8 across - *A*E*L*T* (9 letters) - Dependent state with a marksman in place.
This has already been answered as "satellite". I understand the solution and get the reference to (William) Tell, but am struggling to see how the solution is constructed. I had thought this was an anagram of "state", but then there is overlap with the "T" of "Tell", and I am not sure how the "i" would fit in. I am probably missing something glaringly obvious, but would be grateful if someone could provide an explanation for my own satisfaction if nothing else. Many thanks.