Hohass Ekwesh

An equine Thakwaash from the world of Thakwaa, Hohass "Runt" Ekwesh was a pilot with Wraith Squadron.

Biography
Considered small for his species, Runt was still a physically imposing presence with almost three times the strength of a Human his size (and he was larger than most Humans.) He was wingman to, and good friends with, pilot Kell Tainer. Though he had a sort of split-personality, often referring to himself in the plural, he proved himself to be an excellent and controlled pilot after Kell Tainer's assistance. After the death of fellow pilot Jesmin Ackbar, Runt was trained to be the Wraiths' new communications specialist.

Personality and traits
Runt, like all Thakwaash, had many different minds. The two most important of these were his social mind, and his pilot mind. His social mind was the mind that he used to talk to people. It was polite and deferential. His pilot mind was an inarticulate mess, a hotshot pilot that constantly disobeys orders. This was the reason behind him being assigned to the Wraith Squadron. While with the squadron, they, and in particular Kell Tainer, helped him learn to switch more easily between his minds, and restrain the excesses of his pilot mind. Another mind that came to prominence was his student mind, "the one who remembers, and studies for tests", which recalled exactly how to fly down a narrow trench while avoiding turbolaser fire from an orbiting Star Destroyer.

While with Wraith Squadron, his prowess at seeing things from many points of view was put to good use. One exercise that he performered was to read and answer correspondence for Imperial pilots Wraith Squadron had captured. Another was to try to emulate the thinking of Warlord Zsinj; his Zsinj-mind was very erudite, but he was not fond of it, as it "[made] our ego puff up".

Strength
Runt was physically the mightiest squad member, with the possible exception of Voort "Piggy" saBinring. His strength was first revealed when he lifted a turbolift door effortlessly, twice, with no help from hydraulics. The second time was when he was forced to attack an Imperial unarmed combat specialist who had just defeated Shalla Nelprin and was a moment from killing her. He picked up the warrior and smashed him into a wall hard enough to break his neck.

Behind the scenes

 * The illustration of Ekwesh from The New Essential Guide to Characters was adopted as a humorous mascot by the concept artists of Revenge of the Sith, who referred to him as "Horse Pilot". He was often used as an inspiration during all-night design sessions. Alex Jaeger even designed a custom X-wing, basing its design off a horse trailer.
 * Author Aaron Allston used a fan drawing made by Amy Pronovost to help himself visualize Ekwesh.
 * It may be noted that the word "hohass" sounds like "horse" and "ekwesh" like "equine".

Appearances

 * X-wing: Wraith Squadron
 * X-wing: Iron Fist
 * X-wing: Solo Command

Notes and references
Hohass Ekwesh