Southern Star

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Zine
Title: Southern Star
Publisher: Rebecca Hoffman and M.A. Carson (S.T.A. South Carolina), (in 1986, T'Kuhtian Press had permission to copy and distribute these zines/parts of these zines)
Editor(s):
Date(s): 1975-1979
Series?:
Medium: print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS and other, see article
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Southern Star is a gen Star Trek: TOS anthology of art, fiction and occasional non-fiction.

It was edited by Rebecca Ross Hoffman "(T'Ribekah, the beloved Vulcan)" and M.A. Carson "(Kar-sun, the well-hated Klingon)."

It ended in 1979, but in 1987, there was a proposal to reprint and continue it. See image at the right.

Pre-Order Statement

From the fifth issue:

PLEASE NOTE: It is the policy of THE SOUTHERN STAR to give first priority to pre-orders. Never will we sell out a zine run at a con and force those who ordered ahead to wait for reprint. We need your continued support to much to treat you in such a manner.

Its Birth Announcement

From The Halkan Council #6 (March 1975):

... I've got a new zine for you, my zine. It's called The Southern Star, and it's not just a Trek zine -- although we do have Trek in it. We've also got straight science fiction and a bit of horror. Issue one is out, and we're in the planning stages of issue two. That will have a good deal more Star Trek in it, but not all of the stories will be Enterprise-oriented... Need I say more? Oh, the price on issue one is $2.00 for a 100-page zine.

The Special Edition that Never Happened, and By the Way, No Gay Stuff

In Scuttlebutt #13, the editors proposed a special edition called The Southern X-Posure:

We are looking for stories of good quality writing and plotting, which explore all the fascinating areas of Trek not usually printed in a general audience zine. However, we are avoiding K/S gay stories like a horde of plagues! Slated for publication after SS #5 goes to press. So, as the Klingons would put it, submit!

From Ross' editorial in the third issue:

We are working on the novel which is the subject of the enclosed flyer, and we are planning another special which will be X-Rated. (I know, those are in vogue now and we're jumping on the bandwaqon.) We also want subs for this porn ish (Gorn ish?) Granted, we could write it ourselves, but we want to give you folks out there a chance to set pen to paper and ink-in your fantasies. The main criteria is that the stories be well-written and the subjects are open - with one exception: absolutely no gay stories. Perhaps we eds do suffer from Acrophobia [1], but we don't particularly like this type of story. As far as we're concerned, there are far too many of those floating around, and since other zines publish them, we'll do something different. (May the Kirk/Spock premise rest in pieces - very tiny pieces!)

A Fan Remarks

SOUTHERN STAR offers a very mixed bag of Trek-wares: puzzles, word games, grafitti, and contemporary science articles enliven its pages, but its main atrraction is a diverse selection of fiction which introduce new . . characters, explore relationships on other starships, and look more closely at the Klingons. A Klingon-English dictionary is another unique fea ture of this zine. Moreover, SOUTHERN STAR prints straight sf and horror stories in addition to Trek-fiction. [2]

Issue 1

cover of issue #1, M.A. Carson -- "Actually, the face was rather well done. But the top of the head was the wrong shape." -- from a LoC below
the single illo from issue #1, Rebecca Ross
1987 reprint proposal

Southern Star 1 was published in January 1975 and contains 100 pages.

The pages are printed only on one side, and the binding is poor, something several readers complained about in the following issue.

From Hoffman's editorial:

The Southern Star is an outgrowth of a science-fiction club based in Greenville, South Carolina. We are also affiliated with Star Trek: Again! a Star Trek club out of Sandpoint, Idaho, and we represent the South Carolina branch of that particular organization. However, our interests are not confined solely to the realm of Star Trek.

When originally conceived, The Southern Star was to be representative of all the varying interests of our club. We had planned to showcase certain aspects of these interests in each of the various issues, but it has not worked out that way. After spending quite some time in an effort to "hustle", as you humans say, stories, articles and art to fit with our original plans.

I finally decided it was a near-impossibility. It was, to state the matter mildly, an unrewarding "hassle" with several notable exceptions. It is no easy task to put a zine like this together with just five writers, no artists, and two editors - and as a result, we have had to "blow our own horns" quite a lot, as the expression goes, using several pieces of material from each contributor. As it is, this zine has been assembled on a shoe-string, and in too short a period of time - and I wish to thank everyone who contributed to this project in any way, most especially Mr. Nathaniel Eugene Caine, owner of Systems Services. Without his unselfish assistance, we would most likely not have gotten The Southern Star into production.

I absolutely refuse to attempt to pre-plan another issue and try to locate material to fit. The contents of any future issues are up to the readers. All contributions will be welcomed, both in art and literature. If all goes well with this premier issue, we will have others - and if there is enough interest, we may even have a continuation of our Star Trek feature story, "A Shadow of Greatness.

  • A Vulcan's Eye View, editorial by "T'Bibekkah" (1)
  • A Klingon's Eye View, editorial by "Karsun" (2)
  • A Shadow of Greatness by Rebecca Ross (4)
  • The People and Holding Wonder by Ann Bagley (30)
  • Scenes We'll Never See by B. Boss (31)
  • Yippie by Vicki Kirlin (32)
  • Phaser Fire, review by Rebecca Ross of Star Trek Showcase, see that page (50)
  • Please Do Not Staple, Fold, Mutilate or Spindle by M.A. Carson (52)
  • Star Logs, review by Rebecca Ross (55)
  • The Klingon Korner by M.A. Carson (57)
  • November 1949 -- The Hegemony of "Astounding" by J. Faile (58)
  • Changing Times by M.A. Carson (original science fiction) (61)
  • Daughters of the Sun by Rebecca Ross (63)
  • To My Son Randall: To Be Opened on the Occasion of His Twenty-First Birthday by M.A. Carson (original science fiction) (78)
  • Remember My Ghouls, poem by Rebecca Ross (original science fiction) (82)
  • Oona by Ann Bagley (83)
  • Night of the Rat by Rebecca Ross (original science fiction) (91)
  • Make Amy, Too by Ann Bagley (original science fiction) (97)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

The article on Zenna Henderson was very nice, but I thought the televised version of The People was pale and insignificant next to her People books.

"A Shadow of Greatness" by Rebecca Ross wasn't bad, but I would have liked to see the Jivaarl world of cat people developed more. Star Trek stories lately have been running very true to form. Just once I would like to read about an alien that was so ugly and so alien that no one could understand their motives. Perhaps another Carlos, the Medusian, but so utterly alien that no one could understand them. Or even the first meeting with the Medusians; surely the ambassadors would have gone insane at first.

"Please Bo Not Staple, Fold, Mutilate or Insult" wasn't too bad, but again typical and has been done before. But then again, I think that's a problem we all have. So many ideas have been used before, that it is hard to come up with new situations. Most of the science fiction and horror stories really didn't turn me on, although the stories do show that the authors have talent. In fact, I, would say all the writers have a degree of talent. The only story I object strongly to is "Night of the Rat." If you watch the TV show, "The Wild, Wild West," you would know that the story is too close to an episode called . ..darn, checked the TV Guide and find it doesn't have a name. I just viewed it Sunday night, so I know what I'm talking about. Clock to open the door to the rats' cage at midnight, rats carrying the Plague, all right down to the deserted Southern mansion. Sorry, Rebecca, but that one just ain't original.

I would say my favorite story, and no, I'm not going to pick my own, would be a tie between "Daughters of the Sun" and "Make Amy, Too". But I think that "Daughters" could have used more work to be effective. And once again, we have the humanoid life form that hardly comes across as being alien.

Over all, I would say you have a good first issue.

The writer of "Night of the Rat" responds: "Well, the truth of the matter is that it is. I wrote that story several years ago before I ever saw a "Wild Wild West" episode. It came on when I was in college and I never saw the show until it ran in syndication here, and that was a couple of years after it went off the network. When I saw that particular episode and compared it to my story, I sat there and cussed the paint off the walls. It's really weird, but the stories are so alike, yet one was not influenced by the other. The really ironic part is that the title of my story is the same as the title of the TV episode. Talk about coincidence! [3]

"A Shadow of Greatness" is marvelous. As a loyal, devoted Spock and Sarek fan I find it refreshing to see that someone can I write a good story with Vulcans in it.

"Yippie" was a touching story, and Yipple sounds adorable. When he was first mentioned, I fell in love with him partially because of his cute name.

As for "Please Do Not Staple, Fold, Mutilate or Insult", it is a riot. It gets better every time I read it. Now for "The Klingon Komer". I love it!

"Daughters of the Sun" is a masterpiece. What else can I say?

The section of the horror stories is fantastic. Now, that's the kind of horror story I never can get enough of. Also the kind I'd hate to read alone at night. I used to love vampires because of "Dark Shadows" and "Oona" has really done justice to a vampire by making him a fiend.

To sum the zine up in one word - Impossible! It really is great! [4]

You know I'm not strictly a Trekfan though I enjoy most Trek material. You have a well-balanced zine, and the quality held up in no matter what genre. In order of preference:

1. The Hegemony of Astounding
2. Yippie
3. Night of the Rat

You will receive many kudos on the whole thing, but perhaps from another editor, you might prefer criticism.

I liked your "Shadow of Greatness", and it almost nosed out "Yippee". But I nit picked it. Most distressing to me was the fumbling intelligence and drive of Sarek. To me, Sarek has always been nearly omnipotent. It hurt me to see him third-rate. I also thought Kirk was more "boyish" than he should have been. I would[n't] let him command a Starship! The other characters held up well.

I also don't care much about the cute captions under the photos. Might appeal though, to some of your younger readers.

Saddest of all was the binding. The pins just wouldn't hold that many pages and the zine kept exploding in my hands. I'd much rather have less material and be secure in the reading.

But mind you, Rebecca...an entirely magnificent first effort. [5]

The fiction isn't bad but the art isn't too good. Sorry. I liked the Star Trek novella but methinks Sarek was a trifle over-emotional in spots. Glad Amanda got a chance to do something more than being wifey. [6]

I liked it, felt it was a very good nine, especially for a first effort. I sort of enjoy the two the two of you, meaning yourself and Mac, doing editorials as a Vulcan and a Klingon.

