TK331: A Star Wars EU/Legends Podcast

Today we discuss the Shadows of the Empire comic. In public, Prince Xizor is the head of a powerful shipping company, but in private he is in charge of Black Sun, a vast criminal empire. He is the third most powerful being in the known galaxy, behind only Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. Xizor hates Vader and looks for ways to undermine him. When he learns of Vader’s interest in Luke Skywalker, he decides to kill the Rebel to make his rival look bad. Luke, Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca are trying to rescue Han after the events at Cloud City. Boba Fett still hasn’t made his way to Jabba’s Palace and they are trying to intercept Slave I before he gets there. To help them, they’ve hired a hotshot pilot named Dash Rendar.

We've been doing this podcast for three years! We look back at the good, the bad, and the in-between of the stories that we've read over the past year.

Today we discuss Tongue-tied: Bubo's Tale, the story of Bubo, the frog-dog we see a number of times in Return of the Jedi, who has been in the background of a few stories in this collection. In particular, he really hates Ree-Yees. He’s also friends with the B’omarr Monks.

Today, we discuss the entirety of the Han Solo Trilogy. We'll talk at length about The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, and Rebel Dawn. The trilogy tells Han Solo’s story, from his time as a young man right up to the beginning of A New Hope. We see what he did before he joined the Imperial Academy, his time as a smuggler, and even how he crossed paths with the Rebellion in its early days. We also meet the first love of his life, Bria Tharen, who becomes one of the Rebellion’s earliest heroes.

Today we discuss A Free Quarren in the Palace: Tessek's Tale. It tells the story of the Quarren Tessek, who has appeared in several of the stories throughout this collection. Like many other characters at Jabba’s Palace, he dreams of and plots Jabba’s death. He actually has a plan to kill the Hutt that will take place the next day. There’s just one problem: a certain Jedi shows up and disrupts things.

On this special Valentine's Day episode, we discuss Star Wars: Union, which tells the story of the wedding of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade.

Today we finish our discussion of the Hand of Thrawn duology with the second half of Vision of the Future. Tierce, Disra, and Flim develop a plan to crush Bel Iblis and prove that Grand Admiral Thrawn is back. Han and Leia are both heading to Bothawui to try to avert a civil war, while Luke and Mara get ever closer to unraveling the secret of the Hand of Thrawn.

Today we discuss A Bad Feeling: The Tale of EV-9D9, the next short story in Tales from Jabba's Palace. A Bad Feeling tells the story of everyone’s favorite torture droid from Return of the Jedi, EV-9D9. We learn some of what she got up to before the events of Return of the Jedi, as well as certain characters who she has previously crossed paths with.

Today we discuss the first half of Vision of the Future, the second book in the Hand of Thrawn Duology. The New Republic is in chaos. The issue of the Bothan sabotage of the Caamas shield generators is threatening to tear the Republic apart. Pellaeon is still waiting for Bel Iblis to talk peace, while Han and Leia are taking a much needed vacation at Pakrik Major. And through it all, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker is not to be found: he’s left the known galaxy and is off to save his friend, Mara Jade.

Today we discuss The Great God Quay: The Tale of Barada and the Weequays. The story follows two groups of people. First, Barada, who is in charge of keeping Jabba’s Sail Barge running. Second, the Weequay who worship a god known as Quay. They even have a small sphere that represents Quay to them.

Today we discuss Specter of the Past, the first book in the Hand of Thrawn Duology. The Empire is on its last legs. If not for infighting in the New Republic it would be destroyed by now. Admiral Pellaeon knows this and has made what could be the most difficult decision of his career. But Moff Disra has his own plans for the Empire. Leia has taken a temporary step back from being the Chief of State of the New Republic and is on a well-deserved vacation, and Han is determined to make sure she enjoys it.

Today we discuss Of the Day’s Annoyances: Bib Fortuna's Tale. Bib Fortuna dreams of killing Jabba and taking over his criminal empire. From there, he wants to expand and eventually take over his home planet of Ryloth. *Spoiler Warning* We discuss the Ahsoka series in the second half of the episode.

