Echoes of the Empire
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Echoes of the Empire |
| Publisher: | Banana Press |
| Editor(s): | Joyce Thompson and KathE Donnelly |
| Date(s): | 1978-1983 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Echoes of the Empire is a gen Star Trek: TOS anthology fanzine published by Banana Press which also published Datazine/Forum and BeNiF.
Summaies
This is NOT the universe of the aired ST series, nor is it the 'Mirror, Mirror' universe. It is a universe somewhat like the 'Mirror' one because it does have an Empire and the people and their actions are violent and treacherous. Political power and influence mean everything, no matter what the cost. Sarek is like this; he practices a strange type of immorality with honor. In this universe, the Vulcan and the humans are the ones we would consider evil; the Klingon and the Romulan are the 'good guys.' These Vulcans are emotional with only a tinge of logic. They do not experience pon farr and cannot initiate a healing trance. The economy is based on slave labor. The more educated slaves become house-servants while others are merely laborers. The male slave owners frequently use the female slaves as sexual companions, but nothing lasting can ever become of it. Sex is a commodity for trade or barter. It is an accepted way of advancing politically and socially. Fidelity is seldom considered, and it is practiced even less. In most ways, the universe is 'wide open.' So long as an action is effective and does not disrupt the Empire it is fine. It is strictly a 'whatever the traffic will bear' situation. [1]
Described as ST fandoms answer to Dallas, the first two volumes trace the courtship of Sarek and Amanda, as well as the birth and life of young Spock, in the savage, alternate Vulcan-Terran Empire. Learn how Amanda trapped Sarek into a marriage he didn't want. Follow Sarek's ambitious rise to power as the Governor of a slave planet. See how Spock is affected by his parent's greed and political machinations. This is an adult-oriented zine and explicit material is included. Age statement required. [2]
Issue 1
Echoes of the Empire 1 was published in June 1978 (second printing June 1979, third May 1984) and contains 54 pages.
- fiction by Joyce Thompson
- poem by KathE Donnelly (17)
- front cover by Caroline Hedge, other art by Mary Stacy-MacDonald, and Don Barnes
Summary: Issue 1
A summary of the first issue was printed in the second issue:
Amanda Grayson and Sarek met at a diplomatic reception on Vulcan. They were attracted to each other immediately, and a strong emotional and physical relationship developed between them. Neither of them would admit to loving the other, but when Amanda's father asked her to leave Vulcan with him, she decided she wished to stay with Sarek.
Sarek was a candidate for the job of Assistant Governor of Bel- Tanar, the Empire's main slave training and processing planet, and he concentrated all his efforts toward that goal, including a brief but tender affair with T'Mrel, the Governor Regent of Bel-Tanar's quadrant. Their affair came to an end when Amanda, having selfishly decided that she wanted Sarek more than any other man, purposely conceived’ his child as a means to force their marriage. Sarek agreed because he knew Amanda would abort the child if he refused, and Vulcans revere life above all else. Also, Inspector Grayson, Amanda's father, would have used his political influence to damage Sarek's budding career.
So, Sarek and Amanda were married on Bel-Tanar, shortly after he received the job as Assistant Governor. He quickly rose to the rank of Governor through hard work and some political maneuvering of his own. But the marriage itself was stormy, and he and Amanda quarreled constantly. Amanda resented Sarek's total devotion to his work to the exclusion of all else, including her, and Sarek resented being trapped into a marriage he hadn't wanted. He was distressed by Amanda's lack of concern for the child she carried. She told him she had no love for the child and had only used the baby to force their marriage. She planned to have as little as possible to do with the child after it was born and that she would have no more children after this one. Neither of them seemed to be able to remember or recapture any of the "good times" they had known early in their relationship. Amanda's difficult pregnancy added to the tension between them, but they each held on to the hope that perhaps after the child was born that then they could settle their differences and be a family.
Finally, on one occasion, Sarek and Amanda pretended to be a happily married couple because an important ambassador was visiting Bel- Tanar. During the evening reception, Amanda began to feel ill, but she told no one, and after Sarek had left her room, she began to hem- morhage and realized that the baby was going to be born prematurely.
She passed out after calling for help. Spock was delivered surgically, and while he was a perfectly normal baby, Amanda was very ill and suffered internal damage. During Spock's birth, Sarek could not be found or contacted. For the first time since his marriage to Amanda, he had gone to bed with another woman, the ambassador's wife, Alleeah. When Sarek finally did hear the news, he went to see his son first, then Amanda. She was somewhat upset that he saw the baby before he came to her. But they talked a little about their situation, for the first time without quarreling, and they agreed that when she was fully recovered they would talk more and hopefully they could work out some way to solve their differences and become a real family.