I am assuming that the cover was supposed to be Spock -- it wasn't bad, but wasn't good, either. Actually, the face was rather well done. But the top of the head was the wrong shape.

I liked your characters, and the story itself, "A Shadow of Greatness". My major criticism is that I think you were a little off in the character of Sarek. Remember, he is a full-blooded Vulcan, an Ambassador, which means, among other things, that he knows how to keep his cool in the most irritating happenings. And he is married to a human. Anyway, I think he got too upset too often (or showed it too much) with Amanda. and Mariah. Another thing. Because of who and what he is, he is at peace with himself, has all the self-confidence he needs, and thus knows what he wants and where he is. He has the famed "Vulcan serenity". So he would, in the places where you say he almost does things, like smile. He does in "Journey to Babel."

Ah yes. Good old Korax really blew it that time, didn't he?" I would like to see more in the area of your "Shadow of Greatness". I am fascinated by people who have non-human ancestry.

I enjoyed Vicki Kirlin's story, though I was also depressed by it. (I felt so sorry for Yippie and the decision he made at the end - and I am extremely fond of sentient lizards.)

I generally agree with your reviews of both the LOG books, and of SHOWCASE. And, if you don't have Showcase II, get a copy ; if there are any left). It's better than SHOWCASE I.

Mac's "Klingon Korner" was quite enjoyable. It could be e beautiful foil to something like the zyeto quotes that Jacqueline Lichtenberg has running through the KRAITH CREATOR'S MANUAL. Also loved the "Editor's Trials."

"Changing Times" was okay ~ a little bit of a twist, there. I'm not sure how much I liked "To My Son Randall". I think we've seen an awful lot of this sort of thing before.

Poetry has problems - but then, I'm no poet!

I'm not usually that much of a horror fan, but I rather enjoyed Ann Bagley's "Oona". (I do like - if one can use that word - vampires. I've always thought that Spock-with-fangs. Would be about the most far-out in ' several meanings of the phrase - vampire you'd ever see. *shiver*,)

"Night of the Rat' GAAHH!! (How could you end it that way?)...

Oh, that reminds me of one other criticism I had. Sometimes your descriptions get out of hand. You seem to put down more than is necessary, and you also seem to string phrases together into too long a sentence. (I noticed this is "Shadow of Greatness", and "Night of the Rat".)

I am also a Zenna Henderson fan, have all of her books - she's one of the few writers who can bring me to tears - and I did enjoy Ann's review, and her very Hendersonian story at the end of the zine.

Now some very general comments and questions. If possible, try two sides of the page next time. (It looks more professional and costs less in postage, etc.) But you may have your own reasons for doing otherwise.

Question: how'd you do the photos? They look like they were xeroxed - not too bad a job for the purpose they were used, (Oh those captions! I was in hysterics.)

In general, I'd say that SOUTHERN STAR was well-done and I think a lot of what I liked was the variety of stories. You and the others are already pretty good writers, and I'd say that you will, in all probability, improve as you continue doing SOUTHERN STAR. I am looking forward to receiving the second issue. Good luck with it! [7]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Ron Juge -- portrays Neil Armstrong with a Klingon beard
back cover of issue #2, Katy Wolfe

Southern Star 2 was published in February 1976 and contains 189 pages. "Little Known Facts About the Space Program..." is on the front cover.

It is a Klingon issue.

  • Empire-ical Perspective , editorial by M.A. Carson (i)
  • Logically Speaking, editorial by Rebecca Ross Hoffman (i)
  • Errand of Mercy: II (1)
  • Scenes We'd Like to See in the Star Trek Movie (1)
  • Potpourri (2)
  • Essay on the Possible Evolution of Spock's Unemotionalism by M.A. Carson (article) (3)
  • The "Lost" Weekends, article by Sharon Emily (Marooned Among the Stars: review of Space 1999) (5)
  • Nexus by M.A. Carson (8-13, 149-161)
  • Short Outlined History of the Human Race, article by Lawrence Fury (14)
  • A Story only a Klingon Could Love by Ann Bagley (18)
  • A Parting of Ways by Amy Falkowitz (reprinted in The Time of Surak) (21)
  • The Penultimate Mary Sue Story by M.A. Carson (24)
  • Gone Before, article by Vicki Kirlin (25)
  • An Open Letter to the Editor and the Women in Spock's Life, fiction by Sharon Emily (letters to Spock from Zarabeth, T'Pring, Leila, and Amanda) (28)
  • Photon Torpedoes, book review column by Rebecca Ross (a review of Star Trek Lives!, see that page) (37)
  • The Choosing by Rebecca Ross (39)
  • word find puzzle by Steve Thompson (60-A)
  • I Think I'm Going to be Space-Sick, maze by M.A. Carson (60-B)
  • Helling Frequencies (letters of comment on issue #1) (62)
  • Will the Real Count Dracula Please Bare His Fangs by Rebecca Ross (66)
  • Night Terror by Linda Cappel (Horror vignette) (70)
  • Future Shock by Paul Gadzikowski (71)
  • Kolaar, the Soft by C.A. Wiggins 83)
  • Trials and Tribble-ations by M.A. Carson (95)
  • They Call the Wind Mariah by Rebecca Ross (101)
  • Three Haiku for the People (121)
  • "Amok Time" Sidelights by Rebecca Ross (123)
  • Klingon Korner (124-A)
  • Crossword Puzzle (124-B)
  • The Fanzine Conglomerate, article by Sharon Emily (proposal for joining forces at the con tables) (125)
  • a review of Spock Enslaved, see that page (127)
  • War Game by M.A. Carson (130)
  • The Games Some People Play by Rebecca Ross (136)
  • Amok Time: II by M.A. Carson (reprinted in The Best of Pon Farr) (148)
  • Galactic Graffiti (162)
  • Crew List of the USS Enterprise, appendix
  • The Klingon Dictionary by M.A. Carson, appendix (article, may have been also published as a standalone with art that does not appear in this zine) (23 pages)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

[Cartoons, amusing little twisted vignettes from the series, riddles, and so forth are sprinkled through the zine. Missives from a Romulan spy aboard the Enterprise are scattered between stories. And there is a puzzle section.]
  • Nexus / Rand, now a lieutenant serving on a small survey vessel, and Klingon Kel end up stranded together on an uninhabited planet after a deadly battle between their ships. The struggle to survive does wonders for cross-cultural friendship.
  • Short Outlined History of the Human Race / Trek timeline
  • A Story Only a Klingon Could Love / Parting scene between a Klingon officer and his wife of 15 years, who is about to be executed for the purification of the race.
  • A Parting of Ways / Parting scene between Vulcan brothers, one of whom has joined a brotherhood of Surak, the other clinging to the warrior culture.
  • The Penultimate Mary Sue Story / Mary Sue encounters Spock - all over the ship.
  • Gone Before / Graceful death of an aged dragon.
  • Letters to Spock from Zarabeth, T'Pring, Leila, and Amanda - which by an astounding coincidence have been dropped onto the author's bed by a transporter malfunction in an alternate universe.
  • The Choosing / Starship Republic story; no main characters. Biologist Thera is being pursued by the bellicose, bigoted, and all-around objectionable communications officer Keel. She is much more interested in the Vulcan physicist, Saraith, which causes Keel to become violent. Things come to a head when the three are included in a landing party attempting to return a baby dinosaur to its home planet - and end rather too tidily with the villain racing off suicidally into the jaws of a plesiosaur. The dinosaur was amusing, if contrived.
  • Will the Real Count Dracula Pleaes Bare His Fangs / Game show has a last-minute subsitution
  • Night Terror / Horror vignette.
  • Future Shock / Reporter Kolchak of Night Stalker encounters the strange case of a shooting with a strange weapon that melts much of the victim rather than putting holes in him. After some research in a former girlfriend's Star Trek collection, he realizes that the killer was a Klingon, and Kirk and Spock have traveled to his own era in pursuit. When he confronts them, they beam him up (along with Darvin), and eventually discover that the Enterprise bunch has not just traveled in time but slipped into an alternate universe (oh, those handy ion storms - they explain so much!). Each party, it transpires, is fictional in the other's universe.
  • Kolaar, the Soft / Klingon power struggles and the transformation of the unusually "soft" and artistic Kolaar into Kolaar the Rock.
  • Trials and Tribble-ations / Events aboard Koloth's ship Skyclaw immediately after our guys transport the tribbles over to them. Points for physiological explanations of just why Klingons detest tribbles (the frequency of the critters' chitters throws their nervous systems into disarray) and tribbles detest Klingons (Klingons stink to tribbles). Also points for smugly happy ending - Koloth has to pay exorbitantly at the nearest planet to have non-Klingons sweep the ship and beam all the tribbles downplanet to give to delighted children.
  • They Call the Wind Mariah / This series of stories postulates that Sarek has two young women in his household as wards, step-sisters Miranda (human) and Mariah (human / Jivaarlan hybrid). Felinoids and telepaths are remarkably populous in Trekfic; Mariah is both. Devious Korax has taken Sarek and Mariah prisoners as part of a plot to provoke war and become emperor, and carried the hostages off to Kyron, where Kang is in charge of the Klingon outpost. When Korax attacks Mariah, her useful telepathy uncovers the plot. She convinces Mara, Mara convinces Kang, and Kang calls in Kirk, who has pursued the raiders. Rescue is effected, and Korax summarily executed.
  • "Amok Time" Sidelights / Alternate vision of the episode, in which Chapel looks after Spock on the way to Vulcan.
  • The Fanzine Congolomerate / a proposal for joining forces at the con tables
  • Phaser Fire (fanzine reviews) / Reviews Spock Enslaved by Diane Steiner
  • War Game / Our heroes and a party of Klingons find themselves mysteriously equipped with outdated but effective weapons and proceed to wipe each other out. Again and again and again. Fortunately (or hideously?) they are on the Amusement Park Planet, where Ensign Jameson and a Klingon buddy are amusing themselves.
  • The Games Some People Play / A young human lieutenant addicted to practical jokes is assigned to a mostly-Vulcan ship.
  • Amok Time: II / alternate ending; Kirk has killed Spock in the challenge; he takes T'Pring to spite her. [8]

I received SOUTHERN STAR #2 and spent many pleasurable hours reading It. I consider the issue to be superior to #1. By the way, I'd rather see two nice thick books a year than four smaller ones.

