Tetrumbriant

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Zine
Title: Tetrumbriant
Publisher: a club zine for S.T.A.R. New York City/"The Alien Inquisition"/Reflection Press
Editor(s): Germaine Best & Anji Valenza
Date(s): 1974-1980
Series?:
Medium: print zine, fanfic
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS & multimedia & Original Fiction
Language: English
External Links:
1974 flyer for "Tetrumbriant" and "Monkey of the Inkpot"
edition and print statement
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Tetrumbriant is a gen Star Trek:TOS anthology.

A flyer in Warped Space #24 says it is a "satire-ridden packet of parody, science fiction, poems, humor and, of course, the ever-popular Star Trek fan-fiction."

General Fan Comments

There are certainly a lot of good zines out there that I don't even know about. Tetrumbriant is one of them... Tet is a general zine with ST, SF and occasional stories from UFO and Space: 1999. The humor has a nice sting to it, the poetry is good to excellent, and the short-shorts are very much to the point. The artwork suffers a bit from the printing process, as on occasion, does the text, but what good mimeo zine doesn't have an occasional problem of this sort. For some odd reason, I find it difficult to direct specific criticisms toward any of the stories, so all I can say is that this zine has to be read to be understood.

Issue 1/2

Tetrumbriant 1 (v.1 no.1/2) was published in April 1974 and contains 99 pages.

front cover of issue #1/2, Germaine Best

The art is by Lisa Gould, David Lomazoff, Jon Oeschger, Anji Valenza, and Germaine Best.

A recurring in-joke in this zine is the television commercials for Promise Margarine.

1978 Comments by Anji Valenza Regarding "Tei Daminen"

Valenza commented on this story four years later in another zine:

There is one story which should be in [Snow on the Moon] but which, I discovered when preparing it for publication, would have been as long or longer than this volume itself, and that is TEI DAMNINEN. TD was published in Tettrumbriant [sic] as a short visual. It was chopped and mangled to death, for the original was done in comic strip form. It was three hundred pages long — that's about two-thousand frames. I was putting it into novelization form, and realizing that a picture worth a thousand words, at the very least.... But I wish it were in here [in Snow on the Moon], because it covers a lot of ground in how Thobo and Fara became such good buddies. [1]

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1/2

See reactions and reviews for Surak's Construct.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3 by Anji Valenza

Tetrumbriant 3 (v.1 no.3) was published in August 1974. The front cover is by Anji Valenza. The interior illos are by Germaine Best and Joel Silverstein.

  • Dedication/Why You?? (2)
  • The Con Wants You, That's Why! (3)
  • Contents and Credits (4)
  • Letters to the Editors (fictional) (5)
  • Editorial: Is Nothing Sacred?! by Germaine Best (6)
  • Our Crew (bios) (not numbered, 1 page long)
  • Turn to Page Seven and Find Out (7)
  • ... And May the Best Man Win by Anji Valenza (8)
  • Another Surprise Filler, Ode to Star Trek and Its Philosophy, a filk (20)
  • Tei Daminen by A. Valenza (part one) (21)
  • Word Search, First Season by The Gamester of the Continuum (26)
  • Numb Nerve Nimoy by Jimmy Thorton (28)
  • A Public Disservice Message (36)
  • Centerfold (37)
  • P.D.M., continued (39)
  • Shealku, Kraith 1A by Jacqueline Lichtenberg [Also Kraith Collected #1; Impulse #4] (40)
  • The 1974-1975's Helper's Aptitude Test (also in "The Best of Tetrumbriant #1") (52)
  • H.A.T. Answer Sheet and Subscription Form (55)
  • The Poisoner of SF by Ruth Schoenberger (56)
  • There Was at The Con by Ruth Schoenberger (59)
  • Look and Find Out What It Is (60)
  • Word Search #2 (61)
  • What!?! by Nebula II (62)
  • Zyeto, Kraith IB by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (also in Kraith Collected #1, Kraith Creator's Manual)
  • The Phoenix (Part 2) by Barry Fishman, illustrated by Joel Silverstein
  • And the Planet is Still There by Anji Valenza (listed on some sources as being in this zine, but does not seem to appear there)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

In any event, PROBE has come a long way in just a year from the days of bad artwork and fifty pages of sometimes-barely-readable Xeroxing. Some of the best suggestions for improvement have come from friends and associates who proved to be our sharpest critics… the one-and-only Gemaine Best (with her now-famous — and infamous — fanzine review column, "The Hacking Block"). And the quality of PROBE continues to steadily improve, so we just look back on PROBE 2 as proof that every fanzine is allowed at least one bad issue (for instance, take TETRUMBRIANT 3...Please!). [2]


Issue 4

Tetrumbriant 4 (v.1 no.4) was published in December 1974. The front cover is by Carol Walske. The interior illos are by Anji Valenza. The back cover is by Allan Asherman.

