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Hard Contact: Star Wars Legends (Republic Commando) (Star Wars: Republic Commando - Legends) Paperback – May 23, 2023
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On a mission to sabotage a chemical weapon research facility on a Separatist-held planet, four clone troopers operate under the very noses of their enemies. The commandos are outnumbered and outgunned, deep behind enemy lines with no backup–and working with strangers instead of trusted teammates. Matters don’t improve when Darman, the squad’s demolitions expert, gets separated from the others during planetfall. Even Darman’s apparent good luck in meeting an inexperienced Padawan vanishes once Etain admits to her woeful naivety.
For the separated clone commandos and stranded Jedi, a long, dangerous journey lies ahead, through hostile territory brimming with Trandoshan slavers, Separatists, and suspicious natives. A single misstep could mean discovery . . . and death. It’s a virtual suicide mission for anyone–anyone except Republic Commandos.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherRandom House Worlds
- Publication dateMay 23, 2023
- Dimensions5.52 x 0.74 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100593599497
- ISBN-13978-0593599495
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
own, and everything together. —Commando instructor Sergeant Kal Skirata
Darman moved on fast, up a tree-covered slope a kilometer south. He planned on spending the rest of the daylight hours in a carefully constructed hide at the highest vantage point he could find, slightly below the skyline.
He concentrated on making a crude net out of the canopy cords he had salvaged. The activity kept him occupied and alert. He hadn't slept in nearly forty standard hours; fatigue made you more careless and dangerously unfocused than alcohol. When he had finished tying the cord into squares, he wove grass, leaves, and twigs into the knots. On inspection, he decided it was a pretty good camouflage net.
He also continued observation. Qiilura was astonishing. It was alive and different, a riot of scent and color and texture and sounds. Now that his initial pounding fear had subsided into a general edginess, he began to take it all in.
It was the little living noises that concerned him most. Around him, creatures crawled, flew, and buzzed. Occasionally things squealed and fell silent. Twice now he'd heard something larger prowling in the bushes.
Apart from the brief intensity of Geonosis, Darman's only environmental experience had been the elegant but enclosed stilt cities of Kamino, and the endless churning seas around them. The cleanly efficient classrooms and barracks where he had spent ten years turning from instant child to perfect soldier were unremarkable, designed to get a job done. His training in desert and mountain and jungle had been entirely artificial, holoprojection, simulation.
The red desert plains of Geonosis had been far more arid and starkly magnificent than his instructors' imaginations; and now Qiilura's fields and woods held so much more than three-dimensional charts could offer.
It was still open country, though—a terrain that made it hard for him to move around unnoticed.
Concentrate, he told himself. Gather intel. Make the most of your enforced idleness.
Lunch would have been welcome about now. A decent lunch. He chewed on a concentrated dry ration cube and reminded himself that his constant hunger wasn't real. He was just tired. He had consumed the correct amount of nutrients for his needs, and if he gave in to eating more, he would run out of supplies. There was exactly enough for a week's operations in his pack and two days'worth in his emergency belt. The belt was the only thing he would grab, apart from his rifle, if he ever had to make a last-ditch run for it without his forty-kilo pack.
Beneath him, farm transports passed along a narrow track, all heading in the same direction, carrying square tanks with security seals on the hatches. Barq. Darman had never tasted it, but he could smell it even from here. The nauseatingly musky, almost fungal scent took the edge off his appetite for a while. If he had his holochart aligned correctly, the transports were all heading for the regional depot at Teklet. He twisted the image this way and that in his hands and held it up to map onto the actual landscape.
Yes, he was sure enough now where he was. He was ten klicks east of the small town called Imbraani, about forty klicks northeast of RV point Beta and forty klicks almost due east of RV point Gamma. They'd picked RV points along the flight path because the Separatists would expect dispersal, not a retracing of their steps. Between RVs Alpha and Beta was a stretch of woodland, ideal for moving undetected by day. If the rest of his squad had landed safely and were on schedule, they would be making their way to Beta.