Today we discuss Showdown at Centerpoint, the final book in the Corellian trilogy. Han, Leia, Mara, and Dracmus are all bound for Selonia, while the Bakuran fleet is approaching Centerpoint Station. Meanwhile, Anakin continues to fiddle with the repulsor on Drall.

In this special spooky episode, we discuss the second Galaxy of Fear book, City of the Dead. Tash, Zak, and their Uncle Hoole go to Necropolis to buy a new starship. Zombies, cemetaries, boneworms, bounty hunters, and more await them on their next adventure.

Today we discuss And the Band Played On: The Band's Tale. Max Reebo, Sy Snootles, and Droopy McCool are newly arrived to Tatooine and need a place to play. Also, Max needs food. *Spoiler Warning* We discuss the Ahsoka series that recently came out in the second half of this episode.

Today we discuss Assault at Selonia, the second book in the Corellian trilogy. The Solo family is scattered across the Corellian system, while Luke and Lando are rushing back to Coruscant to tell them what little they know, as is Kalenda. Meanwhile Tendra worries about Lando and is determined to do something about it.

Today we discuss Goatgrass: The Tale of Ree-Yees. Ree-Yees is known as a drunk and a fool and often plays the part so people don't think about him too much. He's also in touch with the Empire, hoping to get murder charges cleared so he can go home.

Today we discuss Ambush at Corellia, the first book in the Corellian Trilogy. Han is taking his family to Corellia for a vacation before a major trade summit. Lando has roped Luke into his latest scheme. What could go wrong?

Today we discuss Old Friends: Ephant Mon's Tale. Ephant Mon is Jabba's lone friend in the entire galaxy, but can that bond last when facing a Jedi Knight?

Today we discuss The New Rebellion. Kueller and Brakiss are out to destroy the Skywalker twins and have a deadly scheme that starts with bombing the Senate Hall. Luke, Leia, and Han all set off to try to stop their reign of destruction.

Today we discuss And Then There Were Some: The Gamorrean Guard's Tale. Gartogg is investigating several murders that have happened across this short story collection. And he has a prime suspect.

Today we finish the Black Fleet Crisis with Tyrant's Test. Chewbacca is leading a rescue mission to get Han back. Leia is dealing with a vote of no confidence while trying to figure out how to hold the New Republic together and save Han. Luke and Akanah are getting close to the truth about Luke's mother. Lando and Lobot continue to explore the secrets of the Vagabond.

Today we discuss Sleight of Hand: The Tale of Mara Jade. Mara Jade has infiltrated Jabba's palace with one goal in mind: kill Luke Skywalker. Standing in her way are guards, undercover security and the Hutt himself.

Today we discuss Shield of Lies, the second book in the Black Fleet Crisis. It picks up where Before the Storm left off: Lando and Lobot are on the Vagabond, Luke and Akanah are searching for the Fallanassi, and Leia is dealing with the threat of the Yevetha.

Today we discuss Let us Prey: The Whipid's Tale. J'Quille is Lady Valarian's former lover and now lives at Jabba's Palace, ferretting out conspiricies against the crime lord. But what is he actually trying to accomplish?

Today we discuss Before the Storm, the first book in the Black Fleet Crisis. The galaxy is at a time of relative peace. Leia is still the leader of the New Republic and she desperately wants to bring the Duskhan League into it. Luke is feeling overwhelmed by the force and looking to follow in Obi-Wan and Yoda’s footsteps. Han is mostly enjoying life as a stay at home dad. And Lando is bored and looking for a new adventure.

Today we discuss A Time to Mourn, a Time to Dance: Oola's Tale. Oola and another Twilek have been brought to Tatooine to be dancers at Jabba’s palace, but they run into a certain Jedi who tries to save them.

We've been doing this podcast for two years! We look back at the good, the bad, and the in-between of the stories that we've read over the past year.

Today we discuss The Crystal Star. The Solo children have been kidnapped, and Leia and Chewbacca set off to rescue them. Meanwhile, Han and Luke come across one of the strangest beings in Star Wars: Waru.