front cover of issue #4, Carol Walske
back cover of issue #4, Allan Asherman
table of contents for issue #4
  • Space, The Final Frontier -- in Klingon by Carol Walske (from "The Best of Tetrumbriant #1") (4)
  • Is Nothing Sacred by Germaine Best, editorial (5)
  • Klingon Krisnorin by Carol Walske (6)
  • Star Trek is a Racist Program by Winston Howlett (This is also in the audio zine Fanzine and in Probe #1) (7)
  • Scar Fever by Zina Bauman (11)
  • Intro -- A History of Klingon/Federation Relations by Carol Walske (12)
  • First Meeting by Carol Walske ("A warship of the Ormenel encounters a Federation starship for the first time.") (14)
  • Gift of Argos, poem by Zina Bauman (19)
  • A Christmas Story by Len Schwender (21)
  • Through Time and Tears, by Joan Winston (also in Kraith Collected #3) (23)
  • Surprise Centerfold (27)
  • Through Time and Tears continued (29)
  • Kirk Remembers by Mary Beth Pospula (36)
  • The 12 Days of Christmas -- Vulcan Style by Noreen Foster (39)
  • Wisp by Germaine Best (also in "The Best of Tetrumbriant #1") (38)
  • Vignettes by Winston Howlett (41)
    • Absent-Minded by Winston Howlett (also in Probe #1)
    • Space War by Winston A. Howlett (also in Probe #1)
    • Quadrant Three by Winston A. Howlett (also in Probe #1)
  • First Season Word Search by The Gamemaster (48)
  • Tei Daminen by Anji Valenza (49)
  • The Great Ixtenchin Telifoan Syborg Device by Anji Valenza (58)
  • Scenes We'd Like to See #2 (61)
  • The Ballad of Star Trek by Germaine Best and Gemini (64)
  • First Meeting -- Meeting of the Federation and Empire by Carol Walske ("A warship of the Ormenel encounters a Federation starship for the first time.") (NOTE: this is listed in the table of contents but does not appear in the zine, at least in the example used for this Fanlore entry) (65)
  • You are Receiving this Zine Because
  • from issue #4, "To Boldly Go" in Klingon

    from issue #4, "To Boldly Go" in Klingon

  • from issue #4, half of the centerfold

    from issue #4, half of the centerfold

  • from issue #4, half of the centerfold

    from issue #4, half of the centerfold

  • from issue #4

    from issue #4

  • from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

    from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

  • from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

    from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

  • from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

    from issue #4 by Anji Valenza

  • from issue #4

    from issue #4

Issue 5

Tetrumbriant 5 (v.2 no.1) was published in February 1975 and contains 60 pages. The front cover is by G. Best. The interior illos are by Alan Andres, L. Gould, D. Lomazoff, and Anji Valenza.

Note: the table of contents is not complete and does not match the contents of the zine regarding page order.

front cover of issue #5 by Germaine Best

Issue 6

cover of issue #6 (v.2 no.2) by Carol Walske

Tetrumbriant 6 (v.2 no.2) was published in March 1975 and contains 49 pages. The front cover is by Carol Walske. The interior illos are by G. Best, L. Gould, and D. Lomazoff.

  • Letter to the Editors (4)
  • Aftermath by M. Pospula (5) ("A testimony of protest toward Mr. J. Winston's "Through Time and Tears" Kirk characterization.")
  • Decadence, editorial by Anji Valenza (7)
  • Is Nothing Sacred, editorial by Germaine Best (9)
  • Pattern Landing by Winston Howlett (11)
  • Article by Anji Valenza (27)
  • Rebuttal to The Apple (30)
  • poem by Germaine Best (31)
  • Woman of Wonder by Marco (32) (SF book review)
  • A Semi-Rebuttal to Anji Valenza's Article on Science Fiction Versus Fantasy by Carol Walske (39)
  • Visual by Anji Valenza (33)
  • Early SF TV Series" by Alan Asherman (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2" where Germaine Best is also listed as an author) (43)
  • Fifth Season Star Trek, humor by Germaine Best (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (46)
  • Harlan Who? (48)



Issue 7

Tetrumbriant 7 (v.2 no.3) was published in July 1975 and contains 82 pages. The front cover is by Alan Andres. The interior illos are by Germaine Best and David Lomazoff.

There were 150 copies published.

front cover of issue #7, Alan Andres
  • For I Am Lonely and Among Strangers (Part 1) by Mary Beth Pospula ("part of a poignant novella") (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (4)
  • Cold Land, poem by Zina Bauman (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (16)
  • Jumble, puzzle (17)
  • A Klingon Heritage by Carol Walske ("After peace is reestablished between the Ormenel and the Federation, Karras spends some time training in Star Fleet as part of a military exchange program —- and is assigned to Roan's ship." (revised and edited by Walske and Fern Marder and printed in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (18)
  • Is Nothing Sacred, editorial portrait (45)
  • Incident on a Summer Morning by Winston Howlett (46) ("a true story" that appears to be about domestic violence, prostitution, the refusal of people on the street to help an unclothed women running away from a man, and how funny it was to a bunch of 15-year old boys)
  • Battle Hymn of the 1975 ST Con by A Cast of Thousands (filk, see Star Trek Lives!) (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2" where it is credited to S. Hartman) (49)
  • Memories by Frances Zawacky and Linda Deneroff (a sequel to "This Side of Paradise" part 2) (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (53)
  • Visual, Klysadel by Anji Valenza


  • inside issue #7

    inside issue #7

  • inside issue #7

    inside issue #7

  • inside issue #7

    inside issue #7

  • inside issue #7 Anji Valenza

    inside issue #7 Anji Valenza

Issue 8

cover of issue #8 (v.2 no.4) by Lisa Gould

Tetrumbriant 8 (v.2 no.4) was published in September 1975 and contains 76 pages. The front cover is by L. Gould. The interior illos are by G. Best, Gee Moaven, R. Nieves, and Anji Valenza.