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1
First, let it be known that I am a Sarek & Amanda freak. It try to order whatever comes out dealing with those two particular characters, and I worry about quality later. Sometimes this system works and sometimes it doesn't. In the case of 'Echoes of Empire.' I have mixed feelings. Perhaps the two adjectives that best describe the zine are 'irritating' and 'intriguing.' There is real potential here. However, the story suffers from a severe case of underdevelopment. The story is set in an alternate universe which the author stresses is not the Mirror, Mirror Universe. All right, fact accepted. So I, the reader, start looking for some background material in this universe. There was very little given, and so I failed to orient myself. In fact, in retrospect, I wondered why the author took such pains to stress it was NOT a Mirror, Mirror story. It could so very easily have been one and a good one with some work. In discussing this novella, a friend and editor speculated that the characterization missed so the author created her own universe to compensate. I guess I don't believe in propagating alternate universes without reason. The story itself moves and holds the reader's interest. I believe the major problems with this work is that it is too short and too much is left to the reader's imagination. Throughout, Joyce drops all sorts of fascinating little tid-bits that should be followed up on and developed further. If it had been twice as long, with the little extra detail, I think it would have been a better story. I mentioned once that the characterization missed. The characterization of Amanda in particular, disturbed me. She comes across as a spoiled brat who stamps her feet and throws a temper tantrum when she doesn't get her way. I could have easily accepted a portrayal of her as a real bitch. It would have implied more character, and in whatever universe, I firmly believe Amanda would have character. The characterization of Sarek is by far the better of the two. However, he strikes me as being far too vulnerable to rise to the position of importance he attains given the universe he inhabits. Artwork is minimal, and for the most part, left me feeling completely neutral. However, someone took the time and trouble to proofread this. Typos are minimal, and I appreciated the lack of distraction. Given the number of pages, this is a rather expensive zine. It is an interesting Sarek & Amanda variation. However, I have to put it on a 'borrow, if possible' list. Read it that way, and then make the decision as to whether you want it for your collection.[3]
This is a zine for folks who hate the sweetness and light of the NTM Sarek and Amandai it supplies an alternate universe in which the pair have absolutely no redeeming quantities, and can only be said to richly deserve each other. From the opening scenes when Amanda and her father connive to have Sarek impregnate her so marriage will follow, through Sarek's angry paternity denials ("There are several other Vulcans with T-Negative blood'"), and during their hate-inspired marital quarrels, the author doesn't supply enough warmth of characterization to involve the emotions of the reader. When the story ended with Spock's delivery coinciding with Sarek's infidelity, my only reaction was one of relief that the whole experience was over. I can't imagine wanting to reread it for any reason. The dialogue throughout is stilted and poorly handled, and the reader is mostly told about things that happen, rather than experiencing them with the characters. The one exception is in the sexual scenes, which are related in meticulous detail, the only time the narrative style comes alive. There is not enough story line to make it worth mentioning, serving as it does only as a framework to display the worst possible sides of both human and Vulcan, devoid of honor, truth, chastity, or any other of the generally accepted virtues. Joyce promises this is the first of a series, but unless she is able to write in some elements that readers can identify with satisfactorily she may have a problem building a following.[4]
Issue 2
Echoes of the Empire 2 was published in February 1979 and contains 85 pages.
The art is by Debi Barbich, Caro Hedge, the calligraphy by Carol Angel.
The author thanks Karolyn Popovich for the use of her typewriter.
From the editorial:
This zine is longer than #1 by a fair number of pages -- our poor, tired typing fingers can testify to that. We do ask that after you've read it that you send us your comments on the material. Tell us what you liked, what you didn't like, what you would like to see in future zines, how you feel about the various characters, etc. We do plan to continue the series for at least two more zines (we're gluttons for punishment!), and your opinions help us determine what material to include. If you send a SASE, I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have or discuss the Echoes universe and its characters with you further.
I first started writing these stories because I was fascinated by the character of Sarek and greatly admired Mark Lenard, the talented actor who gave life to the role. For all you Sarek fans, I would like to refer you to the Mark Lenard International Fan Club. They put out informative publications and frequently publish other stories about Sarek.
- fiction by Joyce Thompson
- poem by KathE Donnelly
from issue #2, Debi Barbich
from issue #2, Debi Barbich
from issue #2, Debi Barbich
from issue #2
from issue #2
from issue #2, Caro Hedge
Issue 3
Echoes of the Empire 3 was published in 1979 and contains 90 pages.
150 copies were printed.
This volume follows Spock's life from age 15-19 on the planet Bel-Tanar.
- a fiction by Joyce Thompson
- cover is by Caro Hedge, other art by Debi Barbich
Issue 4
Echoes of the Empire 4 was published in May 1980 and contains 96 pages.
200 copies were printed.
