A Tremor in the Force/Issue 002

A Tremor in the Force · Issue 001 · Issue 002 · Issue 003 · Issue 004 · Issue 005 · Issue 006 · Issue 007 · Issue 008 · Issue 009 · Issue 010

Related terms:
See also:	A Tremor in the Force
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Issue 2

front cover issue #2

back cover issue #2

A Tremor in the Force 2 was published in 1985 and is 187 pages. Art by Wanda Lybarger, Jenni, Nancy Stasulis, Danaline Bryant, Cheree Cargill, Dani, Pat Easley, B.A. Hale, Susan Hall, Wendy Ikeguchi, Suzy Sansom, Barbara Stults, and Laura Virgil.

[The editorial]: Welcome to the second issue of Tremor! For me, this is the hardest part of the zine, because it inevitably comes at a time when I'm least expecting it. I sit and turn the pages of this zine through and come to the realization that...gasp...IT'S DONE! I can hardly believe it. Doing a zine is almost like giving birth — it's in the works for nine months, then, suddenly, it's here. Well, I can only hope that you enjoy my baby as much as I do.

Of course, giving birth to a zine is not without its pain. And this issue, apologies go to T.S. Weddell and Nancy Stasulis. Nancy was scheduled to do the art for "Whose Worth's Unknown", which she did and which she mailed. Unfortunately, the Post Awful struck and Nancy's art has disappeared somewhere into the PO's bottomless maw. Not only that, but the Great Mail Muncher also devoured letters between the two of us, which led to hurt feelings and misunderstandings on both sides and, for those pains, I whole-heartedly apologize to Nancy. However, as you will see, Nancy managed to send a copy of her major drawing for the story.

To T. S. Weddell, my apologies for running your story without all of Nancy's excel lent artwork. I thought it best not to hold up the zine any longer or to bump your first-rate story to a later issue. For pain caused you, I apologize as well.

But, not all is doom and gloom. This issue brings choice selections from new friends and old. Martie Benedict returns with another of her rip-snorting Han stories, as always, gloriously illustrated by Wanda Lybarger. Patricia D'Orazio debuts in this issue with a story from her "Starsword" series that's sure to have you on the edge of your seat. Then she shows her other side with a deliciously funny tale. Ann Wortham brings her "In-Laws" series to this zine with a tongue-in-cheek look not only at SW but at fanfiction as well! Susan Matthews presents a unique solution the question of the Last Jedi and Marcia Brin, as usual, takes us into yet another alternate universe with her skillful pen. This issue also brings to print a couple of new friends from right here in Garland, Texas — Pat Easley and Gail Small, a couple of neat ladies whom Jeanine Hennig and 1 met at a local con and immediately in corporated into the group. Pat, it turned out, only lived a couple of blocks from me and has been a real help in proofreading this issue. Thanks, Pat!

But winner hands down for both Best New Writer and Most Distant Contributor is Carolyn Golledge, who resides Down Under in the picturesque town of Ettalong, New South Wales, Australia. Carolyn sent me "Mindlink", asking if I'd read it and give her my thoughts on it, apologizing ahead of time because it was "only" her second attempt at a story and that she knew it wasn't very good. Well, modesty has its place in the world...but I'm here to tell you that this story blew me away! After reading nothing for months but Darksider stories and other such depressing stuff, this story was like a breath of fresh air. She even had Threepio perfectly in character! I am very, very proud to offer "Mindlink" here for your pleasure. And, just prove that she's not a one-shot, I've already accepted the sequel, "Full Circle" for Tremor #3! Welcome, Carolyn!

Well, there is always something that you forget until it's too late to mention it, but I think I've gotten it all down. I sincerely hope you find a few hours of pleasure in these pages and have as much fun reading it as 1 did producing it. And, remember, I need contri butions for #3! To quote Joan Shumsky: "Nothing scares me — I'm a zine editor!"

This issue contains "The Backlash Tango," a filk by Zeudi Nimn and Ann Onimous (to the tune of "Never Say No" from "The Fantastics" by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt). It was commentary on slash fanworks, fan push back to George Lucas' restrictions on fanworks:

Why do the fans put Han into bed

Then send him Luke, not Leia instead

Giving him loads of blonde Jedi head?

They did it 'cause George said "no."

Why should the droids wear lacy silk pants?

Why should Piett ask Vader to dance?

Why do the fans write same-sex romance?

They do it 'cause George said "no."

The fans were once disposed to write of sexual excess

Until George said to keep it pure—

Now Chewie's in a dress!

(Now Chewie's in a dress!)

Sure as the Sarlacc digests its prey,

Sure as the Force makes weak minds obey,

Children, I guess, must get their own way.

They did it 'cause George said "no."