The editor says that pages ("Foreward and Afterward" from this issue) were omitted from the last issue:

Sigh! Its not my fault that pages 9 and 10 were omitted from the last issue of Tet. And, it's not the author's fault either. You won't believe this, but a monster got them. That's right. No, really. A monster did get them. It's the monster that plagues all zine editors, business people and anyone who has written information to transfer. He's the monster that devoured Cleavland [sic], sabotaged New York, and makes California miserable. Yup, its the Postawful. Again. I've given up. Somewhere, deep in the bowels of this creature, lies a copy of every zine printed in fandom, 85% of my postcards (including all, but 3, that I sent from England last year), and some copy I intended to send to GRUP. Delivering Anji's two pages one month later than mailed was not by far its greatest attack on me. No. After all, Anji lives only twenty blocks away from me. Thirty-one days is a reasonable time limit to reach that distance. One day for each block and the remainder to equal the postage. Ye all, right. The extra day is for the mail carrier's hernia.

Also from the editor:

I would like to apologise to Marybeth Pospula, Gee Moaven and the rest of my readers for both the poor typing and poor printing In the story FOR I AM LONELY AND AMONG STRANGERS (part 2).

Several calamities befell this issue in its final stages. My fantastic Gestetner machine, that was still under warranty, took this as the perfect opportunity to die. Multiple repairs slowed production, not to mention, eating paper, copy and ruining stencils. This is the most expensive issue yet to be printed. After a temporary patch job, designed to hold until completion of the issue, my golden-haired-angel of a typewriter died two days before I sliced my index finger to the bone (Chapter 2.4 of the perils of Pauline), hence the poor, light typing on several pages of this zine. The only thing that didn't happen was the death of my electro-stencil, because it died in August... I apologise to Marybeth for the abrupt change In type in her story. My father [name redacted] was kind enough to complete the work (Including layout) while I awaited the removal of the stitches. The Elite type is his. Thanks. Gee, I apologise for your lead illo. It was the best we could do at the time. I don't think I did it justice.

Readers, this issue is late, its badly printed in several places, it doesn't do my contributors the justice they deserve, therefore, it doesn't do you justice either. This won't happen again. (I hope). No excuses, just fact.

  • Scenes We'd Like to See, Kirk sings a Klingon lovesong (4)
  • Space:1999 The Book (review) by Gary L. Adler (article) (5)
  • Foreward and Afterward (omitted from the last issue) by Anji Valenza (She writes that she is sulking, she is not getting enough feedback, and do people care what she does, it takes sometimes eight hours to draw a page of "Visuals," if she doesn't get some feedback she is boycotting the next issue...) (9)
  • How to Put on a Fanzine, Visual by Anji Valenza (11)
  • Paragraph, poem by Zina Bauman (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (16)
  • The Last Fan, story by Winston Howlett (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (17)
  • Jumble, puzzle, last of a series (20)
  • Star Trek graphic story, by Robert Nieves (21)
  • Happily Ever After, story by Len Schwende (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (40)
  • Is Nothing Sacred? editorial by Germaine Best (41)
  • Songs of the Hookers of Wrigley's Pleasure Planet, filk by Germaine Best (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (42)
  • Crystal, poem by Fern Marder (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (44)
  • Space:1999 (review of the show) by Gary Adler (45)
  • Commentary on televised science fiction, TPTB, and their failures by Gary Adler (51)
  • Commentary, a counterpoint to Adler, by Germaine Best (52)
  • Space:1999-More Fi Than Sci, reprinted from The New York Times (September 28, 1975) by Isaac Asimov (unnumbered and not mentioned in the table of contents)
  • For I Am Lonely and Among Strangers (Part 2) by Marybeth Pospula, illustrated by Gee Moaven (reprinted in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (55)
  • ITC Publicity Hand-out

Issue 9

cover of issue #9 by Gee Moaven

Tetrumbriant 9 (v.3 no.1) was published in November 1975 and contains 80 pages. The front cover is by Gee Moaven. The interior illos are by L. Gould, D. Lomazoff, and Anji Valenza.