I really liked "The Choosing". Well written and interesting. I'd like to see more of Danzer and Saraith. I have this feeling that marriage to a pure Vulcan would be less frustrating and more interesting than the constant trials of marriage to Spock. Sarek was too public a figure for his marriage to Amanda to be considered a typical Vulcan/human marriage.

I liked the letters from Spurt. They were hilarious! I like M. A. Carson's short stories; "Charlie X II", "Errand of Mercy II", "Scenes We Would Like to See...." (very funny), "Amok Time II" (that's just how I picture Kirk handling T'Pring - I would too!) and "Aftermath", (delightful!) "Nexus" kept me avidly reading, and "A Parting of Ways"was bitter-sweet in content and style. Ah, this letter could go on indefinitely. Perhaps it would be sufficient to say there was nothing I disliked. I enjoyed #2 tremendously and was pleased to see Mariah and Miranda again.

I liked the M'Ress pinup. Really good. And thanks for using both sides of the pages. Your artwork was terrific this time. Thanks for a wonderful reading trip. [9]

The "Night Stalker" story cracked me up just as much as it did when the author sent it to me...it reads much better in your zine, for my universe just wouldn't have given it justice. I'm hoping to see more from that writer of the same ilk. However, I'm just maladjusted enough to wonder what he could do with a story where the Fonze meets the senior officers of the "Big E" and Spock and he try to out-cool each other As for criticism...as I said, I'm maladjusted.

For some reason, I cannot read a fanzine just to tear it apart to tell the author/editors how they should have done it - why this is rotten and that is worse, etc. I leave that to the "experts". I read a fanzine because I want to enjoy it, and that's I did. I enjoyed it.

"Spurt" is a definite favorite...I hope to hear more from what others say. No matter what other say, I liked the story of the Vulcan/human involvement.

[...]

The Kli-Di...words fail me! That is a work of genius, and I hope the readers appreciate what it is they own!

The Dracula game panel sort of left me cold...sorry, but I respect the Dark Count too much to think he'd lower himself to appear on a game show! (By respect, I mean he'd be such a terrible enemy if he were real that one would be foolish to laugh at him...evil of such power must not be taken lightly, and all that.)

So, for what it's worth, that's my LoC. One question: How can I kidnap Kar-sun to do some cartooning for my own zine? [10]

Great zine! This one definitely goes on my "suggesteds" listing. I gripe at the size a little because I put all my fanzines in folders, which means punching holes in them (after removing the staples) and writing name, date of publication, etc. on the cover.

I HATE LT. MARY SUE!!!!

[...]

Other than that.... Kola(a)r the Soft "was really good Somebody had really taken the time out to sit down and think the whole story through. More C.A. Wiggins! (Hey eds, don't let this one get away. Chain it to a desk if necessary!)

[...]

Will the Real Count Dracula..." was cute. The ending was perfect. "Future Shock" was really a lot better than the actual show. "Night Terror" made no sense. The whatever should have been more clearly detailed in one way or another and the rest of the words were just that: marks on paper in stead of conveyors of terror. "The Short Outline of History", "A Parting of Ways", and "A Story Only a Klingon Could Love" were fair, meaning average TREK stuff.

The "Party of Ways" and letters to the Praetor are hilarious, especially the latter. The Klingon Jokes are forced, and most of them are old.

The bulletin board should be expanded. I agree with Sharon Emily on "1999" except that it's worse than she makes it sound. Main problem is that it's British, and they still think a ray-gun is a pistol invented by a man named Ray.

"Marooned mong the Stars" was powerful. It felt. "Nexus" was also very good. I think too much emphasis is placed on the Klingon trait of treachery, since the show made it clear that few Klingons really liked the way they had been raised. It was a necessity. In "Nexus" it really wasn't.

I loved "Gone Before". You keep this up and I'll be waiting with baited breath for the next issue - and I can't hold my breath that long. I disagree strongly with the review on ST Lives! To most of my circle, its potential was ignored while we heard how wonderful Jackie was. Period.

Regarding "Trials and Tribble-ations", to M.A.C.: to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling in his Stalky & Co. "Minors don't have any brains (minds) to be corrupted. Boss, and if they did, they corrupted them themselves long ago." I know, I was one!

This Mariah story was much better than the first. Some thing gels, no? This will turn out to be a very good series. All the potentials are there. But, you need better graffiti.

The artwork still could use some refinement. (Translation: work the tail off Ron Juge until he gets the hang of dashing off a perfect drawing at a moment's notice from a harried editor with an extra, previously unnoticed space to fill, at which time, you will undoubtedly lose him to someone else.)

And my vote is for a smaller zine (and hopefully, more often.)[11]

Finally finished my SOUTHERN STAR #2, and it's a sheer delight. SS #1 was good, but this is terrific! Splendid, from cover-to-cover. The jokes had me rol ling on the floor. The illustrations were marvelous, al though I missed the photo-funnies. As for the fiction; well I'd better give some detailed critiques on those. They all earned it.

"Nexus"was first-rate. The K1ingons...particularly Kel ...came across as understandable without being prettied-up; they're still bastards, but understandable bastards. The scene of Kel on the breaking-up raft was priceless! So was Janice Rand's rescue - by the hair, yet! Of course, Klingons don't swim, and one wouldn't want to get within reach of a panicky, half-drowned Klingon. (Say, I'll bet Vulcans don't swim either!) It was good to see Janice Rand acting resource ful and capable for a change.

"A Story Only a Klingon Could Love" was gorgeously misnamed. I loved it, and I don't have bifurcated eyebrows! It's a grim, realistic portrait of how society bends people against their better instincts - and how hard people try to agree with that bending. The cynical last line was perfect; simply perfect.

"A Parting of Ways" was a good, solid, well-written vignette. Already I can see an alternative to Ruonar's plight, if S'Adan/Reldoar would have accepted it...but for me, that's the mark of a good story; it sets me thinking. Congratulations, Amy!

"The Penultimate Mary Sue Story" has my vote for one of the 2 or 3 top stories in the issue. I start giggling when ever I think of it. That oughtta put a stop to girl-gets-Spock fantasies once and for all!

Gone Before" was a beautiful, neatly-written mood piece - the best I've yet seen from Vicki Kirlin. Just lovely, and wonderfully concise.

Spurt's little reports are lovely too - half the fun is relating them to their respective aired episodes.

Sharon Emily's collection of letters to Spock was pretty good. I just wish she hadn't hammed it up with the corny "this is really-truly true!)

Publisher's-error time! Obviously the intro on page 38 was meant to precede "They Call the Wind Mariah" not "The Choosing", which was actually on page 101. Oh well. Editor's luck.

"The Choosing" was interesting, but uneven. The plot was good and the characterizations thorough, but it got under way with all the grace of an overloaded freight train. The early descriptive paragraphs were heavily over-written, could have been cut down to one sentence apiece, and the opening paragraph could have been cut out entirely. Also, the bit where Saraith explains to Thera that Vulcans are fiercely patriarchal doesn't fit with what we've seen of Vulcan society in ST aired episodes. Try to imagine a husband ordering T'Pau around! No way!

"Will the Real Count Dracula " was a gas! Beautifully plotted, tightly written, not an extraneous word or an image out of place. And the ending was great! Of course the reader expects something vampiric to happen, but it was handled so well that what actually happened came as a surprise. Take a bow, Rebecca!

"Night Terror", I'm afraid, was too shallow to make much of an impression. Even if the author had played up the "It's only my nerves" insistence, to be punctured by the discovery of the footprints, even then the plot would have been no bet ter than a cliche. Try again!

"Future Shock: Kolchak Meets the Enterprise" - this is what I've been waiting for! Kolchak's characterization was perfect, and so was the whole set-up. Even the "Night Stalker" directorial style was adopted perfectly! I swear, Paul Gadzikowsky must have seen - and memorized - every last "Night Stalker" episode!

"Kolaar the Soft" was beautifully plotted and nicely handled. I especially liked the way characterizations were sketched in through the character's actions, rather than by descriptions. The beginning was a little slow, but the pace picked up smoothly until the end came with a bang. Very nice!

"Trials and Tribble-ations" had me practically rolling on the floor. Gawd! The plot-twists! And the jokes! And the puns! (Karlof, the Chief Interrogator - aargh!) And that last line. If I could find it in my flinty heart to pity Koloth.... Marvelous! What a neat way to cover the transition from "Trouble with Tribbles" to "More Tribbles, More Troubles". Congratulations all around. This is one of the funniest STAR TREK fan stories I've ever seen.

Time out to give a great Rrrrowwwl!!!! for the center illustration. I've always liked M'Ress (being a cat-person myself) and I like her very much in the buff (or fluff, or whatever).

"They Call the Wind Mariah": just the opposite of "The Choosing". The treatment, style characterizations and descriptions, were all quite good (the dialogue got a little out-of-character a few times, but not much). Trouble is, the plot was uneven. There were some very good scenes and ideas in it (like both sides simultaneously figuring that something was fishy about Korax's actions), but a lot of plot-threads were allowed to dribble off to nothing where they should have been tied up. (Kian, for example, should have had more to do than just tell Mara that he didn't like Korax's taking Mariah aside for fun-and-games). In general, a good effort with only a few flaws. Try again! I can't wait to see what- all stunts Mariah pulls next!

"Amok Time Sidelights" is one of my favorite stories in the zine. It explains so much that was left up in the air by the aired episode. So that's why Spock didn't die after he gave T'Pring away! Oh ho! And it leaves the door open to further developments. Good, tight writing, too, not an extraneous word.

