Star Wars_ X-Wing 01_ Rogue Squadron - Michael A. Stackpole [0]
This exciting series chronicles the adventures of the most feared and fearless fighting force in the whole galaxy. It is now two and a half years after the events of the blockbuster film Return of the Jedi, and isolated but still powerful remnants of the Empire are scattered throughout space. These outposts of evil are disrupting galactic peace and threatening to one day overthrow the Rebel Alliance and reestablish its dark tyranny of violence and oppression.
They are opposed by a new generation of X-wing pilots. Following in the footsteps of the squad that defeated the Death Star, the new pilots face a challenge every bit as dangerous and deadly as that of their legendary predecessors. And they are every bit as tough, talented, and determined to succeed.
However, their intrepid leader will first have to confront the most difficult task of all: to whip a band of young, rowdy, undisciplined pilots into a well-oiled team who will fight together and—if necessary—die for each other to achieve their goal: victory over the Empire.
Filled with explosive space action, camaraderie, and nonstop adventure, Star Wars X-Wing is a series you won’t want to miss!
STAR WARS: ROGUE SQUADRON
A Bantam Spectra Book / February 1996
SPECTRA and the portrayal of a boxed “s” are trademarks of Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
All rights reserved.
®, TM & © 1996 by Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
Cover art by Paul Youll. Copyright © 1996 by Lucasfilm Ltd.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
For information address: Bantam Books.
eISBN: 978-0-307-79621-9
Bantam Books are published by Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc. Its trademark, consisting of the words “Bantam Books” and the portrayal of a rooster, is Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. Marca Registrada. Bantam Books, 1745 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.
v3.1
DEDICATION
To George Lucas
The universe he created is so vital and magical that I remember not only when and where I first saw the film, but when and where I first saw the trailer for the film. If someone had told me then I’d be writing in that universe now, I’d have told them they were insane.
Once again, Mr. Lucas, you make dreams come true.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author would like to thank the following people for their various contributions to this book:
Janna Silverstein, Tom Dupree, and Ricia Mainhardt for getting me into this mess;
Sue Rostoni and Lucy Autrey Wilson for making it so easy to work in this universe;
Kevin J. Anderson, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Tyers, Bill Smith, Bill Slavicsek, Peter Schweighofer, Michael Kogge, and Dave Wolverton for the material they created and the advice they offered;
Lawrence Holland and Edward Kilham for the X-Wing and Tie Fighter computer games;
Chris Taylor for pointing out to me which ship Tycho was flying in Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi;
My parents, my sister Kerin, my brother Patrick and his wife Joy for their encouragement (and endless efforts to face my other books out on bookstore shelves);
Dennis L. McKiernan, Jennifer Roberson, and especially Elizabeth T. Danforth for listening to bits of this story as it was being written and enduring such abuse with smiles and a supportive manner.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Dramatis Personae
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34