Pilots Pirate 3 BS 2 Starfighters i2 Custom Freighters (Ja =] =| 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 Stax Wes Roleplaying Game's iconic heroes; the Je Guardian, Darn Tavers; the Radian Fringes, Kefko; and the sly Noble, Arani Korden, Catch Arani in action in the Fast Play Game on page $0.CONTENTS: Fiction 124 Aceeoir ron Your THousurs eee RPG [2 Rocues Gaueny: Priors TQ Comuuan Excinecnine CORPORATION QB 8Pecav Ons: Prevarece ged Ms cen "7G Universi oF Samara Guioe To INTELLIGENT LiFe: THE DuROS lr eat abusteows an save Mace 6oO B4 57 50 VOLUME |. NUMBER 2 CHANCE Cune: RANDOM CARGO GENERATOR Adventures: Twe Lamon Heist Snow low Deck Plans ‘THE SHAFT: REBEL SQUADRONS rreoey HEEWCON (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 knows to write toyou yet. Lucklly,some kind people foresaw the 1nd vrate to us anyway Here Ing the fir issue of Sras Wars Gamer mag, Thought I some general thoughts Tike to see the new RPG take front and center stage for the magazine. 'm not sure sre would be continued inter why 1 adventure game, whieh serves prima- in tothe more robust RPG. stand that you'll be cov- tily asa lea core. While ‘ring computer and console games a: wel Fidlike tase those items minimized. Same for the €C6. which Lhave ne interest in, but n understand that ithas a place in ws 1 mllons of volces suddenly Anybody Out Send Us a Transmission from Your Corner of the Galaxy zine. Nointerest at No, thank y Stan Wans gar allinnen-gaming Stak Was items, such as the toys. action figures, merchandice, etc Orig: nal fiction would be fine; previews of naw. k elstm*ch"on, | do lke the idea of strip or serialization find their materta to s frien 2 eof excellent quality. Our GM, infact used the plotline from Dark Horse Comics 0 Jedi Council series as backdrop toour paign, providing a handy hook. for s ing three Padawans off on ti gata stack of the recent STAR WARS co they produce (from the Episode | era) and atk Horse comic isset in that given our new campaig timeline, find it an excel ed by the way, the arti ‘on adaption of isl the game; id be highly interested in adap tons of the Dark Horse Comics—both lived. wr canyou deny aliens and NPCS. ‘ Well, enough rambling on my part i ‘opportunity to sound offl ° at resource ps : forissues for t! " gaming evel Co Thanks fr the 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 poi system to create spacecraft? Basically supplying like maybe ten or sa chassis ships of each class of vessel, and a set umber of space points for each chassis and then have things like extra armor, ke to take up space in the chas oncan truly customize a star craft for their characte If this idea interests you, feel free t would ket if youwould i eyeant 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 solo starfighting, Sincerely 0. 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 Sraz Was RPG was unveiled. Attending the event was Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalke), 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 Stax 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 veluvina Foxect. 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:you know by now. & tates (1011 Drew Serta, eter Mayhew and lab Lio play the new ta WARS RPC. ‘Wilabe's character tw to the darkside? ever eft Fas wate othe chilly ie for hours outce tos woed Below Die aufman 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 receiving arti- cess 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 to our man, Owen Stephens, downstairs in RED, wha was working on a secret R&D project involving ships at that very moment, And we said, "Mey ‘Owen, would you be interested in writing ‘up some ship stats that go with these drawings?” “Of course. This looks like something 1d do just for fun,” he said. We were very happy with that answer. Then he wrote 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. ‘sit possible? Ves, itis, We have the tech- nology. We have the will. Will we do I? (Ourman, Owen Stephens, downstairs in RED, being very secretive on the topic. SRT 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 Soar Wans RPG We A character who has the Run fea! Page 12, 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 maser Atornatic Langenge (1011 su Add Basic. “Lowa-emm Care: Providing bong-term care Means treating an injured character Page 39, right column, for a day or more. If successful, the patient teplace paragraph 8with__—_—_recovers wound points or ability points Dertwse Bowus: The character's bonus to his Defense. Note that this bonus doc: ot Jost to temporary damage at twice the normal rate (That is, 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 speedand 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 Gamer ‘s bimonthly. | think we'll see statistics for Defels when someone writes a startling, true life account of one young Oefel's attempt to et 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 ‘am time, if you catch my drift, Alternately, you could look for thelr stats inthe Denizens of the Galaxy RPG book out later this year (Okay, that’s for letters this sh, You're ‘going to want towrite in and let us know ‘what you think Real soon. | mean it.'m ‘not above bribery here,people. Write. Page 83, let cakurnn, reploce pecemraph 5, 6 & 7 mh [Use Mappac: A medpac is a-simplle 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 medpacalso stablizes the ‘character. The number of wound points restored by a medpac can be increased using the Treat Injury skill, 59 ’ 1.15 2 1519 3 2024 4 356 This application of the Tieat 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, promotes 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), Page 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 move 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 ay: 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 i the best method forhealing characters that have suffered massive amounts of wound damage. Patients undergoing bacta tank treat- iment recover wound points at arateof per hour instead of per day). Page 124, under Glow Rod The glow rod projects a bearn of ight up ‘to10 meters, not 50 meters. Page 124 & 125, under Medpac, replaces paragraph 2&3 _ Amedpac restores 1 wound point tay ‘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 2q-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). Pape:r25, Table 7-4: Equipment The fusion lantern was left off the lists ahand-held device, larger than a glow sod, that produces light and heat. Itcosts 35 credits and weighs 2 kg. Page 13, left colurnn, replaces the Vitality and Wound Points section Viraury ano Wouns Poirs tality points represent your character's ability to turn a divect 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. Damage is deducted from your waund points only after you've ‘exhausted your vitality points ot when {you are struck by a critical hit Page i, fight column, replaces the o Vitality Points: ‘ovrrauiry Ponts, Ifyou run out of vitality points, you can rex Jonger avoid real damage. Any aitional damage you receive s deducted from your ‘wound points, Fancuee 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 Naturallysecton ‘ou regain wound point foreach day of light activity or rest, For each hour of light activity or rest you regain amber 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 Roe. playing Game! 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 RPGAS Livin Force pages with lots of line source material, including setting Information, NPCS, guidelines for cam- paign play, Gamemastering tips. details ‘on where toplay in your area, and excerpts from the campaign's rulebook, ‘What else have wee got for your Anew 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's own 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 Sra Wines Roleplaying Game by making a stopat the Cantina at WIZARDS.COMmunity. This i 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 you can communicate Incharacter with other players even when the room is cased. Register fer your screen name now and visit the Cantina at wwew:weinards.com/chat. STAR wars GaMen 22Series OF: Pilots ILLUSTRATED BY VINOD RAMS acter portraits aracter lusH Fenig Naben let out the anxious breath she'd been hotding ‘since Suliust. The galaxy might be going supernova all around ‘them, but the legendary semugglers‘haven was just as she'd lett. i Well almost. Tonight the airwasas thick with unaccustomed tension as it was with smote, Andous words were exchanged in he wouldn't ave ended up dead. the lor ofan Ord Mantel Fennoed. she wos good t what Sect | "So Marre echoed. iM ee. she tapped wos i" ih an A; sel anything ew tee eres what “perhaps,” Kare allowed, his es ali from either” she: rot count armor and the body inside it" Fennodded, the truth of a ‘blood bath," she concluded reliable operators too." time aod under Talon Karrde was pretty goods reminded him, lass letting Despina : adforasingle eal? eee 'eet | a NM AH \ i ALLAN I } Ah i) il sein rr tes be rt tng Ha "reestablishing Jel Orde?" Kaid presser once ds tat Inthe interest of generosity and information ga Ba) | Koger Pau PAU “tm looking fora base to headquarter my operat ‘Me drew a data disk from the pocket af his black fe: sliditacrossthetable, n ieee b m heres rn ws i MU HAT di hi nth ss itaeearsrele barter ctng, Wasnt Tee baveret Wiese a i ii i AVN FAA GABE MeEl onenit gg n- HADUSINTS Fen slapped the table and forced a ‘smile “Space, Karrde. | wish thad.a legion privat has) ian wrong.” Teen eed Ene raat an err merely have an incomplete picture of the situation. Only time will prove wiich of us has the better