"The Klingon Korner" still has me laughing. "Aftermath" is nearly as good as "Amok Time Sidelights". I just love these little tie-up-loose-ends stories!) I'm still giggling over the thought of little Yeoman Colt kneeing Pike in the crotch!

"War Game" is a delightfully gruesome little get-everybody story, and the surprise ending was marvelously effective; especially because of the interesting idea worked into it (the the reader doesn't even guess until the last line).

"The Games Some People Play" started off well, if a bit slowly, but it kinda drooped at the end. Good basic idea, though.

"Amok Time 11" is another top-favorite of mine. Oh yes. There was a flaw in T'Pring's logic - her ignorance of human males. I wonder what she'll do when she finds out that Kirk can keep her busy every night!?! The only flaw in the story is that "You have a lot to learn about Human males" should have been the punch line. Gorgeous!

The Klingon Dictionary is fascinating for what it implies. It's structured to be word-poor, so Klingons must use as much body-language as Italians. Then there's the implied racism; all the obscenities deal with mating other species, but they have no objection to raping captives.

All in all, THE SOUTHERN STAR is turning into one top-notch TREK zine. No,no. Don't make the issues any smaller! Just as it is, SS is a feast for the true STAR TREK addict. Don't cut a thing! [12]

Can't tell you how much I enjoyed SOUTHERN STAR #2. I'm going through it again right now, so that maybe I can say something intelligent, and am having so much fun rereading that I may never finish the letter!

The Enterprise "Bulletin Board" notices are riotous, and some of the Klingon jokes, even my husband could appreciate. He does like STAR TREK, but I think I've overdosed him, what with all the stuff I buy, and with watching the show over and over and over and over.

For Best Straight Stories, I nominate: "A Story Only a Klingon Could Love", "A Parting of Ways", "War Game". For humor, there's just plain NO WAY I could single out a favorite. Tell Mac he has a warped mind - but delightfully, and diabolically so. He might even have succeeded in making a Klingon of me - if I weren't already a Sime. (Do Klingons produce selyn?) I am really looking forward to seeing more of his work, and yours, too - as the perpetrator of "The Games Some People Play." Are you, by any chance, planning to follow Cassey to the Enterprise. I sure hope so.

Enclosed is an SASE for SOUTHERN STAR #3, when you've recovered enough from #2 to be able to even think about another edition. I wouldn't for the worlds want to miss it. [13]

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, Ron Juge
back cover of issue #3, Katy Wolfe

Southern Star 3 was published in May 1977 and is 50 pages long.

The art is by Ron Juge, M.A. Carson, Mark Wallace, Michael Smith, Heather Firth, Virginia Lee Smith, Doug Herring, Pat Bradshaw, Jude Huntsberger, Tracy Scheinkman, Bill Hudson, Katy Wolfe, and Steve Fisher.

This is the issue in the series that does not contain letters of comment.

From the editorial by T'Ribekah (Rebecca Hoffman), who is looking for sexytimes, but no gay stuff:

We are working on the novel which is the subject of the enclosed flyer, and we are planning another special which will be X-Rated. (I know, those are in vogue now and we're jumping on the bandwaqon.) We also want subs for this porn ish (Gorn ish?) Granted, we could write it ourselves, but we want to give you folks out there a chance to set pen to paper and ink-in your fantasies. The main criteria is that the stories be well-written and the subjects are open - with one exception: absolutely no gay stories. Perhaps we eds do suffer from Acrophobia [14], but we don't particularly like this type of story. As far as we're concerned, there are far too many of those floating around, and since other zines publish them, we'll do something different. (May the Kirk/Spock premise rest in pieces - very tiny pieces!) We have no deadline set for this zine yet, so start writing!

From the editorial by T'Ribekah (Rebecca Hoffman), some changes in the zine due to space, and opinions about reviews:

There have been a few changes. The omissions of our lettered and our book review column are not permanent. We just didn't have room. They should be back from vacation next ish. However, as the zine grows, we find new needs and we have to change to accommodate them. One of the obvious changes will be the tone of my editorial. I feel that an editorial can and should be used a a forum to express the opinions of the editor. Some people may not agree with this, but I believe it is appropriate, and as there are several things in Fandom that have been bothering me, I will take those apart later in this editorial.

Our biggest change has been in our zine review column, Phaser Fire. In the past we have, of necessity, reviewed those zines we were most impressed with, or as in the case of the review in issue #2, it was a zine we felt hadn't been given a fair shake. In this issue, we have quite a number of zines and newsletters reviewed. We received a complimentary copy of each of these specifically for review. This will be our policy in the future, and with the occasional exception of a zine which we are really impressed with, we will only review zines sent to us for that purpose. It may sound a bit mercenary, but it really isn't. When you consider the price of many TREK zines, you will see that if we don't have to buy them specifically for review, we'll have more money to put into SS and give us room to do many more reviews. Also, we will only review current zines. The particular issue might be out of print by the time SS comes out, but the zine, itself will still be in production.

Now, I'd like to say a word or two about reviewing in general. I occasionally review books for a semi-pro review zine and I read a lot of reviews. I am dismayed by the turn presently taken in the mode of reviews, it seems to be the "in" thing to review with as much sarcasm and smart-ass-ness as possible, and I'm beginning to believe that this ilk of reviewer deliberately coats his typewriter keys with liberal portions of curare. The idea of knocking zines seems to be prevalent, along with the tendency to use "cutsey-pooh" pen names. Now, I've nothing against pen names - I use a couple of them myself, and many people know it's me. But, the pen/pun names currently in vogue with many hatchet reviewers is as distasteful as their venomous reviews. They seem not to want to be recognized by those who know them, and after reading some of their reviews, I can see why! (I wouldn't want to be associated with that sort of trash either!) Though some of these reviewers are honest enough to use either their own names or their normal pen name, this isn't usually the case. H.O. Petard is cute, (and this is a real pseudonym) but the person's reviews turn my stomach and he seems to try to live up to the pun his pseudonm [sic] implies. Interestingly enough, the only person he has successfully hoisted upon a petard is himself.

We try to do honest reviews, eliminating the sarcastic, venomous attitude, and if I used reviews from other authors (which might eventually come to pass) I would refuse inequivocally [sic] any reviews which take this attitude or which reveal an ending without the express, written, and full CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR! (By revealing the ending, I mean the so-called "punch line". Generalizing an ending is one thing; ie. Kirk gets out of his predicament and goes back to the Enterprise. This is a foregone conclusion, except in a "get-'em" story. Telling exactly how he does It, especially when the “How" is why people read the story in the first place is in exceptionally poor taste and only spoils the effect.) The latter practice is unfair to the author, and any of the above are petty, silly, tricks indicative of either jealousy, sheer stupidity, or both. This type of tying violates the principles of IDIC, and while I know it's hard for humans to adhere to IDIC, they don't have to violate the principles so flagrantly! To take it a step farther, it also violates the Juado/Christian ethic known as The Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". God alone knows how many other tenents [sic] this practice violates.

Some of these reviewers should apply their type of review to their own stories, (provided they can indulge in creative writing) and see how they like personal attacks. It's not so bad for those of us who have been writing and editing for a long time. We can casually thumb our noses at such crap and take it for what it's worth (exactly nothing)! But, the young writer seeing his first story hacked to pieces doesn't have the experience behind him to help him handle the matter. His story may be perfectly entertaining, but with some weak spots. Instead of having the faults pointed out to him so that he will be enabled to correct such things in the future, he is told, in no uncertain terms that his story stinks, was not worth printing, that he himself is not a writer and is an affront to the Fannish community! Can you not see how utterly devastating such comments would be to a young writer who doesn't know that he should take such criticism with liberal helpings of salt - if he takes them at all!

Few of us possess the talent of Heinlein or Asimov, especially when they are at their best - but we all have our contributions to make. The main idea is not to denigrate a story that isn't great but to get the author to rewrite that story until it is the best it can be. So what if the author isn't tops. Give him time and he'll improve, for the only way to write well is to write; with help In the form of constructive criticisms. And don't let anyone fool you - EVERY author has to go through this, and even the experienced authors need outside criticism. And, NO story is with out its flaws. Instead of tryinq to help, too many people do nothing but try to hurt. There are good points to even the worst story, and ways to improve the best story. Some reviewers do not take this into consideration. They sit on their home-made pedestal", let their hysterical typewriters run away with them and knock everything with their supercilious attitudes, totally forgetting that, if they can write, they leave themselves open to the same heart-breaking commentary. They also seem to for get that they have been helped by others, sometimes even those self-same people they are now running down.

Many would-be writers are too scared to even begin thanks to all this, an IT IS WRONG! This is bad enough in professional circles, but danmit, this is a hobby! I hasten to point out that STAR TREK editors have a long tradition of using constructive criticism to help other writers, so why do we suddenly find those among us who are actively trying to destroy that tradition by seeming to claim an all-knowing perfectness? We are NOT God, but some of us are sure as hell acting like it! We have no right to act this way and fortunately very few of us fit this category. Unfortunately they - as is so often true - are the loudmouths who get the notice by running around proclaiming themselves as the only "authorities" on the subjects of ST and what sort of literature is "good"! In the words of an ancient Terran philosopher - "Bull Shit!"

We need criticism - constructive criticism, that is. I believe it is time to exorcise this costructive criticism and the deteriorating elements. Leave the mud-slinging to the "pros". We've no place for it in Fandom, and this editor/writer/ reviewer refuses to indulge in such tripe. In my reviews, I state my likes, my dis likes, and most importantly, the WHYS behind my beliefs. But, I will not run other authors down and will not countenance such in others! How about a little fairness and discretion? It's way, past time!"

From the editorial by T'Ribekah (Rebecca Hoffman), commentary about Women's Lib and Feminism (no thank you...), and treatment of women in some of the fiction in the zine series:

As editor of SS, I have been criticized (condemned?) by several people for the treatment of women in several stories in issue #2, In all candor, I must say that while I am a "liberated" woman, (in that I do pretty much what I bloody well please - this zine is ample proof of that). I neither espouse nor condone many of the views taken by the Women's Lib Movement. As a matter of fact, I personally could care less what they say. If this viewpoint alienates some of you, I am sorry, but this is the way I see it. However, Women's Lib is not the subject here. The subject is the treatment of women in stories presented in this fanzine. I select stories because they are well- written and are interesting. Mainly I select stories because I happen to like them.