  • Why You, by David Lomazoff (1)
  • Bivariate Interaction by A. Valenza (3)
  • Two of a Kind by Winston Howlett (6)
  • Casey's Corner, A Trekkie Speaks by Casey (about "The Trekey Show" (radio) "an information and nostalgia show covering all phases of Star Trek" -- WHBI-FM New York) (14)
  • Gamesters by A. Valenza (18)
  • Visual by Anji Valenza (19)
  • Letter War by A. Valenza (29) (fictional)
  • Miscellany, a hodgepodge by various authors (includes "Chicago Con 75": "Lisa Bointon [sic] took an ax, Gave conventions forty wacks. When she saw what she had done... Then she gave them forty-one.") (38)
  • What?, fiction by Germaine Best (reprinted in issue #14) (39)
  • Poetic Portfolio, the works of our poets (45)
  • Litany by A. Valenza (57)
  • Klingon Prey by Carol Walske (also in Mindsifter #3) (59)
  • Is Nothing Sacred, editorial by Germaine Best (pokes fun at "theme zines" (62)
  • Comic Portfolio with work by DUNAGIN (63)
  • The Sins of the Fathers by A. Valenza (71)
  • Dispatch from Delta 9 by the editor (77)

Issue 10

front cover of issue #10, Lisa Gould
back cover of issue #10, Gee Moaven

Tetrumbriant 10 (v.3 no.2) was published in February 1976 and contains 75 pages.

The front cover is by Lisa Gould. The back cover is by Gee Moaven. The interior illos are by Lisa Gould, Gee Moaven, David Lomazoff, Carol Walske, and Anji Valenza.

From the editor:

O yes, about Space 1999. I have been accused of being gung-ho about Star Trek to the point of being blind to the possibilities of Space. Untrue. I do not use Star Trek as a criteria to measure television Science Fiction. Star Trek is Star Trek, imperfect but unique. Space 1999, like all other programs, must be analysed as an individual. Space's advertising campaign motivated the comparisons, not me. Star Lost, UFO and the Invisible Man were Science Fiction programs and they were not compared to Star Trek (at least, not by me). Space has potential, but special effects are not Science Fiction. No program can survive without acting, scripts and plots. I'd love to see Space survive, but if rumors hold true, and Fienberger [sic] (you remember him) is hired as producer or whatever, it's sewer-city. And you thought this season of Space" was bad.

  • Arrggh! by Carol Walske (1)
  • Movie News: Officials Come to Terms on Star Trek, satire by Debbie Rose (reprinted from 2nd Age) (3)
  • Death is Not..." by Winston Howlett (a handwritten letter from Edward to Judith) (5)
  • Visual, graphic story by Anji Valenza (10)
  • The Courtesies of Knowing, fiction by Anji Valenza (21)
  • War! Klingon/Cheveh by Anji Valenza (31)
  • Star Trek, graphic story, part one by Robert Nieves (33)
  • War! Ar'romi/Klingon by Thobo (50)
  • Power Play by Steve Kitty and Peter David (reprinted from 2nd Age #1 and #2, is a sequel to the story "Into the Unknown" in Space-Time Continuum #6) (51)
  • Vulcan Lovesong That Never Got Written, filk to the tune of "The Shadow of Your Smile," by Germaine Best (69)
  • Iristhan by Anji Valenza (70)
  • Is Nothing Sacred? by Germaine Best (75)
  • Two of a Kind by Winston Howlett
  • Decadence by Anji Valenza
  • Klingon Prey by Carol Walske [Also in Mindsifter #3]

Issue 11

Tetrumbriant 11 (v.3 no.3) was published in August 1976 and contains 81 pages.

The front cover is by Lisa Gould, the back by Anji Valenza, and the interior illos are by Ian Bruce, Doug Drexler, and David Lomazoff.

front cover of issue #11, Lisa Gould
back cover of issue #11, Anji Valenza

This issue debuted at Bicentennial 10, a Star Trek convention in New York. During that con, someone stole all of these issues from the dealer's room and threw them out of the window of the hotel. See Germaine Best's comments in the next issue.

  • Dedication (i)
  • Fan Ode (ii)
  • Is Nothing Sacred?, editorial (2)
  • Tenth Level, a CBS Press Release ("The Special they wouldn't show") (3)
  • No Converts Allowed by Nora Bock ("An SF story of the possible future.") (7)
  • Vulcanur Linguistics, article Fern Marder (19)
  • I Don't Want Justice! by Barbara Wheadon (SF) (26)
  • On the Creation of Star Trek by Gene Roddenberry ("from Dick Tobar's archives, Gene's original statements on creating a SF universe") (27)
  • NASA News: Scientists will Discuss Cities in Space, and, Is Moon An Ancient Piece of Earth, from Anji Valenza (32)
  • Star Trek Cartoon, graphic story, part two by Robert Nieves (35)
  • Another, poem by Fern Marder (Star Trek) (50)
  • Book Reviews by Patrice Cullen (Decision at Doona by Anne McCaffrey, Monument by Lloyd Biggle, Jr.) (51)
  • No Greater Monument by Lee M. Jaecks ("The Enterprise is called to retrieve Pike’s body from Talos; the Talosians, with no pets to care for anymore, commit mass suicide by causing Sulu to fire main phasers at them.") (also in Beyond Orion #1) (53)
  • And the Planet is Still There by Anji Valenza ("A SF Humorstory -- that's no typo either!") (69)
  • Interview with the BEM by Peter David (78)

Issue 12

Tetrumbriant 12 (v.3 no.4) contains 85 pages. It has October 1976 on the cover, along with "This is a late issue, published January, 1977." This is likely due to what happened at Bicentennial 10, see the editor's note below.

