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From: "Jim Fisher" <killando@epix.net>
Newsgroups: alt.fan.wedge
Subject: Wedge FAQ 2.0
Date: Sat, 10 May 1997 17:48:57 -0400
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After a long delay, here is version 2.0 of the Wedge Antilles/alt.fan.wedge
FAQ.
The Wedge Antilles FAQ Version 2.0
alt.fan.Wedge FAQ, v2.0
The FAQ all about Wedge Antilles, unsung hero of the
Rebellion. It isn't a FAQ in the truest sense...its not in
question/answer format, but it still gives the answers to
Freqently Asked Questions. If you have any additions,
suggestions, or flames mail the current editors, Jim Fisher
(killando@epix.net) and Mike Schorsch (gazuga@aol.com).
Table of Contents:
[A "+" by the entry means its been modified since
the last version]
[A "*" by the entry means its been added since the last
version]
+ Part 1 - FAQ History and
Acknowledgments
Part 2 - Wedge Sightings: His
appearances in the films and the books
A: THE MOVIES
+ i) Star Wars: ANH
+ ii) SW: TESB
+ iii) SW: ROTJ
+ iv) Differences between Movies & Novels
v) Wedge in future movies
B: THE BOOKS & COMICS
* i) Galaxy of Fear: Planet Plague
ii) The Truce at Bakura
+ iii) X-wing Series
+ iv) Rogue Squadron (Comic)
+ v) The Zahn Trilogy
+ vi) Dark Empire (1-6)
vii) Dark Empire II (1-6)
+ viii) The Jedi Academy Trilogy
* ix) The New Rebellion
x) Assault at Selonia
C: WEDGE ON THE TELEVISION
+ D: WEDGE ON THE RADIO
+ E: WEDGE ON THE COMPUTER
+ F: STAR WARS: THE RPG
+ G: WEDGE MERCHANDISE
+ H: WEDGE ON THE WEB
Part 3 - Controversy
+ A: CAPTAIN ANTILLES
+ B: DENIS LAWSON
C: BATTLE OF ENDOR
Part 4 - Denis Lawson: The
Man, The Myth, The Legend
A: MOVIES
B: BRITISH TELEVISION
C: BRITISH THEATRE
D: LAWSON OVER THE AIRWAVES
+ E: LAWSON INTERVIEW
F: LAWSON ENCOUNTER
+ G: LAWON FILMOGRAPHY
H: CONTACTING DENIS LAWSON
Part 5 - Jack Klaff: The "Original" Wedge
A: DISCOVERY OF KLAFF
B: KLAFF'S INVOLVEMENT
+ C: JACK KLAFF FILMOGRAPHY
+ Part 6 - The Wedge Timeline
Part 7 - Wedge Literature
+ A: WEDGE COMICS
+ B: WEDGE BOOKS
+ C: WEDGE FANFIC
* Part 8 - Rogue Squadron
* A: The History of Rogue Squadron by Matt Hilliard
* B: Known Members
* i) Prior to the Battle of Yavin
* ii) Kellog's Mail-Away comic
* iii) Cilpar Campaign
* iv) The Phantom Affair
* v) Tatooine Campaign
* vi) Eiattu Campaign
* vii) Malrev Campaign
* viii) The New Rogue Squadron
* C: Issue/Book Listing
* D: The History of Rogue Squadron by Jim Fisher (Contains **SPOILERS**)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Part 1 - FAQ History and Acknowledgments
This is version 1.4 of the Alt.fan.wedge FAQ,
maintained by Jim Fisher (killando@epix.net) and Mike Schorsch
(gazuga@aol.com). This version includes many updates and changes to
version 1.33 by Matt Hilliard. Much of the wording and format of this
FAQ is a result of Matt's work -- he is as largely responsible for it (or
perhaps more so) than the current editors. The history of the FAQ is as
follows:
[0.0] Dec 93 (?)
The start of it all. Shortly after the newsgroup was created, a
list of potential FAQs was posted to the group, with a request
for answers to them. From the follow-up posts and email replies
came...
[0.3] Jan 94
First real version of the FAQ. Very sketchy, but nevertheless a
semi-formal FAQ, in question-answer format. A flood of new
follow-ups and emails were the result of this. The version number
has no particular significance other than being a number less
than 1.0.
[0.7] around Feb-Apr 94
Mostly vaporware. Never completed, as the self-appointed editor
[Keith Lim] found himself overwhelmed with the volume of
contributions at the same time that all kinds of other things in
his life popped up and demanded his attention. Exists only as a
slightly-improved 0.3, with all the unsorted and unedited
contributions tacked on at the end. Posted once to the group on
an as-is basis.
[0.9] Apr 94
The uncompleted 0.7, plus everything else that trickled in after
the first flood, edited, sorted, summarized. Completely new table
of contents and indexing system. History of FAQ added. Because of
much duplicate information received, contributors acknowledged
only once at the beginning, and not for every piece of info in
the FAQ (with some exceptions). Questions replaced by
keywords/general topic descriptions. Still not very complete.
[1.0] May 94
FAQ taken over by Kenneth Soper. More complete information on
Wedge's lines added. More information on Wedge's role in the
various post ANH-ROTJ Star Wars novels added. Other general
reorganizations, mostly of existing information.
[1.1] June 94
FAQ passed on to Mark Veaudry. Minor changes made to the TOC,
Wedge "character" stuff consolidated in part 2, Lawson
"actor" stuff in part 4. Wedge's lines from the movies
were inserted in place of previous FAQ's lines from the novels.
Some novel lines moved to part 2: sec. A: item iv.
[1.2] May 95
FAQ moves again, this time to Matt Hilliard. Many things changed
to account for the one year in which the FAQ has not been
updated. Parts 5 and 6 are added. Part 2 sec A and B overhauled.
[1.22] August 95
The FAQ is given another much needed update. Comics, Fanfic, and
Timeline Sections added to.
[1.3] June 96
FAQ finally gets an update. Stackpole and Rogue Squadron FAQ
information added. Web page and fanfic information expanded.
[1.33] July 96
Jack Klaff information added, as well as Denis Lawson's IMDB
filmography. This was basically an emergency version to explain
the details of Jack Klaff and make a few additions and
correction.
[2.0] May 97
Due to the long lapse without a FAQ update, and an inability to
contact Matt Hilliard, Mike Schorsch and Jim Fisher updated the
FAQ. Tun Kai Poh's Rogue Squadron FAQ was merged with the Wedge
FAQ, and pretty much everything that needed updated was updated.
2.0 was chosen as the version number due to the long lapse in
updates, as well as to reflect the new editorship.
Contributors:
Mike Denlinger denlinge@epix.net
Matt Hilliard hilliard@ix.netcom.com
Cynthia Becht [forwarded; no email address given]
Jeremy T. Coffey JC3952A@auvm.american.edu
Preston Crawford prestonc@lclark.edu
Robert Cuyegkeng rcuyegke@jupiter.scs.Ryerson.CA
Dogbert nedblake@parsifal.umkc.edu
Rebecca Drayer drayer@minerva.cis.yale.edu
Robert Fentiman rfentima@ub.d.umn.edu
Gallandro dkemper@oolong.hacks.arizona.edu
John Greenawalt ashen@access.digex.net
The Harvester of Sorrow gloverr@ucsu.Colorado.EDU
Heather Henderson hhenderson@vax.clarku.edu
jfickus3rd tolly@access3.digex.net
Karlis Kalnins kkalnins@malibu.sfu.ca
Keith Lim [currently no email address]
Scott Livingston cubman@delphi.com
Don Lowe [email address unknown]
Craig Teruo Matsumoto wedge@shell.portal.com
Iaine McCafferty imm2@leicester.ac.uk
Miguel Padilla mpadilla@girtab.usc.edu
[dgsmith] dgsmith@cats.ucsc.edu
Kenneth Soper [currently no email address]
C.Mark Veaudry mveaudry@turing.acs.ryerson.ca
Andy Walker awalker@aisun4.ai.uga.edu
Jason Weiler weilej@vccsouth22.its.rpi.edu
Mike Weintraub MWEINTR@auvm.american.edu
Doktor Mojo wookiee@vax1.mankato.msus.edu
If I missed anybody, please tell me! You'll be
in the next release.