Things could be looking up again. All he had to do was get to RV Gamma and wait for his squad. And if they hadn't made it, then he'd need to rethink the mission.
The idea produced a feeling of desolation. You are nothing on your own, and everything together. He'd been raised to think, function, even breathe as one of a group of four. He could do nothing else.
But ARCs always operate alone, don't they?
He pondered that, fighting off drowsiness. Leaves rustled suddenly behind him, and he turned to scan with the infrared filter of his visor. He caught a blur of moving animal. It fled. His database said there were no large predators on Qiilura, so whatever it was could be no more troublesome than the gdans—not as long as he was wearing his armor, anyway.
Darman waited motionless for a few moments, but the animal was gone. He turned back and refocused on the road and the surrounding fields, struggling to stay awake. Lay off the stims. No, he wasn't going to touch his medpac for a quick boost. Not yet. He'd save his limited supply for later, for when things got really tough, as he knew they would.
Then something changed in his field of vision. The frozen tableau had come to life. He flipped down the binoc filter for a closer look, and what he saw made him snap it back and gaze through the sniperscope of his rifle.
A thin wisp of smoke rose from a group of wooden buildings. It was quickly becoming a pall. It wasn't the smoke of domestic fires; he could see flames, flaring tongues of yellow and red. The structures—barns, judging by their construction—were on fire. A group of people in drab clothing was scrambling around, trying to drag objects clear of the flames, uncoordinated, panicking. Another group—Ubese, Trandoshan, mainly Weequay—was stopping them, standing in a line around the barn.
One of the farmers broke the line and disappeared into a building. He didn't come out again, not as long as Darman watched.
Nothing in his training corresponded to what he was witnessing. There was not a memory, a pattern, a maneuver, or a lesson that flashed in his mind and told him how this should be played out. Civilian situations were outside his experience. Nor were these citizens of the Republic: they weren't anyone's citizens.
His training taught him not to be distracted by outside issues, however compelling.
But there was still some urge in him that said Do something. What? His mission, his reason for staying alive, was to rejoin his squad and thwart the nanovirus project. Breaking cover to aid civilians cut across all of that.
The Separatists—or whoever controlled this band of assorted thugs—knew he was here.
It didn't take a genius to work it out. The sprayer had exploded on landing, detonating any demolition ordnance that Darman hadn't been able to cram into his packs. The Weequay patrol hadn't called in when their masters had expected. Now the humans—farmers—were being punished and threatened, and it was all to do with him. The Separatists were looking for him.
Escape and evasion procedure.
No, not yet. Darman inhaled and leveled his rifle carefully, picking out an Ubese in the crosswires. Then he lined up the rest of the group, one at a time. Eight hostiles, forty rounds: he knew he could slot every one, first time.
He held his breath, forefinger resting on the trigger. Just a touch.
How many more targets were there that he couldn't see? He'd give away his position.
This isn't your business.
He exhaled and relaxed his grip on the rifle, sliding his forefinger in front of the trigger guard. What would happen to his mission if they caught him?
In the next two minutes, reluctant to move, he targeted each Ubese, Weequay, and Trandoshan several times, but didn't squeeze the trigger. He wanted to more than he could have imagined. It wasn't the hard-drilled trained response of a sniper, but a helpless, impotent anger whose origin he couldn't begin to identify.
Don't reveal your position. Don't fire unless you can take out the target. Keep firing until the target is down and stays down.
And then there were times when a soldier just had to take a chance.
They could be Republic citizens, one day.
They could be allies now.
Darman wasn't tired anymore, or even hungry. His pulse was pounding loud in his ears and he could feel the constriction in his throat muscles, the fundamental human reflex to flee or fight. Fleeing wasn't an option. He could only fight.
He targeted the first Weequay, a clean head shot, and squeezed the trigger. The creature dropped, and for a moment his comrades stared at the body, unsure of what had happened. Darman had nothing against Weequays. It was only coincidence that this was the third one he'd killed in a few hours.
And, suddenly unfrozen, the band of thugs all turned to stare in the direction of the shot, drawing their weapons.
