Southern Knights

You may be looking for Southern Lights, a multimedia zine with later issues that had a Blake's 7 focus.

Zine
Title:	Southern Knights
Publisher:	Ashton Press
Editor(s):	Ann Wortham
Date(s):	1985-1986
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Wars
Language:	English
External Links:	Ashton Press
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Southern Knights is a gen and het Star Wars fiction anthology.

This was the first zine that Ann Wortham published.

Issue 1

front cover of issue #1, Laura Virgil

back cover of issue #1, the artist is Jenni (Jeanine Hennig), it is a bit of both tuckerization and self insertion: "Starring Cheree Cargill, Han Solo, Laura Virgil, Luke Skywalker, Jeanine Hennig, Wedge Antilles, and Ann Wortham"

flyer for issue #1

Southern Knights 1 was published in May 1985 and has 139 pages.

The art is by Laura Virgil, Danaline, Pat Easley, Mary Ann Dean, Nancy Stasulis, Dani Lane, Suzy Sansom, Jenni, Schall, Cheree Cargill, Diane McAuliffe, SMAP, and Leah Rosenthal.

From the editorial:

Hello everybody and welcome to the first issue of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS! Many of you already know that this is my first zine.

[snipped]

There were, however, a few problems ... such as, the art for Carolyn Golledge's piece which never showed up. I have no idea what happened to the artist -- she just ... disappeared, so to speak. I apologize to Carolyn for the disappointment. Some of you may have seen flyers advertising Carolyn's story, "Above All Shadows". Well, that's the story which has no art and, since it's rather lengthy, we've decided to hold it for Issue Two. Believe me, it will be well worth the wait. Never fear, Carolyn is still well represented in this issue with a somewhat shorter story, "ReAwakening".

Liz S. deserves a medal of honor for typing and printing out the masters for her story and sending it to me by Postal Express! Thanks Liz, but remember you still owe me $300.00 for those poems in SOUTHERN LIGHTS!

There WILL be an Issue Two of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS featuring Carolyn Golledge's wonderful "Above All Shadows" and contributions are eagerly sought. Send something!!!!

P.S. As this issue was going to press, I finally heard from the artist who was illustrating Carolyn Golledge's story. She had a family emergency and has promised the art will arrive shortly. Look for it in Issue Two of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS!

• The Royal Court, editorial (2)
• No Way to Treat a Lady by Carole Regine (3)
• Careless Whisper by Lynda Vandiver (6)
• Waiting for Solo by Danaline Bryant (8)
• Freedom, poem by Gail Small (10)
• Chrysalis, poem by Jacqueline Taero (11)
• Beginnings, vignette by Jeanine Hennig (also in Catalyst! Collected) (12)
• Freedom, word search by Lynda Vandiver (13)
• All the Sweet Things by L.A. Carr ("Luke thought he’d discovered Leia’s secret desire, but the truth is often painful.") (14)
• Darth Vader Revealed, poem by Jacqueline Taero (17)
• The Gift by Susan Hall ("It’s the Skywalker twins’ birthday and there’s more than one surprise in store for Luke.") (18)
• Rusty on Raiders? by Marci Erwin (24)
• Silent Death by Conrad Wortham (25)
• Story of an Unsung Rebel by Sharane McCurry ("Biggs’ adventures with the Alliance before the battle over Yavin.") (26)
• Endless Night by Joan Shumsky (37)
• What Would You Expect, poem by CarolMel Ambassador (44)
• A Death with Meaning, poem by CarolMel Ambassador (44)
• Short Round, word puzzle by Lynda Vandiver (44)
• The Eyes of Tomorrow, poem by Conrad Wortham (46)
• Conscript, poem by Pat Nissan (47)
• Willie Scott, word puzzle by Lynda Vandiver (48)
• Reawakening by Carolyn Golledge("Leia knew that Han loved her—but could his love for her outlast his desire to be free?") (50)
• Where the Raven Flies by Linda Knights (80)
• Nighttalk by L. A. Carr (87)
• Revised Definitions, poem by Jacqueline Tawro (93)
• The Seeds of Revenge by Cheree Cargill (94)
• A Chance to Live, poem by Conrad Wortham (97)
• Requiem by Danaline Bryant (98)
• To Capture a Memory, poem by Conrad Wortham (100)
• Command Performance by Liz S. ("Han, Luke and Leia take on the criminal underworld in this post-Jedi tale.") (102)

• 

  from issue #1, Dani Lane

• 

  from issue #1, Leah Rosenthal

• 

  from issue #1, Dani Lane

• 

  from issue #1, Danaline

• 

  from issue #1, Pat Easley

• 

  from issue #1, Jeanine Hennig

• 

  from issue #1, Suzy Sansom

• 

  from issue #1, Suzy Sansom

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

[Command Performance]: If you want to read a story that doesn't have Han and Leia settling down to a quiet life after the war, [Liz S.] has as story called "Command Performance" that has Han and Leia living an adventurous life as the secret heads of "The Department," flying off in the Falcon to fight crime in the galaxy. It's a wonderful story with GREAT characterizations of Han, Luke and Leia.

[zine]:

As you well know, I have had my copy of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS for quite some time—that's one of the advantages of collating. Another is getting to have plenty of time visiting said SZE. But like I said, I have had my copy for a while, even though it's been in my sister's custody for the past few weeks. Now, for the business at hand, the official LoC:

The front cover. I think Laura Virgil is one of the very best artists in fandom. Her work is consistently good and the cover is particularly well done. I'm not an art expert as I have said before, and yet I do know what I like and this cover I love!

My favorite story is "Command Performance'. It is evident to me that Liz S. has more stories in this series and yet the story stands well on its own. Often times I find myself confused when I read a story which proclaims itself to be part of a series because I haven't read the others. I have always contended that it is the mark of a good writer if you can read a story in a series and have it stand on its own. That's not to say that I don't want to read more, but still I didn't have the dreadful sen sation I have sometimes that I need to go out and buy the other stories to truly understand the one I am reading. The artwork goes well with the story and I especially like the first piece—that of Han and Leia. I also enjoyed "Nighttalk" by L.A. Carr. I enjoyed the idea of Luke's Jedi family looking after him. I liked most of all the idea of the old Jedi grumps sitting about discussing Luke like old gossips sitting on the porch of a nursing home. As much as Yoda always irked me, I even liked the way he poked his nose in.

The third piece I found most interesting was "Seeds of Revenge". The artwork I found most com pelling and that led me to read the piece with great interest. Art certainly does add to a story and to the overall look of the zine. I never realized how important they were before. Overall, I really enjoyed SOUTHERN KNIGHTS and I felt that most of the artwork was top flight as were the stories. I wish you'd had some more long pieces, but it's like they say, you can only print what you get. The poetry is all enjoyable; I'm really not a true judge of that either, but like most people I know what I like. I liked Jacqueline Taero's poetry as well as "A Death With Cleaning" by CarolMel Ambassador.

Last but not least, I liked Danaline's monsters—I saw enough of them when we collated. I must admit, however, that they did cheer me up after looking at all those pages of print. Hmmm, I wonder if that's why I've suddenly developed such an appreciation of artists.

All in all, I loved the zine and hope that you'll do many more. And, oh yes, whenever you need someone to help collate, don't hesitate to call. Just call me a SZC!

