First Contact

First Contact is a short story by Timothy Zahn (with illustrations by Mike Vilardi) originally published in Star Wars Adventure Journal #1, and since released in Tales from the Empire and on Star Wars Hyperspace. It takes place in 8 ABY.

Synopsis
Smuggler Talon Karrde and his lieutenant Quelev Tapper travel to Varonat to investigate private Morodin-hunting safaris held by Gamgalon, a Krish. Karrde suspects that Gamgalon is up to something worth knowing about. Karrde fakes hyperdrive problems in order to stay on the planet long enough to take part in a safari. Before leaving on the safari, Karrde meets the hyperdrive mechanic working on his ship, Celina Marniss. Karrde immediately senses that there is more to her than meets the eye.

On the safari, Karrde and Tapper discover that Morodin are a sentient and peaceful species that are butchered during these safaris. Before they can escape, Karrde and Tapper are caught by Gamgalon and his crew. Gamgalon reveals that aleudrupe berries grown in soil rich with Morodin slime have specific chemical properties that allow them to serve as a catalyst useful in blasters. The safaris are a mask for the planting and harvesting of the Yagaran aleudrupe plants.

Tapper attempts to fight his way out of the Krish trap, but is killed. Karrde survives when the hyperdrive mechanic, Celina Marniss, arrives in the jungle and kills all of the Krish. In return for saving Karrde's life, Marniss wants only one thing: a job. Karrde agrees and Marniss reveals her true name: Mara Jade.

Characters

 * Talon Karrde
 * Quelev Tapper
 * Gamgalon
 * Mara Jade
 * Falmal
 * Tamish
 * Hav
 * Jivis
 * Cob-caree
 * Chin

Species

 * Human
 * Krish
 * Morodin
 * Thennqora
 * Saffa
 * Duros
 * Rodian

Locations

 * Varonat
 * Svivren
 * Sif-Uwana
 * Ison Corridor

Vehicles and Vessels

 * Uwana Buyer
 * Wild Karrde
 * Starry Ice
 * Aratech Arrow-17 airspeeder

Creatures

 * Bruallki

Weapons and Technology

 * BlasTech A280
 * Hydrospanner
 * Transpond marker
 * Melodium
 * Rethan-K
 * Promhassic triaxli
 * Tibanna gas

Other

 * Yagaran aleudrupe plant