X-Wing: The Krytos Trap, penned by Michael A. Stackpole, marks the third entry in the X-Wing novel series. Bantam Spectra released it in October of 1996. Henry Thomas lent his voice to the audio version's narration. The Alliance to Restore the Republic has recently seized Coruscant from the clutches of the Imperial leader Ysanne Isard. However, this apparent triumph reveals a disturbing reality: the planet's non-Human inhabitants are plagued by a virulent ailment known as the Krytos virus. While bacta can cure it, the planet's resources are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. Rogue Squadron is tasked with assaulting Warlord Zsinj and his space station, which holds a substantial quantity of bacta pilfered from a deep space convoy. The mission is challenging, perhaps insurmountable, but as Corran Horn famously said: "Impossible is what the Rogues do best."
Even though the Rebels have successfully captured Coruscant, their trials are far from complete. The Krytos virus, a deadly pathogen, is decimating the native population, and a counter-revolution is gaining momentum. At the heart of this turmoil is the highly contentious treason trial of Tycho Celchu, a revered Rebel hero. As agents provocateurs commit acts of terrorism, the fledgling state's only defense lies in the courage and sacrifice of Rogue Squadron. While X-wing fighters struggle to protect the Rebellion, Corran Horn, presumed dead after being captured by Ysanne Isard, discovers that he alone possesses the key to liberating Coruscant from Imperial control!
The narrative centers on three major events occurring largely at the same time. The first involves the occupation of Coruscant and the problems left behind by the Empire's devastating bio-attack on the planet. The Krytos virus, a biological weapon created by General Evir Derricote and unleashed under the command of Imperial leader Ysanne Isard, is the agent used in the attack. Humans seem to be immune, whereas all other species are susceptible. This, along with the terrorist actions of Imperial Intelligence officer Kirtan Loor, who follows orders from the Palpatine Counterinsurgency Front, plunges Coruscant and the New Republic into a state of crisis.
The second event revolves around the treason trial of Tycho Celchu, Rogue Squadron's executive officer, who is suspected of murdering Rogue Squadron pilot Corran Horn, who was captured during the invasion.
Finally, Corran Horn is imprisoned by Ysanne Isard within her Lusankya prison facility. His attempts to escape lead him to uncover the identity of Rogue Squadron's mole, setting off a race against time to save the innocent and expose the true traitor.
- ISBN 0553568035 ; October 2 , 1996 ; Bantam Spectra ; 355-page paperback
- ISBN 0553474200 ; October 2, 1996; Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing ; Abridged cassette
- ISBN 3442248019 ; November 1997 , Blanvalet , 376-page German paperback ( X-wing - Die teuflische Falle )
- ISBN 0553409255 ; October 3 , 1996; Transworld Publishers ; 384-page UK paperback
- ISBN 9788025224410 ; March 2013 , EGMONT ČR, 392-page, Czech paperback (X-wing: Krytoská past)
- ISBN 9780593497340 ; August 2 , 2022 ; Del Rey ; US paperback, The Essential Legends Collection edition [3]