PART 2 - WEDGE SIGHTINGS:
A: THE MOVIES
{There is controversy surrounding some of The
Great One's lines in ANH and ESB. Therefore, any line which might
be The Great One's, but might not be, is included in [brackets.]
References to the novels are taken from the new Del Ray reissue
of the trilogy. The dialogue from the movies are taken from the
special collector's widescreen edition boxed set.}
In the movies, Wedge is portrayed by Denis
Lawson. More on him later.
Item i - Star Wars: A New Hope
Luke: Oh c'mon! I used to bullseye Womp Rats
in my T-16 back home.
They're not much bigger than two meters.
Wedge: That's impossible, even for a computer.
In the novel, this character is identified as
none other than The Great One. In the movie, Jack Klaff, the
actor who is credited for John D says this. Nevertheless,
LucasFilm has decreed that this was Wedge. See part 5.
Later, while cruising towards the Death Star...
Red Leader: All wings report in.
{assorted reporting in}
Wedge: Red two, standing by.
and then...
Wedge: Look at the SIZE of that thing!
Red Leader: Cut the chatter, Red Two!
And, in the dogfight which follows...
Biggs: Pull in, Luke. Pull in.
Wedge: Watch your back, Luke. Watch your back!
Biggs: Fighter above you. Comming in.
Luke: I can't shake him!
Wedge: I'm on him Luke, hold on.
Luke: Blast it, Biggs! Where are you?
{Front view of X-Wing firing. Tie fighter blows
up}
Luke: WHEW! Thanks Wedge!
The novel's dialogue is quite different from the
movie's. See item iv, below.
Other lines from the dogfight and trench run.
Red Leader: Red boys, this is Red Leader.
Rendezvous at mark six point one.
Wedge: This is red two, flying point.
Biggs: This is red three, standing by.
Luke: Biggs, Wedge, let's close it up. We're
going in full
throttle, that should keep the fighters off our back.
Wedge: Right with you, boss.
Biggs: Luke, at that speed are we going to be able to pull out in time?
Luke: It'll be just like Beggars Canyon back home.
Biggs: We'll stay back far enough to cover you.
Wedge: My scope shows the tower, but can't see
the exhaust port. Are you sure the computer can hit it?
Luke: Watch yourselves. Increase speed full throttle.
Wedge: What about that tower?
Luke: You worry about those fighters. I'll worry about that Tower!
later...
Wedge: Fighters coming in, point three.
and finally...
Wedge: I'm hit! I can't stay with you.
Luke: Get clear Wedge, you can't do any more good back there.
Wedge: Sorry.
Item ii - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Wedge appears in one scene, the Hoth Speeder
Battle. It has been mentioned that there are people who think the
Speeder pilot who found Han and Luke after their night on Hoth's
surface was Wedge. In fact it was Rogue 2, a pilot named Zev.
Wedge's true dialogue is as follows:
Luke: Rogue Three?
Wedge: Copy, Rogue Leader.
Luke: Wedge, I've lost my gunner. You're going to have to
take the shot. I'll cover for you. Set your harpoon, follow me on
the next pass.
Wedge: Coming around, Rogue Leader.
Wedge: Activate harpoon!
{thunk}
Wedge: Good shot, Janson!
{circling around legs}
Wedge: One more pass...
Janson: Cable out!
Wedge: Detach cable!
{crash. Wedge circles and hits the exposed neck joint. Boom.}
Wedge: Whoa! That got him!
And finally, when the battle is over and the
Speeder pilots are changing to their X-Wings...
[Wedge: Good luck, Luke! See you at the
rendezvous.]
This is confirmed to be Wedge by the novel. You can also clearly see
that the helmet design is that of Wedge when viewing the film in a
theatre.
Item iii - RETURN OF THE JEDI
Our first view of Wedge is during the Mission
briefing. He doesn't have any lines.
Approaching the Second Death Star...
Admiral Ackbar: All wings report in.
Wedge: Red leader standing by.
{other random reportings in}
Wedge: Lock S-Foils in attack positions.
Lando: Break off the attack! The shield is still up!
Wedge: I get no reading, are you sure?
Lando: Pull up! All craft pull up!
Lando: Accellerate to attack speed. Draw their fire away from the
cruisers.
Wedge: Copy, gold leader.
Lando: Watch yourself, Wedge. Three from above.
Wedge: Red three, red two, pull in.
Red 2 or 3: Got it. Three of them coming in from 20 degrees!
Wedge: Cut to the left, I'll take the leader.
{space battle footage}
Wedge: They're heading for the medical frigate.
{more space battle footage}
Much later on...
Wedge: Good shot, Red Two!
And then, after the shield goes down...
Wedge: I'm going in.
{Wedge is the first one in. Exterior shot of X-wings and the
Falcon in the Death Star}
Wedge: Form up and stay alert. We could run out of space real
fast.
Upon finding the central reactor...
Wedge: There it is.
Lando: Alright, Wedge, go for the Power Regulator on the North Tower.
Wedge: Copy, gold leader, I'm already on my way out.
We then see Wedge clear the Death Star. Our
final look is when he shows up at the Ewok celebration.
In the Return of the Jedi: Special Edition there are a few more seconds
of Wedge at the celebration.
Item iv - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MOVIES AND THE NOVELS
In the novel version of Star Wars (A New Hope),
Red Squadron is Blue Squadron, and Gold Squadron is Red Squadron.
Therefore, Wedge is Blue Two instead of Red Two.
Wedge as a character is not developed much more
than in the movies. He is identified as a Corellian (same as Han
Solo). In general, he does have a few more lines when he appears,
but he doesn't appear any more often.
There are, however, some major differences
between the dialogue in the novels, and the dialogue in the
movies. Here, below, is the novel's version of the space battle
in ANH. (for comparison to the movie's version, check item i,
above.)
Biggs: Watch your back, Luke.
Luke: I can't see him! Where is he?
Wedge: I'm on him Luke. hold on.
Luke: Dammit, Biggs! Where are you?
{Front view of X-Wing firing. TIE fighter go boom}
Luke: WHEW! Thanks Wedge!
In the above example, Biggs has lost both his
lines from the movie, but takes one of Wedge's, and two out of
three of the weenie's lines are different than the dialogue from
the movie. This is just a small example, but it is a good
indication of the amount of difference that exists between the
print and film media versions.
Item v - WEDGE IN FUTURE MOVIES
Based on current information, it seems that
Wedge (the character) is not very likely to appear in future
movies in the Star Wars universe (though there may be roles that
the actor Denis Lawson might be suitable for.)
Lucasfilm has stated that the prequel trilogy will span from about 40
years
to about 20 years prior to the Star Wars: A New Hope. Wedge is most
likely
not to appear in any of these films.
B: THE BOOKS & COMICS
For more detailed information about Wedge's exploits, see Parts 6 and 8.
Item i - Galaxy of Fear: Planet Plague (John Whitman)
This is the third in a series of "Goosebumpsesque" Star Wars
children's books. Wedge appears in this novel as a supporting
character.
