Galek

This article is about the canon individual.
You may be looking for the Galek tree species in the Star Wars Legends continuity.

"Our Order is built on survival of the fittest. If one pilot can't do their duty and they die serving the First Order, so be it. The Order becomes stronger by culling the weak."

―Galek —

Listen (file info)^[3]

Galek was a human female who served the First Order as a lieutenant, flight instructor, and Special Forces member by 34 ABY. During her service aboard the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Thunderer, the lieutenant utilized a live-fire exercise to train a batch of cadets, including the recruits DT-533, DT-798, and Lin Gaava. DT-533 saved DT-798 during the exercise, embarrassing Galek in front of Commander Pyre and earning her ire. She believed in the survival of the fittest and made this belief known to DT-533 and DT-798. The lieutenant later tasked the pair with traveling to the Titan refueling station on a supply run, citing their familiarity with the station's layout.

Later in 34 ABY, Galek led the search for the space station Colossus at the planet Varkana. Although she located the Colossus, the station eventually eluded her grasp by fleeing into hyperspace. Galek confronted the station again at the planet Aeos Prime, where she commanded her squadron as it flew into battle. During the confrontation, the Resistance agent Kazuda Xiono launched a missile at the Thunderer's bridge, but the attack was thwarted by DT-533, who saved Galek's life. DT-533's actions earned her a promotion to Second Squadron Commander, for which Galek was present. After receiving intelligence that the Resistance was attempting to escort recruits through a blockade on the planet Dantooine, Galek ordered her squadron into action and joined the battle in a TIE/fo fighter. The lieutenant died in the resulting skirmish when Jade Leader Venisa Doza destroyed her TIE fighter. Her death led to DT-533 being promoted to squadron leader.

Biography[]

Training the volunteers[]

"Your job was to destroy the enemy, not to rescue lesser pilots who shouldn't have survived on their own merit. You embarrassed me in front of Commander Pyre."

―Galek berating DT-533 —

Listen (file info)^[3]

A squadron of seven TIE fighters fly through an asteroid field. — Galek flew a TIE/fo fighter.

Lieutenant Galek was a human flight instructor of the First Order.^[2] At some point, the lieutenant piloted a TIE/fo space superiority fighter through an asteroid field, accompanied by multiple other TIE fighters.^[6] In 34 ABY,^[7] Galek was stationed aboard the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer^[3] Thunderer.^[8] She^[2] surveyed her squadron in a hangar as three cadets arrived late—DT-533, DT-798, and Lin Gaava—with their helmets off. The instructor admonished the group for their incomplete uniforms, reminding them they had not earned that privilege. After DT-533 apologized, Galek informed the gathered cadets that her job was to train the squadron to improve their skills as pilots, whereas their job was to follow her commands. The lieutenant ordered the cadets to board their starfighters to begin their first exercise, but DT-533 remained behind, wishing to speak to Galek. The officer did not hear DT-533 out, instead re-iterating the order for the cadet to board her ship.^[3]

The exercise set the six recruits against three X-wing drones. From the bridge of the Thunderer, Galek informed the pilots that they would be using live fire during the training—stressing that stun blasts were non-existent in a real battle—and that whoever scored the most points through destroying drones would become squad leader. She then signaled the start of the exercise before viewing the cadets' actions from a console. DT-533 destroyed the first drone, which Galek announced to the squadron before urging the others to try harder to impress her. Commander Pyre took notice of the promising results of the exercise, with Galek signaling DT-533 as a good example—much to Pyre's satisfaction. When DT-798 lost control of^[3] his^[9] fighter from friendly fire, his TIE began hurtling toward the Star Destroyer. DT-533 broke off her attack and helped guide DT-798 away from danger, as Galek and Pyre observed through the viewports. Pyre referred to DT-533 as a "hero" before departing, embarrassing Galek.^[3]

GalenRyvoraAndRucklin-LiveFire — Galek looks upon the recruits DT-533 and DT-798.

Galek angrily^[10] recalled the trainees and ended the exercise. The instructor met with DT-533 and DT-798, as the latter admitted he probably would not have saved DT-533. Galek informed DT-533 that he was correct, and because of her actions, she lost the chance to be squadron leader. When the cadet protested, citing her points scored and skill demonstrated in saving DT-798, Galek criticized her for breaking off the attack and risking the mission. Galek educated the cadet on her mission—to destroy the enemy—and that she should not be rescuing "lesser" pilots who could not survive on their own. She also revealed that the cadet had embarrassed her in front of Pyre. Galek silenced DT-798's attempt to speak, telling the two cadets that the First Order was strengthened through the survival of the fittest and that losing weaker pilots was natural. After reminding DT-533 that it was her job to follow orders and receiving the cadet's confirmation of understanding, she departed with DT-798.^[3]

General First Order duties[]

"Commander Pyre has an important meeting at one of our key refueling stations, the Titan. I want you to take a shuttle for a supply run."
"Oh, a supply run. Yes, sir."
"Remove that smirk, 798. You're going as well, since you both are familiar with these kinds of stations."

