USA Today Releases Exclusive Excerpt from “Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel”

Catalyst CoverComing out a month before the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, James Luceno’s Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel will attempt to set the stage for the upcoming film as it focuses on the two men behind the creation of the galaxy’s most fearsome weapon ever conceived, Galen Erso and Orson Krennic.  Dating back to the Clone Wars, the book will detail the relationship between these two men and will also give readers a glimpse at Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) as a child. USA Today has just released an excerpt from the novel (due for release Nov. 15th).  Read on for more.

 

(from USA Today):

 

Pablo Hidalgo, a creative executive in Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Story Group, promises that the book will answer some of the questions about the history of the moon-sized Death Star, which annihilated the planet Alderaan — and later was blown up by Luke Skywalker — in 1977’s original Star Wars film.

“Everyone knows about the Death Star as this way-larger-than-life concept,” Hidalgo says. “It’s hard to wrap your head around this weapon that’s so powerful. But this is the idea of understanding who were some of its architects and what were they thinking?

“It’s no accident that we’ve taken a look at the Manhattan project and what was happening at Los Alamos laboratories during the tail end of World War II. Being able to look at that kind of thing through history and then apply the Star Wars filter to it is really fascinating.”

 

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Galen Erso (left) and Orson Krennic (middle)

 

Excerpt from Chapter 5 of Star Wars: Rogue One: Catalyst:

The tall gates swung open and suddenly Galen Erso was standing alongside the carriage, bracketed by two prison guards, looking much thinner than Lyra allowed herself to admit. The guards, however, made no effort to restrain him when he shuffled to her, embracing her and Jyn for a long moment.

“You look lovelier than ever,” he said, stepping back to take them in. His eyes went to Jyn.  “Let me hold her.”

Lyra passed Jyn to him. Carefully he peeled away the swaddling that masked her face and smiled more broadly than Lyra had ever seen him smile. Jyn stirred in his arms, and Lyra said: “She remembers you, Galen.”

“She’s beautiful,” he said, inspecting her face. “Her eyes have changed color.”

Lyra nodded. “They’re sort of flecked.”

“Stardust,” Galen said. “That’s what’s in her eyes.”

“Galen, what’s happening?” Lyra risked asking. “Why have we been brought here. They’re not going to—”

“I haven’t been told anything. They took me out of my cell before dawn.”

“The same with us. I’m worried.”

“Don’t be.” He showed her his grimy hands. “See? No restraints. And no one has brandished a weapon at me all morning.”

Lyra didn’t find much relief in it. “Could they be sending us somewhere else? Is there a worse prison?”

Before he could reply, one of the guards ordered Galen up into the carriage.

He did as instructed, and the drivers snapped their whips over the heads of the leadtaqwa, who set off at a brisk pace. The carriage’s wooden wheels bounded over bumps and ruts, and Lyra inadvertently bit down on her tongue. When Tambolor had disappeared from view, Galen raised himself up on the bench seat to take a look around.

“We’re heading for the spaceport.”

Lyra’s eyes widened. “You don’t think—”

“I don’t want to jinx anything by thinking.”

 

Click (here) to read the full excerpt from USA Today.

 

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Young Jyn Erso from Rogue One

 

Apparently, the book will answer a couple of specific questions concerning the construction of the Death Star that fans have been raising ever since we saw that dish being set in place in the first trailer for Rogue One.

Questions like: “Wait, didn’t the Geonosians come up with the plan for the Death Star?  Wasn’t it already being constructed at the end of RotS? What’s Krennic’s role in all this? I thought Tarkin was the “mastermind” behind the Death Star’s construction process.

Expect this novel to tie all of these things together and to shine light on the answers to these questions.

 

This is probably the most anticipated Star Wars novel for me this year, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. How much are you looking forward to Catalyst?  Share your comments below.

 

 

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Jordan Pate is Co-Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net, of which he is also a member of the book and comic review team. He loves all things Star Wars, but when he's not spending time in the galaxy far far away, he might be found in our own galaxy hanging out in Gotham City or at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, Salem Center, NY.

Jordan Pate (Hard Case)

Jordan Pate is Co-Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net, of which he is also a member of the book and comic review team. He loves all things Star Wars, but when he's not spending time in the galaxy far far away, he might be found in our own galaxy hanging out in Gotham City or at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, Salem Center, NY.

26 thoughts on “USA Today Releases Exclusive Excerpt from “Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel”

  • October 20, 2016 at 4:33 pm
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    Really looking forward to this one. This should really add to seeing the movie a month later and it’s nice to have some background to the new characters. Luceno did a great job with Tarkin and I’m sure this one will follow suit.

  • October 20, 2016 at 5:02 pm
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    I am curious about it, but ‘Tarkin’ is in my opinion almost unreadable…though ‘Darth Plagueis’ was acceptable. But yeah I’ll probably cave in, I’m already a fan of the Ersos, and nice to follow up with the actual movie shortly after.

