Alderath System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Alderath Kordu was a remote planet that remained neutral during the Galactic Civil War. Kwannot System (L-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Kwannot Kwannot was a remote, arid world that remained neutral throughout galactic history. Nilg System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Nilg Nilg was a remote world nominally controlled by gangsters and criminals prior to the Clone Wars.

Kordu System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Kordu Kordu was a remote system that saw little galactic traffic. Korvaii System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Korvaii A remote world annexed by the Republic in the century following the New Sith Wars, Korvaii became an Imperial world during the Galactic Civil War. Around 0 BBY, the planet’s population was herded into penal colonies.

Ilimardon System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Ilimardon A remote, neutral world for most of its history, Ilimardon joined the New Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Melus System (L-7) · Sun/Star: Melus · Orbits: none Melus was an empty system that saw little galactic traffic. Nicandra System (M-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Nicandra Situated along a local hyperlane route, Nicandra was a remote world aligned with the New Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Octavia System (M-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Octavia Octavia was a remote system that saw little galactic traffic. Yde System (M-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Yde Yde was a remote system that saw little galactic traffic.

Tarchalia System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Tarchalia Tarchalia was a remote Republic world prior to the Clone Wars. During the Galactic Civil War, the system eventually aligned with the New Republic. Walin’or System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Walin’or Situated along a regional hyperlane route, Walin’or was a minor New Republic world during the Galactic Civil War. VV-99-7JE-2N71 System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o 16 unnamed planets A star system discovered in the waning decades of the Galactic Republic, nine of the planets were uninhabitable gas giants, with only one of the terrestrial worlds harboring an ecosystem suitable for life. The system’s star was unstable, launching solar flares into the system. Scouting expeditions continued under the Galactic Empire, though no permanent settlements were established.

Luuq System (L-7) · Sun/Star: Luuq · Orbits: o Luuq Two Luuq Two was a remote world of elegant mountain ranges and plateaus, utilized as a regional tourist location.