Today we discuss That's Entertainment: The Tale of Salacious Crumb. Melvosh Bloor has come to Tatooine to interview Jabba the Hutt. Darian Gli is supposed to escort him, but instead a certain Kowakian monkey-lizard is there.

Today we discuss Planet of Twilight, the final book of the Callista Chronicles. Luke is depressed and is desperately watching for any sign of Callista. The Rationalist Party has taken center stage in galactic politics and is active in both the New Republic and Empire. They’ve made the planet of Nam Chorios a major issue, and Leia is on her way there for a secret meeting with Seti Ashgad, trying to defuse the situation.

Today we discuss Taster's Choice: The Tale of Jabba's Chef. Porcellus has been Jabba's chef for years, but he's worried the Hutt thinks he is trying to poison Jabba. When others start dying after eating his food, Porcellus tries to figure out what's going on.

Today we discuss Starfighters of Adumar, the ninth book in the X-Wing series. Wedge has been ordered to bring Adumar into the New Republic. However, there's just one problem: the Empire is here, too. With Tycho, Wes, Hobbie, and Iella at his side, Wedge will have to use all of his skill, daring, and diplomacy to stay alive.

Today we discuss A Boy and His Monster: The Rancor Keeper's Tale. Malakili is new to Jabba's Palace and has just been given his dream job: he's in charge of the Hutt's new pet rancor. But when it becomes clear that Jabba doesn't care about the beast, what lengths will Malakili go to save his friend?

The Hutts are building a new superweapon, Admiral Daala is martialing what's left of the Imperial fleet, and Callista is completely cut off from the force. Do these storylines intersect? Find out...

We give our final thoughts on Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina short story collection.

30 years ago, the Eye of Palpatine was a superweapon with the intent of destroying a colony of Jedi children. It failed in its mission, but something has reactivated it and it's determined to fulfill its purpose.

Today we discuss One Last Night in the Mos Eisley Cantina: The Tale of the Wolfman and the Lamproid. Lak Sivrak fights at the Battle of Endor and remembers his time with his lover Dice Ibegon across the original trilogy.

On this special bonus episode, we discuss the second half of I, Jedi. Corran has infiltrated the Invids to save Mirax, but will he be able to keep himself from falling to the dark side?

Today, we discuss the first half of I, Jedi. To save his wife Mirax, Corran Horn must embrace his Jedi lineage and become one of the first students at Luke's Academy on Yavin IV.

In this special spooky episode, we discuss the first Galaxy of Fear book, Eaten Alive. Tash, Zak, and their Uncle Hoole have recently started living together. They are visiting the peaceful planet of D'vouran, but all is not as it seems.

Today we discuss Drawing the Maps of Peace: The Moisture Farmer's Tale. Ariq Joanson is a moisture farmer living at the edge of civilization on Tatooine. He dreams of drawing a map of the area showing everyone's territory and trying to bring peace to all around him.

Luke is in a coma, Kyp has the Sun Crusher, and Ambassador Furgan is off to capture baby Anakin. How will our heroes come out on top?

Today we discuss Dr. Death: The Tale of Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba. Dr. Evazan has promised Ponda Baba a new, fresh body, and is looking for someone that will fit him as well. What happens when this Frankenstein-like scientist gets a hold of two bodies that meet the requirements of both?

Luke has started his academy with a dozen students, and they'll soon be joined by Kyp Durron. There's also a mysterious presence on the moon, ready and waiting for a new apprentice. Leia and Admiral Ackbar are off to Vortex where betrayal and disaster waits for them. And Han and Lando can't figure out who owns the Falcon.

Today we discuss At the Crossroads: The Spacer's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. BoShek is a force-sensitive pilot and smuggler trying not to be noticed by the Empire. What happens when he runs into an old Jedi and the Empire is after him?

Luke Skywalker is trying to rebuild the Jedi Order and has decided that it's time to start a new academy. He just needs a location and students. Meanwhile, Han is off to Kessel to open negotiations on behalf of the New Republic, and Leia is stuck on Coruscant worrying about everyone. Oh, and there's a new/old Imperial Admiral, a new superweapon and its designer, and a force sensitive slave in prison. The Jedi Academy trilogy has begun.

