Orion (Star Trek: TOS zine)

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See also Orion (disambiguation).

Zine
Title: Orion (previously Stardate)
Publisher: Orion Press
Editor(s): Randall Landers
Date(s): 1985 - 1996
Series?:
Medium: print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links: Orion Press
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Orion is a gen Star Trek: TOS fanzine published by Orion Press.

This anthology zine used to be called Stardate from 1979 to 1984 for its first 21 issues, but was renamed "Orion" due to a legal dispute with FASA.[1] Hence due to the numbering of Orion it starts with issue #22 and ends with #36.

Older issues were re-released as a zine series Orion Archives.

The contents of this anthology series all fit into a shared universe timeline.

Reactions and Reviews

An anthology-type zine, one which comes out on a fairly regular basis, is Orion, published by Randall Landers. I have purchased five to date and have yet to be disappointed by the quality of the fiction- While some of the nonaction (editorials, reviews, etc-) tends to be overly political (yes, much to my dismay, there are factions in Star Trek fandom! By "political" I am referring to these factions, not who's calling the shots in Washington) and they spend a lot of time trying to fit everything neatly into a time-line, the stories themselves are very good. Anyone with a fascination for chronological data would probably enjoy these time-lines, too; I admit to a total lack of interest and haven't paid much attention to the aspect of that zine. [2]

Orion 22

cover of issue #22

Orion 22 was published in May 1985 and has 85 pages. The cover is by Gennie Summers. It originally cost $6.50

From the editorial:

I was asked the other day what my problem was. Why do I always have to complain about something. Like the Star Trek Welcommittee, like the editorial policy of Teri Meyer in INTERSTAT, like the harsh criticism I have given Eric Stillwell of Starfleet, like the attacks I have made on the Atlanta Star Trek Society. Why must I make so much trouble for so many people [much about various fan rip-offs snipped]... So what's my problem? Why can't I just sit back and be quiet? An answer is hard to give when I don't have one. Maybe it's because I'm young, maybe it's because my Scottish/Irish blood makes me easily riled up, maybe it's because I'm arrogant, obnoxious, rude. Maybe it's because I care. I care about the little guys who are unintentionally or intentionally hurt by the above things. Maybe it's because these are causes and we all must have such causes. Others include Women Against Pornography, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Mine can be no better...and no worse...I hope.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 22

  • Runner / [also OA 2001 - First Mission - 1] Orion battle story. Needed more editing.
  • All That He Was... All That He Knew / Events from Spock's funeral to McCoy's imprisonment by Starfleet, from McCoy's pov. Nice.
  • Escape From Nowhere / cute little nightmare for Kirk following a blow to the head
  • The Wounding / [also Orion Archives 2; OA 2001 - Interludes] Emotion- packed vignette, as Kirk tells Carol about David. [3]

Orion 23

cover of issue #23

Orion 23 was published in December 1985 it has 136 pages. The cover is by Rick Endres, art by Rick Endres, Pat Kilmer and Gennie Summers.

From The Last Word, editorial:

I have some good news and some bad news about ORION PRESS. Or June 15th 19S6, ORION PRESS ceased all zine publishing activities. Mary of our publications, such as this one, are finding homes with other presses. With ORION, will be at least one more issue of ORION (#24 due in late 1986), but after that, I Other publications are simply going to disappear, I regret to say. SENSOR READINGS and IDYLLS are both permanently cancelled. BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR is in qrave jeopardy. REGULA is in little danger (I will continue to publish this one myself, in all likelihood). STAR TRIP, INTERLUDE, A CRUCIBLE FOR COURAGE are seeking new homes; STARDATE issues may soon be made available. But I hope that homes will soon I be found for these.

I've enjoyed the past eight years of producing STARDATE PRESS and ORION pf publications. I've enjoyed working with the contributors and satisfying the needs of our readership (at my count, there were over 5000 people who have read an ORION PRESS publication). But most of all I've enjoyed the wealth of material I've read. I love Star Trek, and I'm proud of the material I've published. I feel we here have done excellent work, though it's often overlooked. And I feel that our readers, on the whole, have been very happy with us.

This second edition of ORION 23 was made possible with the cooperation of Terry Sue Shank. I wish to publicly thank her for her efforts here.

