The tale of Skeleton Crew embarks on an intriguing journey with the discovery of a starship known as the Onyx Cinder. This enigmatic vessel harbors secrets from its past that could significantly impact the narrative. In the inaugural episode of Skeleton Crew, the ship is introduced when it is uncovered by Wim, the main character—a young boy hailing from the planet At Attin. Wim’s aspirations to assist others echo the legendary acts of the Jedi Order.
Wim’s adventure begins when he takes a shortcut through the woods to ensure he reaches school on time. Along the way, he stumbles upon what they initially believe to be a Jedi Temple buried beneath the ground. Joined by his friends—Neel, Fern, and KB—they later discover a derelict Star Wars droid that aids them in restoring power to the vessel. Driven by curiosity, Wim accidentally launches the so-called “Jedi Temple” into the cosmos, unveiling its true identity as the Onyx Cinder. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the entire storyline of Skeleton Crew, hinting at the ship’s rich and tumultuous history.
The Onyx Cinder: A Mysterious Pirate Vessel
The Ship’s Murky Past: Used for Illicit Activities
In terms of basic characteristics, the Onyx Cinder’s classification remains ambiguous even after episodes one and two of Skeleton Crew. Unlike the Razor Crest, owned by Din Djarin, the Onyx Cinder lacks a definitive designation. Insights from the droid SM-33 indicate its former ownership by pirates, suggesting that the Onyx Cinder is a patchwork of various ship components, cobbled together during its piratical past.
The vessel itself is of medium size, approximately similar to the Razor Crest. The Onyx Cinder features a striking black hull adorned with several white stripes. The design includes a hyperdrive and six engines—three on each side, with two positioned at the front and four at the rear. These engines possess a rotating capability to facilitate easier landing, complemented by two turrets mounted atop the hull for combat purposes.
The Onyx Cinder: A Ship Lost for 200 Years?
At Attin’s Enigmatic Past: Indicators of the Onyx Cinder’s History
Despite its unveiling during the New Republic era in Skeleton Crew, clues suggest that the Onyx Cinder may have been stranded centuries prior. To understand this better, one must examine the planet At Attin, where the ship was discovered. Initially depicted as an unremarkable planet, recent revelations indicate that At Attin has a complex history.
As Wim and his friends search for assistance at Port Borgo, reactions to their mention of At Attin range from laughter to skepticism. Locals refer to At Attin as the mythical lost planet of eternal treasure, further complicating its perceived existence. Notably, the droid SM-33 cannot recall anything about At Attin, raising questions about the planet’s status in the galaxy.
Additionally, an intriguing connection is presented through Fern’s mother, Fara. She emphasizes the need for the children of At Attin to excel in their studies and contribute to the planet’s Great Work. This phrase bears a striking resemblance to themes from the High Republic era, where Chancellor Lina Soh aimed to initiate “Great Works” to uplift the galaxy.
This parallel raises the possibility that the Onyx Cinder was operational during the High Republic and perhaps stranded on At Attin. As time passed, this planet might have faded from the collective memory of the galaxy, possibly even concealed, linking the ship’s fate to the High Republic period.
Is the Onyx Cinder Associated with the Nihil?
Should the Onyx Cinder indeed trace back to the High Republic era, it could have belonged to the notorious Nihil, a faction of pirates that posed a significant threat to the Jedi during that time. The High Republic literature reveals that the Nihil, devoid of Sith leadership, were the primary adversaries against Chancellor Lina Soh’s ambitious Great Works. With clear indications of the ship’s piratical origins, the Onyx Cinder could potentially be one of the Nihil’s vessels.
This association would imply that the ship is equipped with a Path drive, utilized by the Nihil to navigate hyperspace creatively and evade conventional routes. Such technology could hold significant value in the New Republic era, potentially clarifying how the Onyx Cinder ended up on the remote At Attin. The implications of its ties to the Nihil remain a crucial puzzle as the series progresses toward its conclusion.
The Onyx Cinder’s “Hunk of Junk”Facade: A Clever Deception
A Sleek Secret Lies Beneath the Ship’s Exterior
Significant revelations about the Onyx Cinder emerge in episodes five and six of Skeleton Crew. For the first time, the ship is officially designated as the Onyx Cinder, a name previously unknown to the characters. Furthermore, it is linked to Tak Rennod, one of the most infamous pirate captains in the galaxy. This discovery confirms the authenticity of At Attin as a real location.
In an earlier episode, SM-33 had warned the children to refrain from activating the button that triggers the “emergency hull demolition sequence.”Contrary to this advice, the kids press the button in a moment of desperation, unveiling a completely altered vessel beneath the Onyx Cinder’s scrappy exterior. The components that once masked its identity dissolve, revealing a sleek craft that befits its storied former owner.
The transformation of the Onyx Cinder enhances its appeal, as the newly revealed design boasts a pointed profile and engines prominently positioned at the rear, reminiscent of a hybrid between a U-Wing and the Mantis from the Star Wars: Jedi video games. This unexpected twist elevates the importance of the Onyx Cinder within the broader narrative of Skeleton Crew, inviting viewers to reevaluate its role.
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