[zine]:

Congratulations on a fine zine! Wonderful. I jotted down a few notes as I read, let's see if I can get them in an understandable format.

"No Way To Treat A Lady": I really enjoyed this piece. The character was great! Such rapport. I'd like to read more about her. (Also want to know what Jabba did to that poor girl.)

"Waiting For Solo": This one was great too! Liked the jealousy angle. We never knew much about Greedo.

"Beginnings": Always a sucker for Jenni's stories. Han is such a cool old guy.

"Darth Vader Revealed": Hysterical! Loved the accompanying illo.

"The Gift": Fabulous! What a touching story. Favorite parts: "...black cloth tightened and rippled with each graceful movement.." and Han's "Isn't that a bit big for a cake cutter. Kid?"

"Silent Death": Very eerie.

"Story of an Unsung Rebel": Great! Liked how Biggs, Wedge and Lando were all interwoven into the J story. And how ANH was integrated.

Loved Dani's illo on pg. 35.

Enjoyed "Endless Night, "What Would You Expect" and "Death With Weaning".

"Reawakening": Carolyn is a great talent on the rise. Really enjoying her stuff—like Luke being called Obi-Wan Skywalker.

"Seeds of Revenge": Poor Leia!

"Command Performance": Talk about your piece de resistance. Wow! Fabulous! Loved it right from the beginning! Loved Han and Leia running the 'Department* (shades of "Firestarter") I've always pictured them together. All Liz's characterizations were to a 'T*. Loved the dialogue. Excellent. Can't wait to read more of Liz S.'s "Underworld" stories!!

Once again, CONGRATS!

[zine]: Firstly, let me tell you how much I enjoyed SOUTHERN KNIGHTS. Fanzines just seem to keep getting better and better, and SK is no exception. You have gotten together some truly talented writers and artists.

I liked everything that was contributed to SK and was especially pleased to see the story about Biggs and Wedge. Like several other minor characters, they played an important part in the Rebellion. Hope to see more about them.

Carolyn Golledge seems to improve with every story she writes. I found "Reawakening" interesting. The idea of the astaline crystal aiding telepathic communication between the Jedi was a good one, and totally believable.

Also thought Susan Hall's story was good. Everyone was totally in character. I believe Han would will the FALCON to Luke also, and for what I consider the main reason—he loves Luke like a brother and knows he would cherish the gift. I have a question, though—what the heck is 'giffel fish'? This is the second time I've seen it mentioned in fanfic. It sounds close to kosher. Can someone enlighten me?

Thanks for the 'Southern Knights' on the back cover. Gives me an idea of who goes with who.

Altogether, a very fine first effort. I'm looking forward to SK#2, and know it'll be as good as the first.

[zine]: Hi! Thank you ever so much for SOUTHERN KNIGHTS 1. I haven't written because I wanted to savor it first! (Yummy) I can't really express how much I've enjoyed it. I don't think I can cover the whole zine, but I will say that the ones you start expecting a lot from (like Joan Shumsky, Pat Nussman, Lynda Vandiver, Cheree Cargill, Jacqueline Taero, Liz S. and now Carolyn Golledge [love her writing], and mustn't forget L.A. Carr) lived up to and passed my expectations.

I was especially pleased with "Story of an Unsung Hero"—it was good finding out about Biggs (he's definitely been unsung). I'm looking forward to SOUTHERN KNIGHTS 2 and to "Above All Shadows".

[zine]: Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed SOUTHERN KNIGHTS #1. The front cover alone was worth the entire price of the zine! Laura Virgil really outdid herself on this one. I enjoyed each and every story and poem, but must send special praise for Liz S.'s "Command Performance". I simply couldn't put it down. Congratulations on a very well written and entertaining zine...

[zine]: If SOUTHERN KNIGHTS is a first zine, then it's certainly an impressive one.

I'm a sucker for long, meaty stories—it's not that I don't appreciate the sheer hard writing work of throwing out everything that doesn't fit into a dynamite short-short or vignette, it's just that I read fast and a long story is something I can really get my teeth into. So I suppose it's not surprising that I liked "Command Performance' the best of the lot. There's some nice prose there (I'm a bit of a nut about prose style—the sign of a warped mind), and Liz S. does a good job of balancing the angst and the humor—not to mention keeping the roles of the three main SW characters in proportion, too. Any info on other places that series might shoiu up would be appreciated!

Of the shorter stories, I think I liked "No Way to Treat a Lady" the best—lots of action in a little space, and an interesting narrator.

Only a few quibbles on the negative side—the print quality could have been darker (though I know from bitter experience, having once edited a monthly newsletter for two years, that after the copy is at the printer's, things are in the lap of the gods), and word-search puzzles have never been my cup of tea.

I'm including a SASE for info on the next issue of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS, if and when.

Keep up the good work!

[zine]: SOUTHERN KNIGHTS is a fine beginning to your zine publishing Empire. I*ly favorite artwork in this issue was Laura Virgil's cover. What beautifully expressive eyes on those fellas! Also enjoyed all of Oani's illos, especially the group gathering on pg. 10. Danaline Eiryant's party girl on pg. 4 is well- captured (takes me right back to Jabba's—ugh!), as is Pat Easley's startled Luke on pg. 87. I was moved by Cheree Cargil's pensive Luke on pg. 93, and the noble Queen on pg. 95—Nancy Stasulis managed to stroke revulsion into every line of her body. I liked all the cartoons, especially those little monsters on pg. 23 by Leah Rosenthal. ^ Several of the short stories were refreshingly original, such as "No Way to Treat a Lady , and Story of an Unsung rebel", "Nighttalk", and-"Requiem", although the latter was too grim for me! (Quite a response, though, for the anti-Ewok contingent!) "Story of an Unsung Rebel" was a poignant and well- developed tale of the Luke/Biggs friendship and Luke's induction. I've always wondered how Luke got 'processed' into the Aliance so quickly. I loved Audwin in "Nighttalk", and got some great chuckles^^ from picturing all the men boring on about their offspring, to Yoda's disgust. "The Seeds of Revenge is a credible explanation of how the Imperials controlled Alderaan, and how Luke and Leia were conceived. I'm glad Luke can love Darth, because I don't think I ever will. "Reawakening" is another good story from Carolyn Golledge. I enjoy reading about her ideas of a post-ROTJ galaxy; I also like the warm interplay shown amongst the principals from the movies. The bus iness about the mind crystals is fascinating; I can't wait to see how they assist in forming the new Order of Knights (hint!). Han's further explorations of the galaxy should be good for lots more stories (hint, hint!).

"Command Performance" is one of my favorite stories of the YEAR! Can this be developed into a sort of THIN MAN series? Liz's dialogue is so deft, witty, and cheerful. Her portrayals of Han, Luke and Leia show us mature, warm people with a positive outlook and zest for living, just the folks with whom I d love to spend lots more time. Her Luke is exactly the kind of self-effacing, witty person I'd expect to come away from ROTJ. I'm delighted that Leia and Han have found a way to continue their adventuring to gether. Grace looks to be the sort" of sensitive, yet self-reliant woman who could handle the challenges and headaches (and loneliness?) of pairing off with the Master Jedi. Sovey Mearh's organization was satisfyingly nasty, and the deythr could've fit in any Indy Jones story as easily as a SW story, a creative opponent for a Jedi. Can't wait for more!