  • From Ye Ed by Randall Landers (2)
  • Of All the LoC (letter column) (4)
  • The Stars of Sargasso, an adaptation by Randall Landers (an adaptation of the alleged unshod script -- "When I read this script recently, I felt compelled to do a Blish-style adaptation. Why? Because I paid $25.00 for it to an unscrupulous dealer-type. I feel that since this is a true curiosity, and many fans have been burned by the pro-dealers, I decided to adapt it as a story.") (7)
  • Shadows of Tomorrow by Lilia P. Santos ("... a first-time appearance from Lilia Santos... which touches on the Spock-Kalomi relationship from "This Side of Paradise.") (43)
  • Sarlock's Trial by Jon vanWormer ("A Vulcan is on trial for breaking the Prime Directive.") (45)
  • Miracle Worker, poem by CarolMel Ambassador (a Scotty poem) (47)
  • The I Win Scenario by Adela Petersen ("an old thorn in Kirk's side comes back to haunt him in the form of the tormentor's off-spring. And it has the logical conclusion to the Kobayahsi Maru, too.") (48)
  • Star Trip III - The Search for Sprok a parody comic by Gennie Summers ("It is along the same lines as "Star Trek: II: The Wrath of Dhon," except there is a new artist. Gennie Summers spent most of her summer and early fall working on this little monster. It was written by some guy named Randy Landers, Time Farley, and Gennie, too. Our apologies go to all the people who unknowingly helped us: Associated Producer Ralph Winters (from ST:TSfS) who provided the ending; the readers and editor of Interstat, who provided a lot of amusing material, some intended and some not; and the writers and creators of the Ambush Bug, for providing us with this anti-hero who finally gets his demise.") (53)
  • Serenidad: The Cost of Freedom (part three) by Rick Endres & Linda McInnis; set in 2275/30; continues from Stardate 21, and Orion 22, next part in Orion 24; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2272-2275 The Second Mission 4 (Warnings for Violence, sexual situations, mind rape) (80)
  • Mainviewer: a review by "Tony Zierau" of the fanzine "The Human Side" (135)
  • The Last Word, editorial by Randall Landers (136)

  • sample pages

  • sample pages

  • sample pages

  • sample pages

Orion 24

cover of issue #24
1987 flyer for issue #24

Orion 24 was published in March 1987 and contains 195 pages. It has a few articles on Star Trek: TNG.

  • "The Cost of Freedom" by Rick Endres & Linda McInnis; set in 2275/30; continues from Stardate 21, and Orion 22 and 23; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2272-2275 The Second Mission 4 (Warnings for Violence, sexual situations, mind rape) (The conclusion of the third story of the Serenidad series. Princess Teresa's labor pains have begun, and if the Kh'myr Klingons discover this, she will be killed after the child is delivered. The Federation Council is still debating whether or not the Klingon's claim to Serenidad is genuine, and Captain James T. Kirk, frustrated at the situation, decides to take matters into his own hands! - Some rough language and violence.)
  • "Ad Astra Per Aspera" by Randall Landers, with Linda McInnis; set in 2275/40; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 1 (After the Serenidad tragedy, Sulu signs aboard a science survey ship, U.S.S. Cooper, as executive officer. He faces a new, unfamiliar crew and ship, a murder mystery at a research station, and maybe even love. - Adult situations.)
  • "Parts Is Parts" by Randall Landers & Linda McInnis; set in 2276/39; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 1 (Scotty's tale. The engineer plans to rebuild the Serenidad damaged Enterprise underneath Starflast's very nose. His only complications: an auditor from Logistics, an investigator named Ari bn Bern, and the Dchlman Elaan. - Adult themes.)
  • "Voyage Home" Reviewed, a review by Randall Landers
  • Interview with David Gerrold, see DraftTrek Interview with David Gerrold


Orion 25

cover of issue #25, Bobbie Hawkins

Orion 25 was published in September 1987. It has 110 pages. Art is by Bobbie Hawkins, Christina Kyle, Gennie Summers, and Marie Williams.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 25

[The Day They All Came Home]: The interlude on Vulcan before STIV: Admiral Sheridan is out to get Kirk for his cowboy antics; McCoy inadvertently helps Spock recover his full self; Saavik struggles with Spock's awareness of how she saved him on Genesis, and forms a relationship with Sulu; Sarek takes on the task of rescuing the gang from Starfleet hardliners by Vulcan legal channels. Some nice bits. Unfortunately, it all finishes up with an unneccessary Klingon plot to eliminate Kirk & co. - they've been using Sheridan all along. [4]

Orion 26

cover of issue #26

Orion 26 was published in March 1988 and contains 190 pages. Art by Marie Williams and Bobbie Hawkins.


Orion 27

cover of issue #27

Orion 27 was published in August 1988 and contains 164 pages. Includes a Saavik origin tale.