• Lettercol (3)
• Goodbye, vignette by Danaline Bryant ("There was one last act for Darth Vader to perform before the Dark Side took him completely.") (10)
• Faux Pas, story by Patricia D'Orazio ("It was Threepio's first assignment as a newly-built protocol droid—keeping the Corellian contingent from insulting all the rest of the guests at the fiftieth-anniversary celebration of Alderaan's trade treaty with the Harachs of Corell. Later, Threepio could only assert, "It wasn't my fault!"") (12)
• Rite of Passage, story by T.S. Weddell ("It was Han's fifteenth birthday and the gang had cooked up a little surprise in celebration—the gang leader's girlfriend, Randa.") (14)
• Puzzles by Marci Erwin (21)
• Encounter Off Kashyyyk, story by Cheree Cargill ("Chief Gunner Han Solo had never seen a Wookiee before and he had no idea that the rescue of a Wookiee ship from slavers would set his life upon a different path.") (24)
• Word Search Puzzles by Lynda Vandiver (35)
• "True Opponents". Archived from the original on 2012-11-07., story by Patricia D'Orazio ("Captured and wounded by a wealthy hunter and a warrior priestess, Han is used as bait to lure Chewbacca into a trap. " It was just a routine cargo haul, a load of droid parts and one passenger. So what if the passenger was one of the White Warriors of Kadell and a high priestess of her people at that? Han saw no trouble in making the run. But Chewie could smell trouble whenever the Kadell was near and his hunter's instincts proved him painfully right.") (36)
• The Rescue - Part 2, story by Barbara M. Stultz (56)
• Memories, story by L.A. Carr ("The Rebel Base on Fautell had been destroyed by Imperial forces and now a Rebel commando team was on its way to find a lost tape of stolen Imper ial secrets. The atrocities they encountered made the strongest among them blanche. It was only Luke, in a horrifying link with death, who could find the tape before the stormtroopers returned.") (71)
• Whose Worth Unknown, story by T.S. Weddell ("The mission was simple. All Han had to do was fly into the heart of the Empire, pick up the head of the Khirgitti government, bring her to Alliance headquarters and return her two weeks later. "Maybe you'd like me to pick up a pair of the Emperor's undershorts while I'm there?" asked Han.") (79)
• Communication, story by Gail Small (101)
• Requiem, story by Jeanine Hennig ("How could Luke make Leia see what Anakin had been at the end? Luke had known him as Jedi-to-Jedi, but Leia could only remember the horror suffered at Vader's hands.") (103)
• The Backlash Tango by Zeudi Nimn and Ann Onimous (105)
• Art Portfolio (106)
• The Wishing Well, story by Lynda Vandiver (111)
• Beneath the Mythos, story by Linda Knights ("Karla had grown to love and care for Commander Skywalker during the final days of the Rebellion. Was she the only one who could see the cloud of darkness that hovered around him now?") (113)
• "Voices on the Air". Archived from the original on 2012-11-07., story by Martie Benedict ("Set before Star Wars: A New Hope. Han and Chewie search for a treasure on a mysterious planet and find more than they bargained for. "The dying spacer whispered to Han of treasures beyond his wildest imaginings and visions of gems as big as his fist was jufet too much for the Corellian to pass up. Little did he know that his quest for the riches of Wingspan would lead to imprisonment and death.") (118)
• Against the Wind, poem by Cheree Cargill (138)
• A Family Affair, story by Ann Wortham ("Just how many relatives did Han have, anyway?") (139)
• Mechanical by Gail Small (142)
• The Burdens of His Life, vignettes by Susan Matthews ("Luke was the last of the Jedi...but he was working on changing that.") (144)
• With You Always, story by Marcia Brin (146)
• "Mindlink". Archived from the original on 2012-11-07., story by Carolyn Golledge (Post Return of the Jedi.) ("Leia and Han are kidnapped by slavers as an evil Senator tries to prevent Leia becoming President of the New Alliance. In the first free elections in a generation, Leia seems certain to win the office of President of the New Senate. But a powerful political leader makes powerful enemies, as Leia discovers when her ship is sabotaged and nearly destroyed during a flight between campaign rallies. Han barely manages to save them from a fatal crash, but, off-course, their ship gone and with no idea where they are, Han, Leia and Threepio must figure out how to survive on an inhospitable planet. Luke, however, is aware of his sister s plight through their link in the Force and is on his way with Chewie to find them, the mindlink his only guide as to their whereabouts. The three have already been found, however, by slavers in the employ of Leia's chief rival...a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to remove Leia from the Senate.") (This is Golledge's first story published.) (reprinted in Never Say Die #5) (150)
• Farewell to a Friend by Sally Smith (187)

• 

  from issue #2, Danaline Bryant

• 

  from issue #2, Wanda Lybarger

• 

  from issue #2, Laura Virgil

• 

  from issue #2, Laura Virgil

• 

  from issue #2, Barbara Stults

• 

  from issue #2, Barbara Stults

• 

  from issue #2, Nancy Stasulis

• 

  from issue #2, Danaline Bryant

• 

  from issue #2, Suzy Sansom

• 

  from issue #2, Dani

• 

  from issue #2, Dani

• 

  from issue #2, Dani

• 

  from Issue #2 by Dani Lane

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

One look at Cheree Cargill's cover and I was hooked! After scoring such a hit on TIF#1, it's even more remarkable you did it again with issue #2. That beautiful illustration of Leia and General Solo in the kiss on Endor was done exquisitely. It took my breath away! When I saw the back cover I got another pleasant surprise with B. M. Stults' portrait of Han! So much pain staking work! Ladies, your work is much appreciated! I finished TIF#'! ravenously, so eager to see what adventures awaited me between these covers! I am happy to say the inside matched the outside in quality.

"Rite of Passage" by T. S. Weddell about young Han's first time was written very well, indeed. It captured the gen tle feelings of a youth of Han's age. And there's no reason we can't believe Han was a gentle youth! I found it very believable. Wendy Ikeguchi's art of this young Han was very nicely done as well.

Enjoyed "Encouter Off Kashyyyk" by Cheree Cargill. The scene of Han's re action upon seeing a Wookiee (Chewie) for the first time was really cute. And Wanda's art again rings true. The piece on page 33 of Chewie holding Han is sensitively done.

"True Opponents" by Patricia D'Orazio—good story, full of lots of action with one real gutsy Corellian! "Whose Worth's Unknown" by T. S. Weddell—also very well written. "The Wishing Well" by Lynda Vandiver was sweet, and "Voices on the Air" by Martie Benedict was another exciting action thriller from this talented writer. I greatly enjoyed the feeling in Wanda's drawing of Han and Chewie climbing up the cliff face, since you can actually sense the wind blowing! And Martie's ending knocked me over! (sorry) Well, it did Han, anyway. But what must it be like getting hit by a Wookiee? Needless to say, he pulled his punch!

Also enjoyed Solo's somewhat large family in "A Family Affair" by Ann Wortham and "Mindlink" by Carolyn Golledge was another well-written excellent action adventure story! I loved how Han never gave up. Was thrilled by Carolyn's ending! The sight of the Millennium Falcon performing a victory roll over the palace made me think back to his piloting finesse through that asteroid field. Enjoyed Dani's artwork of this. And Barbara Stults' very hard work with her fine art throughout the issue, as well as Danaline Bryant's fine art.

Though I didn't mention everything or everybody, I enjoyed everything in issue #2 and I sincerely wish you a plethora of Corellian luck on issue #3 (even if you don't need it!)

First up—the cover. Suffice it to say I have been running around showing it to everyone, non-SW fans included and even they drool over it! Great stuff, Cheree. How did you ever guess this was our favorite scene? And the back cover was the perfect foil.

"Goodbye" by Danaline Bryant. My Darth Vader fan friend had a good cry over this one! "Poor Darthie Diddums" she calls him. One question, if Vader could find Luke so easily this time, why not later? Guess Ben did a good job. Love the last line.

Very much enjoyed Patricia D'Orazio's "Faux Pas." Like a little light-hearted " stuff especially at Threepio's expense.

Lady Aragar's reaction to the Corellian representative was good fun—how about a sequel? What happened after they eloped? Could make ah, interesting reading.

Frankly, I couldn't really get into "Rite of Passage" by T. S. Weddell. It just didn't feel like the SW universe. Too contemporary somehow. Liked the bit about the scar, however. And Han's loyalty and gentle concern for his partner came across very nicely. It was just the setting that somehow didn't feel right.

The puzzle section was the best yet. Had a good time laughing over the answers with my niece.

