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Fast Forward

The Voice Of The Fredericton Science Fiction Society

Spring of Two Thousand and Four

Spring Has Sprung, I Think Oh to feel the vibrations of Wireless Internet Activity in the ether, It must be Spring. We as a club seem to have weathered the cold Atlantic Winter well. There is evidence of our old enemy Apathy in the air. Even myself find that I am not putting the commitment into our club that I should. I am not saying that the FSFS should be the only activity but we need to look, AGAIN, where we see the club in a few years. This is hard because some people will be moving on, PLEASE DON’T GO. Others will have taken on new ventures or new family members but we need whatever participation you are able to give. Being selfish I start with the newsletter, just a small submission from every one would make a spectacular issue. We always have great luck with different members hosting events in the summer but more would help. It IS important that you make it to the monthly meeting because this is where major changes and decisions are made. We need participation not just attendees. To all who are making a difference I thank you. We will be discussing new and old events and just trying to keep in touch with each other. Any little or big thing you can contribute helps. Your VP Kevin Boone :)LLaP (Live Long and Prosper)

Coming In This YourFor Bemusement Coming In Issue ThisFor Issue Your Unknown FSFS Club Introduction Page President’s Ramblings, , Submission Guidelines, Unknown Peek and Poke, Kent Hamilton and Andrew Crisp FSFS Club Page Science BitsIntroduction by Andrew Crisp President’s Ramblings, , Submission Guidelines, Klingon Programmer, FSFS Treasurers Report Thursday February 5, 2004 Peek and Poke, Kent Hamilton and Andrew Crisp Toronto Trek 18 Science Bits by Andrew Crisp Books, Books & More Books Klingon Fanfic: isProgrammer it right to write? Fredericton Science Fiction Society Operating Directives Toronto Trek 18 Report Thursday March 4, 2004 FSFS Treasurers Books, BooksFor & …by More Rainey Books I Can’t Wait Fanfic: is it right to write? Current FSFS Library Catalogue Fredericton Science Fiction Society Operating Directives A Failing Enterprise FSFS Treasurers Report Thursday Spring Has Sprung - Or Has It? March 4, 2004 IThunderbirds Can’t Wait For …by Rainey Are Go! Current FSFS Library Catalogue

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Cover Page 2 Page 3 Cover Page 4 Page Page 15 Page Page 25 Page Page 36-8 Page Page 49 Page Page 49&10 Page 11&12 Page Page 5-7 12 Page 8 Page 13 Page Page 8&9 13-17 Page 19 10&11 Page Page 20 11 Page Page 12 Page 20 Page 12-17

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President’s Ramblings…..Lynn Stapleton

Well, spring has sprung - I think. We've had increasing temperatures and receding snow and ice - which is a good sign. I've even gotten into a spring cleaning mode in my own living space.

Let's see, what's coming up for sci-fi & fantasy news - I don't have all the info at the moment, but as you take a look through these pages, others have filled in some of that gap. Tanya Huff's first hard-cover novel comes out later this month (actually next week if I'm remembering right). It's a spin-off from her Vicky Nelson 'Blood' book series, and centers around Tony (the street kid) and Henry Fitzroy (the 450 year old vampire). And quite likely true to Tanya form, it will be quite amusing. I've already got it ordered from Amazon (had another order placed, so I placed Tanya's book at the same time). The 8th season of Stargate SG-1 is set to air on the US Sci-Fi Channel starting July 9th. No word yet on when Global will begin to air season 7. Though I've heard rumours to the fact that MGM will possibly be releasing season 7 on DVD to coincide with the airing of season 8 in the US. So far I haven't seen any confirmations from http://gateworld.net or http://tvshowsondvd.com as to that, though. The first season of Stargate: Atlantis is set to start airing in July on the US Sci-Fi channel sometime after the season opener of Stargate SG-1. On Friday, April 9th (Good Friday), Space the Imagination Station will be airing 10 Stargate SG-1 Top 10 episodes (from seasons 1-5) as chosen by the viewers in a Viewers Choice Marathon. Space will also be airing the first season of Stargate: Atlantis this year. Haven't seen a date for that to start though. Rumour Mill for the Star Trek Franchise has Rick Berman and Brannon Braga out of jobs - which for some is good news. However, their replacement is none other than Jordan Kerner (Snow Dogs, Inspector Gadget, and The Mighty Ducks, D2 & D3). Now I haven't seen definites for this yet, but there are blessings and curses abound out there. The fledgling series "Enterprise" has not lived up to Paramounts desire for a cash cow though despite slightly better ratings this season, "Enterprise" has not lived up to it's potential, and to last known news has been cancelled. In some interesting news, Space is going to be re-airing "Seaquest DSV". For a quirky new series, though not really sci-fi - perhaps on the fantasy side of things, check out "Wonderfalls" on FOX (I think it's FOX - I've been downloading them, since I can never remember when it's on). The youngest daughter (25yrs old) of a wealthy family has a philosophy degree yet is working in retail at a gift shop in Niagara Falls, and lives in a trailer - by choice. The weird thing is that inanimate objects talk to her and get her to help people. The lead has a very quirky, sarcastic sense of humour that I really like. :) I think that's it for now. Be sure to check out the rest of these pages for more news and information. That’s enough rambling for now. Lynn – xxxxxx@xxxxxx Submission Guidelines: I would appreciate them in electronic format. Pictures are preferred in JPEG format and sent as email attachments . I use MS Word and assemble the newsletter in MS Publisher 2000. Any printed submissions are welcome. I have a digital camera and will take photos for anyone for the newsletter. Handwritten submissions may be typed or scanned and printed at my discretion. all submissions for Fast Forward can be sent to Kevin and Xxxxeen Boone, XX Xxxxx Street, Fredericton New Brunswick, E3B XXX, 506-000-1111, [email protected] Any attachments should be under 5 meg. Please wait for a confirmation of receipt before you send the next big attachment. I am able to do a small amount of formatting and graphic work. ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE PERSONS SUBMITING THEM. THE FSFS TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY. No submissions will be published without proper contact information. As editor I will decide if a submission is suitable. All disputes will be settled by the Board of the FSFS and it’s membership. This newsletter is for members of the FSFS, other submissions must be approved by at least two (2) board members. Advertising must also be approved by two (2) board members. Compensation for advertising, if any will be decided by the board members and the advertisers 3

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PEEK and POKE is a new section of Fast Forward. It is a collaboration of Andrew Crisp and Kent Hamilton. Apparently other members are encouraged to submit Ideas to Andrew and Kent. I wish them a long run. Kevin

World Wide Wonders– Weird and Fun Sites has been Replaced by

www.jumptheshark.com (Paraphrased from the web site) "...the defining moment when you know your favourite TV program has no where to go but down..." Anyone who saw the Happy Days episode where Fonzie jumps the shark, (I never did) will know what this means. This is a fan driven TV review forum where people can comment and vote on which series have gone too far (Jumped the Shark) and really need to be put to rest. Not as depressing as it sounds, the site even has a section for shows that the fans believe have never jumped, and are praised accordingly Namesake of one of the last X-files episodes (The deaths of the Lone Gunmen, nuff said) PEEKs Entertaining, nostalgic in places, reams of reader input about why they think a series jumped (or rarely, never jumped) POKEs After a while, the complaining aspect of reader input gets a little tiring, Since TV series evolve slowly, "news" is quite rare www.epguides.com I was in my 30's before I discovered that Star trek was not the only series to title each of its episodes. Fast forward to today, and voila, epguides dot com. This site contains episode guides for most current series and many older syndicated programs. As well, most guides include episode summaries. PEEKs Easy to navigate, reasonably detailed summaries also include original air dates, usually provides a heads-up on when and what the next new episode is, Many off-site links to cast and crew bios. POKEs Spoilers hazard because its WAY too easy to catch a glimpse of next week's episode summary while reading last week's, Not a very colourful or otherwise attractive web site, but who cares, it’s the info that counts. www.zap2it.com and entertainment.msn.com If you're as much of a couch potato as I am, you'll appreciate a good interactive TV guide. In the past, I would have suggested www.tvguide.com, but I'm not sure you can get it without a paid subscription. Feel free to check it out, though. PEEKs As with any TV guide, these sites provide a listing of channels and scheduled programs, plus two week advance schedules instead of the one week you get with printed guides. Can be customized to match your service provider and channel subscription. (Especially important for satellite users) Also included are links to episode summaries and other related info. POKEs Getting set up for your location and service can be a little confusing and painstaking, especially if the systems don't recognize your postal code. Loading time can be a bit high if the ads are (as usual) graphic intensive. Editor’s Addition: This is the website of a good friend of mine. I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do. Kevin