[zine]: Just a note to mention how much I enjoyed SOUTHERN KNIGHTS #1. Ply favorite stories were "Reawaken ing" by Carolyn Goledge and "Command Performance" by Liz S.

This is the first STAR WARS zine I have purchased. I suppose part of the reason is that I have read other zines of yours and I know the quality of the stories. Therefore, on a whim, you might say, I picked up this one and I was not disappointed. I am therefore enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope with the request that you notify me about SOUTHERN KNIGHTS #2 when it is ready.

[zine]: A friend picked up my copy of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS for me at MlediaWest, so here's some feedback on it.

Loved both the front and back covers— Our Boys' as done by Laura, was gorgeous, as usual. As for Jenni's back cover, I really enjoyed seeing the group of you with inspired help. You have a very good quality assortment of stories, art and filler.

I must admit being partial to "Story of an Unsung Rebel". It's so seldom we see any mention of Biggs, much less a whole story! Carolyn Golledge's story is also very well done. Am looking forward to seeing "Above All Shadows" in the next SK. If it's as good as the rest of her stories...

Also thoroughly enjoyed "Command Performance". Background in the "Underworlds" series is very plausible for Han and Leia.

[zine]: Out of the haul from MediaWest, your 'zine uias the first I finished. It's best that I LoC you now, before the stories from all the 'zines start to blend.

Overall Comments: The 'zine is cleanly reproduced and easy to read. When the print gets tiny, you go to columns. Thank you. It makes it a lot easier to find the beginning of the next line. One small problem: composing entire words of a title with upper case italics can make them almost unreadable. On page 9, is it "Waiting for Yoyo?" "Sooo?" "Lolo?" Laura Virgil's front cover is a grabber, and made me reach for the 'zine in the first place. None of the stories was pointless, even the humorous ones. It's nice to see so many actual short stories. It seems as if 9031 of current SW fanlit is either vignettes or novels, with nothing in between. You could use a copy editor, however. The 'zine is remarkably low on typos (unlike this letter), so one can see how hard you worked on the copy, yet there are a few glaring spelling and grammatical errors. Most noticeable is your spelling of 'no one.' Check your dictionary. It is always two words, not 'noone.' (Wasn't Peter Noone lead singer for Herman's Hermits? That gave away my age.) And 'lay' and 'lie' were reversed from their correct uses in several cases. Examples: on page 99 it should read, "The fallen Ewok was laying on its back..."—intransitive, and on page 75 it should read, "She laid her head upon his shoulder..."—transitive. Sorry about the English lecture, but the errors were distractions in some fine stories.

Story Comments: "Reawakening"—I'm a sucker for the 'saved from the brink' kind of story. This one was poignant without being sappy, and addressed some post-ROTJ issues as well. I enjoyed Luke's admiration of Han s 'common touch,' Han's hard-headed dealings with the top brass, and Luke's uneasiness with his exalted role.

"Command Performance"—I'm not sure Leia and Han could become anonymous enough to function as secret agents, but the situation would satisfy Han's wanderlust and Leia's probable need for further challenge. The plot is complex, but clear. I liked Grace a lot. (Sort of a Magdalene, isn't she?) The hardest SW character to develop and write has to be Luke's possible mate, even harder than L&L's mother. How will she be 'good enough' for our Jedi hero without becoming the dreaded Mary Sue? Liz pulled it off.

I can't wait to see more (and maybe I'm going to see more in this load of 'zines). I'd also like to see more of Suzy Sansom's illos. The Luke on page 107 is sweet and clean-cut without being a wimp. And the Han and Leia on page 103...oh my! I like illos to be illustrations, not portrait copies.

"Requiem" was not gratuitous at all. I did laugh. Apologies to all Ewok lovers. (I am not fond of the precious critters.) Actually, this sort of danger would always exist with first contacts. There would be considerable danger to the 'intruders' as well. Look what happened to the Martians in WAR OF THE WORLDS.

"Story of an Unsung Rebel"—It's about time Biggs was 'sung.' The story had good fill-in character izations of Biggs and Wedge. Too bad they couldn't have stayed With Rhya; maybe Sharane could bring her back sometime. I had one problem, though. I got the impression from TESB that Bespin was a smaller, much more secret operation, and even if Rhya did a lot of business there. Biggs and Wedge would not have heard of it before their trip.

"The Gift"—The author took such care to make some of the details, such as the giffel fish (although that sounds like something else) and the arrangement of the quarters, fit the SW universe, that the birth day party seemed mundane, even ail-American, by comparison. Many other cultures celebrate birthdays with gifts and other events, but the cake and everybody hiding behind the couch with the lights out seemed too middle class American. And why doesn't Han or Luke consider that Lando, the FALCON's former owner, would take good care of her? The story does lead up convincingly to its sad conclusion.

"The Seeds of Revenge"—Hmmm... I never saw Vader as quite such a sadist. To be sure, he doesn't care who gets stepped on in his ascent to power, but in this story he seems to be enjoying the mayhem a bit much. I loved the way the opportunists jumped right up to try to save their own behinds. I also liked the idea of L&L's mother as Bail Organa's betrothed. I'm afraid that if George does the first trilogy. Mom and Anakin will be an old married couple. Too Earthbound. By the way, about the closing line, considering the ending of ROTJ, Vader had really sown the seeds of his own redemption, hadn't he?

I may quibble and nitpick, but if this 'zine is an indication of the quality of this year's crop, I've got a couple of good months of reading ahead. This is all the more remarkable for a first issue.

Congratulations.

[zine]: Congratulations on a fantastic first issue! I hope it is the forerunner of many more! Where to begin.

First of all, I want to say that this zine contains some of the best vignettes I've ever read. Particularly outstanding were Lynda Vandiver's "Careless Whisper" and Danaline Bryant's "Waiting for Solo". It's always amazing how SW writers take one tiny bit of the Saga and come up with such insightful writing. The poetry was also exceptional—Pat Nussman's expert hand and gentle touch were nicely woven together in "Conscript", and no SW zine would be complete without Jacqueline Taero's rhymes. She always manages to come up with a witty, wry and often humorous twist, gently pulling the legs of our favorite characters.

Really enjoyed "Story of an Unsung Rebel" by Sharane McCurry. Biggs gets short shrift in most stories and it's too bad he was 'done in' in ANH. It's also really too bad that Lucas cut his scene with Luke on Tatooine. I think Biggs, Luke and Wedge would have made a great trio. Many stories could have been written about them, getting each other out of scrapes—with the Empire, not to mention the ladies. Also enjoyed Carolyn Golledge's "Reawakening". Just when I think all avenues of the Han/Leia/Luke relation ship have been explored, sompone comes up with a new twist. However, I would like to see more of a conflict regarding Luke coming to terms—or not coming to terms with the fact that Leia is his sister. All the stories I've been reading are a bit too sugary. I mean surely there is an alternative which would make for a good tale where Luke does not accept the fact that Leia is his sister and does not accept the fact that she loves Han—until something or someone makes him feel that it's right.

L.A. Carr's "Nighttalk" was most enjoyable. It had charm and humor and a good premise. I can just see Yoda getting annoyed (A Jedi never gets annoyed) over all the talk about grandsons.

