So I was reading "Wraith Squadron," of the X-Wing series of books.

At one point, the Wraiths commandeer a Correllian Corvette that was part of Warlod Zsinj's forces. Using a holographic overlay, it was possible for one of the Wraiths to pose as the (now deceased) Captain Darillian, in order to maintain the pretense of normality.

Wedge Antilles, Commander of the suqadron, is showing the ship to Admiral Ackbar. When he sees the hologram, the following scene insues:

"I am Admiral Ackbar of the New Republic. identify yourself."

"I am Captain Darillian, master of the private yacht Night Caller. I demand to know why you have interrupted me." The captain glared at the mon Calamri officer; his anger was so palpable that if holograms had been able to project energy Ackbar would have been struck dead by lasers.

Ackbar turned back tot he commander. "I thought you said he was dead."

Before Wedge could speak, Captain Darillian roared an interruption: "Dead! I'll show you dead! Ensign Antilles, kill this intruder."



I couldn't stop laughing after that. A fighter pilot, ordering Wedge Antilles, as an ensign, to kill and intruder, Admiral Ackbar. It's hilarious. I'll admit, it's definitely funnier in full context of the story, and I suppose it's probably a "you had to be there" type of thing, but it's darn funny.

Now I laugh whenever I think of it, but what amuses me beyond that, in a diferent way, is that this joke, hilarious when you understand who is saying what to whom, would be entirely unentertaining for anyone else. Say this to someone totally unfamiliar with Star Wars, and it's just a statement. Say it to someone who knows the importance and rank of Wedge and Ackbar, and it's comedic gold.

I find that rather fascinating.