Thunderbird 1 -first on the scene; piloted by Scott Tracy

Thunderbird 2 - heavyweight supersonic transport; piloted by Virgil Tracy

New GAAK Sketchbook! Monique says to check this out!! A sketchbook section of carefully chosed drawings, hosted by everyone's favorite alien invader! http://coydog.fateback.com/sketch.html ENJOY!!! (ducking and running now!) 4

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ScienceBits by AndrewCrisp Bringing you some of the recent developments in science, with a touch of speculation. Cerebral Corkscrew One of the many "predictions" of science fiction came a little closer to reality in February - the promise of nanomedicine. Researchers at the University of California developed a corkscrew-shaped device to remove blood clots in the brain after a stroke. The "device" is a molecule made of a smart alloy of nickel and titanium, which "remembers" the shape of a corkscrew as its temperature changes. It is guided to the site of the clot, where, like its macroscopic counterpart, it attaches to the clot and allows it to be pulled out like a cork from a fine wine. Up until now, the best treatment for strokes involved drugs to dissolve the clots, but said drugs had to be administered within the first three hours after a stroke to do any good. Initial trials are promising, though with only 61 patients out of 114 successfully treated, and of those only 23 with no lasting effects from the stroke, it might be a little while before the treatment becomes widespread. Of course, SF fans might not be too excited about this, when they were expecting free-floating nanobots in the bloodstream fixing all our ills, but, well, one has to crawl before one can walk... Planet X - found? NASA has announced yet another "Plutino" discovery, a ~1100 km diameter worldlet formally known as 2003VB12, but which has been unofficially dubbed "Sedna" after the Inuit goddess who, according to myth, created the sea creatures in the Artic. Sedna joins Quaoar and Ixion as some of the most distant planetoids known in our Solar System. Two things make Sedna of special note. The first is its colour: Sedna is easily the reddest world on the far side of Mars - most outer worlds have orange, white, brown, or even blue tints to them. The second is its orbit. Sedna is currently 13 billion kilometers from Sol (roughly 90 Astronomical Units - or three times the distance between Pluto and Sol) but its 10,500 year orbit will take it out as far as 130 billion kilometers - a very elliptical orbit indeed. Some scientists believe Sedna may have been formed much closer to the sun, and ejected into the "Outer Wastes" by the gravitic tug of war between the planets. However, I can't help but wonder if we might not be looking at the first world (worldlet?) that might have been captured from interstellar space. Only time - and exploration - will tell.

Top 10 things likely to be overheard from a Klingon Programmer 10. Specifications are for the weak and timid! 9. You question the worthiness of my code? I should kill you where you stand! 8. Indentation?! - I will show you how to indent when I indent your skull! 7. What is this talk of 'release'? Klingons do not make software 'releases'. Our software 'escapes' leaving a bloody trail of designers and quality assurance people in its wake. 6. Klingon function calls do not have 'parameters' - they have 'arguments' - and they ALWAYS WIN THEM. 5. Debugging? Klingons do not debug. Our software does not coddle the weak. 4. A TRUE Klingon Warrior does not comment on his code! Klingon software does NOT have BUGS. It has FEATURES, and those features are too sophisticated for a Romulan pig like you to understand. 3. You cannot truly appreciate Dilbert unless you've read it in the original Klingon. 2. Our users will know fear and cower before our software! 1. Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are! FSFS Treasurers Report Thursday February 5, 2004 As of February 5, 2004 the balance of the FSFS account is: xxxxx No more money in. No more money out. It is expected that there will be a charge of xx.xx for the new cheques ordered as we only had one cheque left. This has not appeared on the statements yet. Paid Members Include: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 5

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Just thought our members might like to see a progress report for Toronto Trek Toronto Trek 18 Information Line: (416) 410-TCON (8266) E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: http://tcon.ca TCON-NEWS Newsletter: Volume 18, Issue #5 (2003-Mar-16) WELCOME TO TORONTO TREK 18, July 2-4, 2004 - 108 Days to go... In This Issue: (1) Guests News – Hurray (5) Programming News (2) Upcoming Dates – Reminders (6) Video Contest - Deadline July 3. (3) Hotel Update - Room Parties (7) Pre-Registration Form - Deadline May 31. (4) Saturday Night Dinner (1) Guests News:Toronto Trek 18 is pleased to announce: George Hertzberg "Adam" Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Stephanie Romanov "Lilah Morgan" Angel Both guests will be appear on main stage, autographs, photo sessions, and the dinner. Stephanie will be on the autograph card. Author Guests: Kenneth Tam Gordon D. Morrow "The Human Equation" "Maps" Book 1 of the Equation series Volume One of Dead Magicians Club www.icebergpublishing.com www.theindependentpress.com RobertJ.Sawyer "Hybrids" Third Volume in the Neanderthal Parallax Trilogy All guest appearances subject to professional commitments. More guests to come. Negotiations are ongoing for additional guests. We will not announce (hint) those guests until we receive the signed contract. (2) Upcoming Dates:Don't wait, book your hotel room now - 416-244-1711 Mar.20: Art Contest entries deadline: http://www.tcon.ca/tt18/index.php?pg=artcontest Mar.20: Klingon Karaoke bid submission deadline: http://www.tcon.ca/tt18/index.php?pg=klingonkaraoke Mar.20: Saturday Night Dance bid submission deadline: http://www.tcon.ca/tt18/index.php?pg=dance NEW:Mar.26: FilKONtario (March 26-28) Sheraton Toronto Airport West. http://www.filkontario.ca Apr. 2: Ad Astra (April 2-4) Crowne Plaza Don Valley http://www.ad-astra.org Apr.24: Canadian Convention Runners Conference: http://www.icomm.ca/tcon/ccc1 Apr.30: Program Booklet advertising deadline: Contact us at [email protected] for more info. May 21: Anime North (May 21-23)Toronto Congress Center http://www.animenorth.com/ May 31: Pre-Registration deadline: http://www.tcon.ca/tt18/index.php?pg=reg (3) Hotel Update: There are still rooms available at the DoubleTree International Plaza Hotel; call 416-244-1711. We have heard from a few people that called the toll free number and were told the hotel was sold out. This is not the case - it seems the hotel's reservation software had some problems. Before you call to book your hotel room, we recommend you have the following information ready: * pen and paper, * your full credit card information, * the room type (go to the hotel link on our web page), * when you plan to arrive and depart. When you call, please note the date, time and the name of the operator. Let the operator know you are calling to book for Toronto Trek on the July 2nd to 4th weekend. If there are any problems booking your room, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know when you called, which phone number and the name of the operator. Room Parties: People who have directly inquired to the hotel about room parties have been told that they are not allowed. This is the general policy of the hotel. However, as most of the rooms during the convention will be booked with convention attendees, the hotel is being flexible on this policy. There will be room parties at Toronto Trek. Room party policy will be changing slightly, this year. All room parties MUST sign up with Toronto Trek before the convention. A form will appear shortly on the website to facilitate this process. The rooms of those holding parties will be moved by the hotel liaisons to designated party locations in the hotel. This process is designed to keep parties away from hotel guests that may be disturbed by the noise, and is not unusual for science fiction conventions. Posters/signs for room parties can ONLY be placed at the Info Desks. This is being done to comply with the hotel's public posting policy. However, as a benefit of registering, a handout will be available to convention attendees listing all room parties. The final policy policy will be posted to the website, along with the sign-up form, soon. Until then, please feel to direct any questions on room parties to the hotel liaisons at [email protected] (4) Saturday Night Dinner: There is just so much going on during Toronto Trek that often difficult to get a bite to eat. The Saturday Night Dinner is a great way to have a relaxing sit down meal, meet up with your friends, and talk, all before the masquerade. If you check our Saturday Night Dinner web page, you can confirm which of the guests will also be attending the dinner. The table assignment for those guests is random, so you never know who may be sitting with you. At each table there will be Rolls and Butter. The meal will start with California Field Greens with Tomatoes and Fine Herb Dressing, on the side. 6