Aleen System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Aleen § Trohlu Homeworld of the reptilian Aleena species and the botanical Kindalo species, Aleen was a unique world with drastically different environments. The surface was a desert world suitable to the Aleena species, but lethal to the Kindalo. Vice versa, the environment below the planet’s crust – the Underworld – was a vibrant world of luminescent flora and other botany, but lethal to the Aleena. Subjugated by the Rakata at the height of their galactic reign, both species became spacefaring following the collapse of the Infinite Empire. Nearly destroying each other and their planet at some point in their history, the denizens of Aleen were able to broker a peace accord, joining the Galactic Republic to keep the peace. Minor hostilities briefly arose between the Aleena and Kindalo during the Clone Wars, but the Republic was able to re-establish the truce. When the Empire replaced the Republic as the galactic government, Aleen became an Imperial world, though a base was never established on the planet. By the time of the Galactic Civil War, an Imperial observation post was present on the airless moon Trohlu. Anobis System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Anobis § two unnamed moons/satellites A major world in the region, Anobis was discovered by Republic scouts as early as 3,000 BBY. A temperate world rich in natural resources, the planet was quickly settled and established as an agri-world colony along its plains and rolling hills, and a mining colony in its mountainous regions. Affiliated with the Republic, both settler groups were self-sufficient, mainly trading amongst each other; however, with the rise of the Empire and the Galactic Civil War, the Anobis colonists quickly broke out in civil war, with the miners siding with the Empire, while the farmers aligned with the Rebel Alliance. Later in the war, New Republic diplomats were able to broker a truce between the dueling groups. Balnab System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Balnab Adopted homeworld of a faction of an unnamed humanoid amphibious species, Balnab was a remote world of arid mountain ranges and plains, and large oases of swamps situated along large river tributaries. Balnab remained neutral throughout galactic history. Bright Jewel System (L-7) · Sun/Star: Bright Jewel · Orbits: o Repta o Ord Mantell § 15 unnamed moons/satellites o Cairns § two unnamed moons/satellites o Su Exposs § 22 unnamed moons/satellites o Quatin § 40 unnamed moons/satellites o Hota § 18 unnamed moons/satellites The outer three planets of the system were uninhabited gas giants, while Repta was an irradiated, scorched world, and Cairns was a barren, terrestrial world; only Ord Mantell was inhabited. Originally a lush world of forests, plains, mountain ranges, oceans, and lakes rich with resources, the planet’s industrialization over the centuries eventually led environmental disasters and wastelands of junk by the time of the Clone Wars. Republic scouts and colonists initially settled Ord Mantell as a regional ordnance depot circa 12,000 BBY. The planet quickly grew into a major regional hub for the Republic. The planet started to decline come the Mandalorian Wars, as the denizens developed a more independent attitude following the brief Mandalorian occupation. Centuries later, the planet became a hotbed for independence movements and criminal activity. The Sith attempted to destabilize Ord Mantell’s allegiance to the Republic during the Great Galactic War, but never managed to fully convince them to secede. As a result, the planet remained a nominal Republic world throughout the following millennia, experiencing an era of peace until the Sith returned during the New Sith Wars. Seeing only minor battles during both the New Sith Wars and Clone War, Ord Mantell maintained its loose affiliation with the Empire. During the Galactic Civil War, the planet took advantage of alliances with both the Empire and Rebel Alliance, shifting hands between Imperial and New Republic forces, despite neither faction being able to fully win the populace over to their side and quell the criminal activity controlling the planet’s economy. Despite being temporarily occupied by Yuuzhan Vong forces, Ord Mantell was able to retain its questionable autonomy throughout the war with the extra-galactic species, nominally aligning with the Galactic Alliance and eventually Darth Krayt’s “One” Sith Empire roughly a century later. Dor Nameth System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Dor Nameth A minor planet in the region, Dor Nameth joined the New Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Jarnollen System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Jarnollen Jarnollen was a remote tropical jungle world. During the Galactic Civil War, the planet held an Imperial base. Mengjini System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Mengjini Mengjini was a remote world aligned with the New Republic during the Galactic Civil War. Patitite Pattuna System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Patitite Pattuna Homeworld of the humanoid, possibly botanical, Patitite species, the planet was verdant world of overgrown jungles, like Felucia. A remote world in a secluded part of the sector, Patitite Pattuna remained neutral throughout galactic history. During the Clone Wars, the planet was the site of a Separatist victory, though they did not occupy the planet. Following the Confederacy’s departure, the Patitites were allowed to develop their own democracy. Pickerin System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Pickerin Pickerin was a remote planet that came under Imperial jurisdiction during the Galactic Civil War.

Qiilura System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Qiilura Homeworld of the shapeshifting canine Gurlanins, Qiilura was a remote, temperate world of forests, plains, rolling hills, and large bodies of lakes and river tributaries. Remaining neutral throughout most of galactic history, Qiilura tentatively aligned with the Republic during the Clone Wars to remove the Separatist presence on the planet. The Gurlanins then forced the Republic to also leave their world. Qiilura remained neutral during the Galactic Civil War, briefly coming under Vong subjugation during the subsequent war with the extra-galactic invaders. Yout System (L-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Yout § 11 unnamed moons/satellites (presumably Yout 1-11) § Yout 12 Yout was a remote system loosely affiliated with the Galactic Republic up to and during the Clone Wars.

Osskorn System (L-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Osskorn A remote world, Osskorn acted as a waypoint along a local hyperlane route. Vvan System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Tyan Tyan was a remote Republic world situated along a regional hyperlane route.

Lonnaw System (K-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Lonnaw A minor planet situated along a regional hyperlane, Lonnaw joined the New Republic during the Galactic Civil War, though temporarily coming under Imperial hands during the conflict. Lennow was the lone system in what was otherwise a desolate sector.

