Pilots © Pirate 3 AS 2 Starfighters i2 Custom Freighters (= Ja te] =1 tet 1 a hd EXCLUSIVE! (CaON THE COVER: The Sunshine State's Doug Alexander Gregory (2 guy'sotalented they they had to give him three names) brings a designer's eye to three of the Stak Wass Roleplaying Game's iconic heroes; the Je Guardian, Darn Tavers; the Radian Fringes, Kefko; and the sly Noble, Arani Korden, Catch Aran| in action in the Fast Play Game on page $0.CONTENTS: Fiction 14 Aceeoir ron Your THousurs ee RPG [2 ROGUES Gaueny: Priors TQ Comuuan Excimecnine CORPORATION QB SPCIAL Ons: Prvarece sa Baek 7 EG University oF Sampea Guice To INTELLIGENT LiFé: THE DUROS lr eat atusteows an save mauce 6oO B4 587 80 VOLUME |. NUMBER 2 CHANCE Cune: RANDOM CARGO GENERATOR Adventures: Twe Lamon Heist Snow low Deck Plans ‘THE SHAFT: REBEL SQUADRONS rvcoey HtrWcon (Our Last Hore State of the Arts LucasAnrs Game Previews & STRATEGYt's thesamecld story bn the publish: Ing biz. You try torun a jazzy letters juin, but forthe first couple of issues you put out, noone knowsto write toyou yet. Lucklly,some kind people foresaw the 1nd vrrate to us anyway Mere Ing the fir issue of Sras Wars Gamer mag, Thoughttd I some general thoughts Tlike to see the new RPG take front and center stage fr the magazine. 'm not sure ‘why there would be continued inter 1 adventure game, which serves prima- in tothe more robust RPC. core. While understand that you'll be cov- ‘ting computer and console games a: wel Fidlike tosee those items minimized. Same for the €C6. which Lhave ne interest in, but nunderstand that ithas a place in Anybody Out Send Us a Transmission from Your Corner of the Galaxy zine. Nointerest at No, thank y Stan Wans gat allinnon-gaming Stak Was items, such as the toys, action figures, merchandise, etc Orig: nal fiction would be fine; previews of naw. Nk elstm*ch" on, | do lke the idea of atk Horse comic strip or serialization find their materta to e beof excellent quality. Our GM, infact, used the plotline from Dark Horse Comics 0 Jedi Council series as backdrop toour ppaign, providing a handy hook as for s ing three P gata stack of the recent STAR WAES co they produce (from the Episode lera) and, nations. Rat isset in that given our new campaig ed by the way, the arti ‘on adaption of sali the game; id be highly interested in adap tons of the Dark Horse Comics—both lived. aliens and NPCS. ¢ Well. enough rambling on my part i Thanks for the opportunity to sound off! © ind ian excellent resource, ps oe forissues for t! ‘ vel Co Brian [skort " via internetthere just went out and bought my Sra Wars Roleployi appy t see all the content it ts fort hiss, Grand Adm ards to an idea had about the magazine book that recently hit the shel ndthe Core Rules that viewed the book, Is what twas thinking about reatea pai system to create spacecraft? Basically supplying like maybe ten or sa chassis ships of each class of vessel, and a set 1umber of space points for each chassis and then have things like extra armor, ke to take up space in the chas on-can truly customize a star craft for their characte If this idea interests you, feel free t would ket if you would i eycant game, that way it could become a real first or second m as faras playing a Naboo game or an erpiece Thank ame, but there are hardly any ips inthe book for sale starfighting, Sincerely Hurt Further, theres no way to underst onald J Kiesling viainternet haw to customize a starfigher either. viainternet It's Your Universe That was the message as the doors opened up at Planet Holly: Wood in Seattle on Saturday, November 11,as the World Pre: mier of the new Sra Wes RPG was unveiled. Attending the event was Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Drew Struzan (Core RPG Cover artist) and Adam Hughes (invasion of Theed cover artist. ‘More than 700 people came to see the new Sra Wars RPG. ‘One couple came all the way from Detroit to attend the event. At the main stage. the stars spent the day greeting and ing for the crowds. People stood in lines to play the Sra. Wass Invasion of Theed Adventure Game, The Roleplaying. Game Association (RPGA) was busy answre about their organized play game called Staviesek and his team spent the day answering questions. ‘about the game and the Dao System, Artist Mark Price gave fend to do carkcatures. The Sra Wars Gamer staff n@-questions 1eluvina Foc. Bill up his wee was an hand too, giving away free previews of their first issue. The most asked question of the day:"When can I get my hands on that book?" We hope:yau know by now. & tates 11 ew Serta eter Mayhew and Jae Lid play the new Stas WARS BPC. ‘Wilabe's character tw to the darkside? ewer Bef Fas waited othe chilly ie fr hours outce tos woed etower Dante auhman GMs svaR Wars Gamer 5[Bonatd, you cant help but be overjoyed at ‘this issue, which contains a whole hangar {ull ef new ships for your campaign's heroes and vil immediately to page 36 and begin the enjoyment. Thisarticle actually came to us reversed from our standard way of receving ati- less art frst. Artist Jeff Carlisle sent us a dozen ship designs and asked if we were Interested in using them. We thought for about four seconds before we said, "yes.” But then what to-do with a bunch of coo! pictures of ships? We went te.our man, Owen Stephens, downstairs in RED, wha was working on a secret REO project involving ships at that very moment, And we sald, "Mey ‘Owen, would you be interested in writing ‘up some ship stats that go with these drawings?” “Of course. This looks Ike something 1d do just for fun,” he said. We were very happy with that answer. Then he wrate Imperial Dispatch: all the text just by squinting at the pic- tures and making up stories about what he saw. We're even happier with what he produced, Now Donald, as faras your question about point systems to-create spacecraft. is it possible? Ves, itis, We have the tech- nology. We have the will Will we do Ht? (Ourman, Owen Stephens, downstairs in RED, is being very secretive on the topic. Seat TTT Falling on Defel Ears Dear Gamer, Are you planning to add a new species ‘every monttthat can be used as a char- acter? When will we see statistics for Defels? Thanks. Jason Dean read:"At qth Game Errata level and above, the scout retains his Dex- i terity bonus to Defense (i any) regardless Corrections and of being caught flat-footed or struck bya Clarifications fram hidden stacker” the Siar Wars RPG ei i) Accharacter who has the Run fea! Page t2,under Human ‘makes a running jump check increases Racer template, under Skills the distance or height by one-fourth, not Repair should be +3, not +5. ‘one-third. Page 33, under Sullustan Species Page 82, Survival OC Table _ ‘Traits, under Automaticlanguage ‘The DC for the third entry favoid getting | Add Basic. Jost ...) should be 18, nat 15. Page 34, under Trandoshan Species Teal made Autornatic Language 1111 sete Add Basic. ‘Lona-remm Care: Providing bong-term care means treating an injured character Page 39, right column, for a day or more. If successful, the patient feplace paragraph @with___—_recovers wound points or ability points Dertwse Bonus: The character's bonus to his Defense. Note that this bonus doc: 20t Jost to temporary damage at twice the normal rate (That i, 2 wound points or 2 stack with ary bonuses for armorworn, ability points per day instead of x) You can ‘and that wearing armor penalizes a char- tend wp ta six patients at atime, You need acters speed and certain skill checks ‘common medical supplies ws can be found ‘easily in civilized regions of space. 10. vowume | wummen ‘Actually, we were planning.on aspecies every two moniths since Stat Wass Garter ‘s bimonthly. | think we'l see statistics for Defels when someone writes a startling, true-life account of one young Oefel's attempt to ket affordable eye care in the aftermath of the decentralized health care industry during the first shaky years of the New Republic. Say what you will about his ruthless, tyrannical governance, but when the Emperor was in charge, the trains ran cm time, if you catch my drift, Alternately, you could look for thelr stats in the Denizens of the Galaxy RPG book out later this year (Okay, that’s for letters this sh, You're ‘going ta want to-write in and let us know ‘what you think. Real soon. | mean it..'m not above bribery here,people. Write. & Page 83, let cahurnn, reploce pecmraph 5, 6 8:7 mh Use Mappac: A medpac is a-simple med= ical device that is applied toa wounded of dying character and activated. A medpac restores 1wound point to any wounded character If the character fs dying, the application of a medpac also stablizes the ‘character. The number of wound points restored by a medpar can be increased using the Treat Injury skill, 59 ’ 10.15 2 1519 3 2024 4 356 This application of the Treat Injury skill can't be used untrained. You must have at east rank in the skill to increase the restorative effects of a medpac. A charac- ter can only be healed (have wounds testored) oncein a 24-hour period by a ‘medpac, though the character can be sta~ bilized any number of times. Using a med- pacdepletesits contents (even ifitis only used to stabilize a dying character)Ust Bacra TANK: A specialized medicat tank filled with the miraculous liquid, bacta, promates rapid healing and acts as a powerful disinfectant. When a character has been severely wounded, bacta tank ‘treatment isthe best method for restoring lost wound points. With a successful Treat Injury check anda bacta tank a character recavers wound points at arate af per hour (instead aft per day), Pope 94, under Fightful Presence ‘The DC is "10 plus one-half your level and Charisma modifier," not “10 plus your level and Charisma modifier.” Page 9s, under Heroic Surge Replace the last sentence with the follow ing: "You may use Heroic Surge a number ‘of times per day, based on your character ‘evel but never more than once per round, ssthath level, once pet day; sth-Bth level, twice per day: gth-12th level, three times per day, 13th-16th level, four times per day. mth-aoth level. ive times per day” Any character who has suffered wound damage can benefit from a bacta tank tweatment, but ts miraculous properties are most evident when used on a severely wounded patient, Bacta treatment fs the best method forhealing characters that have suffered massive amounts of wound damage. Patients undergoing bacta tank treat- ment recover wound points at arate per hour instead of per day). Page 124, under Glow Rod The glow rod projects a bearn of ight up ‘to10 meters, not so meters. Page 124 & 125, under Medpac, replaces paragraph 2&3 _ Amedpac restores 1 wound point taany ‘wounded character, Ifthe characteris dying, the apptication of a medpac also “stabilizes the character. The application of a medpac requires a full-round action. if the user has the Treat Injury skill, he of she ‘can heal additional wounds, depending on ‘the result of the skill check (see page 82). medpac can’t restore more wound points than an injured character started with, A character ean anly be healed (have ‘wounds restored) once ina aq-hour period bby amedpac. though the character can be stabilized any number of times. Using 3 imedpac depletes its contents (even if fs ‘only used to stabilize a dying character). Page:125, Table 7-4: Equipment The fusion lantern was let off the ists ahand-held device, larger than a glow sod, that produces light and heat. costs 35 credits and weighs 2 kg. Page 13, left column, replaces the Vitality and Wound Points section Viraurry ano Wouns Poins Vitality points represent your character's ability to turn a diect hitinto a glancing blow oF anear miss. Damage is usually deducted from your vitality points. ‘Wound points represent how much damagea character can take before falling unconscious or dying. Bamage is deducted from your waund points only after you've ‘exhausted your vitality paints of when {you are struck by a critical hit Page 3, fight column, replaces the o Vitality Points ‘ovrrauiry Por, Ifyou run out of vitalty points, you can re longer avoid real damage. Any aéitional damage you receive s deducted from your ‘wound points. Fancuep fyou take any wound damage, you are ‘fatigued. You cannot run or charge, and ‘you