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For the main entree you can choose ONE of the following: Beef: Old Fashioned Country Style Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables or Chicken: Grain Fed Roast Half Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables or Vegetarian: Penne Pasta with Julienne Vegetables and Pesto For dessert New York Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce. The children meal will be Chicken Fingers and Fries with White Milk. (Includes the salad and dessert.) Please let us know if you have any special food requirements, such as if you're a vegan, lactose intolerant, or any other allergies. However, we CANNOT acomodate kosher meals requests. (5) Programming and Panels: Do you have a panel idea or have a unique point of view and think you'd make a good panelist? You can submit your panel idea or name by going to the web page and clicking on the panelist area in the information section. Once you enter the panelist area, a new menu section appears with more information on programming and being a panelist. Take a few minutes to look around and learn more. (6) Video Contest: Get your creative juices ready for TT's fourth annual video contest! The theme for this year's contest will be "Sci-Fi Superhero". Use your friends, your action figures, your stuffed animals and create your own Superhero video! Submissions should be 3-4 minutes in length and you can drop them off during the con by Saturday July 3, 2004 (7 pm cut off) in the con office. We can accept VHS and DVD format. Please note that we cannot guarantee that videos or DVDs will be returned so please make sure you make a copy of your masterpiece for your own collection! Watch the web page for more details, and if you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Note for all contest participants: The names of contest winners may be included in convention publications (such as, but not limited to, our website, program book or flyer). (7) PRE-REGISTRATION FORM FOR TORONTO TREK ---------------------------------Pre-Registration Form (Deadline: Postmarked before May 31, 2004) Please send in one form per person and read the refund policy! (Copy this form for multiple registrations.) [ ] I've previously registered & my confirmation # is __________ [ ] I've previously registered but have not gotten my confirmation. [ ] This is a new registation. Please PRINT clearly. Name: ____________________________________________________ Choose one: [ ] Please print my full name, [ ] please print my first name and last initial, [ ] I prefer to write in my own name when I arrive. Address: _____________________________________________________ City: __________________________ Prov/State: _____________ Country: __________________

Postal/Zip Code: _____________

Phone: ( ______ ) ______ - __________ E-mail: _____________________________________________________ Age: up to 12, 13-18, 19+ Gender: Male Female To receive a confirmation, I have included: [ ] My e-mail address, please send it there [ ] a SASE (US/International pre-reg do not need to include the stamp) If you have any special needs [ ] Please notify the special needs co-ordinator I will be attending. [ ] Please have the special needs co-ordinator send me more information.

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(Circle All Choice Below) Pre-Registration Fee: $_____ Wk Fri Sat Sun Cdn - Adult: $50 $20 $40 $30 USD - Adult: $40 $16 $32 $24 Cdn - Child: $25 $10 $20 $15 USD - Child: $20 $ 8 $16 $12 Reserved Seating: $_____ Wk Sat Sun Cdn $40 $25 $25 USD $32 $20 $20 (Please seat me with (attendees): _______________ , _______________ ) Saturday Night Dinner: $_____ Adult Child [ ] Chicken, Cdn $45 $23 [ ] Beef, USD $36 $18 [ ] Vegetarian (Please seat me with (attendees): _______________ , _______________ ) (Other special food issues/notes: _________________________________ ) Total $_____ in Cdn or U.S. Enclose a Cheque or Money Order payable to: Toronto Trek OR if you wish to pay by Credit Card: [ ] American Express [ ] Master Card [ ] Visa Name on Card: ________________________________________________ Exp. Card Number: ____________________________ Date: ____________ (mmddyy) Signature: ________________________________________________ and Send to: Toronto Trek P.O. Box 7097, Station A Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1X7 Notes: - All prices are subject to change. -All sales are final. Please read our "refund policy" on our web page ( http://tcon.ca/tt18/index.php?pg=faq_reg#Refund ) - All guest appearances are subject to professional commitments. - As our address is a P.O. Box we cannot accept Courier such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS. - We will accept cheques on US bank accounts. -If paying by money order from outside of Canada, please make sure it is an INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDER. - If you have any questions please e-mail us at [email protected]

FSFS Minutes March 4 2004 8:20 Call To Order Present: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -Newsletter postponed until next month due to lack of content, Request to contribute. Intentions for a Full colour cover. -Next Book Club meeting at Chapters on Friday March 12, 2004. Next Club Meeting April 1, 2004 -Fundraising options: Carwash location possibly Franks Finer Diner. -Next Movie Night date unconfirmed. -Proposal for advance development of flyer for Frosh Week/Frosh Packs. -Anime People, Jon, contacted far enough in advance for an announcement at Anime. Anime Report. Trying to get bar code scanner working. Due to March Break CD scan and label program suspended. Still encountering problems with some individuals burning disks. Lots of new Anime coming in. Digital Archive still hoping to open soon. Internet sight still hoping to open. Regular MC was storm stayed in Halifax during last event. Attendance fairly steady except through March Break. Security is happy with group. -Suggestion to keep references to dates more current on website. Kevin volunteered to check website over to help out and make suggestions to Heather. Meeting Closed at 8:55 pm 8

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Books, Books & More Books: Different Formats for Different Folks: By Lynn Stapleton I was sitting down the other day reading the second of Jane Lindskold’s wolf series of novels, Wolf’s Heart, Wolf’s Head. I had also just bought (thanks to some gift certificates for Christmas from my family) her third book – in hardcover no less (thanks to Chapters 30% discount + 10% iRewards discount), plus two others: Diana Pharaoh Francis’s Path of Fate and Rosemary Kirstein’s The Steerswoman’s Road. I’ve also been looking at downloading some books to read on my Sony Clié PDA. In addition, I’ve been reading downloaded fanfiction. Which there are vast amounts of – some which are little ficlets (1-30Kb) up to full novel-length stories (300-800Kb in size) and in many different fandoms. I recently read an article about fan-fiction and its popularity among some in the entertainment field and negativity from others in the same industry. See article here: http://www.theage.com.au/ articles/2004/01/02/1072908900255.html (or read the article attached at the end of this piece). There’s a wonderful quote from Joss Whedon (of Buffy-verse fandom) from About.com when asked what should fans do now with an hour less of viewing [given Buffy’s conclusion]: Joss: "What should they do with that hour? Write fan fic." (Ref: http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa041903.htm?terms=% 22Joss+Whedon%22+++%22Fan+Fic%22). What does this have to do with anything you might ask? I’ve been thinking about how the publishing industry is changing and moving ahead in the midst of increasing technology and interest to move put books in other accessible forms. They’ve already done so in many ways such as adapting books to audio format (tape & cd) for use in motorvehicles, and books (see the Baen Free Library - http://www.baen.com/library/) downloadable in different formats (html, palmOS, Rocketbook etc.). And while you’re there, check out Eric Flint’s ‘rant’ on why not make books internet friendly and free to read on the internet. Very good comments he makes regarding the fact that it actually tends to bring the reader into the author’s work that they want to go purchase the paperback/hardcover books for long term keeps. David Weber (one of Baen’s most popular authors) even included a CD-ROM with all of his books in his hardcover edition of War of Honor on the disc. A nice bonus for Weber fans. Despite all the technological advances, by and large books continue to sell in stores because people love the feel of turning pages, and getting so much into a book that they can’t put it down. And for the most part – unless you have a portable device such as a PDA – [paper] books are still the most portable format to take with you. You can take them pretty much anywhere you go. Which reminds me that I have a bunch of books on my shelves that I have yet to read. Where has the time gone? Oh yeah – studying. Fanfic: is it right to write? TheAge.com January 5, 2004 Fans of successful stories fancy writing, too, but their adaptations are causing angst, reports Helen Razer. In the marketing milli-second that parts the latest Harry Potter book from an impending Harry Potter movie, lunch box or confectionery range, J. K. Rowling's mass audience has found a way to amuse itself. Hungry for Hogwarts, and always eager to follow fresh narratives, addicts of Harry have found a way to take the edge off: they simply create new stories themselves. Explore the internet or dive into 'zine culture and you'll discover more than 100,000 pieces that employ the characters and settings founded by Rowling in her HP series. Some of the work is stunning, much of it is drivel, and all of it risks inspiring the fury of Warner Brothers and Harry's other trademark holders. Despite a threat of legal notices and continued aloofness by the more upright literary community, this work is flourishing. HP-inspired fiction has even given rise to its own stars, some of whom rival Rowlings's own talent for rococo prose and colossal word count. These exuberant HP writers are the latest heirs to a literary tradition known as fan fiction, or fanfic. The genre is staffed by fans of a specific book, television show or movie. Using established characters and surroundings, writers arm themselves with a healthy sense of creative entitlement and let it rip. Novel-length fanfics, or shorter fanficlets, take their inspiration from a smorgasbord of artefacts. Jane Austen's heroine, Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennett, can be heard quarrelling sullenly with her dull new husband. The Wizard of Oz's Tin Man needs a pacemaker for his hurtling heart. TV's protagonists, from A Country Practice to Buffy, each find themselves radically adjusted as per the needs of their most avid, literate, fans. With the mid-'90s advent of no-cost publishing for internet users, fanfic accelerated. Homages appeared in such volume that some authors and owners of intellectual assets took exception. Anne Rice, creator of The Vampire Chronicles, famously wrote on her website in 2000 that the practice of fanfic "upsets me terribly". Her 9