The front cover is by Lisa Gould. The interior illos are by Elise Grosso, David Lomazoff, and Anji Valenza.

front cover of issue #12, Lisa Gould
back cover of issue #12, David Lomazoff

From the editor:

For most of my subscribers, receiving this particular issue has been a surprise. After all, the next issue due was numbered one less than this. Why you may ask have you received this instead? And, where is that other, illustrious issue (one of my best I may hasten to add)?

If you check the lower roof of the New York Stabler Hilton Hotel, and a few other sundry places, you'll find most or them.

You see, that's where they were thrown by someone (a critic?) during Bicentennial-10 Convention this September. I can take criticism as well as the next cynic, but I really wish the culprit had paid for them before disposing of them. They were stolen right out of the Dealer's Room. The culprit knew what he was looking for 'cause only, the new issues (those debuting at that con) were stolen. The zines are currently being reprinted by the convention chairman, for free, to cover the loss. Anyone with a copy of the originals has a collectors item.

I am still heartsick about it. It was my first issue with a lot of improvements I had instituted, improvements which could not be carried over to issue 12 because of a lack of money. You see, the profits from each issue go towards improvements in the next.

It costs money to mail and insure artwork and stories to artists throughout this country. More money to offset that work when the artist is picky, or reduce it, as in the case of Robert Nieves' comics (which are conspicuous by their absence), money to have photos broken down into a printable medium, and much more was lost with this robbery. My plans for this issue went up in smoke with that robbery.

I'm sorry readers. Soon, issue 11 will be available. I hope combined sales of this and that one will repay those who helped get this one out.

Thank you for your faith.

I'd also like to thank those friends who kept ME going through all this: Allyson Whitfield, Nora Bock, Winston Howlett and Joel Davis. Thanks for reminding me that I'm a fighter by nature.

And yes Virginia, there WILL be a TETRUMBRIANT 13.

TETRUMBRIANT IS HERE TO
 STAY.

There are three letters of comment in this issue. One deals primarily with college experiences and politics, one is a long promotional letter about the WSA Program. The third one is from a fan who is unhappy with cheaply-made professional Star Trek merchandise, as well as a plea for fans to use their power and energy to make the world a better place:

I am a Star Trek fan. I used to be proud of that fact. Now, I am ashamed. It's almost convention time in New York (February, 1976) now, and I am forced to decide whether or not I want to pay 16 bucks to go. To me, that is alot of money, especially in these times. There are many worthy causes that could use that money. But instead, it goes towards making the next convention and who knows where else. Toy manufactorers are making a mint off of badly made Star Trek toys, by exploiting Star Trek fans and kids who don't know any better. Fans who make Star Trek stuff out of love do not get any recognition at all.

Beyond all this, perhaps it is time that some of ue came out of our protective dream world, and take a look at the present. In New York City, libraries, day care centers, and even colleges are being closed. Pollution is threatening our health and lives. Throughout the world, population is out-stripping the food supply. Senseless wars are being waged. Racism and sexism are still present. There is a shortage of responsible leaders to lead us out of this mess. Yet here we are, watching a show about a future that will never exist if we don't do something now. What would Spock, Uhura, McCoy and the rest say, if they kaew how much time, energy and money was being wasted in their names? They would be the very ones to cry out against the evils of the present. And, they would try to do something about it.

So, what are we waiting for? With the ideas (and ideals —Ed.) of Star Trek to guide us and the energy turned from fantasy to reality, we could change the world. The least we could do is try. I implore the leaders of fandom, the convention committees, the people involved with the show and the fans, to help humanity and not the greedy, money-grubbing businessmen.

  • Is Nothing Sacred?, editorial by Germaine Best (2)
  • Horrors: A Nightmare by Nora Bock (science fiction) (3)
  • I've Got Friends by Winston A. Howlett (meta, "This story is dedicated to Sharon Emily, who understands..." The topic of the story is fans' criticism (often harsh) of Anji Valenza (both of her personality and of her fanworks). The names in the essay are all coded. Valenza is "Amy Valentine." The editor of "Tetrumbriant" has some lengthy commentary about this topic in the next issue.) (9)
  • Novas, poem by Zenia Lopez (14)
  • You Know You've Been Gafiating Too Long... (15)
  • After the Cruxifiction by Elana Offsey (fiction starring Greek gods, Jesus) (17)
  • Fan Forum, letters of comment by P. Marco, Mandi Schultz, and Gary Adler (24)
  • Beckoning Hand of the Darkness, poem by Winston Howlett (30)
  • Doleful Ballad, filk to the tune of Tom Lehrer's The Irish Ballad, by Roberta Rogow (32)
  • Nemuzuth (The Juggler) by Elise Grasso (35)
  • Straker's Song, filk to the introduction of "Me and My Shadow" (60)
  • Swords of Revlon by Peter David (meta, humor, original science fiction) (61)
  • Coming Attractions (79)
  • Swing Low, Sweet Shuttlecraft, filk to the tune of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (79)
  • Security Guard's Hymn, humor (79)
  • Fanzine Reviews by Germaine Best (continuation of the column, "Hacking Block," from Monkey of the Inkpot) (80)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 12

See reactions and reviews for I've Got Friends.