―Galek and DT-533 —

Listen (file info)^[9]

GalekBriefsRyvora — Galek briefs DT-533 on her mission to the *Titan*.

Later that year,^[7] Galek approached DT-533 and DT-798 in the Thunderer's hangar, Galek briefing the pilot on her new mission—taking a shuttle on a supply run to the Titan, a key First Order refueling station. DT-533's excitement for a new assignment dissipated at the nature of the mission, causing her companion to smirk. The lieutenant scolded DT-798 and assigned him on the endeavor as well, citing the two cadets' familiarity with stations of the Titan's variety^[9]—both pilots having previously been residents aboard the Colossus, the same type of refueling station as the Titan,^[9] on the planet Castilon^[11] before enlisting with the First Order Navy. Galek ordered the cadets to immediately depart, after which she dismissed them and left their presence. As the two pilots proceeded to the Titan, DT-798 pondered what Galek had meant about their familiarity with the stations, though his companion was unsure.^[9]

Later in 34 ABY,^[7] after bounty hunter Ax Tagrin informed Pyre he had captured Kazuda Xiono^[12]—a Resistance member affiliated with the Colossus and wanted by the First Order^[13]—and other Resistance members on the planet Varkana, the Thunderer traveled to the planet with Galek aboard.^[12] Galek remained on the Star Destroyer and searched for the Colossus. At the same time, Pyre and First Order Security Bureau Agent Tierny went to the planet's surface to retrieve the captured Resistance members, although Xiono had escaped. Once CB-23, Synara San, and Jarek Yeager were in First Order captivity, Pyre contacted Galek via hologram. The lieutenant informed the commander of the lack of results in the search for the Colossus, after which the latter ordered the former to continue the efforts and urged her to be thorough.^[14]

PyreBriefsGalek-Breakout — Pyre informs Galek of the *Colossus*'s location.

Tagrin tracked down the Resistance agents' shuttle and tricked the Colossus's crew into revealing their location in orbit around Varkana. The bounty hunter passed the location on to Pyre, who then contacted Galek via hologram again and transferred the coordinates, commanding Galek to find and destroy the Colossus. Galek responded affirmatively before ordering a nearby First Order officer to follow the coordinates, confident in the upcoming capture of the station. As the Thunderer converged on the Colossus's position inside a red-colored nebula, the lieutenant commanded the starship's crew to engage the tractor beams and prepare all cannons. The Colossus, however, jumped into hyperspace before Galek could give the command for the Thunderer to engage it. She then contacted Pyre and debriefed him on the Colossus's escape. Later, as the Resistance members escaped Varkana aboard their Star Commuter 2000 shuttle, Pyre ordered Galek to scramble her TIE fighters in order to stop them, though those efforts were ultimately in vain as well due to the Colossus returning and extracting the agents.^[14]

The hunt continues[]

"The Colossus is not to be allowed to escape. Disable it by any means necessary."

―Galek —

Listen (file info)^[15]

The First Order later sent probe droids to search for the Colossus while DT-533 was looking out at space from a hangar aboard the Thunderer without her helmet on; DT-798 then startled her by mimicking Galek and inquiring as to why her helmet was off. Meanwhile, on the bridge of the Thunderer, Galek reviewed a terminal's output with Pyre and Tierny, but was interrupted by a nearby officer, who informed Pyre of an incoming transmission from one of the probes originating near the planet Aeos Prime. Galek remained at the terminal as Pyre and Tierny left to review the transmission. Upon recognizing Xiono in it, Pyre ordered the Star Destroyer to the Aeos system and for pilots to rush to their fighters.^[15]

ScaredGalek-NoPlaceSafe — Galek reacts to Kazuda Xiono firing a missile at the bridge of the *Thunderer*.

As the Thunderer approached Aeos Prime, a squadron of TIE fighters and bombers exited the Star Destroyer and flew toward the planet's surface. Galek contacted the squadron over comms and instructed the pilots to impair the Colossus to prevent its escape, with DT-798 acknowledging the orders. During the ensuing battle, the Colossus's Ace Squadron attacked the Thunderer head-on to provide the Colossus with an opportunity to escape. As the Ace Squadron closed in, Galek was actively using a terminal aboard the bridge of the Star Destroyer, and the lieutenant was shocked when Yeager's ship, piloted by Xiono, fired a missile at the bridge. However, DT-533 destroyed the missile, saving Galek, Pyre, and Tierny. Pyre was impressed with the pilot and made Galek tell him their designation. After the battle, Galek accompanied Tierny to DT-533's quarters and called the cadet to attention, after which Tierny informed the pilot that she had been promoted to Second Squadron Commander.^[15]

A lesser pilot[]

"I know you're upset. Understand that Lieutenant Galek died in service to the First Order and was a fine squadron commander, but her failure has now created opportunities for others. There is one less group of Resistance we have to worry about, thanks to you. DT-533, you are now promoted to squadron leader."

