Kubala Ruwassa

> "*Great. Another Star Destroyer.*"
> ― **Kubala Ruwassa** to Arrow Squadron during the Battle of Faan Shaarada
>
>

## **Overview**

**Kubala Ruwassa** was a Rodian fighter pilot from Rodia that fought in the Galactic Civil War as a member of Arrow Squadron. He joined the Rebellion just before the Battle of Yavin and was assigned to the Arrows just prior to their departure for the Betseeda System. A comparable pilot, he was known as a demolitions expert and marksman. He served with honor throughout the Betseeda Campaign, but was shot down and killed at the Battle of Jonquil Station. His call sign was Arrow Ten.

## **Before the Rebellion**

### **Youth**

Raised on the harsh, jungle world of Rodia, Ruwassa was one of seven children. He was born into one of Rodia's never-ending clan wars involving his family, members of the Reevan Clan, against a smaller, nearby clan. Reevan Clan had paid the infamous bounty hunter and pirate Nym to assist in the war. Nym helped turn the tide and Ruwassa was raised on stories of his bravery and skill. Valuing the hunt above all else, Ruwassa grew into adulthood wanting nothing more than to fly among the stars and bring honor to his clan.

Not wanting to pursue illegal activities such as smuggling and not overly talented with weaponry, Ruwassa studied explosives and detonators. He made a small amount of money for himself and his clan selling explosives to other clans and outside interests. His initial goal was to fly as a pilot for the Galactic Empire, but even he knew this was impossible as the Empire did not accept alien recruits. Ruwassa continued to save his money and, eventually, saved up enough to buy a battered old Z-95 Headhunter from a passing arms dealing.

### **Learning to Fly**

Ruwassa trained himself not only to fly the old single-seat fighter, but also how to repair and replace nearly every part of the ship. In time, he became a skilled pilot, entering competitions and races across his home world. Whatever prize money he earned, he put back into his fighter. He took meticulous care of his ship and made quite a name for himself as a young man.

This popularity drew the attention of local Imperial agents and sometime in 0 ABY, they confiscated his ship and destroyed it right before his eyes. They alleged that he was a dangerous individual and threatened him with imprisonment. Crushed, but resolute, Ruwassa boarded the next transport off Rodia and, with a bank account full of credits, sought out the Rebel Alliance.

## **Arrow Squadron**

### **Early Days**

Eventually linking up with a remote alliance base, Ruwassa enlisted in the Starfighter Corp. His skill was easily recognizable and he was moved through training very quickly. His first assignment was to the newly formed Arrow Squadron under the command of Lieutenant Tolamael Benere. The Rodian joined his fellow squadron mates who had already arrived in the system.

Welcomed with open arms, he was quick to bond with several of his new wing mates. Lieutenant Benere was impressed by the young man's zeal and skill and often used Ruwassa as an in-flight advisory during the earliest days of unit training. His skills as a demolitions expert were also employed as he helped create bombs and explosives for the Betseeda Resistance Forces.

Ruwassa flew at the First Battle of Betseeda Prime and the Battle of Faan Shaarada, earning his first kills as an Arrow. He missed the Battle of Myyribod as he was assigned to a patrol that was a great distance away from the conflict. The battle was short and deadly and Ruwassa mourned the loss of his fellow pilots. He helped assist in the rebuild of Tazion and began several BRF soldiers in the art of bomb making.

### **Continuing the Fight**

Ruwassa was one of the first pilots in the air during the Second Battle of Betseeda Prime. His quick thinking helped save many of the novice Betseedan Resistance Forces pilots and turned the tide of the fight. When BRF forces, including their fledgling fighter wing entered the battle on the side of Arrow Squadron, Ruwassa fought with distinction.

Following the battle, Ruwassa was praised in the report for his bravery and he felt a deep, sincere sense of pride.

### **The Battle of Jonquil Station and Death**

> "*There are too many of them!*"
> ― **Kubala Ruwassa** just before his death
>
>

As the Battle of Jonquil Station erupted, it was clear that Arrow Squadron would be put to the test. Orbital defense platforms had been erected on the abandoned station and both Star Destroyers still remained dangerous and deadly. Ruwassa was assigned to the wing of fighters under the command of Vid Paratool. Their assignment was to engage the TIE fighters and protect the other Arrows as they made attack runs on the sitting Star Destroyers.

Ruwassa was an adept pilot and could out fly most Imperial pilots. He managed to shoot down four TIE fighters in a matter of moments, but was overwhelmed by the sheer number pouring out from the damaged Star Destroyers. As he chased a TIE fighter, another engaged him from the rear. Another TIE pursued him from below, cutting off his avenue of escape. Both TIE's landed a number of hits which caused the left wing of his fighter to break apart and engulfed his ship in flames. His X-Wing spiraled out of control and smashed into the side of the Star Destroyer Venom, killing the young Rodian instantly.

His surviving squadron mates managed to destroy or further cripple the two Destroyers a short time later, ultimately helping to liberate the Betseeda System once and fore all.

## **Legacy**

Ruwassa was a popular member of Arrow Squadron and his death, along with so many others, at Jonquil Station was a significant blow to morale. Unknown until after his death, Kubala had been sending most of his wages and all of his former prize money back to the Reevan Clan. His clan mates on Rodia had used the money to arm and outfit themselves and had begun a small resistance campaign of their own against the Empire.

When Lieutenant Benere learned of these brave actions, he helped secure additional resources for Reevan Clan and personally visited Ruwassa's family shortly before the Battle of Endor. He paid his respects to a small monument built in Ruwassa's honor and left an Arrow Squadron flight patch as a token of his appreciation.