information.” Toa er a eee eat Beso hl tga wena eke gue covanece i ee ed fer 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.” Fopsacea sense i eg ae a dered how this annaying woman had managed to get teSocarro oat setae bogren subse indfn wens dio ii: bi oie and before that, on Abregado Rae. It was high time far Fen to find create ee Sued rl pact A BK esd Pp scceatipaannsc See cuaue au ouanninaatele chs bese teatoentae ee eaieeocce nore a Ing ry people.” Sas eA Hts Habit and ese Lene ERS Keno agin ‘Conuscanti can in designer wear?” CoSGh Lae nie wu Tee Mel sk Tse ed ogi eat lel Mii Ta ee aaa UA MU Tse adele ett in era ee Ble imei ire Ueda Seal pak ee meseus a eC mee ale Se aie Fen had two methods of barging uninvited into canversations, ‘With her subtie approach, she actually used words first, “Good ects SHEL CRI oa eG AH seen peepee NULL TG uO "When banthas fly, Aves.” Fen jerked her head back toward Kar. Pa oii re ee een rk ee nie VOGUE ey a ele ige e bas lito fesse ber 2B vowwe t muwner 2 paring in a dozen languages, fifty anx- ious smuggler scum. .. surged up like a dirty, debris-laden tide. Ste planted up inte the basting face of Gece, acran Fen about as much fun as Tatooine parasites... but Bigger fen had made a point of avoiding him ever since she started taking his business “Came on, Gecee.” Fen replied, shrugging his hand ava. "I's not my ‘aut that abba wanted a smuggler who could actually operate a pay computer” The Gran pointed a fat fingerin her face and growted, "1 deat ‘vith you later"He knocked hes roughly aside clearing a path straight for Dogger. Dogger answered Gecee' challenge in acontemptuous, aristo ‘ratic voice that shied! through the hum af the tavern. “I should think you'd be too embarrassed to return here” “Emborrassed?” Gecee's three eye stalks swayed menacingly Fen felt the other activity in the tirvem 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 another step and towered over her. "The cade you sold me brought apatrol down on us the minute we broke into Kuitl” Dogster reached for her glass and took sip “And ony a fool ould have esrtered imperial space with an untested recognition ‘ode fr which he pald only two hundred credits” Fen choked back the guffaw. Gecee Wasn't the sharpest toot on the belt. Others weren't soppolite, but then they wen't within ‘swinging distance either The tavem tours into raucous lughter that had 8 slightly hysterical edge. Stil, Dogder had to be dumber Athan Gece to-cheat a riotk. return to ‘the scene, and then publicly taumt him. The Gran evidently thought 30 too. He roared furiously and raised his hand, looking to swipe Dogder off the barstool as ifshe were a bug, Fen snapped upa bottle off the bar and smashed i aver Gecee's hhead He exumpled to the floor Fen slowly turmed bac 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 af the bar Roaring in a dozer lan ‘guages. fifty ansious smuggler scum, most of them pretty good {lends of hers surged up thea ditty, debris-taden tide. With adeep breath, Fen thanked the stars she'd hag aif drink-—it would dull the pain, but not her reflexes. fore she could even stride into the fray. hand grabbed het an. Human, instinct told her fen pivoted hard, ducking her head 10 the side His fist sailed ove her shoulder. Sve grabbed her assailants fightsult and swung him out of the uray, Fen tuened back aound justi tine for he lek-to un out, Some- ‘onc grabbed her from behind, and serung.30 fast. she didn't ree the time to duck Her head snapped backs 9 fist of fur smacked Ingo her chin, Fung back, she could atleast wind up fr the return Baling her Jeft hand and putting muscle from years of hauling cargo pallets. Into it she swung up and landed a really sweet punch right intathe Gotal’sjave Fenwwinced as she got a better look at whhorn she had jst hither around. Al Fen caught was a shock eyes then apa of ips landed on her own. by etaher ob a harsh CO ill irate it stent cen nu mana | peepee it back. The part of career. shete "Maybe she fae Hien | Sa Neel © Come on, Karl/*she sal light, it was about the release itera et i (lh Hi /of the Fringe hierarchy. After tak- Areally ‘smile slowly SRS vg by the: lps. “ore at able, iat about catharsis. And it ate paid down his crear bar bis simile got bigger and Fen fought the us sald you owed him ity and would coves rf es | Good thing there weren't amy bugs oh het right anietthe momentum mouth, Galling a It was Fem kn “torso With Rades Duros phys Caras tleegchae cH ee him, Yoo 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 ie leg and flpped her to the fico pain. Wit ocean cent TWhal’s mytotah at re ! shot reverberated through the tavern, perfectly aimed *Fourhundred.” the barkee epi thd i were i ] j he brawl, but not the rot. Every Being int pine Cases rw ton frozen mis pur 1 Two Rodia ie li _itionless each with long fingers lacked around the other's throat, FE ae i LAA iterate i spoce take the gota H ort enue Anche lower enh 9 Rood candidates for venting her f _ Black Dust to the Soco-Jarel Spa _ Nica rock il jst kick me bac buat Fem resisted th OT __ the mide of things? Gecee had never forgiven her for taking away. | customers who preferteda hauler who didnt lose, drink of steal Pete ce seeder tw shorn Ger esr dah ee camer es breath and glanced up! the ships cat bright fines in the ‘on, Reece night sky. Same of her frustration cbbed. Eyes fixed above. Fen \grabbeditand sid it gown to. stumbled and neatly fel ower arock in the road Now they weren't i ven wating for her otek tem.“The port's exterlor anding pads were Alesana} ri HNGUSTS Zoe ove Fen usualy cocked insis the ort. privloge that come wth beinga good customer for bwety years who had degen contracts ae tippes woe | But, ie every other smuggic bolt hole Soco-Larel a ifs well past capacity. Mot that it mattered. Fen cons desed inl. Theve chd't appear to bean Fpite to ssue8 fine onyway. The frst ship loonjed Hoses and Fen pulled her hands out of her Pockets, Gecee's pili mere lurcleglargprncne itwauld Heb be here Weavingthrough the outer berths trmad the Ledy, she ‘approached every extindedrampand pile of cargo cautiocsty, nuwring they could cereea! fr armbush. She kept amiear cocked for te whine ofsaops shat might signalan attack. ‘When the shir fily carne into wiews fen avhitied With rete. She had left the-tody’s running lamips on and the YT sat gracefully and sfene, ia pool at yetlow light. Fer automatically counted autth= eleven rungs up theramp to the side port side hatch, She glanced afaund, but no ane ha fol lowed he: Soe thought theareavsa lyivas asdeverteda$it ‘teemed tobe Aeaching to the sextmiwiee the hatch met the rar, her fingess ‘ound the thin a she hac! wedged there before teavg fr the tay~ ‘em, The pin was here, bit — Fens hand we a to hee blaster asthe thoughts owed faster than her compe yension of any singe one. With enougt timeand viocsly been in someone's sighisbeto®. Dagger cid the glss tathe tables eige.but Fer yasn taking vou ve gat real Jangerous way of getting a person attention.” ‘Thecan shrugged and took » sip of her beady "Its efectve and nck proven fatal” “Yet. Fen wate, fearing one shotl der agama the bu kad blaster restingat herside. “Yatshed te thankyou fr ext eating me fom tat mess Doger finaly toll fe. “tim only interested in the apologies that come wih corpo: Uoniaitachedto them,"Fen retavied “two lie {repay you" Dogger be pars Fen cart her of "Six hordes wil cove” Dogder scrunched her Face. “Hiowdo you fgore that” three hundred ard Fily to Ancher For the damage, Another tty, tocaver someones bar ai” what abaut the fast two hundred?” Bogder queried She wet tured to pocket of het coat and Fe nodded. "The eat is for mye poi and sutferirg” Dogue slowly withikew sfistloFersits andbegan counting. them out onthe table, “Ae loueed party is vol ent ttt pain apd ‘fering damages under Socorray a" "That's not aareblem,"Fen ascued 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 i pew prowsding el suggestions for her ow dese? Dogder eetwned Lots cideulotion§ setting out fourhundred, She Sid the credits overtook Fens urtouched dink a the table's ede Ne time ike the presetto psy upthe res and et of thy shin” Fen told her. ab, do sit down, fn” Dogdersaid “You ave spoting ny drink just slar ding there slorering” ie my drink." Fen verlindes ee “ax tulitia abi ot por” the grifter mui mured, glancing atthe rots she gel be d.she roames rot iting someth ng she saw hili 414! i iM | “becuse me?" Fen stammeredalthough she was vey familiar withthe Old Corellian proverb, Dogder looked up. quzzcal expression crosing her face "Chaos ‘opens the door to opportunity ”she repeated in Basic. “1had thought you'd be familar with the phrase: “lam, Fen assured het." just surprised you are” “What kind of provincia ; f reachedinto apocket.rturing the cid and removed aml 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 opportunities are arising even as wie —"she paused pointedly, belore amending. “even as drink” Fen ignored the obvious inatation, but was interested enough to \isten to,what the con had gone to all this trouble to say. she hot stered her Blasters an overture to encourage Dogue total. t worked, “Sait ngs hse nt sen. af beining took ates opportunities." Dogder continued. “ke taking the opportunity to pay me before | just take what ever youve got from your broken and bleeding body?” Oe ee ee ee eae rca youahundred—" Te cet hurd od another twenty-five fyouheep rinking my Corea” Dogeer waved her nal file ipa tienty "tel pay you wat | possess coryou can take the opportunity and ‘seaif have orpetbing puchimone valiabletoyouy uke whatt® ‘Value depends on need What do k youneed?