From the flyer: "Join Spock and Sarek for more exciting adventures in the savage Vulcan/Terran Empire. Follow Spock on his journey to the Imperial Starfleet Academy and learn what happens when he is kidnapped by space pirates and sold into slavery. Find out how Spock reacts to seeing the Empire from "the other side." Meet a new character who is destined to change the course of Spock's life. All this and much, much more! This is the fourth in a projected series of continuing fanzines published by the Banana Press, written and edited by Joyce Thompson and KathE Donnelly. Echoes of the Empire #4 is an adult-oriented fanzine, and stories which are explicit in nature are included in this zine. No age statement is required."
- fiction by Joyce Thompson
- poetry by KathE Donnelly (41)
- front cover by Caro Hedge, other art by Debi Barbich
Issue 5
Echoes of the Empire 5 was published in 1981 and contains 60 pages.
200 copies were printed.
"This volume features a unique (and sexy!) look at the life of young Spock at the Starfleet Academy (ages 19-22). Watch his character grow and develop through four important events which take place during these years. See how Spock reacts to learning some startling and disturbing truths about his early life and his parents. Learn how chance meetings with two women from his past influence his present and future life."
- fiction by Joyce Thompson
- front cover by Kathleen Donnelly
- inside illos by Caro Hedge
Issue 6
Echoes of the Empire 6 was published in 1983 and contains 74 pages.
100 copies were printed
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6
This volume is devoted specifically to one specfic 24-36 hour time-period in Spock's life following his graduation from the Imperial Starfleet Academy at age 22, but just prior to his first assignment in deep-space. Before he can leave, a secret from his past is revealed, and it is a secret with important and far-reaching consequences for Spock and many other people in his sphere of acquaintance. Learn how this all affects Spock as well as two very important women from his past. And just what exactly is Sarek's involvment in all of this? Is he merely an innocent victim of treachery or is he the mastermind behind it all? Can Spock figure it all out and still have time to save a woman he has been involved with for several years? Alternate universes have always been on of my secret passions, so I was glad to see this concept used in a series of adult zines. This volume, in particular, centers on the lives of Spock, a new graduate of the Imperial Starfleet Academy, and Saren who has recently become an Inspector Regent, a powerful political overseer in the hieracrch of the brutal & unpredictable Vulcan-Terran Empire. It's difficult to comment too much on the storyline without ruining the surprises that are woven into it, but I can make a few general comments. It is interesting to see how several characters who appear to be widely diverse in nature and social status all become intertwined in a life and death situation for one of them -- a prostitute who is involved sexually and romantically with Spock but who has also revealed a deadly secret from the past. Spock's attempts to save her combine with Sarek's attempts to destroy her provide a central conflict. The solution is most unexpected yet I found it, dare I say, 'quite logical.' By the author's own admission, this zine's purpose is to tie up a few loose ends which have developed as this zine series has grown. As ever, exapanding number of characters cannot help but spawn such unfinished business; however, in most cases I found the solutions to be plausible and acceptable within the framework of this alternate universe. The character of Sarek is especially chilling in one very long scene which takes place in the office of the whoremaster. In many ways, this scene, which gives a bit of dark insight into the ways of those who manage to survive and prosper in the Empire, is the pivotal scene for the entire plot. Sarek's motivations are made quite clear, and while the reader may not agree with them, it is possible to understand his rage at the treachery which as been perpetrated against him. For those who may not have read or have access to the first five volumes of this series (all back issues are currently out of print), a two-page summary of the events which take place in them is included in each copy of #6. It can also serve a a quick reference sheet for those how have read the previous zines but find their memories need a bit of jogging from time to time. The episodic nature of presenttion sis frustrating to the reader who wants more immediately and is not ready for the story to end after a specific number of pages, but the series has been presented in this manner since its inception, so it should come as no surprise. A seventh volume would be most welcome, and since this is advertised as a continuing series of fanzines, I can only assume that another publication can be anticipated. The zine does contain one sexually explicit scene as well as some strong language, so I would recommend it to readers who do not object to such content. Layout is clean and clear for the most part, and the typos are relatively few. Occasional graphics are interspersed among the stories, but there is no pictoral artwork. It is a zine which an interesting concept which I find to be well-exectued and an enjoyable change of pace to read.[5]
Issue 7
Echoes of the Empire 7 wasn't written. But, if it had been, it would have gone something like this: "Spock is a young officer (age 24) aboard an Imperial Starship and Sarek is a powerful Empire official. This alternate universe zine continues with more intrigue, betrayal, and adult adventure. A long-forgotten incident from Sarek's past has deadly and surprising consequences for both Sarek and Spock. Can they escape with their lives and their careers intact? Sarek and Spock are forced to face each other -- will they be reconciled? A tale of desperation, determination, and revenge!" [6]
References
- ^ from an editorial of the first issue
- ^ from an ad in Datazine #19
- ^ from Right of Statement #3
- ^ review by Dixie Owen in The Clipper Trade Ship #24
- ^ from Datazine #27
- ^ according to an ad in Datazine #32