Wookieepedia:Featured article queue/October 16, 2009

Samuel Raider was a captain in the Alliance Starfighter Corps during the Galactic Civil War. After he was captured by the Galactic Empire, Raider was sent to Stars' End prison, but was able to escape with the help of other captive Rebels. Fleeing to Kashyyyk, the escapees were later recovered by Rebel forces, though Raider's friend Lieutenant Cardacs was killed during the rescue. Raider joined Red Squadron aboard the MC80 Home One type Star Cruiser Independence, bringing news of a secret Imperial weapon with him. He initially blamed Cardacs' wingmate, Keyan Farlander, for his friend's death, but the two went on to become friends themselves. During his time with Red Squadron, Raider fought in several missions against the Empire as the Rebels attempted to learn more information about the Death Star, including the destruction of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Intrepid. However, his relationship with Farlander was strained when Farlander's instructions contributed to the deaths of two rookie pilots. When the Death Star moved to attack Yavin Base, Raider was one of several Independence pilots transferred to Yavin 4 for the upcoming battle, and was among the few to survive.