™ “Peace, net nd 3 fll bottle of Reserve,"Fen told her, poling tefl ep ate | "AI hse can be acquited easily, then” "Is that 50?” Fen mocked, eg air harmony follow consumption ofa ful botle of rv Doperbithely assured he. (Tr coals Hin baste pla one ate: bottle of Reserve fs called a hangover” Dogier nodded igh coneeding the pin. "Seapar fram loner peace, harmary, and a Corelian, what do you need?™ Fen glanced atthe con, worrying he lower lip between her teeth. (Dogder wat showing some unexpected talents, Maybe... before she ould think about it too much, Fen slipped ito her seat. “Asithappens."Fen hesitated, searching forthe words Ing fora vacation property” “A vacation property eased aay. hl Fen nodded, Ae Dogier looked down and began working gently on another nai “What are your requirements?" Fen put the sound of ashrug into her words, wanting to see tum Dogs wou play this “The sual Not to oof he ny. aliaed ANIM | i 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. | *Sralish now but with om for expansion’ Thinking abot karides specs, Fen added, "tots of expansion” ‘abbas se anda Bthansafeause tem what ‘woul your lea vacation home ba?” | fein a nel way dese the pacar of ery and securiy Dogdr understood exactly what Fen was seeking on behalf of tarde | “Atwelve” Fen told he Dower took a miniscule sip of her drink. “So far, youve deteribed 3 oat places which might Serve Can you ie me anything more specific?” in Fen wanted ogderto 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 \ fi “Those of us In abbas line of work should take alesson from his death if wedon’t want toend up the same way” Dogder spoke so. dryly Talon Karrde could have taught her the tone."In my opinion, Sey srialer shea be lacking for8 bacation bonne fr my “framtheledi® ‘Now it was feist ta bla took some effort. How Dogder had found out, she couldn't kmagine, But the con was deserving of even more consideration than Fen had been gi ‘ng hee. “who said anything about Gan Were ea ALT Ghitsa Dogder pursed her lips. Tring i ee sea, she dropped the rail file back into her pocket. "ve already had this conversation with beings wha possess similar aco son Thanks for the dink Her voice was ppd. see inyself out Hatt ll Fen wratched her go, not quite belleving that the information 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, guano sprang tomind imine ‘lately Stl if there was even @ chance .. i] 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 ofthe ramp, The con turned slowly around, “I might be interested in a such a place," Fen sal any suggestions?” | i _"Tmigt or know someone who ies,“ Doger alowed stepping back on to the ramp, "Do know this person?”Fen knew her eager tone canceled aut ‘he way she nonchalantly leaned against the side ofthe hat, Dogder made msound that might have been a snort af disdain, “Yim hardly going to tell you that, Fen,” “Maybe youl tet me” Atthe fist word, Fen went for her blaster but knew it was Doyouhave | STAR wan camen ZRCee eco blaster at her dae aT bral, he mage up forinstraight shooting. PeLIGs Sh es oaet ws oe eer cee lowly eae to the bottom ofthe tamp.Tals the BasTeh out Nabon, "he ordered. Fen 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 athet words,she ‘was more than a card short of sabe Fen gently set er blaster downontheamp Kick over the side,” Geceespit 0 ck he blaster? Was he razy? No, Fen amended. The Gran was, 38 Karrde would say, negotiating from a position of strength. ‘Gecce worlly began climbing up the ramp 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 Dopder didnt even seemto notice, Donde eg atthe tnger cashing et Gece mas too faraway You are | | could feet the rumble ofthe soupy repli: reverberate her boots. She hazarded a peek from behind the ramp, Blue bass iia legal rt MTA "dropped by forcafand biscuits. ene esate bh ian, } repeating bate | “Fen knew the riders were me re wy and grit expoded round her. More bls Bunedinto the ramp She diet want toil hugs ver aba ight but that repeating blaster wasalmst enough femal Fen eget he good manne Su, Fendt want a Soran death mark any move than Dogderdid. nth Dogder i Where ho se gone? Fen eta ccked bcd The con ha darted into te ship the moment thydheardthe cops. Doge was going use the Ladys guns otake out the warinkling my sult” f swoops, but why didn’t she put down enough cover fire fr Fen to ‘He huffed scomfully and yanked i 14 "tun back into the ship? Why was pried en when Dees 0h Il she needed were a ee ae el neiacea ie heelscaught inthe ramp. The con few seconds in the ‘unm personality and a Bastech set slumped over and Gecee propped an ston? esas ett clear. Glancing around, i acdseonence ‘ping dow, Gefore he could pull them upright, Dgder ashe out with ‘one hand and yanked on Gece ea Witha strangled whimper. the Gram went down as hardas anon ued astromech Fen jompes forward wallowing 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 death wishin a desire to put abaunty on ry own head by tting 3 smuggler stupid though heb "Gece 3s out ke a dead stay buts breathing “What did you 4?” Fen asked | “The Gran equivalent of a Gotal headcone twist," Dogder caplained was mifty tick remember “Hf that hart worked, would have shot me," Fen felt it important to mention ‘Doger shrugged and together they ralied Gacee to the ramps calge "it worked and if ithadet, you would have jumped of the ‘amp before he started shooting” “Nt time, | decide anythinginwoving shooting “The thud of the Gram hteg the ground punctuated Fens remark "Gicee, you there?” The disembodied voice crackled trough the right air Fen met Dogder's eyes and saw the same feling reflected there Femlcapt tothe ground but before she could deactivate Gecee'’s comlin, she beard the dreaded racket of incoming swoops, Snatch ing her blaster, Fen dove under the ramp. One breath tater, the swoops roared in, kicking sand allover the landing pad, 22 vowume 1 numer 2 Fen looked for a distraction, firing up answered these questions. Blast 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- ule embeded in the side of the ship ust tothe side ofthe ramp. Frjghters wed the power magnet andcabl tachment tobaud cargo barges, Fen grabbed a handful of sand and tc Rowton romp. Laser blasts singed the groundand into the vibrat- Ing ship. Seizing rock, Fer seh he oases eatng ek onchedthe powerpack "The explosive bangspilt through the roarof the swoops.The tow cable shot out om the spat ling speed Fen whipped ‘around to look but wasn't fast enough to see the cable's magnetic hook smash intothe nearest durastecl object—the two-seater swoop. She heard 2 metalicshriek and another crash asa second swoop snarled the tow cable strung between the Lady and the two-seater. | iit ‘That moment of chaos was all 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 cazkplt and lush her out the aittock later. Now, It ‘was time to get out of there. She burst into the cockpit and choked ‘on the angay yell The pilot's chair was empty. “are you going to stand there il day?" crisp voice called from the co-pllt’sseat,Fen tured ta her, epen- mouthed, The grifter vas stopped 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 dereanded, sparing a sour glance toward Dogder. Dox ger shrugged. not even looking up from her nals. "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 repulsorlifts ‘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 23k," What inthe galaxy are you doing, Fen?” Fen smile. She and Shind went wary back and the Socotran con- troller would be sure to give hera hand now. "tannoyed Gecee and his pass | decided tocear out before they put afew nicks inthe ady’cnew pairn job” \aughter echoed through the speaker "You're areal diplomat, fate “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 comm te standby and settled bark ta walt. Dodger continued to fle her nail calmly, seeming con- tent to wat for Fen tospeak: “Aves was: mever your mark wars he?” Fen finally asked “Nahe wasn't," Dojeder replied, frowning at her handiwork, Fen ran ahand serass her mouth, not liking the answer ofthe Implication of wha Bogders target had been. but it made sense. Dogster had been trailing her atleast since Sullust looking for an ‘opening to make her offer “Why did 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 fer again Ny ul client doesn't have the wsson to see that new precau- ‘Hons are in order consering recent events,” Dogder eventually ‘said returning her fle to her packet. Oxddthat-a small time operator like Gogder and an ambitious ‘smuggler like Kade were both worried about the same thing -Marybe 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 put the Emperor, Darth Vader, Boba Fett,and ‘actiminal organization that was centuries od. kmagine what more of them might do" Dogder sighed and stared out atthe Socorran stars. "Jed protect the galaxy from people like us. knew Icoukdn', 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." gles responded, with a hint of pride"! know youd" ‘Someone like Dogder wouldn't put out this kind of effort if she didn't think there wasa big score behind it realy big score, Fer glanced atthe coordinates Dogder had already programmed into the navicomputer “so what's on Covel” Doge's eyes narrowed. “information costs money, Fen” "You're stillin theo, and a card short, Dogue." Fen countered, “tefore we go anywhere, | want ta know what wire going for “An old smuggler” Doser finally conceded. “Every lead begins there.“Fen scoffed “Tell me somethinge don't already know "An old smuggler” Dogder hesitated, then finished, “and his pet,” “Pet?