  • From the Editor (2)
  • Of All the LoC (3)
  • A Lonely God by Sharon Pillsbury (6) (Kirk thought Mitchell was dead. Or was he?)
  • Kirk's Puzzle, devised by Randall Landers with Lloyd Graham (40)
  • "A Klingon Holiday" by Randall Landers (The command was to capture Kirk alive. But what if the wily Starfleet captain was vacationing on a certain planet in the Delta Theta system?) (41)
  • Wait a Minute by Ann Zewen (55)
  • Teresa by Rick Endres (62)
  • Private Night written and illustrated by Takumi Nakuhara (comic) (82)
  • "To Hell(guard) and Back" by Linda McInnis (88)
  • Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, a report by Ann Zewan (107)
  • "Aftermath" by Rick Endres; set in 2275/35; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus (109)
  • Mainviewr (157)
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation, a report by Ann Zewan (154)
  • The Last Word (162)
  • art by Rick Endres, Bobbie Hawkins, Robert Jan, Takumi Nakahara, Gennie Summers, and Marie Williams

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 27

ORION 27 was very enjoyable and professionally done, I thought. It had a nice mixture of stories. My favorites were "A Lonely God," about Gary Mitchell's revenge by Sharon Pillsbury and a hilarious Klingons on the "Shore Leave" planet story called "A Klingon Holiday" by Randall Landers. There were a couple follow-up stories in the Serenidad series which I haven't read yet but they were well done and it sounds like an interesting alternate universe series, by Rick Endres. All in all, the zine was well worth buying and I'll be sending for more. [5]

Orion 28

cover of issue #28
flyer for issue #28

Orion 28 was published in July 1989 and contains 232 pages. The art is by Jim P. Boursaw, Steven K. Dixon, Rick Endres, Jeanne L. Matthews, Christine Myers, Melody Rondeau, and Gennie Summers.

  • You Are Not Alone by Chris Dickenson ("Another Saavik story set between ST:TWoK and ST:TSfS which explains the changes in the character. A masterful examination of Saavik, her motivations, and her stormy relationship with David.")
  • Shades of Gray by Chris Dickenson ("This is a post-ST:TMP espionage story with Chapel serving as a secret agent, investigating a Romulan plot on a backwater colony world. The problem is that she's suffering from amnesia. Who will be sent to rescue her from the situation? Sulu, of course! But along the way, they run into difficulties and Orions.")
  • Memorial Day by Rick Endres ("Memorial Day has a special meaning for the famed starship commander.")
  • "To the Last Extremity" by Chris Dickenson; set in 2282/98 ("A Saavik-at-the-academy story which deals with Saavik's life from the time since her rescue from Hell-guard until the time we first see her in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. A top rate look at Saavik's background.") reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 2
  • "Just a Little Training Cruise" by Randall Landers; set in 2283/20 ("This story concludes Sulu's adventures on the Federation science ship, U.S.S. Cooper, and leads into the events of ST:TWoK. A good look at the minor characters. Just keep an eye on Uhura if you're ever having dinner with her...") reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 2
  • "Out of the Ashes" by Ann Zewen ("Another post-ST:TMP story which returns us to the planet Stradia. The Stradia resistance fighters and Captain James Kirk had vanquished the Klingon invasion force. But were they really gone? Not if all the recent sabotage was any indication.")
  • "A Chronology of the Star Trek Universe" by Randall Landers
  • some reviews by J. Richard Laredo of tie-in books


Reactions and Reviews: Issue 28

It's up to its usual standards in reading for a true Trek fan like myself. Its production value is greatly high put together as with all other issues in the past. Stories worth mentioning: "Shades of Grey"—it's an espionage story with Chapel serving as a secret agent investigating a Romulan plot. One problem—she has amnesia and who will rescue her in this story. Other stories: "Out of the Ashes," "To the Last Extremity," and "Just a Little Training Course," a Sulu adventure on his ship, continuing from other issues in the past. Bill Hupe deserves credit in putting the zine into publication as with Orion Press producing it. There will be future issues and I will order them when released. [6]

Orion 29

front cover of issue #29, Julie Nosal
back cover of issue #29, David Lawrence

Orion 29 was published in February 1990 and contains 223 pages. Art by Gennie Summers, Jim Boursaw, Steven K. Dixon, David Lawrence (back cover), Jeanne L. Matthews.

  • Julie Nosal (front cover)
  • From the Editor (2)
  • Of All the LoC (3)
  • Keeper Of The Katra by Chris Dickensen ("This is a post-ST.TFF novel which details Spock's burden of Sybok's katra, and under its influence, the first officer relives their common pasts. It also introduces us to Spock's bondmate, T'Liba, and reveals some startling family secrets. To worsen matters, Kirk is angry at his friend for keeping yet another secret, and this time he will not let Spock hide behind Vulcan etiquette. A top notch story from one of fandom's best new talents!") (reprinted in Orion Archives: 2284 Keeper of the Katra) (7)
  • Blood Is Thicker by Chris Dickenson ("This tale, set shortly following "The Galileo Seven," has Kirk beaming down alone to Makus IV, a planet reportedly inhabited by vampires.") (157)
  • The Music Box by Ann Zewen (169)
  • Not A Bad Day’s Work by Chris Dickerson ("A Scotty vignette detailing his rescue of a young girl trapped in the caverns of a dying world.") (179)
  • That’s What Friends Are For by Ann Zewen (reprinted in Orion Archives: 2283-2284 Interludes) (184)
  • Dignity by Chris Dickerson ("Revolution erupts on Eta Scorpii, and Sarek is severely injured. Can McCoy and Spock rescue him in time? Will Spock be forced to perform tal-shaya on his own father?") (199)
  • A Chronology Of The Star Trek Universe (221)
  • Mainviewer (224)
  • The Last Word, editorial by Randall Landers (227)