If I like a story wherein the lead female character happens to be dominated by a male, I'll use it. I don't go out of my way to get this type of story, but by the same token, I don't ask for stories wherein the woman is an omnipotent super girl. If I should receive a well-written, enjoyable story which portrays the heroine as a liberated woman, I'll use it. The point is, I'm after readable stories - not just those which happen to agree with certain viewpoints.

All stories have some element or other with which at least someone will disagree. This is a fanzine, not a forum for advertising anything other than Sf fiction, and its main purpose is to provide the readers with entertainment. The elements which go into it are varied; but all of them have one thing in common. I LIKE THEM, (and so does my co-editor.) I appreciate the candid opinions I have received, however, there are some that I just can not agree with. Some of our stories may ruffle a few Feminist feathers, but since this is not the official NOW newsletter, I don't really mind. My own feathers get a bit ruffled now and again. We are attempting to bring our readers good stories of all types and I believe we are doing exactly that. If I seem a bit dictatorial on the subject, well that is the editor's prerogative and I tend to exercise that prerogative in the manner which I deem best. That is all I can do. Enough said.

Now, in conclusion - finally. It would seem that my typewriter has been allowed to become hysterical. Still, certain things have disturbed me a great deal, and I've felt compelled to air my views on these matters. The compulsion is now at an end...

  • Logically Speaking (Editorial Horse Manure) by T'Ribekah (Rebecca Ross) (2)
  • The Empire-ical Perspective (Editorial Sat Thak) by M.A. Carson (2)
  • Carmilla by Rebecca Ross (reprinted in Berengaria #5) (3)
  • Letters from Spurt (7)
  • Three Fragments from Romulan History by Leslie Fish (also in Universe Beyond #2 and Sehlat's Roar #4) (8)
  • Pre-Reform Vulcan Love Song, poem (10)
  • It Brings On Many Changes by Paul Gadzikowski (reprinted in Starbird) (MASH) (11)
  • Saga of the Enterprise, poem (14)
  • Letters from Spurt (15)
  • Spock the Barbarian by Tim Johnson (Spock's reaction to an overdose of cordrazine.) (15)
  • Death With Dignity by Jean Lorrah (18)
  • The Quest Begins (a Mariah story, non-Enterprise Federation story) (19)
  • Phaser Fire, zine reviews (23)
  • Encounter by M.A. Carson (26)
  • The Sighting by Deborah A. Murphy (26)
  • Letters from Spurt (26)
  • Death Comes At Midnight by Shirley Emerson (Dracula) (27)
  • Once Chosen by Rebecca Ross (32)
  • Letters from Spurt (36)
  • Old Klingon Sayings by David Lubkin (36)
  • Zenna by Ann Bagley (37)
  • Letters from Spurt (39)
  • Reprise by Jacqueline Bielowicz (41)
  • Meeting of an Extraterrestrial by Steve Thompson (41)
  • Klingons for Fun and Profit, poem (41)
  • Golden Child, poem (41)
  • Amok Time III by Rebecca Ross (Mirror story) (41)
  • Eye by M.A. Carson (43)
  • The Sighing of the Desert Winds by Kathy Resch (given no page number in the table of contents)
  • The Klingon Dictionary, part II (given no page number in the table of contents)
  • from issue #3, M.A. Carson

    from issue #3, M.A. Carson

  • from issue #3, Mark Wallace

    from issue #3, Mark Wallace

  • from issue #3, Pat Bradshaw

    from issue #3, Pat Bradshaw

  • from issue #3, Pat Bradshaw

    from issue #3, Pat Bradshaw

  • from issue #3, Heather Firth

    from issue #3, Heather Firth

  • from issue #3, Heather Firth

    from issue #3, Heather Firth

  • from issue #3, Doug Herring

    from issue #3, Doug Herring

  • from issue #3, Tracy Scheinkman

    from issue #3, Tracy Scheinkman

  • from issue #3, Katy Wolfe

    from issue #3, Katy Wolfe

  • from issue #3, Mike Smith

    from issue #3, Mike Smith

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

I am writing to tell you that both Linda and I have received our copies of SS #3 safely. I haven't decided on one favorite story. They were all great!

I must say that the M*A*S*H [story "The Chosen One"] was a disappointment. Not in content, mind you, but I understood it to be along the lines of 'Future Shock" where the Enterprise people meet Hawkeye and friends. I never thought pirates would be a part of outer space, but then again, where there's riches, there has to be greed. The bigot story was interesting. There are foolish reasons for children and parents to be on bad terms.

A word about "Phaser Fire". I hope you continue having it. It helps to decide which fanzines to send for. In the STW Directory, all there are are names and addresses, and it does help when there are teasers. I have mailed nine letters from your reviews, so it helps a lot!

I have enclosed a SASE. I would like to hear from you, especially where the date and price of SS#4 are concerned.[15]

I thought SS#3 was great! Loved "Eye". Laughed with Kol and Dov at the end. And, I would love to see a sequel to this story.

Enjoyed the M*A*S*H story a lot. Love the show and books. And I would like to see more stories like this - a continuation of a TV series/episode. They usually make interesting stories. (Have you ever really watched ST? Have you noticed the bloopers they have?? Do you ever feel that most of the episodes need an extra half hour to really end the story???) I found myself watching ST, counting the bloopers per episode and feeling most of the episodes do need an ending.

I enjoyed-to-loved the rest of the zine. My real problem with the whole zine was in the print size. Though the printing is clear, neat and I don't object (too much) to the size, it does, occasionally make me reread certain stories and/or lines.

But over all, a great zine. [16]

I received SS#3 and enjoyed reading the many stories. I liked "Carmilla", but I have already read it in BERENGARIA V.

The story "It Brings on Many Changes" was delightful. "Spock the Barbarian" was compelling. The reaction to cordrazine and its effect on a Vulcan (Spock) as opposed to McCoy's reaction makes a good story. Now all they have to do is write one about Kirk getting an accidental shot of cordrazine and his reaction to it.

Several of the many stories that I liked were the werewolf story about the Klingon "Eye" by Carson, "The Quest Begins," and "Once Chosen" by Ross. They were all excellent stories. [17]

I enjoyed reading SS#3 although I wasn't entirely comfortable with so many short short episode stories. I guess I've gotten used to fewer, but longer and more fully developed stories. Some of them were very good, and I realize that in part, it depends on what's submitted, and since I haven't submitted any thing I'm not really in a position to complain. Leslie's "Fragments from Romulan History" were very interesting and well done. Paul Gadzikowski's M*A*S*H story was lots of fun and I enjoyed it thoroughly. [18]

A while back I received a package from SOUTHERN STAR. It looked much too small to be the zine, but on the other hand, it was too large for you to be returning my manuscript. So I opened it, discovered SS#3, containing the tiniest offset printing I've ever seen. It's taken me this long to read it...could only go a page at a time.

Thanks for the review. I've received several inquiries, one from Australia.

SS#3 was an excellent package. A M*A*S*H story? Thanks for the diversification; hope you continue. It really expands the zine. The fiction was all well chosen. No, I don't want larger reproduction. I'm chronically short of money. Yes, I'd like to see the first Mariah story reprinted. Thanks for writing a good editorial...this viciousness that so often passes for review makes me ill. (though I do have a blind spot regarding "Diamonds & Rust". Got no use for that series. Could be because I haven't read all of it, but really, couldn't it have a little better continuity?)

Leslie Fish's work is, as always, fascinating. Even the constant looking up the footnotes didn't detract from reading the poems/ballads.

The M*A*S*H story was great.

"Spock the Barbarian" was an improvement over the plot of "Spock, Messiah", which it resembled slightly.

"The Quest Begins" a very good story...you know, I find I enjoy these non-Enterprise Federation stories a lot better without MENAGERIE'S snitty attitude - they print damn good stuff, but their editorials tend to influence my thinking.

"Encounter". I loved it! Smart ass kids, indeed. And Spurt's comments, as always, are very appropriate. I'd like to see a sequel to "Death Comes at Mid night"...interesting story which didn't degenerate into triteness, like many things having to do with Dracula.

"Zenna" was excellent; one of the best in the zine. "Reprise" and "Eye" were also good reading, and "Amok Time III" were perfect...

I'm looking forward to more Mirror stories. [19]

I've read SS#3 and loved it. While I don't agree with your Romulan History series it isn't as far off as you think. I was very glad to have a chance to read "Carmilla" and the Wier stories. (As I once said, I am very fond of things that go thump in the dark.) I also like Yaen, though of course in my Romulan Empire (Romii) the male is always succeeded by a female and vice versa. And, the Praetor is never succeeded by his (her) own flesh and blood. Also I am well aware of the fact that Ni-Var is a Vulcan Term. It means something slightly different in Romii; there it is a recorded historical argument, in poetic form. [20]

You made the mistake of asking me what I think of your zine, so YOU are in for it! Settle back in your easy chair and relax. I feel long-winded today. I also thought you just had to have a few more pages to add to your correspondence file.

I was very impressed by "Three Fragments from Romulan History." I enjoyed "It Brings on Many Changes", and I can't wait to read the further adventures of Mariah with Yaen. I sympathized with Thera. (My parents weren't too thrilled with my choice either.) Prejudice will probably always be with us, and you dealt with it well.

I enjoyed "Zenna" and would not mind reading some more about her.

I loved "Reprise" since it deals with something I've often wondered about. The alternative endings to "Amok Time" are good. I loved the ending of "Eye" and found "The Sighing of the Desert Winds" to be a poignant and beautiful story. [21]

First of all, I think this issue is just great! All the stories are good. Speaking professionally, since magazine layout and paste-up is what I do for a living, I would like to see all of the stories headlined in larger, bolder, more distinctive type. It is much more attractive to look at.