Elegasso System (K-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Elegasso Elegasso was a minor Imperial world during the Galactic Civil War. Around 0 ABY, Imperial agents were dispatched to Elegasso to reverse the local politics. Obredaan System (K-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Obredaan Homeworld of the mysterious Jin’ha species, Obredaan was a world rich in cortosis ore, establishing the planet as a major mining and trade hub in the region. Originally part of the Republic, Obredaan allied with the Separatists during the Clone Wars. During the Galactic Civil War, Obredaan remained neutral until the establishment of the New Republic, maintaining membership through the war with the Yuuzhan Vong and re-organization into the Galactic Alliance. During the Second Galactic Civil War, the planet allied with Corellia and its Confederation. Ord Tessebok System (K-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Ord Tessebok An ancient Republic ordnance depot & colony dating back to the Pius Dea crusades of 11,884 BBY, Ord Tessebok developed into a major Republic world in the region by the time of the last centuries of the Republic. Situated along a major regional hyperlane route, Ord Tessebok remained neutral following the Clone Wars, joining the New Republic later during the Galactic Civil War. Orinda System (K-6) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Orinda A major Republic world throughout galactic history, Orinda came under Imperial control during the Galactic Civil War, becoming a planet of contention between Imperial and New Republic forces from 9 ABY to 17 ABY. The Empire would ultimately retain control of the system, despite temporarily losing it to the Yuuzhan Vong during their invasion of the galaxy. Seltaine System (K-6) · Sun/Star: Sela · Orbits: o Selnesh Selnesh was a frigid, barren, mountainous world utilized as an Imperial prison colony during the Galactic Civil War.

Traval-Pacor System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Traval-Pacor A remote world, Traval-Pacor was regionally known for its technology institutions. During the Galactic Civil War, the Empire established shipyards in the system as a regional naval base to produce capital ships. In 12 ABY, Imperial forces were driven from the sector by the advancing New Republic.

Baltizaar System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Baltizaar Baltizaar was a remote Republic world that came under attack by a dark side coven shortly before the invasion of Naboo in 32 BBY. A Jedi task force unsuccessfully unseated the coven from their control over the planet. Corthenia System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Corthenia Corthenia was a remote world and homeworld of a species by the same name. During the Galactic Civil War, the planet was part of the New Republic until conquered and occupied by Imperial forces. Maicombe System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Maicombe A planet with serene landscapes of plains, forests, seas, and mountain ranges, Maicombe fell within New Republic territory during the Galactic Civil War.

Thory Prime System (K-7) · Sun/Star: Thory · Orbits: none Located in a secluded sector, Thory Prime was a remote, empty system that acted as a waypoint along a regional hyperlane route. During the Galactic Civil War, the system fell within New Republic territory.

Dohu System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o six unnamed planets (presumably Dohu I-VI) o Dohu VII o one unnamed planet (presumably Dohu VIII) Homeworld of the silicon-based humanoid Silika species, Dohu VII was a mineral-rich world in a remote sector. Due to its far-flung location along a regional hyperlane, few corporations invested in the terrestrial world. The few that did were fronts for smuggler groups and criminal enterprises.

Wuun System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o T’olan T’olan was a remote Republic world that was the site of a terrible battle during the Clone Wars. The planet would eventually become a New Republic world later during the Galactic Civil War.

Gultanna System (K-8) · Sun/Star: Gultanna · Orbits: none The single, empty system secluded in a remote sector, Gultanna acted as a waypoint along a regional hyperlane route. During the later years of the Galactic Civil War, the system was located in New Republic territory.

Abaarian System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Abaarian A remote world with vast oceans, Abaarian remained neutral throughout most of galactic history, only joining the Galactic Alliance in the wake of the Yuuzhan Vong war in 29 ABY.

