Garik Loran

Garik "Face" Loran was an Imperial holovid child star who grew up to become a pilot, spy, and leader of Wraith Squadron.

Biography
A Pantolomin native of Lorrdian heritage, as a child Loran made thinly-veiled Imperial propaganda holodramas such as The Black Bantha, Jungle Drums, and Win or Die -- becoming in many ways the galaxywide poster child for Imperial recruitment. Kidnapped by an extremist Rebel cell, his face was severely damaged when Imperial stormtroopers massacred his kidnappers in a bloody rescue attempt gone wrong. Upon reaching maturity, Loran used his own money to purchase his own A-wing starfighter and joined the New Republic, where he was assigned to Colonel Edor Crespin's Comet Squadron. After being forced to eject to avoid a proton torpedo, Loran bought an X-wing "for variety" but ended up at the same base Crespin commanded. The brash and spoiled movie star was a poor fit in the disciplined life of military command, however, and charges of insurbordination dogged his career. In truth, Loran despised himself for furthering the Imperial cause and projected his own self-loathing towards authority of any kind.

Wraith Squadron
In 7 ABY Loran found a last chance as New Republic starfighter heroes Wedge Antilles and Wes Janson began building the starfighter-commando hybrid squad for misfits and washouts that would become known as Wraith Squadron. After the squad was assembled, Flight Officer Loran earned the designation Wraith Eight. He quickly became friends with his wingman Ton Phanan, whose death at the hands of Zsinj's Raptors gave Face a new perspective on life. At the Battle of Talasea, Face invented a tactic that came to be known as the "Loran Spitball", in which a group of X-wings would fire a salvo of proton torpedoes while still in their hangar, providing an unexpected addition to a ship's firepower in the opening moments of battle.

After a promotion to Lieutenant, Face led the Hawk-bat Independent Space Force--a fake pirate group made up of members of Wraith Squadron. Face took the role of "General Kargin", and wore a disguise consisting of extensive false scars to conceal his very recognizable appearance. The Hawk-bats infiltrated Warlord Zsinj's organization, in order to learn more about him and his operations. After a disastrous meeting with the warlord aboard his personal Super Star Destroyer Iron Fist, Loran embarked on a passionate affair with fellow Wraith Dia Passik. Face also finally had his facial scar removed, as Phanan's will stipulated that if he did not do so, a small fortune would be given to his hated rival Tetran Cowall.

Shortly after the destruction of Zsinj's Razor's Kiss by Wraith and Rogue squadrons, Face was promoted to Captain and commander of Wraith squadron when Antilles and Janson returned to their former squadron. Face continued service with the Wraiths when it was transferred to New Republic Intelligence (NRI). He maintained a lasting friendship with long time squadmate Kell Tainer, who had been friends with him since Wraith Squadron was initially formed.

Yuuzhan Vong Invasion
During the first few years of the Yuuzhan Vong war, Loran led the squadron in efforts to break through Vong-held territory along a frontier stretching from Vortex to Bimmisaari. He led the Wraiths' evacuation of Antilles' wife and two daughters from Coruscant before they could be captured by Vong invaders. After the fall of that planet, the squad traveled to Borleias and assisted Antilles' efforts to repel the Vong from the Galactic Core. He also joined Luke Skywalker on his mission to Coruscant's surface, helping to defeat Lord Nyax and ultimately end the treachery of former New Republic Senator Viqi Shesh.

Loran also participated in the Battle of Yuuzhan'tar, joining up with Shamed Ones and resistance units on the planet's surface.

Appearances

 * X-wing: Wraith Squadron
 * X-wing: Iron Fist
 * X-wing: Solo Command
 * Enemy Lines I: Rebel Dream
 * Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand
 * Destiny's Way
 * The Unifying Force