suffer an effective penalty of 210 Strength and Dexterity. n addition. each ‘time you take vround damage yost must make a Fortitude saving throw (OC 10) or ‘bestunned for 2d6 rounds ‘Page iri column, seplacesthe Healing Naturally section ‘ou regain wound point foreach day of light activity or rest, For each hour of light activity or rest you regain annumber of vitality points equal to your level.A full jight’s sleep (8 hours) restores al vitality, ‘Svar Wars Gamer Gets You Connected! ‘Want to be up onall the news from the ‘Stax Wars Gamer editors and the RPG's design team? Interested in free game adventures and exclusives? Then it's time ‘you headed avert: wwrw.wirards.com/starwars The official website of the Sue Wars Role. playing Gamel InFebruary and March on the site, you ‘eantry our Character Quick Converter and heck out all-new Rebellion Era Source: ‘book tie-ins. Plus we've stocked the PGA’ Livin Force pages with lots of aline source material, including setting Information, NPCS, guidelines for cam- paign play, Gamemastering tips. details ‘on where to play in your area, and excerpts from the campaign's rulebook, ‘What else have wee got for you? A new original online adventure each month, the latest on upcoming live chats on our site {and transcripts of the ones you missed), access to the Cantina (our in-character chat room).and the weinners of our “What's This Guy's Story?” contest. While you'e checking out the weekly updates on the site, don't miss the maga- zine'sown home page. There you can read ‘our exhaustive Srax Wans games biblio- ‘graphy, find out what class of gameryou are.and even get a sneak peek at issue #3 of Srae Wans Gamer. Open for Business: The Cantina! Celebrate the launch af the Srax Wines Roleplaying Game by making a stopat the Cantina at WIZARDS.COMmunity. This ir character live chat room is the place to be—to interact with other Star Wars char- acters, start up informal games, and cre ate background stories for your new roleplaying characters. This moderated room is open 6 AM. to2 Am. Eastern Standard time and features an associated ‘message board, so youcan communicate Incharacter with other players even when the room is cased. Register fer your screen name now and visit the Cantina at \wwew:wehzards.com/chat. STAR wars GaMen 21Series O1: Pilots ILLUSTRATED BY VINOD RAMS acter portraits aracter lusi Fenig Nabeon let out the anxious breath she'd been holding ‘since Suliust. The galaxy might be going supernova all around ‘them, but the legendary smugglers haven was just as she'd let it. i Well almost. Tonight the airwasas thick with unaccustomed tension asit was with smote, Andous words were exchanged in he wouldn't ave enced updead.on the lor ofan Ord Mantel dozens of languages around crowded tables Even without being «a ‘contina. Maybe if he'd if minded his own business instead of trying able to understand the actual content, Fen had no problem follow to caollaring tempers. Maybe Wshe had eft him alone. Fen ing the tenor ofthe hushed conversations. Her fellow smugglers _clarmped down brutally on that line of thinking. She had learned in ‘were as wored asshe wasand were bolting ke wompratsinto er thirty-three years thal maybes were a angers busines Sil, the closest holes they could find i maybe, { | The desert planet of Socorro dd Ite taal attention tonself “Hos it ally been two geo? Karl asked sc nteenpting er with ts inhospitable climate and vast plains of blackwekcanicash. thoughts We | This was exact wy twas the prefered stot fors0 many, years, four months, six days,” Fen replied staring nto the con the Fringe, Fen ineluded Recep herhands She sauntered over to the bar and tapped the shoulder oft | | Kar affectionately brushed away a strand of rut-brown hai that fothan siting on het favorite stok Fen erie her head tothe ight. had escaped the ie tthe back of Fen'sneck “He's loking for you” and the Bothan quickly gathered upher drink andstinked away. he sa, with a nod in the direction of man iting alone ata pre- Pulling herself up on the seat and resting her elbawes on the 9 miumcomer table, | sighed cantentedly as she examined the hundreds ofoddly shaped eo nks."Fen collected her drink and climbed to her feet. She and brightly colored bottles lining the wal. eae thought about bringing 3 ae ag bl rt feel Proprietor claimed to have the most impressive collection of intox- ‘he needed with this tent were sharp wits anda credit tne. cantsin the galaxy. ) peterpan) Ulta you hear?” “Wey. Mabon, the bartender growed as he lined her up with a Karl alled ashe moved toward a pair of Duros waiting impatiently shot of Corel’ iest then poured one for himselt"What doyou_a few sons down "Im coming. Frncoming| Where's that rusted thinkyoute doing chasing away the paying customerst™ of mine’ “ala settiemy ab Kanshepotestedvathmockidlgna- encoun ight Bock asmallemie a she watched the paying. tion, and then smiled affectionately at the man eI had beenene ‘man wor hs way down the Bor pouring an! aking. making sre cof ier adoptive fathers best friends. Hk | everyone Felt welcome and important. With a shake of her head, she read 1 glasses and to gto “turned ber at wines. See TUT Ttsesee et el Pe eet “Toe Fenepented,her voce abithaarse, took the invtation and sa faking lah har dark es andthe They sipped their drinks and satin contemplative sil _way his arm was slung casually 3104s the back of the empty chair thei custom, FarFen the absence ofthe man wha h “next toi. He met her gaze evenly; saying thing about how the asa child froma life of poverty and petty crime ont y he'd hired hex fr ad dropped her right into the mi Coronet was still a huge, aching hole. she knew Kar the febel armada ust before they jumped to End. He'd oss; he and Jett had been friends for four decades. Karl re n they were massing there. He just had to have known. tried to lure his fellow Coretin into “retiring” an Saco nit Jett simpy hadr't been ead to leave the skies. Maybe if he had Hl f i i (eran wars cameraL BAHIA WH EV CREBIT EE srasnane EE HOD GI “set, but thanks.” ‘the Jedi and what it could mean to Wain: : ‘i ‘ talaxy hho Kade dropped his sald blandly. | He TT i Fen reached into one of the ma i ink hI ] Hi { | ‘irew out a datapod. She pushed a |The words hung heavy bet sn them while Fn digested that foilpabdijagcng ete Hi Leese enor ‘auld it take to rattle him? Perhaps the three te anaes noted with annarrance. Part of her wanted to ih the al: Anowing Karrde was id what his fain as ue Sed. von, site| nsfered ten thousand into account pls ree thodsand fer the unexpected company” “Fem frowned. How did he always seem t0 anticipate her every eee if if she'aboen too young know better id Faking a disinterested shrug. ae budget Fernoed she wos good at what ec ea | "So Marre echoed. i este sapped it wo i" ‘chan f sel anthing new tee eres what “perhaps,” Kare allowed, his eer ini from either” she: ot count armor and the body inside it" Fennadded, the truth of Se ‘blood bath," she concluded reliable operators too."On time aod under Talon Katrde was pretty goods reminded him, lass letting Deana ad : badforasingle edi? ‘cee 'ah i Hi nM WAH N Ji ALLL i ) } ee il fl sein err lest be sro tng Ht _reestablshing Jel Orde? Kaide pressed" once des tat Inthe interest of generosity and information ga By | Keg eae nana PMMA TT} “tm looking fora base to headquarter my operat ‘Me drew a data disk from the pocket af his black fe sliditacrossthetable, n hereaice b iil heen fn a) | H Ah AT di hi nth os itascearstel barter tng, Wasnt Te te baveret Hines iin i ii i HH EAT REAM AeEl onenit gg n- HADUSINTS Fen slapped the table and forced a ‘smile.“Space, Karrde. wish thad.a legion pricier lls a ayn wrong.” TSR aeL REL an ear! merely have an incomplete picture of the situation. Only time wll prove wiich of us has the better information.” Ta RE ap ate eat Beso lt pai shad eke ge eevee e aac ef what to make of all this." Her mark is a friend of yours?” she said, ‘taking Karrde’s interest as a chance ta get off the topic of the Jedi, “His name is Aves,” Karrde affirmed, very quietly. “He Is ane of my newer people.” patosendpaietoe yu.) ULI dered how this annaying woman had managed to get teScarro sod seca io topen subsea tenes atone ioe ances epee canto and before that, on Abregado Rae. It was high time for Fen to find casas ae aed Crea pact Ae BM gpd mug edie eraree See euane auouanmomanteie chs Dep heaton capensis ea Ing my people.” Tea atu ee Heboiedat bean ese SECA temo KCRG Serene ‘Coruscanti can in designer wear?” Coaeah Loe eae eu ree eh Ts oe gar eat a lel Mii Tr ee al a MUA MU Tse aden ti era ee Ble imei eed esis ee mepoicner a Se meee ee ee ea Fen had two methods of barging uninvited into canversations, ‘With her subtie approach, she actually used words first, “Good: cerns REL GRR ae PKA cebuenee Sree sean Ga Man at "When banthas fly, Aves.” Fen jerked her head back toward Kar. Ps iii renter et ome Ae Le ner UO out red el earigatBe ee eae iar Toscas ete 1B vowme t muwner 2 oaring in a dozen languages, fifty anx- ious smuggler scum . .. surged up like a dirty, debris-laden tide. Sie glanced up inte the basting face of Gecee, acran Fen about as much fun as Tatooine parasites... but bigger fen had made 9 point of avoiding him ever since she started taking his business “Came on, Gecee.”Fen replied, shrugging his hand ava. "I's not my ‘aul that fnbba wanted a smuggler who could actually operate a ay computer” The Gran pointed a fat fingerin her face and growted, "1 deat ‘vith you lter"He knocked hes roughly aside clearing a path straight fox Dogger. Dogder answered Gecee' challenge in acontemptuous, aristo atic voice that shied through the hum af the tavern. “I should think you'd be too embarrassed to return here” “Embarrassed?” Gecee's three eye stalks swayed menacingly Fen felt the othe activity in the trvem grind to astop as everyone tensed to watch the unfolding spectacle ‘The con didn't even bother to mace from her barstook. The Gran took anather step and towered over her. "The cade you sol me brought apatrol down on us the minute we broke into Kuit” Dogster reached for her glass and took sip “And only a fool would have estered imperial space with an untested recognition ‘ode for which he pald only two hundred credits” Fen choked back the guffaw, Gecee wasn't the sharpest toot on the belt. Others weren't sopplite but then they wen't within ‘swinging distance etter. The tavern tours into raucous laughter that had 8 slightly hysterical edge. Stil, Bogder ad to be dumber than Gecee to-cheat a riatk. return to ‘the scene, and then publicly taumt him. The Gran evidently thought 30 too. He roared furiously and raised his hhand, looking to swipe Doger off the barstool as ifshe were a bug, Fen snapped upa bottle off the bar and smashed i aver Gecee's hhead He exumpled tothe floor Fen slowly turmed back to Dogdes. Justin time to duck as a barstool sited overhead The cash of the stool meeting a crowded table was the spark ignitingthe smoldeting tension of the bar Roaring in a dozer lan ‘guages. fifty anxious smuggler scum, most af them pretty good {lends of hers surged up tie a dirty, debris-taden tide. With adeep breath, Fen thanked the stars she'd ha aif drink-—it would dull the pain, but not her reflexes. fore she could even stride into the fray. hand grabbed tet an. Human, instinct told her Fen pivoted hard, ducking her head 10 the side His fist sailed over her shoulder. Sve grabbed her assailants fightsult and swung him out of the uray, Fen tuened back atound just i tine for he lueleto un out, Some- ‘one grabbed her from behind, and serung 30 fast. she didn’t hae the time to duck. Her head snapped back asa fist of fur smacked Into her chin, Fung back, she could atleast wind up far the return. Baling her Jeft hand and putting muscle from years of hauling cargo pallets. Intoit she swung up and landed a really sweet punch right intathe Gotal’sjave Fenwwinced as she got a better look at worn she had jst hither around. Al Fen caught was a shock yes then apa of ips landed on her own by ear a harsh ata) il tne nd stents cheno 1 massa | peepee ut back. The part of career. she to "Maybe she fe ni | — UE © Come on, Kar:*she se light, it was about the release rites ae ner | i (lt Hi Jof the Fringe hierarchy. After tak- Areally ‘smile slowly SRS 1g by the lop. orients able, ail about catharsis. And it “Kate paid down his crear bar bis simile got bigger and Fen fought the u sald you owed him ity and would coves rf a | Good thing there weren't amy bugs on her right aniethe momentum mouth, Galling a twas Fem kn ‘torso. With Radet’s Duros ptys- Caras ineegicton et ir him, Too bad it didn't do that. only worth fifty specially at pre-Col in two abore ight speed reflees. Even the glorious boties ining Archer's ised leg and flpped her to the fioor pain. Wit Seco a a any eye FWha’s mytotah Ka fe } shot reverberated through the tavern, perecty aimed _"Fourhundred.” the barkec replied nd i were i | i he brow, but not the rot. Every being int _pintinre Cases rw pon frozen mis pur 1 Two Rodi im Al __mitionless each with long fingers lacked around the other's throat, EU ade HEA LAAT iatpware i space take the gota i oreo Ance lone enh 9 ood candidates for venting her f _Black Dust to the Soco-Jarel Spa _ Kick roc ijt kick me bac buat Fem resisted th Oa the mide of things? Gecee had never forgiven her for taking away, | customets who preferred a hauler who didnt lose, drink, oF steal Baia ce red overt sromna-can, ieee area ocean ts breath and glanced up! the ships ct bright fines in the ‘on, ec eee! night sky. Same of her frustration ebbed. Eyes fixed above. Fen \grabbeditand sid it down to. stumbled and neatly fel ower arock in the road Now they weren't i ven wating for her otek them.