Item ii - Truce at Bakura (Kathy Tyers)
Time: It begins a day after Return of the Jedi
Wedge is in his usual supporting role. At the
beginning of the book he heroically risks his life to keep
information valuable to the Alliance intact. Unfortunetly,
Item iii - X-wing Series (Mike Stackpole)
Time: Two and a half years after Return of the Jedi
Book 1: X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
Book 2: X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble
Book 3: X-Wing: The Krytos Trap
Book 4: X-Wing: The Bacta War
Wedge plays one of the lead roles as the Wing
Commmander of Rogue Squadron. It would be impossible to detail
his actions without spoling the plot, so they have been left out
of the timeline and from here. The first book begins with the
reformation of Rogue Squadron and it goes from there.
There is at least one more X-Wing novel planned, more information
will be added as it becomes available.
Item iv - Rogue Squadron (Plot: Mike Stackpole, Script: Various,)
(Art: Various )
Wedge is the main character in this ongoing
comic series from Dark Horse, continuing his role as Rogue
Squadron's Wing Commander. It would be impossible to detail his
actions as it would give away the plot and not be up to date
since a new issue comes out every month.
Story Arcs:
Issues 1 - 4: The Rebel Opposition
Issues 5 - 8: The Phantom Affair
Issues 9 - 12: Battleground: Tatooine
Issues 13 - 16: The Warrior Princess
Issues 17 - 20: Requiem for a Rogue
Issues 21 - 32: Leads up to events in first novel
Item v - The Zahn Trilogy (Timothy Zahn)
Time: Five years after Return of the Jedi
Book 1: Heir to the Empire
Book 2: Dark Force Rising
Book 3: The Last Command
Wedge plays a large role during the three books.
He commands Rogue Squadron. Wedge and his fellow pilots in Rogue
Squadron are almost the only reason for the New Republic victory
at the shipyards at Bilbringi. Wedge has too many lines for them
to be quoted here.
Item vi - Dark Empire, Issues 1-6 (Tom Veitch)
Time: Six years after Return of the Jedi
Wedge assists Lando in commanding the Star
Destroyer Emancipator. He has accepted the promotion to General
and doesn't fly starfighters anymore.
Item vii - Dark Empire II, Issues 1-6 (Tom
Veitch)
Time: Six years after Return of the Jedi (?)
Wedge wants to intercept a shipment of X-1 Viper
Automadons headed for Byss, put troops in them, then sneak into
Byss. Luke is against the idea, but everyone else likes it.
The plan fails, but the troops get out okay.
Item viii - The Jedi Academy Trilogy (Kevin Anderson)
Time: Seven years after Return of the Jedi
A lot of Wedge. Most interesting is that he isn't force sensative, and
that
he now has a love interest in the form of the alien scientist, Qwi Xux.
Item ix - The New Rebellion (Kristine Kathryn Rusch)
Wedge plays a medium sized role as the Commander of a Mon Calamari
star cruiser in this Star Wars novel. Unfortunately,
he doesn't show up until towards the end of the novel.
Item x - Assault at Selonia (Roger MacBride Allen)
Time: Forteeen Years after Return of the Jedi
Wedge is flying an Enhanced X-wing and runabouts
(Allen's word, not mine) in the evacuation of Thanta Zilbra.
C: WEDGE ON THE TELEVISION
On MuchMusic, Canada's answer to MTV, there is a
video show entitled "Wedge." There is no known
connection between the show's title and Wedge, the greatest
fighter pilot in the alliance. (Although I wouldn't be surprised
if there was a link between the two.) Does anyone have more
information?
D: WEDGE ON THE RADIO
Wedge was portrayed on the NPR radio darmas by
Mesach Taylor (Designing Women). The late Brian Daley wrote the dramas. In
the ANH drama, nothing new. The most notable occurance is that
Wedge was beginning to lose control in the trench, justifying him
leaving.
In the ESB drama, Wedge has a much bigger part.
He is used to narrate Luke's crash and following since it was
radio. Wedge tells the control center about Luke destroying
the AT-AT with a bomb (a trick taught to him, no doubt, by Wedge)
and other adventures. Then he and Wedge escort the last
transport in their X-wings. Wedge disables a Star Destroyer on
the way out, with no help from Wedge (further illustrating
Wedge's piloting skill). Basically, Luke told Wedge that they
should damage the Destroyer to keep it from getting the transport
(Wedge probably wanted to pass over it in search of larger game),
and then sat there while Wedge did all the work. Wedge is played by
Don Scardino in the ESB drama.
In the Jedi radio drama, Wedge only appears in the last episode.
His lines are fairly similar to those in the film -- he has no
lines during the briefing scene nor during the celebration scene.
Wedge is played by Jon Matthews in the ROTJ drama.
E: WEDGE ON THE COMPUTER
In X-wing, a game available for both IBMs (and
compatibles) and Macs, Wedge makes an appearance, sort of. The
game is divided into "missions'. In A-wing mission 5,
the goal is to destroy an Imperial base being used as the testing
ground for the Empire's new/upgraded TIE fighters. During the
briefing session, it is revealed that the location of the base
was discovered by none other than Wedge.
Wedge will also appear in LucasArts' upcoming Star Wars strategy game,
Rebellion. It will be available for Win95 in Fall of 1997 (hopefully
<g>).
F: STAR WARS: THE RPG
Wedge does appear as a player character in Star
Wars: The Role Playing Game. As preposterous as it sounds, Luke
and Han are given higher skills in piloting and gunnery than
Wedge is. Wedge's stats are included in numerous sourcebooks including,
but not limited to: The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook (which includes an
illustration of Wedge by Alan Nunis), Galaxy Guide 1: A New Hope, Galaxy
Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back, Galaxy Guide 5: Return of the Jedi,
The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook, Heir to the Empire sourcebook, Dark Force
Rising Sourcebook (which includes an illustration of Wedge and Mara Jade
by Mike Vilardi).
G: WEDGE MERCHANDISE
Photos of Lawson as Wedge are in the Starlog
issue where he was interviewed. (Starlog #93, April 1985, see
"Lawson Interview" (part 4:sec. E) below.)
Wedge does have his own ROTJ trading card, #127
of the O-pee-chee set (Canadian release.) The card is called
"Congratulating Wedge", and has a picture of the Great
One shaking Han Solo's hand at the victory party on the forest
moon, after the defeat of the Empire. The back of the card reads:
"HAN SOLO takes time to congratulate WEDGE,
a courageous REBEL pilot, during the victory celebration on the
Moon of ENDOR. This is truly a glorious day for the forces of
freedom."
Wedge's card in Decipher's Customizable Card Game
has a picture of Jack Klaff and the following text under their
"lore" section: "Highly decorated Corellian.
Piloted Red 2 in the Battle of Yavin. A wealthy orphan, he bought
a freighter with his inheritance. First joined the Alliance as a
smuggler."
Wedge will have a card in another upcoming Decipher set, The set is
called
Star Wars: First Anthology and should be out in May. It should retail
for
about $32.
Wedge had a trading card in the Topps' Finest all-chromium series.
There was a card featuring artwork of Wedge in the Star Wars Galaxy Series
3.
The art is identical to the cover of the first X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
comic
by Dave Dorman, and is located on a card back.
Kenner will release a Wedge action figure sometime this Summer. It will
be included in their Millennium Falcon carrying case.
Applause will release a Wedge vinyl figure. Expect it to be similar to
their
other Star Wars figures, i.e. about 12" tall and nicely detailed.
H: WEDGE ON THE WEB
The following WWW pages were verified on 4/23/97.