Cheree, your "Encounter Off Kashyyyk", I liked precisely because of the setting. Very meticulously done and the dialogue rang true as well. Really I laughed over Han's politeness to Chewbacca on his first sight of him—but was Han Solo ever this polite? Their relationship certainly took a sharp turn as far as manners were concerned. Like the explanation for the communication between the two being attributable to the Wookiee rather than the Corellian and that Chewie could choose whom he wanted to understand him—sort of like Ann McCaffrey's Impression by the dragons on their chosen one. Lybarger's art is always a favorite of mine for its crispness and the facial bones which she draws so well for Solo. Somehow she gets that boyish vulnerable look just right overlaid with that proud devil-may-care attitude. I've always been a sook for Wookiee cuddles, so the illo on page 33 got me in a soft spot. Kind of like innocently sleeping Corellians, too. Your idea for the basis of the Honor debt between Chewie and Han was clever, not a direct debt but one owed by Chewie for the loss of Han's shipmates. I like it.

I've already mentioned the effect "True Opponents" had upon me in my last letter, i.e. great, someone else gives Han a rough time, too! Eased my conscience! Fancy falling off a cliff and breaking his leg badly twice in the same zine! God, what we fan writers do to the poor man! This was really gruesome stuff, very gripping, I mean my pulse was actually racing and I think I must have gnashed my teeth with the need to get my hands on that villain to beat all villains. A really suspenseful tale, reflecting the great style D'Orazio brings to all her work.

"The Rescue, Part 2" I have to admit to being a little disappointed with. Not for the artwork that was great as ever — those animals are incredibly well drawn, but the story itself. I was sort of hoping for more info on what took place that night, a side adventure if you will, but Barbara stuck exactly to the film except for having Han discover the body of Luke's tauntaun. Would have liked some additional dialogue between Han and Luke in the survival shelter, but then I guess Luke wasn't really in any condition for talk, and anyway this was supposed to be a cartoon strip, not a novel! I still enjoy looking at the drawings very much as I loved this part of the film and could never find many stills from it.

"Memories" by L.A. Carr was a really original idea, but oh yuk! Poor Luke! Liked Han's protectiveness toward him. Well — Lucy (in joke here, people), what did happen on Ord Mantell?

"Whose Worth's Unknown" I liked very much. This is Weddell's normal high class stuff. Er, what does T. S. stand for? ((I don't know. "Terribly sexy", maybe? Ed.)) I mean I'm assuming she's a she. Like the development of real people and real emotions, a truly human feel for her stories. So, there's hope for us oldies yet, huh? Liked the bit about the Corellian-Kashyyyk cooking. A good example of the everyday touch and realism of Weddell 's work.

"Communication" by Gail Small. Very good. Please write more, Gail. This felt just right, straight from Luke's mind.

Liked the "chinks in the armor", the beginning of the reaching out between father and son. And the ending—"he'd think about it later." I'll bet!

"Requiem" was nice. Love bits that are missing scenes. I don't know whether Luke would have gone to Leia at this point. I think he could easily have anticipated her reaction. On the other hand, I'd like to think that Leia having a force bond with Luke would sense his deep grief and know he had discovered someone beneath the Vader persona and at least try to ease his grief by sharing this moment with him. Surely she would at least be grateful to Vader for saving her brother's and as a result the Alliance's lives. She is also a trained diplomat, used to hiding her personal reactions for the sake of others' feel ings and tactful handling of emotive situations. I am just not that sure she would have refused Luke. An interesting piece, food for thought. Thanks, Jeanine.

The art portfolio was great. Loved that soft look. I think the Lando portrait was the best, really great, but I'm no expert. Leia's right cheek seemed a little too wide and flat to me, but the expression in those eyes was really captivating.

"The Wishing Well" had a nice warm, fairy tale feel to it. I enjoyed it even more though it felt a little too magical for SW to me. But that line from Leia to Han — "You remind me of my mother" won me over completely. I liked the gentleness given Han here. Thank you, Lynda.

"Beneath the Mythos". A good idea, but I found it a little awkward to read because of the first person POV. Somehow, I'd like a more romantic beginning for Luke with his one true love. He didn't seem very much in love, more coerced, and Karla seemed more interested in mothering Luke. Some of Luke's lines didn't feel like they'd come from his lips — too mature, something. Anyway, Linda, please don't think I'm putting you down or anything. It was just that the story didn't fit my personal taste, and believe me that's a good sign. I'm not a very good judge. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, so I liked that part. Thanks for picturing Luke as living happily ever after for all of us.

Martie Benedict! Wow! If we could only all write like this, huh? How come she's not out making a fortune as a professional writer? She writes far better than most of those already published. "Voices on the Air" was another great adventure story, and personally I think this one might just be her best yet. Where on earth (well you know what I mean) does Martie keep coming up with so many varied, you've been there, this-is-real worlds?! Poor old Han, burning a hole through his wrist! God, I don't think there's story in this issue where he has a good time...well, er, maybe one or two! That volcano stuff was so vivid I could feel the burning and suffocating myself, not at all pleasant. Just as well, I knew they'd all live to fight another day. The Death Star must have seemed a picnic to Solo after all this!

I don't know the tune you wrote your piece to, Cheree, so it's hard for me to catch its mood, but "against the wind" sounds just right for Han. "I began to find myself searching, searching for shelter again and again." I liked that. ((The song "Against the Wind" was written and performed by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band on an album by the same neime and can also be found on their live album "Nine Tonight." I admit that most of the words in the filk are Seger's, though I changed some to make them more appropriate. The song has always struck me as particularly fitting for Han.—Ed.))

Ann Wortham should have us all blushing with "A Family Affair." What a good satire on all the fannish soap opera! The best line was Han's, "Aw, Leia, your dad likes me" and her "THAT should have warned me right away", and later her "You've corrupted me." I wouldn't mind a little of that corrupting, myself!

Gail, your little poem on Artoo and Luke was absolutely beautiful. So concise, saying it all, and touching you deeply with that special feel of friend ship. Very good. I would love to read more.

"The Burdens of His Life" by Susan Matthews, I liked just for the last line: "But somebody had to do it." I always thought of Luke as having a really wicked sense of humor which would come out as soon as he had the time to...umm...relax.

"With You Always" by Marcia Brin. Oh, please, I couldn't bear the thought of Luke and Lando being dead. I don't even want to think about it. Especially since it could so easily have happened this way.

Well, as for "Mindlink", I can only say, Cheree downplayed her part in its completion. It was a much better story for her guidance and encouragement, and I want to thank her very, very much for keeping me floating on cloud nine for over a year by announcing she had accepted it for TIF. It was a dream come true for me. I loved Star Wars and all its characters and I never thought it possible that I would be given the chance to share that love with anyone. Thank you again, Cheree.

Thanks must also go to Dani Lane. Can you believe the work she put into all those illos? I was so thrilled by them, and could not have wished for a better result. Dani has somehow captured exactly the feel to match the story; I keep coming back to that Han and Leia on page 158. This was my favorite part of the story and it's my favorite illo too. The look in Han's eyes, the way they are wrapped in each other's arms is precisely how I envisioned it, and this without any extra communication between Dani and I. You can't ask more of an artist than that they see, and depict, something exactly as it is in your mind's eye. I am greatly in your debt for the care you took with this work, Dani. Thank you. I am really looking forward to the illos for "Full Circle", if you're not going to kill me for writing another long story!

