The Possible Connection Between Alphabet Squadron And 'The High Republic'
The Star Wars galaxy is a vast universe with thousands of planets, locations, battles, technology, and names. Ask anyone who is just beginning to dive into the Star Wars fandom, and they will tell you it can feel very overwhelming. At the same time, that is part of the charm that is Star Wars. There is an immense story that encapsulates the entire saga. Sometimes, the threads that connect one end of the saga to the other aren't always immediately visible. Sometimes they aren't there at all, but we, as fans, believe in the possibility.
One such possibility lies within the pages of Alexander Freed's 2021 novel Alphabet Squadron: Victory's Price, which is the last novel in the Alphabet Squadron trilogy. In Victory's Price, there is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it mention of a TIE pilot named Bansu Ro, who first appeared in the tie-in comic book series from Marvel called TIE Fighter (2019). So what? Well, how many people in Star Wars have the last name "Ro"? Besides Bansu, there are only two: Asgar Ro and his son Marchion Ro, also known as the Eye of the Nihil in The High Republic. And with the amount of The High Republic material that has been published and the timing of the book's release, in the words of General Motti, "It's possible, however unlikely," there could be a connection between Alphabet Squadron and The High Republic.
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Before exploring the possible connection, let's explore what it means for the audience to take part in a myth. When the audience takes part in a myth, they insert their own perceptions of what the story is telling them. Is that what is presented to me, or am I inserting my own experiences into the story? That is what makes myths and legends so crucial to our society and culture.
There are not many names in Star Wars that are common. The only surname used by two families without a blood relation is Antilles. So to have a name like Ro and not be related seems unlikely. Even if they are distant relatives, it does not necessarily mean there will be a significant impact on the story, but it would be cool anyway. Star Wars is great at inserting these very subtle threads most inconspicuously. In the near future, if this were to come up, Lucasfilm will no doubt say, "Hey, remember this very brief mention in Victory's Price? Yea, now he's a big deal."
So who is Bansu Ro? Bansu is a human male from Lothal who is estranged from his family, who are Rebel sympathizers. Bansu becomes an Imperial cadet at the Galactic Empire's academy on Carida. He eventually joins the elite 204th Fighter Wing in the Imperial Navy.
A closer look at Bansu and Marchion will reveal that the two are two different species. Bansu is human, while Marchion is an Evereni. What are the chances two people from two different species will have the same last name? However, they are not as different as you think. Evereni are humanoid; their slate-grey skin and black eyes are the only difference. Bansu is a dark-skinned human male. Essentially, mixing the two species is entirely possible. In The High Republic: Trail of Shadows #2, it is revealed that Senator Starros has an affair with Marchion Ro and becomes pregnant. With Starros and Bansu being both dark-skinned, perhaps this is the beginning of what will lead to Bansu Ro. If Bansu is related to Marchion and Senator Starros, that would also mean he is related to the smuggler Sana Starros.
My gut feeling is that there is something there, but it won't amount to much. Bansu doesn't aspire to rule the galaxy, isn't Force-sensitive, and just wants to live out his post-military days in peace. Star Wars is just one giant unhappy family.
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