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howl, reportedly backed by a volley of "cease and desist" emails from lawyers to fanfic authors, did not endear her to fans. These fandoms predate the world wide web by at least 20 years. Dean Kiley, teacher of new media production at Swinburne University, traces the origins of fanfic to the mid-20th century embrace of the mimeograph machine. "The 'zine, the do-it-yourself, deliberately-crude, thrown-together, these-are-myobsessions-what-are-yours personalised magazine revealed a lively consumer eager to dismember mass culture and might be viewed as fanfic's direct ancestor." The unruly genre had its formative blast in the late '60s. Not only did the US sci-fi program Star Trek give rise to a slew of convention-hoppers wearing red pyjamas, it gave an army of fans something to write about. Star Trek fanfictions, which continue to appear, spawned another sub-genre early on. The literary form Kirk-Spock depicted the captain and his ensign in romantic or erotic situations and is abbreviated to K/S. The "slash" within K/S is now used to describe any fanfic that describes homoerotic encounters. Slash fiction now arguably forms the bulk of all published fanfic. Slash, it should be noted, is not tatty porn. Much of its coy tone owes more to mid-century bodice-ripper novels than, for example, the Letters page in Penthouse. Further, its more eminent exponents write with precision and confidence. Slash has a canon and a system of mentorship, or "beta reading", that ought to inspire envy in any emerging novelist. The curious thing about slash is that women write most of it. Tens of thousands of heterosexual female writers give their creative energies to love stories figuring Mulder and Skinner from The X Files; Steve and Oscar from The Six Million Dollar Man, and even Dr Who with heavens knows what sort of male alien. British academic and slash author Ika Willis is hesitant to pinpoint a single reason for feminine command of the genre. "Slash writing is probably predominantly female for the same reasons that most low-status, amateur creative activities are," Willis says. "There is a tradition of women's creative work, like quilting, being circulated in informal communities rather than entering the art market." Kiley agrees that the "comparative lack of commercial pressures and professionalising constrictions" enable female authors to "feel empowered to write in more personal ways". How does Willis explain her own passion for erotically pairing male characters Blake and Avon, from BBC schlock sci-fi series Blakes 7? "When writing male erotic fiction, women have a much less defined metaphorical system," she says. "None of us knows what it's like to have a penis, so we have to explain how it feels in its context, what the emotional side to it is. "It's really freeing, both as a female reader, because you're not always being put off by reactions like 'I hate when people touch me there!' and as a writer, because you're much freer to create your own sexual language." Melbourne slash mentor Nova says material by women writers "is about male relationships, as much as it's about sex . . . One aims to evoke familiar sexual and emotional responses by means of an alien body within a borrowed story". Whether it's Kirk nibbling on Spock's pointy ear or a more G-rated excursion with Harry, the fanfic just keeps coming.

Thunderbird 3 - orbital space shuttle; piloted by John Tracy

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Fredericton Science Fiction Society Operating Directives (Constitution)

This document contains the Operating Directives of the Fredericton Science Fiction Society (UNB). They are set forth to inform the Membership as to the nature of the Society and its operations. They also serve as a guide to ensure the safety of all members of the Fredericton Science Fiction Society during Society events. All Members are required to abide by these directives. Revised and Approved: Jan 2004 1. The Fredericton Science Fiction Society [FSFS] is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide a forum for its Members to discuss and celebrate all aspects of the Science Fiction [SF] genre. Members are encouraged to participate in as many FSFS functions as possible. 2. The FSFS Operating/Membership Year shall be from October 1 to September 30 of each year. 3. The FSFS Executive Committee [Executive] shall consist of the following elected positions: President, Vicepresident, Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Audio Visual Coordinator and Anime Liaison. The Executive elections shall be held at the first monthly General Meeting of the new operating year [October]. A candidate for any elected Executive position must have a minimum of two [2] nominations. The election of officers to the positions of the Executive will be decided by a majority vote of the assembled members constituting a Quorum at the General Meeting. The President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer are the voting members of the Executive: other Executive positions are non-voting. 4. The Executive are responsible for all decisions regarding the direction of the FSFS. Modifications, additions and/or deletions to these Operating Directives may only be made by a majority vote of the FSFS Membership. 5. Membership dues are set at $10.00 [Canadian funds] per twelve-month period for FSFS Members residing in Canada. Dues are set at $10.00 [U.S. funds] per twelve month for FSFS Members residing outside Canada. Mail Charges are not included in dues. These rates may be changed following a majority vote of the Executive. 6. A portion of membership dues may be donated to a worthwhile cause by a majority vote of the FSFS membership. 7. All information collected through the FSFS Membership Form will be held in strict confidence. The information will be used for administrative purposes only and will not be distributed outside of the FSFS. 8. Members of the FSFS are expected and required to conduct themselves with a level of decorum pursuant to contemporary community standards, at all FSFS functions. New Brunswick Beach Legal Standards for clothing apply. 9. All Members shall respect the rights of Members speaking at meetings or events, and are to abide by the rules of common courtesy. 10. Under no circumstances during FSFS events - public or otherwise - is a Member to use or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. 11. No single Member may represent the FSFS at any pre-planned public function, event, etc., on their own accord. They may do so, if needed, with the prior authorization of the Executive. 12. Members who do not conform to the policies of the FSFS may have their membership revoked by the unanimous vote of the Executive. The Member in question may appeal the Executive’s decision by requesting a vote of the FSFS Membership. If the membership of a Member is revoked for any reason, the balance of their membership dues prorated shall be returned to them upon request. 13. The Executive may refuse to accept the renewal dues of any individual based on that individual's past membership history, if the Executive feels it is necessary. A unanimous vote of the Executive is required for this action to take place. The Member in question may appeal the Executive’s decision by requesting a vote of the FSFS Membership. In11

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dividuals who have had their membership revoked, or whose renewal dues have not been accepted, may not attend FSFS meetings, events, or functions as a guest of any Member without prior consent of the Executive. The Individual in question may appeal the Executive’s decision by requesting a vote of the FSFS Membership. The FSFS reserves the right to accept or reject any membership application. 14. The FSFS is not responsible for lost or stolen items and/or injuries incurred while partaking of FSFS regular or special events. 15. Members under the legal age of 18 years old must have a parental/guardian consent form signed and on file in order to be allowed to participate in functions of the FSFS. 16. ALL NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE PERSONS SUBMITTING THEM. THE FSFS TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY. No submissions will be published without proper contact information. The EDITOR will decide if a submission is suitable. All disputes will be settled by the Executive of the FSFS and it’s membership. This newsletter is for members of the FSFS; other submissions must be approved by at least two (2) Executive members. Advertising must also be approved by two (2) Executive members. Compensation for advertising, if any will be decided by the Executive members, membership and the advertisers. Submissions would be appreciated in electronic form. Hand written submissions will be processed when time allows and the EDITOR will take no responsibility for mistakes. Handwritten submissions may be typed or scanned and printed at the EDITOR’S discretion. Neither the FSFS nor the editor take responsibility for submissions copyright origin or content. The EDITOR will decide if the content is suitable, if a conflict arises it will be decided by the Executive and membership of the FSFS. V:012004final We have spent a lot of time and effort in updating and approving this Document and I hope that every member will take the time to review it. Thanks, Kevin Boone Vice-President Fredericton Science Fiction Society.