The Wedge Antilles Home Page
http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge
Corellian Bloodstripes
http://users.aol.com/gazuga/wedge/wedge.htm
World Wide Wedge
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/1813/wedge.htm
Wedge Antilles [English]
http://massena.univ-mlv.fr/~franchom/STARWARS/wedge_ang.html
Wedge Antilles [French]
http://massena.univ-mlv.fr/~franchom/STARWARS/wedge.html
Rogue Squadron (about Wedge)
http://ally.ios.com/~vader3/wedge.html
Denis Lawson Information Bureau
http://calhoun.lakes.com/~heather/lawson.html
Mike Stackpole's Home Page
http://www.flyingbuffalo.com/stackpole.html
Jordi Ensign's Home Page
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Jordster
Echo Station Volume 2, #1 [Rogue Squadron Issue]
http://echo.simplenet.com
Dark Horse Comics: Rogue Squadron Page
http://www.dhorse.com/sw/swxw/index.html
Wedge Antilles Worship Page
http://orion.it.luc.edu/~sberks/wedge.html
Wedge Antilles
http://www.physics.oberlin.edu/~samir/wedge.html
Rogue Squadron Fan Page
http://www.geocities.com/area51/2595/
Rogue Squad
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/4427/
The Wedge Connection
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/redtwo/index.html
Wedge
http://sf.lexikon.de/swlex/wedge.html
Griz's Wedge Antilles Page
http://www2.epix.net/~fnglk/wedge.html
Wedge Antilles
http://www.thomas.edu/allardj/Free_Traders/Wedge.HTM
Top 20 Star Wars Characters at YAWP
http://www.depeche.mode.net/~myrkr/starlist.html
Wedge's Home Page
http://aisun1.ai.uga.edu/~awalker/wedge.html
Digory Manner: Star Wars and Troy
http://www.digory.com/cgi-bin/Chet.pl?page=sw_troy_5
PART 3 - CONTROVERSY
Oddly enough, several controversies have
developed involving Wedge.
A: CAPTAIN ANTILLES
In A New Hope, C-3PO mentions being in the
ownership of Captain Antilles. The radio series clearly
identifies the captain of the ship Leia was on (at the beginning
of ANH) as being Captain Antilles. This would very likely make
him the owner of the droids, tying in with C-3PO's comment. (The
character has a larger role in the radio series than in the
movie.) However, it is never made clear, at any time, what
exactly is the relationship, if any, between Captain Antilles and
Wedge. The corvette (Captain Antilles's ship) Leia was on is
identified in the novel as being of Corellian origin, as is
Wedge. The similarity of both last name and origin suggest some
relationship, but this is never clearly established. Of course,
it was supposed to be a counselor ship of an Alderaanian (Leia).
The question remains open. Opinions differ. One common opinion is
that Captain Antilles is Wedge's father; another possibility is
that Captain Antilles was an older brother or cousin of Wedge. On
the other hand, "Antilles" could be a very common name
in the Corellian system, and two people having the same name
could be a coincidence of no great significance.
Another idea is that the best way for Wedge to
enter the Rebellion would be if his father went with him. Since
it is fairly certain that Captain Antilles is a Rebel, this is
plausible.
Another way to look at is that the Star Wars galaxy is big. I mean
really really big. Two people having the same last name is a coincidence
--
just look in a phone book and see all the last names that are the same.
They might be related distantly, or not at all. It's more likely than not
that they *aren't* related -- especially when looking upon the issue from
a
galactic scale.
In any case, until more information is released,
any explanation would be just speculation, and non-canon.
Note: "A Guide to the Star Wars Universe: Second Edition" has, in its
entry for Captain Antilles, a comment that this character was
"Captain Colton" in the novelization.
B: DENIS LAWSON
For years the rumor that the actor playing Wedge
changed in between ESB and ROTJ. The reason is that Lawson's name
appeared in the credits as both Denis Lawson (in ROTJ) and Dennis
Lawson (in ANH and ESB). According to the myth, this was due to a
change in casting. Supposedly, the original actor wasn't
available for the third movie, so another, similar-looking actor
was used instead.
Interviews, however, with Denis Lawson have
proved this untrue. Denis Lawson played Wedge throughout the
movies (excepting the Jack Klaff scene) and his name was
misspelled in the ANH and ESB credits.
One of the primary reasons this myth has
continued to survive is that Lawson uses an American accent in
ANH and ROTJ, but reverts to his natural English accent during
ESB. This appears to be a mistake by Lawson and the director (who
should have noticed the inconsistency) in ESB.
C: BATTLE OF ENDOR
In the movie, Return of the Jedi, Wedge takes
part in the final assualt on the second Death Star. Here is the
chain of events in the movie:
They enter the reactor core room.
Wedge fires his torpedoes at the power regulator on the North
Tower.
Blue energy begins to appear around the reactor.
The Falcon fires concussion missiles at the reactor itself.
The reactor explodes.
This, when viewed, makes it look like Lando
Calrissian and Nein Nunb are the ones which destroyed the second
Death Star. For years, Wedge fans have argued the point. Now, the
West End Games role playing game and the Rogue Squadron comic,
published by Dark Horse Comics, point to Wedge. The following is
from Rogue Squadron "The Rebel Opposition" #1...
Elscol Loro: So who laid the golden egg?
Wedge: General Calrissian usually gets the credit, but I dropped
a photon (sic) torpedo on the coaxial when I split and I think
that was the straw that broke the Death Star's back.
And then from the role playing game's Galaxy
Guide 5...
"Wedge Antilles personally dealt the final,
crucial blow that destroyed the massive station, and ushered in a
new era for the galaxy."
PART 4 - Denis Lawson: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Wedge is played by the Scottish actor Denis (not Dennis) Lawson. Most of
the
info. in this section is from Heather Henderson.
A: MOVIES
Local Hero (1983? 84?) (starring role, w/ Peter
Riegert and Burt Lancaster)
The Zip (1987) (starring role)
Providence (small role)
The Man in the Iron Mask (small role)
The Chain (small role)
Local Hero is recommended by more than one person. Excerpt of a review by
Craig Teruo Matsumoto: "...it can probably be thought of as a Northern
Exposure in Scotland."
The Zip is a short film, about 20 minutes. A
short review by Cynthia Becht:
"It's about a man who wakes up one day to find he has a zipper on his body
from belly to chest. Very weird, funny and quite moving -- and no one ever
speaks a word amongst a handful of actors."
B: BRITISH TELEVISION
The Kit Curran Radio Show
The Girl Who Walked Quickly
Dead Head
That Uncertain Feeling
Bergerac (one episode--Lawson plays a hired killer)
[Unconfirmed: a part in a TV miniseries about a
woman soccer player]
C: BRITISH THEATRE
Lenny Bruce (bit parts)
Pal Joey (musical, lead role)
Mr. Cinders (musical, lead role)
Lend Me a Tenor
The Lucky Chance
Lust
[Unconfirmed: Lawson won the British equivalent of the Tony award for Best
Actor in a Musical for "Mr. Cinders".]
D: LAWSON OVER THE AIRWAVES
Lawson narrated the audio version of "Heir to the Empire", one of Zahn's
novels. Anthony Daniels (C3PO) narrated the other two.
E: WEDGE INTERVIEW
Starlog #93 (April 1985)
Lawson talks about his experiences filming the
Star Wars movies. Photos accompanying the article include:
Lawson as Wedge
Head shot with helmet on
Lawson shaking hands with Harrison Ford (Han Solo)
This interview is available to read on Jim Fisher's Wedge Page [See part
2H]
F: WEDGE ENCOUNTER
Mike Weintraub (MWEINTR@auvm.american.edu) posted the following in
alt.fan.wedge:
"My ex-roommate from last year is currently in London for the semester.
And,
somewhere on his search for the internship he's supposed to get in London,
he
met Mr. Denis "Wedge" Lawson.
He hasn't told me all the details yet, but he said that Mr. Lawson did not
quite enjoy making the Greatest Movies of All Time, and that he did it
only
for the money."
