[quote]One, as I understand it Rookie dies, but the exact circumstance leading to his death is unclear, and was wondering if you could clarify on that?[/quote]The Rookie died in an operation against insurrectionists on Buck's homeworld of Draco III. He was captured and held hostage in an effort to get the rest of Alpha-9 to surrender. When Mickey made a move to save the Rookie, he hesitated, and the Rookie was shot in the head. [quote]possibility of attempting an assassination on Lord Hood. [/quote]I don't believe this occurs in the book. If it does, I have no recollection of it. [quote]aren't they indirectly responsible for Jul'Mdama coming to power?[/quote]They are indeed.