- "Instead of the usual payment method, we require your assistance. Help us in a small matter, and we will give you everything we have on the Esstran Cordon."
- ―The local spymaster
The Esstran Cordon was the blockade of the Esstran sector by the Galactic Empire during the Galactic Civil War.
History
- "The Y-wing strayed into an area where the Empire is testing some new starfighter designs. It's all here on this datacard. The Y-wing made an excellent test subject for the TIE prototypes. The pilot ejected when his ship was destroyed. We believe he is still alive and being held in the secure base inside the cordoned area."
- ―The local spymaster
During the Galactic Civil War, the Rebel Alliance did not consider this area of space to contain any unusual danger.[1]
However, at some point between the Battle of Hoth and the Battle of Endor, the Galactic Empire cordoned off this once-open sector, and no unauthorized ships were allowed to enter the area. The Empire established a secure base inside the cordoned area and used it for testing new starfighter designs.[1]
When Rebel pilot Zan Porpu entered the Esstran Cordon aboard his Y-wing starfighter, he was used as a test subject for TIE prototypes.[1]
With their pilot missing in action, the Rebel Alliance turned to the Bothan Spynet for help. The local spymaster agreed to give information on this matter in exchange for the rescue of a female Bothan agent, who was detained by the local Imperial authorities in a minor security facility.[1]
After the rescue, the spymaster agreed to honor his part of the bargain. He informed the Rebel Alliance that Zan Porpu ejected when his Y-wing starfighter was destroyed by a TIE Advanced x1. The Bothan Spynet believed the pilot was still alive and being held in the secure base inside the Esstran Cordon.[1]
Sources
- Rebellion Era Sourcebook (First appearance)
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, Vol. III ("Porpu, Zan")