Altarrn System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Altarrn A heavily forested world also teeming with lush plains, mountain ranges, and oceans, Altarrn was discovered by Republic scouts as early as 3,000 BBY. By the end of the New Sith Wars in 1,000 BBY, Altarrn was a member world of the Galactic Republic, remaining so through the Clone Wars until it became an Imperial world during the Galactic Civil War. During the latter half of the Galactic Civil War, the planet briefly was controlled by the New Republic until it was reacquired by the Imperial Remnant, remaining an Imperial world throughout its restructuring into the Fel Empire. By the end of the Sith-Imperial War in 130 ABY, Altarrn was under the jurisdiction of Darth Krayt’s Sith Empire Fef System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Fef Homeworld of the semi-sentient insectoid Fefze species, Fef was a humid world of forests and jungles. Remaining neutral throughout much of galactic history, Fef joined the Galactic Alliance at some point during the Yuuzhan Vong war; however, during the subsequent Swarm War, the planet teetered on aligning with the Killiks. Feldrona System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Feldrona A colony world for Zabraks from Iridonia, Feldrona came under control of Darth Krayt’s Sith Empire following the Sith-Imperial War in 130 ABY. In protest, the denizens launched a failed revolution, resulting in most of the colonists being eradicated and further subjugation of the planet as a prison colony for dissidents. Fornax System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Fornax A barren world known galactically for its rings that looked like bands of fire, Fornax was predominantly a tourist attraction for this natural phenomenon. During the Galactic Civil War, however, Fornax did house a secret Rebel base. Frithia System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Frithia A Zabrak colony world, Frithia was a member of the Galactic Republic prior to the rise of the Galactic Empire. Ipellrilla System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Ipellrilla Ipellrilla was a remote world situated along a region hyperlane route. During the Galactic Civil War, it fell in New Republic space. Iridia System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Iridia Iridia was a minor colony world of Zabraks from Iridonia. Iridonia System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Iridonia Homeworld of the near-human Zabrak species, Iridonia was an arid world of canyons, mountain ranges, and farmable plains. Discovered by Republic scouts early in the government’s history, Iridonia became a vital connection between worlds in the Outer Rim and the inter territories. Republic forces were able to successfully defend the world during the Great Sith War in 3,996 BBY; however, decades later during the turbulent Mandalorian Wars, Iridonia was briefly occupied by Mandalorian forces. The planet shifted hands many times during the subsequent Jedi Civil War, before Iridonia ultimately returned to the Republic. Millennia later, during the New Sith Wars, Iridonia briefly came under the control of the Sith, who established an academy, shortly before the end of the war. Iridonia returned to Republic membership following the Ruusan Reformation and remained a loyal Republic world until after the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire. Iridonia was subjugated by the Empire until it was liberated and joined the New Republic. The planet remained in the fledgling republic through the Yuuzhan Vong war and its restructuring into the Galactic Alliance. Iridonia remained in Alliance hands for almost a century, until it came under control of Darth Krayt’s Sith Empire in 130 ABY. Lorista System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Lorista A minor Zabrak colony world, Lorista was a barren world of harsh wastelands. Throughout its history, Lorista was a Republic member world, remaining so during the Clone Wars. Nentan System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Nentan A barren world once home to an unknown alien species, Nentan was a minor Republic world in the region, established as a colony to rival nearby Ord Mantell. During the Galactic Civil War, Rebel forces briefly held the planet, but it wasn’t until the establishment of the New Republic that Nentan was fully liberated. During the Yuuzhan Vong war, Nentan was one of many planets to be occupied by the extragalactic invaders. Pugal System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Pugal Pugal was a remote system that saw little galactic traffic. Ten Tempests System (K-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Vortex Homeworld of the winged reptilian Vors species, Vortex was a low gravity world of forests, mountain ranges, and grasslands. Vortex joined the Republic in 3,977 BBY and remained a staunch ally until the government’s reorganization into the Galactic Empire. During the Galactic Civil War, Vortex allied with the Rebel Alliance, eventually becoming a New Republic world until the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. During the war, Vortex shifted hands many times between Yuuzhan Vong and Galactic Alliance forces. Valrar System (J-7) · Sun/Star: unnamed · Orbits: o Valrar An Imperial world during the Galactic Civil War, Valrar was a world teeming with lush, dense forests and oceans.

