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That's great, many thanks Loge.

The knight move came in really handy for the second letter as there are 4 options in adjoining squares.

Famously, Raiders of the Lost Ark (and indeed all of the series) have many Star Wars references as Easter Eggs, from the registration of the floatplane (OB-CPO), to the Shanghai nightspot Club Obi Wan, to the two droids appearing in a heiroglyph as per the previous link.

So it would be lovely if the five letters RD/CPO appearing together was a fun insertion, but again I think I’m probably over-Listenered in 2020...

Oh I see, didn’t know that.

That would be a nice touch but I think you’re probably right.....it’s time for you to have a Christmas break ;)

I’ve finally finished this but have four queries. I don’t understand the wordplay to 4 and 8d, does 7 start with G, and does 16d end with TTE or TRE. If it’s the first then I don’t understand the wordplay. If it’s the second then the wordplay makes sense, but the word doesn’t appear in Chambers. Any help appreciated.

Hi Xij,

4d - is a homophone/"in radio communication" - sounds like 'vessels'.

8d - If you look up the word surrounding C(an) C(limb) you'll see it's a word meaning a 'sharp ridge'/"precipitous place".

16d - Is an anagram of "sets" x 3 minus one S(econd).

And you're right about 7, Xij.

Is there anything significant about the position or shape of the five shaded letters? If I’ve got them right (which is not guaranteed) then it just seems a bit messy given the otherwise exceptionally clever construction.

Hi LordBanger,

I thought it looked a bit like two hands praying - in line with religious quest? That said, I'm known for seeing things that aren't there (and missing loads of what is!!).

I suppose that the position of the 5 is relevant given the unused letters and the 2 solutions that underlie it. But I actually think there's a better candidate almost symmetrically opposite which has the letters in the correct order albeit with an alternative spelling.

Very enjoyable solve. I just can't see the full wordplay for 10d.