I gave this zine to a non-SW fan to read. She is a teacher, widely read, who loves poetry very much. She said there are few poems that have touched her as deeply as your "Farewell to a Friend", Sally, and that goes double for me. Hard to believe of a big mouth like me, I know, but truly I cannot find the right words to say how much I love this poem. Shows Chewie and Han's love for one an other so beautifully but is not in the least saccharine. I said last issue that I'd like to have Barbara Stults' Han and Chewie fold out hanging framed on the wall. This poem should go beneath it. I loved it. Thank you.

While we're on the subject of thanks, how about three cheers for the editor responsible for bringing us all these goodies and the army (well, okay, I'm kidding) of people who did the nitty-gritty jobs. THANK YOU, everyone, for a zine we can all treasure. End of speech. End of LOC. (Sighs of relief) If you publish this monster, Cheree, you won't need any stories! Sorry, can't stop myself babbling when I'm happy. ((That's okay! Egoboos are always welcome. — Ed))

All I can say is — Wow! You want action and excitement? You got it in TIF! It's just great! By the time I was finished I was limp with relief. So much happened it's hard to know where to start. "Faux Pas" was delightful. So, that's why Solos and Wookiees don't get along! I must say, though, that Threepio's words to Artoo could have been taken as an insult by anybody, but Lady Aragar's elopement didn't help.

Then Patricia did a quick switch with "True Opponents". Although I'm not sure when this fits in her Starsword series, it was a real cliffhanger. Poor Han! Looks like he doesn't have too much con trol over what happens to him. A good, tight, well-written story, "True Opponents" kept me glued to the zine. It showed how much Solo and Chewbacca really care for each other. They are true and loyal friends, each one willing to sacrifice his life for the other. At the end, I thought that Timero got his just deserts.

"Mindlink" was also excellent. It's hard to believe that this is only Carolyn's second story. She writes so well! Here, too, I couldn't put the zine down until I found out what happened. A very enjoyable, believable story and I'm also glad to see that Carolyn didn't try to make Han a potential Jedi. Perhaps be cause I have this strong belief that he was never meant to be one.

Absolutely loved "A Family Affair." I always said that Solo had as many relatives as he had fans and Ann proved it, providing us with a little hilarity in the process. Well, here's looking for Tremor #3 and more good stuff to keep us from the throes of SW withdrawal.

Loved the cover you did of the Princess and the Pirate (just got a weird mental image from that one; it's a movie in which Bob Hope played the pirate).

In "Goodbye", I especially liked the way Danaline managed to explain the "your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough" discrepancy. All toge ther a nicely done vignette.

I'm glad I wasn't eating anything when I read Patricia D'Orazio's "Faux Pas"—I might have choked. That gal has a deliciously warped sense of humor. A taste for scoundrels runs in the Organa family, I guess.

Usually Han's first time stories are ideas snickered over by a bunch of hyperactive Fordfen at ungodly hours of the morning during cons. T. S. Weddell, how ever, got a good serious story out of it. It was very sensitively done in the way it shows him maturing as a man and a person, showing the vulnerable person he'd learned to hide so well by the time of ANH. As always with her stories, it's very well thought-out, with a consistent. believable background. Wendy Ikeguchi's excellent illos complement the story very well. As for her "Whose Worth's Unknown", what a bitch that the illos got eaten by the U. S. Maul. The story was so solid, though, that it stood well on its own, even without the illos. I'm so glad that she used an "elderly" woman as the protagonist in this. It's a nice object lesson in not judging people by your own preconceptions. So many people tend to write off the elderly as sickly, helpless, useless, etc. or think of them only in terms of stereotypes (old ladies knitting) and that really pisses me off! It's just another form of prejudice, really; it's what a person is like and how they perceive themselves that counts.

"Encounter Off Kashyyyk" was a good, tightly plotted and fast-paced action adventure. You did a good job reconciling all the "givens" on Wookiees and how Han and Chewie met, and blending them into your story. Also liked your explanation of the "Wookiee Honor Family." I have to say right out that I think Patricia D'Orazio's characterization of Han as Force-user is one of the most plausible I've seen. In the stories I've read in her Starsword series, the Starswords perform essentially the same function for Jedi as Han does now for Luke: protector, friend and helper. This is far more believable to me than the "send in your boxtops and become a Jedi Knight" type stories, where most of the known galaxy go into Jedi training. This par ticular story, "True Opponents", uses your basic "great hunter on the ultimate hunt" plot, but it's used very well, and in character. The twist ending, where Han is intended to be the instrument of Timero's death, instead of the quarry, is one of the many things which keeps the story from being just another rehash of the standard plot.

"Memories" was a very well put together, strongly plotted action adventure. The basis of the story, the very interesting idea that the recently dead can be contacted through the Force, and information obtained from them, is an original twist. The Nairobi Trio (Ben. Yoda and Anakin). appeared to Luke; he didn't initiate the contact with them. Gail Small's "Communication" was a very good vignette on Luke's thoughts on the gantry.

Jenni's "Requiem" was a beautifully worked out story on Leia's reaction to Luke and to Vader's death, totally in character. Leia's birth father vs. the one who raised her and was a father to her. B. A. Hale's excellent illo shows so clearly the pain Luke feels at this situation.

The art portfolio had very good samples of both Danaline's and Barb's work. Vandiver's "Wishing Well" was an enjoyable vignette. It was a believable circumstance for Han and Leia, what with the problems caused by the revelation of Vader's being her father.

Martie Benedict did it again with "Voices on the Air". Good thing that disclaimer was there or I would have choked. Seriously, though, it bears no more resemblance to TOD than that movie does to Gunga Din and King Solomon's Mines. They're all in the same genre of action-adventure triggered by a quest for treasure. Martie took the basic plot and added her own inimitable style and touch to it, making an interesting new story. As for Annie Wortham's "A Family Affair", everybody comes to Rick's, I guess —especially if they're Solos. I like Annie's off center sense of humor in the "In-Laws" series.

As for Susan Matthews' "The Burdens of His Life" (snicker)... Poor Luke has such a hard (uh, maybe I'd better rephrase that)...er...rough life. Only question is, did Sally Smith or Jenni get first dibs on him? That was a cute touch about "Superstud" Han being infertile. ((Don't know about Sally, but Jenni's daughter Bekah is definitely blonde and blue-eyed!—Ed.))

Marcia Brin's "With You Always" is a very good "what if?" vignette which explains the near impossible escapes "from a certain point of view."