FSFS Treasurers Report Thursday March 4, 2004

Opening balance from March 4, 2004 was: XX.XX No money in – no money out Closing balance for March 4, 2004 is XX.XX Paid Members Include: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thunderbird 4 - underwater specialist; piloted by Alan Tracy

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I Can’t Wait For … by Rainey With the beginning of every new year (and every new month), there is the burning question, “What’s new in the bookstores?” Here is a brief list of the books I’ll be watching for in the months ahead: March 2004: Alta by Mercedes Lackey. The sequel to Joust. I was disappointed when she announced that she was holding off on the Valdemar universe for the foreseeable future, but the quality of writing in her new universes has convinced me she was right to do so. A short recap of the universe for those who haven’t picked up the first one: WWI fighting aces, but with dragons. Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters. No, it’s not SF, but that doesn’t mean I’m not eagerly awaiting its arrival. An Amelia Peabody mystery. April 2004: 1634: The Galileo Affair by Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis. The sequel (appropriately enough) to 1632 and 1633. This alternate history series asks the question, what would happen if a 20th century American town was somehow transported to Europe during the Thirty Years War? Smoke and Shadows by Tanya Huff. Her first hardcover is a spin-off from her Blood series, and according to the DAW November 2003 newsletter, is “the saucy tale of Tony's first adventures with a TV production company in Vancouver. And Henry Fitzroy, vampire son of Henry VIII, makes more than a cameo appearance.” Scholar of Magic by Caroline Stevermer. I know nothing about it, but it would almost have to be a sequel to A College of Magics, wouldn’t it? May 2004: Windrider’s Oath by David Weber. A continuation of Weber’s fantasy universe established in Oath of Swords and War God’s Own. All I know is that much of the action takes place in the Sothii lands, but I can’t wait to get my little hands on it. July 2004: Masters of Fantasy edited by Bill Fawcett. I know nothing about it, but the cover art has the following names: Weber, Ringo, Drake, Lackey, Norton, Moon. That’s enough to sell me on it J August 2004: The Stars at War by David Weber and Steve White. The lastest in the Starfire universe, perhaps. All I’ve seen is the cover art. So, tell me: what books are you eagerly anticipating?

Current FSFS Library Catalogue compiled by Rainey Author Title Adams, Douglas Mostly Harmless From Publishers Weekly: In this installment of the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy saga, Ford Prefect of the planet Betelgeuse relies on serendipity and his own quick wits to protect a new edition of the Hitchhiker's Guide from the loathsome Vogons. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. Anderson, Poul Shield Cover blurb: It was the gift of a dying civilization. Light could enter it, but no weapon known to man could penetrate its field. The Martians had given it to Koskinen because, alone among Earthmen, they trusted him. It made him the most protected man on Earth. Also the most wanted. Also the least likely to survive. Baker, David Space Shuttle Card catalog description: Describes the reasons for and the design and operation of NASA's Space Shuttle and discusses who will be flying it and the benefits to be derived from such a shuttle. 13

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Barnes, John A Million Open Doors Ingram: The author of Orbital Resonance returns with the story of what happens when the barriers are shattered between the carefully engineered societies of humanity, throwing them into economic and cultural shock. Blish, James Case of Conscience Cover blurb: The four-man team of scientists investigating Lithia are about to make their report. Two are in favour of exploiting the planet's enormous mineral wealth-- if necessary, enslaving its gentle, industrious inhabitants in the process. One recommends non-interference. The fourth is Father Ruiz-Sanchez, biologist and Jesuit priest. For him, Lithia is Paradise among the stars-- a Paradise created by the Devil himself ... Blish, James Life for the Stars Cover blurb: The natural resources of the world have long been exhausted, and city after city goes "Okie"-- lifts itself off the face of the earth to earn its living as a migrant worker among the stars. Now the "spindizzies" that will take Scranton, Pennsylvania up into outer space are warming up. A last patrol makes sure the city perimeter is clear. He didn't know it yet, but for the redneck boy watching cautiously from the bushes, this was to be the first day of a new and very different life ... Blish, James They Shall Have Stars Cover blurb: In the year 2018, man undertook the most stupendous project in human history-- to build a bridge on Jupiter. In that frozen, raging, gaseous hell, the space men built a fantastic, colossal bridge-- thirty miles high, eight miles wide, and always growing in its astounding length. What was the purpose of this incredible object? Only one man knew-- and he possessed the most tormenting knowledge in the Universe. Bramstrup, M.A. Hybrid Brin, David The Uplift War Amazon.com: Billions of years ago, an alien race known as the Progenitors began the genetically engineered techniques by which non-intelligent creatures are given intelligence by one of the higher races in the galaxy. Once "Uplifted," these creature must serve their patron race before they, in turn, can Uplift other races. Human intelligence, which developed by itself (and brought about the Uplifting of chimpanzees and dolphins), is an affront to the aliens who plan an attack, threatening a human experiment aimed at producing the next Uplift. Brite, Poppy Z. Are You Loathsome Tonight? From Publishers Weekly: Like the aging Elvis who succumbs to self-destructive indulgences in the title tale, the 12 stories in this collection of transgressive fictions are adrift in a sea of excess. Cannibal zombies, sentient maggots and professional sexual submissives are just a few of the characters at large in the landscapes of death and desire that Brite maps out. ... Brite's prose and eye for (often gruesome) detail have become more assured since the publication of her previous collection, Swamp Foetus (1993), but her plots have grown comparatively slighter. Cherryh, C. J. Chanur's Homecoming Minneapolis Star and Tribune: This book and the rest of the Chanur series...comprise one of the best science fiction tales ever. Don't miss it. Cook, Glen Faded Steel Heat Book Description : Since the end of the war, there had always been bigotry against non-humans in TunFaire. Even though many species had sacrificed in battle, some groups of humans thought the "Golden Rule" translated to "Humans rule. Now give us your gold." With the streets descending into bloody race riots, and the organized "human" brotherhoods flexing both physical and economic muscle, TunFaire was a hairsbreadth from total chaos. Garrett is a wise-guy private investigator who speaks loudly and carries a big stick. Backed by a circle of friends no one would wish on their worst enemy Garrett is caught in a conspiracy of hate that pits man against everybody! Downer, Ann The Spellkey Trilogy Ingram : Caitlin, a girl exiled for witchcraft, and The Badger, her escort, journey through the thirteen Kingdoms, pursued by a mysterious man and tormented by Caitlin's visions, as they seek the Spellkey that will destroy their land's cruel rulers. Edelman, Scott (Ed.) Sci-fi Universe : Preview Magazine. Estes, Rose Troll-Quest Ingram : Desperately searching for their stolen babies in the long-forgotten world beneath the streets of Chicago, Katherine Sinclair and her mysterious, nonhuman companion, Crystal, are drawn into the war between the Under Dwellers and the human race. Feintuch, David Voices of Hope From Booklist : The fifth volume in the saga of Nicholas Seafort is the best by a wide margin. Retired from both the navy and politics, Nicholas is now the father of 12-year-old Philip. When the boy's friend, Jared Tenere, runs away into the "trannie" part (a gang-ruled slum) of New York, Philip follows him on a one-boy rescue mission that precipitates a full-scale effort by the United Nations' more corrupt politicians to wipe out the trannies. Nicholas prevents this scheme only at the risk of his life in a superb cliffhanger ending. Roland Green Frail, Edward J. Cult Friedman, Michael Jan Dujonian's Hoard Book Description : For more than two hundred years archaeologists and treasure hunters have dreamed of Dujonian's Hoard, a fabled trove of priceless historical artifacts that may contain technology that will shift the galactic balance of power. A dream was all the hoard seemed -- until a former Starfleet officer goes in search of the treasure and turns up missing. Now everyone from Romulans to Cardassians to an enigmatic female starship captain is looking for Richard Brant, including Worf and Captain Picard, who have gone deep undercover on a secret Starfleet mission to rescue Brant, if he's even still alive....Ingram 14

