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Marvolo · Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 41

Being vaguely aware that many posters around here are clone fans, and more importantly, clone commando fans, I'm surprised that no one else has begun a discussion of this book.

Which book, you ask?

Why, this one, of course.

Anyhow, here we go: this is the official Triple Zero thread. It's meant for general discussion of the book. As with the Bloodlines thread, go ahead and start up a new thread if you wish to discuss a specific aspect of Triple Zero. This thread is for general discussion, reviews, random thoughts/observations/theories, etc.

And, of course, this thread contains spoilers, so spoil away. Unless you don't want to read spoilers. In that case, stay away.

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Bravo 225 · Site Admin/Forum Mod Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 43

I didn't like the book too much. If any of you have read it, you'll know that Darman and Etain, "got it on". Shocked

To me, I find that disgusting for a Star Wars book. If someone wants to write a romance novel, go ahead, but I find it kind of hard to swallow that a clone, who is only ten years old (probably is clueless) "marries" Etain. I don't know... Confused

Found that one a hard pill to swallow. The minute I read that part, I put the book down.

Darth Lando · Site Admin/Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 95

YoshiYoda · Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 37

That was the one problem for me also.

Marvolo · Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 41

You know, that was one of the aspects of Triple Zero that I liked.

What's wrong with a little clone/Jedi sex?

The relationship between Etain and Darman had been building up since Hard Contact, and what ensued in Triple Zero was a logical progression in their intimacy. So it was by no means a sudden decision to "get it on." Furthermore, the relationship between Darman and Etain didn't dominate the storyline; it was one of many subplots. I don't think it took away from the rest of the novel.

(As an aside, I think the problem with Triple Zero was that it didn't have enough action. However, this is not a result of the romance subplot alone. It was the fact that all of the plot itself was uninteresting character drama that brought the book down for me. The story involved a lot of sitting around and doing nothing, interspersed with some random and brief action, which didn't seem to be high-stakes at all. Those involved simply go out, get the job done, and talk some more. The book sort of reads like a documentary of a day (or many) in the lives of clone commandos. Triple Zero, unlike Hard Contact, was very anti-climactic and slow.)

In my opinion, the relationship between Darman and Etain was one of the more interesting subplots. I didn't care for the conflict between Sev and Atin, nor was I really enthralled by whatever was going on with Vau and Atin. Etain and Darman are two different people who were raised in very controlled conditions where, for different reasons, they were never taught about feelings like love. Etain is a Jedi, and is constantly being told that attachment is forbidden and is not the Jedi way. Darman knew nothing other than drills and combat training for his entire life, and was forced to mature emotionally very early, due to growth acceleration and the war he was forced to fight. The both of them are entirely unprepared for the attaction that develops between them. For this reason, Etain makes for a very compelling tragic character, since she makes the misguided choice to become pregnant.

Furthermore, the romance in the story helps to underscore the idea that clones are human, and thus have the same feelings and emotions that other humans do. Only their upbringing is different. Darman isn't a robot or something. He's a human being, who has normal human feelings, which include an attraction to a woman in his life. Seeing him grapple with these feelings (especially when he hasn't a clue how to) is compelling.

Sexuality is an inevitability, even for clones. I, for one, am impressed that one book chose to look this aspect of human life and explore its difficulties, rather than glaze over it with fantastical storybook-like romances and relationships that don't seem to make any sense at all (Attack of the Clones, anyone?)

Love isn't always perfect. Especially when it's between a clone and a Jedi. But it happens, and more difficult questions arise. What comes first, love or duty? What will be the repercussions of Etain's pregnancy? And, of course, the million dollar question: will Darman shoot Etain when Order 66 is to be carried out? This romance throws a wrench into everything Darman and Etain have ever been taught, and makes for a fascinating dynamic between them and their teammates and mentors. If nothing else, it's certainly a more compelling read than the laughable romance plot of books like The Courtship of Princess Leia.

That being said, the romance between Atin and that Twi'lek waitress was pretty random and unnecessary.
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Darth Lando · Site Admin/Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 95

What's wrong with a little clone/Jedi sex?

Lots of stuff!
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Bravo 225 · Site Admin/Forum Mod Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 43

Yeah, maybe, Marvolo... Personally, though, I just didn't care for it. Sad

Marvolo · Forum Mod Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 41