Last but far from least is "Mind- link." It certainly is difficult to believe that Carolyn's story is only her second try. Thinking about how good she'll get with practice is absolutely intimindating! She does a very good job of balancing plots and subplots while sketching out fully rounded characteri zations. I'm really looking forward to

reading the sequel.

Thank you for another excellent issue of A TREMOR IN THE FORCE.

"Encounter Off Kashyyyk" was one of the best Han and Chewie stories I've read and Wanda's illos were great, particular ly the last.

"True Opponents" — I like the Star- sword stories very much, but Han (and later everybody else—just read the one in Kessel Run #4) gets put through an awful lot.

"Memories" was just a bit gruesome. "Whose Worth's Unknown" was another fine T. S. Weddell story. "The Wishing Well" was a gentle, upbeat story and one of my favorites. "Beneath the Mythos" at last gave Luke his own happy ending, complete with wife and child, instead of having him go through life with the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders. "Requiem", while a good story, did set him somewhat more apart than he needed to be. I'm not sure Luke would press Leia quite so much at that point. In any case, her feelings will probably change with time. Luke's description of Anakin as an "old, tired man...wasted by hate" is just the way I see it. There was so much wasted potential in him.

"Mindlink" was my favorite story because the characters are so much like I picture them. It's amazing how much trouble Han can get himself into; I like the way his determination and protective- ness were highlighted. Threepio was great! In fact, everyone was perfectly in character. I much prefer this type of story, and am glad to know there will be more. And a happy ending, too. Will wonders never cease?

Just wanted to drop you a few comments about Tremor #2. As was #1, this is another solid, high-quality SW zine.

I was lucky to receive my copy on a Saturday and spent most of the weekend relishing it, from the gracefully executed front cover (a difficult perspective to get right—and you did!) to the haunting portrait on the back cover. Be sides the fact that everything was well-written, there was a nice variety of subjects, and good coverage of all Our Heroes.

"Goodbye" made me feel very wistful and sentimental about what might have been Luke's childhood. I ached for his loss of loving parents. "Rite of Passage" was a pleasant coming-of-age story, very Han-ish. I thought the sex scene was handled deftly and tactfully.

"Encounter Off Kashyyyk" was an exciting and interesting story of Han and Chewie's meeting. The details, such as the sweet rolls, made me feel as if I were there with the crew. I loved Lybarger's illos, especially pages 25 and 30. "True Opponents" had some fascinating aliens. I appreciated the tension and originality of the tale but I hated all the beatings! I'm ready to see Han collect on his debt from the Harpy!

"Memories"—the Jedi ability to read minds of dead people is one I'd never have thought up. I guess it makes sense, if dead people join the Force, and Luke taps into the Force...I'd like to think, though, that the Masters character is an unusually sadistic sort to find anywhere. "Whose Worth's Unknown" — it was satisfying to see Han show some depth and maturity and diplomatic skill but I don't know that these qualities are brought out in the movies. Loved the mental picture of "Chef Chewbacca"! Wouldn't it be great to attract a guy like Han when you're Xalima's age? (Or any age, for that matter?)

I'm so grateful for all the Luke pieces, especially as he is my Beloved, but I wish they were longer. I hope Jeanine will feel up to regaling us with another meaty story soon, although I enjoyed the brief "Requiem". "Beneath the Mythos" felt to me like an outline of lots of interesting stories. I'd like to know all about Karla and Luke's search for new trainees, their gradually developing devotion to each other, Karla's training, the establishment of the school, more about their baby, etc.

Loved Jenni's sensitive illo on page 117. "Voices on the Air" is another of Martie's well-written, rip-roaring Han- H ventures. Her Han is exasperating and believable. I wanted to shake him til his teeth rattled when he persisted in getting into this one!

"A Family Affair"—what a picture— all those Solos in one room! Loved Sansom's illo, with Corellian Ewoks and dogs!

"The Burdens of His Life" -- ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...*sigh* m "With You Always"—how creative, and how chilling!

"Mindlink"—what a nice way to round out the zine. I can easily visualize this post-ROTJ world. The story was interesting, believable and well-rounded, with nice parts for all the principals. I'd like to hear more about the trials, tribulations, and pleasures of life in this New Republic.

Gorgeous illos by Dani on 158, interesting alien on 159, and nice Luke on 171.

I'm so glad to hear you mention plans for another issue. I get a tremor over Tremor (ugh—the hook, the hook!). Thank the Force I don't work for Hallmark!

"Goodbye"—Liked this story. Maybe this is the reason so many of us fans were impressed by Vader when we first encountered him in ANH. We saw the classic villain, but looked deeper and found the man, just as the author of this story did. Lots of feeling here.

"Faux Pas"—I...don't know. Still haven't made up my mind. Normally, I'm a big fan of satire, which I write quite a bit myself. Interesting speculations, of course. As for the illo, all I can say is, it went with the story quite well.

"Rite of Passage"—"first time" stories, either Han, Luke, Leia or whomever, are always enjoyable for me. Maybe because it's been so long that I've forgotten what that first "rush" was like. Somehow the idea of loss of innocence is one of my favorite topics, even in my own stories. This was no exception. I've not read enough "first time" stories on Han. They seem to concentrate so much on the Jedi, why I don't know. From the information I've garnered here and there, Mark Hamill ain't the sweet, innocent kid portrayed in the series and Ford is so conventional it's sickening. Just goes to show what good actors both of them are. As far as the actual story goes, loved it. It gave a little insight into how Han could have developed into the considerate lover he seems to have become by the end of ROTJ. The illos weren't too bad either. As the mother of a 16-year- old son, it did give me cause for thinking.

"Encounter Off Kashyyyk"—Somebody else is a Brian Daley fan, I see. ((Actually, I was more in a Heinlein frame of mind when I wrote that story!—Ed)) Good Story, Cheree. Let the other fans grumble, I love hurt/comfort stories as long as they aren't overdone on the torture end of the scale. Anytime, Wanda Lybarger illos a story, it doubles my enjoyment. The illo on page 33 sort of says it all, doesn't it?

"True Opponents"—Again, hurt/comfort done well, I think, though I was beginning to wonder who was going to bite the big one. The plot had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.

"The Rescue, Part 2"—Good attempt at filling in the gaps. Artwork was quite good, especially in those places where the creator had photos from the movie to work with. (I wish I could draw...sigh) "Memories"— Macabre! It was good to see Han sticking up for Luke for a change and showing confidence in the younger man's abilities. This kind of thing doesn't happen often enough. One thing, I'm glad I wasn't eating when I read this story.

"Whose Worth's Unknown"—Interesting. Having read some other of this author's fiction, I was not disappointed. Thanks for giving people the chance to under stand that sex is not just a young person's activity. It was a lesson that Solo (and a few others, as well) needed. I liked the character of Xalima. These days, it's darned near impossible to create a female character without someone screaming "Marysue!" I personally don't care. If the character is done well, that's the main thing. And what's so blasted wrong about putting yourself into the role? It's probably the only way any of us will get half a chance at either of the male leads.

