Time for another installation in my award-winning self-help series of essays entitled, “Know Your Role”, where I, TD-0013, try to help you be the bestest darn Imperial Trooper you can be when roleplaying. Put on your helmets, kiddies… Class is in session..
Know Your Role – Lesson Two: Cannons ARE canon
There I am, in the Mos Eisley cantina looking to get a quick entertainer buff and perhaps a little RP in the process when I’m sent a ‘/tell’ (/tells are IMs in Star Wars Galaxies) from a complete stranger who feels the need to try and correct ME on how to be stormtrooper. Bear in mind that I’m in full trooper kit, and carrying one of the Sandtrooper’s weapons, the T-21 Light Repeater Blaster. The /tell goes something like this:
L33T Arr’Pee-ur says to you: “You shouldn’t have that weapon in here” You reply to L33T Arr’Pee-ur: “Umm… What?” L33T Arr’Pee-ur says to you: “Stormtroopers wouldn’t carry a T-21 into the Mos Eisley cantina. You shouldn’t have that weapon.” You reply to L33T Arr’Pee-ur: Are you serious? L33T Arr’Pee-ur says to you: “Only Shocktroopers carry T-21s. I used to play a stormtrooper, and I was in the US Army. Stormtroopers wouldn’t bring such a huge rifle into such a small place.” You reply to L33T Arr’Pee-ur: Have you even SEEN the fucking movies???
As you can easily see by the fervor of my replies, I was ready to scream at the sheer and complete idiocy of such a statement. Now, in this moment of shock and poor judgment, I tried explaining who I was in order to establish my base of expertise on the subject. I say that this was done in poor judgment because let’s be honest here; this douche bag wasn’t going to listen anyhow, and 10 to 1 says that busting the balls of the Imperial players is how he gets his jollies. I shouldn’t have bothered, but whatever… I did.
Let’s take a look at a couple key things here:
1) L33T claims he used to play a stormtrooper. Now, my first question is, ‘Then why aren’t you anymore, if you’re such a fount of knowledge on the subject?’, but to, be fair, perhaps he simply got bored with constantly being harassed by every no-dick dimwit who gets their jollies off by giving Imperials shit, and now he’s making himself feel much more important by passing on this fine, upstanding tradition himself. Point is, he’s not a stormtrooper, OR an Imperial, so his opinion on the matter means very little to me in the first place. I don’t go around and try to tell Jedi RPers that they should be stealing babies, mind-raping everyone around them, or better yet, they shouldn’t even BE there because Palpy and the Man in Black made damned sure they weren’t. I don’t tell them any of this…at least not to people I don’t know, and not in a manner to dictate how they play their game. I live and let live, regardless of how retarded it might seem. I’m an Imperial, and I’m a Stormtrooper. I know the role, and I play that one role, and yes, I am a fount of information on the subject, thanks. Comes with doing it for ten years.
2) L33T says he was in the US Army, and judging on when and how this information was vomited out at me, it’s plain to see that he’s trying to use it as a way of establishing his credibility on the subject. Sad fact is, it doesn’t, because the Imperial forces are NOT the United States Armed Forces. Yeah…That subject yet again. I see so many cases of people basing their Stormtrooper Roleplaying off of factual military forces and it’s silly. I will admit that a healthy knowledge of military protocol, military bearing, radio discipline, and attention to detail are all phenomenally useful in pulling off a convincing service member, regardless of the army, fictional or not, but that’s where it should end. Now, I believe the point he was trying to make by stating this is that in the real military, generally the guy with the BAR doesn’t lead the charge inside a small building. The weapon’s too cumbersome to use effectively inside cramped quarters, and oft times, he will either stay outside to watch the door, or he’ll sling the big bastard over his shoulder and pull out something smaller, such as a handgun, when he enters the building. This makes absolute sense, of course. That’s how it’s done…. In the REAL world. In SWG, there is no option for me to sling the weapon over my shoulder, and if I show up with an E-11 and when a fight breaks out, I pull out the more powerful T-21, then I’ll get hate/tells about that too, so fuck it, I carry the T-21. Also something to bear in mind – The Mos Eisley cantina is anything but a small, cramped place. It’s actually pretty big inside, so this weapon wouldn’t be cumbersome inside its walls anyhow. Thanks for your service to our country, and thanks for calling…and remember, the end with the hole in it gets pointed at the enemy.