―Tierny, to DT-533 on Galek's death —

Listen (file info)^[4]

GalekYellsAtRyvora-RebuildingTheResistance — Galek chastises DT-533 for speaking out.

Galek met with DT-533, Pyre, and Tierny on the Thunderer's bridge as an astromech droid displayed a hologram of the planet Dantooine. Tierny shared a report of shuttles with Resistance recruits aboard trying to escape off-world, and Pyre noted the patrolling First Order squadron that was enforcing a blockade on the planet had ceased communications. The commander then ordered Galek to set course for the planet and to activate her squadron, wishing for the Resistance convoy to be found and eliminated. When DT-533 protested due to the shuttles being unarmed, Galek questioned if that posed a problem for her. After the Second Squadron Commander relented, the lieutenant further suggested that she stay silent and then donned her own helmet as the Star Destroyer entered hyperspace. Later, while the Thunderer was still en route to Dantooine, Galek ordered all squadrons to prepare for launch over the Star Destroyer's intercom.^[4]

GalekGoesDown-RebuildingTheResistance — Galek's TIE fighter is hit and begins to spiral.

At Dantooine, Galek flew a TIE/fo fighter alongside a First Order squadron. As the squadron engaged with the Resistance convoy, she confirmed the First Order's targets and ordered the shuttles to be destroyed. When DT-533 suggested retreating after they had lost half of the squadron, Galek quickly dismissed the idea and insisted that they complete the mission. Galek began to pursue Xiono's fighter,^[4] the Fireball,^[11] prompting the Resistance pilot to compliment her skills to CB-23. She scored a hit on the Fireball's wing and placed the ship in her targeting computer's sights. Before she could destroy the Fireball, however, Galek was surprised by her alarms activating due to the presence of an X-wing piloted by Jade Leader Venisa Doza flanking her. Despite Galek's yells of protestation, Doza blasted her fighter, causing it to spiral before destroying it,^[4] with the lieutenant perishing.^[1]

With Galek dead, DT-798 informed DT-533 that she was in charge. Later, after the Resistance had escaped and the First Order squadron had returned to base, Tierny met with DT-533 in the hangar. The agent comforted DT-533, believing the Second Squadron Commander to be upset over Galek, but assured her that Galek had been a good squadron commander who had died in service to the First Order and that her death would allow new opportunities for others. Tierny then promoted DT-533 to squadron leader.^[4]

Personality and traits[]

"But aren't transport shuttles unarmed?"
"Is that a problem for you, 533?"
"No, sir. Not at all."
"Then I suggest you keep your ears open and your mouth shut."

―DT-533 and Galek —

Listen (file info)^[4]

GalekHelmet-RebuildingTheResistance — Galek was loyal to the First Order as both a pilot and instructor.

Galek was a human female^[2] with light skin, brown eyes, and graying brown hair.^[3] Her face had wrinkles^[16] by 34 ABY,^[7] and she often wore a scowl.^[2] Galek was a stern^[17] flight instructor with a severe demeanor. As a lieutenant, she had little patience for cadets who failed to follow orders.^[2] She had a reputation for successfully employing harsh tactics.^[18] The lieutenant was loyal to the First Order^[3] and believed that only the strong should survive, so she always utilized live fire in training exercises.^[18] She was also comfortable with destroying unarmed transports. The lieutenant believed that completing missions was a top priority^[4] and thought that lower-ranking personnel should follow orders without questioning them.^[3]

Skills and abilities[]

[CB-23 beeps]
"I see him, CB. This guy's good."

―CB-23 and Kazuda Xiono —

Listen (file info)^[4]

According to Kazuda Xiono, Galek was a skilled pilot.^[4]

Equipment[]

"There we are."

―Galek, as her targeting computer locked onto Kazuda Xiono in the Fireball —

Listen (file info)^[4]

Galek was equipped with a standard First Order TIE Fighter Pilot uniform, albeit with a black military rank pauldron. Her helmet and pauldron were marked with red livery,^[4] denoting her as a First Order Special Forces member.^[5] Galek flew a TIE/fo fighter on multiple^[4] occasions^[6] and also used a TIE/se Bomber.^[19]

Behind the scenes[]

Christine Dunford provided the voice for Galek.

Galek first appeared in "Live Fire,"^[3] the third episode of the second season of the animated television series Star Wars Resistance, which aired on October 20, 2019.^[20] The instructor was first pictured through concept art of her observing her squadron's first training session in the "Path of Resistance"^[21] featurette included in the DVD Star Wars Resistance: Complete Season One, which was released on August 20, 2019.^[22] She was identified as "Galek" in her premiere episode. The lieutenant was voiced by Christine Dunford and credited as "Lt. Galek."^[3]

Lucasfilm Animation artist Jason Pichon drafted concept art of Galek on January 11, 2018. Her model was sourced from "Pilot TIE A" with modifications to the proportions. In earlier versions of the "Live Fire" script, Galek's name was "Jimes."^[16] In the 2020 video game Star Wars: Starfighter Missions, Galek's TIE bomber had cosmetic options of a yellow trim or a yellow and brown recolor.^[19]