* Fen echoed, suddeny rethinking the airlock option, but DDogder was nadling very seriously. “The spacer told me about asmall rodent called an ysalamin* “Yeata what?” "Ysalamin, They are stupid and smelly, and the only thing they are good for is repelling eal” Fen snorted again in disgusted dlsbetiet “Frm 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 abe 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 hase, we ‘ted to find where ysalamil come from before semcane else does” The camm 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 switch 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” DDogder smiled thinly “Mow wery peneraus of you "iget the seventy” Fer cortected, pointing at het own chest with er 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 furroed her brow and pursed her lips. The con magea show of consideration. but she didn't have many ather options They both knew it. Fen watched the Homet blink nto the void, It was now or never “Sint, forty,” Fen said. “Thats my final oer "Deal," Dogder finally conceded, extending a hand, pales up. Fen slapped hers actoss it Thele bargain seated. Fen pulled back the lever and the Star tady rocketed them into hyperspace. £ STAR WARS Gawen 28rE M:-O NS TER BY DANIEL WALLACE HLLUSTRATED BY OLE SORENSEN the monster was about to uncovera secret, bust it did not know it. ‘The monster hung suspended in space, blue-black \nfinity in every direction, But it was not in space, The monster swept its fleshy tail and tucked its legs against its bodes 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 ofa 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. \thad lived for centuries, ruling the kingdoms ofthe deep with the lary disdain of absolute power. The revevent whisperersof the surface—mere dirt-dwellers—called it a 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 fnvovuntaily tic. Is gis ‘were frayed lke tattered lace. The monster was dying. ‘Apair of opee sea kills. all eyes and teeth swam up fom the blue Seduced by the stink of death, the two crake 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 I.quiclyrose up andl away. The dogged opees clung tothe ta ther noses sampling the ribbon of blood leaking from the monsters lank ‘The monster was higher now. Fingers of white ight stabbed dower from above. A thick school.of daggertbboke apart in the mon: ster's bow wave ike wind-scattered steam, (One opee swam clase and spat out its sticky capture-tongue. An Instant later, the monster’ tll 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. Drifting curtains of green ‘gle caught the light from above and sparkled as if they had been “initted from emeratds The opee swam high then jetted down like a dive-bombing bird, tearing loose apiece 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 arare sensation for it Landing hard on a sold plane was an utterly nave one. Eighteen hundred tons of flesh init the beach with a brain-split- ting thud. Benes snapped lke twigs under a soggy blanket. Stunned, the monster sucked unfamiliar air deep 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 ef scratched durastee!glinted in the morning sun, ‘The-reature of myth had revealed a lair of shadows. Neither one had ever been seen by outsiders, ‘Before the day was done, that would change. us effort 200“Panakal | see hin!” ‘The call broadcast tinny intieutenant Panaka’s ear through his helmet-mounted comlink. Heavy running steps thudded on the flaor above Panala’s head, accompanied by the unmistakable brapp brapp ofa blaster pistol. Panaka swore silently They were supposed tocapture the "suspect, not kill hi. Baly knew hee training better than that. Panaka eased farther down the rickety wooden statcase, strug fling to seein the darknessof the perfume cellar. Now thatthe sit 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 Gulls of Tolan by aiscipined Zabrak he stil memembered with respect, Panaka hated to think the tactic might be flawed. No.he thought, the tactic fs sound. ft fal ts ‘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 eerily 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 cormlink call ~ “Panaka, he's coming, he's coming” - and heavy slapping footfall, cn 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 off its hinges, Panaka dropped face down on the stars and brought his arm up over his head just asthe door fell 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 door off the side of the stars. He pulled hinvslf into crouch, gun in hand The door hit the cellar floor with a cater, “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 ike all perfurneies, this basement was quipped with a diainage trough—it was how Panaka had entered the room inthe fist place to set up his ambush fhe dt 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 ould ‘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 swung his pistol around, but the Gungan took hold of Panaka's wrists before he could bring his weapon tolbear, Parka {fell 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 | nummer 2 physique, smashed 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 |nand threw his weight over tothe same side, rggerng all that Jef him on top and the Gungan underneath Despite the advantage he stil could notre hs arm roms attache ice-e camp. ana knew Gungans were strang. This one was apparent stronger than most. His wrists popped as the radius andl ulna round together Fanaka's face asa misshopen mask of strain and Suffering, The Gungan grimaced right back at him. hake faces were rete centimeters apart. ‘With awet crac, the Gungan’s prchenil tongue exploded out- wards ft smacked Panata’s nose with an agonizing Snap and briskly wnthdren- A second lightning jab swatte the sot flesh beneath anata’ lft eve, aking piece of kin with it. “The third tongue jb hit Pa mak’ et eyeball and struck thee. The Gungan seeing the adhesive had set baga to 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 squathed the Cungans elastic fda catiage forcing the top teeth against the bottom row with aloud snap. The tongue was caugtin the middle. The Gungan howled poi. anata slammed his head forward a second time, knocking his attacker right betvreen the eyestals, The Cungan relaxed his grip as his body ent limp. Holding one hand overs thicbbing ev, Panaka slowly sa up. fchind him came the racket of Biay descending the sais. 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 in waves that made him ight: Ineadest. The scents he was wearing on his Royal Security Force uni- ‘orm would have ost a monarch’ riches if purchased Individually, ‘or the people of Naboo coveted perfumes in the manner wath ‘which other cultunes 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 br definitely unpleasant scent. Bialy pulled off her helmet and wiped one hand aver her fore head a3 she walked over to Panaia. “Think we shovld get back to “Theed? Welw starting 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 slmpse ofthis unusual criminal Panaka frowned. He was a Royal Security Force officer, not a carnival barker. Panaka climbed behind the steering yoke ofthe speeder and fired up the engines. The ‘moment Bialy joined him in the shotgun seat, he jammed the accel ‘erator and bounced onte the dirt road with puff of dust. The wind of their passage helped stripaway the recking bow {quet that clung te him Panaka looked back. Their prisoner was sglumy surveying the scenery "You think he had an accomplice?” te asked Bay “Panaka, | already told you.! don't known.” Baly hed out both hands, palms up."I never Fired. 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 themto 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 “go-ahead” sign, Panaka watched the herdsman's balloon bodied animals shuffle ane-by-one across the roadway infront of him “Don't ever think about it, Gungan,”he called into the back set ‘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 Ponaka throttled back upto cruising speed. ialy turned in her seat and retumed the shaak tenders wave “So how about it, Gungan?” Panaka calle. "You have a friend back there atthe Port” The Gungan kept his woice low. “Mesa sayen nutten.* "You havea friend witha blaster?” Panaka flexed his hands on the steering yoke. “Trying ta ila Royal Security Officer 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 Baly then to Fanaka. “My no haven 2 blaster, Mesa doen nutten* “We've got witnesses who reported. Gungan sneaking around their town,’ Panaka 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 anaka 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 what yousa doen tis teribad” THE GUNGAN LAUGHED. “TO DEM, MESA ONLY CRIME TIS BEING A GUNGAN.” “Careto elaborate” Panaka offered, “Not to yousa. No can trust yousa.” “Suit yourself” The Gungan slumped down in the rear seat and heaved 3 sigh, “Berry bombad for yousa world. Bey bombad for yousa.” Panaka scowied. "Is that a threat?” “No no, tis no threat: Ts truth: Nutten yousa can dotochange dat." He looked down at the binders that held his wriss."Un now, rutten mesa can do neither” 200 Serp srp sxip anaka held the pick betwen his thumb and forefinger, twisting ‘toreach the inside ofthe iquid-cable cyinder. The Ittlecartriige ‘normally held compressed spraymist which hardened int a continu cus spoat of rape when fred, Unfortunately the cartridge gummed peasy. Seripsonp scrip ‘The sound seemed quite loud, therein the empty confines of the Royal Naboo Security Force's 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 orthe whine as he exhaled through the bacta sheath on his, broken nose. smaller bacta patch covered the angry blotch beneath his left eye; The Palace healer who had treated him had trdered 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, ooking