G: DENIS LAWSON FILMOGRAPHY
This filmography comes from the Internet Movie
Database [www.imdb.com].
A side note about Ewan McGregor, he has been featured in such films as
"Shallow Grave" and "Trainspotting." He's been rumored to be up for the
role
of either Obi-Wan Kenobi or Anakin Skywalker in the prequel films. He's
also
stated on German television that he was cast as Anakin, but no "official"
word has been put out by LucasFilm.
Denis Lawson
Also Known As:
Dennis Lawson
Actor filmography
(1) Royal Scandal, A (1996) (TV) .... Henry Brougham
(2) "Natural Lies" (1992) (mini) TV Series .... Towne
(3) Born Kicking (1992) (TV) .... Victor Grace
(4) Bejewelled (1991) (TV) .... Alistair
(5) One Way Out (1989) (TV) .... Bernard
(6) "Dead Head" (1985) (mini) TV Series .... Eddie Cass
(7) Chain, The (1985) .... Keith
(8) Local Hero (1983) .... Gordon Urquhart
(9) Return of the Jedi (1983) .... Wedge
... aka Blue Harvest (1982) (working title)
... aka Revenge of the Jedi (1983) (working title)
... aka Star Wars: Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
(10) Empire Strikes Back, The (1980) .... Wedge (Rogue 3)
... aka Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
(11) Man in the Iron Mask, The (1977) (TV) .... Claude
(12) Providence (1977) .... Dave Woodford
(13) Star Wars (1977) .... Wedge (Red 2)
... aka Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
(14) Merchant of Venice, The (1973) (TV) .... Launcelot Gobbo
(15) "Kit Curran" (????) TV Series
Biographical Information from the IMDB:
Trivia
Uncle of Ewan McGregor
Other works
Lust (1993), British production
Lust (1995), U.S. production (at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia
and the John Houseman Theater in New York City)
H: CONTACTING DENIS LAWSON
The Starlog article (Starlog #93, April 1985, see "Lawson Interview"
above)
reported that Lawson got a lot of mail and tried to reply personally to
every person. No address for contacting Lawson was given.
PART 5 - Jack Klaff: The "Original" Wedge
A: THE DISCOVERY OF KLAFF
For 19 years, Wedge fans around the world recognized Denis Lawson as the
one
and only actor who played Wedge. Some confusion resulted due to the Star
Wars
novelization, which assigned the line "That's impossible...even for a
computer" to Wedge. The actor, however, is clearly not Denis Lawson, and a
little research done in 1991 revealed that John D, not Wedge, said this
line
in the movie.
Or so it was thought.
Then, in 1996, an event occured that rocked the world of Wedge fans.
Decipher
at long last released the Wedge Antilles card for Star Wars:The
Customizable
Card Game. This had been delayed until the second part of the A New Hope
cards to spread things out and eagerly awaited by Wedge fans who played
the
CCG. The discovery that the card's picture was not of Wedge, but instead
of
John D, played by Jack Klaff, was rather shocking. Assuming Decipher had
made
a mistake, several Wedge fans emailed them about it. The response was
amazing, and the story soon was posted it alt.fan.wedge.
B: KLAFF'S INVOLVEMENT
As it turned out, Klaff was the original Wedge actor. Soon after Smith's
discovery, Jason Winter, Decipher's online representative, posted to
alt.fan.wedge "In Star Wars [A New Hope], Lucas originally got the actor
Jack Klaff to play Wedge. He did so in the briefing room scene, where he
said "That's impossible, even for a targeting computer." We have confirmed
with Lucasfilm that indeed, this is Wedge Antilles. Later, Jack "became
unavailable". Denis Lawson was the actor who played Wedge in the Death
Star
attack scenes, as well as later in ESB and RotJ."
Sandy Wible, another Decipher rep, commented "Well, I'm not sure that he
[Klaff] actually appeared in the Death Star scenes, or whether that was
just
an error in the credits. The credits are flat wrong in at least two other
places, so it's not unbelievable."
It may seem simpler to simply say that John D said the line and be done
with
the continuity problem, but LucasFilm is apparantly sticking to its guns
on
this one, saying that it was Wedge, actors aside.
Many Wedge fans refuse to accept Klaff as Wedge -- they are usually
referred
to as "Wedge Purists" or the like. Wedge fandom seems divided on this
issue,
but it comes down to your personal preference.
C: KLAFF FILMOGRAPHY
Actor filmography
(1) "Ivanhoe" (1997) (mini) TV Series .... Malvoisin
(2) Circles of Deceit: Kalon (1996) (TV) .... Osuna
(3) Chernobyl: The Final Warning (1991) (TV) .... Dr. Pieter Claasen
... aka Final Warning (1991) (TV)
(4) "Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, The" (1990) TV Series .... The Hon.
Philip Green
(5) 1871 (1990)
(6) "Vanity Fair" (1987) (mini) TV Series .... Rawdon Crawley
(7) King David (1985) .... Jonathan
(8) Hunchback of Notre Dame, The (1982) (TV) .... Officer
... aka Hunchback (1982) (TV)
(9) For Your Eyes Only (1981) .... Apostis
(10) Star Wars (1977) (uncredited) .... Wedge Antilles in Briefing Room
... aka Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Notable TV Guest Appearances
"This Is David Lander" (1988), as Dr Timothy Billings
(ep. 'Question of Trial and Error, A (11/21/88)')
"Space: 1999" (1975), as Security Guard (ep. 'Seed of Destruction (1976)')
"Space: 1999" (1975), as Security Guard (ep. 'Space Warp (1976)')
"Red Dwarf," as Abraham Lincoln (ep. 'Meltdown')
PART 6 - The Wedge Timeline
Before Rebellion....
[Adolescent]
- Lived with parents on their fueling station in the Gus Treta region of
the
Corellian sector.
During the Rebellion....
[Age: 16]
- Joined the Rebel Alliance...
[Age: 17]
- Fought in the Battle of Yavin; callsign: Red 2
[Age: 20]
- Fought in the Battle of Hoth; callsign: Rogue 3
- Accepted promotion to Wing Commander
[Age: 21]
- Fought in the Battle of Endor; commanded Red Wing
- Was responsible for capturing an Imperial Probe Droid
- Fought in the Ssi-ruuk campaign near Bakura; commanded by Luke Skywalker
************************************************************************
During service in the New Republic...
[Age: 23]
- Commanded the newly reformed Rogue Squadron, events from Stackpole's
books occur (too many to chronicle here; and would spoil the plot)
- Events from Rogue Squadron comics occur (ditto)
[Age: 24]
- Declined promotion to General
[Age: 25]
- Declined promotion to General
[Age: 26]
- Aided resigned Han Solo on a contact mission
- Escorted Han Solo and Princess Leia; commanded Rogue Squadron
- Escorted the Escort Frigate Larkess to Sluis Van; commanded Rogue
Squadron
- Fought in the Battle of Sluis Van; commanded Rogue Squadron
- Assisted Luke Skywalker at the Sluis Van shipyards
- Assisted Han Solo on Abregado-rae Spaceport
- Escorted a scouting mission led by Han Solo and Luke Skywalker
- Fought in the Katana Fleet Battle; commanded Rouge Squadron,
commanded by Bel Iblis
- Fought in a battle with Imperial forces near Qat Chrystac;
commanded Rogue Squadron, commanded by Bel Iblis
- Planted information to Imperial spies on Mumbri Storve
- Fought in the Battle of Bilbringi; commanded Rogue Squadron, commanded
by Admiral Ackbar
[Age: 27]
- Accepted promotion to General
- Commanded the Star Destroyer Emancipator with Lando Calrissian.
