Star Wars: The Best Ship to Escape the Inquisition In – We Breakdown the S161 ‘Stinger’ Mantis
One ship may be responsible for keeping the Jedi more than just a fallen order. We take a look at the Stinger Mantis.
The S-161 “Stinger” XL Luxury Yacht known as the Mantis, played an important role in galactic history. The temporary home of former Jedi and Nightsisters alike, the Mantis has done what few other ships in the galaxy have. It was also one of the very few ships to encounter the Dark Lord of the Sith and live to tell the tale.
But where did the Mantis and her four-armed pilot, Greez Dritus, come from? The answer to both lies in the inner workings of Latero Spaceworks.
The Mantis – Design and Capabilities
Latero Spaceworks was renowned for its luxury work. Though many non-Lateron pilots often said that the “luxury” was clearly aimed at the smaller, four-armed species, the company’s reputation was well-earned. The S-161 “Stinger” XL Luxury Yacht was one of their best designs.
Originally intended for wealthy executives, the S-161 XL Luxury Yachts were built for speed and sleekness. Featuring a rotating wing design similar to the T-6 Shuttle or Kom’rk-class Fighter/Transport, the Mantis distinguished itself with a single, asymmetrical rotating wing. The wing counterbalanced an exterior engine pod that was used for additional maneuvering and thrust power.
In flight, the wing could be used for atmospheric or interstellar maneuvering. Rotating as needed to help the ship turn left or right, through for standard flying, the typical rotation kept the wing vertical with the engine pod situated below the hull.
Two laser cannons served as the ship’s only armaments. Though Greez Dritus and his former Jedi companion, Cere Junda, modified the Mantis to be more stealthy. Its illicit modifications included a hacked transponder, allowing it to broadcast Imperial signals and to appear as an Imperial ship to scanners.
The Mantis herself was a relatively compact vessel, broken up into six sections: Galley, Engine Room, Main Corridor, Common Area, Holotable Room, and Cockpit. The Holotable was a particular luxury and boasted a Potolli-weave-upholstered sofa that could comfortably seat a wealthy executive and retinue as easily as it could two former Jedi, a Latero gambler, and a former Nightsister.
History
Around 14 BBY, the Mantis crossed paths with the Inquisition on the planet Bracca. Inquisitorial forces were hunting a runaway Jedi, Cal Kestis, and the ship swooped in to save him before the Second and Ninth Sisters could dispatch the fledgling Force-user.
After that, the Mantis played a key role in keeping a holocron containing the names and locations of Force-sensitive children out of Imperial Hands. The Mantis followed in the footsteps of the Jedi Master Eno Cordova, which brought the ship and her crew into conflict with Imperial forces bent on unearthing ancient artifacts from a Force-sensitive species known as the Zeffo.
The Mantis used its superior speed and electronic stealth capabilities to defy Imperial blockades and aided Saw Guerrera and his partisans in attacking an Imperial refinery on Kashyyk, which ultimately ended up freeing several Wookiee prisoners.
The Mantis continued to play a role in Galactic History through about 9 BBY and then it disappears… at least for a time.