However, the best short story was Cheree Cargill's "The Seeds of Revenge". So much speculation on Luke and Leia's mother and the relationship between Anakin/Vader and her. I'm of the school that Vader is still an evil man and this is exactly how he would have sired the twins. Sorry, I don't buy the 'good guy' premise. Lucas took this totally evil man and in the course of a few minutes turned him into Mr. Nice Guy! Tsk, tsk. A little deus ex machine, George? Too tidy for my tastes. I would have liked to have seen Vader continue on into the final part of the Saga. Well, maybe a Vader-type is waiting in the wings.

"Command Performance" by Liz S. was an interesting story. I like when authors take ideas from our sooiety and transform them for use in the SW universe. I think all societies have much in common and the 'Mamiosa' was a good touch.

The cartoons were a hoot! Wicked sense of humor, you guys! Again, Annie, congratulations on a fine first issue. Looking forward to the next!

[zine]: I picked up a copy of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS at Windycon in October,..finally I'm getting around to writing a short LoC!

First, let me say that I found it a basically enjoyable first issue, for the fact that it contained several good works. I'll get to those later. (Criticisms first, then the praise.) I'll start with the artwork.

Okay, I know that it's difficult to get good artwork for a first effort (I published a couple of issues of a zine myself years ago in Trek). However, I'd rather see no artwork than poor artwork. Fandom is such a visual medium...one of the reasons we like these characters so much is because they appeal to us physically and aesthetically. When someone draws them in such an incompetent fashion as to make them look unattractive, or unintentionally silly, the reader feels cheated. Unfortunately, I would have to say that I found very little artwork that was even fair in SK#1, much less good. Some of it was downright awful. (I cite the illos on pp. 4, 6, 10, 16, A9) Cheree Cargill and Suzy Sansom both do work that is rather uneven...I've seen illos by both that are breathtaking, others that aren't at all appealing. Suzy's sketchier drawings for "Command Performance" are far outshone by her illo in SOUTHERN LIGHTS of Don Johnson (I'm not sure...I think it might have been the bacover...a friend loaned it to me). And Cheree's illos for "Endless Night" and "Revised Definitions"...neither are even close to her best. On the other hand, Nancy Stasulis' illo for "The Seeds of Revenge" is excellent. She has a beautiful grasp of how to use light and dark to create a certain feel...one I wish I possessed. Laura Virgil's front cover bothered me in that Luke, who should logically be smaller than Han, since he is behind Han, is larger. Otherwise, it's a nice drawing, in that the rendering is accurate...nice likeness of Han, especially. Laura, unlike Cheree, seems to have a terrific talent for pen and ink work...she knows just which shadows to portray, and which to leave well enough alone, avoiding that 'old man' look that Cheree's heavier pen strokes seem too often to convey. Pen and ink is the pits...I gave it up a few months ago for graphite and colored pencil work, and I'm much happier with the results. I just didn't seem to have the knack for it.

So on to the things that I was impressed with. I enjoyed "The Gift" by Susan Hall. It was nicely-written, and the characterizations were well done. I like the idea of Luke igniting his lightsaber upon entering the room...I'm not certain that he would be quite so quick to do so when he's not certain of danger, but I was willing to suspend my mild disbelief for the sake of the amusing mental picture Susan was able to portray. I'm basically a sucker for well-written relationship stories, and this one portrayed Han and Luke quite well. I'm not sure that I entirely agree with the idea that Han would eventually have to leave, to 'fly free', so to speak, but that's just my opinion. My own idea tends to lean more toward Han and Leia's relationship being flexible enough to allow Han his freedom and Leia. The speech about Chewie not want ing the FALCON was an interesting touch. A very pleasant little story in all.

Leah Rosenthal's "If George Hand Changed His Mind..." cartoon was hysterically funny. I sat in my room at Ulindycon reading the ?ine, and nearly fell off the bed laughing when I came to that one! Price- less sick humor. "Revised Definitions". Right on, Jackie! I've read over that poem numerous times...it s so nice to know that I'm not the only one who felt that Luke was more a pawn than anything else to both Ben and Yoda.

I like the fact that the verse rhymes, too...what a concept! A poem that...*gasp*...rhymes! (And very cleverly, too. I loved it.)

"Command Performance". What can I say? Good characterizations, although maybe just an eensy bit sketchy for Grace (sometimes a necessity with a new character in a less-than-novel-length story). Nice, generally tight plot (although I was a little confused about why Luke opened the container, but whathehell. terrific pacing, adventurous... The story had all the right elements in the right proportions. And, one of the hardest things to pull off...Grace wasn't at all a Mary Sue. She was a likeable, believable character, and Luke's reactions to her were equally believable. I understand there's going to be a sequel... can't wait! Thanks, Liz!

I think you've got a good start, here, Ann. Is it true that SOUTHERN KNIGHTS will fold after issue number two? If so, I'm disappointed. [Don't be sad—my multi-media zine features SW stories, and it has a much larger readership. Ed.] SWars fandom is starting to enter something of a lull, it seems to me...we need some solid zines like yours seems to have the promise of becoming. This first issue was a little uneven, but I think that's more in the nature of a first issue...you can only print what you get, and if you reject everything that's not up to par, you don't have much of a zine. Presumably, by next issue, you can start exerting some stricter editorial control over artwork and fiction.

[zine]: I'm sorry I haven't written a LoC on SOUTHERN KNIGHTS before now. Even though it's been a while, I want t to make some comments now, as I enjoyed the zine and want to pass my thoughts along to you and the contributors.

The front couer is fantastic...very distinctive and eye-catching. I like the unusual placement of the faces within the drawing and the background. Laura did an excellent job with the expressions. She s one of the best artists in or out of fandom—I'm always thrilled to see her work. The back cover...what can I say?! I love it!

On to the goodies between the covers— I enjoyed "Freedom" by Gail Small and the nice accompanying illo by Pat Easley.

I always like everything Jacqueline Taero writes so I was pleased to see several of her poems in SK.

"Chrysalis' fits Leia so well~I can easily believe she would have these thoughts. The poem is powerful and beautifully worded. The illo by Cheree Cargill fits the piece so well. Vader's image behind the weeping Leia nicely reflects the dramatic line, "Our parents' sins are reaped in full." The exaggerated flow of Leia's hair reflects the sadness and near-desperation in the poem. "Revised Definitions" is another good one by Taero. Also enjoyed "Darth Vader Revealed" and the equally entertaining illo by Nancy Stasulis.

"All The Sweet Things" by L.A. Carr is really wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative, and un usual look at the Han/Leia/Luke triangle. It's neat to see how many characterstics Han and Luke share. On the surface, they are quite different but Carr shows us, in a different and interesting way, that they are very much alike. I enjoyed Carr's wording throughout this piece..."Only the darkness haunted me", "He flies his ship with the grace of the falcons themselves—fights with the fire of the lava pits of Rassh", etc. NICE STUFF! I also enjoyed Mary Ann Dean's illos. They are also creative and different and add to the enjoyment of Carr's writing. I like Dean's style and look forward to seeing more of her artwork.

"The Gift" by Susan Hall is interesting. I enjoyed this post-JEDI tale. Dani Lane's art is also very enjoyable.

I had a laugh-fit over Leah Rosenthal's cartoon entitled "If George Had Changed His Mind... What a riot!

"A Death With Meaning" is beautiful. Especially like the line, "I feel death approach with a gentle embrace."