out onto a nario avenue and a boathouse on ‘the shore of the river Solleu anaka placed the cylinder between his palms and rubbed therm "api back and forth Heating the cartridge often loosened the died oo inside. He lied the pick again and resumed the frp fp serip of cleaning. With a careful scrape Panaka pulled a curicue of dried spraymist ‘out ofthe barrels inner workings. The cleansing complete. he began reassembling the puze pieces of his 5-5 The baster pistol was already a heavy weapon, burdened with two overstred scopes and Aananaesthetic dart cartridge. Panaka's prototype liquid-cable shooter were toever become standard equipment it would have to bessall enough not tainterferewith the aiming and fring ofthe 5.5. And it would have to stop gurwming up. anata was determined to make it work A grappling hook on a liquid cable line would allow officers to rappel dawn buldings and evacuate the King inemengencies His anti-terrorism classes had tought him that the difference between life and death was often a ‘matte of seconds The door tothe dispatch office shot up into the ceiling, DuKane, 3 ‘STAR waRs Gamer 27‘angy mustachioed officer with dark soul- ful eyes. walked through the entrance wearing. smile Mis facetit up when he sav Panaka “just saw your Gungan, Panaka, s0.of course | had to come and s¢e you." DuKane whooped with laughter."And it's truct You look worse than ie does!” Panaka flashed a quick sie, tight and fas. He said nothi DDukane pulled his helmet from his locker. "The perfume was a ice touch | can stilsmeilit fromm here. Reminds me ef my grand- ether” “That perfumery lost dozens of bottles of Memtican-era stock.” Panaka sid the 5-5’ auxiliary targeting scope intoits 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 real 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 a tight-knit crew Forced to ‘uphold a professional image armong the citizens of Naboo, officers {gathered together in the ofhours to blow off steam with ribald ‘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 how hard he studied, he would never be their after-hours buddy. No ‘matter how long he trained. he could never regate them with far 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 tence he would command their admiration, and he would reinforce every day by never, ever deviating from a sterling example. He was a lieutenant nan, but he would not befor long, And Captain -Magneta, shilled 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 block the scope, Panaka hefted the atsembled ‘weapon and sighted down its ength, taking note ofthe added eight His comlink crackled. "Panaka here."he announced, holstering thes “Lieutenant, this i Captain Magneta, Report tomy office at once.” ooo Ue the woman who occupied it, Captain Magneta’s office was stern and uncompromising, Completely bare save for a 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 ow tanes with aman dressed alin black, ‘At ast Magnet ted to regard hin A tallwoman with hawk tke features she kept her white har pulled back in a short. tight braid. 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 alone. Sergeant Baly was my partner on this assignment.” “Vexpected you tosay that, lieutenant, but iknow you don't mean it” Magneta regarded him shrewdly. "Blalyi a fine officer, 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 own Senator Palpatine, “Trim and fit, with thinning black hai and a tight cruel mouth, stage 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 nedded at Panaka,“Uesrenart. The Gungan in custody thas been identified as Kroke Modbom, wanted for crimes inclading treason and murder. ets being remanded tommy custody and will ‘be shuttled offworld 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 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 Security Force matter” "Be careful eutenant.” Magnet raised a warning finger. "You claim respec. yet you show none to me orto my 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, festage cleared his throat tobreak the tense silence. "I know | speak for Senator Palpatine when | say kroke's victim will be avenged The killer wil be Brought to justice” Panaka 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 irwestigation into that matter ax soon a you have completed your immediate assignment.” “Immediate assignment?” “Waffic control. realize the healers placed you of duty. but a sea creature has run aground on a isoated stretch of coast north of Port Landien i lke you to. command a small team of officer to divertpedestrian 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 Pestage placed a datapad in "Your squad won't bein the cleanup area. The ‘carcass shouldbe 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, LUrutenant, and thank you again, wil be returning to Coruscant in the morning” Panaka accepted the other man's hand and shook it firmly. Pestage leaned closer stucying the bandages on Panaka' face. “Those injuries—do they hurt?" Panaka shook his head. “I don't et thern~ The screeching rootjggers were enough todive anyone mad Hillocks of nota grass flanked the roadway 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 pilinted 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 his 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 toutes to Port Landlen. ‘Dust biliowed up suddenly The green speeder shot forwards if eicked by 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 ootjiggers the suicidal vehicle plowed into the side of Panaka's speedier The Royal Security Force speeder stubbornly fought the ‘rust-tinged in the fading light of shove, Ar invisible tractor beam pockistyeasctempgs’ PANAKA FROZE FORA SPLIT | cctnsatsuecon te oaineys feeatisey' 3's SECOND, JUDGING WHETHER. ete ccoye 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. lot ole Th hag eb kad THERE WAS NO TIME. “"tacctherspeadex frontend ep aree yee appcdaieasty aces ‘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 this ‘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 inover an hour. ching him the terain greverockier the closer itgot to the water, Panaka threw a glance aver his shoulder. ogged upthrusts of land, threw sharp black shadews in the 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 left to follow the ccean coast down to Fort Landien. By ‘doing so avoided a natural wall af serrated black rock ity meters high. Behind that barrier Panaka kev. 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 therm 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 to one knee and fired six quick shots, Several shots hit the rear gate but the speeder did't stop Cursing, Fanaa got tahis feet and ran toward his speeder. which had fleated to astopa dozen meters away "Bayt he ylied, keying thecomink clipped to his cola, “Pestrakd Dunit” Hecouldn't hear anything over the shiek fthe jggers. “This is Panaka,"he announced anyway, hoping someone could heat him “Tm in pursuit ofa speeder that smashed through the roadblock \Green Sorosuub model, damaged frontend, one drive Callitinand ietover here now” He reached the shattered Royal Security 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 drive jus by wiling ithe bounced ‘over the uneven turf and steered hack anto the roadway Panatka ‘opened up the thvottle and the engines roared. The flashing hazard light on his hood stillblnked weakly. Fanaa 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 coal black boulders atthe footilsof the ise. Fanaa jerked the steering yoke and slammed on the bakes, stewing the speeder around in a squealing stop that banged the passenger se against the rocks. e winced out of habit, 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 upat the crest of the mount, ruby sunlight burning the cor ners of is ej 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 tohirvslf tat ‘theatteruated 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 was gradually sup- planted by the soothing sound of sur Ten meters up. his boot slipped on a rock cakes with bd guano. Panaka fel hard onto a Juting spar that broke his fat and nearty broke a rib By the time he reached the top, salty sweat drenched his bandages and stung his sore eye. Running a hand 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 ft was horrifying. Panaka could nek coryprehend 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 rat reconcile them against the backtrop of that thing. He expert ‘enced abr moment of vertigo as his eyes struggied with his brain. ‘The thing lay splayed ut.on ifs sie inthe tidal basin, ong and serpentine. Its subsmerged hindquarters were partly visible beneath the churning sur. The rest ofthe creature lay prone on the sand, ts sagging flesh pulled down 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 newer held an opinion either way The monster lay in an agonizing stil fe, Foam broke over its 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 meck 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 ivlet.Itshaunch mus. les spasmed, and far out to sea Panaka saw an answering splash as _taitfin beached the surface witha slap. ts claws scrabble weakly Inthe grooves they had abeady gouged out, and then the sando aqua monster collapsed wth a rattling rar. Panaka didn’t know how long held been standing there. 