“The port's exterior anding path were Alesana | sr HNTUSHTS Zoe Jove Fen usualy cocked isis the port. priviloge that cometh beinga good customer for bwemty years who had degen contracts an tippes woe | But, Wie every other smuggic bolt hole Soco-Larl ‘a ifn well past capacity. Mot tha! it mattered. Fon cons desed ren. There cht appear to be an Fpire to wsue8 fine onyway. The frst ship loonjed Hoses and Fen pulled her hands out of her Pockets, Gecee's palmer lurcleg argprncre itwauld Heb be here Weavingthiough the outer berths trmad the Lody, she ‘apprnached every extinded rampand pile of cargo cautiocsty, sourring they could cores! er armbush, She kept amiear cocked for tHe whine ofsaroops shat might signalan attack. ‘When the shir finly care into wiews fen avhintied With rete. She had left the-tody’s running lamips on and the ¥T sat gracefully and alene, ina pool at yetlow light. Fer automaticaly counted autth= eleven rungs up theramp to the side port side hatch, She glanced afaund, but no ene had fol lowed he: Soe thought theareavsa lyivas asdevertedasit ‘teemed tobe Beaching to the searmiwiere the hatch met the rar, her fingers ‘ound the thin pa she ac! wedged there eforeteavng fr the tay~ ‘em. The pin was here, bat — Fens hand we at to her blaster asthe thoughts loved faster ‘than her compe yension of any singe one. With enougt timeand viocsly been in someone's sightsbeto®. Dogue cic the glss tathe tables eige.but Fer wasn taking it vou ve gat real dangerous way of getting a person attention.” ‘Thecan shrugged and tock » sip of her beady "Its efectve and sch proven fatal” “Yet. Fen watned, fearing one-shot der agama the bu kad, blaster restingat herside. “Vatshed ta thankyou or ext eating me fom tat mess” Dogder finaly told fe. “tm only interested in the apologies that come wih corpo: Uonaitachedto them,"Fen retorted “1woUld lie {repay you" Dogger be pars Fer cur her of “Six hordes il cove i” Dopde scrunched her Face. “Howdo you fgore that three hundred ard "ily te Ancher For the damage. Another tty, tocaver someon bar ai” “what abaut the last two hundred?" Bogder queried She wet tured to. pocket of het coat and Fe nodded. "The eat is for moe poi and suferirg” Dogue slowly withikew fistiloFereits andbeagan counting. them out onthe Labi. “Ae loued arty is wal ent ttt pain apd ‘suflerng damages under Socorran a" "That's not aaveblem,"Fen ascuord her“ just haul you tothe nearest systent that does ‘The tiny con artist looked upfrom tive Ren frentof her anc arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow."Orhillne nd take whatever raves replied mildly, ‘arnnacdded, Wy di hss worn it wpe prowsding el suggestions for her an demise? Dogder eetwmned Lots cideulotion§ setting out fourhundred, She Sid the credits overtook Fens urtouched dink a the table's ede Ne time ike the presetito psy up.the res and pet of hy shin” Fen told her. ah, do sit down, fan” Dogdersaid “You ave spoting my drink just slap ding there slorering” ies my drink" Fen perlindes ee “ax tulitia abo of port” the griter mu mured, glancing atthe rots she gel be d. she troames rot iting someth ng she saw hili 14 i i | “becuse me?" Fen stammered.although she was very familiar withthe Old Corellian proverb, Dogder looked up. quzzcal expression crossing her fice "Chaos ‘opens the door to opportunity” she repeated in Basi.“1had thought you'd be familiar with the phrase: “Lam, Fen assured het." just surprised you are” *What kind of provincial ; f reachedint a pocket.rturing the cid and removed a mall le “she turned her attention to a fingernail that had apparently per- turbed hee“My points that aut ofthe chaos of Jabba's death and the Rebel victory portunities are arising even as we—"she paused pointedly. before amending, “even as drink” Fen ignored the obvious station, but was interested enough to \isten towhat the con had gone to all this trouble to say. She hot stered her blaster 2s an overture to encourage Doge total. t worked, “Sait cigs hse wt sen Bening ook tee opportunities." Dogder continued. “Like taking the opportunity to pay me before | just take what ever youve got ftom your broken and bleeding body?” Ere eee eae ete ash you ahunded—" "ecm tw hn od another twenty-five fyouheep inking my Corea” Dogder waved her nal file ipa tienty "tell pay you what | possess coryou can take the opportunity and seal have borpetbing muchirnone Vaabletoyouy uke whatt® “Value depends on need What do b youneed?™ Peace, inner nd 3 fll bottie of Reserve," Fen told her, poling tefl ep bate | "AI hese can be acquited easily, then” "Is that 50?” Fen macked, ee alier harmony follow consumption of ful botle of rv Doperbithely assured he. "Tae cole Hina baeke prawn ata bottle of Reserve fs called a hangover” Dogier nodded light conceding the poi. "Se apart frm lnner peace, harmary. and a Corelian, what do you need?” Fen glanced atthe con, worrying he lowe lip between her teeth, (Dogder wat showing some unexpected talents, Maybe... before she ould think about it too much, Fen slipped ito her seat. “Asit happens Fen hesitated, searching forthe words Ing fora vacation property” “A vacation property egies ay. AW Fen nodded, HA Dogier looked down and began working gently on another nai “What are your requirements?" Fen put the sound of ashiug into her words, wanting to see thom Dogs wou play this “The sual Not to eof hey. Caliaed. HEMI | ji his death if wi hose of us in Jabba's ine of work should take a lesson from to end up the same way.” “How big?” Dogder asked blandly. I *Sralish nw but with rom for expansion’ Thinking about kartdes specs, Fen added, "tots of expansion” ‘abbas ne anda Botha sfeause ten what ‘woul your ideal vacation home ba” k fein gh nel way dese he pacarttr of ery and security Dogder understood exactly what Fen was seeking on behalf of tarde, | “atwelve” Fen told he Dojgtertooka miniscule sip of her drink. “So far youve described 3 oat pees which might Serve Can you ie me anything more specific?” if Fen wanted Bogderto do the worker. “ikewhat?™ One of Dogdersjngting bracelets clangedon the game table. she returned to her nail file. Fen had figured out that the woman ‘wasn't actually drinking and wasr't doing anything te her finger- nallseither 1 fi “Those of us in abbas line of work should take alesson from his death if wedon't want tond up the same way” Dogder spoke so. dryly Talon Karrde could have taught her the tone."In my opinion, Smee srulgler shod be laeig for 8 bacation bonne fr my “framtheledi® ‘Now it was feis tmnt bia took some effort. How Dogder had found out, she couldn't ymagine, But the con was deserving of even more consideration than Fen had been gi ‘ng hee. “who said anything about dan Wert ee TTL Ghitsa Dogder pursed her lips. Turning i hee sea, she dropped the nail file back into her pocket. "I've already had this conversation with beings who possess similar aco son Thanks for the dink” Her voice was lipped. see inyself out ae ll Fen watched her go, not quite believing that the infornation she ceded could really just deop out ofthe firmament i this In Fen's ‘experience the only things that fel out ofthe sky were things you ‘didn't want hitting you. Asteroids and, uae sprang tomind imine ‘lately Stil if there was even @ chance .. 1 Fen scrambled to her feet and ran to the hatch befare she could reconsider. By the time she caught uptoher outside the ship. DDogder hadone foot on the ramp and one on the Landing pad. "Walt Fen called fom the top of the ramp. The con turned slowly around, “I might be interested in a such a place,” Fen sal any suggestions?” i if _“imight or know someone who ies, Doge alowed stepping backon to the ramp, "Do know this person?”Fen knew her eager tone canceled aut ‘he way she nonchalantly leaned against the side ofthe hatch, Dogder made msound that might have been a snort af disdain, “Yim hardly going to tell you that, Fen.” “Maybe youl elt me” Atthe fist word, en went for her blaster but knew twas Doyouhave | STAR WARS camen ZRCe ec blasterat her eet bral, he mage up fr instraight shooting. ALIS, Site scout ws Cs eet el eran cee lowly eae to the bottom ofthe amp. Tals the BasTeh cout Nabon, "he ordered. en mentally ticked off the alterna to jump. She was standing on the ramp, undera running light, and ‘was elevated, giving Gecee.a nice bright target.tn other words,she was more than a card short of sabocc.Fen gently set her blaster downontheramp Kick over the side,” Gecee spit 0 ick he blaster? Was he crazy? No, Fen amended. The Gran was, ‘a8 Karrde would say, negotiating from a position of strength. ‘Gecee worlly began climbing up the amp idling up on Dogders right he seized the con's elbow in his left hand. The blaster in his right never wavered. Fen cringed. knowing how that kind of grip ould hut but Copder didnt even seemto notice, Donde ged a thetngers cashing her Gece was too far away "You are ] i could feet the rumble of the swoopy repli: reverberate her aaots She hazarded a peek from behind the ramp, Blue bls steer et ET "dropped by forcafand biscuits, nforwncanein nn esate bh dr, repeating baste | “Fen knew the riders wese me red wily and grit exploded round her. More bls Bunedinto the ramp She did't want toil hugs over aba fight but that repeating blaster wasalmost enough female Fen eget he good manners St, Fem dit want a Soman death mark any move than Dogéerdid. nth Dogder i Where ho se gone? Fen eta ckked bcd The con ha darted nto te hip the moment theydheardthe swoops. Dogder wasn going use the Ladys guns otake out the warinkling my sult” | swoops, but why didn't she put down enough cover fire for Fen to ‘He huffed scomfully and yanked. i 14| "tun back int the ship? Why was pried ten when Deer 0h Il she needed were a tiie pert heelscaught inthe ramp. The con few seconds in the ‘unm personality and a Blastech set slumped over and Gecee groped on ston? ras cle clear. Glancing around, i essence ‘ping down, Weforee could pull them upright, Dgder ashe out with ‘one hand and yanked on Gece eat Witha strangled whimper. the Gam went down as hard as anon ued astromech Fen jmpes forward swallowing her momentary panic. "You die It him did your” she exclaimed, kneeling bythe Gran, “On Socorra?" Doge scoffed. She bent down next taFen."