3) Another nugget that L33T brought up was that only Shocktroopers carry them. First and foremost, when he says “Shocktroopers”, he means it in the literal sense and is referring to a class of Armor in SWG that has never been in any of the films either. I don’t have a huge issue with that because it gets Imperial in Imperial gear, so whatever it takes. Plus I tend to give SWG a –lot- of leeway when it comes to what would or wouldn’t be canon. I’m guessing LFL gave them the thumbs up to take a few liberties with it in order to give players more content and stuff to do. It’s their universe and I’m just there to play in it. Bottom line is, Shocktroopers didn’t exist in the films and therefore, they certainly weren’t the only troops allowed to carry the T-21. I, being a Sandtrooper, carry the T-21, because it’s an iconic and Star Warsy weapon that Sandtroopers carried on Tatooine. Duh.
The BlasTech T-21 Light Repeater Blaster is seen in only a few scenes in the first film, “A New Hope”, and it’s carried by Imperial Sandtroopers who are stationed on Tatooine, and in particular, Mos Eisley. I’ve never seen the weapon carried by anyone else in any other film from the series…ever. This makes me think “well, the Sandtroopers are the only ones in the films carrying them, so obviously, this is a weapon that Sandtroopers would carry.” Silly me. It’s a canon weapon being carried by a canon Stormtrooper in the middle of the exact location that they are seen carrying them in the films. What the fuck was I thinking?
I’ll stop carrying the T-21 when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.
You ignorant simp.
Now, if you’re RPing a trooper in SWG, here are the correct weapons you should be carrying when RPing:
BlasTechE-11 -
These are the standard Imperial issue weapon of all canon and classic Stormtroopers. (Loot and craftable - easy to obtain)
DLT-19 Blaster Rifle -
A standard issue heavy blaster rifle in the Imperial Military. Not only do Sandtroopers carry these in ANH, but this is the weapon the drug smuggler carries on the Death Star until he hands it over to the Fleabitten Dog in the detention center. (Recently introduced to SWG as a reward item for completing the “Deathtrooper” content added to Dathomir. Hard to get, but well worth it.)
SE-14 Combat Pistol -
True, we don’t see Stormtroopers use these in any of the films, but the visual dictionary has a photo of a trooper brandishing one, so that’s good enough for me. A nice handgun for roughing up Rebel and/or criminal scum. (Loot and craftable - easy to obtain)
BlasTech T-21 Light Repeating Blaster -
The subject of this post, so you should already know enough about it. (Loot and Craftable – Easy to obtain)
There we go. You now are armed with the knowledge of the proper weapons your Trooper should be carrying when RPing in SWG. Note that I keep mentioning RPing? That’s because when the shit hits the fan, you use your most powerful weapon to blast the tar out of the enemy, canon be damned. But when you’re RPin’, you need to know your weapons…
…and once you know your weapons, you know your role.
Next time: “L33T Smuggler spits in the troopers face” and other asinine, unrealistic behavior.
I know it’s been forever in a day since I’ve posted anything or dumped anything into the feed. Main reason is, as stated before, I haven’t had anything worthwhile to say, really. I’m still alive, and I’m still plugging along in my armor, doing voice work for various podcasts and the like, and very slowly, but surely writing my opus.