[zine]: There are several stories I should like to recommend. First in #12, you'll find 'I've Got Friends,' a short warning against super critical reviews, and 'Nemuzuth: The Juggler, a fascinating novelette that has to be read to be appreciated. I look forward to reading more of Elise Grasso's work. Here is someone who has gone through an awful lot of trouble to create believable alien culture. Also included is 'The Swords of Revlon,' by P.R. David, a funny sword and sorcery story that sounds like something I've read before... [3]

Issue 13

front cover of issue #13, Ian Bruce
back cover of issue #13, C.G. Cosentini

Tetrumbriant 13 (v.4 no.1) was published in May 1977 and contains 58 pages. The interior art is by Ian Bruce, whom the editor doesn't remember to credit until the end of the zine in an "oops" note.

From the editor:

A special answer to LUBA's letter [4], and to other readers who are interested.

As of our last conversation, which was some tine ago, Anji Valenza has stopped doing the Visuals and the Klysadel Universe for publication. Between now and then, she may have changed her mind.

If so, I have not heard. During her Trek fandom career, she received much negative commentary, much, not objectively oriented but directed at her personality and literary ability, about her work. This, coupled with a temporary setback caused by a joint project which we participated forced her to curtail work on her sine and general ST fandom activity.

Anji, like most creative people, is very sensitive about her work, not to mention her personality. She took many of the rawer ones to heart, feeling unappreciated in the sphere. Only her friends tried to assure her otherwise. We had nothing to back us up, since you folks don't write. Her talents are not squashed. I understand she is still active in legitimate (SF) fandom. They deserve her.

Luba, I will forward your remarks to her, as (I have been informed) she is presently extremely difficult to reach and selective about whom she responds to.

Winston Howlett's Rauk story last issue, "I Have Friends", deals with her. It was another editor/creator's commentary on over zealous critics.

I doubt, seriously, whether you'll see her work on these pages again. At least, not anything I don't presently hold print-rights to at this moment. Try Probe. Winston is often able to dredge her out of her shell. Perhaps he can revive the Visual. I shall not try.

Re: Bob Nieves' cartoon which has been missing for two issues: Anyone knowing the whereabouts of said Klingon is asked to contact me at once. He owes me copy and has left a lot of readers hanging.

Space patrol! Follow that ship! But, don't kill the occupant.

  • Is Nothing Sacred, editorial (2)
  • Ordeal by Winston Howlett (meta fiction, humor, about going to a collating party for Probe. "Can Flower outwit the evil overlord?") (3)
  • You've Gotten This Zine Because by David Lomazoff (5)
  • Reflection by Jon R. Oeschger ("A man cries out for justice.") (Kolchak: The Night Stalker) (6)
  • Outcast by Courtney Taylor ("Amanda faces a decision." College-aged Amanda Grayson confronts her friends about racism, and makes the decision to move to Vulcan with Sarek.) (Star Trek: TOS) (11)
  • The Goombridge Horror by Paula Smith (science fiction) (21)
  • Thoughts of an Observer, poetry by Zenia Lopez (Star Trek: TOS) (23)
  • Portrait of a Future by Priscilla Marco ("A different end for mankind." The topic is racial violence and commentary on racial differences.) (science fiction) (25)
  • Book Review by Patti Cullen ("Little Fuzzy", "Fuzzy Sapiens: The Other Human Race" by H. Beam Piper) (31)
  • An Unnatural Way of Life by Keegan ("Truce for Klingon clans.") (At the end of the story: "EDITOR'S Note to an Author who knows who she is. I cleaned up the redundancies, grammatical errors and such. The metaphors are mine though I claim no credit. If you don't like the final product, blame me. If it awards you acclaim...") (Star Trek: TOS) (33)
  • Mission: Tomorrow by Germaine Best (first in a series of UFO stories) (45)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

Not Star Trek, hardly even SF, TET reads a lot like a typical college experimental fiction magazine. Like such a publication, the contents may occasionally be very good, but they will never be quite what the general reader expects. 'Mission Tomorrow,' a UFO story and 'Reflections' are based on other TV shows, although some of 'Reflections' sounds like it was translated from the French -- the odd vocabulary, the passive voice. 'Outcast' is probably the best of the zine, or at least the best trek story, as it is the only trek story in the zine. An early Sarek/Amanda story, it gives a rather probably explanation why they left for Vulcan rather than stay on Earth. Its only unfortunate aspect is the characterization of everybody, save Sarek, as 20th-century New Yorkers. I have a pretty lousy Goreyesque piece in this ish, and Winston Howlett a rather funnier "Ordeal." For the price, TET's pretty good. Contents - 3 Graphics - 4 $ Worth - 4. [5]

I read 'Ordeal,' a short by Winston Howlett that has his usual wicked twist at the end. Next is 'Outcast,' by Courtney Taylor, another view of Amanda's problems surrounding her marriage to Sarek. Painful, but quite believable. On the other hand, if it is a chiller you want, read 'Portrait of a Future,' by Priscilla Marco. It concerns of possible solution to the problem of racial friction. I recommend this zine for those who like to stretch their minds around interesting concepts expressed in often unconventional ways. I consider Tet a welcome addition to my skimpy zine library. [6]

  • from issue #13, Ian Bruce

    from issue #13, Ian Bruce

  • from issue #13

    from issue #13

  • from issue #13

    from issue #13

Issue 14

Tetrumbriant 14 (v.4 no.2) was published in February 1978 and contains 62 pages.

front cover of issue #14, "Urge"
back cover of issue #14, C.G. Cosentini

The interior art is by Ian Bruce, C.G. Cosentini, Doug Drexler, Lisa Gould, and Winston Howlett.

