Independence/Legends

The Mon Calamari Cruiser Independence was a Home One type MC80 Star Cruiser that acted as the Rebel Alliance Fleet's flagship in the early years of the Galactic Civil War. She was under the command of Admiral Ackbar.

Description
Like other Mon Calamari Star Cruisers the Independence was unique. The handcrafted ships outer shell was formed of layers of flattened ribbon-like structural beams, with no right-angles to be found. The elongated hemispheres on the hull took on an organic appearance from a distance. A series of airlocks and hangars were located around the ship, including a large shuttle hangar towards the rear of the ship, near the engine housings. The Independence saw its share of combat and this took a toll on the vessel, leaving streaks of blackened scorch marks on the hull.

Long well-lit corridors ran through the ship, with main corridors wide enough to accommodate five people, lined by iris-like doors and sometimes intersected by smaller, tributary hallways. Hallways, like the design of the hull were not straight but curved left and right along their length.

One of the lower decks contained the Quarren section which had lower lighting levels than the upper decks, suiting the Quarren inhabitants who were used to the dark depths of the Mon Calamari seas. Crew quarters were often simple&mdash;small rooms with a desk, chair, a multi-species toilet and a cot which came out of the wall at the touch of a button.

A section of the ship contained the facilities for the ship's starfighter pilots, including a simulation room for training purposes and several briefing rooms for mission planning.

Although primarily used as a warship, the Independence had a variety of facilities to assist with the administration of the Rebellion. Alliance Chief of State Mon Mothma had an office on board and there were several lecture halls located on the ship.

History
During this phase of the Alliance, the fleet participated exclusively in hit and fade attacks, for which Independence acted as a staging ground. It was also used as a stop over point and training ground for Alliance starfighter pilots. It was in this capacity that it fought the Battle of Turkana.

During the early days of the Galactic Civil War the Rebel Alliance was attempting to draw more support to its cause. The Independence played a major role in this initiative by carrying Mon Mothma to meet with resistance movements on planets throughout the Galactic Empire in an attempt to persuade them to join the Alliance.

Security on these diplomatic missions was tight. On one such trip to Agamar in the Lahara Sector, while Mon Mothma delivered her "A Call to Reason" speech to members of the resistance on the planet, the Independence remained in orbit, deploying four X-wings and four Y-wings, and keeping watch for signs of Imperial activity.

Mon Mothma's visit paid off quickly&mdash;the Independence had arrived with a skeleton crew of 1230 and, despite leaving some advisers behind to assist local efforts, left orbit with 1233 on board, having acquired several new recruits.

During this time the vessel also played host to meetings between senior Alliance personnel, including Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar, General Jan Dodonna and General Crix Madine. One such meeting occurred in orbit of Mon Calamari upon the ship's return from Agamar.

Independence was instrumental in ending Operation Strike Fear by destroying the Star Destroyer Invincible. She repelled an attack on the Tantive IV while it was carrying the Death Star plans and a number of its pilots also served in the Battle of Yavin.

After the completion of the first Death Star, and while orbiting Bestine IV, Independence was approached by Immortal but her crew were able to defend her until she made the jump to hyperspace. This attack caused the Alliance High Command who were on board, to establish themselves on Yavin 4.

Independence also hosted the diplomatic meeting with the Habassa during which she was attacked by the EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigates Havok and Riptide. Two CR90 corvettes from Birkby came to assist.

Later, it came under assault by Merciless, but the efforts of Keyan Farlander saved it from destruction. Independence was also the ship responsible for ensuring the Imperial Computer containing the Death Star II plans was brought safely to the Alliance fleet, following the capture and destruction of the Corvette Razor. During the Battle of Endor, Independence acted as the Alliance's fleet communications control center. Six months later it participated in the Battle of Brentaal IV.

The vessel's fate after that battle is unknown. But five and a half years later her commander, Admiral Ackbar, choose the new MC90 Star Cruiser Defiance as his new flagship, which could have resulted in the retirement for Independence.

Commanders and crew
The Independence's crew was drawn from several species from across the Galaxy. Joining the many Mon Calamari and Quarren on board were representatives of a number of species including Humans and Sullustans.

The ship's complement of starfighters were manned by pilots from Red Squadron, Blue Squadron and Gold Squadron. Starfighter Command maintained a large presence on board and General Dodonna was frequently on the Independence. Among the senior Starfighter Command personnel serving on the Independence were the tactical training officer, Commander Wex "TIE-Die" Dafid, the mission planner, Commander S'man, and the debriefing officer, Lieutenant Commander Lagrane.

It trained a number of new recruits; from Agamar, Keyan Farlander and Sunnar Jan-lo, and from Devaron; Grizz Frix. Serving onboard was the Quarren, Vice Admiral Wirriz.

Behind the scenes
Since its appearances, many have wondered if Independence shared designs with Home One, or was another name for that vessel. In the Q&A section on StarWars.com, it was confirmed that the vessels were two different ships sharing the same design and that a promotional image of Home One was used in the SW card game to portray Independence as well.

Appearances

 * The Farlander Papers
 * Star Wars: X-wing
 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars Infinities: Return of the Jedi
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: In the Empire's Service