Luke Skywalker first met Kuller when he was known as Dolph, force sensitive man from Almania. Since the campaign of Grand Admiral Thrawn, Almania had suffered under the regime of the Je’har. After training for about a year at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Praxeum, Dolph received terrible news from his home planet. He returned home to find his parents murdered by the Je’har. This angered the young Jedi learner deeply. His training was unfinished, and he knew little about the Force, yet he knew enough to be a dangerous threat. Filled with grief and guilt, Dolph fell deep into the dark side. He would don a Hendanyn death mask and would rename himself Kueller, an avenger of Almania. Now a Dark Jedi, Kueller wielded supernatural powers of destruction. He soon attracted an army and began a war with the Je’har. Several months later, Kueller contacted Brakiss, another lost student of Skywalker, and began to put into place the next phase of his plan. Kueller swooped in and healed the psychological scars that Brakiss had received and promoted him to the operator of the Telti droid planets. To return this act, Brakiss installed remote-activated bombs inside each of the droids he produced. Kueller ensured the droids would end up in the right hands for two years. He also destroyed the last of the Je’har. Thirteen years after the Battle of Endor, Kueeller struck against the New Republic. His droids exploded on the Almanian moon of Pydyr and in the New Republic senate chamber. Luke Skywalker followed the bombing trails to Almania, where he quickly recognized his former student as the terrorist behind this plot. Kueller would capture Skywalker and order his sister, Leia Organ Solo, to surrender the New Republic to him. To prove the seriousness of his claims, he exterminated the population of the moon Auyemesh with more bomb droids. Believing she had no choice, Leia stepped down as Chief of State. She flew to Almania with a small armada led by Wedge Antilles. Skywalker had already escaped but was forced into a lightsaber duel with Kueller. Skywalker overpowered him. Kueller attempted to detonate the droids but was foiled as R2-D2 deactivated the signal. Leia then took and shot Kueller. As he lay dead, Leia removed his mask, revealing the face that still looked like the young face of Dolph.

By: Lance Leibrock EU Families: The Shan Family In the Expanded Universe, there are tons of big families. These families start off small, but they quickly expand into large families that have an impact over a substantial period of galactic history. The Shan family is no different; the members of the Shan family have been around for over three centuries, and their story is still unfolding. Helena Shan, the first known member of the Shan family, and her husband lived on the world of Talravin, where they had a daughter named Bastila. Bastila was very close with her father, who was a hunter. Her mother, however, not so much. Helena and her daughter never saw eye to eye on much, and Bastila held a grudge against her mother because she believed that she was pushing her father into dangerous hunts so Helena could live in wealth. When the Jedi Order discovered Bastila Shan at a young age, Helena agreed to allow the Jedi to take her to the Jedi Temple for training. As Bastila grew, she became an exceptional Jedi Sentinel, and she would go on to be an integral part of the Jedi Civil War. At the beginning of the war, Bastila and a Jedi strike team were ordered to board Darth Revan’s flagship and capture the renegade Sith Lord, who was once a powerful Jedi who led the Republic to victory during the Mandalorian Wars. When Darth Malak, Revan’s apprentice, betrayed Revan and launched a bombardment against his cruiser, Bastila was able to keep Revan alive using the Force, and this created a powerful Force bond between the two. Revan was taken to the Jedi Council and his memories were wiped away, and the Jedi Council did this in hopes that Revan would be able to lead them to Malak. While Revan was looking for Malak, he fell in love with Bastila, and the two got married after Malak’s defeat. After their marriage - and when Revan finds out that Bastila is pregnant with their son - Revan goes on a quest to restore more of his lost memories. On this quest, however, he is discovered by the resurgent Sith Empire, and is imprisoned by them for five years, in which he is temporarily freed but then put into stasis by the Sith Emperor for nearly three hundred years. During this absence, Bastila gives birth to her son Vaner Shan. Despite being the son of some of the most powerful Jedi Knights to ever exist, Vaner exhibited no signs of Force sensitivity, and he became a Republic politician instead. Because of Revan’s imprisonment in the Unknown Regions, Vaner actually never met his father, and he was believed to be dead. Vaner married a woman named Emess and they had two children: Reesa and Bress Shan. Not much is known about them, except that they were the ancestors of Jedi Knight Tasiele Shan, who was born five generations after Vaner. Tasiele Shan was a staunch critic of the Jedi Order’s policies regarding marriage and attachment, so much so that she had a daughter she named Satele. Tasiele was exiled because of her opposition to the Jedi’s policies, and it is unclear what happened to her. However, she had left some notes and other writings behind, which Satele ended up keeping. Satele Shan is one of the more well known members of the Shan family lineage. As a Padawan, she witnessed the Sith Empire’s return into the galaxy, and she served the Jedi Order as a Knight during the Great Galactic War, becoming a hero, and her service is where she would meet Jace Malcolm, a Republic trooper, whom she grew close to. After the Battle of Alderaan, the two would begin an affair that lasted six months, in which Satele would become pregnant. Satele gave birth to her son in secret, and he was named Theron, in which Satele gave him up to the Jedi Order for training. Theron Shan was raised as a Jedi, but he, like his ancestor Vaner, was found to not be Force-sensitive, and he was forced to leave the Order. However, he joined the Republic Strategic Information Service (SIS), and he became the SIS’ best field agent. Theron was so good he infiltrated two Sith-run superweapons, disabled the weapons, and killed the Sith who ran them. Theron would later serve as an integral part in destroying his ancestor Revan, who had been freed from his imprisonment by the Republic. Revan had threatened to bring back the Sith Emperor, which he unfortunately succeeded in doing, despite Theron’s attempts to stop him. The Sith Emperor came back as the Eternal Emperor Valkorion, in which Theron helped destroy as one of the founding members of the Eternal Alliance. As of now, Theron is the youngest member of the Shan family, and it is unknown if he had children later on in life. It is possible that he did, as Star Wars: The Old Republic could eventually reveal that, as the story continues to develop over time. A family that once started out with a crazy mother eventually led to one of the most influential families in galactic history