From the zine:

Robert Nieves's cartoon series that was seen on these pages in previous volumes has never been completed. This is because Mr. Nieves has, literally [dis]appeared from the face of the earth. Since we hold both an obligation to our readers and certain rights on the work, the strip will be completed in the upcoming issues of this 'zine by a different artist.

Mission: Tomorrow, the UFO story started last issue, will be completed in issue 15. it was bumped from this issue be cause of eleventh hour re-write difficulties. In other words, the next chapter needed far more work than time allowed.

To Pat O'Neill, our apologies for bumping part 1 of your Shazam! script from this issue. It will definitely appear in the next issue.

  • What?!, fiction by Germaine Best ("reluctantly reprinted [from issue #9] by popular demand") (59)

Issue 15/16

cover of issue #15/16

Tetrumbriant 15/16 (v.4 no.3) was published in 1980 and contains 115 pages. The art is by Ian Bruce, Doug Drexler, Lisa Gould, Patrick O'Neill, David Roth, and Carol Walske.

back cover of issue #15/16, possibly by Lisa Gould

While this was the last issue, extrapolated on by Best in the editorial, there is a blurb at the end of the zine about the "17th" issue which was to contains Star Trek comics by Doug Drexler, Ian Bruce, Germaine Best, and Robert Nieves, stories by Winston Howlett, Germaine Best, and Charles Weekes, and poetry by Marybeth Pospula.

From the editorial:

One thing that every public figure or every hero should know, but usually learns when it is too late, is how to retire gracefully. There is nothing worse than a tired, old, decrepid [sic] hero (with no teeth) going on and on about the exploits of his youth. Looking at the present man, how can you believe he was ever anything of worth? It's like watching a fat, balding rock star of the fifties try to make a comeback or an aged fighter who refuses to retire. It's depressing to watch him because you feel embarrassed for him.

The smart ones retire at their prime and find a new career or outlet for themselves. They will always be remembered as great with a new profile given to their declining years.

Well, TET is no rock star. It's more a lost hydrogen electron from a sun gone nova. It's there, but both its presence or absence are of little consequence to the universe at large. Science Fiction-fan fiction will continue with or without the help of Tetrumbriant as long as creativity and imagination exist. We helped where we could, those that we could to express themselves and share their dreams with others. (And it was a big ego-boo to the editors for awhile too!) It was fun, providing us with many new friends and experiences.

But dragging it on to a point where the experience sours or the editors could not provide you with either quality material or their best efforts would waste everyone's time and money. And, like the old hero, would embarrass all of us. Therefore, with some anxiety over the wisdom of my decision! I announce the retirement of TETRUMBRIANT with this issue.

It has taken well over a year to give you the best and most professional issue we could produce. Speaking for all of us who participated in its creation, I hope you enjoy it.

To our readers, thank you for seven years of inspiration. To our staff, past and present, don't stop creating and never stop dreaming.

From the zine:

Dear Readers,

There are four pages missing from this issue. They are missing not from want of patience or diligence on the part of the literary editor. They are missing due, purely, to procrastination. Our healthy young artist found the task of a comic strip too formidable -- and failed to complete it by the final copy deadline. I am sorry, Readers. The issue could not be held another five months on the promise of issue copy. Your issue is complete without pages 1 through 4.

From the zine:

Apologies to Michael Goodwin, who's cover was supposed to grace this issue. The expense of getting it print ready in color was prohibitive. Therefore, we could not use it for our final issue.

From the zine:

Dedication! To the fans of Star Trek. Without you, there would be no Star Trek Movie and no potential for a future revival. Your tenacity and dedication kept the dream alive. Since Paramount won't thank you, this zine will.

  • Political Storms, fiction by Charles Weekes (science fiction) (36)
  • Tales of the Yagoriad: Donal's Revenge by Sharane McCurry (46)
  • The Consequences of Our Action, part one, script form, with illos by Patrick D. O'Neill (Shazam!) (59)
  • Omne, poem by Marybeth Pospula (based on The Price of the Phoenix) 78)
  • Is Nothing Sacred?, editorial by Germaine Best ("I am not advocating banning aggressive toys, violence on TV or hiding the concept of enemy aliens. What is needed in toys and TV is balance. There needs to be examples of the possibility of benevolent aliens. If there are toys and shows about bad-guy aliens, there should be toys and shows about good-guy aliens. Star Trek should not be the media's only example of harmony among the species. These items are perpetuating the war-play attitudes of our past. Our paranoia is showing. The SF outlet that we are using for it will affect generations to come. History repeats itself like a xerox copier. If we are going into the "endless void" we cannot do it with the attitude of human supremacy and Manifest Destiny.") (79)
  • Universes, poem by Fern Marder (81)
  • Spock, art portfolio by Doug Drexler (82)
  • Conversation by Germaine Best (a meta conversation/story about Germaine Best and Ian Bruce, who are wife and husband, figuring out what to do about the postal service and lost material for this zine) (86)
  • Words to Nothing, six poems by Marybeth Pospula ("A collection of Ilda poems related to the novella For I Am Lonely and Among Strangers by Marybeth Pospula.") (91)
  • The Consequences of Our Action, part two, script form, with illos by Patrick D. O'Neill (Shazam!) (96)
  • Demon in the Temple by Winston Howlett (science fiction) (112)

Best of Issue 1

The Best of Tetrumbriant 1 was published in December 1976. It has a front cover by Anji Valenza, a back cover by Gee Moaven.

