StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Noble Ire wrote:

CaptainChewbacca wrote:Wasn't the communications ship destroyed, which allowed the rebels to detect the shield was still up?

That seems rather unlikely, considering the fact that the shield was detected withing only a minute or so of the arrival of Ackbar's fleet, before the TIE screen had even engaged them. Additionally, isn't the communications ship mentioned or seen in the thick of the battle, much later on?

I'm almost positive Ackbar ordered fighters to concentrate on the comm-ship, and that only after it blew up did Lando get a look at the shields. they detected the jamming almost immediately, that might be where we're getting confused.

CaptainChewbacca wrote:

Noble Ire wrote:

CaptainChewbacca wrote:Wasn't the communications ship destroyed, which allowed the rebels to detect the shield was still up?

That seems rather unlikely, considering the fact that the shield was detected withing only a minute or so of the arrival of Ackbar's fleet, before the TIE screen had even engaged them. Additionally, isn't the communications ship mentioned or seen in the thick of the battle, much later on?

I'm almost positive Ackbar ordered fighters to concentrate on the comm-ship, and that only after it blew up did Lando get a look at the shields. they detected the jamming almost immediately, that might be where we're getting confused.

Upon reviewing the novelization, you are quite correct. The Alliance fleet does dispense with jamming by destroying the communications ship some time into the battle. I must have been remembering the film incorrectly.

However, the ISB does say that the captain of a ship--no matter how insignificant--is superior to an executive officer on any larger ship

By ISB I presume you mean Imperial Source Book? I haven't seen this referenced before, so if you could provide the quote that would be helpful. If indeed that is the case, then that was the piece of evidence I was asking for, and which nobody seemed able to provide. Consequently, pending a quote, I'll concede the point. I'm still not convinced that Pellaeon's actions at Endor demonstrate cowardice thanks to the effect of the BM, but that's a matter of opinion.

As to why Pellaeon wasn't court martialled for the order, I believe the proposed theory was that since such key figures as a pair of Grand Admirals fled the battle, court martials were dispensed with to save face.

The main communications ship, implied to be a larger Star Destroyer, was destroyed in battle. Chimæra was functioning as a secondary communications vessel, apparently.

Lazarus, I'll have your quote shortly.

Bump, because I'm still waiting for this quote. If it isn't presented, then it cannot be proved that Pellaeon's actions were illegal. Whether his order was understandable is a matter of personal opinion.

I'm still around, but it's going to be a while until I get access to my material. I'll post as soon as I get it.

The Imperial Sourcebook, second edition wrote:There is a certain amount of chauvinism on the basis of ship size and power, but being the captain of a KDY Lancer often carries more prestige than being a staff officer of any rank.

Is that the quote in question?

If it is, then it proves nothing, beyond that the Captain of a Lancer-class frigate will hold a certain amount of prestige above his peers, most likely due to the reputation of the class.

Lazarus, I was about to reply to your rebuttal to my post, but GrandAdmiralJello replied quite admirably. (Due to several university projects I couldn't check back again until yesterday evening). I can see where you are coming from and I understand your arguments. I believe he should have maintained the formation and proceeded to attack the rebels, but your argument that this would have been costly to the empire holds value. I guess we just have to disagree whether the shipyards being shot up by the Rogues and ship losses would have been worth the destruction of Ackbar's fleet.

In terms of characterization, to give you a short and direct answer as to why:

Thrawn is an eminently aristocratic character, and also somewhat an intellectual--so you have something unusual here for SW. Tehre's a reason people flock to costume dramas set in pre-enlightenment times. The entire TTT, at least for the Imperial side, is written from an aristocratic perspective of one or two leaders. (I judge it a serious mistake on Zahn's part to portray him as born a commoner in OBF.)