Tycho Celchu
Tycho Celchu (sɛltʃu) is part of the fictional
Star Wars Universe. He was seen briefly in
Return of the Jedi and was later featured in the
Expanded Universe X-Wing comics by
Michael Stackpole, and the novels by Stackpole and
Aaron Allston.
Tycho is a human male from
Alderaan, the son of an Alderaanian Holonet magnate, and brother of
Skoloc Celchu and
Mia Celchu. He joined the
Imperial Navy, where he trained under
Soontir Fel alongside future Rogues
Hobbie Klivian and
Biggs Darklighter. On his 21st birthday, he was speaking to his family on Alderaan when the connection suddenly was cut. Later, he learned that that was the moment when the
Death Star destroyed the planet, killing all its inhabitants.
Tycho defected to the
Rebel Alliance but his defection was cut off when his
TIE interceptor was shot down over
Dantooine. Luke lead a rescue party to save him, managing to do so just as he was about to be delivered to
Kessel He was present when the Empire attacked their base on
Hoth. He rescued Hobbie Klivian when his snowspeeder was damaged during the evacuation. Tycho joined
Rogue Squadron and flew an
A-wing at the
Battle of Endor. Tycho followed Lando and Wedge into the Death Star tunnel, and broke off when ordered to do so by Lando to draw off some of the Imperial pursuit. Despite popular belief, Tycho is not seen as the pilot saying, "Copy Red Leader" in
Return of the Jedi. This belief was denied by the writers of the X-Wing series. After the turning point at Endor, Tycho distinguished himself in many battles, proving his loyalty both to the Alliance and to his friends.
He volunteered to infiltrate the Imperial capital of
Coruscant, but was captured by
Ysanne Isard. Her attempts to turn him into a sleeper agent failed, but when he escaped and returned to the Rebellion, certain officers expressed their doubts as to his loyalty.
Wedge Antilles campaigned to have him made Executive Officer of Rogue Squadron. Tycho was instrumental in the conquest of Coruscant, but when fellow Rogue
Corran Horn disappeared and was presumed dead, Tycho was tried for his murder. Corran's re-appearance at the last minute saved Tycho's life, and his reputation within the New Republic. Tycho later used the Imperial Credits deposited in his name in an attempt to frame him to fund the liberation of
Thyferra.
While Wedge formed the new
Wraith Squadron, Tycho took command of the Rogues. He later accompanied Wedge to the world of
Adumar, along with
Hobbie Klivian and
Wes Janson. After Wedge's promotion to General, Tycho accepted the promotion to Colonel and took over Rogue Squadron on a permanent basis. He later retired and married
Winter, became an advisor to Princess
Leia Organa, and turned the squadron over to
Gavin Darklighter.
Tycho returned to active service to fight the
Yuuzhan Vong, serving as Wedge's second in command on several occasions. Tycho survived the war, and was pressured into re-retiring by Winter.