Originally appearing in Star Wars Adventure Journal 1 in February of 1994, "First Contact" is a short story crafted by Timothy Zahn and features illustrations from Mike Vilardi. It was subsequently included in The Best of the Star Wars Adventure Journal, Issues 1-4, both published by West End Games. Peter M. Schweighofer contributed supplemental game details. Later, in November 1997, it was reprinted within the short story collection Tales from the Empire by Bantam Spectra. The story also saw online publication at Hyperspace.
The events of the story unfold during 8 ABY.
Talon Karrde, a smuggler, along with his lieutenant, Quelev Tapper, journey to Varonat to delve into the private Morodin-hunting safaris organized by a Krish named Gamgalon. Karrde harbors suspicions that Gamgalon is engaged in activities of interest. To prolong his stay on the planet and participate in a safari, Karrde feigns hyperdrive malfunctions. Prior to embarking on the safari, Karrde encounters Celina Marniss, the mechanic working on his ship's hyperdrive. Karrde immediately perceives that she possesses hidden depths.
During the safari, Karrde and Tapper make the discovery that Morodin are an intelligent and non-violent species being brutally slaughtered in these hunts. Before they are able to escape, Gamgalon and his team capture Karrde and Tapper. Gamgalon then reveals that aleudrupe berries, cultivated in soil saturated with Morodin slime, contain unique chemical attributes that enable them to act as a catalyst in the production of synthetic blaster gas. The safaris are actually a front for the cultivation and harvesting of Yagaran aleudrupe plants.
Tapper attempts to fight his way out of the Krish's trap, but he is killed. Karrde survives due to the unexpected arrival of Celina Marniss, the hyperdrive mechanic, who eliminates all of the Krish in the jungle. Marniss requests only one thing in return for saving Karrde's life: employment. Karrde consents, and Marniss reveals her true identity: Mara Jade.