"Communication"—Excellent! One page vignettes that move me are some of my favorite types of fan fiction. This one was no exception. Reading the dialogue from ESB, brings it all back to me. I was "lucky" enough to not know that Vader was Luke's father before I saw the movie. I cannot tell you how I was affected when Vader made the statement, "I am your father." I actually felt faint. I thought I was going to lose my grip. I wanted to shout "No!" right along with Luke, but knew deep down that it was the truth. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the despair in "Communication" is the same as what I felt then and knowing Vader turned at the end, doesn't make it hurt any less.

"Requiem"—Following on the heels of "Communication" in the zine was perfect. I reiterate what I said before, knowing that Vader turned before he died, doesn't make it hurt any less, or make it any easier to accept. The closing paragraphs were so eloquent I find it hard to write my feelings. The imagery of Luke crying beside his father's body is one I won't be able to get rid of for a long time. I firmly believe that the title of the 3rd movie did not refer to Luke Skywalker but to his father.

"The Wishing Well"—Good sensitive portrayal of Han Solo, without making him seem weak because he has emotions. If anything, it makes him stronger.

"Beneath the Mythos"—Absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite story in the zine. First person stories are not my favorites. This one is definitely an exception to that rule. The first two paragraphs gave me the shivers. I know, of course, that simply everyone is going to again scream "Marysue" about Karla, but I personally don't care. They're just jealous because she got Luke and they didn't. The mature picture of Luke Skywalker is excellent. His thoughts and words in the viewbay were some of the best I've read of the Luke from ROTJ. So many fans haven't given the Jedi a fair chance, preferring to concentrate on Han's feelings of loneliness and "now what do I do?" Everyone seems to have such a field day with Solo—saying how he builds this wall around himself to keep from being hurt. To my knowledge, very few have said that about Skywalker, but if we keep to George's canon, Luke is the one with more reason to do just that. The illustration at the end is just beautiful. I found it strange that almost every artist who's drawn a sleeping Solo or Skywalker seems to do the same thing. Solo, when asleep, definitely loses that facade of brash pirate, while Luke on the other hand seems so innocent when awake, yet asleep, there's a slight hint of darkness around him, portrayed so well in this illo. The mussed hair is nice. How can one say so much about a short story? Simple. I loved it!

"Voices on the Air"—Another Benedict masterpiece. Personally, I didn't find that much similarity to Temple of Doom; well, maybe a little. It was well writ ten as are all of Martie's stories, but I seem to be getting over my fascination with Harrison (just a little) and it was just another good Martie Benedict story. I hope she doesn't ever get over her fascination with the man. Her descriptions are so well done, no one I know of uses adverbs as well as she does. Her stories almost need no illos, though the team of Benedict and Lybarger work so well together that I hope they don't take my words to heart. Good job, Martie.

"A Family Affair"—Poor Leia. (Hah!) I wouldn't mind at all being in a room full of Corellians. I don't know why Leia felt so uncomfortable. Maybe that many at once would be a little hard to take, but I'd be willing to trade places if she's interested.

"The Burdens of His Life" — Next to "Beneath the Mythos", this is my favorite. Of course, being a personal friend of Susan Matthews, she'd already told me about this one. Susan is one of the few writers I know of that can write a piece with a faint satiric bent, but so faint that you wonder if she isn't being serious, then you say, "no, it couldn't be that way," then you think maybe she was serious, and become totally confused. I re-read the piece several times and still couldn't decide. When I asked Susan if Luke handled himself well at his task of creating more Jedi, she said yes, but that she felt he might eventually get bored with the whole thing. I doubt it. Nice illustration on page 143. I've always had it in the back of my mind to do a poem called "Is it true what they say about Jedi?" Haven't written it yet but I believe Susan's answered the question. It is most definitely TRUE! The picture of Luke sitting, barely clothed on the edge of the bed, drinking out of the wine bottle, is priceless. Like I said, a fun story with just enough seriousness in it to make you sort of wonder. (By the way, if he's still working on it, would some body please tell me where the end of the line is? I'd like to volunteer!)

"With You Always"—The "darker side" of a similar subject from Kessel Run #4. Typical of Marcia Brin. Her very name usually sends me running for the tissues as I'm sure she'll try her best to twist my heart out. I must be perverted 'cause I love it. If you look at the end of ROTJ, it's certainly possible, though I hope not true. But thank you, Marcia, for a different look at the ending.

"Mindlink"—Excellent story combining the Big 3. I enjoy stories giving Han the chance to use the Force we all know he has. I am of the opinion and I've written it into my own alternte universe, that Han Solo very definitely should be- come a Jedi Knight. My reasoning being that if he has the Force (which even George has hinted at), might it be easy for him to be turned unless Luke teaches him the correct uses of power? I see no other alternative unless it's that Solo has no Force powers at all and that isn't so. This is one of those stories that would make a good movie in itself. It grabs you at the beginning and holds you till the final crashing ending. Especially liked the way the writer let us think it was all over then made us realize there was more.

As for comments on the overall zine, A Tremor in the Force #2 is a fine effort. It was clean, with no printing problems that I could discern, other than a few fadeouts here and there, but perhaps that was only in the copy I read. The cover was Marvelous! I do have one question about the cover, however. Why is it that in the photo used for the cover itself, that Han is just sitting, hands on knees and letting Leia do all the work? I know that the movie sort of left us hanging, wanting more of a clinch and George doesn't do that kind of thing, but couldn't Solo have used a little more feeling? The rendering of the scene was fantastic, though, promising, getting us set up. Perhaps, Cheree, you could draw the next scene for #3 (the one George left out)? ((I couldn't put that on the cover!! When I saw this photo, I got misty-eyed and said, "Awwwwww..." because it was just so sweet. I couldn't resist it.—Ed))

I just couldn't resist writing this time around. Even though what I have sitting in my lap right now is only the second issue of A Tremor in the Force, this zine has already got to be consid ered one of the best! From that luscious front cover of my favorite princess and pirate to the back cover of just the pirate himself, it's just spectacular. Words almost fail me—almost. I must give credit where credit is due. "Rite of Passage" is yet another in what seems like a long series of Solo-comes-of-age stories, but this one is a lot more interesting than many others and I think that's basically because it's from the pen of T. S. Weddell. She's rapidly become one of my favorite writers and she has yet to disappoint me. Wendy Ikeguchi's illos accompanied the story wonderfully.

Like "Rite of Passage", "Encounter Off Kashyyyk" is not based on a new idea, but it proves to be a marvelously entertaining tale. It conveys a believable reason why such an odd couple would form such a strong brotherly bond. Nice job, Cheree! And Wanda Lybarger's illos are first-rate, as usual, especially the one on page 33. That just may be the best one I've seen from Wanda, if it's really pos sible to place just one of her illos above the rest. Does that woman ever make a mistake?