Well… Now I have something to say, because it something that’s been grating on my nerves for a few months now, ever since I re-subscribed to Star War Galaxies (SWG). This message is aimed specifically at those who Role-play (RP) Imperial Stormtroopers, and/or those planning to do such in the future. This series is designed to help, because after all, that’s what I’ve always been here to do, right? Right. Think of it as a loving spoonful of bitter medicine stomped directly into your skull with a pair of armored jackboots. Each post will focus on one particular thing that’s been argued to me, usually by someone I don’t know and more importantly, doesn’t know me. Bear in mind that I’m paraphrasing a lot of this, because I’m not going to log every stupid statement that’s rammed down my throat via my optic nerve.
That being said, let’s get started, shall we?
Lesson One: You are not Elite
You are not elite. Period. Get over yourself and know your fucking role.
This statement comes from the near-constant barrage of idiotic statements I have to field almost every time I log into SWG, with my foolish dreams of RPing a Stormtrooper in the Star Wars universe. Why is this dream foolish? The reason this is a fool hardy dream is because despite my sweating my balls off in the actual armor for the past 10 years, I apparently know nothing about Stormtroopers. No, no… Only these brilliant scholars of all that is Star Wars (the SWG RP community) know exactly what I should and should not be doing, regardless of my past and vast experience in the very field in question.
“Stormtroopers would never check IDs. They are the Elite branch of the military.”
WRONG. Stormtroopers absolutely would check IDs…In fact, they DID in the original film, you fuck-tard. I mean, seriously…Have these people even SEEN the films? Apparently not, so I’ll be so kind as to detail the scene in question, and even provide a photo lest they be reading this.
Six Sandtroopers stop a landspeeder belonging to a Luke Skywalker. There is an old man sitting shotgun and two droids duct taped to the back of the speeder. The driver is eye-to-junk with the Officer (as in Military Officer, which is what an Orange Pauldron means, btw.) who is asking to see the lad’s ID. This is called an ID check, kids, and Stormtroopers do this. I’ve been asked to do this at many, many functions over the years, including Star Wars Celebrations 2 & 3. Who asked that we Stormtroopers perform ID and Badge checks? LucasFilm…You know, the company that theoretically knows the saga better than anyone else, so yeah, I figure that Stormtroopers do ID checks.
The problem here is that 45% of the population sees them as the police, and 45% see them as the most Ubber-badass force the galaxy has ever seen, and then there’s 10% who think they’re the Marine Corps, which is not only ridiculous and inaccurate, but is an insult to the actual United States Marine Corps. Removing the final 10%, because the very idea makes my brain hurt, let’s focus on the other 90%, shall we?
SWG’s timeline is somewhere between Battle of Yavin and immediately after the Battle the Hoth, and, depending on the quest/mission you get, fluxes back and forth between the two events. The galaxy is in the middle of a civil war. The Empire is winning the fight at this stage in the game and they have Garrisons and bases on nearly every planet. Every planet has Destroyers in orbit which can be seen at night. The galaxy is pretty much under martial law. What’s that mean? That means that the Troops are performing any and all tasks that aid in the enforcement of Order throughout the Galaxy. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, roadblocks and random ID checks.
For those of you who still insist that Stormtroopers are U.S. Marines, I suggest you watch the Military Channel more often, especially when they are running a documentary on the war in Iraq. I guarantee that eventually, you’re going to either see or hear about how these brave Marines go door to door doing ID checks and the like, as well as man roadblocks ‘over there’. It’s part of the job and while it’s not John Wayne’s Green Berets, it’s sure as shit an important and vital role the Marines play in the war. Martial Law and occupying forces, kiddies.
Bonus Points #1 – Point out the police force in the Original three Star Wars films…that wasn’t immediately emasculated by an Imperial Stormtrooper Garrison…seriously. Go ahead.
Now, on to the second part of this silly claim, that the Stormtroopers are all Elite. Simply not true. The average Stormtrooper is just that. Average. Exactly what’s inside the armor is still up in the air, because I have yet to hear a definite end answer to the question, “Clones or not?” Whatever the case, the man (yes, ladies…no offense, but they’re MEN inside the kits. No women troopers that I’ve ever seen in any of the films.) behind the bucket is no more special than any other soldier in the military. Yes, the Stormtroopers are their own beast separate from the Imperial Navy and Army, but at the end of the day they ARE the Empire’s infantry. Navy flies ships. Army drives ground vehicles. Stormtroopers are the foot soldiers. It’s just that simple.
