Task Force 99, also known as SCAR Squadron, was an elite stormtrooper squad in the 501st Legion of Galactic Empire led by Sergeant Kreel. One of their missions was to investigate Sunspot Prison, an installation that was recently abandoned by the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
Task Force 99 rush out into battle
Task Force 99, which shared its name with Clone Force 99—a Republic Special Operations Brigade unit of four and later five genetically defective clones— was a highly independent squad of Imperial troopers of the Stormtrooper Corps. It consisted of six operatives, Aero, Cav, Mic, Misty, Shrap, and Zuke, each specializing in a different area of operations. They were led by an officer holding the rank -or equivalent- of sergeant; Task Force 99 leaders were handpicked by Darth Vader following exceptional service in other operations. The squad received its orders directly from Imperial officers ranked Admiral or higher as well as from Darth Vader himself and operated outside of usual Stormtrooper Corps structure and organization.
Task Force 99 operatives utilized a variety of heavily customized or unique equipment including their stormtrooper armor, which was personalized for each trooper's particular needs and included elements from starfighter pilot, clone commando and death trooper armor. They also used a wide range of weapons specific to each individual trooper, ranging from grenade launchers to sniper rifles.
Using the same military model as the Galactic Republic unit Clone Force 99, Task Force 99 was formed at least two years before the skirmish on the Ghost Moon, where it served under the command of a sergeant, until it was eventually placed under the command of Sergeant Kreel.
The Rebel Alliance initially learned of the squad following an investigations by their Intelligence Service at an outpost on Primtara following an incident there.
Days after the siege on Sunspot Prison, Task Force 99 arrived to the deserted station as they were tasked with tracking down Kolar Ludd. As members of the squad were unsure of what to do next, Kreel informed them that their current mission did not matter anymore, as they had just received new orders.
The squadron was able to capture the rebel Admiral Verette. They killed him and strapped him to the front of a Taylander shuttle as a distraction while they boarded the Rebel-held Star Destroyer Harbinger. Ultimately they failed to stop the Rebels from breaking the Siege on Tureen VII, although they captured the protocol droid C-3PO.
The squad later captured the smuggler Sana Starros, and tortured her for the location of Leia Organa's team, tracking them to Hubin. Upon landing, they were met by Thane Markona of Clan Markona. Markona insisted they take advantage of his hospitality, and Kreel agreed to duel Luke Skywalker. Markona decided to assist the rebellion, distracting SCAR Squadron while the Clan and Leia Organa's team escaped in SCAR Squadron's shuttle. They would be stuck there for months, as Hubin was an isolationist moon.
Task Force 99 was named after Clone Force 99, also known as the Bad Batch. Both squads were comprised of members, of which each had a specialization, making them distinct to others in their particular corps.
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