Starlight: A High Republic Phase I Zine is a nonprofit/charity fanzine that focuses on the characters and events of Star wars: The High Republic, Phase 1!
Thanks to all your wonderful support, we were able to donate a total of $5,000 CAD ($3,659.50 USD) to our designated non-profit, Friends of Ruby, a 2SLGBTQIA+ youth charity.
Special thanks to @haleynwriter, who donated an additional amount to bring us to this final number.
The love and support that this zine has received is more than we ever could have hoped for. The enthusiasm from those that purchased, our contributors, and our mod team has been overwhelming in the best possible way. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for your love of The High Republic era, your support of fan creators, and your charitable spirits.
✨Because several people have asked: at this moment, there are no definitive plans to make a Phase II zine. Several members of the mod team are interested in such a project, but that would not be for some time. Of course, we don't have a monopoly on High Republic Zines - another group may get together in the near future and decide to spearhead a Phase II zine themselves, and they are welcome to do so! This is an immersive era with so many diverse characters, and there is plenty of content to go around.
Once again, from all of us here at Starlight, thank you.
Thanks to our incredible shipping mod, all Leftover Sale orders have been shipped!
Digital orders have been emailed out, and anyone who purchased physical merch should have received an email with a tracking number that can be used to follow the progress of the package.
Please be patient with carriers, as there may be some delays due to international shipping or local backups.
We'll be announcing our final donation amount to Friends of Ruby within the next few weeks, so stay tuned!
All orders from Leftover Sales will be sent out within the next 2 weeks, around mid-May!
If you purchased a digital copy of the zine, the link will be emailed directly.
If you purchased physical products, we'll be sending you an email with a tracking number so you can follow its shipping progress.
We'll make another post once all Leftover Sale orders have been shipped out.
Thank you all so much for your love and support of this zine!
TODAY - Saturday April 26th - is the FINAL DAY to order your copy of "Starlight: A High Republic Phase I Zine"!
Once Leftover Sales close, sales will NOT reopen
Order yours here: https://thrzine.bigcartel.com
In addition to the digital copies of the zine, we still have several gorgeous merch pieces available!
At the time of posting, we still have B-grade acrylic charms of Terec and Ceret, and Bell and Ember; B-grade enamel pins of Vernestra; B-grade bookmarks of Keeve and Sskeer; sticker sets; and individual die-cut stickers of Ram, Burryaga, and Torban
✨Proceeds will be donated to Friends of Ruby, a 2SLGBTQIA+ charity!
We're in the final days of Leftover Sales for "Starlight: A Phase I High Republic Zine", which means there isn't much time left for you to get your own copy! Digital versions are still available, and we have some gorgeous remaining merch pieces, including stickers!
Order your zine and merch here: https://thrzine.bigcartel.com
✨Sales will close April 26th, and proceeds will be donated to Friends of Ruby, a 2SLGBTQIA+ charity!
Kindred Spirits - ReneeoftheStars - Star Wars - All Media Types [Archive of Our Own]
Summary:
After the Nihil attack on the Valo Republic Fair, Chancellor Lina Soh and Regasa Elarec Yovet speak as equals regarding the future of their peoples' alliance.
I am so thrilled to finally share the short story I wrote for @highrepubliczine , a charity fan anthology celebrating Phase I of The High Republic era of Star Wars!
I started daydreaming about running a fanzine for this incredible collection of books and comics back in 2023, and thanks to an amazing mod team and enthusiastic contributors, it became a reality. I'm so grateful to every person who has supported this project, and all the love and support it has received.
I'm also so thankful to the mods for determining that I could write a piece for this zine. Mods weren't guaranteed a contributor spot, so I am very thankful that they believed my writing was good enough to be included.
You still have a few days to take advantage of the Leftover Sale and claim a digital copy, as well as several pieces of merch! Leftover Sales close Saturday April 26 2025!
Word count: 1,998
* * *
For the first time in her chancellorship, Lina Soh sat in a closed-canopy speeder as she was driven through the darkened skylanes of Coruscant.
She had always enjoyed the open canopies while traveling, though a member of her wardrobe team often needed to fix her headdress before she made any formal appearances. The artificial climate control system kept the skies of the Federal District clear, so abject weather was never a concern.