Bonus Points #2 – Point out the Imperial Army infantry in the Star Wars films. Stormtroopers do not count.
You want to see an Elite Stormtrooper? Here you go:
THAT is an elite stormtrooper, chosen from the ranks of the regular Stormtroopers, and if you want your guild to be seen as elite, then put on the crimson muumuu; but remember, all you’re going to do is stand around at the Emperor’s retreat on Naboo…Guarding the Emperor….And likely doing ID checks so he doesn’t get stabbed in the dick with a shiv. At least, you would be …
…If you knew your role.
Next time – “Stormtroopers wouldn’t carry a T-21 into the Mos Eisley cantina”
The PodCast
Okay, so it’s been…..7 months since I said anything here. Is ADPoV dead? Not at all. It’s just that I think I’ve covered all the bases and made my case pretty damned clear and hard to argue against, and lately, I just haven’t had much else to add to it. While I was at DragonCon last year, I met a few fans of the show, which is always bonus! I even got to see an ABA Shirt in the wild (i.e. being worn by someone I didn’t know, who chose to wear it at the convention on their own), and that was a thrill. One of the fans I talked to at the PodCasters Pimp & Ho party hosted by Evo..or Sigler…or was it Tee… Told me they completely understood why I hadn’t podcasted anything for so long, and they even said they prefered it that way, meaning they’d rather I actually have something to say rather then podcast for the sake of putting something in the feed. I’m really glad they felt that way.
The Swag
The aforementioned ABA shirt is no longer available, nor is any of the other ADPoV swag. Two reasons for this. First, LucasFilm Limited (LFL) started using Zazzle, who hosted the ADPoV Swag, as it’s own choice to host it’s brand of customizable Star Wars shirts, so in a knee-jerk reaction Zazzle scoured their site and deleted anyone’s swag that could be remotely considered infringing upon LFL’s intellectual properties, which, I can understand, regardless of the fact that 95% of my stuff didn’t do that at all, in the legal sense as it was all either bortQ’s 100% original artwork, or there was no mention of “Star Wars” or anything else from the series, for the most part. There was one bumper sticker that had the Imperial Insignia, so that’s understandable, but pretty much everything else was clean. I say all of this with complete understanding, and no ill will towards LFL, believe me. I was never in this to make any money, so in the big picture, I lost nothing.
Second reason? Zazzle’s quality sucks. Horribly. I was made painfully aware of this fact when I ordered myself an ABA T and matching Tankard, neither of which I was at all impressed with in regards to quality. I was literally shopping around other venues to move everything to when Zazzle shut me down, so again, nothing lost there. I do, however want to apologize to those of you who did purchase some of the ADPoV swag, because I felt really bad that the quality was so piss poor. Had I known ahead of time, I wouldn’t have ever put your hard earned dollars at risk like that. At least you can say you have collector’s item now, huh?
If there is any intrest whatsoever for ADPoV swag, people are going to have to let me know. Seriously.
Podcasting here and there…
While I haven’t been doing any new recordings for my own podcast, I have, however been recording for other shows out there. Most notably The Metamor City Podcast, in which I play the part of Malcolm ard’Valos, and the Cue the Film Podcast’s six-part miniseries covering all six of the Star Wars films, plus a couple games, books, and the new television series on Cartoon network. If you haven’t listened to these two podcasts yet, go NOW and start listening. I’m serious…well.. after you read this, I mean… not now now.
Future Projects.. The feed will always be open, and the old epsiodes available, because there’s always someone new right around the corner who may have just heard of the show, and the important lessons it teaches. They’re timeless, really. If I think of something new to toss in there, I will, but thus far, nothing new has sprung to mind in regards to continually proving my point.