I am a fan of Patricia D'Orazio's Starsword series, so I was eagerly awaiting reading "True Opponents". While it was not quite the same as some of the other installments I've read, it was nonetheless a fascinating and exciting story. Even though I could see the twist coming at the end, that Han was actually Timero's true opponent, it didn't make the story predictable. Just terrific! "Whose Worth's Unknown"— well, what can I say? Could it be possible to apply the word "perfect" to this story? I think so. It just goes to show how much I love this story when I say that the only thing that I can nitpick about is the use of the phrase "Cordon Bleu" on page 95. And the only thing I regret is that we were unable to see more of Nancy Stasulis' art—but, of course, the Post Awful seems to love to fold, spindle, and mutilate anything that has to do with zines.

"Voices on the Air" is another typical Martie Benecict story—just a hell of a lot of fun. I'm not sure if the disclaimer about Temple of Doom was completely necessary, for me at least. The quest for treasure and mass enslavement are both plot devices that are as old as the hills, but they can still be made fresh and new by a skilled writer. Martie is definitely a skilled writer. But I guess that as an editor, you have to cover all your bases or else someone will slip in between the cracks and nail you to the wall—and editors bleed enough as it is.

Last but certainly not least is Carolyn Golledge's "Mindlink". Oh, hang onto this lady, Cheree—she's one of the best new writers to come along in a long, long time. Even though the story could have used a bit of tightening up in some spots and fleshing out in others, it proves to be a wonderfully entertaining story, nicely interweaving the serious and the funny. A fabulous and impressive debut, ably highlighted by Dani's artwork. Bravo!

All in all, TIF#2 is a first class zine and I'm already looking forward to #3.

A Tremor in the Force #2 was a very enjoyable read. I loved just about everything in it. The cover was fantastic! The only story I didn't like was "The Burdens of His Life". I just can't see Luke impregnating every female. Just doesn't fit in with my image of him. So, I guess I didn't agree with this one.

By far, the best story was "Mindlink". Bravo to Carolyn Golledge. I'm looking forward to reading more of her stuff.

I found "Goodbye" to be a very touching vignette. It goes along with what I've always felt; underneath all that armor, Darth really did love his son.

Suzy Sansom's illo for "Faux Pas" was hysterical. Had me in stitches!

"Rite of Passage" was interesting. I found it sad the way Han's buddies treated him, but kids are like that! I felt Wendy Ikeguchi's Han looked a bit older than 15.

Enjoyed "Encounter Off Kashyyyk" and "True Opponents." They both were well written and moved well.

"Whose Worth's Unknown" was great.

Liked the twist of Han and the Nahben "getting together". And Dodonna's re actions to Han and his handling of the whole situation were great!

Loved Jenni's illo for "Beneath the Mythos". Luke looks so sweet sleeping. Sigh...

"Voices on the Air" was very action packed! Enjoyed it! (And it did bear quite a resemblance to TOD!)

Thanks, Cheree, for a great zine! Looking forward to #3!

Wanted to tell you that I enjoyed TIF#2 tremendously. Another super issue.

Took me forever just to get past the front cover. In the movie, this scene conveys no passion, no real enjoyment between Han and Leia, but everything missing from ROTJ is there in your rendition. Thank you. Loved, absolutely loved T. S. Wed- dell's "Rite of Passage." It made me smile, sigh, breathe fast and, like Han, left me feeling very satisfied. Her "Whose Worth's Unknown" was also excel lent. A real lesson in character studies and the building of relationships. Not to mention the fact that once again, no female of any age can resist that Corellian!

"Memories" by L.A. Carr was just a tad too macabre for me. And Force or no, too unbelievable. "True Opponents" had me hooked from the first word and I devoured the story. Some writers I notice seem to go over board in the amounts and descriptions of the injuries they inflict on poor Han, but Patricia gives us neither too much or too little of his "sufferings", only enough to make us feel for Han and give us an understanding of his motives and actions. The villainess-turned-savior was imaginatively "different" and a nice change from the many "human" females Han encounters in the galaxy.

And, of course, I liked "Encounter Off Kashyyyk". I love "Han meets Chewie" stories. They are all so full of heart-tugging emotions and this was no exception.

Am quite inpressed by the editing on A Tremor in the Force #2; the stories all seem to fall into the upper range of well written: strong characterization, especially (all too rare) in the non-Canon characters; solid action plots of one kind or another; and smooth, readable prose. I see that you've arranged them to fall chronologically in the SW timeline, mostly, which is a thoughtful touch and good organization as long as it doesn't (as you don't let it, here) take over a zine entirely.

The longer stories are mostly excellent, though I must admit I didn't care as much as I should have for "Mindlink", which went on seemingly forever and after a while simply lost my interest, what with Han's broken leg and Leia coping with some oddly ruthless political opponents. Madmen, misogynous or otherwise, make the dullest villains, and Illkrig makes no sense whatever otherwise—at least the author took the one all-purpose and irrefutable excuse for his behavior instead of just saying, well, he was bad. This guy was ostensibly in the same New Republic as Leia, to start with. Such an about-face—in the middle of a public campaign, too—would cause comment in more places than Leia's personal entourage. I must comment on the several strengths, such as the unforced use of unabashedly other-galaxy terms, making the milieu foreign without sacrificing any understanding of what the story was about. Silagnite mines, kalin as a hot drink, and the many unfamiliar place names remind me that this isn't here-and-now, but are never used to obfuscate.

And, as you say, C3P0 has an honorable and well-characterized place among the cast, for once. And the art is enchanting, fragile-lined, unmessy and generally accurate. The art throughout the zine is frequently good. Having long ago assimilated the idea that Han and Leia are fond of one another, I wasn't sure about the cover at first, but it does have a certain appropriate charm, as well as raising an interesting question or two about just what does make the Force tremble! No, not boring.

The stories, though well-written, seem to fall often into the "generic Han-story" mold. One enjoys the adventure, the new (and admirably extreme) view of how Han may have met Chewbacca, for in stance. T. S. Weddell's two stories both stand out, "Rite of Passage" as undeniably sweet and hopeful (like its main character), though to be honest, I don't see that this matches up with the Han Solo we see in SW particularly. But it could; yes, it could, and meanwhile the play on all the first-sex-for-Luke stories is part of its charm.

"Whose Worth's Unknown" is even better, a very strong "people" story which shows unexpected yet quite plausible sides of Han. The idea that a smuggler is a backstairs diplomat by the nature of his trade has seldom been exploited so well, without ignoring other characters, both canon and created, or the politics of Rebellion.

Patricia D'Orazio's two pieces are both memorable, too, "Faux Pas" for the sheer slapstick buildup, perfectly complemented by the Sansom illo. Indeed, C3P0 is rather a sleeper character throughout the zine, subtly highlighted here and elsewhere.

