battle of Yavin, the Rebel Alliance struggles to maintain its forward momentum in its quest to bring freedom to the galaxy. Meanwhile, even the most loyal Imperials face a crisis of conscience after the destruction of Alderaan. When old allegiances are forced to be set aside, can new alliances be forged?
Author’s Note: This is Part One of the Jaded Trilogy.
Disclaimer: Don’t own anything, although I wish I owned Rogue!Luke.

Dramatis Personae:

With the Rebel Alliance:
Admiral Ackbar – Director of Fleet Command
C-3PO – protocol droid
Chewbacca – co-pilot, Millennium Falcon
Commander Arhul Narra – Renegade Leader
Commander Luke Skywalker – Rogue Leader
Flight Officer Dack Ralter – Rogue Six
General Airen Cracken – Director of Intelligence
General Carlist Rieekan – High Councilor
General Jan Dodonna – Minister of War
Han Solo – captain, Millennium Falcon
Lieutenant Hobbie Klivian – Rogue Four
Lieutenant Wedge Antilles – Rogue Three
Lieutenant Wes Janson – Rogue Five
Lieutenant Zev Senesca – Rogue Two
Mon Mothma – Commander in Chief
Princess Leia Organa – High Councilor
R2-D2 – astromech droid
Red – astromech droid

With the Empire:
Admiral Kendal Ozzel – Death Squadron commander
Captain Firmus Piett – captain, Executor
Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith
General Maximilian Veers – Death Squadron ground forces commander
Lieutenant Tycho Celchu – TIE fighter pilot
Mara Jade – Emperor’s Hand
Palpatine – Emperor

They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Naturally they became heroes. – Leia Organa of Alderaan, Senator

In this episode, Wayne and I argue over how many times can you read about the same explosion and it still be interesting as we break down Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams.  We discuss how the opening of this movie is very George Lucasesqued, how the ending gave us some nice twists, and argue just how great the middle was.  We break down characters and plot as we dive deep into this novel.

We give you the results of our Fantasy Football league where I was totally robbed by Peyton Manning’s neck.

We chase numerous sports rabbits, and most importantly we make a major announcement.

That announcment being the Star Wars Book Report Fan Fic Faceoff 2012 where we want you to submit your best fan fic piece to be judged by our audience and us.  We will post these pieces on our site for our audience to read, and we will dedicate a future podcast to announcing our winner who will receive our acclaim and a lousy tee shirt.  More details and full contest rules can be found on the link at the top of this page.  All submissions can be sent to jesse@starwarsbookreport.com, and if you have any questions you can e-mail me as well.  We hope to receive your submission soon.

So come explore the galaxy with us one page at a time.

Thanks for listening, Jesse

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Wayne Chamberlain

Hey there, Star Wars fan.

Let me tell you, one of the great things about doing the Star Wars Book Report podcast is that Jesse and I get to talk to authors, celebrities and fellow Wars fans. And our show is pretty relaxed in terms of its approach. We’re not as structured or heavily edited as some shows.

As such, you know that we can go off on tangents (chasing rabbits, as Jesse likes to call it) and we often do.

And while this rabbit-chasing is hopefully informative and occasionally entertaining, it sometimes causes us to run out of time (because I, personally, can’t stand listening to myself for more than two hours and don’t think I ought to inflict that on you, good listener).

Such was the case with our most recent podcast, episode 42, in which Jesse and I reviewed Paul S. Kemp’s Star Wars: The Old Republic: Deceived. And so, I thought I’d jot down some thoughts that didn’t make it into the podcast and put them up for you to read on the website. Please do comment and provide feedback, as both Jesse and I love hearing from you.

OK, so let’s talk a little more Deceived – specifically the correlation I drew between Darth Malgus, rogue Jedi Aryn Leneer and Anakin Skywalker.

One of my favourite aspects of The Clone Wars novels and the animated TV series is the added depth and dimension that they’ve each added to our understanding of Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, a Sith and a person. While George Lucas did a decent job of exploring the character of Anakin in the prequel films – regardless of your take on Hayden Christensen’s performance – the fact remains that there are layers to the former slave’s story and thought processes that can really only be appreciated and fully explored in novels. The ability to get inside the character’s head and experience the world through their eyes is one of the greatest ways to connect a reader to a protagonist – or an antagonist.

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