I would like to sit down and actually write out a story or two to podcast but I’m torn. I have my memoirs that chronicle my life in the Imperial Army (Fan Fic), but there’s two reasons I haven’t moved forward on this.Â
1. Indiana Jim beat me to it with his fanfic Star Wars: Codename Starkeeper …not about me specifically, but a Star Wars themed production and he ended up using damned near everyone I wanted to ask to be voices in my project, so that leaves me kind of high and dry. (and yet he -never- asked me to be a part of it…Hmmm)
2. I really don’t want people thinking I’m a one trick pony. That’s actually a concern of mine, and has been for quite a while now…ever since 7th Son: Obsidian in fact. I think I’ll put up the sound experiment I recorded and edited a year ago so you can all have a taste of what have been, or what might still be someday.
Anyhow, that’s the big stinky on this end, or at least a slice of it. More to come in the near future, I promise.
Heyas, gang. Recently I was asked by the Lovely Emily of the “Cue The Film” podcast to sit in with her and a cast of other characters as they covered the entire Star Wars saga. The films, the games, and the books. Not every book, mind you.. Only the ones written by the brilliant trooper goddess, Karen Traviss. Yeah, I had to bring her up and spread the word. Anyhow, this is true to life, helmet off and hair down discussion about the Galaxy Far Far Away that we all know and love, so do yourself a favor and tune in for a listen.
This is the first of six episodes dedicated to Star Wars, so you’re in for a treat.
One more thing… QT is a very important part of the goings on around here, and she’s been a bit out of sorts lately, so if you could all do me a favor and head over to her blog and give her some MUCH deserved love, I’d be quite grateful. Besides, being nice to QT could just save your life…..seriously.
That’s right, kiddies! It is THAT day! The release day of the Trooper Goddess’ latest story about everyone’s favorite test tube babies, the Republic Commandos! See that picture to the left? Click on it RIGHT NOW to buy your copy of TRUE Star Wars lore. Not that asinine game that everyone’s gushin’ in thier pants about, and no, not the latest foray into theaters. These two subjects seem to be ALL anyone’s talking about, and that’s just plain sad and pathetic. You, my brave citzens have a duty to perform. Blog about Karen and her new book “Star Wars: Order 66 – A Republic Commando Novel”. Seriously. The woman is a real talent and we need more of her in the Star Wars universe, trust me.
So… GO. Do what you’re told.
Safe money is that by the time you’ve read through this post, QT has already devoured this new book.
Well, I think I have everything back in order here at the bunker after my jaunt to D*Con 08 in Atlanta, GA, and I have to say that it was a great trip! I didn’t win the Parsec Award, but so be it. Awards aren’t that important to me, really, so long as the message is getting out to the masses, right? Apparently this is indeed the case, as I met many, many people at the event who had not only heard of me, but were actual fans of what QT and I do around here.
Some highlights of the excursion:
JC Hutchins had zero idea who I was when I first spoke to him. Of course, the exact words spoken were “Here, prick” as I dropped his name plate on the table in front of him during the opening panel of the podcast track. See, JC is an amiable bloke, and rarely has an unkind word to say to people, but I could see the confusion and the tiniest hint of offense in his beady eyes when I dropped that subtle bomb in his lap. Yes, I enjoyed that. After the panel was done I walked up to him and announced who I was, and he literally screamed like a girl at a Frankie Valie concert. That was definately a highlight of the weekend. Once he knew who I was, we had some great discussions about podcast fiction, how I should get off my ass and do some, and I treated him to a sneek peek/listen to an 8 minute long piece of something I’m actually working on in that regard. The man knows what buttons to press to make someone feel like they might actually have a shread of talent in thier bones, so his kind words help shove my stubborn ass into the chair so I can start writing my opus.