  • art from issue #29, David Lawrence

  • art from issue #29, Gennie Summers

  • art from issue #29, Jeanne L. Matthews

  • art from issue #29, Susan Leinbach

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 29

The main item in this zine is the novella 'Keeper of the Katra' by Chris Dickenson. The story begins with Spock's return to Vulcan bearing the katra of Sybok, and his attempts to convince first Sarek and then T'Lar that Sybok should be admitted to the Hall of Ancient Thought. The story is told from many points of view, but each section is headed, making it clear to follow; the use of italic also shows clearly when flashback is used. This is really an extremely good story. I began it with a slight uncertainty, but after only a page or two found myself unwilling to put it down, so that I abandoned my plans for the evening and read it at a sitting. The familiar characters are handled in a very appealing fashion, and the less usual ones are brought vividly to life - if you thought T'Pau could be difficult, wait until you meet T'Sai! Also, as one who has an in-built dislike for Spock-romance stories, I gave four cheers for the creation of T'Liba. If there was no other inducement to buy the zine, this one story is reason enough.

The remaining stories are all quite short. 'Blood is Thicker', by the same writer, has Kirk suffering a nightmare, while her 'Not a Bad Day's Work' has McCoy and Scott rescuing a child from the aftermath of an earthquake. In 'Dignity' she has McCoy and Spock dealing with the aftermath of a Klingon attack in which Sarek has been seriously injured. Ten years later, Spock understands McCoy's actions. 'Music Box', by Ann Zewen, deals with McCoy's reaction to his diagnosis of xenopolycythemia - a very touching little tale. Ann also wrote 'That's What Friends Are For', which explains the closeness between Uhura and Scott in STV. The zine also includes an LOC column, a chronology of the Star Trek universe, a review of STV by Kristen Brady, and a concluding editorial on the subject of Star Trek collectibles.

This is definitely a good and good value zine, and I would recommend it. [7]

I have to say that the zines I see published with the most consistent quality are the Orion zines. They are always well-edited, have some interesting stories, and some good art to go along with them. My personal favorite is number 29, especially "Keeper of the Katra" by Chris Dickerson, who I think has a very good grasp of the characters. I like the fact that a lot of the stories try to go into the characters and tell the reader something about what they're thinking and feeling. It's a nice change from the same old actions stories with little concern for what motivates the characters to take the actions that they do. [8]

Orion 30

cover of issue #30
flyer for issue #30

Orion 30 was published in 1990 and contains 118 pages.

  • "False Colors" by Ann Zewen; set in 2276/30 ("Set during the post-Serenidad era, approximately in 2278. The newly promoted Admiral James T. Kirk has become an Assistant Dean and an instructor for Starfleet's Academy. This story reveals how even then Starfleet relied on him to wrestle their acorns out of the fire. It's full of intrigue and subterfuge, and I'm sure you'll appreciate it.") reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 1 (When an Orion passenger liner is destroyed by a Federation starship, Admiral Kirk is send in to investigate.)
  • The Difference by Chris Dickerson (A story of McCoy's tragic first mission as a Starfleet officer. "A McCoy story set shortly after he joined Starfleet, and details the first real crisis of his Starfleet career. I won't give any more of the details away, but you'll enjoy it.")
  • Complication by Pamela Corsa (an undercover Spock poses as a Romulan, "a tale of Spock, McCoy and Kirk, all of which are in mortal danger from an old enemy, although not in the same vein. It's got action, adventure, espionage, and we hope to feature additional material from Pamela in future issues.")
  • "Popcorn" by Chris Dickenson; reprinted in Orion Archives: 2234-2265 The Beginnings (about a seven-year old Spock's first visit to Earth, "set on Earth prior to the passing of Spock's aunt, Roberta Grayson (who was introduced in ORION 28). It's a touching story, relish it.")
  • "Gillian Weep Not" by Linda McInnis ("Perhaps one of the finest stories ever written by our long-time ORION staffer. Linda's writing is absolutely phenomenal at times, and, believe me, this is one of those times. Her story is set prior to the Enterprise shakedown cruise, and prior to Gillian's departure from Earth. An outstanding story, one which I savor each I time I read it.")