- Led with Lando Calrissian a failed attack on Byss in X-1 Viper
Automadons
[Age: 28]
- Coordinated one of several groups repairing damage in and around
Coruscant
- Coordinated the relocation of the Noghri
- Coordinated a resupply mission to Yavin 4
- Escorted Qwi Xux to Ithor
- Commanded the Maw Installation strike force
[Age: 34]
- Commanded New Republic Mon Calamari fleet in battle.
[Age: 35]
- Commanded Rogue Squadron and assisted with the evacuation of Thanta
Zilbra
Part 7 - Wedge Literature
A: WEDGE COMICS
Dark Horse Comics publishes STAR WARS: Rogue Squadron. These are not about
Wedge exclusively, although he figures prominently in them.
B: WEDGE BOOKS
Mike Stackpole has written four books in his series about Rogue Squadron.
Wedge figures prominently, of course, as the Wing Commander of Rogue
Squadron, although they aren't completely about him. X-wing Rogue
Squadron,
Wedge's Gamble, The Krytos Trap, and The Bacta War, published by Bantam.
They
are about the events surrounding the reformation of Rogue Squadron.
C: WEDGE FANFIC
The Adventures of Wedge Antilles: Gray Squadron, by Matt Hilliard,
available
from The Wedge Antilles Home Page.
The exact file is:
http://echo.simlenet.com/wedge/gray.html
Flight for Freedom, also by Matt Hilliard, is again available from the
Wedge
Antills Home Page. The file is:
http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge/freedom.html
Mouth of Darkness: Race Against Time, by Brent Middlebrooks, can be found
on
Wedge Antilles Page, exact file is:
http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge/mouth.html
Return to Hoth, by Joe Turk (wedgfett@nwlink.com) is
available from Jim Fisher's Wedge fanfic page (see below), exact file is:
http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge/hoth.html
Stephen Tweedale is writing a fanfic, mail him at
Stephen_Tweedale@wonder.wimsey.com for info.
The True Story of Wedge Antilles (humor), by Mike Schorsch, available from
Corellian Bloodstripes Wedge Page. The file is:
http://users.aol.com/gazuga/wedge/wedgexpl.txt
Crystal Clear by Sean N. Koury features Wedge -- it is available at
http;//echo.simplenet.com/wedge/crystal.html
Jim Fisher has a page of Wedge fanfic in addition to his other Wedge pages
(see 2:H) at: http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge/fanfic.html
If you have written a fanfic about Wedge please mail the editor of the FAQ
so it can be included.
Part 8 - Rogue Squadron
A: The History of Rogue Squadron
by Matt Hilliard
This was taken from a wide variety of sources, some of them more credible
than others.
Rogue Squadron has a long and heroic history. Its roots are in Red
Squadron,
which played an integral part in the Battle of Yavin. Initially flying
cover
for an ill-fated Y-wing assault, the squadron finally had to make the
famous
Trench Run attack. This attack met with success, but at a high cost. All
of
the pilots were killed, save Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles.
A few years later, Rogue Squadron was formed as part of Renegade Flight,
the
starfighter group assigned to the Alliance forces at Hoth. Most of
Renegade
Flight was destroyed in an Imperial ambush while escorting a vital supply
convoy to the icy planet. All that was left were the Rogue Squadron pilots
at
Hoth. Luke Skywalker replaced the deceased Narra as Wing Commander.
However, soon afterward the Imperials located the Hoth base. In the Battle
of
Hoth, the squadron fought...and died...heroically to delay the invasion
force
while the other Rebel forces evacuated. Once again, a vast majority of the
squadron were killed.
After the Battle of Hoth, all of the surviving members fought in the
Battle
of Endor (with the lone exception being Luke Skywalker, who fought on
Endor
and the second Death Star).
After the campaigns against the Ssi-ruuk at Bakura, the New Republic
realized
it needed someone in the spotlight...someone around which to rally the
troops
and citizens around. Prominent heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo
had
retired from the military. Aware of its long legacy, the Republic's
leaders
decided to reinstate Rogue Squadron. The squadron was to be elite...the
best.
Wedge Antilles, veteran of Yavin, Hoth, Endor, and many other battles, had
been participating in publicity campaigns since the Ssi-ruuk campaigns. As
a
member of Rogue Squadron from the beginning, he was the obvious choice for
the squadron's Wing Commander.
The choice for the other pilots, however, was not so easy. The pilots
would
be new, for the Republic didn't have very many veterans, and the ones it
did
have were helping train new recruits. Unfortunetly, the unavoidable
political
problems presented themselves, but Commander Antilles and his
controversial
Executive Officer (XO) Tycho, managed to get good enough pilots. They
would
need the best...Rogue Squadron got the toughest missions and a high
profile.
In the past, the squadron had suffered horrible casualties, but the new
pilots were determined to change that.
They did, and after a rocky start with an Imperial effort to destroy the
squadron as an example, the squadron has played a critical role in many
battles and campaigns, such as the Battle of Bilbringi, where the battle
was
won due to the squadron's initative. Additionally, Rogue Squadron has had
extrordinarily low losses of life, the best in the New Republic.
B: Known Members
This is divided up into times at which we have data.
i - Just prior to the Battle of Yavin (X-Wing Rogue Squadron #1/2 Wizard
Mail
Away comic)
Wedge Antilles
Jek Porkins
Biggs Darklighter
Cesi "Doc" Eirriss
Note: The Squadron is referred to as Red during this comic
ii - X-Wing Rogue Squadron (Kellog's Mail-In)
Wedge Antilles
Luke Skywalker
Various other unnamed members
Note: The Squadron is referred to as Red during this comic
iii - Cilpar Campaign (The Rebel Opposition)
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu
Wes Janson
Plourr Ilo
Dllr Nep
Derek ("Hobbie") Klivan
iv - The Phantom Affair
Wedge Antille (Commander)
Tycho Celchu
Wes Janson
Plourr Ilo
Dllr Nep
Derek ("Hobbie") Klivan
Elscol Loro
v - Tatooine Campaign (Battleground Tatooine)
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu
Wes Janson
Plourr Ilo
Dllr Nep
Derek ("Hobbie") Klivan
Elscol Loro
vi - Eiattu Campaign (The Warrior Princess)
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu
Wes Janson
Plourr Ilo
Dllr Nep
Derek ("Hobbie") Klivan
Nrin Vakil
Herian I'Ngre
Ibtisam
Feylis Ardele
vii - Malrev Campaign (Requiem for a Rogue)
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu
Wes Janson
Dllr Nep
Derek ("Hobbie") Klivan
Nrin Vakil
Herian I'Ngre
Ibtisam
Feylis Ardele
viii - The New Rogue Squadron (novels)
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu (Captain)
Corran Horn (Lieutenant)
Ooryl Qrygg
Nawara Ven
Rhysati Ynr
Bror Jace
Erisi Dlarit
Peshk Vri'syk
Gavin Darklighter
Riv Shiel
Lujayne Forge
Andoorni Hui
X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu (Captain)
Aril Nunb (Captain)
Corran Horn (Lieutenant)
Pash Cracken (Lieutenant)
Ooryl Qrygg
Nawara Ven
Rhysati Ynr
Erisi Dlarit
Gavin Darklighter
Riv Shiel
X-Wing: The Krytos Trap
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu (Captain)
Aril Nunb (Captain)
Corran Horn (Lieutenant)
Pash Cracken (Lieutenant)
Ooryl Qrygg
Nawara Ven
Rhysati Ynr
Erisi Dlarit
Gavin Darklighter
Riv Shiel
Asyr Sei'lar
Inyri Forge
X-Wing: The Bacta War
Wedge Antilles (Commander)
Tycho Celchu (Captain)
Aril Nunb (Captain)
Corran Horn (Lieutenant)
Ooryl Qrygg
Nawara Ven
Rhysati Ynr
Gavin Darklighter
Riv Shiel
Asyr Sei'lar
Inyri Forge
Iella Wessiri
Winter
Elscol Loro
C: Issue/Book Listing
Comics:
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron [Kellog's Mail-In]
Script: Ryder Windham
Pencils: John Nadeau
Inks: Monty Sheldon
Lettering: Steve Dutro
Colors: Cary Porter
Cover Art: Mark Harrison
Editor: Peet Janes
X-Wing Rogue Squadron #1/2 [Wizard Mail-In]
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Mike W. Barr
