The "Sleeper" Ships of Galaxy's Edge

Looks Like a Freighter, Flies Like a Fighter.

The overarching plot of Galaxy’s Edge is told against a host of worlds where mankind has stretched out into the stars, eventually turning fledgling colonies into kingdoms. How did that happen? One ship at a time.

In Galactic Outlaws, we get our first taste of life on the edge apart from the Legion—first, by way of Captain Hogus transporting a mysterious passenger into the star port, then with Tyrus Rechs, an infamous bounty hunter who pilots his own way in and out of trouble. By the time we meet Captain Keel, it is pretty well established that, at galaxy’s edge, everyone is downplaying their ships so the authorities won’t look too close.

For a smuggler or bounty hunter, light to medium freighters fill a multitude of roles helpful in getting to that next score—or, in Rechs’s case, the next target. Capable of ferrying cargo or passengers, the jump capable transport vessels give those slipping into the system a variety of explanations—or excuses—as to why they are flying in.

Got a load of Endurian cognac? No problem. Parts for that mining operation in the fire salt flats outside of Ackabar? If it fits, it ships.

The diminutive nature of light to medium craft, like Keel’s Naseen light freighter, combined with powerful aftermarket engines and armor—unless you’re Captain Hogus—also means those jumping out to the edge can hide their fair share of weapons onboard. What looks like a tired and broken cargo vessel on the outside may hide an assault shuttle capable of direct combat on an objective or a rapid escape under fire. Multi-barreled blaster cannons; ID-spoofing, short-range missile batteries; omni-directional shields, and much more can be hidden inside a ship that looks no more dangerous than a delivery ship dropping off a load of livestock.

At galaxy’s edge, flying inconspicuously means a higher profit margin for those who avoid very costly aerial combat during their runs. In the event blaster bolts go high cycle and chase the ships into the sky, there’s always the freighters stacked with weapons ready to respond in kind as a violent do not disturb sign while the pilots jump away.

How would you equip your dream ship?