After 8 months of no updates, the Virtual Sequels project is back!

The lull began when head writer of the project, Chris Knight, left TFN to concentrate on real-life responsibilities. But now I ( John ) have taken the reins, and will be continuing where things left off, while still using many characters, themes and ideas that Chris and others have left behind. In addition, any and all Star Wars fans will still have the chance to provide your own opinions, ideas and insight! Mail us at Virtual Sequels, or on the Jedi Council message boards here.

If we like any of your ideas, we'll use them, and give you full credit when all is said and done. As for myself, I'm going to be doing a lot of research within Star Wars, as well as other franchises, for ideas. Lord of the Rings, Dune, Foundation, and many others have inspired George Lucas himself in the past. I'll also be reading the works of Joseph Campbell and his take on "the Hero's Journey", as well as the Tao, Zen and Buddha teachings that personify the Jedi Knights.

As I'm also a fan of the Expanded Universe novels, comics and games, you'll see many ties to these official Star Wars works, but the story and characters will mostly remain original. Just as Lucas doesn't let the EU guide his movie plots, nor will we. However, many seeds to this trilogy were certainly planted in the 25+ years between Return of the Jedi and Episode 7, so who knows what you might learn by using the stories as speculation...

In the coming days, we'll also be looking for new fan art for the new ships, characters, droids, creatures and planets. Keep an eye in the main Virtual Sequels thread at the Jedi Council, as well as this page here, for when we give ideas as to what we want to see in art form, when we want to get specific.

All in all, the Virtual Episodes 7 through 9 should have a little of everything...Intricate plotting, philosophical musings, religion, ecology, science, political intrigue, sabotage, subterfuge, war, romance, intersteller economics, survival, revolt, revenge, loyalty vs. betrayal, love vs. obligation etc. As well as cool lightsaber duels, starship battles, republics and empires, and...villains dressed in black.

For our first Spy Report, we learn about a new character appearing in the Virtual Sequel trilogy... (highlight to read) Word is that Luke will be married and have children, who he teaches as Jedi apprentices. The first one we know of is Ben Skywalker, born to Luke in the New Jedi Order novel Rebirth. Ben is a catalystic character for the Virtual Sequels, which take place when he is about 11 years old to 23 years old (across the timeline.) We'll see him brave many enemies in his quest to become a Jedi and further the Skywalker legacy, as well as develop interests and friendships with the people close to him... (end highlight)

That's all for now...See ya' next update!

John (Sturm Antilles)