Art: Gary Erskine
Letterer: Annie Parkhouse
Colors: Dae Nestelle
Cover Art: Christopher Moeller
Editor: Bob Cooper
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition #1
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition #2
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition #3
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Rebel Opposition #4
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Mike Baron
Pencils: Allen Nunis
Inks: Andy Mushynsky
Colorist: David Nestelle
Letterer: Steve Dutro
Cover Artist: Dave Dorman
Design: Scott Tice
Editor: Ryder Windham
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Phantom Affair #1
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Phantom Affair #2
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Phantom Affair #3
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Phantom Affair #4
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Darko Macan
Art: Edvin Biukovic [Issues 1 - 3]
Gary Erskine [Issue 4]
Pencils: John Nadeau [Issue 3]
Inks: Jordi Ensign [Issue 3]
Colorist: Dave Nestelle
Letterer: Edvin Biukovic
Annie Parkhouse [Issue 4]
Cover Artist: Mathieu Lauffray
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Battleground: Tatooine #1
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Battleground: Tatooine #2
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Battleground: Tatooine #3
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Battleground: Tatooine #4
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Jan Strnad
Pencils: John Nadeau
Inks: Jordi Ensign
Colorist: Perry McNamee
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Cover Artist: Mark Harrison
Design: Scott Tice
Editor: Peet Janes
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess #1
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess #2
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess #3
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: The Warrior Princess #4
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Scott Tolson
Pencils: John Nadeau
Inks: Jordi Ensign
Colorist: David Nestelle
Letterer: Vickie Williams
Cover Artist: Mark Harrison
Design: Scott Tice
Editor: Peet Janes
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue #1
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue #2
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue #3
X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue #4
Story: Michael A. Stackpole
Script: Jan Strnad
Art: Gary Erskine
Colorist: David nestelle
Letterer: Annie Parkhouse
Cover Artist: Kevin Ryan
Design: Scott Tice
Editor: Peet Janes
Books:
Title: X-Wing Rogue Squadron
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
ISBN: 0-553-56801-9
Title: X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
ISBN: 0-553-56802-7
Title: X-Wing: The Krytos Trap
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
ISBN: 0-553-56803-5
Title: X-Wing: The Bacta War
Author: Michael A. Stackpole
ISBN: 0-553-56804-3
D: The History of Rogue Squadron
by Jim Fisher (Contains **SPOILERS**)
This is an updated version of the piece that was originally pulblished in
Echo Station Volume 2, #1. Reprinted with permission of the editor.
"Rogue Squadron" is the name of the elite X-wing flying force of the New
Republic. Comprised of twelve pilots and twelve X-wing starfighters, Rogue
Squadron attained its greatest status under the command of Commander Wedge
Antilles, attached to Admiral Ackbar's Naval office.
TIMEFRAME: ANH THROUGH ROTJ
The name and mantle "Rogue Squadron" was first assumed by the surviving
members of Red Squadron, the X-wing pilots that had successfully destroyed
the first Death Star at the Battle of Yavin. Due to their valorous
efforts,
the non-surviving squad members who flew with Red Squadron in that battle
were posthumously inducted as members of Rogue Squadron, a high honor.
After the death of Commander Narra just prior to the Battle of Hoth, Luke
Skywalker was given command of Rogue flight by General Carlist Rieekan.
Rogue
Squadron, flying converted snowspeeders, fought valiantly against Imperial
All-Terrain Armored Transports at the Battle of Hoth, protecting the
Rebellion's evacuation from the planet and losing many of its members.
After
the battle, Luke Skywalker took a leave of absence and Wedge Antilles was
put
in command of the squadron.
During the time period between the battles of Hoth and Endor, (Shadows of
the Empire) Rogue Squadron was involved in many missions, including a
skirmish with Imperial Forces while the fleet was en route to Tatooine to
drop off Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, and C-3PO. During this
battle,
Rogue Squad managed to take out an Imperial Strike Cruiser. Skywalker
re-joined the squadron for a short time prior to the Battle of Endor when
Rogue was involved in a diversionary strike in the Gall system to cover an
attempt to rescue the carbonite-encased Han Solo from the vile bounty
hunter
Boba Fett. Fett's ship, Slave I, was docked in the system for repairs.
Unfortunately, this rescue attempt failed. During the skirmish Wes Janson
(Rogue 6) lost control of his X-wing to his malfunctioning R2 unit, and
began
to fire upon Luke Skywalker. A careful shot from Skywalker destroyed the
targeting sensors on Janson's X-wing, and the squad fell back upon the
base
to sort things out. The traitorous technician responsible for sabotaging
the
R2 unit was unfortunately killed before the Rebel Alliance was able to
question her. Shortly after that incident, Rogue Squadron was involved in
a
skirmish near Coruscant where they helped cover the Millennium Falcon's
escape from the planet.
Rogue Squadron made up the core of Red Group at the Battle of Endor
(Return
of the Jedi) - temporarily renamed in honor of those who fought and died
at
the Battle of Yavin. Rogue members racked up many kills during the battle,
including Wedge Antilles' kill of the Death Star 2 itself, a kill he
shares
with General Lando Calrissian.
TIMEFRAME: POST-ROTJ
Just a day after the Battle of Endor, (Truce at Bakura) Wedge was flying a
routine patrol mission in the Endor system when he came upon an Imperial
drone ship. While examining its contents Wedge accidentally set off a
destruct sequence, but heroically placed his own hand between the two
crystals that would join together, preventing the self destruct. The ship
contained a distress signal from an Imperial outpost in the Bakura system.
Alliance personnel, including Rogue Squadron, were sent to Bakura to
assist
the Imperials in driving off the forces of the Ssi-Ruuk Imperium, which
they
did successfully.
Shortly after the Battle of Bakura and prior to the Cilpar campaign, Wedge
led Rogue Squadron against the forces of Grand Moff Nivers on the planet
Tandankin. During the battle Wedge destroyed a tower which collapsed,
destroying hundreds of grounded Imperial TIE Fighters. The citizens were
at
first unhappy, but after a speech by Luke Skywalker, who was flying under
Wedge's command in Rogue Squadron at the time of the battle, the people
saw
that Wedge had in fact saved them from the tyrannical rule of the Empire.
(X-Wing: Rogue Squadron Kellogs Mail-away comic)
TIMEFRAME: ROGUE SQUADRON COMIC SERIES
Rogue Squadron was later instrumental in freeing the people of the planet
Cilpar from Imperial rule. The squad hooked up with the planetary
resistance,
led by Elscol Loro, in order to overthrow the Imperial Moff Boren Tascl.
The
Rebel operative on the planet, Winter, had squad member Tycho Celchu
infiltrate the Imperial garrison on the planet. Tycho, an Alderaanian who
defected from the Imperial Navy after his home planet's destruction, had
fought valiantly at the Battle of Endor. After the liberation of the
planet,
Elscol chose to join Rogue Squadron. (The Rebel Opposition)
Rogue Squadron's next mission was one of diplomacy, to the planet Mrlsst.
Wedge was to bargain with the Mrlssti for their phantom ship.