Today we discuss Soup's On: The Pipe Smoker's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Dannik Jerriko is an Anzati who is on the lookout for his next victim. What happens when he runs into our heroes?

The Galaxy Gun has destroyed the Rebellion's hidden base. Can Han, Luke, Leia, and everyone else fight back and finally destroy the cloned Emperor, or will the Empire claim victory over our heroes?

Today we discuss When the Desert Wind Turns: The Stormtrooper's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Davin Felth is a new Imperial recruit and has fully bought into the Empire's propaganda. However, once he's signed up, he realizes it's nothing like he hoped for, but what can he do about it?

The cloned Emperor has been defeated, but the Empire isn't gone. They have Darkside Imperial Military Executor Sedriss, the new Galaxy Gun, and Chrysalis Beasts. Also, just because a clone of the Emperor was beaten doesn't mean that Palpatine is gone for good.

Today we discuss Trade Wins: The Ranat's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Reegesk is always looking for a deal to help his tribe, but what happens when he crosses paths with Het Nkik?

The Empire is back with a vengeance and the Rebellion is reeling. Luke senses a growing evil in the galaxy, and the only way he can stop it is to join it.

Today we discuss Swap Meet: The Jawa's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Het Nkik thinks Jawas should band together and stand up for themselves, but he's constantly told that they are too weak to do so. When something happens to his best friend, he's determined to make a difference and show other Jawas what one lone Jawa is capable of.

We've been doing this podcast for one year! We take a look back at the good, the bad, and the in-between on the Star Wars Legends stories that we've read over the past year.

Obi-Wan is trying to blend in and hide on Tatooine, but keeps getting drawn into the lives and politics at the local oasis. Can he keep Luke safe, maintain his secret identity, but still live up to his ideals and help those who need it?

Today we discuss Empire Blues: The Devaronian's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Kardue'sai'Malloc is living on Tatooine, spending his days getting drunk and listening to his music. When he hears the Modal Nodes have arrived, he does everything in his power to hear them play, before Jabba feeds them to his rancor.

Today, we discuss Isard's Revenge, which sees Michael A. Stackpole return to Star Wars and writing about Rogue Squadron again. With Thrawn defeated, the New Republic must figure out how to continue their war against the Empire but do it without being seen as the aggressors. But there's both a new and old foe lurking in the shadows, trying to bring about Rogue Squadron's demise.

Today we discuss Nightlily: The Lovers' Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Feltipern Trevagg is a tax collector always looking for ways to improve his life, often at the expense of others. When he meets M'iiyoom Onith, can this Gotal find love, or is something else going on?

Come spend your Valentine's Day with us and a Han and Leia story that takes place shortly before The Empire Strikes Back.

With the original Thrawn trilogy behind us, we discuss Thrawn's appearances in those three books and compare him to the six books he is in that Timothy Zahn has written for Disney.

Today, we finish our discussion of the original Thrawn trilogy with The Last Command. Grand Admiral Thrawn has the Katana Fleet, an army of clones, and a Dark Jedi Master. It's up to our heroes, both old and new, to somehow stop the gravest threat the young New Republic has ever faced.

Today, we discuss Be Still My Heart: The Bartender's Tale, the next short story from Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Wuher the bartender is trying to make the perfect drink for Jabba the Hutt but hasn't found the right concoction yet. He also hates droids. What's he to do when he finds a droid who could hold the answer that he's searching for?

Today, we discuss Dark Force Rising, the second book in Timothy Zahn's original Thrawn trilogy. Grand Admiral Thrawn is on the hunt for ships, and one of his targets is the mysterious Katana Fleet, lost decades ago during the time of the Old Republic. Han, Luke, Leia, Lando, Mara, and Karrde are in a race against the Empire to find these 200 dreadnaughts, but have no idea what Thrawn's ultimate plan is.