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Gaiman, Neil Neverwhere Amazon.com : Neverwhere's protagonist, Richard Mayhew, learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished. He ceases to exist in the ordinary world of London Above, and joins a quest through the dark and dangerous London Below, a shadow city of lost and forgotten people, places, and times. ... Puns and allusions to everything from Paradise Lost to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz abound, but you can enjoy the book without getting all of them. Gaiman is definitely not just for graphic-novel fans anymore. -Nona Vero Glut, Donald F. The Empire Strikes Back Amazon.com : From the Rebels' defeat at the Battle of Hoth to the battle between Luke and Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back continues the story of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the others as they struggle to overthrow the evil Galactic Empire. Green, Simon Robin Hood Prince of Thieves Movie novelization. Greenberg, Martin H. (Editor) Phases in Chaos Greenberg, Martin H. (Editor) Unnatural Diplomacy Ingram : As human beings acquire spaceflight, they must enter into an uneasy alliance with the galaxy's elite races in a collection of stories by Karen Haber, Janet Kagan, Rebecca Ore, Harry Turtledove, and others. Griffith, Nicola (Editor) Bending the Landscape : Fantasy Amazon.com: Bending the Landscape is a series of anthologies focused on homosexual issues in genre fiction, but this one isn't so neatly pigeonholed as all that. Gayness, or someone's discovery of his or her gayness, is indeed a common motif to all the stories, but in some it is central; in others, it's just a quality a character has--they happen to be having or have had a relationship with someone of the same sex. It's generous in size, 22 stories, and generous in its embrace, ranging in tone from sitcom-like light entertainment ("In Mysterious Ways," by Tanya Huff, and "Magicked Tricks" by K. L Berac), to realism ("Gestures Too Late on a Gravel Road" by Mark W. Tiedemann, and "Full Moon and Empty Arms" by M. W. Keiper), to realistic horror ("The House of the Man in the Moon" by Richard Bowes). Mythic fantasy, fairy tales, and ghost stories are all here too, so this is more like reading a survey than a tightly thematic anthology. The variety is appropriate. Neither fantasy nor sex comes in just one flavor. If you're at all interested in anything besides vanilla, sample this. Herbert, Brian Whipping Mek: A Tale of the Butlerian Jihad "An original short story leading up to Dune: the Machine Crusade" One copy includes Bonus CD. Herbert, Frank Dune Amazon.com : Dune is one of the most famous science fiction novels ever written, and deservedly so. The setting is elaborate and ornate, the plot labyrinthine, the adventures exciting. Five sequels follow. --Brooks Peck Huff, Tanya Summon the Keeper Amazon.com : Ever notice that the boundary between the supernatural and mundane worlds is very thin in eastern Canada? ... Claire Hansen, the Keeper, is summoned to the Elysian Fields Guest House to reseal a hole in the basement, which is literally an opening to Hell. The owner and monitor of the site disappears, leaving Claire stuck managing the place until the problem is solved. Her new employee, Dean McIssac, is a gorgeous Newfie who cooks, cleans, and lives the Boy Scout oath. Then there's Jacques Labaet: very French Canadian, very sexy, very dead. Jacques is a ghost who wants to be the man in Claire's life. Oh yeah, and there's Austin, a talking cat with attitude: "I barely know you, but I'm assuming you're human. I'm not saying this is a good thing, it's just the way it is." Kahn, James Return of the Jedi Amazon.com : "Watching from his throne, the Emperor laughed with evil glee. 'Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!'" Luke, of course, refuses and good triumphs over evil in Return of the Jedi. The final installment of the original trilogy--flawed, perhaps, by the Ewoks (what was Lucas thinking?)--is beautifully presented in this charming book. --C.B. Delaney Kay, Guy Gavriel The Darkest Road In a courageous struggle to save mystical Fionavar, five adventurers conclude their journey as they face the ruthless Rakoth Maugrim the Unraveller. Reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, The Darkest Road is the conclusion to Guy Gavriel Kay’s Fionavar Tapestry. Kay, Guy Gavriel Wandering Fire The five young adventurers from The Summer Tree are back in the adventurous fantasy of Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Wandering Fire. Landing back in the mystical land of Fionavar, they find that the existence of country is being threatened. Joining forces with the legendary Warrior, they struggle to save the Weaver’s worlds from the evil might of the Unraveller. Keith, William H., Jr. Two of Minds Book Description : A new novel set in the Star*Drive world. In the underground hell of the planet Oberon, life in a street gang doesn't offer many possibilities. That is, until Kai robs the wrong man and finds himself in the middle of a power struggle. Kellogg, Marjorie Bradley Harmony Kotzwinkle, William E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in His Adventure on Earth Movie novelization. Lackey, Mercedes Arrow's Fall With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen's Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth's future. But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. 15

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Lackey, Mercedes Arrow's Flight Ingram : Set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Valdemar, this unique and exciting novel continues the story of Talia. Having mastered the powers necessary to a guardian of the kingdom, she faces the final preparation for her initiation as adviser and protector of the Queen. Lewis, C. S. Out of the Silent Planet Book Description : Dr. Ransom, a noted philologist, is kidnapped and flown by spaceship to Malacandra (Mars) where he flees his human captors and establishes communication with the planet's extraordinary inhabitants. What he learns galvanizes his attempt to return to Earth with a message of great urgency. Lubar, David Hidden Talents From Publishers Weekly: After being expelled from any number of schools, 13-year-old Martin winds up at Edgeview, a publicly funded boarding school and a last-chance alternative. Martin, who narrates, doesn't seem like a delinquent, but he just can't stop himself from taunting his teachers. By the end of his first day he has infuriated the whole staff. Of the kids, Bloodbath is a terror, as are his cronies, but Martin's roommate, "Torchie," is nice enough, although he constantly denies starting the fires that flare up wherever he goes. The other boys Martin gets to know similarly refuse to own up to the particular behavior that landed them at Edgeview. Readers expecting a typical resolution, wherein the boys accept responsibility for their misdeeds, are in for a surprise. Martin's buddies aren't liars and troublemakers at all; unbeknownst even to themselves, they're endowed with paranormal powers: Cheater is telepathic, Trash is telekinetic, Flinch is clairvoyant, etc. Led by Martin, who finally discovers his own hidden talent, the six use their abilities to save Edgeview from Bloodbath and his gang's attempts to sabotage a state inspection. The stakes are a little suspect (would these boys really develop such passionate school spirit?), but on the whole Lubar (Kidzilla) serves up great fun, along with an insight or two for those whose powers are only too human. Ages 12-up. (June) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Lucas, George Star Wars : A New Hope Amazon.com Book Description : Luke Skywalker was a twenty-year-old who lived and worked on his uncle's farm on the remote planet of Tatooine...and he was bored beyond belief. He yearned for adventures that would take him beyond the farthest galaxies. But he got much more than he bargained for.... McCaffrey, Anne Black Horses for the King Amazon.com: Anne McCaffrey is back with this precious, well-researched yarn that follows a Celtic lad in service to King Arthur. Set in fifth-century Britain, McCaffrey's first historical novel for young adults rejects a fantastical, Hollywood treatment of King Arthur in favor of realism and solid storytelling. Take away the Round Table and the usual knights-in-shining-armor hoo-hah, and you're left with an engaging, endearing chapter from the life of Artos, Comes Britannorum, a young war leader in search of horses strong enough to carry his armored warriors into battle against the savage Saxons. McCaffrey, Anne Partnership Ingram : Nancia, a new member of the elite Courier Service of the Central Worlds and the brain of one of the most advanced stellar ships, finds her innocent vision of human nature shattered when she is paired up with brutish partner Forister. Morris, Janet Beyond Sanctuary Norton, Andre The Elvenbane Ingram : Shana, a half-breed born of the forbidden union of an Elvenlord father and a human mother, is rescued from her enemies and raised by dragons. Norton, Andre The Shadow of Albion From Booklist : Norton and her latest collaborator (Edghill is a pen name of the accomplished Eluki Bes Shahar) live up to their reputations in this combination thriller, alternate history, and fantasy romance. The last act of the dying sorceress the duchess of Roxbury draws young Sarah Cunningham from our time into the duchess' period, the early-nineteenth-century Regency. Roland Green Norton, Andre Wind in the Stone From Publishers Weekly: A foray into the consciousness of its antihero opens this stately chronicle of evil vs. goodness from a veteran, celebrated author. Irasmus, formerly an apprentice at Valarian, the Place of Learning, has renounced his teachers and plundered their powerful cache of knowledge, with which he wishes to reawaken the Dark of Chaos, an evil kept in check for generations by the Covenant of Light. The imperfectly trained yet potent Son of Darkness begins building his empire with enslaved "lowgrade demons" and, gradually, the people of the Valley. Among the captives, the villagers of Firthdun are unique in their adherence to the old ways; they nurture a lingering Old Blood ability to commune with the Wind, a natural force commanded by a female entity called Theeossa. Meanwhile, laboring to undo the damage unwittingly wrought, the mages of Valarian enlist the aid of Theeossa and the children of her Forest. To combat Irasmus, Forest and Valley inhabitants alike must place their faith and future in three youths of the Old Blood: a girl named Cerlyn, and a pair of twins born of a terrible rape. While skillfully conceived and deftly written, this novel moves slowly, for each advance is related from a variety of sketchy viewpoints. The inevitable showdown between the forces of dark and light thus arrives as more of a relief than as the thundering climax Norton (Scent of Magic) clearly intends it to be. (Nov.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Pohl, Frederik The Coming of the Quantum Cats From Publishers Weekly: Beginning with his classic novels of the '50s (The Space Merchants, Search the Sky, Pohl has shown a talent for constructing different scenarios and rushing his heroes through their mazes, which he repeats in this novel, an alternateworlds adventure. The central action is an invasion of one Americawhere Nancy Reagan presides by anotherwhere Jerry Brown is president. Throughout the work Pohl toys with an infinity of such warped mirror images of our own world. If the protagonists remain sketchy, short story characters, their proliferating number and rapid shuffling make such brevity acceptable. Particularly satis16