The threat of assassination, however, was.
Mere months ago, Lina wouldn’t have been able to fathom that she’d ever be in true danger, that she could feel unsafe on Coruscant itself.
But that was before Valo.
Before thousands had been injured and thousands more killed. Before Soh herself had been nearly murdered. Her prosthetic leg ached with a phantom pain at the fraught memory.
If the Nihil were bold enough to attack the Republic Fair, what would stop their remnants from setting their sights on Coruscant? Lina suppressed a shudder.
So now she traversed Coruscant in an enclosed speeder. Besides, the safety of more than just herself was at stake.
Lina regarded the woman sitting beside her. Elegant montrals rose from her head, and lekku framed her orange face as the Togruta gazed out over the glittering city-world. Elarec Yovet – the Regasa, the Supreme Huntress of Shili, ruler of the Togruta – folded her hands delicately in her lap as she watched the lights flash by.
The Regasa had graciously accepted Lina’s invitation to engage in political talks on Coruscant, and had arrived just as evening fell on the heart of the Republic. They’d shared a comfortable silence in the mostly-empty speeder, a droid pilot expertly navigating them through the cleared lanes.
“Regasa –”
“Elarec,” the Togruta corrected, a smile crinkling the white markings across her face. “We have fought a battle together, Lina. We may dispense with formalities when not in official settings.”
She was dressed in a simple travel gown, her chain of office the only ornate piece about her. Lina found herself glad that she’d declined her stylists’ recommendation that she should wear an elaborate outfit to greet the foreign dignitary, and opted instead for similarly subdued attire.
“Elarec,” she amended, returning the smile, “are you cold? We can adjust the controls to your comfort.” She glanced down at the woman’s bare feet. “Or provide you some slippers.”
“Your offer is kind. But I have been barefoot my whole life, and intend to remain so.”
“I understand that most Togruta walk barefoot on Shili,” Lina said.
The other woman nodded. “It is a reflection of our sacred bond to the world itself, of the lifeforce that flows through all. I maintain the tradition by treading barefoot on all worlds; it is my own way of honoring the connection of all life. But the soil of this world has been long lost. It is still quite amazing to me.”
Elarec gathered herself, then went on. “Besides, my feet are easily kept warm.” She slid her feet beneath the massive furry form of Matari curled on the floor before her. With both targons squeezed into the speeder, there hadn’t been room for any other passengers, leaving both security teams to take other speeders in their convoy. If the guards were put out by being ousted in favor of two oversized wildcats, they’d made no indication of it. “They’re quite magnificent beasts. You call them Matari and Voru?”
“Yes, after the twin gods of ancient Coruscant. Kitrep’s father gave them to me years ago, when they were no larger than kittens.” Linda smiled, the memory bittersweet. “He wanted me to have companions at all times, though I don’t think he realized how large they’d grow. They have been a great comfort to me ever since.”
Elarec ran her fingers through Voru’s yellow mane. “If targons were native to Shili, they would be a worthy beast to hunt.”
Both cats turned a baleful eye on her, and she laughed. “Were they not such empathic creatures, of course. With that trait, they would be revered hunting companions. I know that my people would treasure them.” Elarec sighed. “If only my people were always so easy to predict.”
“Are you still encountering opposition to a Togruta-Republic alliance?”
“Public and official opinion is split. There is great concern that we will lose our autonomy if we become part of the Republic; that we will not be able to preserve our way of life.” She held up a hand, staving off Lina’s assurances. “I know that is not your intent. Any respectable government would not ask its members to forsake their culture in the name of uniformity. But should this become a successful alliance, it will outlast us both. What influences will exist then to sway the course of civilizations?”
Of course, Lina couldn’t answer that, so she remained silent.
Elarec continued, “The alliance will stand, Lina. I intend to make my people see the future as we do: a strengthened front against the Nihil and those who wish us harm; an increased trade in technology, medicine, opportunity; to show them that we are wanted, needed out in the galaxy. Every Togruta knows that we are stronger together, whether that be in hunting party, tribe, or galaxy.”
“Even if it does not happen during my chancellorship, it should still be pursued,” Lina said. “I understand that it may take time; the people of Shili are proud.”
