Varth
- "Commander Varth is far more successful at keeping his pilots alive than you are. And, yes, I know Commander Varth has never had to face a Death Star."
- ―Gial Ackbar to Wedge Antilles
Commander Varth was an X-wing Wing Commander who was in charge of the Atrivis sector's starfighter wing.
Biography
- "I'm back as part of Commander Varth's wing. While the bulk of the fleet is off chasing Warlord Zsinj, we're being pulled Core-ward to cover some of the sectors where Zsinj used to run around. It's going to be something of an adventure for our people, because we'll be staging from Folor, that moon base orbiting Commenor."
- ―Pash Cracken
Varth was a male Human starfighter pilot who served with the Alliance Starfighter Corps during the Galactic Civil War. Holding the rank of Wing Commander, he was assigned to Generis base, the headquarters of the Alliance to Restore the Republic's Atrivis Sector Force, and was in command of all starfighters in the sector. Varth's position in the Atrivis sector chain-of-command was loosely defined; he was under the command of the local Commander-in-Chief, Travia Chan, in regards to offensive operations, but was also answerable to Alliance Sector Command in regards to the defense of the Outer Rim Command Center. Additionally, Varth was also under the authority of Starfighter Command for combined operations with the starfighters from other sectors.[1]
Varth's command was officially equipped with a full fighter wing of thirty-six starfighters, but, in reality, only around eighteen were available for operational deployment at any one time. Six fighters were required to be fully armed and fuelled, ready to launch in defense of the base and the Outer Rim Communications Center at a moment's notice. Flights of starfighters were also constantly being pulled away from Atrivis by Starfighter Command for other operations. Varth's command also suffered from primitive maintenance facilities, and a lack of competent pilots.[1]
By 7 ABY, Varth's command included Cracken Flight Group, under the command of Pash Cracken.[3] While the majority of the New Republic Defense Fleet were hunting for Warlord Zsinj, Varth and his unit was pulled coreward, staging from Commenor's moon, Folor, to protect sectors where Zsinj had operated in.[4]
In 9 ABY, Varth was back in the Atrivis sector, and was present when Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo assaulted Generis. The Imperials captured the Outer Rim Comm Center, but Cracken and General Kryll were able to spirit away Travia Chan and her staff. Varth's disposition after the battle was unclear; Cracken hoped he had been able to punch through the assault and hook up with units at either Fedje or Ketaris.[2]
Personality and traits
- "What about Varth? Did he make it out?"
"I don't know. We lost contact with him during the retreat. I'm still hoping he was able to punch through the other side of the pincer and hook up with one of the units at Fedje or Ketaris."
"He'll make it. He's too contrary to roll over and die just for the Empire's convenience." - ―Wedge Antilles and Pash Cracken
Varth was a bitter individual, taciturn and a strict disciplinarian. He was hated by the pilots under his command, but they tolerated him because, despite his attitude, he was a brilliant soldier and commander, whose tactical prowess kept them alive and victorious against overwhelming odds.[1]
Skills and abilities
Varth was trained in the use of blaster, as well as unarmed combat. He was also familiar with bureaucratic procedure, alien languages, and star systems. A skilled pilot, Varth was also able to plot courses through hyperspace, operate the weapons and deflector shield systems on larger vessels, and perform repairs and maintenance on starfighters. A brilliant starfighter tactician, his skill kept his pilots alive and winning even when the odds were against them. Varth was also trained in survival techniques, computer programming and repair, application of first aid, and bypassing security equipment.[5]
Equipment
Varth wore a standard issue Alliance flight suit, and carried a blaster pistol and comlink.[5]
Appearances
- X-Wing: Rogue Squadron (Mentioned only)
- X-Wing: Rogue Squadron unabridged audiobook (Mentioned only)
- X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble (Mentioned only)
- X-Wing: The Bacta War (Mentioned only)
- The Last Command (Mentioned only)
- The Last Command audiobook (Mentioned only)
Sources
- The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook (First mentioned)
- The Last Command Sourcebook
- The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition
- The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
Pash Cracken in the Databank (content now obsolete; backup link)