Rangers midseason report In the Rangers' orbit

Illustration by Michael Hogue

N

ot such a long time ago, in this very galaxy…

A great republic, the Rangers Republic, seemed on the brink of bringing peace and harmony throughout the universe. Now, in two short light years, the Republic has grown weak. Its key leaders are old or infirm or have become corpulent due to the fruits of prosperity. A great rebellion has broken out in the Western corner of the galaxy and it threatens the ultimate collapse of the Republic.

Members of the Republic have been forced to hide on a remote, desolate planet that is the farthest from the sun. Throughout the galaxy, the world is called “The Last Place.”

Here the leaders of the once-proud republic, led by Senator Daniels and General Washington try to regroup and build plans to restore the Republic while at the same time finding a way to combat Emperor Beane of The Bay planet. It is a key moment in the history of the Republic.

Will it rise from the ashes and prove that it has the ability to adapt? Or will it fade away into history as a brief glorious time?

As we join the story, our wise narrator, the Jedi Master known as Yoda Grant, introduces all the key players and assesses their ability to help the Republic in its time of need…

Interactive graphic: Touch image to see info

Luke Skywalker: Yu Darvish

Our hero, he is. May the force be with him. But can alone one man make a difference in the face of the enemy — hmmm — when all others have failed?

Child Anakin Skywalker: Rougned Odor

Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is. Perhaps this is the chosen one, hmmm? Much training he still requires. Reckless with the light saber; swing at everything, he does. Young Jedis, they must learn first to walk.

Young adult Anakin Skywalker: Martin Perez

Showed great talent at a young age, this one did. Injury on the battlefield, though, he suffered. With a newly built left arm he will return. Stronger will he be? Or lost to the dark side forever?

Darth Vader: Adrian Beltre

Feared, he was, this fighter. But one weakness, he has: his legs. And young Padawans remember, they must: Never, ever mess with his helmet.

Darth Maul: Alexi Ogando

Turned into a grotesque shell of what he once had been, he was. Switched sides too often, did he. Once able to use the force, he had been. Now: Mostly forgotten is he.

Tusken Raiders: Robbie Ross Jr., J.P. Arencibia

They could be trusted not. Exiled to the wretched, barren world of Round Rock, they were. Rarely seen, they are. Thought of, they are not.

Ewoks: Luis Sardinas, Michael Choice, Nick Martinez, Nick Tepesch

Cute, these newbies are, yes. But to use of the alliance in future episodes can they be, hmm? Hmmmmmm.

Han Solo (frozen in Carbonite): Matt Harrison

Great hero, he was. But fell victim early, he did, to the plague that swept over the alliance. Seen again ever will he?

Choo-bacca: Shin-Soo Choo

Such success this ferocious creature had, he did, in another galaxy leading his army into battle. Is the force still strong in him?

R2D2: Chris Gimenez

Found on the nearby, desolate Round Rock, he was. But of Luke Skywalker become the constant companion, he has. Great help to Luke, is he. Yes.

C3PO: Scott Baker

Built of spare parts and found on the scrap heap, he was, but when all else fails, around to pick up after the order of starters, he is.

Jar Jar Binks: Elvis Andrus

Funny, he is funny. Loyal, he is loyal. Talented, he is talented. But given too much responsibility too quickly has he been, hmm? It is time. Do or do not. There is no try.

Lando Calrissian: Alex Rios

Dashing and valiant, he is, but end up in another galaxy all together, something tells me he could.

Qui Gon Jin: Tanner Scheppers

To the ranks of Jedi only recently ascended, wounded, he was, like Anakin Skywalker, of battle in the course. It fatal was, hmm? Tell, only time will. Hmmmmmm.

Old Obi-Wan Kenobi: Colby Lewis

When nearly 35 years you reach, with a new hip and new arm, look as good most will not. But immortal is he? Or time to put down the saber, is it, and be one with the force?

Mace Windu: Joakim Soria

A true Jedi master, he is. Use the force, he does, for knowledge, defense and protection. Fear, he does not.

Clone Troopers: Aaron Poreda, Pedro Figueroa, Ben Rowen, Shawn Tolleson, Donnie Murphy, Josh Wilson, Brad Snyder, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Daniel Robertson, Adam Rosales, Carlos Pena, Miles Mikolas, Jake Smolinski, Roman Mendez, Phil Irwin, Matt West

When blasted or ineffective in fighting, one is, simply plug in another. The empire will, if they must, make more.

Jawas: Justin Germano, Daniel McCutchen, Seth Rosin, Hector Noesi, Jim Adduci

Faceless little creatures, they are. And since, on screen so briefly, are they, even matter does it, hmm?

Jabba the Hutt: Prince Fielder

Large and powerful, but gone for now, the Hutt is. For the next episode might, he return stronger and more fearsome? Only hope, the chancellor can.

Bib Fortuna: Mitch Moreland

To the Hutt the understudy. Met a similar untimely fate, he did.

Senate guards: Jason Frasor, Neal Cotts

The last line of defense, are they. Often full of excitement and adventure, their outings are. Excitement. Adventure. A Jedi craves not these things

Kit Fisto: Neftali Feliz

When the force is with you again, old weapons you will need not. Patience must you have. Reckless you must not be.

Captain Panaka: Robinson Chirinos

Until this campaign, untested, he was. But protected the home base well, he has. Kept alien armies, he has, from invading the second moon. The force is strong in him, it is, with the order of pitchers.

Grand Moff Tarkin: Joe Saunders

To be around, he seemed to be, when things blew up. Eventually he blew up, too.

Admiral Akbar: Leonys Martin

Make him a renowned defender of the alliance, his strong blaster and warp speed could. When on the offensive, often he finds himself saying: “It’s a trap!” Yes, hmmm.