Elarec’s smile faltered. “Sometimes too proud. Dissenters have played on the same pride that I am trying to appeal to. They have said that such an alliance will make us appear weak. Pirates and slavers have long plagued my world, and the opposition says that those scum will see us as vulnerable, unable to stand on our own. They say that the Republic will not come to our aid should we ever truly need it.”
Lina grimaced. “I imagine that comes from the delayed Republic reinforcements at the Fair?”
“Indeed. As the argument goes, Shili saved the Republic from an attack it could not protect itself from, so why would we rely on them?” Elarec placed a hand over Lina’s, which had clenched into fists on her lap. “Know that I understand that is not the case.”
“But it is.” Lina’s throat was tight. “We bemoan the pride of your people, when my own pride resulted in the death of so many.”
“You still carry the guilt like a shroud.”
“I always will. I so terribly underestimated a foe, was so arrogant in our abilities, that I never fathomed such an outcome. And the consequences were dire.”
Elarec squeezed her hand. “It was no fault of yours. I imagine your advisors have already talked themselves hoarse trying to convince you of that. And still I know that no amount of assurances will ease the sense of responsibility you feel. That is a burden that comes with our station. You must come to terms with it in your own time. I know you may reject this out-of-hand, but know that if you ever wish to discuss it as peers, I will be happy to do so. We are not only allies, but friends, Lina Soh.”
Gratitude welled up in Lina’s chest, easing some of the ache that lurked there. Elarec spoke with the certainty of a woman who had experienced – and overcome – a similar hardship. Perhaps Lina would indeed speak on the matter with her; it was not often that a chancellor had the luxury of a true friend.
“We are indeed, Elarec Yovet.”
The speeder began to slow, and Matari and Voru stretched, their tusks and teeth bared in great yawns.
“Earlier, Elarec, you said that the soil of this world has been long lost. That is not quite true.”
*
Security had cleared the park of civilians for the evening, so no one intercepted them as Lina led the way through the footpaths of Monument Plaza. The targons and security details fell in behind the two women. Lina couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her; how long would it be before the galaxy no longer had to live in fear?
They walked past the trees meticulously crafted and grown to create one of the largest natural spaces on the planet, eventually coming to an open area dotted with gently humming light sconces. In the center of the clearing lay a massive stone rising through a hole in the durasteel platform. They stopped only when they entered in the shadow of the formation, a waist-high guardrail halting their progress.
“This is Umate.” Lina spoke in a hushed tone. “It is the highest peak on all of Coruscant. The base of it has been honeycombed with buildings and tunnels over the millennia, but this summit remains. It is the last natural piece of the planet that exists.”
Elarec raised her head to stare upwards at the stone, her lips parted slightly, eyes bright, seemingly entranced by the mountain.
Lina raised her arm across the guardrail that ringed the stone and rested her hand against it. The rock was blackened and smooth from the number of people who had likewise put their hand to this piece of nature. Conservationists wanted to cordon it off, to stave off the stone’s erosion, but Lina couldn’t bring herself to approve of the measure; this place held too much memory, too much power to isolate.
“Elarec, I would like to invite you to stand upon the summit of Umate.”
The Regasa finally tore her gaze away from the mountain and stared at Lina.
“I would like you to feel as connected to Coruscant as you do Shili, as you do any world that you tread across. The Caramendary may not be part of the Republic, but we are all part of the Force, and the connection we share runs from the grasslands of Shili to the roots of the mountain here on Coruscant. So while it is not customary, I would like you to stand upon Coruscant itself.”
Slowly, Elarec nodded. “I am honored, Lina. On one condition.”
“Yes?”
“You will join me.”
When it appeared that Elarec was serious, Lina laughed. “Very well.” She carefully leaned against the barrier and removed her shoes. She thought it was silly to have a shoe on her cybernetic leg, but her styling team recommended it for appearances’ sake.
Elarec had no need to wait; hiking up her long skirts and tucking them into her belt, the Togruta deftly hoisted herself over the rail and leapt onto the mountain peak.
Their joint security details began converging on them, but Lina waved them away. Elarec extended a hand to her, and she grasped it. Matari lowered himself to the ground, allowing Lina to use him to boost herself up so she was perched on the guardrail.
