edited by Ann Zewen

TANTALUS is a fanzine focusing on the dark side of Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation, accenting themes of pain, death and sorrow in stories traditionally known as "hurt/comfort." The emphasis is on the deepest psychological and/or emotional depths of the characters and how they interact with each other. There may be occasional violence, adult situations, nudity and rough language, but no age statement is requi red for this publication.

"Lift Not Thy Hand," written by Janna Stockinger, uses the words of the Bard to propel its story forward.

"All the Shiny Little Ponies," written by Kimberley Junius, continues the popular story, "9.37%," which appears in IDYLLS 5. But this time, all is not idyllic for Geordi LaForge and Leah Brahms and family.

"A Small Act of Courage," written by BEKi, gives us a unique perspective on death ... and on First Officer William T. Riker.

"Paths to Cross," written by Tanya Chang, takes a look at the conflicts between a C.M.O.'s duty to her ship and to her oath as a healer.

"A Pact with Lucifer," written by Mindi French, is set on the Imperial Star Ship Enterprise, where women are little more than chattel--and often abused chattel at that. But things might not remain the same for long.

"The Hollow Sound of Honor," written by Natasha Mohr, gives us a glorious death for Tasha Yar, not the disappointing way from "Skin of Evil."

"Wishful Dreams," written by Miriam S. Darnell, looks back at a very painful time for Deanna Troi and Will Riker, and shows how they might have made it through one of their darkest hours--with a little help from each other ...

"Too Much Time ... Not Enough Time," written by Jo-Ann Lassiter, takes another look at the aftermath of "The Best of Both Worlds," and suggests how Picard might have survived the terrors of life with the Borg, with a little help from his friends.

Artists include Caldwell, Dixon, Junius, Morgan, Myers and Nosal.