The first bolt hit the bushes to Darman's left; the second went three meters over his head. They'd worked out where he was, all right. Darman snapped on the DC-17's grenade attachment and watched through the scope as the civilians scattered. The grenade sent a shower of soil and shattered wood into the air, along with four of the eight militia.
He'd certainly pinpointed his position now.
Product details
- Publisher : Random House Worlds (May 23, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0593599497
- ISBN-13 : 978-0593599495
- Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.52 x 0.74 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #61,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #302 in Galactic Empire Science Fiction
- #1,731 in Space Operas
- #2,735 in Science Fiction Adventures
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Karen Traviss is the author of a dozen New York Times bestsellers, and her critically-acclaimed Wess’har books have been finalists five times for the Campbell and Philip K. Dick awards. She also writes thrillers, comics, and games with military and political themes. A former defence correspondent, TV journalist, and spin doctor (okay, nobody's perfect) she lives in Wiltshire, England. She expects to be remembered for her devotion to brewing sake and fermenting anything that stands still long enough to be stuffed in a jar.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers say the book gives life to the characters they know from the video game. They also appreciate the excellent relationships and realism. Readers describe the story as amazing, great, and unique. They say it sets up a great story for Star Wars fans and gives depth to the faceless clones.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the story great, spectacular, and well executed. They also say the book is full of adventure and fun, and a quick read.
"This was a righteous read…thoroughly developed characters and made clone troops quite human…I won’t look at troopers the same again...." Read more
"A really enjoyable read, Hard Contact allows you to share the camaraderie and skilled dedication of a squad of 4 Republic clone commandos sent to a..." Read more
"Absolutely one of the best book series in the Star Wars universe. We need a tv series!" Read more
"...Commando series written by Karen Traviss is probably one of the best star wars books I've read and one of the best action novels I've ever had the..." Read more
Customers find the storyline thrilling, full of action, and relateable. They also describe the book as good fiction, an excellent entry, and a great start to the series.
"...was a righteous read…thoroughly developed characters and made clone troops quite human…I won’t look at troopers the same again...." Read more
"...It changes the way I regard the clones and is a thrilling story to boot...." Read more
"...is probably one of the best star wars books I've read and one of the best action novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading...." Read more
"...The story moves along swiftly and you will find yourself constantly thinking that you should just read a few more pages each time you pick up the..." Read more
Customers find the characterization brilliant, solid, and realistic. They also appreciate the leadership examples and great look into the mindset of clone troopers.
"This was a righteous read…thoroughly developed characters and made clone troops quite human…I won’t look at troopers the same again...." Read more
"...From beginning to end I was filled with interest for these beautifully written characters and how they develop throughout the series is wonderful...." Read more
"...She expertly develops the Mandalorian culture throughout the series in a way that'll have you in the garage crafting your own armor before you know..." Read more
"...Not super in depth but the action is well written and the character development is enjoyable. Curious to see how the rest of this series goes." Read more
Customers find the writing enjoyable, detailed, and immersing. They also appreciate the author's introduction of the Mando language, which is amazing. Readers also mention that the book is a quick and easy read that uses a huge range of vocabulary.
"...The depicted strategies, tactics, and reactions etch a realistic portrait of these elite warriors and the planet on which the operation takes place...." Read more
"...Also, the way she introduces the Mando language is amazing and is expanded upon in further novels...." Read more
"Enjoyable to say the least. Not super in depth but the action is well written and the character development is enjoyable...." Read more
"Really enjoyable writing. The author brings to life the clones in their own dimension even though hey are beings we have no experience to speak from." Read more
Customers find the book gives insight and depth to the relationships between the clones and Mandalorian. They also say it perfectly describes the relationship between a commander and her soldiers. Customers also love the expanded universe and the series of books.
"...The humor, action, and relationships were all excellent and it brought a new depth to the clone that are an often overlooked...." Read more
"This book above all else is an extension of knowledge and adventure for those fans who for them - Clones Or Mandalorians,..." Read more
"I liked how it told more of the back story of the clones and the jedi they served with and especially the differences between the type of clones..." Read more
"...of the clones exceedingly well, tells a great story and opens up a whole new world inside the Star Wars Universe." Read more
Customers find the story very emotional and make them feel for the Commandos.
