Tevun-Krus #53 - Return to First Contact

A Review of Tevun-Krus #1 by @Red_Harvey

Review of Ooorah's First Issue: First Contact

by Red_Harvey 

When you think of science fiction, the first thing that might come to mind is a distant planet. The second thought might be, "who lives on that distant planet?"

This is the quintessential question that Ooorah  tackled in Tevun Krus: First Contact. Published in 2013, the issue garnered over 3k in reads, and is full of grade-A articles and one-shots. As I poured over the chapters, I was hit with nostalgia at the hard work and creativity stuffed into the first ever Tevun Krus.

To start, DavidGibbs6 penned an article, "The Search Begins." He details the Drake Equation, which establishes the theory of computing how many contactable aliens are in the galaxy. According to speculations, there are "1,000 to 100,000,000 contactable life forms in the Milky Way" (DavidGibbs6 par. 8). He then mentions how the mind-blowing Drake Equation is responsible for inspiring several great works of science fiction, while also alluding to future inspirations. Heck, after watching movies like Arrival and reading Vandermeer's Southern Reach Trilogy, I can say I'm a believer in the power of the Drake Equation. Other Wattpad users may agree.

As is customary, Ooorah interviewed an author. For this premiere issue, that author was none other than the larger-than-life TheOrangutan (aka Gavin Wilson). His writing experience includes publications, a Wattpad Ambassadorship (and now the Ambassador Lead!), and writing tips. He shares words that "describe" him (ventripotent is probably my fav), and writing rituals that helped him complete works like A Gift in the Dark. As far as interviews go, Gavin certainly nailed it.

Next up was Tevun Krus's first contest, "They Came Out of Nowhere." The parameters consisted of a 2000-word story that utilized the words "they came out of nowhere", sticking to the first-contact theme. At the time, they were not as well-known as they are today, but Ooorah staples MadMikeMarsbergen and Sigrist entered the contest. That goes to show you never know which contest will help you gain experience and contacts in the writing world, so keep entering as many as possible, folks!

Moving right along, JJMarmite shared a one-shot, "Prime Contact." From the onset, the premise underscores the best of science fiction: speculation, science, and modern-day analogies. The story begins in the present day, following the attempts of SETI CEO, Mr. Red, in his company's quest to find extraterrestrial life. However, science is not driving him, but rather the desire to create the equivalent of an interstellar reality television show for the masses. Finally, another planet is discovered (nicknamed "The Set", and is perfect for the project. Through manipulations that span centuries, SETI producers corrupt the lives of The Set, intent on instigating wars and worldwide chaos in order to secure ratings back on Earth. When ratings waned, SETI producers thought to arm citizens on The Set, who promptly bombed one another. After effectively wiping out a planet, all SETI producers were concerned with was the fall of their beloved show, "Prime Contact." Mr Red was resurrected from the dead to revamp the show and bring it back bigger and better, and of course, after finding another civilization to use and abuse. I found the story to be an addictive read, in the way that I was sickened, and yet, had to know more. Some great writing from @JJMarmite.

This issue's spotlight was on Nika_Yaya. Having been under the spotlight more than a few issues back, I can recognize the sheer privilege of being tapped and featured in Tevun Krus. I'm sure that Nika_Yaya felt the import as well.

Likewise, the review of Phoenix Rising from British_Beauty added greater depth to the issue.

Perhaps because he started it, he wanted to end it, and that's why the last piece of the Tevun Krus puzzle is a one-shot from DavidGibbs6, "What Came First?" Overall, it's a story of first contact that ends in tragedy. Unfortunately, every person in the story is killed instantly, overtaken by a swiftly spreading alien organism. The theme displays an aptitude for realism, because while the chances of first contact may seem vast when considering the Drake Equation, there's no promise the experience will result positively for humanity.

All of the pieces of the first Tevun Krus puzzle fit together to create the perfect issue, adding to the sci-fi canon and setting the bar for future e-zines.