I was a little disappointed that my own artwork didn't reproduce as I expected. I'm referring to the charcoal - it's rather unpredictable. I liked the way Ron Juge Incorporated the star(s) into the logo on the cover.

On your editorial: I have heard much of this before in our phone conversations. I agree with your stand on the trend of reviews, though I do think the majority do not do this, but the ones that do are despicable. I believe that more of that sort of thing goes on in general SF than in TREK. I would like to point out that what you said about attacks on writers also applies to artists, though most people do not bother to comment constructively on artwork at all. If they say anything it's usually "that's a nice picture". You know, Rebecca, "nice" is an exceedingly overused word, but not very helpful.

I liked "Carmilla"! I don't know what I was expecting, but it was a different sort of story than I thought it would be. I particularly liked the way that you lead into the story, working Carmilla in softly. It was a masterful beginning.

As always, I enjoyed the Letters from Spurt. These pieces of humor really tickle my funnybone.

I was really impressed with the Ballads of Leslie Fish's "Three Fragments from Romulan History". It was beautifully written. She is unusually talented, in my opinion.

"It Brings on Many Changes" by Paul Gadzikowski. He writes in a neat and orderly manner and ties up loose ends. Pleasant reading, but I did like the Kolchak story better.

"Spock the Barbarian" by Tim Johnson. I liked this story, but something I can't quite put my finger on nags at me, particularly the last 1/3 of it. It might be that the change of scene was too choppy and characters not fleshed out quite well enough.

Your own "The Quest Begins". This story is very good. I liked it better than the previous Mariah stories - perhaps because she is maturing. It has certainly set the stage for the next Mariah story. I'll be waiting to read it.

I like your reviews. They are factual, without giving away the ending, which is what a review should do. Your reviews give me a little more than an idea of what I'll get if I buy, and considering the amount of money one can wrap up in fanzines, not to mention the many choices available, it helps a lot.

"Death Comes at Midnight." You already know that I liked this one. By the end of the story, I was ready for Dracula to bite me.

"Once Chosen" by you. As you know, "The Choosing" was my favorite story in the last issue. I really liked this one. Excellent. This story flows more naturally. I can feel that this might really happen if the time, place and characters were real. So real, in fact, that it makes me wonder if your father is like that. Your descriptions and reflections on the love and/or sexual side of Thera and Saraith's relationship were well, well done, and much better than in the Mariah story, which was more explicit, though only slightly so. These scenes told more by telling less. I think that maybe you achieved that by touching lightly on it here and there.

"Zenna" by Ann Bagley. I loved this story. Part I was particularly touching, poignant, in fact, to a Spock fan especially. This story expands on "When it Gets Down to Brass Tacks". I liked "A Story Only a Klingon Could Love" last issue, but this was much better. I would like to see more by her.

"Eye" by Kar-sun. Mac is definitely wise in the way of Klingons, as this story proves. I did not know that Mac had an interest in weirding ways. His description of the holding back and resignation of the fire doors was good. A surprise ending. If the next is as good as this one, I will surely like it.

"The Sighing of the Desert Winds" by Kathleen Resch. A sad story, with the twinge of truth of the Rom, doing what one must (in their estimation) be done. Much was said in a few words. Well written.

"Amok Time III". This was surprising (the Mirror Universe ending). I think that your idea of Mirror Universe endings will be well-received. An interesting twist for future issues. [22]

Issue 4

Southern Star 4 was published in March 1978 and contains 100 pages.

The editor was Rebecca Ross, the co-editor was M.A. Carson.

front cover of issue #4, Ron Juge
back cover of issue #4, Hans Dietrich

The art is by Katy Wolfe, Mike Smith, J. William Hudson, Carrie Rowles, March Wallace, Paul Gadzicowski, Hans Dietrich, Ron Jute, Steve Fisher, Sheila, Ann Marie Kitz, Shari L. Kaiafah, Janice K. Hrubes, and M.A. Carson.

There were 400 copies in the first printing.

From an ad in Saurian Brandy Digest #13:

A History of the Romulan Empire by Leslie Fish. The Only Truth I Know Is You by Ann Marie Kitz, takes a totally different look at the human hating General Urko. The Unicorn - by Deborah A Murphy - What would happen if James T. Kirk came face-to-face with a Clydesdale size unicorn aboard the Enterprise? Read, and enjoy. Spock on Black - When Spock meets a 20th century black dude standing on a street corner, Spock takes a linguistics course he never knew existed. Farewell - by Kit Vee, Bite The Bullet by Terry Kelley, The Burglar Over India by Stephen Langford, The Closet by Deborah A. Murphy are a few of the many shorts we have this time around, as well as poetry, cartoons; and filksongs by M,A. Carson.

The story, "The Only Truth I Know", had been printed in Despatch #31 and #32 a year earlier. The editor of "Despatch" wrote:

I have liberated borrowed it from Southern Star, who is planning to publish it in one of their future issues. They knew I wanted an Urko story but didn't have one, so they graciously allowed me to use this one for MLIFC. The author gave them permission to do anything they wished so they wished to give the story out on loan to us. We claim no rights for this story and have sent the original back to Southern Star.

  • Logically Speaking (Editorial: Sehlat Shit) (1)
  • The Empire-ical Perspective (Editorial Sat Shit) (1)
  • The Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture, article by Leslie Fish (1)
  • The Only Truth I Know Is You by Ann Marie Kitz (reprinted in Despatch #31 and #32) (Planet of the Apes) (7)
  • The Unicorn by Deborah Murphy (21)
  • Spock on Black, poem by Sheila Dickerson (25)
  • The Closet, poem by Deborah A. Murphy (26)
  • Farewell, poem by Kit Vee (26)
  • The Burglar Over India by Stephen Langford (27)
  • Bite the Bullet by Terry Kelley (28)
  • Hailing Frequencies (letters of comment) (30)
  • Lani by Ann Bagley (34)
  • You Will Work Together by Mary A. Carson (40)
  • A Token of Esteem by J. Thomas Ross (the sequel to this story is "The Final Card" in issue #5) (41)
  • Photon Torpedoes, book reviews by Ann Bagley and Rebecca Ross (48)
  • Disruptor Fire, movie review by J. William Hudson (49)
  • Day of the Hawk by Michael B. Smith (49)
  • Cevalan Raid by Mattie Jones and Marilyn Ambos (51)
  • Costume Ball (55)
  • The Leirion by Dianne L. Menesini (57)
  • Phaser Fire, Fanzine Review by Rebecca Ross (64)
  • Pathathon by Vicki Kirlin (67)
  • The Klingon Poem by Jo Ann Vanden Berg (71)
  • The GX Factor by Jim Peurifoy (73)
  • Captain of Infinity by Julie Lee (75)
  • To Christine, poem by Cindy Simons (75)
  • The Long Twilight, poem by Mike Bubrick (75)
  • Untitled Poem by Cindy Simons (76)
  • Uhura -- Freedom by Mike Bubrick (76)
  • Mirror, Mirror II by Michael B. Smith (76)
  • Turnabout Intruder II by Cindy Sirmons (76)
  • Trekkin' Top Twenty Five by Michael B. Smith (76)
  • Report on an Alien Visitor by Michael B. Smith (78)
  • Starfleet General Orders (78)
  • Dov Day Afternoons by M. A. Carson (Dov is a werewolf... he meets up with vampire Carmilla, an original character in some Berengaria fics) (81)
  • A Slow Day in Rec Room Four by M.A. Carson (84)
  • The St/Sf Songbook by Mark Wallace (87)
  • The Klingon Dictionary by M.A Carson (95)
  • from issue #4, M.A. Carson

    from issue #4, M.A. Carson

  • from issue #4, Leslie Fish

    from issue #4, Leslie Fish

  • from issue #4, Hans Dietrich

    from issue #4, Hans Dietrich

  • from issue ##4, Ann Marie Kitz

    from issue ##4, Ann Marie Kitz

  • from issue #4, Michael Smith

    from issue #4, Michael Smith

  • from issue #4, Hans Dietrich

    from issue #4, Hans Dietrich

  • from issue #4, Mark Wallace

    from issue #4, Mark Wallace

  • from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

    from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

  • from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

    from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

  • from issue #4, Carrie Rowles

    from issue #4, Carrie Rowles

  • from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

    from issue #4, Katy Wolfe

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for Summary of the Physiological Roots of Andorian Culture.

Lots of shorts, mostly ST, some SF & media stuff, many rather juvenile efforts. High spot is plenty of pretty amusing cartoons.
  • The Only Truth I Know Is You / Planet of the Apes story
  • The Unicorn / Romp. As Enterprise awaits inspection, an Eathen (Klingon-like) crewman magically calls a very large unicorn from a bottle of whiskey - which proceeds to escape and trap the captain.
  • Spock on Black / rather pointless dialogue of Spock with a 70's jivin' dude.
  • Farewell / Kirk dies horribly burned in shuttle explosion, Spock melding & mourning.
  • The Burglar Over India / Skylab crew see a gremlin stealing their service module. Echoes of TZ's "Incident at 30,000 Feet."
  • Bite the Bullet / Gandalf vignette.
  • Lani / Lani, Uhura, & Spock are trapped in a cavern after a quake, Spock deep in healing trance, the rest of the landing party dead. Enterprise is unable to cut through the rock of the planet and after 30 days is ordered away. Fortunately they return just as the survivors surface and Lani is being eaten by a bear. Some nice scenes, but weak plotting.
  • You Will Work Together / Vignette: after the war, Kirk has the Enterprise back - and is working for the Klingon empire, in a twist to the Organian promise.
  • A Token of Esteem / Spock saves the only survivor of a Klingon landing party from a carnivorous plant, placing her under a life-debt she insists on repaying. Pretty standard stuff.
  • Cevalan Raid / Rather dull little battle story.
  • The Leirion / Poorly written and plotted tale of ill but otherwise magically empowered aliens abducting McCoy, Spock and Uhura to treat them.
  • Pathathon / Non-Trek. Story of a looping nightmare.
  • The GX Factor / Another somewhat flat war story - dealing with new engine.
  • Mirror, Mirror II / snippet; McCoy doesn't make it onto the transporter, and Spock refuses to let Kirk retrieve him
  • Turnabout Intruder II / snippet; Captain Lester & Christine tut-tut over Kirk's fate in an insane asylum
  • Dov Day Afternoons / Dov is a werewolf, apparently Carson's ongoing creation; here, he meets up with vampire Carmilla (of Berengaria #5[23]

I was absolutely delighted to find my copy of SS#4 waiting for me when I got home from work today. It was such a miserable day otherwise. I've spent the last three hours poring over it. I do like the print size better this time, but I just have to comment on the typewriter cartoons. They're the most original and funniest idea I've seen in a long time. They would make a great regular feature and could become a trademark of your zine.