| have rithera deathwishinor a desire to put abaunty on my own head by tating a smuggler stupid though hei "Gece 3s out ke a dead stay but stil breathing “What did you do?” Fen asked | “The Gran equivalent of a Gotal headcone twist," Dogder explained was mit tidkto remember. “H that hart worked, he would have shot me," Fn felt it important to mention ‘Doger shrugged and together they raid Gacee to the ramps calge "it worked, and f ithadet, you would have jumped of the ‘amp before he started shooting” “Net time, | decide anything involving shooting “The thud of the Gran hiteg the ground punctuated Fens remark. "Gece, you there?” The disembodied vole crackled twrough the right ar Fen met Dogder'seyesand saw the same feeling reflected there Femlcapt tothe ground but before she could deactivate Gecees comlin, she beard the dreaded racket of incoming swoops, Snatch ing her blaster, Fen dove under the ramp. One breath later, the swoops roared in,kicking sand allover the landing pad, 2Z vowume! nummer 2 Fen looked for a distraction. firing up answered these questions. last There’ no way that on is steal { ing my shipt [All she needed were afew seconds inthe clear Glancing around, Fen looked for a distraction, Her eyes landed on the tow cable ned- tle embeded in the side of th ship just tthe side ofthe ram. Frjghters sed the power magnet andcabl tachment tobad cargo barges Fen grabbed a handful of sand and tc Routvomnate ‘romp. Laser blasts singed the groundand int the vibrat- Ing ship Seizing rock, Fer chal he oars categek onchedthe power pac “The explosive bangsplt through the roarof the swoops.The tow cable shot out tom the spat ling speed Fen whipped ‘around to look but wasn't fast enough to see the cable's magnetic hhaok smash into the nearest durasteclobject—the two-seater swoop She heard 2 metalicshriek and another crash asa second swoop snarledin the tow cable strung between the Lady and the two-seater. | ANE ‘That moment of chaos was ail Fen needed. She rolled out from beneath the ramp, dashed into the ship. and slapped he hand ‘cross the control panel. the hatch snapped shut. Fen bolted dawn the passageway and headed fore she'd evict DBogder from the cockpit an flush her out the 2ittock later. Now, It ‘was time to get out of there. She burst into the cockpit and choked ‘on the angry yell The pilot’ chair was empty. “Are you going to stand there il day?" crisp voice called from the co-llt’sseat,Fen tured to her, ejen- mouthed. The grifter vas strapped safely into her seat, filinga nail Before Fen could reply. the ship shook slightly The Lady could handle simple blaster fire, but Fen. wasnt going to wait around forthe bigger guns to show up, she ‘vaulted into her own seat and engaged the thrusters."Why did't ‘you cover me wath the guns?” Fen derwanded, sparing a sour glance toward Dogder. Dox ger shrugged. not even looking up fromm her nails. "You told Ime you were to make all decisions involving shooting” Sefore Fen could sputter an indignant reply, the ship rocked agen, "Persistent Ite pest,"she swore under her breath as she cased inthe repulsolifis. ‘The gang scattered and Fen released the tow cable. Unencurn- bered by dangling swoops, the Lod}-climbed gracefully upward. Fen thumbed the corn switch justin time to hear Might control ‘33k,"What inthe galay are you doing. Fen?” Fen smiled She and Shind went wary back and the Socorran con- troller would be sure to give hera hand now. "tannoyed Gece and his pass | decided tocar out before they put afew nicks inthe ady’enew pairn job” \aughter echoed through the speaker "You're areal diplomat, net “Yeah, Shind, tn aregular Organa,”"Fen snorted, “Sit tight up there: Let me see iftcanjugele afew ships and get you outta here before that crazy Gran its hit own ship” “Id appreciate It” Fen switched the conv to standby and settled back ta walt. Dodger continued to fle her nail calmly, seeming con- tent to wait for Fen tospeak. “Aves wassmever your mark wars he?” Fen finally asked “Nahe wasn't,” Dogder replied, frowning at her handiwork, Fen ran ahand serass her mouth, not liking the answer of the Implication of wha Bogderstanget had been. but it made sense. Dogser had been trailing her atleast since Sullust looking for an ‘opening to make her offer “Why di you approach me about this, Property?” “To showy gratitude and make amends” Dogder suggested. Fen laughed loud "Yeah, right: And Rebelion will win the." She ‘choked on the words, the enormity oft hitting her again My sual client doesn't have the vision to see that new precau- ‘ons are in order considering recent events,” Dogder eventually said returning her fle to her packet. (xd that-a smal time operator like Gogder and an ambitious ‘smuggler like Kade were both worried about the same thing ‘Maybe she-was stil ust trying to convince herself but Fen repeated hat she hal told Kare, “Skywalker is just ene Jet” One Jedi who took out the Emperor, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and ‘actiminal organization that was.centuries od. kmagine what more of them might do" Doge sighed and stared out atthe Socorran stars. "Jed protect the galaxy from people like us. knew couldn't, be the only whois concerned.” "So, you came to me thinking | might have customers who have ‘more vision than yours do?” Fen asked. "\ did my homework." Dogcer responded, with a hint of pride"! know youd” ‘Someone lke Dogder wouldn't put out this kind of effort I she didn't think there was big score behind it realy big score, Fer glanced atthe coordinates Doge had already programmed into the navicomputer “so what's on Covel?” Doge's eyes narrowed. “information costs money, Fen” "You're stillin the ole and a card short, Dogue." Fen countered, “efor we go anywhere, | want ta know what wire going for” “An old smuggler.” Doger finally conceded. “Every lead begins there.“Fen scoffed “Tell me something don't already know "An old smuggler” Dogder hesitated, then finished, “and his pet.” "Pet?" Fen echoed, suddenty rethinking the airlock option, but DDogder was nodding very seriously. “The spacer told me about asmall rodent called an ysalamin* “Yeeata what?” ~Ysalamin, They are stupid and smelly, and the only thing they are good for is repelling Jed” Fen snorted again in disgusted dlsbetiet.*Frn having hard time believing thata rodent could stop what Boba Fett and Darth Vader couldnt” (Oddly, Dogder didn't rise tot. She just nodded, "As do But my ‘contact really believed it: And he was old enough to have remem bbered the days when we needed to be able to repel edi" She spread Iher perfect manicure out over the console.“ have afew other leads, ‘but Ifyou have a cent looking fora possible Jed proof base, we ‘ted to find where ysalamil come from before someone else does” The comm came to life again. “Okay, Fee,"the port cantroller announced, "You're clear after the Hornet interceptor. And Gecee willbe facing.a customs inspection.” Fen smiled and flipped the swtch back on." owe yous” “You know my favorite compensation,” Shind replied fondly. “Neat time there'll be axcase of Chadian rum in my hold just For you," Fen promised “Thanks again, Shine” “clear skies, Fen “The chanel closed, stranding the cockpit imam uneasy silence Fen mentally counted her catds again and made het offer. "After {ight costs. if your information pans out, we split the commission, seventy. thirty” Dogder smiled thinly "Mow wery generous of you "get the seventy” Fen corrected, pointing at het own chest with her thumb to emphasize the point. Doge frowned."That hardly seems flr Its afterall my lead “Fyou coat kei, the escape pods in the back."Fen smirked “and this. one time deal. As soon 3s weére done, drop you at the nearest space port.” ‘Dogder furrovied her brow and pursed her lips. The con magea show of consideration. but she didn't have many athe options They both knew it. fen watched the Homet blink into the void, It was now or never “Sint, forty,” Fen said. “That's my final oer "Deal," Dogder finally conceded, extending a hand, pales up. Fen slapped hers across it Thele bargain seated. Fen pulled back the lever and the Star tady rocketed them into hyperspace. £ STAR WARS aawen 28rE MO NS TER BY DANIEL WALLACE HLLUSTRATED BY OLE SORENSEN the monster was about to uncovera secret, but it did not know. ‘The monster hung suspended in space, blue-block \nfinity in every direction, But it was not in space, The monster swept its fleshy tail and tucked its legs agains its bodyas it rose ‘through the water column, The monster was huge. Despite the absence af @ backdrop to ‘ve comparative cues immense power was evident in the span of its shoulders and the clamp of ts averbiting jaw. The monster hod the supple body of a tusk-cat and the snaky neck of an cet. Its great sie made it eppeor even more a creature-of the vacuum, for itscemed impossible that Naboo’ oceans could harbor such a feviathan. \Uthad lived for centuries, ruling the kingdoms of the deep with the lary disdain of absolute power. The revevent whisperersof the surface—mere dirt-dwellers—colled ita sando aqua monster. ‘Buteven the mightiest fortifications ultimately crumble. Upon closer examination it was clear that the monster: pupils were ‘milky with age. ts libs twitched with fnvoduntaily tic. Is gs ‘were frayed lke tattered lace. The monster was dying. ‘Apair of opee sea killers all eyes and teeth swam up fom the blue Seduced by the stink of death, the two crabike fish jetted for wand, mouths wide and bristling. The two 9pees tipped bits of flesh from the mansters lanka the predator suddenly became the prey. Too weary to ight back against these nimble enemies, the mon ster pumped its massive tal Itquiclyrose up ane away. The dogged opees clung tothe ta ther noses sampling thetbon of blood leaking from the monsters lank ‘The monster was higher now. Fingers of white ight stabbed dover from above. A thick school.of daggert broke apart in the mon: ster's bow wave like wind-scattered steam, (One opee swam clase and spat out its sticky capture-tongue. An Instant later, the monster’ tall swept back in mid.strake, bashing the smaller fish on the side of the head, The dead opee sank belly: Up into the dark waters below ‘The second opee stuck to the hunt, drafting in the monster's wake: They swam above a raw of rocky columns that guarded an. underwater landscape of peaks and pits. rifting curtains of green ‘gle caught the light from above and sparkled as if they had been “united from emeratds The opee sweam high then jetted down like a dive-bombing bird, tearing loose a plece of the monster's back. The monster's booming ‘xy would echo halfway across the ocean before it dissipated, Blinded with rage and pain, the monster thrashed upwards with del Iwas quite surprised when it breached the surface. The monster sailed through the alt, wet skin glistening. Falling was arate sensation for it. Landing hard on a sold plane was an utterly navel one. Eighteen hundred tons of flesh init the beach with a brain-split- ting thud. Bones snapped lke twigs under a soggy blanket. ‘Stunned, the monster sucked unfamiliar airdleep inta its com- ‘pound lungs. it pawed at the sand with ts front claws. but could ‘not move itself The monster had always been a creature of mystery and menace. Now it eas helpless. Yet something else was visible where the monster had scraped ‘away the sand. Deep in the ground, bright against the black bedrock, the slver of scratched durastee!glinted in the morning sun, ‘Thecreature of myth had revealed a air of shadows. Neither one had ever been seen by outsiders, ‘Before the day was done, that would change. us effort 200“Panakal | see hien!