"...will enjoy this book as it places you in the world of clones and makes you care." Read more
"...Emotions definitely run high, and that is what truly brings books to life." Read more
"...The depth of emotional conflict of her Clone Soldiers and the few Jedi Generals who struggle with their ethics." Read more
"Amazing story, very emotional. I would recommend this if you have a passion towards clones. Gives a different experience in the star wars universe." Read more
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When introduced in 1977, stormtroopers were the faceless minions of the Empire and primarily served as cannon fodder for our heroes. We never saw any faces under the white helmets and rarely saw one manage to shoot straight or show any particular aptitude for soldiering. With the prequels, George Lucas brought us a fascinating origin story: we learned that the stormtroopers' predecessors were clone troopers and the men in white served the Jedi in the Old Republic! Along with this new story came a higher visible level of competence from the troops onscreen.
Traviss takes this to a whole new level with her crack team of Republic commandos named Omega Squad (the commando concept was possibly inspired by a throwaway line in Attack of the Clones at the Battle of Geonosis, when a clone trooper informs Mace Windu that five commando teams are standing by). Through the course of this book, the clones are transformed from one-dimensional supporting characters into fully fleshed-out human beings with some seriously interesting perspective on why they exist and what life is all about. These men did not ask to be created and sent to war, and any thinking Jedi must confront the uncomfortable reality and the extremely shaky ethics of sending these men off to die in battle against the countless droid armies of the Separatists.
We get a main Jedi character who does just that in Etain Tur-Mukan, a confused and not-so-terribly-powerful Padawan whose master has just been violently taken from her. Her inner conflicts about the clone commandos who look to her for guidance and leadership make for compelling reading. Traviss handles the interactions between Etain and her team, especially with Darman, the clone Etain favors most, with grace and aplomb, writing the early awkward stages of their initial contact as well as their cohesion into a single working team by the climax of the book.
Qiilura is a memorable world of the many we encounter in these books. Most residents are living at subsistence level, barely scraping by on what little profit the Trade Federation permits them to retain. They seem to be obvious victims, but some doubt is introduced by the presence of the Gurlanin, native shape-shifters who have seemingly been persecuted viciously by the planet's more recent inhabitants. Ghez Hokan also has slight shades of gray; definitely a villain, but never one of the cackling, mustache-twirling variety. I appreciate how much gray Traviss places into her characters, setting, and story; it seems extremely appropriate for the first tale we read of the Clone Wars.
Republic Commando: Hard Contact massively exceeded my expectations for a book based on a video game, of all things (even though I did love the game too). It changes the way I regard the clones and is a thrilling story to boot. Thankfully, others must have liked this book too, since one sequel has already been published and as of this writing (August 2006) books three and four are rumored to be on the way. I would be fascinated to read Karen Traviss' account of how Omega Squad reacts to Order 66 and hope she gets the opportunity to tell that tale.
Top reviews from other countries
This is one of those highs. It delves deep in the mind of the Clones in ways even the Clone Wars show hasn't and like any good SF, it makes you THINK all the while telling a very compelling adventure with great characters in a hard military style.
I'm stick to this series now. Soooo good! :)
Avec ce livre (et toute la série Republic Commando de Karen Traviss) on est proche de l'excellence.On entre dans un monde peu connu de l'intérieur si je peux dire ainsi, celui des Clones Troopers. De l'intérieur car nous ne voyons pas ces Clones au travers de la vue d'un Jedi, mais d'eux mêmes.
La "vie" d'un team formés de 4 CloneTroopers Commandos surentrainés lancés dans une mission d'élimination d'un nanovirus sur la planète Qiilura. La précision, la façon de penser, de gérer les différents moments de la mission, et leurs émotions. On s'attache de suite à ces hommes.
C'est très bien écrit et j'adore lire en V.O (ça évite certaines traductions approximatives).
En bref : génial.