These are a collection of previous short stories that were available on Decipher's Website in 2004 and 2005.

More officially Licensed Wars stories and preludes are available from Arcbeatle Press

Introduction to Wars

Starhawk - Torako Series

1 - A Matter of Life or Death
In Stackpole’s first WARS story, enemies Maverick Nick “Starhawk” Murrin and Gongen Kujiko Torako face the Shi – and form an unexpected alliance. The PDF is a full-color reproduction of the printed story booklet, complete with illustrations. (released 08-22-04)

2 - The First Arrow was Light but the Second went Deep
As nanites regenerate a wounded Shi warrior, he considers how humans fit into the Shi’s concept of reality. (released 09-24-04)

3 - Negotiation is my Business
Take your first look at the beautiful and deadly Raving Red-Jane! Not only is she dangerous to opponents but sometimes to her associates as well! (released 03-23-05)

4 - Even in defeat, a Beautiful Performance
This sequel to “A Matter of Life or Death” gives further insight into Kujiko Torako, and the Gongen culture, as she visits her mentor and teacher to confess her “failure”. (released 09-09-04)

5 - Your life is already lost. A Maverick Tale.
Starhawk meets Torako’s brother in a duel to first blood. (released 09-16-04)

The Rift

The Battle of Phobos: Cloud
2388 Common Era. Technician Sana Camrik is assigned to a dangerous mission in Horatio Hicks’ effort to reclaim Phobos from the Gongen. (released 11-18-04)

1 - A Monster Among Monsters
2391 Common Era. What’s a human doing playing chess with a Quay? Find out in Michael Stackpole’s Quay tale that features Inca squadron taking on Hekatons. (released 10-04-04)

2 - Keeping Score
2391 Common Era. A Quay mauler hunts human prey on an Earther-occupied asteroid.
(released 11-17-04)

3 - Anticipation
2391 Common Era. Jossel Swin is stripped of his rank. This micro story originally appeared in the French gaming magazine Lotus Noir. (released 03-15-05)

4 - Playing by the Rules
2391 Common Era. Jack Wilgress is pulled into a deadly game of blackjack in the infamous Rats’ Nest, in this rousing Maverick tale by Decipher’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager – and WARS Radio host – Mark Tuttle. (released 01-24-05)

5 - Return to Juno Station
2391 Common Era. Earthers attack Alnak Station. (released July/August 2005)

Venus

1 - Don't Divulge the Whole at Once
When a Shi ship crashes on Venus, a deep-cover operative seeks intelligence about the enemy. (released 10-21-04)

2 - Weight of Command
An ambitious Crown class Tilak seeks to retrieve a “spy” quarrel and its pilot from Venus… and in the process, to enhance his own prestige. (released 12-23-04)

Traginium Wars 1

1 - Rousing Leap
A Quay assault on a Gongen mine on Ganymede gives a rookie squad leader perspective on her leadership role. Learn more details about one of the exciting stories from Nowhere to Hide. (released 02-09-05)

2 - Claim Jumper
In this Maverick short story by Michael O’Brien (desktop support specialist in Decipher’s Information Services department), a Hellcat pilot and a Cartel programmer make an intriguing – and, they hope, profitable – find on an abandoned Gongen station. But they’re not the only ones interested… (released 12-16-04)

Traginium Wars 2

1 - Followers Have Neither Peace Nor Rest
Newly graduated Earther cadet Sheria Coreg attempts to explain to a classmate why she accepted an assignment to the Outer Rim instead of a “safe” posting at the Venus yacht-works. (released 09-02-04)

2 - When the Mind is Realized, the Body is Free
A damaged bot, salvaged from the back streets of Themis by a female Maverick “Cog”, tries to fill in the gaps in its memory.

3 - When the Mind and Body Become One
The Accord finds out about Traginium.

4 - The Agrippa Encounter
An intense story of a Maverick crew answering an Earther automated distress call, and the horrors they find within. (released 02-15-05)

5 - Nowhere to Hide Part 1
Howler’s Blades are assigned to guard a CGC mining complex on Ganymede… but against what threat? Exciting new WARS fiction by Decipher Game Studio VP Tim Ellington. (released 12-02-04)

6 - Nowhere to Hide Part 2
Will Howler’s troops succeed in fending off the Ikazuchi Gongen attack? Find out in the conclusion to Tim Ellington’s short story. (released 12-09-04)

7 - Rolling Thunder
A Maverick Cog and her Cog-to-be apprentice repair (well, sort of) a downed Juggernaut and head for a mining facility to take it back from the Earthers controlling it. (released 01-07-05)

Edge of a Sword

Family Matters
An ‘Edge of a Sword’ preview story. The Quay attack Earth and kidnap a young Earther boy, but what are they really after? (released 02-25-05)