™ ‘The call broadcast tinny intieutenant Panaka’s ear through his helmet-mounted comlink. Heavy running steps thudded on the flaor above Panala's hhead, accompanied by the unmistakable brapp brapp ofa baster pistol Panaka swore silently They were supposed tocapture the "suspect, not kil hi. Baly knew hee training better than that Panaka eased farther down the rickety wooden statcace, strug: fling to seein the darknessof the perfume cellar. Now thatthe it- ation had degenerated into a freight, he regretted not being Upstairs toact as Blaly’s backup. But it had been his decsion to split LUpand herd the target intoan ambush. The tactichad been dled inte-him at the Trackers Gull of Tolan by adisciplined Zabrak he stil memembered with respect, Panaka hated to think the tactic might be flawed. No.he thought, the tactic is sound. ft fal tis ‘only because | have erred in applying it Panaka’s boots touched softlyon the staircase. The leather of his Royal Security Force uniform creaked as he brought his $5 blaster pistol up under his right ear. Upstalts, things had had gone erly silent. He considered comlinking Bialy but didn’t want to disrupt whatever advantage the silence might afford. From above came a crash, a thump, a panicked cormlinkcall~ “Panaka, he's coming, he's coming” and heavy slapping footfalls on the floorboards. Panaka brought his blaster to bear on the cl lar door atthe topof the stairs. His index finger hovered over the trigger for the anaesthetic dart shooter, ‘The sheer violence of the impact amazed him. With a terific smash the door flew of its hinges, Panaka dropped face down on the stars and brought his arm up over his head just asthe door {ell on top of him. The crushing weight of a body landed atop the ‘door, then suddenly sprang off Panaka grunted in pain at the ‘squeeze, then shoved the doo’ off the side of the stars. He pulled hinvself inte a crouch, gun in hand The door hit the cellar floor with a atten, “There was no sign of the suspect. The cellar af the Port Landen Perfumery was dark, with many concealed comers among the head- high bottle racks, But like all perfurneies, this basement was quipped with a drainage trough—it was how Panaka had entered the room inthe fist place to set up his ambush fhe dit reach the trough before his quay the runner vas as good as gone. ‘Panaka jumped off the side ofthe staircase, Holding his blaster Inoth hands he advanced quickly through the racks of ripening fragrances. He was halfway to the drainage trough when the attack came, As ‘he passed an alcove formed by three intersecting racks, what could ‘have been mistaken fora pile of rags on the stone floor suddenly ‘Brew long arms with crooked fingers. Springing from is fetal ‘crouch, aGungan launched itself at his chest Panaka swrung his pistol around, but the Gungan took hold of Panaka's wrists before he could bring his weapon toibear, Parka {ell backward, retaxing his body in mid-fall He hoped to pull the ‘Gungan into a ip, but unexpectedly crashed against a perfume rack Broken glass and pungent liquid rained on him as hestid to the floor ‘The Gungan, striking brown and yellow stripes defining his wiry E TER 26 vowue | numocn 2 physique, smasived Panaka’s wrists against the cold floor The 5:5 skidded out af reach. The two opponents grappled in a floor tangle, ‘muscles straining for leverage. Panaka suey pulled his eft Nand Inand threw is weight over tothe same side, iggerng all that Jef him on top and the Gungan underneath Despite the advantage he sil could notre hs arm roms attache wiceke camp. anoka knew Gungans were strang. This onewas apparent stronger than most. His wrists popped asthe radius andl ulna round together Fanaka’s face vasa misshopen mask of strain and Suffering, The Gungan grimaced right back at him. hake faces were ‘ete centimeters apart. ‘With awet crac, the Gungan’s prchenile tongue exploded out- wards smacked Panaa's nose with an agonizing Snap and briskly wnthdren- A second lighting jab swatte the sot flesh beneath Pana’ lf eve, aking 2plece of kin with it. ‘The third tongue jb hit Pa mak’ eft eyeball and struck thee. The Gungan seeing the adhesive had set baganto suck ts tongue backint its mouth. fanaka dd the ony thing he could uring his head forward with all isstrengthslomming straight into the Gungan's snout. The force of the headbutt squashed the Cunganis elastic fda catiage forcing the top teeth against the bottom row with aloud snap. The tongue was caughtin the middle. The Gunga howled poi. anata slammed his head forward a second time, knocking his attacker right beturen the eyestals, The Cungan relaxed his grip as his body ent limp. Holding one hand over thicbbing ey, Pamala slowly sa Up. fchind him came the racket of Biay descending the sar. Bits of broken transparistee! ay strewe across the floor ikea minefield of eA lake of perfume pooled around his knees. Panaka ‘wrinkled his noge at the smel,and was rewarded with afresh trickle of blood from his nostis They nabbed their target. but for now alPanaka could think about was a bandage and a shower: e00 Sergeant Bly loaded the groggy Gungam into the back af the Flash speeder and secured him with restraint webbing. Electronicshack- Jes hobbled the suspect at his ankles and wrists Panaka had hoped the freshness of day would cheer him up. but the morning sun ony iritated his swelling eye while the heat brought out the stink of perfume i waves that made him ight: headed. The scents he was wearing on his Royal Security Force uni- ‘orm would have cost a monarch’ riches if purchased indlviually, ‘or the people of Naboo coveted perfumes in the manner wath ‘which other cules valued fine wines, But the perfurney/'s care ‘uly. crafted aromas of musk and milloflower were now dried ina “Single sticky mix across Panaka's leather erkin, exuding an unger "fable bur definitely unpleasant scent. Bialy pulled off her helmet ané wiped one hand aver her fore head a3 she walked over to Panaia. “Think we shovld get back to “Theed? Wele staring to attract an audience” Panaka glanced up. The Port Landien Perfumery was located inthe tovin’s sparsely populated outskirts but a farmer was leading asmallbay by the hand over the nearest hil undoubtedly to catch a glimpse ofthis unusual criminal Panaka frowned. He was a Royal Security Force office, not a carnival barker. anaka climbed behind the steering yoke ofthe speeder and fired up the engines. The ‘moment Bialyjored him in the shotgun seat, he jammed the accel ‘erator and bounced onte the dirt road witha puff of dust. The wind of their passage helped stripaway the recking bow 4quet that clung to im Panaka looked back. Their prisoner was sglumly surveying the scenery. "You think he had an accomplice?” te asked Bay “Panaka, | already told you. don't known. Baly held out both hands, palms up. "I never fied. Somebody took two shots at me. fit ‘was the Gungan, somehowhe made the weapon vanish, Andifit was an accomplice the guy ls nowhere tobe found" Panaka grunted He hated to leave the matter unresolved, but the ‘instructions from the Royal Security Face office in Theed had been ‘ear—Captain Magneta wanted the suspect in custody at once, ‘Ahalf.tilometer ahead, the tiny figure ofa shaak tender came into sight, standing in the mide of the road and waving at them to stop. Panaka scanned the green ills, ‘wary ofan ambush. He pulled the speeder to within twenty meters of the tender’ flock and slowed to a barely perceptible crawl ready to ‘gun the engine at ary sign of trouble. Giving the shaak tender the poahead" sign, Panaka watched the herdsman'sballoon-bodied animals shuffle ane-by-one across the roadwray infront of him “Don't ever think about, Gungan,”he cae into the back seat ‘The Gungan didn't answer Panaka wondered ifthe injury to his tongue had impaired his speech, The shaak, shaggy with misummer wool, ambled across the roadway. The shaak tender mised hishand in thanks as Panaka throttled back upto cruising speed. ialy turned in her seat and retumed the shaak tenders wave “So how about it, Gungan?” Panaka called. "You have a friend back there atthe Port” The Gungan kept his woce low. “Mesa sayen nutten* "You havea friend witha blaster?” Panaka flexed his hands on the steering yoke. “Trying ta ila Royal Security Oficer is ightyears ‘removed from vandalism and thef, fiend. We can charge youwith attempted murder ofa royal protectox To a Naboo judge, that's one step removed from regicide.” The Gungan looked to Bialy then to Fanaka. “My no haven 2 blaster: Mesadoen nutten* “We've got witnesses who reported a Gungan sneaking around their town,’ Fanaka shat back. “Crimes were committed during the same period, Most people would peg you a the likely suspect." ‘The Gungan laughed. To dem, mesa anly crime tis Gungan Panaka shook hishead. ypical ‘The cynical cheer drained from the Gungan's face. He spat out some blood. "Yousa no know what yousa doen, “he said sadly. Bialy turmed in her seat. ‘What do you mean?” “Yous tink yousa doen right. Boot whkat ousa doen tis teribad” THE GUNGAN LAUGHED. “TO DEM, MESA ONLY CRIME TIS BEING A GUNGAN.” “Careto elaborate” Panaka offered, “Not toyousa. No can trust yousa.” “Suit yourself” The Gungan slumped down in the rear seat and heaved 3 sigh. “Berry bomnbad for yousa world. Berry bombad for yousa.” Panaka scowied. "Is that a threat?” No no, tis no threat: Tis truth: Nutten yousa can dotochange dat." He looked down at the binders that held his wrists. "Un now, utter mesa can do neither” 200 Serp srp scrip anaka held the pick betwen his thumb and forefinger, twisting ‘Mtoreach the inside ofthe iquid-cable cylinder. The Ittlecartriige ‘normally held compressed spraymist which hardened int a continu: us spoat of rape when fred. Unfortunately the cartridge gummed peasy. Serpsonp scrip ‘The sound seemed quite loud, there in the empty confines of the Royal Naboo Secutty Forces dis ‘patch office. Fanaka sat on the bbenchin font of his locker last Weeks assignment board propped on his knees as amakeshift table Sundry components of his 5-5 blaster pistol lay scattered across the board's surface. Infact, Panaka didnot know which seemed louder—the scrape of the pick or the whine as he exhaled through the bacta sheath on his, broken nose. smaller bacta patch covered the angry blotch beneath his left ee; The Palace healer who had treated him had dered Panaka to take the rest of the day off, But Fanaka had nothing he wanted to get home to. He sat alone in the room, cone tent forthe moment with the straightforward challenge of ungum- mming.a gadget: Light spilled inte the room from a row of open ‘winds, looking out onto a nariow avenue and a boathouse on ‘the shore of the river Sole. anaka placed the cylinder between his palms and rubbed therm "rapidly back and forth. Heating the cartridge often loosened the died oo inside. He lited the pick again and resumed the fevp fp scrip of cleaning, With a careful scrape Panaka pulled a curicue of dried spraymist ‘outof the barrels inner workings. The cleansing complete. he began reassembling the puze pieces of his 5-5 The biaster pistol was already a heavy weapon, burdened with two overstred scopes and ananaesthetic dart cartridge. anaka's prototype liquid-cable shooter were toever become standard equipment it would have to besmall enough not tainterferewith the aiming and fring ofthe 5-5. And it would have to stop gurwming up. anak was determined to make it work A grappling hook on a liquid able line would allow officers to rappel dawn buldings and ‘evacuate the King inemengencies His anti-terrorism classes had ‘aught him that the difference between life and death was often a matter of seconds The door tothe dispatch office shot up into the ceiling, Duxane, 3 ‘STAR waRs Gamer 27‘angy mustachloed officer with dark soul- ful eyes. walked through the entrance wearing. smile Mis facetit up when he sav Panaka “just saw your Gungan, Pana, s0.of course | had to, comeand s¢e you." DuKane whooped with laughter."And t's truct You look worse than he does!” Panaka flashed a quick sie, tight and fase. He said nothi ‘Dukane pulled his helmet from his locker. "The perfume was a ice touch | can stil smeilit frorm here. Reminds me. my grand- mather” “That perfumery lot dozens of bottles of Memtican-era stock.” Panaka sid the 5-5’ auxiliary targeting scopesintoits holding bracket. “its hard on the owners.” “Yeah, well stay out of trouble Panata” Ducane headed forthe door. "King Veruna’s hosting a visitor from Coruscant. The of worldet isin with the captain right now And they seemed to be rea interested in your Gungan.