I found "The Eyes of Tomorrow" to be interesting and nicely worded. Several lines in the poem really grabbed me, especially the part that says, "Stop and look, my friend, into the eyes of tomorrow." That's really lonely.

"Conscript" by Pat Nussman is chilling and very effective. This poem, like all of Nussman's work, is well-written, interesting, and very powerful.

Cheree Cargill is another fan writer whose work I always enjoy—however, I think "The Seeds of Revenge is the best thing she's ever written. It's very well-written—very chilling and believable and realistic.

I'd like to read a 'prequel' to "Seeds of Revenge", a story that would show us more about Queen Syschana, Adriana, and the events that led up to the fall of the royal palace. The author packed several fasci nating details and interesting characters into the two pages of this story. A longer story set in the same universe would make a 'helluva' great tale! In any case, I think this story is very good. Vader 'sounds' just right...cold, arrogant, totally self-involved. The rape scene was written so well—it truly comes across as a crime of violence and brutality. The ending is perfect—the last line delivers a knock out punch!

And now I come to "Command Performance". I really don't know quite where to begin—I have so much I'd like to say about this wonderful story. I've liked everything I've read by this writer but "Command Performance" has made me a Confirmed Liz S. Fan! I've added this story to my "Top Ten All-Time Fav orite Zine Stories" list—it really is one of the best I've ever read. Sharpe's 'Underworld' universe is fascinating and believable. I'm looking forward to reading many more stories set in this A/U. I love the idea of "The Department'. It's a logical consequence of the state of affairs in the post-Empire era...and it gives Han and Leia an interesting and exciting post-ROTJ existence. This is the best idea for their future that I've seen yet. All of the characters are interesting and believable. I liked Joa and Grace immediately. Sometimes original characters in fanfic aren't as interesting as the on-screen characters from the films but, thank fully, that's not the case here. Sharpe's original characters caught and held my interest and they fit smoothly and comfortably into the Sli) universe. The on-screen characters are done equally well in "Command Performance". Often other characters are slighted or twisted to build up an author's own personal favorite (a practice I detest). However, much to Sharpe's credit, it's impossible to tell from this story which character she prefers. Han, Luke, and Leia each have their own special talents and abilities in "Command Performance", just as they do in the films. I also enjoyed seeing the friendship between the trio— the relationships were handled perfectly by the author.

There are many nifty details in this story...and I lov/e interesting little throui-auays. For one, the little details enrich a story, add to the realism, and increase my enjoyment. I'm always thankful for a writer who cares enough to put in these little extras. The name of the Jedi homeworld (Sanctuary) is a neat touch. I lo\ie "lilhizzer" and want to read a story about him! Who are the "Accouthi" and why did they need rescuing??! "Command Performance" is full of neat stuff like this and I love it! To sum my ratings up—this is a great story that has everything...superb writing, interesting plot, fascinating characters, wonderful touches of humor, and a terrific ending. My heartiest thanks to Liz Sharps (and you—Dear Olde Ed!) for giving me one of the best SW stories I've ever read!

Well, as you can tell, I was very pleased with SOUTHERN KNIGHTS. It really is wonderful, cover to cover! You did a great job, Annie! The layout, printing, binding, artwork, and fiction are all top-drawer quality. I especially appreciate the wide-range of subject matter. I have tired of reading SW zines that contain a narrow range of topics and themes. SOUTHERN KNIGHTS is a joy!

[zine]: Here's my LoC for SK1. First, the front cover is very nice. I enjoy Virgil's art. It's bold, her lights and darks are very definite, her pictures stand out. I also am partial to spiral bound zines, the pages stay in and the covers don't fall off the first time you open it.

"No Way To Treat A Lady" was different, but I have a hard time getting into vignettes. I can't seem to really care about the characters much, even when they're the main SW ones, unless it's a real heart-wringer, such as Lybarger's "Soliloquy on a Strong of Beads" (in KR3 & 4) But that's just me. The illo with this was nice.

"Careless Whisper" was too predictable to me. I knew what it was going to say by the end of the first paragraph. I didn't like the illo much either. Leia was out of proportion.

I was bored by "Waiting For Solo", too (ugh, this sounds as if I hated the zine, but just you wait a second, we're getting to the good stuff, boy are we!) This illo was good.

"Freedom" was okay, but I never thought of Luke as an 'obediant puppet'. He was usually a loud, questioning kid who went his own way when he didn't agree with someone, such as with Bespin. But that's just my opinion of Luke, and this poem did make me care enough to think about it.

Pat Easley's art is improving. I enjoy watching new artists grow and expand their talent.

"Chrysalis" was very good, it tore at my heart, made me hurt for Leia. I loved Cheree's illo, too. Different, not just an illo of Leia's face. As I am now a full-fledged "Catalyst!" addict, the only gripe I had here was MORE. Augh! Jenni knots me up with her cliff-hangers anyway, let alone a short one! (Sigh)

"All The Sweet Things" was nostalgic for me, as I loved "Diary" in high school. I enjoyed this story. The illos were quite interesting, except Luke looks a little, well, pudgy.

"Darth Vader Revealed" is deliciously irreverent. I loved it! I really look forward to Taero's poetry, it's always clear, and it rhymes! And tell Nancy, I never thought that Vader wore stirrup pants and moon-boots! (Giggle)

Enjoyed "The Gift" very much. I prefer stories where Han and Leia stay together, but Hall does give a good reasonable argument for Han's need to leave. It was a heart-warming story about friends. Liked them catching Luke by surprise (and he them, for that matter!!) I've always wondered how you'd surprise a Jedi, now I know! Dani's art is very precise, clean lines and good proportion. I adore Rosenthal's cartoons, they're always good for a crick in your side from laughing.

Conrad Wortham's poetry is the kind that you don't know why it makes you hurt, but it does. It pulls at you, you read it even if you don't really want to.

"Story of an Unsung Rebel". I've never thought much about Biggs at all, but this story made him real to me. Again, Dani's illos are very nice.

I'm tired of 'Hoth Thoughts' pieces, but this one kept my interest. The illo seems a little unbalanced, but that's probably just me.

SFlAP's cartoon was cute. "What Would You Expect" was okay, but I'm burnt out on 'Leia and her hidden soft self in hard shell' stuff, too. I hope CarolFlel Ambassador is a pen-name. I'd hate to think some one was going through life with that name for real!

"A Death With Meaning" touched me more, not that many writers handle Vader with feeling, except fear or disgust. This poem shows him as a person, one with driving desires. "Conscript" was marvelous. I believe this really shows Leia's feelings during those moments on Endor.

NOW, oh boy, oh boy, did you get some of the best for your zine! "Reawakening"—wonderful. This is real, alive. It's growth. Instead of re-hashing old ideas about SW, and 'our gang' this makes new ideas, and they're believable. More!

"Where e the Raven Flies", well, I read it three times trying to understand it. At least I couldn't ignore it. Oh well. SFIAP's cartoon here was a needed laugh. (I was feeling extremely dumb by then!) [Alright...how many of you were confused by the fact that this story based on THE PHOENIX was in a SW zine?? Fly fault—I should have explained in the editorial that SK was originally meant to be a multi media zine so Linda Knights gave me "Raven" for it. Later, I decided to make SOUTHERN LIGHTS my multi media zine and keep SK all-SW. So, "Raven" bears absolutely no relation to the SW Saga. You aren't so dumb, after all, Ronda... Ed.]