The gap between the edge of the platform and the mountain was no more than two feet, and a faintly glimmering shield prevented anything from falling down into lower levels, yet Lina still felt a rush of nerves as she glanced down into the darkness. But Elarec’s hand held her own securely, and pulled her onto the summit.
The stone beneath her remaining foot was cool and rough, having remained relatively untouched for generations. Lina’s heart swelled as she gazed around the courtyard and the surrounding skyscrapers. Umate had not been the tallest point on Coruscant for longer than Lina could guess, and yet in that moment, it felt the most vital.
Elarec squeezed her hand, a reassuring grasp to help Lina keep her balance. The Togruta’s eyes were closed, her face upturned towards the sky, breathing deeply.
Lina too, closed her eyes. The night air blew above her, the sounds of a trillion people surrounded her, and the steadfast mountain grounded her. Never before had she felt so rooted to Coruscant, to the Republic itself.
A newfound wave of determination washed over her. Lina Soh smiled, and whispered to Elarec Yovet, to Coruscant, to the galaxy:
There are only 2 weeks left to claim your copy of "Starlight: A Phase I High Republic Zine"!
Order your zines and merch here: https://thrzine.bigcartel.com
Items are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend placing your order ASAP, as we cannot guarantee availability of physical items.
We have already sold out of all physical B-grade bundles, but you can still purchase a digital copy of the zine, as well as most of our gorgeous merch items!
✨Sales will remain open until April 26th, and proceeds will be donated to Friends of Ruby, a 2SLGBTQIA+ charity!
We are thrilled to announce that Leftover Sales are now OPEN!
Order your zines and merch here: https://thrzine.bigcartel.com
Please read the descriptions carefully on the store so you know exactly what each bundle contains.
Items are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend placing your order ASAP, as we cannot guarantee availability of physical items. Digital copies of the zine are also available for purchase.
Sales will remain open until April 26th, though physical items may not be available by that point.
Click "Keep Reading" below for a breakdown of each available bundle
🌟 FULL BUNDLE [B GRADE]
🌟Note:
- Full Bundle [B grade] includes all the same items as the full bundle, but some are replaced with B grade items, so it is being sold at a discounted price.
- The number of B grade items will vary depending on the variant chosen.
- B grade items will be packed and shipped with the same care as A grade items.
🌟 B grade issues:
- Foil acrylic charm: misaligned foil
- Zine book - ONE (1) of the following issues: Loose / messy binding, misaligned spine, lamination peeling slightly
🌟 All variants include the following A grade items:
- Zine PDF
- Die cut sticker x7
- Sticker sheet
- Foil bookmark
- Postcard print x3
- Enamel pin
- Digital wallpaper x3
🌟 Full Bundle B1 - $53 - also includes:
- A5 perfect bound zine book
- Acrylic charm x1
- Acrylic charm [B grade] x1
🌟 Full Bundle B2 - $51 - also includes:
- A5 perfect bound zine book
- Acrylic charm [B grade] x2
🌟 Full Bundle B3 - $46 - also includes:
- A5 perfect bound zine book [B grade]
- Acrylic charm [B grade] x2
🌟 Available a la carte:
- Enamel pin
- Enamel pin [B grade]
- 3D printed magnet
B grade acrylic charms have misaligned foil. B grade enamel pins have a small black dot in one enamel colour area. B grade items will be packed and shipped with the same care as A grade items.
🌟 PAPER MERCH A LA CARTE
🌟 Paper set includes:
- Foil bookmark
- Postcard print x3
🌟 Available a la carte:
- Postcard print - Avar Kriss
- Foil bookmark [B grade]
B grade bookmarks have chipped foil. B grade items will be packed and shipped with the same care as A grade items.
🌟 STICKERS A LA CARTE
🌟Stickers set includes:
- Sticker sheet
- Die cut sticker x7
🌟 Die cut stickers set includes:
- Die cut sticker x7
🌟 Available a la carte:
- Die cut sticker - Ram Jomaram
- Die cut sticker - Reath Silas
- Die cut sticker - Qort
- Die cut sticker - Burryaga
- Die cut sticker - Torban Buck
- Die cut sticker - Kantam Sy