Reactions and Reviews: Issue 30

[Gillian Weep Not]: I really love this story and how it evokes the rhythms of the sea and air and the life bound up in them. A wonderful follow-up to one of the best Trek movies, Gillian's emotions at the recent upheaval in her life and her continuing connection to the whales rings very true. [9]

My only problem in Ann Zewen's "False Colors" was Kirk jumping in the sack with Caren Hollis. She doesn't seem his type to me. Unless I missed something? Sorry, I don't believe Kirk's hormones are always on overdrive, not do I believe he is the galaxy's stud. I personally couldn't stand Hollis. She carried on so much about the Big Bad Starfleet and the Poor Innocent Orions and then acted she knew all along that Starfleet was getting set up. The characterization was excellent -- Hollis is an absolute bitch -- but I don't believe there is anything that would attract Kirk to her. However, if I missed something, let me know.

"Popcorn," by Chris Dickenson, was a very enjoyable story. Also nice to know Spock enjoys some Terran foods.

Linda McInnis' "Gillian Weep Not" is a very touching story. It also wraps up The Voyage Home completely. I couldn't believe Gillian would leave without saying farewell to the whales, not after leaving her time to be with them. [10]

In Ann Zewen's False Colors (48 pgs). Admiral Kirk Is called on to investigate the destruction ol the Orion passenger-liner Acadia by a Federation starship under the command of Captain Bailey, last seen in the episode The Corboraite Maneuver. News of the disaster has been made public and Nogura is forced to assign a reporter to cover the investigation in order to assure public confidence in Starfleet's investigation. The reporter, Caren Hollis, is very quickly at odds with Kirk, accusing his of whitewashing the investigation to protect Starfleet and one of his former crewmen. The story was disappointing for a number of reasons. The plot is predictable, but I'm willing to concede that the story was not written as a mystery but as a character study of the two principles, James Kirk and Caren Hollis. If the latter is actually the case allow me to point out some of the weak points in Zewen's development of Hollis and her relationship with Kirk. The first problem I have with False Colors is the oversimplification in characterizing 23rd century reporters. I can live with Zewen's assumption that muck-raking and sensationalism will remain staple features of broadcast journalism but it helps to remember that journalists are human beings whose lives are effected by more than the pursuit of truth. It would have been nice to have seen Hollis carmg for something more than "the story". The second problem I have is with what appeared to me a very large inconsistency in Hollis' motivation. The story begins with her and Kirk in an antagonistic relationship rooted in their respective professions: the professional soldier attempting to protect the integrity of the service and a Starship Captain who was once under his command, and the reporter trying to get to the truth of the story without vegard to reputations. We learn right away that the women has a very large ego. She protests to Kirk that no matter the extent of the cover up of Bailey's guilt in the destruction of Acadia, not only won't "her" viewers accept Kirk's whitewashed report, but as if to speak for the whole of the Federation she remarks that "the public will not be so philosophical about letting whoever's responsible" off the hook. Then at the end of the story, she takes sole responsibility for solving the mystery of the Acadia disaster in her broadcast report, even though pages earlier she remarked privately to Kirk, "We found the answer, didn't we?" All the cat fighting between Hollis and Kirk is evidence for her self-centerednese and unwillingness to compromise on anything having to do with Kirk or the investigation. I would submit that anyone who has put their ego on the line as Hollis has is not likely to submit to, and will in fact actively oppose, any attempt at manipulation. Imagine my surprise then, to find Hollis submit to Kirk's sexual advances! It was entirely inconsistent with the character's development. It would have been much more consistent to have had Hollis verbally chew Kirk up and spit him out, humiliate him and threaten to expose his advances (or attempted rape) to get better access to the information she wanted. Furthermore, I objected to Zewen's depiction of Kirk as someone who uses sex to settle grudges and even scores. Not that such behaviour doesn't actually exist, but somehow I see Kirk as being more intelligent and sensitive than to engage in such. Can Ann please tell us what a 'punishing kiss' is? Is this the way a professional handles human relationships? Next thing you know. Kirk will reprimand Uhura by bending her over the communications console!

Of the two issues of Orion I have read, by far my favourite writer is Chris Dickenson. The Difference (8 pgs) and Popcorn (5 pgs) are two of the reasons why. She takes simple, manageable scenes, and makes them come to life with her characterisations. Nothing in either of these stories is particularly complicated in terms of plot. A small cost of characters and only one or two locations helps her to focus in on what she wants to develop. The Difference is written in the form of a flashback. Upon witnessing the suffering of patients in a 20th century hospital during The Voyage Home, McCoy remembers one of his first incurable patients and the reason he was able to carry on despite the loss. In Popcorn, McCoy and Spock take a trip to the mountains and spend the night in Spock's aunt's cabin. While there, Spock recalls a childhood memory about popcorn. Since it's so short, saying more would give it all away.