"True Opponents" does not disappoint from the Starsword series, which says a great deal in itself. Kelandros Mea sets the mood of the whole story (as the author obviously intends); Han and the SW events are part of her universe instead of she being pasted into theirs, and the character is strong enough to take that kind of role.

One other story to mention is "Memories", which provides a practical suggestion of what the Force-trained adept may be able to do if necessary, and another couple of understated but perfectly in-place new characters. The horrors of war are not glossed over, but the rather opaque style kept them from being shocking, rather than illustrative. A story that highlights Luke and Han working together with their complementary strengths, so well, is not to be lightly dismissed. Many of the shorter pieces were less enjoyable, being based mostly on familiar ideas with nothing very new to say. Exceptions here are "A Family Affair", which has a cheerfully untrammeled air; "The Burdens of His Life", which can't exactly be said to explore a hackneyed idea; and "With You Always", in which the writing quality redeems a concept reeking of over-sentiment.

I have for some reason seen little of T.S. Weddell or L.A. Carr before and am delighted to see two more writers with undeniable talent and more than a little skill already developed. Will have to see what else of theirs I may have missed earlier. The simple, stark Stults bacover is also quite arresting.

Thanks so much for my copy of A Tremor in the Force #2...and for accepting my submissions. It was a big thrill to see my first little bit of writing. I think you've created a monster, Cheree. I've had four other stories accepted, am working on four others, and have about 8,000 ideas buzzing around in the old brain. I was very pleased with the way my artwork appeared in the zine. Eventhe pencil drawings turned out great. Thanks again.

Now, as for the rest of the zine...I love the cover. I always like your work but I think this is one of the best things you've ever done. It's a beautiful drawing and makes a great cover. B. M. Stults' back cover of Han is equally im pressive.

The layout and reproduction are up to your usual high standards. I don't recall any major typos and everything is printed clearly...something I really appreciate in a zine. I like the way you published the stories in a roughly chronological order. It's a neat touch and added to my enjoyment of TIF.

"Faux Pas" by Patricia D'Orazio was a funny story. I loved finally learning how the infamous Solo-Wookiee feud got started. Suzy Sansom's illo is priceless. My favorite part of the illo is the Clan Solo-fella doing an Errol Flynn number in the background, as he fires at an equally Flynn-ish Wookiee!

I enjoyed "Rite of Passage" by T. S. Weddell. The author did a good job showing us a 15-year-old Future Corellian Spacer and his First Experience. I like the way Wendy Ikeguchi drew this adolescent Han—it seems just how he would have looked at this age.

"Encounter Off Kashyyyk... really like the name of this story. This was a really interesting story of how Han and Chewie first met, one of the best I've read on the subject. I think it really might have happened this way—seems logical. I love the name of the ship, Starwind, *sniff*. Too bad it was destroyed. I like how you described the space battle, Cheree. It was very easy to "see" the action unfold.

"True Opponents" was another interesting story. I like Chewie and always enjoy reading stories that treat him as more than Han's dumb, silent co-pilot. I love all of Laura Virgil's illos for this story. My favorite is the one of Han on page 40. This is a great illo and it is drawn in such an interesting way. I especially like the way she did the background. It makes the drawing more interesting and makes the figure of Han stand out so well. The expression on his face is drawn very well. I also want to com ment on Laura's illo of Chewie on page 49. I really like this drawing and the expression on his face. I think it's really hard to show emotion on Chewie's face...all that hair makes it difficult!

But this illo really makes the Wookiee come alive. My compliments to the art ist. I think Laura Virgil is one of the best artists in fandom and I always enjoy her work.

"Memories" by L.A. Carr was another interesting story. *shudder* Can't imagine many things more horrible than "reading" a dead man's last thoughts.

I like the character of "The Nahben Xalima" in Weddell's story, "Whose Worth's Unknown." I must admit that I was caught completely by surprise when Han and this elderly woman...err, uhhh... Got Together. I enjoyed the story, though I found this one element a little unbelievable.

"Requiem" by Jeanine Hennig was a well-written story and interesting. I like these sort-of "fill-in" stories, fanfic that brings us scenes we missed in the films. Hooray for "The Backlash Tango"! What a riot! My compliments to Zeudi Nimm and Ann Onimous, wherever they may be. Glad to see folks writing some posi tive post-ROTJ Luke stories. Linda Knights is a good writer and I enjoyed "Beneath the Mythos". Jenni's accompanying illo is nicely done.

"Against the Wind"...Cheree, I love this! I've never heard the song by Bob Seger but, after reading these words, I'm gonna try to find it. "Spacin' was lovely; it made me feel so free— There in the darkness with the starsong singin' low" ...there are so many passages in this filk that gave me goosebumps!

I haven't had the chance to read much of the "In-Laws" series yet...but if "A Family Affair" is an example of the go ings-on in this universe, it should be a very interesting series!

"The Burdens of His Life" by Susan Matthews is priceless! I recall this topic being discussed in Southern Enclave. . .Matthews gave us a funny story... and an interesting future for Luke. "With You Always" by Marcia Brin... well, can't say I enjoyed this story!

Knowing this author's views on the SW characters, I'd call this a "wishful fillment story." Seriously, though...this story is well written but I never like to see any of the main characters killed off. Two of 'em die in this story... gads, how depressing.

"Mindlink" by Carolyn Golledge was interesting and well-written. Very im pressive for a new writer. Personally, I would have liked to have seen Han suffer less bodily harm in this story...but that's just a personal preference. Well, I guess I should shut this down. I enjoyed everything in the zine. My compliments to the contributors of the several pieces I didn't mention. I enjoyed those things as well, but I've run out of time. Oops...almost forgot to mention how much I love Stults' "Oomak" in the portfolio. It's the cutest crit ter I've seen in ages!

Thanks again for another great zine, Cheree!

"True Opponents" was an excellent story. I have discovered very quickly that Patricia D'Orazio is one fine writer, and I look forward to any of her work, especially her "Starsword" series.

"Memories" was a bit too gross for my taste. I mean wanting someone's head as a souvenir--it's barbaric!

"The Wishing Well" provided us with a touching glimpse into Leia's past, a time when she was perhaps still allowed to be innocent. It also gave us a brief look at the illusive Mrs. Skywalker!

"Rite of Passage" is another good story that once again shows that under that tough ex terior of Han's is one gentle, sensitive person. I found the setting to be pretty realistic insofar as I have a feeling that teenagers are pretty similar no matter what time or galaxy they come from.

Finally, there was "Mindlink." It is an excellent story using all our main characters and showing again the powers of love. I like the idea of Han showing signs of having Force abilities, and in this story it was the greatness of his love for Leia which allowed him to achieve the seemingly impossible.