Unfortunately,
the Imperial delegate was none other than Loka Hask, the man responsible
for
the death of Wedge's parents. The Anti-Endor Association (AEA) further
complicated matters, assaulting Rogue Squadron member Tycho Celchu after
he
publicly denounced their belief that the Battle of Endor is simply Rebel
propaganda. Tycho was saved by none other than the "phantom Jedi" that
haunted the Mrlsst University campus! Matters were complicated further
when
the plans to the phantom ship were stolen -- and it appeared that Tycho
was
the thief. Hask and his ship were eventually destroyed by a device
invented
by Professor Falken, although the plans for the phantom ship were lost,
and
Elscol's wookiee companion, Groznik, was killed. (The Phantom Affair)
Rogue Squadron's next mission took them to the familiar landscape of
Tatooine. There, after attending a banquet given by Huff Darklighter, the
father of Biggs Darklighter (a Red Squadron member killed at the Battle of
Yavin) the Rogues again encountered Agent Winter. Unbeknownst to them, the
Twi'lek Firith Olan had arranged for a data disk to be stolen from
Darklighter's safe during this banquet. The data on the disk led to an
Imperial weapons cache on Tatooine, which was later destroyed by Rogue
Squadron member Elscol Loro. An Imperial attack pointed Rogue Squadron to
the
Twi'lek homeworld of Ryloth. There, Wedge convinced two Imperial Special
Forces Troopers to defect to the Alliance. Returning to Tatooine, Rogue
Squadron and their new allies thwarted the Imperial forces and claimed the
planet for the Alliance. Elscol then left the Squadron to become a freedom
fighter. (Battleground: Tatooine)
Rogue Squadron's next adventure took them to Eiattu, the home world of
Rogue
member Plourr Ilo, where she was revealed to be an actual princess. Plourr
assumed a leadership role and struggled to overcome a misguided liberation
front led by a man claiming to be her thought-dead brother and a secret
Imperial plot. New members joined the squad, including a Mon Calamari and
a
Quarren, two natives of the planet Calamari whose races have had a history
of
mutual dislike. (The Warrior Princess)
Sometime later, Tycho Celchu was captured and tortured by Imperial
Director
of Intelligence Ysanne (Iceheart) Isard. Celchu managed to escape her
secret
headquarters of Lusankya, but not the shadow of doubt the episode cast
over
him. The possibility that Isard had brainwashed him to betray the Rogues
forced Alliance command to remove Tycho from combat duty, over Wedge
Antilles' fervent objections.
TIMEFRAME: THE "X-WING" NOVELS
Later still, approximately two and a half years after the Battle of Endor,
Rogue Squadron underwent a major reformation. Old faces, such as Wes
Janson,
had moved on to other positions, while new members flooded in. Commander
Wedge Antilles and Captain Tycho Celchu were all that remained from the
squadron that fought on Cilpar, Mrlsst, and Tatooine. Notable new members
included Lt. Corran Horn, Ooryl Qrygg, Nawara Ven, Bror Jace, Erisi
Dlarit,
and Gavin Darklighter. Mirax Terrik, smuggler and friend of Commander
Antilles, once again assisted the squadron, after lending a hand in the
Mrlsst campaign. Also present were military protocol droid M-3PO and
several
Verpine technicians. Due to his suspected brainwashing, Tycho Celchu was
forced to enter battle in an unarmed Lambda class shuttlecraft.
Unfortunately
for the Squadron, Imperial agent Kitran Loor discovered their secret base
and
several pilots were killed in a surprise attack. Afterwards, Rogue
attempted
to take the Imperial installation on Borleias, also known as Blackmoon,
but
are unfortunately routed. Despite this disastrous operation, the Rogues
decided to make another try at Blackmoon, and this run proved a success,
with
Wedge able to destroy the power line necessary to the success of the
operation. Unfortunately, Wedge was forced to leave Corran behind. After
fighting off some TIE Fighters on his own Corran had given up all hope,
but
miraculously Mirax Terrik arrived to rescue him. (X-Wing: Rogue Squadron)
Rogue's next assignment was no small task -- the liberation of Coruscant,
the
Imperial Center itself. To do this the Rogues had to land on the planet
separately and fight on the ground to take out the computer core which
controlled the defenses. After much fighting and with the aid of criminals
freed from Kessel, the squadron managed to take control of the computer
core,
which in turn allowed the Alliance fleet to take control of the planet.
The
victory was bittersweet, as squadron member Corran Horn was believed
killed
in action and Tycho Celchu charged with his murder. (Wedge's Gamble)
After gaining control of Coruscant the Alliance faced a dreadful problem.
Prior to deserting the planet, Imperial forces loosed a deadly plague --
the
Krytos Virus -- which was systematically killing off the alien population.
The only cure for this deadly virus was bacta -- the healing solution
grown
on the planet Thyferra. Human/Alien relations were at a crucial point, and
to
further stress matters the highly publicized trial of Tycho Celchu served
as
a paradox to the Alliance. If they let him go free the aliens might have
viewed it as favoritism toward humans; but if they convicted him they
might
have sent an innocent man to his death! Luckily, Corran Horn (not dead at
all
but a prisoner of the same Lusankya Tycho had earlier escaped from) also
escaped from Luskanya. Tycho was set free and the true traitor in Rogue
Squadron was revealed to be none other than Erisi Dlarit. Due to the New
Republic's reluctance to go after Isard, the members of Rogue Squadron
resigned to fight the war on their own. After fighting Isard in the
Thyferra
system, Rogue Squadron rejoined the Alliance. (The Krytos Trap and The
Bacta
War)
TIMEFRAME: THE "THRAWN TRILOGY" AND BEYOND
Rogue Squadron next played a decisive role in the campaign against
Imperial
Grand Admiral Thrawn, with Derek "Hobbie" Klivian back in the squad. They
participated in the Battle of Sluis Van, the Battle for the Katana fleet,
and
the Battle of Bilbringi. Although the New Republic was almost destroyed by
Thrawn, a tactical genius, Rogue Squadron managed to keep up the fight
until
the Battle of Bilbringi, where Grand Admiral Thrawn was killed. (The Zahn
Trilogy)
Shortly after the end of Thrawn's campaign, Wedge Antilles finally
accepted
promotion to the rank of General in the Republic Army (at the request of
Admiral Ackbar) and, although left in command of the Navel Rogue Squadron,
was only granted the opportunity to fly with them if his duties as General
were not compromised. Without Wedge in devoted command, the squadron
eventually dissolved, signifying the end of an era. From Yavin to
Bilbringi,
Rogue Squadron -- in one form or another -- was there to fight the Empire,
to
defend the Rebel Alliance, to fight for freedom for all beings. Throughout
all the years there was one constant -- Wedge Antilles. Although Wedge
briefly returned to command Rogue Squadron in the evacuation of Thanta
Zilbra,this was only a temporary assignment and he soon resumed his
responsibilities of a General in the New Republic. Wedge was the
embodiment
of the principles of the Alliance to Restore the Republic: someone willing
to
risk it all for the greater good of the galaxy, someone willing to risk
his
life so that others could remain free.
The same could be said for all the pilots of Rogue Squadron. Though others
may call themselves by the same name, they are not the same squadron
without
the likes of Commander Wedge Antilles, Commander Luke Skywalker, Lt.
Corran
Horn, Lt. Pash Cracken, Captain Tycho Celchu, Wes Janson, Hobbie Klivian,
Plourr, and all of the other Rogues who fought so valiantly for the
Alliance
-- for freedom.
--
Jim Fisher
Star Wars Humor Page http://echo.simplenet.com/humor
Wedge Antilles Page http://echo.simplenet.com/wedge
Echo Station http://echo.simplenet.com