  • October 20, 2016 at 5:19 pm
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    Lyra is my cat’s name. Glad to know she’s cannon now lol.

  • October 20, 2016 at 5:36 pm
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    USA Today’s website is rubbish. Here’s the excerpt in full:

    The tall gates swung open and suddenly Galen Erso was standing alongside the carriage, bracketed by two prison guards, looking much thinner than Lyra allowed herself to admit. The guards, however, made no effort to restrain him when he shuffled to her, embracing her and Jyn for a long moment.

    “You look lovelier than ever,” he said, stepping back to take them in. His eyes went to Jyn. “Let me hold her.”

    Lyra passed Jyn to him. Carefully he peeled away the swaddling that masked her face and smiled more broadly than Lyra had ever seen him smile. Jyn stirred in his arms, and Lyra said: “She remembers you, Galen.”

    “She’s beautiful,” he said, inspecting her face. “Her eyes have changed color.”

    Lyra nodded. “They’re sort of flecked.”

    “Stardust,” Galen said. “That’s what’s in her eyes.”

    “Galen, what’s happening?” Lyra risked asking. “Why have we been brought here. They’re not going to—”

    “I haven’t been told anything. They took me out of my cell before dawn.”

    “The same with us. I’m worried.”

    “Don’t be.” He showed her his grimy hands. “See? No restraints. And no one has brandished a weapon at me all morning.”

    Lyra didn’t find much relief in it. “Could they be sending us somewhere else? Is there a worse prison?”

    Before he could reply, one of the guards ordered Galen up into the carriage.

    He did as instructed, and the drivers snapped their whips over the heads of the lead taqwa, who set off at a brisk pace. The carriage’s wooden wheels bounded over bumps and ruts, and Lyra inadvertently bit down on her tongue. When Tambolor had disappeared from view, Galen raised himself up on the bench seat to take a look around.

    “We’re heading for the spaceport.”

    Lyra’s eyes widened. “You don’t think—”

    “I don’t want to jinx anything by thinking.”

    As if on cue, a starship appeared high overhead and began a very controlled descent toward the landing zone.

    Galen squinted at the emblem emblazoned on the light-freighter’s underbelly. “Zerpen!”

    Lyra put the edge of her hand to her brow and followed his gaze. “Since when does Zerpen Industries fly anything that ragged?”

    Galen ignored the question. “I knew they wouldn’t forget us.”

    Lyra gave her head a shake, as if to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She hugged Jyn closer as the Zerpen vessel settled on its trio of landing gear, blasting everyone with grit. The boarding ramp lowered and a sole figure in a white environment suit similarly emblazoned with the company logo descended to the pad. Lyra felt her jaw drop, and when she turned to Galen she saw that he too was agape.

    “Orson Krennic?” she whispered.

    He nodded, seemingly incapable of speaking or looking away

    “But—”

    “We need to play this by ear,” Galen managed.

    Their captors met Krennic halfway, and the three of them stood regarding one another for a long moment.

    Krennic looked around with purpose before speaking. “Which of you is in charge?”

    Chieftain Gruppe answered him in Basic. “The Dergue has granted me authority to settle this matter.”

    Krennic opened his jacket and pulled out a datapad, calling Gruppe’s attention to something on the display screen, “Satisfied?”

    Gruppe nodded and Krennic handed the datapad to the chieftain. “Yours to keep.”

    Gruppe dropped the datapad into one of her coat pockets and motioned to where Galen and Lyra were standing. “I don’t suppose there’s any need to introduce you.”

    Krennic grinned and sauntered over to them. Reaching for Galen’s hand, he said: “Dr. Erso, I’m so relieved to find you in good health.” He turned to Lyra while he was still pumping Galen’s hand. “And Mrs. Erso, and—oh, my, is this the child?”

    Lyra had her mouth open to respond but nothing emerged.

    “May I have a peek?”

    She moved Jyn forward and removed the wrappings that covered her face.

    “Precious! She looks just like you!”

    Business-like once more, Krennic returned to the boarding ramp. “Dr. Erso, if you and your wife would be so kind as to hurry aboard.”

    “I hope that your journeys are fruitful,” Chieftain Gruppe called out as Galen and Lyra were climbing into the ship.

    Once inside, Krennic whirled Galen into an embrace. “How wonderful to see you after all this time!”

    “Orson, I don’t under—”

    “Not now,” Krennic interrupted, stepping back but continuing to grip Galen’s arms. “I’ll explain everything in due course, but right now there are more important matters to attend to.”

    Everyone moved into the main cabin, where three other humans with close-cropped hair were seated at various duty stations. All eyes were on them as Galen and Lyra strapped into one of the acceleration couches. Lyra cradled Jyn close.

    “Contact Commander Prakas as soon as we lift off,” Krennic told the comm tech as he was strapping in. “Tell him to give us just enough time to get up the well.”

    The freighter lifted off and rocketed into Vallt’s pale sky. Galen turned his attention to the cabin’s starboard-side viewport as stars began to reveal themselves.