8 3D. vowme | muMBeR & the swollen orange sun was already dipping behind the oceans 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 hi fet for 8 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 Porat. ‘anaka didn't see anyone crossing the expanse: He did howeves, rotice 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 like a 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 right 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. ‘Panaka unholstered his blaster. “Hold” he shouted, and fired shot into the at-The figure whipped around and looked wpat 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 Intathe gaping tunnel mouth. it fell straight down and disappeared Iman eyeblink. Panaka jammed his blaster back in ts 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 witha single shot But Panaka vas also apprehensive for 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. Ando traverse the cold channels directly underneath the belly lof a dying behemoth represented fear in its most primal shape. Panaka leapt into the 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 eft. But he heard nothing, and as his eyes adjusted he saw he was alone in a small rock chamber with a single exit, ‘Or was he? Along the weeping walls he saw several pale glowing, forbs, each the size of his head. The dead clouded eyes clung tothe rock and made sticky puckering noises as they focused on him.Panaka had no idea what manner of creatures they were but they, ssgusted 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 ater 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 cansidered switching on is 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 ‘tevation relative to sea level Fanaa had half expected these pas- sages to be completely flooded ‘he standing water made it impossible to scan for footprints, ka fraze, halting his breathing, and heard the distant echo of splashing footfall, He also heard afaint mechanical hum. A purmp? {By this point he was in total darkness. As he reached fo his wma with his fee hand, he noticed a pallid floor and fet the cold presstive of a blaster barrel on the buck of, his skull “Hands up." came aharsitmale 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 waa good hhead taller than anata, His puffy face was dominated by a knob of ‘anote that looked a5 fit 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| aeady 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 tormake your situation any easier” "Watch it leutenan,” the man sncered."Your partner set here to caver your back: | could shoot you Blow far abead. The ight was encour “HANDS UR” CAME A HARSH __ ‘ishtherefor what youdid tokroke aging, but between there and here ‘Modbor.” ould lurk overhanging stalactites or MALE VOICE, “AND DROP __ anata started at the name, then Semstyateepictavcer YOURBLASTER. YOU MAKE freutnouauipumen ee eee ME TWITCH, YOU LOSE — *ese. cee uma YOUR HEAD.” shatyou ore> ets eum Tilo tat nether behind him, like steam squealing out ofa 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 dezens more struck his face, his chest, his hands, ish: ka stumbled ahead, brushing the nightmares awray with clumsy sweeps of his forearms. hrill hootsreverberated in the claustrophobic tunnel, unnerving and disarienting 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 leather 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 Panaka 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 ay of the sande aqua monster resounded through the meters ‘of rock abawe them, much louder this time and laden with low ‘hrumming bass notes as if most ofthe monster's call was below the ‘hreshold of hearing Panaka felt the vibration thraugh his boots. AAs the noise died away.a powerful thud nearly knocked Panaka ofthis feet. The monster was thrashing, Sand—or perhaps pulver- jeed rock—rickled down on his head 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 ar! walk forward, Slaw” More rock pporeder spilled down from above in dry streams. making pornery 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 was amen BLPrivately. Panaka smiled atthe fero- céous-sounding nickname. Veermoks were ‘bloodthirsty slmians whose jaws could snap bone. The Gungan give you that 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 CGuungans, and you knaw even less about Kroke.” "know he was a wanted criminal, What does that say 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 it.” Panaka wiggled his fingers inside his leather gloves. You had me dead to rights a minute ago. think if you were going toll me,you would have done it alteady” ‘The man gave a wintry laugh. “Lieutenant, you 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 eae suspicions con- firmed, Banks of artifical urn nators hung from the rock ceiling at even intervals. Atleast ‘adocen it up the tunnel ahead before the passage bent into a distant turn. Panaa sit saw no evidence of a pump, but the ‘uodeying hur 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 biocked with a heavy durastee! door bearing a ‘number in futhark script. “Siow 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 two pistols trained on you" ‘anaka's gut went cold. "You think the tunnel’ 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- ‘8e¢ an automated intruder device and get shot in the chest. So tell ime again why you think Ishovld ta help you." “Oh, came now lieutenant." his captor mocked.All that Security Forcetraining and you car't defeat a simple ambush? Move. Now. Wee 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- ing.holiowly on the deckplates. On the walls, hundreds of tiny fun- us buds created giddy pointiist patternsin phosphorescent Breen. Haity roots fan along the face of the stone, crsserossing the pale fungus lke networks of blood vessels, Panaka passed several BZ voume | nomen 2 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 into darkness, “Hind telling me what!" locking for?” Panaka eyed a 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 obsewvation 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’ stash,’ Panaka answered. “A bootlegge’s warehouse.” “What if told you this was cornmissioned by King Veruna? That it contains records conce ming coeruption atthe highest levels of {gowemment? Records that would shack even you?” ‘anaka snorted. “I wouldn't think much. You see whatever you want to see. You're nat the only ant-ryalist on Naboo.” “Ant-royalist?" the man spat, "We're not out there carrying sigs: Kroke and | and the others. we're fighting for Naboo “Thent've never heard of you! “im glad. Wee not striving to be noticed. We're not even an organization. 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, _ snthat balance Nowe have the chance torestoreit: \Veermok sighed as feasting off a great weight, "50.no,Heutenant, were not anti-oyalist. We've ante-lies Anti-serets ~ anaka felt asmile at the corners of his mouth. Idealts “That's what everyone wants," he sai, keeping his voice calm and reason- able. "Including Veruna, tnelucing me” "You mean weil icutenant, but you're Har” Veerrok’s voice roiled with heated bitterness. "Korke and | have been looking fora ‘repository lite this one for years. Recent information fed ws to Pot Landien, but we coulde't find ton our-own Naboo understood. The planet herve finally revealed this disease by sending the sanda ‘aqua monster.Lam honered te accept her git. you're reallyin- cere about wanting the truth, help me search. Help me make public whatever we find” “Put down the pistols and well talk about it” “Lieutenant, maybe | arma litle 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 left stretched off nto darkness. Peering closely ito that loom, Panaka thought he could make out the circular outline of 2 wide hole in the tock floor. Worrled what the pit might conceal, Panaka sprang forward onto the deckplates ameter ahead anddropped to the ground asa calling Humination bank exploded in a showrer of sparks spitting out an energy bot that hissed past Panala'sear The wrecked lighting rig fllto the ground with a ‘rash, revealing a recessed laser turret inthe ceiling. With a hyper active wine the turret spun around in dizzy circles, spraying ‘destructive energy everywhere, Fanaka hurried backward on his belly, outside ofthe tures apparent range, back to the intersection ‘of the two branching tunnels His captor moved up behind him. "What did you do?” “Draconi fixed defensive laser” Panaka stated flatly. “Cant tel if {ts pressure or motion activated, so Keeps stl” ‘The turret spun around madly in its tight cle, drenching the air ‘with missiles of hot orange energy. Laser darts peppered the walls ‘of the tunnel, leaving rows of black smoking holes, then burred ‘over the heads of the two figures lying prone on the deckplates. “Lon knov” Panaka admitted, shouting over the stale, "Td expect this one to track ws, and its not. t's kd. And | think it's mal: functioning like an airspeeder caught ina fata spiral, the laser twirled around faster with each revolution. The turret mounting wobbied violently with the off-center stress. The lasers cicular spray pattern now began tozigrag upand down the walls in sync ‘with the back-and-forth jerking ofthe pivot mount, Panaka grtted his teeth Then he noticed that the rock surrounding the ceiling tur- ret was glowing. Piosma, Vens of natural energy plasma gushed deep through the «core of Naboo, hese were tapped with dried shafts to generate ‘peme for maj cities Trace amounts f plasma sometiies perme: ated surface rock, useless for any practical purpose but fun to ignite fora short-lived ight show. The out-af-contro turret likely ran onits ‘own plasma source, and was venting its excess heat diecty into the saturated rock The rock Hself was unkely to explode, but asthe ce in’s temperature climbed the motor casing would melt exposing Its pure plasma battery tadirect heat. And when that happened— “We're moving!" Fanaka announced tohis captor. "That laser's poing to blow." ‘The man glared back at him, A pattern of drt smeared one sie of his face where he'd pressed it against the grated deckplate."You'e not going anywhere" He stil held both pistols tightly in his fists “Take a look!" Panaia jerked his head toward the turret, angry. Vivid white lines spiderwebbed through the superheated red rock Panaka peered into the branching tunnel on thelr lft, where het carler glimpsed a dark pt. When the laser spins that way—"he motianed opposite their position—"we rolleft. and scoot down that tunnel as far as we can." Ranaka held up hishand.