Today, we return to Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and discuss The Sand Tender: The Hammerhead's Tale, the fifth short story in the collection. Momaw Nadon struggles with his desire to follow the Ithorian Law of Life, and his desire to weed out elements of the Empire.

Today, we discuss Heir to the Empire, Timothy Zahn's first Star Wars novel and arguably the most important Star Wars book ever written. A new Imperial leader has returned from the unknown regions, and Grand Admiral Thrawn is like nothing the New Republic has ever faced. Will Han, Luke, Leia, Lando, and new friends be able to beat him back, or will Thrawn return the Empire to its former glory?

Today we discuss Crisis of Faith, Timothy Zahn's prequel to the original Thrawn trilogy. The Grand Admiral faces one of his toughest opponents in the Unknown Regions, a ruthless being known as Nuso Esva.

Today, we discuss Tatooine Ghost, Troy Denning's novel that connects The Courtship of Princess Leia with the original Thrawn trilogy. Han and Leia are in a race to recover a lost Alderaanian moss painting. They'll have to deal with sandstorms, Squibs, Anakin's history, the question of children, oh, and a mysterious new Imperial leader who is making the Empire far more dangerous than it has been in years.

In this episode, we break down two short stories. In the first, we get a glimpse of Han and Leia's honeymoon. In the second, Chewie takes center stage with his family.

Today we discuss The Courtship of Princess Leia. Hapes comes calling with an offer that the New Republic can't refuse, but it includes a marriage proposal of their Prince Isolder to Leia, forcing her to choose between her duty to the cause that she has fought for her entire adult life and the love of her life, a certain smuggler who is not happy about the situation.

Today we discuss Play it Again, Figrin D'an: The Tale of Muftak and Kabe, the fourth short story in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. An unlikely pair of thieves with an unknown past try to carve out a future for themselves.

We give our initial reactions and thoughts on the recently announced Knights of the Old Republic Remake. Warning, spoilers for the original starting at the 33 minute mark.

Today we discuss Solo Command, Aaron Allston's third book about Wraith Squadron and the seventh in the X-Wing series. With Razor's Kiss destroyed, Han Solo and the Wraiths have their sights set on Warlord Zsinj. Will their combined efforts be enough to defeat the treacherous Warlord?

Today we discuss Hammertong: The Tale of the "Tonnika Sisters," the third short story in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Follow the Mistryl Shadow Guard as they embark on an adventure that leads to identity theft.

Today we discuss Iron Fist, Aaron Allston's second book about Wraith Squadron and the sixth book in the X-Wing series. The Wraiths were successful at taking down the Star Destroyer Implacable. Their next target: Warlord Zsinj's Super Star Destroyer Iron Fist. Disguised as pirates, can this band of deadly screw-ups take down one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy?

Today we discuss A Hunter's Fate: Greedo's Tale, the second short story in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Learn about the Rodian who Han shoots in A New Hope. And here's the link to the video that we were emailed, a German version of the cantina band song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FbztMf1BcA

Today we discuss Wraith Squadron: Aaron Allston's entry into the Star Wars universe. Wedge Antilles has put together a new squadron who are more known for failure and hijinks than completing missions. Will this new crack unit be able to survive going up against Warlord Zsinj?

Today we discuss We Don't Do Weddings: The Band's Tale, the first story in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina. Learn about the Bith musicians playing the iconic cantina music from A New Hope.

Today, we discuss The Bacta War: It's a handful of pilots against the Imperial might of Isard. Can the Rogues liberate Thyferra without the backing of the New Republic?

To celebrate May 4th, we look back and discuss five of our favorite Star Wars memories.

Today, we discuss The Krytos Trap: Can the Rogues heal a sick Coruscant? Will Corran survive Isard's captivity? And will we finally learn the identity of the spy in Rogue Squadron?

Today, we discuss Wedge's Gamble: Can Rogue Squadron capture Coruscant? Who is the spy among them? And what does Isard have planned for them?

Today, we discuss Rogue Squadron: Wedge Antilles reforms the legendary Rebel squadron with taking Coruscant as the end goal.