    “Brace yourselves for evasive action,” Krennic warned.

    Galen twisted slightly in the direction of the viewport. A sudden shift in the starfield was followed by a brief glimpse of a Separatist warship bristling with weapons; then the darkening sky came alive with crisscrossing hyphens of laser fire.

    “Ha! So much for honoring the terms of the exchange!” Krennic shouted.

    Lyra pressed Jyn more tightly to her chest as the freighter was jolted by fire. A flash of nova-bright light filled the viewport and the freighter rolled over on its port side, its belly peppered with debris.

    “Lieutenant-Commander, we’re in position.”

    Krennic swiveled toward the console. “Right on schedule, Prakas! There were droids and a Settie-class dropship on the surface, though it might be in the air by now. When you’re done with them, target the city.”

    “Orson, no!” Lyra said in an anguished voice. “It’s done. It’s over with!”

    “Not quite,” Krennic said without looking at her. His gaze favored Galen. “A strike will give the pro-Republic legions an opportunity to reclaim power. What’s more, we promised Zerpen that they’d get their ignition facility back.”

    “They’re harmless, Orson,” Galen said, “Separatists or no.”

    Krennic’s look was patronizing. “Perhaps. But we’re at war, and they’re on the wrong side.”

    • October 20, 2016 at 7:52 pm
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      Thanks!

  • October 20, 2016 at 5:44 pm
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    I’m pretty excited for this. I really like Luceno. Next to Zahn, I feel his narrative style manages to capture the feel of the Star Wars universe the best.

    • October 20, 2016 at 6:53 pm
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      I’m not so certain. Zahn is great, but he captures more of a Tom Clancy feel than space opera.

      • October 20, 2016 at 8:04 pm
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        Who does? Zahn or Luceno? Just not sure who you’re referring to. Not having ever read Tom Clancy, I can’t speak to that. But both deliver clean, uncluttered narratives with dialogue that rings true to the characters.

        • October 20, 2016 at 8:07 pm
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          Zahn is more adept at military sci-fi than the Star Wars mystical thing. Indeed, he did his best to eliminate the Force from his books as much as possible.

          I still enjoyed his work though. Same with Luceno.

          • October 20, 2016 at 9:20 pm
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            there was plenty of force shenanigans in his books, mate.

          • October 20, 2016 at 9:59 pm
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            Yes, I know. I read them back in 1991. And many times since then.
            I didn’t say there weren’t any.

            But it’s a fact he invented the ysalamiri because he wanted to minimize Luke’s powers. He also later walked back some of Luke’s powers in the Hand of Thrawn duology.

            He was more focused on the military side of things. That’s not insulting him. it’s a fact. Its where his strength lies.

          • October 20, 2016 at 10:45 pm
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            he subtracted luke’s powers(at times) while adding a crazy jedi master and force sensitive assassin. then later on zahn attempted to bring some order to EU by walking back some of the god like powers the other authors gave luke which made him way too OP. and in my humble opinion this kept it more grounded and believable just like in the OT.

          • October 20, 2016 at 10:54 pm
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            Yes. That’s not in dispute. I just said some of that same stuff.

          • October 20, 2016 at 11:02 pm
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            it doesn’t really matter.

          • October 21, 2016 at 12:40 am
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            Nothing does in the end. EXISTENTIALISM.

          • October 21, 2016 at 12:49 am
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            Do you mean nihilism?

          • October 21, 2016 at 12:54 am
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            No.

            “”the existential attitude”, or a sense of disorientation and confusion in the face of an apparently meaningless or absurd world.”

            You are referring to existential nihilism.

            but we don’t have to correct each other about everything do we?

          • October 21, 2016 at 1:09 am
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            lol, no we don’t.

  • October 20, 2016 at 9:06 pm
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    So if Jyn was born during the Clone Wars and Rogue One leads close to ANH, Jyn would only be about 22 max in Rogue One, about a full 10 years under Felicity’s true age. But she does look younger than 33.

  • October 20, 2016 at 9:21 pm
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    sounds like we’ll be getting more clean up of prequel plot holes in this in. always appreciated.

  • October 20, 2016 at 10:57 pm
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    I’ve kind of burned myself out on the novels. The only one I really enjoyed was Lost Stars. I’ll probably skip this although I’m pumped for the movie.

    • October 21, 2016 at 12:05 am
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      lost stars, lords of the sith and life debt have been the winners so far for me. the others i could take or leave.

      • October 21, 2016 at 12:07 am
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        I didn’t really enjoy Life Debt (although it was better than Aftermath). Haven’t read Lords of the Sith. I was disappointed in Bloodline, Aftermath was just bad, Twilight Company had a couple of interesting characters but didn’t engage me otherwise.

        • October 21, 2016 at 12:22 am
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          I forgot about twilight company, that was pretty decent and different.

          • October 21, 2016 at 2:09 am
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            I liked the governor character of Chalis but the story was kind of a meh and the stormtrooper character was a) boring and b) seemed at odds with what we know of troopers.

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