What can be said about the amazingly talented Mur Lafferty that hasn’t been said before? She’s a MILF, plain and simple. Seriously. I don’t think anyone gives her enough credit in that area. Sure, everyone waxes on about how bloody brilliant and talented a writer she is, but no one ever comes out and says how hawt she is, so I will. Mur Lafferty is a hawtie. Period. Remember that fantasy you always had about the librarian? Mur blows that skank out of the water in spades. Now that she’s blushing a nice deep crimson, I will say that she is always one of the sweetest women on this rock, and that my previous vow to “kill for Mur Lafferty” still stands strong. Just a capital lady and I adore and respect her immensely. Her baeu is also a great guy, and I think we can all be secure in our envy of the man. They are both superb humans.
Scott Sigler and I had never met nor spoken more then a couple lines of text in emails and such before this event, usually giving each other crap. We’re the two angriest bastards in Podcasting, and normally, I don’t like sharing that hard won title with anyone, but for “Soupbone”, I will make the exception. I’ve been a fan of his work for a while now, especially “The Rookie”, and his “larger then life” personna has always made me chuckle. He was a hoot to hang out and share a few drinks with, and he throws a mean “Pimp and Ho” party, let me tell you. Sadly, I didn’t get a lot of time to really talk to the guy, but I’m glad we finally got to have a face to face time after all this time. And Scott? Shame you never remembered that room number, you dumbass.
Rick and Ann Springer are also wonderfully talented and genuinely nice people and meeting them was a treat to be sure. I have always loved thier show, Variant Frequencies, and I’ve already told you all what a severe honor it was to record a story for them. It was great to chew the fat with two such creative minds about all sorts of topics ranging from Star Wars, Steampunk, and everything else under the sun.
I have known Tee Morris for a few years now, and he’s always a cool cat to hang out with….when he’s not busy whoring himself out for a buck. I mean, honestly, Tee, and please consider the source, but put the propaganda machine down for a bit and relax, man! He’s a DJ-author-promotion machine, this one. It was great to chat and catch up with him, and word is that when BB & and the case of the Pitcher’s Pendant is podcast, he’s got a role tailor made for yours truely, as well as my doing the “story so far” intros for each episode, so I have that to look forward to.
I got to finally meet the Kiwi Goddess, Pip Ballantine at this shindig as well! We talked a bit about New Zealand, since back in the day, I had spent a goodly amount of time there, training for Hoth. Great writer, fun gal and apparently she knows of my weakness. Glitter covered snoobs. Heh. A really cute and cool lady, that one.
I also got to meet some fans, which is always way more important and touching to me, and I even got to see an ABA shirt in the wild! This is the second sighting that I know of, the first being reported to me by Karen Traviss at San Diego ComiCon. Everyone I met and spoke to was awesome, and I can’t wait to do it again next year. That’s right, I’m going to be there next year for certain, so make your plans now.
Also, if anyone has ANY photos of me form the event, I’d love to see them, so be sure to either link them here in the comments, or email them directly to me using the email addy in the sidebar at the right.
Thanks to everyone who gave me kind words about ADPoV and my Obsidian story. Those are the little things that make this whole mission bearable.
 Well, kiddies, the shuttle’s about to leave and my happy tuckus is boarding. If you’re planning on being at DragonCon, look me up at the Parsec Awards on Saturday night! I’ll be the one with the dent in his helmet, escorted by two lovely Twi’leks.
I am a lucky trooper, but hey, I deserve no less, right? Damned right.
Anyhow, wish me luck at the Parsec Awards, and hopefully I can bring home the gold…or whatever it is they give away at these things.
Well, news of my nomination for a Parsec award had gotten a unexpectedly enthusiastic response from Command. Apparently, the Empire is sending in Vader’s own troops to this little dustball to enjoy some much earned leave. While most of the Imperial forces will be converging at DragonCon in Atlanta, we do own the whole planet, so some troops are enjoying other destinations as well, such as San Francisco, CA.
I’ll be catching a lift with some the brave soldiers and sailors of the ISD Buckfutter to D*Con, so I’ll see you there!