* Reading Panaka's skepticism, he added, "No joke this time. Keep on your toes." The door sealed behind him, leaving the room quiet once more, Panaka’s shoulders visibly relaxed, By their nature, security officers were tight-knit crew Forced to ‘uphold a professional image arnong the citizens of Naboo, officers {gathered together in the ofhours to blow off steam with ibald ‘banter and wld practical jokes, This was the unseen culture ofthe stationhause. It wasa culture Panaka found completely allen. it wasn't that he hadn't tried. But while Baly fred off playful Insts with ease, Panaka came across as stiff and counterfeit when discussing anything nat directly related to his jo. Pamala’ fellow officers frustrated him in a way n@-enemy ever could, No matter howhard he studied, he would never be ther after-hours buddy. No ‘matter how long he trained. he could never regate them with fr fetched yams over drinks ina tapcat I he could not win thei friendship, then he:would earn their respect. Panaka had had years of clit offworld education. Most of them had never left Naboo, Through the sheer weight of his compe tencehe would command their admiration, and he would reinforce every day by never, ever deviating from a sterling example. He asa lieutenant now, but he would not befor long, And Captain -Magneta, skilled as she was, could net be the head of the Security Forces foreves Panaka aligned the magnetic bolt on the liquid-cable cartridge and snapped it into place. The prototype chamber sprouted from the’ like an outrigger pontoon, just above the barrel and slightly offset soit wouldn't lock the scope, Panaka hefted the atsembled ‘weapon and sighted down its kngth, taking note ofthe added eight. His comlink crackled. “Panaka here."he announced, holstering thes s “Lieutenant, this Captain Magneta, Report tomy office at once.” e00 uke the weman who occupied it, Captain Magneta’s office was stern and uncompromising, Completely bare save fora desk,chair.and a single family holograph, the room seemed more ikea cell than a ‘workplace Panaka stood at attention, unacknowledged, while Mage ‘eta conferred in low tones with aan dressed all in Black, ‘At ast Magnet tured to regard hin A tall woman with hawk tke Features she kept her white har pulled back in a short. tight brat, The bras plates on her Captain's uniform leamed with fresh polish, “Fst Lieutenant, et me congratulate you on your arest Naboo is safer because of your actions.” “Thank you, Captain” Panaka responded dutifully. “OF course I did ‘not do it akone. Sergeant Baly was my partner on this assignment.” “Vexpected you tosay that, lieutenant, but iknow you don't mean it.” Magneta regarded him shrewaly. "Bialyi a fine office, but | know your education. | recognize your strengths. Credit fr the capture goes to you" "No response was required so Panaka stayed lent Magneta ges- ‘tuted tothe man at her left. "This is Sate Pestage of Coruscant, spe- al advisor te Naboo's wn Senator Palpatine, “rim and fit, with thinning black Mai and a tight cruel mouth, Pestage looked lite an exercise instructor forced to dress up Fora funeral. His layered Coruscanti suit of business black would seem ‘willy out of place on one ofthe colorful averwes of Thee. Pestage nedéed st Panaka,“Uesrenart. The Gungan in custody thas been identified as Kroke Modbom, wanted fr crimes inclading treason and murder. Hes being remanded to my custody and will bbe chuttiedoffworld within the hour. Senator Falpatine thanks you for your bravery and cooperation “Pestage shifted uneasily, looking fora place to sit down, but Magnets office lacked guest chairs Panaka tensed and looked at Captain Magneta, "The Gungan isto be taken offplanet?™ “That's conect “This 6 aNaboo matter "And it will continue tobe handled as such” Magneta responded witha touch of annoyance. “Senator Palpatine sa native of Naboo, Incase that fact escaped you while you were offplanet yourself” “with ail due respect, Captain the senator is a politician. This sa Royal Secunty Force matter” "Be careful eutenant.” Magnet raised a warning finger. "You claim respec, yet you show none to me or to py office. The extradl- tom orders have been signed ky King Veruna. | serve the king. Ifyou ‘no longer obey te ruler of Naboo, then you have no right to ear that uniform” My apologies, Captain, Panaka said in aquiet voice, but he did ‘ot break gaze with Magenta, estage cleared his throat tobreak the tense silence. "I know | speak for Senator Palpatine when | say kroke's victims will be avenged The killer wil be Brought to justice” Paaka sav no advantage in arguing the point further, "sergeant Bialy thought there was asecond person atthe scene. A possibie accomplice” “yes, tead your report,” Magneta answered. "And you wil con- ‘duct a follow-up investigation into that matter ax soon as you have completed your immediate assignment.” “Immediate assignment?” “Waffic control. realize the healers placed you off-duty. but a sea creature has run aground on aisotated stretch of coast north of Port Landien i lke you to command a small team of officer to divertpetestrian and vehicular traffic fom the area for the publi’ safety Until we can organize a disposal ero” “Sounds simple enough, Another opce?™ “suppose so. yes" Magneta held out her hand and Festage placed a datapad in "Your squad won't bein the cleanup atea. The ‘carcass should be disposed of by nightfall so just keep the vicinity secure until then. Orders arein this datapad. You are dismissed, Panaka took the datapad and turned to leave Festage stepped forward and extended his hand, "Good luck, LUeutenant, and thank you again. il be returning to Coruscant in the morning” Panaka accepted the other mans hand! and shook it firmly. Pestage leaned closer. studying the bandages on Panaka's face, “Those injuries—do they hurt?" Panaka shook his head.“ don't et thern~ The screeching rotjggers were enough todive anyone mad Hillocks of nota grass flanked the readway where Panaka stood, He saw the dust cloud approaching befere he saw the other speeder. A battered green civilian model. the speeder slowed as its driver apparently caught sight of the roadblock The setting sun plinted off its windscreen. Panaka wondered ifthe driver could see ‘him amid the glare: He raised his arms, palms out, and motioned for the other speeder to stop as he slowly walked back toward is parked vehic ‘Several dozen meters distant, the speeder idled toa full stop. The dust cloud settled ‘anak arrived at his oven speeder and reached inthe rear com- partment for his datapad. The passengers—no, the single driver, Panaka corrected himself as he squinted—might nees directions for alternate routes to Port Landlen. ‘Dust billowed up suddenly The green speeder shot forwards i ricked bya glant boot. Panaka froze fora spit second, judging whether to-draw and fre, but there was no time. He sprang away from the roadway hit the grass, ad rolled. ‘With awrenching metal crunch even louder than the din of the oot}iggers the suicidal vehicle plowed into the side of Panaka's speeder The Royal Security Force speeder stubbornly fought the ‘rust-tinged in the fading light of shove, An invisible tractor beam pocksistyessctempps’ PANAKAFROZEFORA SPLIT | cctnsatsussmn te oaiueys peanienbisen' sd SECOND, JUDGING WHETHER. Bae erccoye est forced air through tiny holes in TO DRAW AND FIRE, BUT dent unencumbered—bobbed their shells in the hopes of attract- away over the rocks. lat ole Th hag eb kad THERE WAS NO TIME. “"tacctherspeadex frontend Se rane appease uccs ‘their squealing was ahways loudest at sunset Panaka looked down at his own lengthening shadow as it stretched along the read, nearly extending all the way to his Royal Security Force speeder Parked sideways to block traffic, the speeder winked back at him with the flashing hazard light ‘mounted on ts hood, ‘Not that traffic @ problem, Panaka thought. Not only was ths ‘ein unpopulated, but it was much too far from Port Landien to. attract cutious gawkers, Only a single road serviced the area, and anaka hadn't seen any vehicles drive down it imover an hour. ‘ching him the terain grewetockier the doseritgot to the water, Panaka threwa glance aver his shoulder. ogged upthrusts of land threw sharp black shadews inthe orange light while tufts of sharp- ‘edged beach grass grew between flat tables of rock. The road he ‘was standing on extended back in that diection fr a ilorneter, then veered eft to follow the ccean coast down to Fort Landien. By ‘doing s0 avoided anatural wall of serrated black rock ity meters high, Behind that barrier Panaka ken. lay the beached sea creature that was the reason for this dreary assignment Three ther Royal Security Force officers, including Bialy had also drawn this detail Panaka had positioned ther in a rough semicircle surrounding the zone but he couldn't see any of thers behind the hills. A mild breeze blowing in from the shove tickled his scalp. and Panaka decided he was glad to have left his helmet Inthe passenger seat. round chunks of debris and accelerated down the road toward the coast. Panaka rose toone knee and fired six quick hats, Several shots hit the rear gate but the speeder did't stop Cursing, Fanaa got tahis feet and ran toward hs speeder. which had fleated to astopa dozen meters away. "inthe yelled, keying the comin clipped to his cola, “Pestrakt Dunn” Hecouldn't hear anything over the shiek fhe jggers. “This is Panaka,"he announced anyway, hoping someone could heat hie “Tm in pursuit ofa speeder that smashed through the roadblock Green Sorosuub model, damaged frontend, one drive Calli inand eter here now” He reached the shattered Royal Secutty Force speeder and hopped inside. punching the ignition switch and exhaling in relief when the engines shuddered to life Squecring the steering yoke as ithe could throttle the other diver just by wiling ithe bounced ‘over the uneven turf and steered hack anto the roadway Panata ‘opened up the thvottle and the engines roared. The flashing hazard light on his hood stillblinked weakly. Panala peered through the cracked windscreen for any sign of the ‘other speeder: He was preparing tobrace forthe sharp left tum at the coastline when he suddenly caught sight ofthe green speeder, Parked behind two coat black boulders atthe footilsof the is. Panaka jerked the steering yoke and slammed on the bakes, steing the speeder around in a squealing stop that banged the passenger se against the rocks. He winced out of hab, but he could scarcely ‘doany more darnage toa vehicle that was.leady a total oss. STAR WARS GaMen 2BTHE MONSTER He leapt out, but the other speeder was empty. Panaka squinted up atthe crest of the mount, ruby sunlight burning the cor ners of is cj Beyond that rim was where the beached animal ay The black rocks piled up above him, some crovened with a cap of moss. others split by prickly lumps of beach grass There was no sign ofthe speeder diver, though Fanaka admitted tohirnslf tat ‘theatterwated shadows were dep enough to hide asmall army. He started to scale the slope, clambering over the polished racks ‘om hands and feet. The racket of the insects ws gradually sup- planted by the soothing sound of sur Ten meters up. his boot slipped on a rock caked with bid guano. Panaka fel hard onto a Jung spar that broke his fat and nearty broke arb By the time he reached the top, salty sweat drenched his bandages and stung his sore eye. Running alana over his face, Panaka blinked and gazed aver the rim ofthe summit into the valley below. Fall haf kilometer wide, the tidal basin was enclosed by high Cliffs ina broad U-shape, During high water the cliffs would form a tiny bay but atthe moment the drained basin revealed a floor of black sand and glistening puddles. And smackin the middle, stark against the indigo carpet— twas fantastic. And twas horrifying. Panaka could nek comprehend the sizeof the creature. Mis eyes picked out familiar detais—a breaking wave,a circling bird—but, like an optical trick in which straight lines appear curved, he could it reconcile them against the backtrop of that thing. He expert ‘enced abr moment of vertigo a5 his eyes struggled with his brain. ‘The thing lay splayed out. om ifs sie inthe tidal basin, ong and serpentine. Its submerged hindquarters were partly visible beneath the churning sur. The rest ofthe creature lay prone on the sand, ts sagging flesh pulled dawn by the unaccustomed weight of Fanaka was reminded ofthe cacodemons of Naboo folklore, that slithered up from the underworld and were struck dead when touched by the scouring rays of the sun, Armonster he thought, and adirn memary corrected him. No.2 sando aquo monster Lang theorized by cryptoroologists but never substantiated through hard evidence, the sando had a powerful pull onthe popular fancy-To some it was myth, to others realty Until now, Panaka had never held an opinion either way The monster lay in an agonizing stil ie, Foarn broke over ts sub- ‘merged rat Tipper. Its forelimbs. long and hooked, lay quietly neat the deep furrows they had earlier carved into the sand. The snake: ike neck was twisted like a corkscrew leaving the head~ the size of ‘ahouse— inverted ina classi pose of death The monster's mauth ‘ped open, startlingly white teth shining ike great slabs of sat ‘Abcuptly the manster moved. Shuddering. itheaved aver and ‘lopped down on ts stomach witha tremendous thud. A gaggle of startled seabirds took tothe sky. The monster coiled its head around as f searching forthe sun Puddled water sloughed off its back in thin rivulet. Its haunch mus. les spasmed, ad far out to sea Panaka saw an answering splash as _ataifin beached the surface witha slap. ts claws scrabbed weakly Inthe grooves they had abeady gouged out, and then the sando aqua monster collapsed vith a rattling roar. Panaka didn’t know how long held been standing there. 