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fying is for Pohl the unusually somber and challenging ending. At once zany and thought-provoking, this is one of Pohl's best in recent years. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. Raben, Richard Boldly Live As You've Never Lived Before Midwest Book Review : Life lessons from Star Trek will attract primarily Trekkies, who will find in Boldly Live As You've Never Lived Before a fascinating blend of character analysis and psychological and philosophical insights. Maximize strengths and overcome weaknesses using the Trek characters as models for change and self-analysis in this unusual and intriguing approach to selfhelp. Rawn, Melanie The Golden Key Amazon.com : The authors have devised a fascinating setting based on medieval Italian, Spanish and Portuguese models for a novel of love and power -- both political and sorcerous. Sawyer, Robert J. Calculating God Amazon.com : The book starts out like the setup for some punny science fiction joke: An alien walks into a museum and asks if he can see a paleontologist. ... Landing at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the spacefarer (named Hollus) asks to compare notes on mass extinctions with resident dino-scientist Thomas Jericho. A shocked Jericho finds that not only does life exist on other planets, but that every civilization in the galaxy has experienced extinction events at precisely the same time. Armed with that disconcerting information (and a little help from a grand unifying theory), the alien informs Jericho, almost dismissively, that "the primary goal of modern science is to discover why God has behaved as he has and to determine his methods." Sawyer, Robert J. Illegal Alien Amazon.com : Aliens, Tosoks, have finally made contact with Earth, but there are only seven of them, and they've arrived in a disabled spaceship. The Tosoks are intelligent and surprisingly easy to communicate with, and are happy to tour Earth and see what humans have to offer. But during a stop in Los Angeles, one of the human scientists traveling with the Tosoks is gruesomely murdered, and all evidence points to the alien Hask. The Los Angeles Police Department is determined to indict Hask for the crime, even though the aliens have little concept of laws or crime as we understand them. The only thing the U.S. government can do is secretly procure the services of Dale Rice, a leading civil rights lawyer, and hope he can clear Hask of the charges. But as the trial progresses, evidence indicates a cover-up by one or more of the aliens. Humanity's survival--not just Hask's fate--might hinge on the jury's verdict. Sheffield, Charles Summertide (The Heritage Universe, Book 1) From Publishers Weekly: This promising first installment of the projected Heritage Universe series stands on its own, even though many threads are left dangling. In A.D. 6219, mankind has spread across the galaxy, discovering two other star-traveling races and 1236 artifacts, from three to 10 million years old, left by beings known as the Builders. Now one person from each race has detected clues that might lead to another artifact, or perhaps even to the Builders themselves. Conflicts among the three races fuel most of the plot. Wishing to keep the findings secret, their respective governments provide only covert aid--a device Sheffield ( Between the Strokes of Night ) may have employed to justify the small size of his cast, six members of which will clearly be the main characters in future series volumes. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. Shwartz, Susan Heritage of Flight An interplanetary war threatens to destroy humanity until a small group of people embarks on Project Seedcorn. On a distant planet, this small group of refugees depends on the children for life. Silverberg, Robert Far Horizons: All New Tales from the Greatest Worlds of Science Fiction Amazon.com : Far Horizons is the science fiction equivalent of Robert Silverberg's bestselling fantasy anthology Legends. For both books, Silverberg invited some of the most renowned authors in the field to write a new story based on their most popular series or settings. Silverberg, Robert Project Pendulum From Publishers Weekly: This title in the Millennium series of illustrated SF is a striking time-travel story by much-honored Silverberg. Twins Eric and Sean Gabrielson, a paleontologist and a physicist, are chosen as the first human subjects of a secret Cal Tech experiment in 2016 that will transport them into the past and the future. As if on a pendulum, they are automatically shunted back and forth, at increasing distancesa few minutes, hours, years, centuries. . . . Their brief stays in other times produce vivid, dreamlike vignettes: encounters with their younger selves, with robots, Neanderthals, aliens and dinosaurs, each era with its own smell and taste. This imaginative story, suggesting much more than is stated in its brief length, is a deft evocation of Silverberg's theme of dislocation. Ages 12-up. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. Swann, S. Andrew God's Dice Ingram : Psychologist Richard Brandon's recurring visions of a fantasy realm called Midland leads to forays into alternate worlds, in which four of his alter egos are enlisted by wizards in a struggle against evil. Unknown Star Trek : Generations Print-out of an unofficial copy of the script. Vinge, Joan Santa Claus : The Movie Movie novelization. Vinge, Vernor Marooned in Realtime From Publishers Weekly: This sequel to Vinge's novel The Peace War leaps forward 50 million years to a time when all of humanity numbers some 300 people, and those few are bitterly divided. In the midst of an extended debate over how best to survive, one of the leading planners, Marta Korolev, is murdered. Ex-cop Wil Brierson soon finds evidence of sabotage and zealously pursues his investigation with the aid of star explorer Della Lu. At times the setting might be any Silicon Valley suburb where the class distinctions are between high- and low-tech. As a mystery, this is a bust, in large part because only a few central characters are more than stick figures. Some of Vinge's sidelights are much more intriguing, particularly Marta's diary of her 40-year exile and the hotly contested question of what caused man's extinction in the 23rd century. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. 17

