Independent Hawk-bat Space Force

The Independent Hawk-bat Space Force was a and  band that was hired by the  for the  and later by the  during the. It was originally a collection of various criminals, spacers, and former soldiers. A n woman named Merili Beldonna joined the group sometime prior to 32 BBY. That year, the organization was hired by the Trade Federation to help them in the occupation of. The Hawk-bats were ambushed by the during a mission involving escorting a convoy. They were taken by surprise and nearly wiped out, but Beldonna took command and managed to lead them to victory. She became the leader of the Hawk-bats since the original one perished during the battle.

She completely turned the organization around, reforming it into a highly disciplined and highly trained mercenary group. hired the unit in 23 BBY, which then fought for the CIS during its conflict with the. They used the Separatist Forever as their mobile headquarters and took part in several battles, including the. After the Confederacy lost the war and was disbanded in 19 BBY, the Hawk-bats once again became pirates and worked in the. They fought in the against  forces in 18 BBY, and were ultimately defeated. Beldonna herself was killed when the Separatist Forever was destroyed.

Behind the scenes
The Independent Hawk-bat Space Force was originally conceived by the author, Alexander of Volzhsky, was part of the background story for the character Merili Beldonna. He used the name of the organization that members of Wraith Squadron posed as in the X-wing series, the. Other inspirations include the, a mercenary pilot unit that fought for the CIS.