I'll hope to hear from you soon. Again, thanks for another great issue. [24]

Received and read with much enjoyment Southern Star IV. Got very tickled by your editorial comments, but really -- a paranoid typewriter! Mine cannot spell, but that it is because it is an IBM dropout.

Leslie Fish's article tells me more than I really want to know about Andorians, but I have never felt much affinity for that particular group of aliens. However, Hans Dietrich's full page illustration is beautiful. Who is the Starfleet Lieutenant, lower right hand corner?

Ann M. Kitz's story is interesting. I have never really liked the PLANET OF THE APES movies. I don't think I ever saw the TV version, but I enjoyed her story. Her illustrations are very good, for some reason her apes are better than the humans. They have more expression somehow.

"The Unicorn." Very funny. I seem to have missed something, however. What is an Eethen? I like Kor-Ki (Corky?). Poor little thing, to get into such a mess.

It is strange, but Kirk is only about 5'9" or 10, I'll bet he looks at least a foot taller on such occasions. Especially to a subordinate about to get a royal chewing.

Death of Kirk/Spock/McCoy stories give me a cold, hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. Kit Vee's story is a prime example of the genre . Absolutely heart-rending.

I know there are people who will steal anything that is not nailed down, but where did the burglar manage to find a fence to buy it? Avery funny story, but how did the astronauts ever excape from NASA's shrinks?

I like your letter column. It has given me an irrestable urge to own my very own copy of SOUTHERN STAR II.

Ann Bagley's "Lani". A well-written, well-detailed story right to the very end. A combination of African and Hawaiian techniques just might be the key to Spock's heart, supposing the ladies could locate that particular organ.

M. A. Carson's "You Will Work Together". A really lovely surprise ending. Though knowing his penchant for Klingons, I should have expected it. "A Token of Esteem" . Another very good story. Please let there be future Martina stories. A brave, resourceful woman as the central character of a story is always interesting, and not done all that often.

Ann Bagley's review of the photonovels is interesting. I have not bought all the ones available, but am contented with the ones I do have. Unlike the Blish books, the photonovels actually follow the plot of the original screen play.

"Cevalan Raid". Interesting, but it could have used a good bit of tightening up. I would have enjoyed a good deal more about Christine and Number One, and less of the chasing about on the ground. But then, I prefer stories about people rather than things or places.

"The Leirion". I am still a bit in the dark as to how the Enterprise personnel were transported to the planet. I don't really believe a colony would be planeted without the proper medical personnel to accompany it.

Again, I enjoyed your fanzine reviews. I am ordering three of the ones you mentioned. I already have all four of the SHOWCASE zines.

The various short short stories and poems are all quite good, but so many to go into individually. I especially like the series of Mirror shorts. But where is Lt. Spurt? I do miss him very much.

"Dov Day Afternoons. " Very funny. The last line is hilarious. "A Slow Day in Rec Room Four." Also very funny; did he kiss it and make it well? All of the Mark Wallace cartoons are excellent as always. In fact, all the illustrations are very fine examples of this type of art. I love the typewriter cartoons.

Again, a very fine zine. I seem to keep repeating myself, but after a while, a person runs out of superlatives, and I have to repeat myself.

Looking forward to SOUTHERN STAR V and THE SOUTHERN X-POSURE. Yes, most definitely. [25]

You must be wondering why you haven't heard from me before now about SOUTHERN STAR. Well, the zine only just arrived [in Scotland]! To judge from the postage, you paid for airmail, but I reckon they've come surface. I've had that happen before - unless the word Airmail is very, very clearly written on the packet, some bright boy at the post office just throws it into the surface bag. I've even had packets marked air reasonably clearly sent surface...and in one case, stamps had very obviously come off - but all they did was score out the "Airmail" stamped on it and send it surface.

I skipped the PLANET OF THE APES story - I never could get into that series in spite of watching it quite a lot - at least at first.

"The Unicorn" - nice! One never does think of a unicorn the size of a Clydesdale!

"Lani" - another one I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the sort of story that, if not handled extremely carefully could read like a Mary Sue, even if it isn't; but it was handled extremely carefully.

"A Token of Esteem" - now this one didn't quite gel with me, but I'm not sure just why. Writing is good, development can't be faulted...it could be that there's a lack of the sort of relationship touches that I enjoy. "Lani", on the other hand, did have those touches, including the relationship between Uhura and Lani. I'm a real sucker for non-sexual, really good relationship scenes.

"Cevalan Raid" - an interesting idea, and again, just enough of relationship to satisfy, though I think I'd have liked a little mere between Chapel and her sister.

"The Leirion" - I thought at first that Navina's people were suffering from diabetes caused by inadequate food-sugar in the diet on their new planet. Well, "diabetes" isn't the right word - lack of sugar in the diet, anyway. Lack of vitamins is probably simpler. With regard to the miners, if mine explosions were so common, why wasn't some safer method than mining by people used? Why so surprised when some miners disappeared? I didn't think that bit terribly well-handled. Maybe I missed something - was it just the dilithium on this particular planet that was so unstable? If so, it wasn't made clear.

I positively adore the typewriter cartoon on page 63. Liked them all, but this one in particular is a gem - at least to any overworked zine editor!

"Pathathon" - interesting idea, nicely handled.

"GX Factor" - I felt this was more of a story outline than a story, and could have been developed further into a much longer story...even without any additional plot.

"Dov Day Afternoons" - well, I said already what I think of werewolf stories! I'd like to read an entire zine devoted to them.

All that is possibly a bit incoherently laid out - hope you could follow it! I really did enjoy THE SOUTHERN STAR. [26]

I was delighted to receive my copy of SSIV! [...] the STAR was a real pleasure to receive. I took my time reading it, savoring each story. I don't have much time to comment, but I did especially enjoy the cartoons. A tough of humor is a gem that many zines lack. I especially like the poem "Captain of Infinity" by Julie Lee, and Mac's "Koloth's Lament". I especially enjoyed "The Unicorn" by Deborah A. Murphy. It has just the right touch of humor. I enjoyed the other stories too, but I'd like to see more about Klingons! Congratulations on another fine zine. [27]

This is just a short letter to tell you how much I enjoyed your zine, SOUTHERN STAR #4. To tell you the truth, I've never been a zine person simply because most of the zines I've come across have been either trash, or the same old stories. Needless to say, all the stories you have are quality, fast-moving, to the point, and well-written; none of that hard porn I've seen in other publications. Granted that a few x-rated stories are fun, but a constant diet of them definitely leaves one very bored. You already know what the conclusion, climax, etc. is going to be. Perhaps, I'm an old prude, but I'd much rather be entertained with the type of stories you publish than "Deep Throat" a la STAR TREK - or any science fiction in every story.

I can't say that I liked anyone story above the others because I felt that they were all good. To point out a few that I feel that I can write about - "Farewell" by Kit Vee was marvelous. I loved the way she seemed to capture a type of flow-of-consciousness, expressing the way the human mind works under pressure, through a written style. I tell you, at the end, I could feel tears come to my eyes. Well done. This is what I consider a quality story.

"Lani" was another story which stands out in my mind as well-written and exciting to read. One little thing I'd like to point out - I found that it was difficult for me to identify with, or even understand, such moments of uncontrollable laughter as expressed in the story. Maybe it's just me, but I have never in my life ever laughed to the point that I was on the floor. Personally, I found it a little extreme - or should I be the one to loosen up. I don't know! Anyway, the story as a whole was good, it kept me interested to the very end.

"A Token of Esteem" had a good plot. It allowed us to see a little more deeply into the Klingon culture as well as into the Klingon mind. I thought Spock's relationship with the girl particularly tantalizing. I didn't know what to make of it until it was explained. A sign of a good story; keeps the reader wondering and thus interested in the plot.

The typewriter cartoons were excellent. Sometimes, I think mine will either one day yell at me like that or just get up and walk out on strike. I think those cartoons really captured the true character of the typewriter.

Again, Rebecca, I would like to repeat how much I liked your zine. Please count me in for #5, send me a flyer to let me know how much it is. From what I've read, it sounds just as good - maybe even better - than #4.[28]

SOUTHERN STAR #4. It was the first fanzine I had ever read, and I must say I really enjoyed reading and re-reading everything. (I am not a new STAR TREK fan; just new to the activities of Fandom, and I look forward to many more activities.)

Being a Shatner/Kirk fan, I really enjoyed the cartoon featuring "static Klingon". My second favorite was "raspberry...Roddenberry."

As to the stories: my favorite was "Lani" by Ann Bagley, because I felt she had created a real and believable character in Lani; something that does not always come across well in science fiction. We all know the regular members of the crew and are always ready to see them in action, but it is really special when a writer comes up with a new addition to the crew of the Enterprise who comes to life. I feel that I now know Lani and look forward to seeing her in action again.

I also enjoyed "The Leirion" by Dianne L. Menesini, and "A Token of Esteem" by J. Thomas Ross. I especially enjoyed the latter, because I felt it was very much in tune with Spock, a character I have found difficult to work with on paper.

I am looking forward to SOUTHERN STAR #5.[29]

Just a short note on Issue 4 of SOUTHERN STAR.

I loved it! Artwork, stories, cartoons, filk songs, all excellent.

I especially enjoyed "The Unicorn" by Deborah A. Murphy. Her line about the virgin, "On this ship?" was delightful, and undoubtedly true. (Let's face it folks; they've been out there for a long time.)