“On my signal, One—" Panaka never finished fis count as the world came crumbling down on them. He was flipped end-over-end, swept up ina jurt- ble of rocks that banged him fran every side. Time slowed down as Fanaka became acutely conscious of his surroundings. ina sort of hyperconsciousmess that intruded upom his senses inlife oF death situations, ‘Hewas in the alt spinning falling Yet there was no fire from an explosion, The laser turret hadn't blown. Above him he saw rocks largeand small suspended in the arin rid:tumble like himself Beyond the rocks he saw a ragged patch of purple dotted with pin- Prick stars. Sithovetted against the incongruous night sky weas 3 ‘aassive claw with talans the size of tre trunks, reaching deep into the ground as if digging for worms. He hadn't been blown of his feet. He'd been scooped. anata failed his arms, trying to grab hold of something. any> ‘hing to break his nevitable fll. As he twisted his body in mid-at the 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 adusty lide toward the ominous pt in the floor ofthe tributary tunnel Pamaka reached desperately for one ofthe angling, hair-ike 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, Fanaka broke the surface, trying desperately to-stay afloat as his sodden clothing threatened to dra 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 the Eoyal Security Force uniform to inetude a knee-length ‘fabric skirt anda heavy leather vest, Treading water ashe shed his ‘gloves, Pana stared up atthe rim ofthe pit high abave him. ‘Veermok dangled over the edge, is legs kcking uselessly. One hhand was gripping some purchase outside the pit; the other was hhotding Panaka’s 5. Obviously unwilling to drop 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 a plop 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 Visiblty ‘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 more. Veermok no longer hung from the edge ofthe pt. Panaka reached out forthe floating object he'd just jostled, hop: Ing touset 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 ad 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 rowsof 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. its stomach bulged with gas and its mouth gaped open in, «a Soundlessseream. The bile rose in Panaka’s throat as he realized he'd swallowed the same water the seeping corpses were bobbing. in. Ase spat out his saliva, ie sawat least a halfsdazen other ‘oating forms. Panaka groped on his bet forthe urastee! groping hook Find- ing he 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 of the pit. upto the rock ceiling of the tun- nel tse Squeezing the trigger he fired the liquid-cable shooter, [Athinlineofspraymist unspooled from the blaster, trailing 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 S55: tiny reservoir Fanaka held tighthy ta the plata stack with ‘both hands. 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 ‘floor, with a couple of meters left on the line. He needed to gain ‘enough lateral momentum ta reach the edge ofthe pit. He began swinging back and forth, causing the grappling hook to rock inthe ‘stone overhead. 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 toose. Panaka fl, but inertia stil cared him to the ip of the pit. He Init the edge hard, knacking the breath from his lungs, but suc- ‘ Jing. One pile completely blacked the route Panaks and his captor had traversed atthe start-of their exploration. The other pile clogged the tunnel abead where the amok laser turret had once stood guard. From the other side of this jumbled roadblock carne mutfied grunts and curses “Thrawing himself on the stone barrier, Panaka clambered up and peered ver the top. Below him, Veermok had jst fed himsetf froman avalanche of plate-sized flecks, "Hold!" Panakashauted. Veermok looked up started, and started running. He ne longer had his disruptor Panaka threve himself over the summit and slid down tothe pebbly floor. He winced as he Jandedon is punctured heel."Veetmak! tm telling you hold!” ‘The other man didn't stop. Panaka aimed through the 5-5 pris ‘mary sight at Veermok’ right knee and pulled the trigger. “The S-5 gave a nasty pop and released a drizzle of sparks like cheap party favor Panaka hissed ashe realized that the dip in the Icy water had gutted the biaster’s electronics. ‘Veermok looked back His voice was loud and mocking. "Prob Jems, lieutenant? fm sorry to see that."The intact tunnel ahead of hien was spotty fit by the remaining Mluminators.Past that, an Upsloping turn led to the highest-numbered doors ~and to free VCX-820 Escort Freighte Svan wans cauen M7hether roaming the space lanes, tracking down smugglen,or escort ing apital ships bearing important nobles. the privateers a prestige class dedicated to census the prosperity f his government The p issloned bya pation tovdefend a planet and itsholdings fro pirate attack and oot out threats tothe goveming soverelgnty. Some privateers are bulls serving a corupt governor, while others arenoble spacers acting on behalf af 2 peaceful queen, Regardless, al prhvateers Puli off with style and panache ‘privateers patron is high-ranking member of planetary oveimment body. The patrons usually planetary royalty, but a prvateer can serve any government rateer bso patron with distinction, even Imperial or Republic patrons with deep pockets The private typically flies in.a well MB vouMet numer 2 armed transport ship that he commands Generally, he brings this ship with him into service ad risks his own property for his patron. The rewards far outweigh the risks for the dedicated privatees, howe what he finds in the patron Some question the h the behavior of many privateers, some indi viduals do not see how different they are hee! otis nor of this. Give from the pirates they claim to oppose. True, some privateers ate no better than wel funded thugs, but the best strive ta protect their planet’s interests and increase safety for theie patron's holdings Though generally free touse theirjudg- iment in service, a patron sornetimes alls ‘upon a privateer to perform a specificduty fr funetion such as "Hunt down the notor ‘ous pirate, Gunmetal Gellak.” Or"Escort the senators to their council mesting.” ‘Although a privateer can refuse an assign ‘ment by his patron, he might find his pi ages restrained until he returns to his ppatron’s good graces. Special Abilitios erie of MarQUE The privateer has full rights granted him by his patron to attack and seize any ship or ‘cargo belonging to ancentity which the gov ‘emnment deems an enemy of the state Benoroen ‘Occasionally, a patron might ask a favor of a privateer I the privateer does not willingly accede to his patron's request his highest level special ability ' lost until he abeys the request.HT #2 ana 0a gad | a Cr a ee ath 43))/ 11/40! | [Pea Sth tg 4 +4 +g eth 11 05/)/ 1/42 0000S NINES Th 46 as sth 46 a ke 48 Sth 47 #646 woh 4B ea Reret Boanoers ‘Because of his amiliaity with his own ship 8nd the courage gained from knowing an entire planet supports his actions the priva- ‘eer gains a +1 morale bons to all attack and saving throw rolls while fighting in ‘melee or ranged combat on his own ship. In addition, be gains a-+2 morale bonus to his, Defense when fighting in melee orranged combat on his own ship. Maur Repares Because of his status, a privateer can expect to pay half the normal cost for repairs to his ship at any shipyard controlled by his patron's government. Fy Devensivety When escorting or defending anather ship, a privateer gains a #2 circumstance bonus [ern letterofMarque, #147 Beholden Repeloatders 42 4 Half Repairs 240 FlyDefensively 42 at ai Hyperspace Track 43 401 4 Full Reais aH “0 Enforce Blockade 450 #1 to all Pilot rolls. In addition, any gunnerson bs ship receive a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls with ship weapons. HYPERSPACE TRACK Due toa knowledge of starships, hyper- space travel, and most importantly, the per- son he is tracking, the privateer can deduce likely destinations, waypoints, and ticks of anyone attempting to flee him through hyperspace. Tracking this way requires a successful Astrogate check. The difficulty depends on hovr well the privateer knows his quarry. Intisately: The privateer has confronted his quarry on more than two separate occa- sons and is familiar with the quatry’s tactics and methods ‘Well: The privateer has confronted his quarry om at least two separate occa- sions and knaws the quarry’stacticsand methods. Familiar: The privateer has either con: fronted his quarry once before ors well briefed on the quarry’s tactics and methods. Barely: The privateer has never confronted his quarry and has only litte oF no infor: ‘mation on the quarry’s tactics and methods [SLU Ge Clave Homie tea tare nm {" eyelneo lt daeee pas ia fu we following criteria eens Met ee eereerer “his patron or acts contrary to his patron's weil being. ialabilities, LC HAE cela ett i ‘The privateer’ lass sis are: | sence “plomacy er) Cathe information (ha) rion (Cha), Knowledge ny, Pilot (Dex), Repalr (int) Search (im nse