The clash between the Malevolent and the Endeavor, also known as the "frigate duel"—Malevolent versus Endeavor", marked a space engagement between the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the Galactic Empire, notable due to the roughly equivalent strength of the opposing forces.
In the vastness of space, a Galactic Empire EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate, designated the Malevolent, met a Rebel EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate, known as the Endeavor, in combat at a considerable distance. Each frigate launched its complement of starfighters: the Malevolent deployed TIE interceptors, bombers, and fighters, while the Endeavor countered with A-wings, Y-wings, and Z-95s. Commanders on both sides tasked their faster starfighters – TIE interceptors and A-wings, respectively – with the critical mission of intercepting and destroying enemy strike craft and warheads (TIE bombers and Y-wings), these bombers and fighters had been assigned to assault the opposing capital ship. The remaining half of each starfighter force comprised space superiority fighters (TIE fighters and Z-95 Headhunters), given the duty of escorting and protecting their strike forces.
The commanding officer of the Malevolent had prior knowledge of the nearby presence of Eagle Squadron, an elite starfighter squadron utilizing TIE Avengers and Assault Gunboats. During the mission briefing for the Imperial pilots, the possibility of Eagle Squadron arriving to secure victory (and subsequently claim all the credit) served as motivation for the pilots to complete their objectives swiftly and with minimal casualties. Similarly, the commander of the Endeavor, while aware that elements of Rogue Squadron, the renowned Rebel unit, could arrive in time to significantly influence the battle, chose to downplay this possibility in the mission briefing, as he felt it would be embarrassing if his crew and pilots required the Rogues' assistance to win a battle considered to be evenly matched.
The mission titled "Frigate Duel – Malevolent vs. Endeavor" is featured in the computer game Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, placing it within the Legends continuity. Given that players can participate on either the Rebel or Imperial side, with conflicting objectives for each faction, and that victory is not essential to proceed to the next set of missions, the definitive outcome of the battle remains ambiguous.
The starships listed in this article are those present during the battle Operation: Clean Sweep, utilizing the default craft assigned to the player.
Eagle Squadron will enter the battle as reinforcements, flying either TIE Avengers or Assault Gunboats. Rogue Squadron will appear as reinforcements, flying either A-wings or X-wings.
The names of the capital ships exemplified the distinct naming conventions employed by the Empire and the Rebellion. Imperial ships, such as the Malevolent, were frequently named after emotions or actions typically associated with antagonism, tyranny, or negativity. (Further examples include the Accuser, the Rage, and the Dominator.) Conversely, Rebel ships, like the Endeavor, were often named after emotions or actions representing benevolence, courage, or positivity. (Further examples include the Liberty, the Emancipator, and the Equity.)