As for "Dov Day Afternoon$", by M. A. Carson... Well, Mac, you can bury your bones in my backyard, any day. Let's see more of that sexy Dov Brian in the future. As it is, I can hardly wait until the next full moon. Which brings up an interesting question. Just what would happen if Dov was planet-side with a landing party during that phase of the moon?[30]

Have you, as of yet, put together the SOUTHERN STAR #5? I sure hope so, as there are several story lines I would like to continue to follow, including the Thera/Saraith stories, and the Mariah series. I like nearly all the stories I read in SOUTHERN STAR 3 & 4, but those were a couple of my favorites. I would very much enjoy reading these, and any new story lines Miss Ross has come up with.[31]

SOUTHERN STAR #4. Well, I'm in the middle of it, but a few comments. That poor typewriter! (There's a Selectric at the office that probably feels that way about me.) Leslie's Andorian articles I've read before, but enjoyed' Hans' illos (a favorite artist, that one!).

The PLANET OF THE APES story I actually liked, considering I'm not an APES fan.

I really rather enjoyed "The Unicorn" (though a bit more explanation about how would be appreciated.)

However, Deborah's "The Closet" I have to say no to, because a very famous s/f story already exists exactly on that (though they became paper clips) called "Or All the Seas with Oysters" by Avram Davidson. It's been around for more than 10 years.

"Farewell". I've seen too many of these.

"Burgler" very amusing. "Lani" was interesting, though Uhura would not scream like that, I didn't think.

Mark's cartoons are getting more and more outrageous, and the photo captions on Kor...snicker. And I've run out of room. [32]

Issue 5

cover of issue #5, Heather Firth
back cover of issue #5, Julie Lee

Southern Star 5 was published in October 1979 and contains 100 pages.

The front cover is by Heather Firth, back cover is by Julie Lee, and interior art is by Michael B. Smith, Dawnsinger, Julie Lee, Miriam Amos, Chuck Hart, Janet Meehan, Amy Harlib, and M.A. Carson.

It was edited by Rebecca Hoffman, co-editor was Cindy Simons, associate editors were M.A. Carson and Faith Carson.

From an ad in The World of Dark Shadows #27:

A DARK SHADOWS story by Donna Chisholm titled "Masque", illustrated by Janet Meehan. Al so includes STAR TREK fiction, with a Mirror Universe look at the "Balance of Terror" episode, a story based partially on the pro novel "Price of the Phoenix", and much more. Some excellent art rounds off this issue-- oh, yes--there is the next installment of the Klingon dictionary for those of you inclined to travel long distances…

From the editorial:

As to futures, there will definitely be a SOUTHERN STAR #6. We had originally planned our next publication to be THE SOUTHERN X-POSURE, our x-rated edition. However, when I got to typing, I realized that we were grossly over-stocked with SS submissions. We even had to scrag our review columns, but they'll be in SS#6, which will come out just as soon as we can get it into production. If you are interested in SS#6, please send a SASE. Don't wait on this one, for SS#6 will have little time lag.

After SS#6 will come either THE SOUTHERN X-POSURE, or an x-rated novel by Rebecca Ross. She is able to write many things on many levels, and this novel - which is not a part of her ECHOES FROM THE PAST universe - is a hard-core romance, patterned after a certain type of historical romance presently popular. She is also working on the sequel to ECHOES, tentatively titled ECHOES IN THE MIRROR, which will probably be ready for publication after SOUTHERN X-POSURE and her aforementioned novel are done.

We are still open for submissions for THE SOUTHERN X-POSURE. We are looking for good writing and interesting plots, and we do have one restriction: we are not publishing any Kirk/Spock gay stories. Other than that, feel free to follow your flight of fantasy.

Also from the editorial, which is commentary about things that happened at Schuster Star Trek Conventions/1978 Atlanta Schuster Star Trek Convention the year before. For more about this fandom rift, see Interstat #10, #11, and #12:

... your editor has a tendency to speak her mind, which on occasion causes disagreements. I don't mind a good dust-up, but last year at Atlanta, I spoke my mind over TV about the practice of autograph selling. My contention was that it was a rip-off to be told in con fly- ers that William Shatner would be at the con for autograph sessions, then to learn at the con that in order to get the autograph, you had to fork over $8.00 for his record album.

Well, after that newscast on Saturday night, I was verbally assaulted by a mannerless fanatic in the hotel's restaurant, and she continued to harass me all day Sunday. I later took this story to INTERSTAT, (a fan letterzine) to put the situation before other fans and let them know just how barbarous some of the so-called 'fans' can act.

It should have ended at that point, however, in an editorial of another zine, I have been obliquely accused of taking this childish person to task - not because of the way she acted - but because she is strongly identified with the K/S gay experiment now being foisted on Fandom. I know some of these people are pretty insecure, but using one's writing as a shield is ridiculous. I do not know if this attitude is a general consensus among the pro-gay faction, or if it is only indicative of the person making the comments. I don't know if the person who tried to push me around at Atlanta feels this way.

I do know this: criticisms of a person's actions should have no connection with the material that person writes. There was no attempt made to cow that female, much less drive her out of Fandom (none of us has that much power, thank God! Only she can drive herself out). But an effort was made to show her that a) she cannot cow others, b) everyone has the right to express their opinions whether she agrees with those opinions or not, c) if she must act in such an undisciplined, vicious manner, she cannot expect the recipient of such treatment to take it silently, and d) that there are those who won't hesitate to let the rest of Fandom know just how crude some people can be.

I do not believe in sacred cows, and each and every one of us is responsible for his or her own conduct. Just because a person is a K/S devotee does not exempt her from criticism of her actions, nor should it. These people deserve no special consideration because of what they write; nobody does. If they - or their friends - cannot accept justified criticism for what it is without retreating to

a cop-out of "I've done nothing wrong - she just doesn't like what I write" then they need to look very closely at their own motivations and grow up!

  • Logically Speaking (Editorial) (2)
  • Computing - Dear (Editorial) (3)
  • Illogically Speaking (Editorial) (4)
  • KISS OFF the Enterprise by Wanderingchat ("The Original members of KISS gain their Marvel comics powers and find themselves guests of sorts on the U.S.S. Enterprise during it's first five year mission under Capt James T. Kirk. A little known adventure in classic Treklore, until now.") (5)
  • City of the Wise Ones by Lizette Leveille (22)
  • The Final Card by J. Thomas Ross ("The sequel to the popular TOKEN OF ESTEEM (SS#4). When Martina goes back to the Klingon ship after her unexpected stay aboard the Enterprise, she finds that while the ship's captain and her close friend Karn believes her outlandish story, he treats her as though she were lying.") (26)
  • Ads (34)
  • Dorothy Bypasses Oz (to go to the Con) by Michael B. Smith (35)
  • Lament of the Retiring 350 by Michael B. Smith and J. William Hudson (36)
  • Soul of the Starship by Julie Lee ("James Kirk awakens from oblivion to the reality that life has been only fiction, provided by the man who created him - and Kirk is not a man. He is a computer,")(39)
  • Hailing Frequencies (Letters of Comment) (53)
  • Ads (54)
  • Balance of Terror/Reverse by Rebecca Ross ("This is the first of Miss Ross' MIRROR/MIRROR adatations of several major episodes, depicting the events of "Balance of Terror" as they happened aboard the ISS Enterprise.") (a story based partially on the pro novel Price of the Phoenix) (57)
  • Lament of the Tired Selectric by Michael B. Smith (65)
  • It's the Moon!?! by R.M. Schutter (66) (art by Miriam Amos)
  • A Portfolio of Illustrative Fantasy Art by Chuck Hart (71)
  • Masque by Donna Chisholm (Dark Shadows) (75)
  • Only in a Fairy Tale by Karen E. Moody (92)
  • C'est La Guerre by Eddie McKnight (95)
  • Ni Var, poem by Gene S. Delpenia (reprinted in Still Another K/S Zine) (96)
  • The Klingon Dictionary - Part IV by M.A. Carson (97)
  • from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

    from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

  • from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

    from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

  • from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

    from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

  • from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

    from issue #5, Michael B. Smith

  • from issue #5, Dawnsinger

    from issue #5, Dawnsinger

  • from issue #5, Julie Lee

    from issue #5, Julie Lee

  • from issue #5, Julie Lee

    from issue #5, Julie Lee

  • from issue #5, Julie Lee

    from issue #5, Julie Lee

  • from issue #5, Chuck Hart

    from issue #5, Chuck Hart

  • from issue #5, Janet Meehan

    from issue #5, Janet Meehan

Special Edition: Echoes from the Past

Echoes from the Past is a Special Edition of "Southern Star."

There was to be a sequel to this novel to be published in 1988 called "Echoes of the Mirror."

References

  1. ^ This is not a fear of heights, but is bigotry.
  2. ^ from Time Warp #1
  3. ^ from a LoC in issue #2
  4. ^ from a LoC in issue #2
  5. ^ from a LoC in issue #2
  6. ^ from a LoC in issue #2
  7. ^ from a LoC in issue #2
  8. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  9. ^ from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  10. ^ Sharon Emily, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  11. ^ Karen Klink, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  12. ^ from Leslie Fish, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  13. ^ Betty G. Herr, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  14. ^ This is not a fear of heights, but is bigotry.
  15. ^ Nadine C., from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  16. ^ Dawn M., from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  17. ^ Collette Blum, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  18. ^ Marie M., from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  19. ^ Kathy Resch, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  20. ^ Mattie Jones, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  21. ^ Judy Ross, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  22. ^ Pat Bradshaw, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #4
  23. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  24. ^ Donna Koich, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  25. ^ Gene S. Delapenia, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  26. ^ Sheila Clark, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  27. ^ Judith Ross, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  28. ^ Anne Marie Kitz, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  29. ^ Kendra Hunter, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  30. ^ Janice K. Hrubes from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  31. ^ Jody Crouse from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
  32. ^ Amy Falkowitz, from a letter of comment in "Southern Star" #5
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