8 3D vowme | muMBeR & the swollen orange sun was already dipping behind the ocean's perfect horizon, anaka began clambering down the inner slope. eyes straining: {or safe footholds and signs that someone else had passed this way. ‘The way down was even mere hazardous than the ascension for ‘the rocks along the basins inner wal were sick wath seaspray. Halfway dowrn.he paused, Panaka tock his eyes off hit fet for a moment and squinted atthe sand surrounding the monster. the fugitive crossed that open stretch Panaka might be abe to pin him ‘dover with long-range blaster fire, But even as the thought entered his mind, Panaka boggled atthe absurdity of itll What was the runner doing down here? Did he hope talose Panaka in the vicinity, ‘ofthe body? He's panicking, reasoned Ponaka. anata didn't see anyone crossing the expanse: He did howeves, notice thatthe sand covering the floor ofthe basin didnot extend all the way up to the foot ofthe slope. Theve,amid agglomerations. ‘of rocks that had tumbled to the bottom over centuries of waves and wind, ark black cavities punctured the crust. Deeper than any shadow they looked like yawning mouths beckoning him into the Underworld. Panaka Was reminded of the unmappable honeycomb passages that riddled Naboo. The entire planet was ikea melon gnawed hol- low by acolony of hungry worrns Rock tunnels eu underneath this whole stretch of coast, he thought. fhe'sgane in that warren I rnight ever find him, ‘Asif spurred by Panaka's unspoken pessimisrn, a white-garbed figure appeared below from behind a rock, silhouetted against one of the openings ikea ghost ‘anaka unholstered his blaster. “Hold” he shouted, and fired a shot into the at.The figure whipped around and looked up at him, but the distance and darkness were too great to make out any identifying features. "Hold!" Panaka shouted again. ‘The figure paused as if deliberating its options then took a step Into the gaping tunnel mouth. it fell straight down and disappeared Iman eyeblink Panaka jammed his blaster back ints holster and scrambled the rest of the way down the slope, He slowed ashe neared the tunnel ‘mouth His target, down in the darkness below. was shielded by shadow and could probably take him down with a single shot But Panaka vas also apprehensive fr les tangible reasons. Despite his training and his natural dlsdain for superstition, the idea of jumping feet frst Into stygian blackness was downright unnery- Ing. And to traverse the cold channels directly underneath the belly lof a dying behemoth represented fear in its most primal shape. Panaka leapt intothe unseen abyss. 200 Panaka landed-with a splash, blaster held tightly in his right fst, Immediately, he tucked into a ball and rolled to his left. But he heard nothing, and as his eyes adjusted he saw he wasalone in a small rock chamber with a single exit, ‘Or was he? Along the weeping walls he saw several pale glowing, orbs, each the sze of his head. The dead clouded eyes clung tothe rack and made sticky puckering noises as they focused on him.Panaka had no idea what manner of creatures they were but they, disgusted him for reasons he could not explain. ‘stricken beliow rumbled dawn through the entrance in the cell Ing. The monster slapped some extremity against the sand over head and the walls ofthe chamber reverberate s if jolted from sleep. dozens more eye-creatures revealed themselves, wncovering their phosphorescent bodies one after the other with the wet suck- {ng sounds of nursing babies. Panaka shuddered and ducked his hhead at he passed into the tunne! beyond. ‘The light from the orb-creatures dimmed quickly inthe tight passage. Panaka considered switching on his field lama, but didn’t ‘want to destroy his night vision or paint too obvious a target for his quarry. He moved forward gingerly testing the ground with eachstep ‘thin film of water covered the rock floor. Given thelr negative ‘elevation relative to sea level Fanaa had half expected these pas- sages to be completely flooded The standing water made it impossible to scan fr footprints, ka fraze, halting his breathing, and heard the distant echo of splashing footfall, He also heard a faint mechanical hum. A purmp? {By this point he was in total darkness. As he reached fo his ha with his free hand, he noticed a pallid floor and fet the cold pressive of a blaster barrel on the buck of, his skull. “Hands up." came aharshtmale voice. "And drop your blaster. You ‘make me twitch, you lose your head.” Panaka dd 95 he was ordered, “Turn around” commanded the voke. Panaka turned slowly and regarded his captor. Bald and paunchy, but with obvious muscles beneath the ft. the man was. good hhead taller than Panata, His putty face was dominated by a knob of ‘anote that looked 35 ft had been broken and reset mary times without benefit of bacta. His baggy white clothing, stained with sand and sweat, draped loasely over his ample frame, The man did't lower the disruptor. Carefully Panaka laced his fingers behind his head. “You planning tose that” He nodded toward the ather man's weapon, "Not unless yousde something stupid. Though the way you han- dled yourself with those biters| aleady know you're not too bright." Panaka didn't take the bait. Whatever your intentions are down here, holding a Royal Security Force office’ at gunpoint isn't going termake your situation any easier” ‘Watch it leutenan” the man sncered."Your partner set here tocover your back: | could shoot you plow far abead. The ight was encour “HANDS UR” CAME A HARSH __ ‘shtherefor what youdid tokroke aging, but between there and here ‘Modbor.” «ould lurk overhanging stalactites or MALE VOICE, “AND DROP _ panaka started at the name, then Memsiyetvepictvceer YOURBLASTER. YOU MAKE futononauipumen eee! ME TWITCH, YOU LOSE = “exe. ues uma YOUR HEAD,” yatyou ore ete eum Tilo tat onthe behind hin, ike steam squealing out of a burst pipe. Something struck Fanaka between the shoulder blades and knoched the uma from his fingers. It splashed in the shallow water and winked out, ddousing the tunnel in darkness ance mare. Panaka waved his blaster around blindly. ‘second thing, hard and cold, smacked against his neck and ripped at the skin with needle-sharp teeth. Panaka slapped the creature away, but dozens more struck his face, his chest, his hands, ish: ka stumbled ahead, brushing the nightmares awray with clumsy sweeps of his forearms. Shrill hootsreverberated in the claustrophobic tunnel, unnerving and disacienting Panaka, His knee ‘thumped a spur of rock and he tumbled, whacking his head against the ground with such force he saw stars, anak crawled forward, half aware, striking for the light. {Unseen creatures piled on his back, munching through the Jeather tunic and hanging on two and three deep, asi they were all tying to ride a kaadu. Panaka sloshed through the water, lurching forward on hishands and knees, Dimly Panata saw that he had entered the illuminated tunnel, Weak asthe light was, it seemed to bean abhorrence to the tiny biters. The hard-shelled creatures hissed and sprang off Panaka’s back. With the clatter ofa skeleton ina rock tumbler, they quickly hopped back into the blackness, ‘Shaking his head ta clear it, Panaka lifted hirnself up from the foce combined both disgust and pty-"Lieutenant, wee all cimi> nals. Thank goodness we have officers like you to keep Naboo safe In the mame of our king” The ayy of the sande aqua monster resounded through the meters ‘of rock abae them, much louder this time and laden with low ‘hrumming bass notes as if most ofthe monster's call was below the ‘threshold of hearing Panaka felt the vibration thraugh his boots {As the noise died away.a powerful thud nearly knocked Panaka ofthis feet. The monster was thrashing, Sand—or perhaps pulver- ized rock—rickled down on hishead through cracks in the tune! ceiling The heawyset man glanced up anxiously Panaka tensed, prepar- ing totake advantage of the distraction, but his captor looked back ‘quickly and shook his head in warning, “Uh wh” He gestured with the disruptor. “Turn around ard walk forward, Slaw” More rock pporeder spilled down from above in dry streams. making powdery conesin the shallow water. But don't drag your fet. | wouldn't bet on this tunnet holding forever” Panaka wondered how he was supposed to do both those things simultaneously but kept quiet. What's your name?” he asked instead. “tm catled Veermok,” the man barked, and punctuated the statement by jabbing Panala’s back with the disruptor pistol. "Start walking.” stan wans amen BLPrivately, Panaka smiled atthe fero- cious-sounding nickname. Veermoks were ‘bloodthirsty slmians whose jaws could snap bone. "The Gungan give youtthat name?” he asked as he marred forward inte the steadily brightening light. The other man's voice conveyed loathing. Let me hazard a guess, lieutenant—you've spent more time riding in turbolifts than talk- Ing to Gungans. And dare you tatell me otherwise.” He paused a he picked up Panaka's 5-5 from the floor. “You know nothing about Guungans, and you knaw even less about Kroke.” "know he was awanted criminal What does that ay about you?” “Lean‘timagine. You tele.” Panaka shrugged. "You know the saying."eermoks run in packs.” “Not a wie thing to say to a man with apistot at your back” “That's not the way | see i” Panaka wiggled his fingers inside his leather gloves. "You had me dead to rights a minute ago.1think if you were going toll me,you would have done it alieady” ‘The man gave a wintry laugh. “Lieutenant, ou have noidea what were doing down here, da your” "lknow what /im doing here,” Panaka answered confidently. ‘They had advanced into the full ight ofthe new tunnel, Panaka saw his eaier suspicions con firmed, Banks of artifical urn ators hung from the reck ceiling at even intervals. Atleast ‘adocen it up the tunnel ahead before the passage bent into a distant turn, Panaa stil saw no evidence of a pump, but the usdefying hum of raaghinery was obvious. Grated metal deck- plates on the floor covered the few centimeters of dirty water that puddled underfoot. (Dark alcoves in the walls ahead indicated the presence of branch ing shafts, As Panaka pasted the first ofthese subsidiary passages, the maticed it was blocked with aheavy durastee! door bearing a ‘number in futhark script “Slow down,” the man ordered. "Walk forward carefully. one step ata time. be standing right back here” Panaka heard the familiar lick of his blaster’ intensity setting. "And remember, now I've gat {wo pistols trained on you" ‘anaka’s gut went cold. "You think the tunel’ boobytra ped "Points for the lieutenant. Maybe you officers aren't all dense.” “So f| don't advance! get shot in the back. tFtdo advance, |trig- ‘8¢¢ an automated intruder device and get shot in the chest. So tell ime again why you think Ishould ta help you." “Oh, came now lieutenant." his captor mocked. Al that Security Forcetraining and you car't defeat a simple ambush? Move. Now. Were wasting thme.” Panaka flexed his hands. He was never more conscious of the missing weight of his S-s He stepped forward carefully, boots echo- ingholiowly on the deckplates. On the walls, hundreds of tiny fun- us buds created giddy pointiist patternsin phosphorescent Breen. Hairy roots an along the face of the stone, crsserossing the pale fungus lke networks