"Nighttalk" was plain fun. I could just see the two proud grandfathers and father bragging on Luke to an extremely grumpy Yoda!

"Revised Definitions". As I've said, Taero's poetry is always clear. You know what she's saying, and frankly, I agree with Luke in this one!

"The Seeds of Revenge" was the most chilling story I've come across in SW fandom so far. Nancy's illo fit the mood, too.

"Requiem, well...I won't comment.

My, my, Jenni is really getting good on her portraits. This is the best Wedge I've seen. (And I really like Wedge). [And guess who got the original drawing for Christmas...smile. Ed.] TA DA! Flost editors seem to keep the best for last, and you are no exception. "Command Performance" is the best new universe I've read this year. I immediately had to write Liz and ask for a list of stories to come, so I could be on the lookout! Not dnly are Han and Leia done to perfection, but here's someone, AT LAST!! who does Luke as a mature, well-rounded (in several ways *snicker*) man who's flat fascinating! I even liked Grace, and I usually don't get into new characters easily. This story has action, love, friendship, humor, and suspense. Flore, more, more!! Sansom's illo's were really good, too.

Now, the bacover. Let me put it this way. It's unique! Besides, it made me want to be in there hugging one of those dudes too! (Giggle)

Well, don't let the fact that the LoC got off to a slow start fool you. This is one of my favorite of all the zines out this year. It looks small, but it has quite a lot (understatement) in there. Thank

you very much! I'm proud to be included in SK2!

[zine]: LOVED SOUTHERN KNIGHTS!! Ann, you should be so proud of it! It is so beautifully presented—I bet it attracted a lot of attention at FlediaWest Con. Couldn't miss with that wonderful cover. Han and Luke in close up, and those wonderful expressions—sigh! Congratulations are due Laura Virgil. Liked the back- cover too—but, hey Cheree—leave me some, okay! Seriously though, this was a well laid out, easy-on-the- eye, highly enjoyable read and I'm sure everyone's going to be begging for more—starting with me!

It's hard to pick favorites, but I was rapt by Liz S.'s story "Command Performance" (good title— especially with that illo! Good work, Suzy!) Liz's story is obviously based on her love for the Flodesty Blaise series. Well, I thrill to the adventures of Willie and Flodesty too, the only problem is Peter O'Donell doesn't write enough of them. Well, Liz has solved that problem and made the read even more pleasurable by including the SW characters. To me Leia is not the Leia of SW, she is too much like Flodesty— but who cares, this is great stuff! I loved FlacKimbree. And the new look Luke—relaxed, sexy, mature and irreverent—though perhaps he has become a little too like Han in his loss of innocence. I loved this story and was so pleased to see it given a series title—I will be eagerly looking for more.

One of my other faorites was the one page piece "Careless Whisper" by Lynda Vandiver. Touching and a clever thought. Han could easily have whispered 'I love you,' to Leia at the medal ceremony, they were certainly giving each other the eye. That would squash all those complaints about Solo's reluctance to say the words! Though I'm sure if he did say it this early some of it would have had to be joke/tease. Sort of. Liked this very much, concisely written and beautiful. Carole Regine's "No Way To Treat A Lady" was chilling. Can just imagine Han reacting this way. Jabba was made too much of a comic figure in Jedi in my opinion, after all, he caused a hell of a lot of suffering to a lot of people.

"Waiting For Solo" by Danaline Bryant. No more feeling sorry for Greedo! Brother was he asking for it!

"Freedom" by Gail Small. Right! Time for Luke to have a life of his own.

As usual, Jacqueline Taero has something poignant to say and she does it with a minimum of words and a maximum of skill. Leia's thoughts and concern for Luke—"Run Luke. Run far away."—such uncharacteristic words for the Princess, therefore clearly illuminating her love for her brother. If that had been me on that walkway that night, I would have been an utter wreck. Think I would have tied Luke up (could be difficult with a Jedi) rather than let him go off to what must have seemed certain death, or worse.

Cheree's accompanying illo sets the mood perfectly. This poem will always be a favorite.

Jeanine Hennig's "Beginnings" was intriguing, seeing Luke from the viewpoint of someone who knew Vader in his young years and so could make comparisons, but the reader would probably need to be familiar with Jeanine's "Catalyst" series (but then who isn't—if you're not, buy it now!) Lucy (gotcha) Carr's "All the Sweet Things" was touching, seeing Leia's thoughts for Han revealed in her diary, but I've never been able to picture Luke as being in love with Leia, really in love, at any stage. If he had been there would have to have been confusion and at least some resentment. Luke has always been a pure, loving, generous spirit and intuitive enough both to know his true relationship to Leia and to see Leia and Han's love for each other before even they did, and rejoice for them. At least that's how it seemed to me. So I couldn't quite get involved in Lucy's piece though it was original and beautifully composed.

"Darth Vader Revealed"!!!?? Tsk, tsk, Jacqueline and Nancy, wait till I send this one on to my friend who happens to be madly in love with Darth, his black leather (?) and sexy LONG legs. She'll have a bounty posted on you for sure!

Enjoyed Susan Hall's "The Gift" as I love reading about the lighthearted, happy, everyday type events which our heroes would have enjoyed in between the rough stuff. The little things, like Leia's ploy to keep Luke busy, the fish, Luke's reaction to "SURPRISE!"—were great. But the sad ending took away from the cheerful mood. I hate to think of Han leaving and being alone again. Now that he has discovered so much love, a home, I don't think he would ever let it go. Giving the FALCON to Luke was a lovely thought, but after all, Luke would live only another twenty or thirty years maybe beyond Han's old age, and then the FALCON would have to revert back to Chewbacca in any case. Loved the interaction between Han and Luke in this story however, very true to the characters. Dani's illos for this one are TREMENDOUS!! Somehow she captures the spirit of the moment, the interaction between the characters, the expressions so like the actual actors—oh hell, I'm babbling, but see for yourself! Terrific, huh!

That cartoon—"If George Had Changed His Mind"—I would have killed him! This was funny, Leah, but somehow I winced too much to be able to laugh for long.

Sharane, forgive me, but I haven't read "Unsung Rebel" yet; I'm hooked on Han, so read his adventures first, and I've only had the zine a couple of days. Like the idea of providing more background on the 'lesser' characters however, and Biggs was most definitely a hero. ESB was my favorite film of the three and I love 'inner conversation' so "Endless Night' appealed to me. The different interpretations to Leia's reactions to Han's peril on Ord Mantell make it easy to see how we can all so easily jump to the wrong conclusions. That was probably another reason why she didn't want him to leave Hoth. Think Leia's thought would have been at least equally concerned for Luke. Her thoughts would have wandered, but I think she would have been more frantic than the mood of these words suggests in some parts—though that's impossible to judge without the sound of the writer's intended stress and emphasis on phrasing.

"What Would You Expect" by CarolMel Ambassador brings out Leia's longing and the counterbalance of her great fear of rejection very well. "A Death Without Meaning" really moved. I loved it. This was the message of ROTJ—with enough love even the darkest can return to the light. The power of love and forgiveness is triumphant. CarolMel says it beautifully for Darth in this poem. My friend will un doubtedly get all misty-eyed over this one. I almost did myself. Danalihe's accompanying illo—the shuttle silhouetted against the void, captures the aching intensity of Darth's thoughts perfectly. If Han had heard these words perhaps even HE would have wanted Uader to live.