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Weber, David The Armageddon Inheritance Ingram: Colin MacIntyre, a NASA astronaut kidnapped by a starship impersonating Earth's moon, has just suppressed a fivethousand-year-old mutiny, but now he faces an even bigger challenge. Weis, Margaret (Editor) A Dragon-Lover's Treasury of the Fantastic Midwest Book Review : The dragon is one of the most enduring creatures in the fantasy world. This collection of stories by some of the best fantasy writers of our time (Anne McCafferty, Jan Yolen, Orson Scott Card) is the definitive work on these firebreathing lizards. Wells, Martha City of Bones Ingram : A beautiful woman and a handsome thief must unravel the mysteries of an age-old technology to stop a fanatical cult from unleashing an evil that threatens to destroy all the water in the world. Willis, Connie To Say Nothing of the Dog Amazon.com : To Say Nothing of the Dog is a science-fiction fantasy in the guise of an old-fashioned Victorian novel, complete with epigraphs, brief outlines, and a rather ugly boxer in three-quarters profile at the start of each chapter. LiveJournal – Addictive & Narcissistic or Just Plain Fun By Lynn Stapleton I got hooked into LiveJournal last summer, while I was checking out some stuff on the web. Various online friends had them and some of their commentaries were quite interesting - especially the journals of the Horsechicks of the Apocalypse (aka some of the Sunnydale Slayers: Tina, Perri, Valerie, Christina, Lizbet and Dianne). These are the folks that do those wacky fanvids that we anticipate. What is LiveJournal you might ask? Basically, as their own site (http://livejournal.com) describes, it is an open source, simple to use, personal publishing (blogging) tool. “LiveJournal.com, a website and online community built around personal journals, was created by young computer science major Brad Fitzpatrick in March 1999. A database-driven method he'd been using to update his own journal since 1998 became a Web-based application that his friends could use, too. It was an immediate success, and soon became a bigger website than a single person could easily handle…The site is now an open source software development project funded entirely by its members, assisted by numerous volunteers and developers, and overseen by a small paid staff. It's been expanded to allow easy creation of journals, weblogs, and even interest-based online communities.” (http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=118). The online Frequently Asked List (http://www.livejournal.com/support/faq.bml) for LiveJournal answers most of the questions new and old users may have in relation to their accounts, such as how to start an account, insert pictures, memes & quizzes, make memory files, add friends, alter lettering, insert html code. However, one does not need to know html code to operate a LiveJournal. How do I create an account? Well it’s really fairly simple. You no longer need a code to register an account (something which was set up to keep an overwhelming number of blogs created for the server bandwidth – but it seems they’ve fixed that problem for the most part). Go to https://www.livejournal.com/create.bml and it walks you through the initial set up of your journal. Once through there, it will give you suggestions. Here’s a tip – have two browser windows open so you can read through the FAQ as you’re creating your account – it helps. It’s a lot of fun, to post your thoughts and stuff, write out a rant if you have to, and you can put your posts so that they’re only read by you, by those in your friends list, and/or the general public. And you can add friends, etc. FSFS Members (and associates) on LiveJournal: Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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A Failing Enterprise ……..Submitted by Lynn Once upon a time in the early 1970s, "Star Trek" was an underground hit. Original 1966-1969 series reruns were being stripped every night at six. New fans were watching the episodes over the dinner table, and catching on in droves. Star Trek conventions sprang up spontaneously all over the place, and fan fiction was born. "Star Wars" swept the country, opening up a market for Star Trek movies. And then "Star Trek: The Next Generation," starring the fabulous Patrick Stewart, arrived on television in 1987, and enthralled us for seven wonderful years. It was like Star Trek heaven. After that, to mix metaphors, the owners of the Star Trek franchise started mistreating their cash cow by going to the well too often. The third series, "Deep Space Nine," started strong but floundered midstream; in its final seasons, it was finally reduced to ripping off the innovative "Babylon 5." Series number four, "Voyager," tossed out its best chance at internal conflict during its first season (integration of the Maquis into the crew), and never even came close to realizing its potential. I am a loyal, long time fan of Trek, (I hate the term Trekkie or Trekker, by the way -- I am a Trek fan) and even I had had enough at this point; I actually missed the last year of "Deep Space Nine" and most of "Voyager." Hope sprang eternal when "Enterprise" arrived just over two years ago. We were returning to the original series character triumvirate -- Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, in the form of Archer, T'Pol, and Trip -- and focusing once again on exploration of the new frontier by moving the time period back before there was a space station on every corner. They even hired a science fiction icon, Scott Bakula ("Quantum Leap") to play the lead. Life was good. Except the series just... wasn't. Consistently good, that is. As far as quality control is concerned, "Enterprise" has been a roller coaster ride. "Enterprise" has good characters, a great setting, tons of potential... but you never know what you're going to get when you tune in. Many episodes, like the recent one that explored the moral aspects of cloning, have been absolutely excellent. But many other episodes are just recycled stories from the previous four series. Unsurprisingly, the ratings suck. Die-hard Trek fans are divided: some love "Enterprise," but many outright hate it and lobby loudly for some "real" Star Trek. What can they possibly want? Well, I'll tell you. Rick Berman et al. have been running the Trek franchise since 1991, and he and his merry band ran out of ideas many moons ago. Berman doesn't seem to realize that you can't just recycle old plots and characters, bring in generic "face" aliens, and expect good ratings. He is killing "Enterprise," and he will succeed if Paramount doesn't stop him. It may already be too late. Rumors have just emerged (see TrekToday's article, *Rumours of Sweeping Changes for Trek,*) that Berman may indeed be on his way out. Hallelujah. Firing the heck out of Berman and his team and bringing in new blood can't hurt. Hey, CEOs who don't produce are usually fired at the drop of a hat. Trek fans have been longing for Berman to go for *years*. But that's not all they need to do. How can they fix "Enterprise?" How can they inject new life into the franchise? Read my lips: it's the writing, stupid. Story, story, and more story! Paramount is ignoring a treasure trove of outstanding and truly innovative Star Trek writers -- Star Trek novelists, and (dare I even suggest it?) writers of fan fiction. Most fans would agree that the best Trek novelist is Peter David; he knows the Trek universe like the back of his hand, and he writes terrific stories that are better than the last Trek movie. If I were Queen of Paramount, I would take advantage of the pool of outstanding talent that already exists. I'd offer popular Trek author Peter David the job of head writer, and I'd let him hire anyone he wants. Then... are you ready for this?... I'd give the whole team *creative freedom.* What a concept, huh? Who knows? Maybe if there is a genuine creative shake-up, "Enterprise" could return for a fourth season and actually reach its potential. The franchise could be saved. And a fictional world that fans have loved for thirty-eight years will continue to thrill us. But I'm not counting on it. Paramount has always shown disdain toward their biggest asset: the fans. Maybe, with such shortsighted management, Trek deserves to die. -- Billie Doux Billie Doux writes feature articles for @N-Zone's TV Zone, and reviews Angel, Alias, and The Dead Zone. Check out her web site at billiedoux.com. 19

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Spring Has Sprung - Or Has It? (aka President's Note) by Lynn Stapleton (NUMBER 2) The late winter/spring edition of the FSFS newsletter is upon us. Several things have come to mind as the spring comes. Some good news, other news not so. Good news: Stargate SG-1 is going to an eighth season, perhaps with or without Don S. Davis as the general. Word has it that O'Neill gets promoted to general, and Carter will now lead SG-1 (though whether or not she gets promoted up to Lt. Colonel is another matter yet - it will probably happen though at some point next season). Bad news: Janet's dead (at least in canon). Arrrrgh. For more info on Stargate SG-1 - check out http:// gateworld.net. There is, however, a Stargate SG-1 Virtual Season 7.5 which takes off from the 7th season episode "Heroes". So far it looks/reads really good. It's located at http://chrysalis.janetfraiser.com/main.htm. There's even some wonderful vid trailers for the eps and a nice fanvid celebrating Janet Fraiser. Another related SG-1 thing I came across - The Stuffy Guard Project Association - http://www.stuffyguard. org/ - Please check it out. It's a wonderful idea - even done locally. What it's about? Basically a couple years ago a group of folks decided to start a fanclub of sorts for Teryl Rothery (Janet Fraiser). Various bears were collected for a charity centered around Teryl Rothery’s birthday. Basically the teddy bears are donated to go to Children's hospitals (or children's wards of hospitals) to brighten the lives of seriously ill children. If you're going to donate a teddy bear locally, take a picture of the bears/other stuffed animals and can send it to the Stuffy Guard site. There's all kinds of interesting information on the site. It's a great idea, I think. Season 6 of Stargate SG-1 comes to DVD on March 2nd. I will be eagerly awaiting mine when it arrives. *BOUNCE*. Some good eps in season 6. EXCLUSIVE FROM BRITISH ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY (April Fools Joke, Really) F.A.B.! Jonathan Frakes to direct live-action "Thunderbirds" movie First glimpse of the movie craft! ELSTREE, ENGLAND - Stand by for action! Jonathan Frakes ("Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Star Trek: Generations," "Star Trek: First Contact," "Star Trek: Insurrection" and "Star Trek: Nemesis" ) bring his wealth of experience to the exciting world of International Rescue. Starring Bill Paxton as Jeff Tracy with Sophia Myles as Lady Penelope and Ben Kingsley as the Hood, the new film also features Philip Winchester as Scott Tracy, Lex Shrapnel as John, Dominic Colenso as Virgil and Ben Torgenson as Gordon. Talks are now in progress with Madonna for the role of Tin-Tin, Bob Hoskins is expected to be cast as Parker , Lance Bass is paying Frakes to be cast as Alan and Anna Nicole Smith is up for the out-of-character role of Brains. British Entertainment Monthly has obtained sketches of the movie version of the five Thunderbird craft. Although choosing to stray from Gerry Anderson's original TV designs, Frakes brings a brand new dimension and a new sense of action to the workhorses of Jeff Tracy's fleet. Thunderbirds are go!

Thunderbird 5 - International Rescue's eyes in the sky; manned by Gordon Tracy

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