of blood vessels, Panaka passed several BZ voume | nomen e SILHOUETTED AGAINST THE... NIGHT SKY WAS A MASSIVE CLAW WITH TALONS THE SIZE OF TREE TRUNKS, REACHING DEEP INTO THE GROUND AS IF DIGGING more tributary tunnels of totter se, some capped with doors and others disappearing intodarkness, “Mind telling me what!" locking for?” Panaka eyed.s numbered oor warily. “What do you think this place fs? What does your Royal Security Force training tell you?” Panaka craned his neek to look behind a hanging bank of over headlights. An observation cam stared blankly back at him through its single lens. Corroded and dripping, the cams electronics had ‘obviously lost the battle against the tunne’s ubiquitous mobsture, “Apirate’s stash,’ Panaka answered. “A bootlegge’s warehouse” “What if told you this was cornmissioned by King Veruna? That it contains records concerning corruption atthe highest levels of {gowemment? Records that would shack even you?” ‘anaka snorted. “I wouldn't think much. You see whatever ou want to see. You're nat the only ant-ryalist on Naboo.” “Ant-royalst?" the man spat, "We're not out there carrying sigs Kroke and | and the others. we've fighting for Naboo “Thent'venever heard of you “im glad. Wee not striving to be noticed. We're not even an lorganlzation. We have no leader, no hierarchy. But when your friends start disappearing, peo- ple have a funny way of wor ing together” He paused, then contiowed ina lower register, his words wrapped around a Jump of sadness, “The Gungans Were here before us. They can tell when their world is out of balance. All my fe ve tied to FOR WORMS, _ snithat balance Nowe have the chance torestoreit: \Veermok sighed as feasting off great weight, "50 no,Heutenant, were not anti-soyalist. We've ante-lies Anti-secrets ~ anaka felt asmile at the corners of his mouth. Idealts “That's what everyone wants," he said, keeping his voice calm and reason- able. "Including Veruna, tnelucing me” "You mean weil icutenant, but you're Har” Veerrok’s voice ‘oiled with heated bitterness. "Korke and I have been looking for a ‘repository lite tis one for years. Recent information fed ws to Pot \Landien, but we coulde't find ton our-own Naboo understood. The plane herve finally revealed this disease by sending the sanda ‘aqua monster.Lam honered te accept her git. you're reallysin- cere about wanting the truth, help me search. Help me make public whatever we find” “Put down the pistols and well talk about it* “Leutenant, maybe | arma tie naive, but I've never been called stupid. Naw stop stalling” ‘Panaka left the dead cam behind and reached anther matched pairof branching tunnels. The passage to his right was capped by & door that read" WASTE STORAGE" in faced red printing, The tribu: tary on his lft stretched off into darkness. Peering closely into that loom, Panaka thought he could make out the crcutar utline of 2 wide hole in the rock floor. Worrled what the pit might ‘hing to break his nevitabe fall As he twisted his body in mid-at ‘he saw the rock laor rushing upat him, Panaka landed hard on his, forearms His legs sailed up and ove. flipping him on his back and ‘sending him into a dusty lide toward the orninous pt in the floor ofthe tributary tunnel Pamaka reached desperately for one of the angling, hair-ke roots that draped over the lip ofthe pit, but it was too late. He fell down inta blackness, then plunged feet first Into film of cy water that swiftly closed over hishead. 000 With a shuddering gasp, Panaka broke the surface, trying desperately to-stay afloat ashis sodden clothing threatened to drag him back under: Rocks and chunks of debris continued to rain down from on high, punching the water around him with loud splashes, Next to him Panaka saw a huge rectangle list over and beginto sink; with a sta, Panaka save itwas the opposite tributary tunnel’ door, WASTE, ‘STORAGE, which had been completely torn from its hinges. Panaka kicked off his boots and silently cursed whomever had ‘designed te Eoyal Security Force uniform to inetude a knee-length ‘fabric skirt anda heavy leather vest, Treading water ashe shed his sgoves,Panaka stared up atthe rim ofthe pit high above him. ‘Veermok dangled over the edge, is legs kicking uselessly. One hand was gripping some purchase outside the pit; the other was hhatding Panaka’s 55. Obviously unwilling to rap the weapon. yet, ‘unable to pull himself up one-handed, the radical dangled in the ait helplessly before finally letting go of the blaster and swinging his free arm up to securea better handhold The pistol fellstraight down, Panata sloshed over hoping to catch it but it broke the surface with ploop and sank out of sight. Panaka drew deep breath and dove beneath the water padding furiously The iy water induced a tightress in his chest Visibility ‘was zero, but through buck or providence Panaka brushed against the dropping blaster with his frozen fingers. Clasping it eagerly in both hands, he kicked forthe surface. Near the surface, Panaka shoved a floating obstacie out of his ‘way. Then he gasped for air once mote. Veermok no longer hung from the edge ofthe pt. Panaka reached out for the floating object he'd just jostled, hop: Ing touseit 38a life preserver while he examined thes. the floater was two meters long, roughly cylindrical He theew his arms ‘overt and it dipped under the water in response. Panaka turned his head toward the object's closest end. ‘Avacant-eyed situs grinned back at him, it had once been a Gungan, before the body had swelled and rot- ted. The eyestatke were gone, leaving only black sockets peering out froma skull. Rubbery flesh stretched tight over the snout. peeling may from two rows of blackened, grimacing teeth. Two fanlike ears floated on the surface of the water. though with the skin eaten away the cartilaginous webbing looked like long: fingered hands STAR WARS GAMen 3Bpointing in opposite directions, Splashing away fram the body in dis _gust,Panaka bumped into something behind him. He twisted around and saw a second body, this one hhursan. ls stomach bulged with gas and its mouth gaped open in, «a Soumdlessseream. The bile rose in Panaka’s throat as he realized he'd swallowed the same water the seeping corpses were bobbing. in. As he spat out his saliva, he saat least a halfsdazen other ‘oating forms. Panaka groped on his bet forthe urasteel rapping hook Find- ingtshe fitted it to the barrel of his $5 Kicking hard to keep from dipping underwater he raised the pistol with both hands and aimed straight up past the rim ofthe pit. upto the rock ceiling of the tun- nel tse Squeezing the trigger he fired the liquid-cable shooter, [Athinlineofspraymist unspooled from the blaster, trallig the grappling hook ikea strand of choloropede silt hardened into unbreakable wire the instant it touched the air The grappling hook hit the roof of the tunnel witha thunk, its sharp tines biting deeply into the stone, Panaka thumbed the retract contol Motors within the device whined as they pulled the ine back into ‘the 55 tiny reservoir Fanaka held tighthy ta the plata stack with ‘both hands. As the 5-5 climbed the cable he was lifted clear. water running off his clothing in great runnels Panaka halted the ascension once he had cleared the hole inthe ‘loot, with a-couple of meters left on the line. He needed to gain ‘enough lateral momentum to reach the edge ofthe pit. He began swinging back and forth, causing the grappling hook to rock inthe stone overiead.As Panaka finished 2 long backward ac he raised both feet, prepared to jump to safety at the end of the return arc. Ashe passed the midpoint of the swing the grappling hook popped foose. Panaka fel, but inertia stil cared him to the ip of the pit. He Init the edge hard, knacking the breath from hislungs, but suc- ‘ceded in wrapping one arm around a hairy root before he slid backward. Panaka pulled himself up to secure ground. Panting ‘wit fatigue he retracted the remainder ofthe liquid cable and the ‘dangling grappling hook, Panaka stood and ran back toward the main tunnel, back to ‘where the sando aqua monster had dug though from the outside ‘world, Mis uniform fet likea suit of cold, slapping armor as it leaked ‘water onto his bare feet.As Fanaka got closer to thessiteof the ‘breach, the gray darkness of the undergraund passages began to give way tothe pure indigo of Naboo’ night shy. The monster suddenly howled and slapped its snakelike bull against the surface above. The tunnel vibrated ke a stuck deurr> Inead.Panaka stumbled, off-balance, and drove his fet hee into the ‘point ofa lowe stalagmite. Loose stone showered from the cling. ‘rom out in the main tunnel Panaka heard a cry of surprise. Fav ing hight leg ina grotesque limp, Panaka lurched out into the ‘opening, blaster pista atthe ready The main tunnel was utter devastation, asi it had been shat ‘tered by a pressure barb, Panaka still couldn't believe he'd been standing at ground zero. Several tons of stone, most of itrumbled Into shaat-sized boulders, littered the floor of what had once been 4 tunnel, though now that aschunk of the of was missing Panaka 84 vowume! nummer & supposed it was more ikea trench. Straight up, through the hole above, he could see the constellation Beautite winking from behind a shivering, heaving mass that was likely some part of the ‘monster's shoulder “The monsters claw had scooped awry a mountain of broken stone, leaving two rocky heaps on opposite sides to mark its pass- Jing. One pile completely blacked the route Panaka and his captor had traversed atthe start-of their exploration. The other pile clogged the tunnel abead where the amok laser tusret had once Stood guard. From the other side of this jumbled roadblock carne mutfied grunts and curses “Throwing himself on the stone barrier, Panaka clambered up and peered ver the tap. Below him, Veermok had jst freed himsetf froman avalanche of plate-sized flecks, "Hold!" Panakashauted. Veermoklooked up started, and started running, He ne longer had his disruptor, Panaka threw himself over the summit and slid down to the pebbly floor. He winced as he Jandedon is punctured heel."Veetmak! I'm telling you, hotdt” ‘The other man didn't stop. anaka aimed through the 5-5 pri ‘mary sight at Veermok’ right knee and pulled the trigger. “The S-5 gave a nasty pop and released a drzale of sparks like 2 cheap party favor Panaka hissed ashe realized that the dip in the Icy water had gutted the blasters electronics. ‘Veermok looked back. His voice was loud and mocking. “Prob Jems, licutenant? fm sorry to see that." The intact tunnel ahead of hien was spotty It by the maining Mluminators.Past that an Upsloping turn led to the highest-numbered doors ~and to free ‘dom. “Youre obviously in no shape to run me down, som afraid this iswhere we part ways. hope we meet again under better ci- cumstances Veermok gave flippant salute. "See you soon,” He broke intoaneasy tun Panaka made a minute adjustment to his 5-5. almed again, and fired. ‘The liquid cable shot forth ikea streak of white ight The teeth ‘of the durasteel grappling hook bit through Veermot's tunic and Into the thick muscle belovs his right shoulderblade-He tripped and fell forward with a grunt. Panaka braced hit good foot against a sturdy chunk of rock and hitthe $-55 retract canto ‘Thelin pulled taut ipping Veermok on his bock. Stowly but Inevitably it withdrew into the firing chamber Veermok flied tke a hooked fish ashe wos dragged backward across the floor, but the cable towed the weight with mechanical efficiency, ‘When the cable had almost retracted, Panata placed his foot on the other man’s chest. "Sooner than you think.” anak flipped Veermok over on his stomach, Pulling the grap= pling hook fe, Panaka pinned the man’s arms with one hand while reaching for the Security Force wrist binders on his belt with the other In allast, desperate move, Veermok: threw his head.and shoulders pina convulsive archiike a prisoner undergoing electrocution. The back of his head impacted squarely with Panakas bandaged nose Panaka granted in pain and his hands wert reflexivelyto his face. Taking advantage of the halfsecond distraction, Neermok wriggled forward and was on his Feet before Panaka could stop him. He took