Move (Wie) and Spot (Wi) Meat | hte Se Peete At eno aE irra ' uu. Rerains ‘Because of his status, a privateer pays nath- lng for repairs to his ship at any shipyard controlled by his patron's government. EnroRct Blockas As part of an official, government-spon- sored blockade, the privateer gains a +4 ci cumstance bonus to all Pilot rolls. In addition, any gunners on his ship receive 2 +42 morale bonus to attack rolls with ship ‘weapons. & STAR waRs camer MBLYOU AND YOUR FRIENDS CAN EXPERIENCE STAR WARS roleplaying in an easy-to-learn format with our fast-play version of the Stak Wars Roleplaying Game! Use your imagination to portray a daring hero living in the Star Wars universe. If you've ever wanted to be a noble Jedi, fierce Wookleee, or crafty scoundrel, this game is for you. Try it now! BR WARS THE PREDATORS FAST - confused but intrigued by roleplaying? This “fast-play” version of the Srar Wars Roleplaying Game 's designed to {lve you a fee! for the basics of roleplaying The full game contains all sorts of addi tonal options, including rules for creating. characters and designing your own adver: turesin the Stax Wars universe. But we call this a fast-play game because you can begin playing it right now. Look over the next few pages, gather your friends, and get ready for an adventure set Jong age-in a galaxy far far away. Playing the Game Decide who willbe the Gamemaster. The Gamemaster (‘GM for short) controls the events of the game. That person also plays the creatures and opponents the characters encounter. The GMis lke a storyteller, 50 think about which of youe friends would do the best job telling a story. Most of the Information in this game ls for the GM. After you decide who'll be the Gamemas- ter, the rest of the players pick characters, Take the character sheets and divide them up so that each player has a character. it's 50 vowme (number PLAY ‘okay for sorneone to take more than one character if there aren't enough players. Like the characters from the Stak Wass movies, Rann Kanu, Arani Korden, Rorwor, and Galak are heroes whe go out and expe: rience the events of a story. Your characters are the stars of the show; the Gamemaster is the director. THe GAMEMASTER ‘When you're the GM, you coordinate the actions that take place in the game, You're both a moderator and a referee. You tell the cother players what their characters see and hear. Youhelp them resolve the success oF failure of actions they take. You also choose actions for other characters in the story. Sometimes, the GMs characters are the bad guys." For instance, if the players want their characters to fight a bounty hunter they encounter, the Gamemaster decides what the bounty hunter does and resolves his actions, At the same time, the GM helps them determine which characters get hurt and haw serious their wounds are During the game, each player gets to decide what his or her character does at Game BY OWEN K. ILLUSTRATED BY ADAM HUGHE: , STEPHEN: any given moment. When the Gamemas- ter describes a group of battle droids marching into a deserted plaza, the players {get to decide whether their characters attack, walt and see what the droids do, try to sneak away, or attempt anything else they can imagine. ‘TweCnanacrens For this game, characters are provided, The character sheets show what each character Jooks like and what actions he or shecan take (like striking with alightsaber firing a blaster. or operating a computer). The heroes of this game usually act asa a oc)froup, but each player portrays an individ- ual character. Each one has motivations and desires that guide his or her actions, Each ‘one has opinions on how to aid the Republic and fight for the cause of justice. The GM doesn't get a character sheet Instead, the rest of this game text acts like a “character sheet” for the Gamemaster. The Gtplays all the other characters and crea tures the players meet. The adventure here describes what might happen asa result. At this point, the players should look at their character sheets for a few minutes. The GM should keep reading GAME Session, This fast play game leads you through a {game session, presenting an adventure like these found in the Siae Waes Roleplay ing Gome, The rules are introduced as you need them, sa you don't have to memorize anything. ‘The adventure is divided into “areas”. Each area hasa number that corresponds to a location on the maps you will findin the following pages. Each area has its own directions and rutes, so you don’t need to read ahead. However, if you have time.it's helpful to skim ahead to get a sense of what happens laterin the story For each area, follaw the directions, eseribe the situation as it occurs, and add your own details f you decide that an area has an auiraof darkness that raises the hralrson a.character’s neck, that's okay. You're the GM, so make your descriptions as vivid as possible. ‘When the players tell you what they want todo. you tell them whether they suc- eed oF failand what happens asa result The directions and rules for each area will help you make these decisions. ‘The game is based on dice-rlling and dis- cussion. There's no need torun araund and act out events, although gestures and facial expressions might help convey what you're trying to say. A player can speak in the voice of his character (Vattack the smuggler") or refer tons character inthe third person (CRorworr fires his bowcaster"). The GMcan use different voices while portraying the ‘other characters (harsh, stem voices for the __ smugglers, oF anervous, mousy voice for the archaeologist).or she can describe each scene like a narrator ("The archaeologist tells you his speeder has been stolen”), Gamoansten Anvice In this game, yau'll find many things to help ‘you manage the adventure. First, the map provides a visual aid for the setting. tt shows where the important locations are ‘and how big each area i. You can alse use ‘heillustrations here to help describe the ‘creatures in each setting, ust as the illustra tions on the character sheets help you visu- alize each character, ‘Throughout this game. you'l see text in colored boxes, This is called "read-aloud” text. It's meant to be read to the players to describe the setting and the situation. Keep the rest of it tayourself until the times right to reveatit to players. The Predators ‘Once the characters have looked over their character sheets, you can start to play. Begin byrreading the boxed text to the players, ‘Once you'start the numbered areas. the read-aloud text often ends with a question ‘posed to the players. Their answer to this question helps them decide what thelr characters do: Remember that the characters don'tall have tao the same thing. Galak ean shoot a droid while Rann uses.a Force power, even While Arani is trying ta open.a door, You tell them the results of their actions: “Galak hits the droid, Rann’ Force power heals himself, and Arani can't get the door open."It’s casi est ifthe players take turns telling you what theircharacters are doing, That way. you can handle each action individually. When something isn't cavered in the rules, make up your own answer. That's the GMS job. If Rorworr’ player wantsto hide behind a tree sohe can attack a creature that’s munning by,you need to decide whether that works Read the follawing text to the players: Each of you controls a character: aJedi, soldier, scout, or scoundrel. These charac ‘ters liven the Stas Was uiniverte-on the planet Naboo, before the events of Te know each other well. As valiant heroes, your characters are dedicated to alding ‘the Republic and ending all forms of injustice and evil ‘As we play, ll describe the setting and the action as it occurs. You can tell ‘me when your character wants to do something. First, let's have each of you introduce ‘your character. Have each player briefly describe his or her character so that everyone knows what everyone else can do, Then read the follow- ing text to the players: The Galactic Republic isa vast nation spanning many star systems, including ‘the planet of Naboo. Jedi Knights serve as guardians and advisors to the Repub- Nig for they are strong in the Force. One such Jed! is Master All-Vor.a scholar ‘who has come to Naboo to further the ‘training of his Padawan learner, Rann F ‘Kary. Master All-Yor regularly assigns ‘tasks to Rann, who.often enlists the aid ‘of his friends. Recently, Master Alor has been fook- Ing for smugglers who have been trans- porting rare creatures off Naboo. He has asked all of you to look into reports that some of these criminals are working out ‘ofa secret base near Theed, the capitol city of Naboo. Although AILVordaesn’t consider these rumors valid, he believes ‘the investigation will be good training for Rann, as well After afew days of checking around ‘and asking questions, you recetved infor- mation about smugglers from one of ‘Arani's trusted contacts. The contact sug- {gested that you investigate an ancient shrine hidden in the nearby jungle. he sketched a crude map tothe site and handed it to Ronwort, Ronworr has used ‘the map tolead you to near where the shrine can be found. Proceed to the start of the adventure, Jungle Clearing.‘Area Jungle Clearing Read the following text to the players: ‘ANNaboo archeologist piloted the speeder hereto investigate the nearby shrine. When hhewatked up tosee who was moving.into the ancient building, band of smugglers «captured him and lft his vehicle behind. Nowa short-tempered creature called a ‘eermok is prowling on the far sie of the abandoned speeder. The veermok isa preda- tor native to Naboo It's little smaller than 2 lion, with powerful legs and sharp