Brevity and clarity, however, are not hallmarks of Pamela J. Corsa's Complication (17 pgs). The major problem I have with her story is that there were too many complications for a 17 page story. This is a draft outline for a novel. and I think the editor was remiss in not returning the manuscript to the author for a major rewrite. Here are all the events which precede her story and which are covered in one page as a kind of introduction:

  • The Romulans develop a new weapon.
  • The Federation decided to send someone deep cover into the Romulan Empire to steal said weapon or weapon plans.
  • Spock is chosen for and accepts the mission.
  • Spock undergoes reconstructive surgery to make him look more Romulan.
  • Spock infiltrates the Romulan Space Service.
  • Spock gains enough trust to be assigned as Commander of the vessel which will test the aforementioned weapon.

The rest of the 16 pages of the story detail how Kirk and Spock are able to steal the weapon from the Romulans and effect Spock's escape. One additional annoyance about this story: if the "weapon" is so important that Starfleet sends in one of its best officers on a potential suicide mission, I think it's important to let the readers know exactly what kind of weapon it is and what kind of threat its use might entail.

The jewel of Orion 30 is Linda Mclnnis' Gillian Weep Not (13 pgs). It's a touching story of Gillian's attempt to find George and Gracie, now living free in the Pacific Ocean. With Spock's assistance, she is for the first time able to communicate with her aquatic friends. I salute Mclnnis for portraying the expatriot's feeling so well and wonder if she has spent any extended time abroad. The feeling of being cut off from your past life, from everything you once were, is really unimaginable until you live in a foreign country (or in Gillian's case another century I. The initial need a new expat feels to be in touch with something from his former life is very powerful and necessary in reminding one of who one is and where one came from. Congratulations to Ms. Mclnnis on such a fine and touching story. [11]

Orion 31

flyer for issue #31

Orion 31 was published in March 1992.

  • "If Not Victory..." by Ann Zewen; set in 2277/75 ("A follow-up to her story "False Colors," which was published in ORION 30. It seems that the Director has managed to capture reporter Caren Hollis, and it's up to Admiral James T. Kirk (along with a rather annoyed Doctor Leonard H. McCoy and Kitty Hunter, one of Caren's rival reporters) to bring her out...if they can.") reprinted in Orion Archives: 2275-2283 The Second Hiatus 2
  • "Friendship's Song" by Valerie A. Phillips ("Set during Linda Mclnnis' novella, "The Day They All Came Home." During the command crew's Vulcan exile, Uhura decides to visit the recuperating Spock in an effort to repay an old debt. Probably the best story in the zine.") reprinted in Orion Archives: 2283-2284 Interludes 1
  • "Tomb of Fear" by Jill Thomasson ("A McCoy-oriented action-adventure story involving the Big Three. A creature from a dead world is wreaking havoc among the living, moving from victim to victim with its insidious, hypnotic attacks.") (updated and reprinted in The McCoy Files)
  • "Trapped" by Pamela J. Corsa ("Has the starship Enterprise stopped cold In space, and Kirk and Spock must strive to determine the nature of the trap, and the best way to escape it. They are unable to turn to McCoy for his input, as the doctor lies near death in Sickbay.")
  • Tryst by Linda McInnis ("A reworking of her story which was first published in a more explicit form. The story is set prior to the events of Star Trek: The Search for Spock, and explains the relationship of Kruge, Torg and Valkris. Truly a remarkable piece which takes a look at Klingon women.")


Orion 32

Orion 32 was published in October 1992 and contains 135 pages. The art is by Steven K. Dixon, Rick Endres, Don Harden, Bobbie Hawkins, Vel Jaeger, David Lawrence, and Julie Nosal (front cover).

front cover of issue #32
flyer for issue #32

Note: while Julie Nosal is credited with the back cover art in the table of contents, the back cover appears to be blank. Perhaps this back cover was in removed in subsequent reprints?

  • From the Editor, an introduction by Randall Landers (2)
  • Serendipity by Amanda Cassity (The Enterprise is ferrying ambassadors to a newly discovered world when one of its shuttles, with Kirk, Spock, McCoy aboard, is attacked.) (4)
  • The McAulliffe Rescue by Christina Schinella (28)*Questions by Rick Endres (54)
  • The Return by Steven K. Dixon (59)
  • Until We Meet Again by Shayna Gitnick (89)
  • Shadow Play by Pony Godic (Has Spock, McCoy and Chapel, seemingly disappearing while on the surace of a newly discovered planet.) (94)
  • A Chronology of the Star Trek Universe (125)
  • The ORION Universe (130)
  • The Last Word, an editorial by Randall Landers (134) (speculation about the seventh Star Trek movie)

"From the Editor" (also printed on the flyer) gives a synopsis of each story:

Serendipity, by Amanda Cassity is set during James T. Kirk's first five-year mission of the Enterprise. The Federation has established contact with a star system. the Enterprise is dispatched to ferry ambassadors from a starbase while Kirk, Spock and McCoy are proceeding to the planet's surface via shuttlecraft. The Galileo comes under attack and it makes a forced landing on a neighboring planet. Meanwhile, their attackers are searching for them and waiting for the unsuspecting Enterprise to return.
The McAulliffe Rescue, by Tina Schinella, is also set during Kirk's first five-year mission aboard the Enterprise, the starship receives a distress call from a civilian science ship, the S.S. McAulliffe. A landing party beams down to investigate the crash site and encounters a being who is torn between Humanity and the alien race who befriends her.
Questions, by Rick Endres, is set after the events Star Trek: The Search for Spock. Maltz has been imprisoned at the Starfleet Maximum Security Detention Center on Alcatraz. He is pondering about his life in captivity, and finds himself wishing for death. That is, until xenophile Security Officer Stacey Saint James arrives on the scene to make life a bit more interesting for him.
The Return, by Steven K. Dixon, is set prior to Star Trek: The Final Frontier, Father Robert Welton, a heretic who aided Khan during the Eugenics War was cast into deep space a punishment for his crimes against Humanity. Now, awakened by an advanced life form, he finds a way of revenge on those who banished him from Earth: interference on the planet 892-IV in a way that shakes that planet's religion to its very core. Can the Enterprise crew stop this madman in time?
Until We Meet Again, by Shaynna Gitnick, is a short story detailing an encounter between Hikaru Sulu and his friend Pavel Chekov. Sulu, who has just been offered the captaincy of the U.S.S. Excelsior, wants Chekov as his first officer. But why won't his friend accept the posting?
Shadow Play, by Pony Godic, is an excellently written story, set during Kirk's first 5 year mission Mister Spock, doctor McCoy and Nurse Chapel are sent down on a landing party mission, only to seemingly disappear. Kirk's only recourse is to search for them, while Spock, McCoy and Chapel have discovered a threat to galactic peace. This is perhaps the best written Chapel we've ever seen in fan fiction!

  • inside issue #32

  • inside issue #32

  • inside issue #32

  • inside issue #32

Orion 33

cover of issue #33, Julie Nosal

Orion 33 was published in July 1993 and contains 134 pages. The art is by Rick Endres, Toni Hardeman, Bobbie Hawkins, David Lawrence, M.J. Millard, and Julie Nosal.

  • From the Editor (2)
  • Off All the LoC (3)
  • Sam by Ann Zewen (5)
  • The Killer Instinct by Phillip A. Mucha (11)
  • The Night Watch by d. William Roberts (13)
  • Just What The Doctor Ordered by Autumn Lee (23)
  • The Horla’s Lair by Pony Godic (The Enterprise is searching an entire enclosed by a forcefield. The best minds of the Federation have devised a plan to open the field, and the Enterprise enters the region. But the crew finds they have opened a Pandora's box which could bring about the end of the universe.) (originally in Star Voyage #4) (36)
  • Southern Comfort by Linda McInnis reprint from Beyond the Farthest Star #2 (McCoy finds himself turning to an old friend in order to work through some emotional baggage.) (85)
  • Return To Xantharus by Randall Landers by Randall Landers (93)
  • Eulogy by Ann Zewan (118)
  • A Chronology Of The Star Trek Universe (124)
  • the ORION Universe (129)
  • The Last Word, an editorial by Randall Landers (133)

"From the Editor" gives a synopsis of each story:

Sam, by Ann Zewen is a wonderful look at the young James T. Kirk and his brother. We finally learn why Jim Kirk calls him Sam. Delightful!
The Killer Instinct, written by Phillip A Mucha, is a look at the young Spock and his relationship with a certain sehlat. Agains, Delightful!
The Night Watch, by D. William Roberts is a submission from a first time writer. In his story, William introduces us to a young, upstart officer named Lieutenant Shaun Kelsey, whose first assignment is the U.S.S. Enterprise. In so doing, he reintroduces us to Lieutenant Kevin Thomas Riley as well. Heaven help us with two Irishmen on our favorite starship!
Just What the Doctor Ordered, written by Autumn Lee is a wonderful romp with a mysterious planet causing trouble for both the Federation and the Klingons. At least McCoy comes through the ordeal as a winner!
The Horla's Lair, written by Pony Godic, is a convulted [sic], heavy science fiction Star Trek tale. The Enterprise is assisting in researching an anomaly in space: an entire sector enclosed by a forcefield which prevents access to the sector. The best scientific minds in the Federation have devised a plan to open the field, and the Enterprise enters the region for exploration. But the crew soon finds that they may have unwittingly opened a Pandora's box which could bring about the end of the universe!
Southern Comfort, by Linda McInnis, is a revised version of her story which was originally published in the adult Beyond the Farthest Star. The story remains virtually the same. Following the tragedy at Serenidad, McCoy finds himself turning to an old friend in order to work through some emotional baggage. But in removing the explicit sex scenes, Linda found herself adding more characterization to make up the difference. An excellent story!
Return to Xantharus, by Randall Landers is an episodic piece, focusing on Sulu as he now commands the science ship Cooper. Set after Star Trek: The Final Frontier and before Star Trek The Undiscovered Country, the story details Hikaru Sulu's first command crisis.
Eulogy, by Ann Zewen, is set during the Star Trek: The Next Generation timeline. Leonard McCoy, retired country doctor, learns that an old friend is still alive, and reflects on a rather premature memorial service.
A Chronology of the Star Trek Universe, details our timeline. While we accept most of what is published in Michael and Denise Okuda's Star Trek Chronology, we reject their placement of the Classic episodes and films, and ours includes the often ignored (and often plaigarized) animated series. Our Star Trek Universe, details the material we consider as a part of the official ORION canon.