Er, I'm a bit slow Conrad, and so I'm afraid your poems were slightly too metaphysical for me. Solo pragmatism for me. If I knew where "Eyes of Tomorrow" fitted in the Saga, I'd enjoy it more.

"Conscript" I liked. Leia was definitely caught in a chain of words. Han's refusal to bow to author ity may have freed her at last.

Sorry Linda. Just couldn't figure "Where the Raven Flies". But I skim read it. I'm intrigued— where does that Indian fit into SW? Is it meant to be a comparison with Luke and Yoda?

Loved the cheeky cartoon/line reversal on the bottom of page 86. Luke to Leia—"You don't have to do this to impress me!" Clever.

Enjoyed "Nighttalk" as it reveals some of Luke's confusion and disorientation post-JEDI. But the guy really WOULD go nuts if ANOTHER ghostly relative popped into his life!

"Revised Definitions". Yeah team! You tell him, Luke! I can just hear Han cheering the kid from the sidelines. Ben needs to be told. You did it excellently, Jacqueline.

Cheree, watch your back, my friend the Vader fan will want your blood for slurring 'Darthie's' good name (?) like this in "Seeds of Revenge"!! Like the idea of Darth being ultimately responsible for his own demise, but his raping Princess Leia Elana like this doesn't fit the Saga (I think). How could he have pretended love for his son after so brutal a conception!

Danaline, I thought only my sense of humor uas warped in such wicked ways! Couldn't help but giggle over "Requiem" though it had chilling undertones.

"A Dark and Stormy Night", Cheree? Taking lessons from Snoopy?! I love it! More PLEASE! [I must interrupt here and explain that Cheree's story "A Dark and Stormy Night" only appeared in ten very special copies of SK1—it was a joke I played on Cheree and in order to work I had to see to it that all her friends had copies WITH the story included. So, unless your table of contents has "Special Edition" printed on it, you don't have this story. Sorry guys. Ed.]

LASTLY (collective sighs of relief), Ann deserves the \1C to go with her slouch hat [which Carolyn very kindly sent me all the way from Australia! Ed.] or at the very least, a cold tinnie of Fosters! Fair Dinkum Mate, you did a great job!! THANK YOU for all of us and roll on SOUTHERN KNIGHTS 2, 3...4.

etc! Hey Cheree, give her a pat on the back for me. God, it's awful being a million plus miles from anywhere. Luke should complain. He should try Australia—it's worse than Tatoodine! "If there's a

bright center to the universe...."

[zine]: "No Way to Treat a Lady" is a nice vignette with a touch more realism and a touch less soppy romance than vignettes about Solo's past tend to show. The narrator projects her own personality, without obscur ing the incident she's describing.

"Waiting for Solo" isn't particularly colorful, but the POV is unusual; it about doubles the total fan characterization of Greedo. The art on both of these also lacks professional gloss, but clearly knows what it's about, has a sense of character, especially in Greedo's fingers and face.

"Beginnings" is another blessedly new slant on an old subject, with pleasantly unforced characters. Again, the first-person narrator, who could easily ruin the piece, makes it work instead. "The Gift" has well-drawn human characters, readable prose; it's a simple short story that doesn't overdo anything. "Story of an Unsung Rebel" also shares the general lack, in this zine, of wild-eyed space opera (which SW, understandably, often engenders), being again a thoughtful history of admittedly dramatic events which happen to familiar, realistically human people. This one stretches the ANH time frame, but if you ask me, the movie needed that for plausibility. The bits of narration that compress movie events might have been better omitted in this, perhaps. Dani Lane's illos do best with groups of figures, but all the art is apt.

"Conscript" is very readable poetry, a swift, touching picture of Leia, and casts another, perhaps larger interpretation on her words to Luke at Endor.

"Reawakening" is mostly story for the story's sake and nothing more, though it's smooth prose and well-detailed throughout. It just doesn't seem to present any new subjects, anything that couldn't be predicted for the characters from the SW movies and a 2Gth-century worldview.

"Nighttalk" is a spot of sound advice for Luke, who still all-too-human to become a Jedi figurine. The overcute ending is forgivable after this scene has stuck to character and avoided bludgeoning the reader with Force-manifestations in the meantime.

"Seeds of Revenge" provides the zine with a not-unneeded touch of lurid drama, and as always, Stasulis' art is admirable. Well, Vader tends to bring lurid situations to pass around him, doesn't he? This puts an air of poetic justice into RGTJ, very neatly, though it's almost too brief as Queen Syschana is hustled on- and then off-stage after the conquest.

"Requiem", should be ashamed of itself! Just because the Ewoks were too cute to live...*snicker*

Finally, "Command Performance' fulfills the expectations Liz S. has already established for her writing: the plots which may contain interesting side-excursions or potential sequels, but which somehow complete the actions they start; the vivid characters, whether created or Canon; the fast-paced, clear action; perhaps most rare, the solid sense of taking place in a fully-detailed environment with inter esting differences from our own. Luke as a uiorking Jedi Master who is also a healthy young man is a re freshing change in himself. The careful inversion of gender roles in the local civilization slides toward social commentary; I'm just glad to see that someone is still bothering to comment, and in so perfectly deadpan a manner that it never intrudes on the story. The deythr ("Cthulhu in a box") and underworld gang combination that challenges both Leia-and-Han. and Luke's specialties provides a welcome way of using all three characters to the full in a single plot largely outside the Alliance-political framework. Al together this is a delightfully unprecedented and stylish story.

Issue 2

Southern Knights 2 was published in May 1986 and contains 214 pages.

front cover of issue #2, by Laura Virgil

back cover of issue #2, Mark Fisher

There were 200 copies printed. It has a front cover by Laura Virgil and a back cover by Mark Fisher. The other art is by Dani Lane, SMAP, Danaline Bryant, Katrina Snyder, Beverly Hale, Judith Low, Ronda Henderson, Mary Ann Dean and Jim Markle.

flyer for issue #2

From the editorial:

Hello everybody! SOUTHERN KNIGHTS actually did make it to a second issue, as you can see! However, it has been brought to my attention (mainly by my poor over worked brain) that I have published six, count 'em, six fanzines in the last twelve months! I wish to state publicly and for the record that this will happen ever again. Not only is it exhausting, it's expensive. It's also embarrassing when mail addressed to 'Vila Restal' care of the starship Liberator, with the wrong street address on it still ends up in my mailbox. This actually happened. And my mail man hates my guts because he's always having to bring the mail to the door because there's so much of it and do you really want to hear all this, I ask myself? Yes, well, I do appreciate all of the support I've received from contributors, buyers, friends, and everybody who falls somwhere in between, but there will not be anymore issues of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS except...well, I'll get to that in a moment.

First off, I want to offer congratulations to Laura Virgil, who has been nominated for a Fan Q as Best Media Artist this year, and to Liz S., who has been nominated as Best STAR WARS Writer (for "Command Performance" which appeared in SOUTHERN KNIGHTS!) Another of SOUTHERN KNIGHTS's contributor's, Jacqueline Taero, has actually received two nominations for Best Poet. Congratulations to all of them! A big thank you to all of you who nominated SOUTHERN KNIGHTS for Best STAR WARS Fanzine. I was very surprised and honored to see it on this year's ballot.

