STAR TOURS

By the 26th century, humanity had begun its expansion to the stars, and the Interstellar Dominion Electorates reigned over a unified Terra - but New York was still New York, Broadway was still Broadway, and live theater was bigger and better than ever.

The excited theater pioneers of the newly formed Star Company were dedicated to taking their act on the road - and out to the stars.  They were far too busy with tryouts to pay any attention to current events, and the constant harangues of the reactionary LORDS party on the public wallscreens.

Then the LORDS party turned its attack on theater and its "timeless repertory of immorality."  Suddenly the Star Company was off on a madcap race to finish its preparations, buy a ship and hire a pilot, and lift off Terra before it was grounded forever... or worse!

TOIL AND TROUBLE

The Star Company launched its new venture in classic theatrical style: they got run out of town - on a rocket!  But with the reactionary LORDS party left safely behind on Earth, the traveling troupe set its sights on taking Shakespeare to the stars...

Destination: New Venus.

The name hinted at exotic delights - but life on New Venus was thoroughly regimented by Amalgamated Petroleum, a Terran-based oil cartel.  And though the planet was awash in petrochemicals from the Bay of Benzene to the Gulf of Oil, none of life's little pleasures - air, water - came cheap in this company town.

Enter the Star Company, with its incendiary mix of veteran troupers, innocent ingenues, and volatile prima donnas.  When Amalgamated approved a production of Macbeth - to be staged in the high school gymnasium - the actors bravely took to the boards in the name of the Bard.  Little did anybody imagine how much trouble those three witches would stir up!

FIRST TIME IN PRINT

SUMMER STOCK

The fledgling Star Company had scarcely landed for a quick visit to the prosperous colony planet of Citadel when they found themselues... well, grounded.  To their dismay, Citadel proved to be a Puritan world where even the sight of female limbs was considered quite thoroughly shocking - theater was strictly forbidden!

Fortunately, company director Barry Tallendar pos;essed an advanced degree, an angelic countenance, and unparalleled powers of persuasion.  He wrangled permission to deliver an inspirational lecture, and the Star Company was back in business.

But for as long as this world was their stage, the Church Elders would have to approve Barry's speech.  The actresses must stay discreetly in the background.
And the company would have to steer well clear of the local lads and their lovely Puritan ladies - or it would be curtains for the Starship Troupers!

FIRST TIME IN PRINT