Tom Dupree, nicknamed "Mississippi", was employed as the line editor for Star Wars novels with Bantam Spectra during the 1990s. He was charged with handling the X-Wing series of novels. When author Michael A. Stackpole was unable to continue his work on the series, Dupree recommended writer Aaron Allston to take his place. Before the deal could be finalized, however, he left Bantam, to be replaced by Pat LoBrutto, who continued negotiations to keep Allston on board.
The character names "Dupas Thomree" and "Ree Duptom" are playful nods to him.