Thank you also to everyone who took the time and trouble to write a LoC. I have printed all of them in their entirety. This does make for a long LoC column, but I couldn't quite figure out how to 'edit' the letters and still remain unbiased, etc. Besides, I know the contributors, for the most part, enjoy seeing what others thought of their work.

Some of you have probably already noticed that Liz S.'s story "Return Engagement' is not in this issue. Poor Liz has been dreadfully overworked over the last year or so and just couldn't get the story finished. She sends her sincere apologies. Since I browbeat her into writing it in the first place, I really can't complain. Liz does hope to finish it in the future and it will either appear in SOUTHERN LIGHTS, my media zine, or it will be published in a special one-shot with a reprint of "Command Performance". Perhaps that Fan Q nomination will inspire Liz to hurry up and finish it, eh?

• Letters of Comment (2)
• Southern Knights, filk to the tune of "Southern Nights," by Ronda Henderson (14)
• The Prize Match of this Century by Barbara T (16)
• Gray Zone by Carole Regine 19)
• Letters of a Corellian, poem by Marci Erwin (23)
• A Prior Engagement by Marcia Brin (24)
• Memories by Linda Knights ("Han was betrayed by a partner once too often and vowed he’d never trust anyone again. Could anything or anyone possibly change his mind…?") (29)
• Tattoine Trilogy, three poems by Jacqueline Taero (41)
• In Loco Parentis by Jean Shumsky (42)
• Turning Point by Katrina Snyder (44)
• The Third Man by Katrina Snyder ("Han Solo wasn’t exactly sure what to do with himself now that his good “friend” Tristan Glass has caused him to get booted out of the Academy. Luckily, the decision is taken out of his hands when he meets up with some very special spacers.") (50)
• Luke's Jedi Training (word search) by Lynda Vandriver (57)
• Paths Unforseen, poem by CarolMel Ambassador (59)
• Anakin's Lament, poem by Ronda Henderson (60)
• Above All Shadows by Carolyn Golledge ("The Empire has finally been defeated and all is once more right in the galaxy—or is it? Luke Skywalker begins to feel a growing evil and determines to trace it to its source before the galaxy is plunged back into chaos and darkness. And Han Solo isn’t about to let his favorite brother-in-law tackle such a dangerous task alone! A story in Carolyn’s “The Falconer’s” series.") (also in Alliance & Empire #2) (62)
• Quest's End, poem by Jacqueline Taero (116)
• Report to the Council on the Recent Unpleasantness on Tatooine by Danalise Bryant (118)
• Unpleasant Epilogue by Carole Regine (120)
• A Matter of Priority (an excerpt from the Princeling Chronicles) by CarolMel Ambassador (123)
• another word search by Lynda Vandriver (122)
• The Reunion by Nola Caulfield (123)
• Destiny, poem by CarolMel Ambassador (126)
• Deathwalker by Sheila Paulson ("Set immediately after Return of the Jedi. Can Han come to terms with the Force? "A misunderstanding between Luke Skywalker and Han Solo could change Solo's destiny when he and Chewie meet up with a 'Deathwalker'.") (128)
• Eclipse by Jacqueline Taero (196)
• A Bright Star to Steer Her By by Lynne Terry-Hicks (198)
• answers to word searches (200)
• Luke and Han, filk to the tune of "Joseph and Joe," by Lynne Terry-Hicks (198)
• I Quit! by Lynda Vandriver (202)
• Frisento by L.A. Carr ("Frisento held many memories for Han Solo and Leia.") (204)
• Hesitation, poem by Jacqueline Taero (214)

• 

  I from issue #2, Ronda Henderson

• 

  from issue #2, Danaline Bryant

• 

  I from issue #2, Dani Lane

• 

  from issue #2, Katrina Snyder

• 

  from issue #2, Mary Ann Dean

• 

  from issue #2, Ronda Henderson

• 

  from issue #2, Beverly Hale

• 

  from issue #2, Mary Ann Dean

• 

  from issue #2, Dani Lane

• 

  from issue #2, Jim Markle

• 

  from issue #2, Judith Low

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

[Grey Zone]: Carole has written a terrific story called "Grey Zone"... Beautifully written, an unexpected, twisty ending and Vader fans will go CRAZY for it.

[zine]: In SOUTHERN KNIGHTS II, my favorite story was "Above All Shadows" by Carolyn Golledge, and my favorite poetry was the funny "Tatooine Trilogy" by Jacqueline Taero. I always enjoy Jacqueline's poems and the love and friendship that Luke, Han, and Leia have for one another is always evident in Carolyn's stories. (I wish you would be a little kinder to poor Han, though, Carolyn! The guy is always injured or sick in your stories!) I love the drawing by Laura Virgil of Luke Skywalker on the cover of Southern Knights II! It's very special! (Ann Wortham, if it is at all possible, please reconsider your decision to terminate SOUTHERN KNIGHTS after this issue! It would be sorely missed!)

[zine]: Add my plea to yours entreating Ann Wortham to continue SOUTHERN KNIGHTS. Love Carolyn's stories, the only thing I could possibly say is that sometimes her Han is perhaps too understanding, not of his friends, but I think Han would not always be the too-forgiving type.

[zine]:

Southern Knights 2 has the advantage of lots of Star Wars fiction; the art, puzzles, and poems are all nice, too, but it is the two long stories by Golledge and Paulson, plus a host of shorter ones, that make Southern Knights 2 a reading treat. Carolyn Golledge's "Above All Shadows" is set several years after Endor, when Leia is President of the New Republic. Luke is determined to search out the source of an evil power he feels with the Force; and Han, who still cannot let him face danger alone, accompanies him. With Chewie and Willarine, one of Luke's new Jedi, they discover a planet where the men are mind-controlled by an alien being called Khadim. When Han is tortured, Luke is pressured by Khadim to use the Dark Side to save him.

Sheila Paulson's story, "Deathwalker," is also set in the post-ROTJ world; but unlike Golledge's Han, who knows what is important and who his friends are. Sheila's Han is having trouble working out his relationships with Leia, Luke and the Force. On a mission for the Alliance, Han's life is saved by a deathwalker, one of the most feared assassins in the galaxy. This deathwalker is more than Han supposes, and he reveals the truth about Han's father. This is a strong story of change and growth.

Linda Knights' "Memories" concerns Chewie, as Han remembers the dangers they've faced together, while he watches over an injured Chewie through a long night. "Turning Point," by Katrina Snyder, follows Han's attempts to get off Corellia after his military career is smashed. L. A. Carr's "Frisento" is the place where Luke sacrificed his life, and even years later Han has trouble dealing with the death.

Leia has had enough in "I Quit," by Lynda Vandiver; Darth Vader is rewarded with the Executor.in "A Bright Star to Steer Her By," by Lynne Terry Hicks; another Jedi has been working behind the scenes in "The Reunion," by Nola Caulfield; and Leia finds giving up her position just "A Matter of Priorities," by CarolMel Ambassador. The zine also includes two alternates: The first, by Carole Regine, "Gray Zone," in which Kenobi is defeated and Vader claims the twins for the Dark Side; and "A Prior Engagement," by Marcia Brin, where a royal parent is quite put out with his son's cavalier ways. And finally, Barbara Tennison must be complimented on her wicked imagination Darth Vader versus "the Terminator" what a perfect match.