Turland Hack, often referred to as "Hack," served as a lieutenant within the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the initial stages of the Galactic Civil War. His aspirations of becoming a starfighter pilot unfulfilled, Hack transitioned into a role providing communications and tactical support at the Alliance's Anchorhead Base situated on Tatooine. It was there that he contributed to the training of fellow Rebel pilots, notably Rookie One. Soon after the Battle of Toprawa, forces of the Imperial regime, led by Darth Vader, journeyed to Tatooine seeking the stolen plans for their Death Star battle station. During a subsequent assault on Anchorhead Base, Hack met his death when Imperial TIE/LN starfighters obliterated the command center where he was stationed.
In the early years of the Galactic Civil War, a Human named Turland Hack enlisted with the Alliance to Restore the Republic, harboring dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot. However, unable to meet the requirements for flight school, Hack opted to serve the Alliance in the capacity of communications and tactical support. He received an assignment to a communications post at Anchorhead Base, a training installation located near Mos Eisley, and by 0 BBY had attained the rank of lieutenant. He was generally known simply as "Hack".
During his time training in Mos Eisley, he encountered Rookie One, a farmboy hailing from Tatooine who had evolved into a daring civilian pilot. Impressed by the young pilot's aptitude and passion for the Rebellion, Hack encouraged him to pursue his pilot training with the Alliance. Serving as both a friend and mentor, Hack provided tutoring to Rookie One during his initial flights.
Not long after the Battle of Toprawa, Hack was on duty in Tac-Comm control the morning Rookie One underwent his trials through the nearby Beggar's Canyon, marking the culmination of his training on Tatooine. After authorizing Rookie One's T-16 skyhopper for departure, Hack wished his friend well, assuring him that Beggar's Canyon was not as challenging as the runs he himself used to perform. Rookie One successfully navigated the canyon in close formation with two members of Green Squadron and engaged target drones, which resulted in him proceeding to R-22 Spearhead training under Commander Jake Farrell, thus leaving Hack behind on Tatooine.
In the aftermath of Rookie One's trials, the CR90 corvette known as Tantive IV arrived at Tatooine, carrying Princess Leia Organa and the plans for the Empire's new battle station, the Death Star. Upon the arrival of Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader aboard the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Devastator with the intention of capturing it, Organa dispatched the plans to Tatooine in the care of the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. Realizing that the plans were no longer on the Tantive IV, Vader commanded his forces to initiate a search of Tatooine, ultimately leading them to the discovery of Anchorhead Base.
The Rebels sent a request for assistance to Kolaador, where Rookie One was undergoing training under Commander Ru Murleen. Murleen responded by leading Rookie One and Thurlow Harris in a three-ship flight composed of T-65 X-wing starfighters, to Tatooine. After battling past Imperial forces in orbit, the group entered Tatooine's atmosphere and set course for Anchorhead base. Murleen contacted the base for a status report, and Hack informed them that an Imperial attack was already in progress. Hearing his friend's voice, Rookie One pledged to arrive as quickly as possible—however, it was already too late. As Hack communicated with the approaching Rebels, a trio of TIE/LN starfighters entered the canyon and unleashed fire upon Anchorhead Base. Their laser cannon blasts obliterated the hangar and control center where Hack was stationed, resulting in his immediate death. Rookie One and the other Rebels eliminated the TIEs responsible for the base's destruction and engaged other Imperial forces before being compelled to retreat.
Hack possessed brown hair and a light complexion, and he demonstrated a strong commitment to the Alliance Starfighter Corps. Upon realizing that he could not become a pilot himself, he embraced a role that enabled him to assist in the training of other pilots and dedicated himself to helping Rookie One become among the best pilots in the fleet. He achieved success in this endeavor, as Rookie One went on to participate in the Battle of Yavin and played a crucial role in thwarting the Empire's TIE Phantom project. Nevertheless, Hack harbored a desire to be a pilot himself and wished he could accompany Rookie One when the young pilot took his trials in Beggar's Canyon.
Hack was typically seen wearing a dark uniform and utilizing a headset comlink.
Vincent Lee brought Turland Hack to life for the 1993 LucasArts video game known as Star Wars: Rebel Assault. The character's visual representation drew inspiration from footage of Jack Sorensen, who held the position of Director of Business Operations at LucasArts.