  • inside issue #33

  • inside issue #33

  • inside issue #33

  • inside issue #33

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 33

  • Sam / Young Jim and his brother, explaining why Jim calls him Sam.
  • The Killer Instinct / Young Spock & his sehlat
  • The Night Watch / Riley takes a new Irish lieutenant under his wing for final exams
  • Just What the Doctor Ordered / A romp with an exotic barmaid, an exploding bar, and Klingons taking over the Enterprise.
  • The Horta's Lair / Enterprise ventures into an area enclosed by a forcefield, with odd mental effects on the crew, especially Uhura.
  • Southern Comfort / A post-Serenidad McCoy story, re-worked for Orion from the original published in the adult Beyond Antares. McCoy, foolishly in love with Teresa, finds solace with an old friend.
  • Return to Xantharus / Sulu's first command crisis; battling Orions.
  • Eulogy / Admiral McCoy is informed that Scotty has been recovered in the Jenolen.
  • Chronology of the Star Trek universe
  • The Orion Universe / Listing of Orion Press stories and Trek episodes in ST chronological order - gives issues in which the stories appear. [12]

Orion 34

Orion 34 was published in July 1994.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 34

[Rites of Passage]: Nicely done. Kelsey finds himself with a dying Kirk and a bunch of smart-ass Nova Cadets, supposedly supervising the survival test of their training, on a planet full of Romulans. The overconfident cadets fall into a Romulan trap, and most get killed - heroically. Except, of course, the Andorian who is the biggest jerk of the bunch. [13]

Orion 35

cover of issue #35, Zaquia Tarhuntassa
flyer for issue #25

Orion 35 published in June 1995 and contains 124 pages. All art is by Zaquia Tarhuntassa.

From a flyer:

James T. Kirk died in 2371. Well, that's what we're supposed to believe. Right... Somehow, I don't think many of us believe that. Virginia Boehm Worthen doesn't. In her story, "Nexus," which was first published on the Internet there's an echo of James T. Kirk, and where's there's a will, there's a way. And "Nexus" provides us with one possible way out for a certain starship commander. Unlike any story previously published in ORION, much of this story is set in the time frame of Star Trek - The Next Generation, but much of it is set in the Nexus with Jim Kirk, thus it's only appropriate to publish it in this the first issue of ORION published after Star Trek: Generations.

Summaries for this issue from Media Monitor:

  • Nexus by Virginia Boehm Worthen ("There's an echo of James T. Kirk, and where there's a will, there's a way." James T. Kirk died in 2371. Well, Maybe not. 'Nexus' by Virginia Boehm Worthen provides us with one possible way out for a certain starship commander.) (was first posted on the Internet)
  • "Fairy Tale Ending" by Joanne K. Seward ("A look at a group of cadets who find their posting on the Enterprise different than they imagined it to be. A good story with an honest look at life aboard a starship.")

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35

[Fairy Tale Ending]: Excellent cadets' coming-of-age story. A group of cadets get their space legs interning on Enterprise. It comes with a dose of hard reality when they have to assist with rescue efforts on a foundered ship and Carson is killed in her attempt to rescue a child. [14]

Orion 36

cover of issue #36

Orion 36 published in July 1996.

External Links

References

  1. ^ note on the Orion Press zine list page explaining the name change.
  2. ^ from The Trekzine Times v.1. n.2
  3. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  4. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  5. ^ from Treklink #27
  6. ^ from Treklink #20
  7. ^ from IDIC #11
  8. ^ from The Trekzine Times v.1 n.3
  9. ^ from All of the LoC (March 2004)
  10. ^ Of All the LoC (March 1992)
  11. ^ from IDIC #17
  12. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  13. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  14. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
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