Well, I’m still feeling pretty good about myself thanks to the overwhelmingly good response to my contribution to 7th Son: Obsidian, and I wanted to thank each and every one of you who have commented on the story I wrote. It was great experience for me, and it has helped put some wind in my sails to start writing a bit more. I have a couple of ideas lurking about in my skull so I’ll get those written down in the days ahead.
The Parsec AwardsÂ
As of today, A Different Point of View has been nominated for the 3rd annual Parsec Awards, and I’m honored and thrilled to be nominated. I know that it might seem odd due to my usually sparce release dates, but there are a few segments I’ve released that fall into the required timeline, and since they’ve added the new category “Best Speculative Fiction Comedy / Parody Podcast“, I figure it’s a category custom made for “ADPoV”.
What does this mean? I’m going to DragonCon, kiddies, so lock up the alien babes and stock up on the Imperial Ales. While I’m certain to spend much time with members of the 501st, I’m actually looking more forward to meeting people in the Podcast community who I’ve listened to, worked with, and corrisponded with over the years. Should prove to be a good time indeed. If you’re planning on being at D*Con, send me a line and we’ll try to work out some sort of hook up so you can buy me a drink and tell me how great I am.
 Well, on May 31st, 7th Son: Obsidian struck the 7th Son feed and filled the earbuds of many a happy podcast subscriber, including myself. Finally, my 7th Son withdrawls can be sated to some degree, which in this case, is an odd feeling, since J.C.’s not the one writing this collection of short stories in the Universe he created.
The first story was “Miles to go Until I Sleep” by Tee Morris, and it was damned fine stuff, as I’ve come to expect from the self-promoting hack. The story is spread out over two episodes, and imagine my surprise to hear J.C. announce after Tee’s story, that mine was going to be next in the pipe. Obviously, I knew my story was going to be included, but from some reason I just didn’t expect it to be the first “Short-short” out of the gate. Let the nail-biting commence…which led to a lecture on hygene and manners from QT.
Well, late last night, J.C. released my story, which, because I’m a dimwit, is untitled. This is my first shot at ‘real’ short story writing, so cut me some slack, eh? Anyhow, it’s always nice to hear someone wax all lovey about you, but when it’s praise heaped on by an author you respect the crap out of? Yeah… I was smiling, and yeah, I’m proud of what I did as my contribution….
..I am now, anyhow. So far, there have been a few comments and reviews, and thankfully, all good so far. One made me grin to myself though.Â
Jason Penny wrote: “I have to admit I had some reservations about the idea of a story that places a sandtrooper in the 7th Son universe during the blackout. It sounded funny, but it just didn’t seem right somehow.” He went on to say how much he liked it, so thank you, Jason, but that quoted bit made me chuckle.
You think you had reservations?? The entire concept seemed like something that no one could ever take seriously, and thus, forever earn me a seat at the “Kid’s Table” in the great halls of podcast fiction writers. But… What J.C. wants, J.C. gets. (I think that’s from the book of Matthew 7:42), so I plugged away and the story pretty much wrote itself. After recording it turned out the be exactly 13:05 long. Not on purpose, just luck of the draw. I took it as a good omen and sent it out, and have been pacing ever since.
Two things that are my most favorite about this story? One, the experience of writing something for my friend J.C. Hutchins. Two? The world premiere of the voice of the adorable droid, QT-pi! Yes, you finally get to hear her voice!
That being said, I’m very happy with it, and thankfully, so are many people who listened so far. If you haven’t heard it yet, click on the “Super Secret Code Phantom Special Edition Logo” above. Once you do that, please feel free to come back and leave me a comment. I’d love to hear what you thought.
I hope you enjoy it.
Also… If you have an idea for a title, leave that in my comments as well, and I’ll pick the best one!
 Well, kiddies, the shuttle’s about to leave and my happy tuckus is boarding. If you’re planning on being at DragonCon, look me up at the Parsec Awards on Saturday night! I’ll be the one with the dent in his helmet, escorted by two lovely Twi’leks.