The interior illos are by Germaine Best, Lisa Gould, David Lomazoff, and Carol Walske, and they are all reprints of art in previous issues.

front cover of best of issue #1, by Anji Valenza
  • Youth of America, poster (1)
  • Staff Page (2)
  • Editors' Notes (new to this zine) (3)
  • Letter (new to this zine) (5)
  • Space, The Final Frontier -- in Klingon by Carol Walske (from issue #4) (7)
  • The Ultimate, poem by Lorna Wilkerson (from issue #1/2, also in "The Best of Tetrumbriant 2") (8)
  • The 1974-1975's Helper's Aptitude Test ("So you want to be a Helper, do you?") (from issue #3) (9)
  • The S.T.A.V., review and tally of the poll, by Germaine Best (the topic is Star Trek: The Animated Series, see that page) (from issue #1/2) (13)
  • The Sum of the Parts, story by Anji Valenza (from issue #1/2) (15)
  • Wisp, poem by Germaine Best (from issue #4) (34)
  • Is Nothing Sacred?, editorial by Germain Best (from issue #1) (35)
  • Scenes We'd Like to See (36)
  • Word Search (44)
  • Poem (46)
  • Letter (new to this zine) (48)
  • A Public Disservice Message (from issue #3) (49)
  • Centerfold (Steve Austin) (from issue #3) (50)
  • Letters to the Editor (52)
  • Surak's Construct by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (from issue #1/2) (53)
  • A Christmas Story by Len Schwende (new to this zine) (56)
  • The 12 Days of Christmas -- Vulcan Style by Noreen Foster (from issue #4) (57)
  • Visual Introduction by Anji Valenza (new to this zine) (59)
  • Visual by Anji Valenaa (63)
  • Goodbye by Germaine Best (new to this zine) (87)
  • First Meeting by Carle Walske ("A warship of the Ormenel encounters a Federation starship for the first time.") (from issue #4) (88)
  • A Gift of Argos, poem by Zina Bauman (from issue #4) (93)
  • The Liver (new to this zine) (97)
  • Scenes We'd Like to See - Kirk (99)

Best of Issue 2

The Best of Tetrumbriant 2 was published in January 1978 and contains 86 pages.

front cover of Best of Issue #2

The art is by Carol Walske, Ian Bruce, Germaine Best, and Gee Moaven, and is all reprints of art in previous issues.

  • For I Am Lonely (For I Am Lonely and Among Strangers), fiction by Marybeth Pospula (reprinted from issue #7 and #8) (2)
  • The Hooker's Song (Songs of the Hookers of Wrigley's Pleasure Planet), filk by Germaine Best (reprinted from #8) (24)
  • TV Science Fiction, article by Allan Asherman and Germaine Best (reprinted in issue #5, where Asherman is the only author) (26)
  • 5th Season Star Trek, humor by Germane Best (reprinted from issue #5) (31)
  • Last Fan, fiction by Winston Howlett (reprinted from issue #8) (32)
  • FIAWOL! by Germaine Best (reprinted from issue #5) (34)
  • Battle Hymn of the 1975 ST Con by A Cast of Thousands (filk, see Star Trek Lives!) by S. Hartman (reprinted from issue #7) (37)
  • Edith, poem by Marybeth Pospula (41)
  • A Klingon Heritage by Carol Walske (reprinted from issue #7) (43)
  • Cold Land, poem by Zina Bauman (reprinted from issue #7) (69)
  • Scenes We'd Like to See by Courtney Taylor (70)
  • Crystal, poem by Fern Marder (reprinted from issue #8) (71)
  • Paragraph, poem by Zina Bauman (reprinted from issue #8) (72)
  • Robbers, poem by Germaine Best (73)
  • The Ultimate, poem by Lorna Wilkerson (reprinted from issue #1/2 "The Best of Tetrumbriant 1") (74)
  • Klingon Love Song, humor by Germaine Best (75)
  • Memories by Frances Zawacky and Linda Deneroff (a sequel to "This Side of Paradise" part 2) (reprinted from issue #7) (76)
  • Happily Ever After by Len Schwende (reprinted from issue #8) (85)

References

  1. ^ from Snow on the Moon
  2. ^ from Winston A. Howlett in Probe #5 Original Issue
  3. ^ from The Sehlat's Roar #5
  4. ^ "LUBA's letter" is not a letter of comment in the previous issue and must be one that was sent either to the editor personally or is one that was shared with this circle of fans in another way.
  5. ^ from Paula Smith in Menagerie #12
  6. ^ from The Sehlat's Roar #5
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