By Marcel Ryan “I will make it legal.” – Sith Lord Sidious to Nute Gunray, The Phantom Menace Welcome back to our galactic tour of the legal profession in that Galaxy Far, Far Away! In my last article, I talked about the trial of Tycho Celchu, which takes place in 7 ABY and is further detailed in Michael Stackpole’s X-wing novel, The Krytos Trap. This time, we’re going to jump ahead a few decades to 43.5-44 ABY (after the Battle of Yavin) in order to talk about what might be the biggest trial in the EU: the Trial of Tahiri Veila. Before we delve into it, a bit of necessary spoiler-laden background from the NJO books and beyond: Tahiri Veila was first introduced in the Junior Jedi Knights novel, The Golden Globe, by Nancy Richardson, which was published in October 1995. Over the years, she swiftly became an out-of-universe fan favorite and an in-universe love interest for her best friend, Anakin Solo. She was a promising young Jedi in Luke Skywalker’s New Jedi Order. Tahiri suffered immensely during the Yuuzhan Vong War, both physically and mentally. To name a few things she endured: she was captured by the Vong, she was physically experimented on and she also suffered the loss of Anakin Solo. Despite coming out of the war relatively intact, Tahiri was a changed person. In the ensuing years, her discontent and the loss she felt over Anakin only intensified. As a result, it was not very difficult for Jacen Solo-turned-Sith Lord Darth Caedus to seduce Tahiri to the Dark Side of the Force in 40-41 ABY. It’s worth mentioning for context (and law is all about context) that Jacen preyed on Tahiri’s grief by Flow-walking with her, which is a Force technique that allowed them to view past events. The point in time he would keep bringing her back to? Her final moments with Anakin Solo, right before his death. As the Sith Lord’s apprentice, Tahiri was expected to carry out a number of tasks for Darth Caedus. One such task, which sets the stage for her subsequent trial, was an attempt to secure the continued support of the Imperial Remnant. At the time, Darth Caedus was embroiled in what became known as the Second Galactic Civil War between the Caedus-led Galactic Alliance and a Corellian-led secessionist movement known as the Confederation. Amidst that civil war, the Galactic Alliance was further split in two between Caedus and his co-Chief of State, Cha Niathal. Imperial support was critical for Caedus’ continued leadership in the Galactic Alliance and his success against the Confederation. The leader of the Imperial Remnant, Grand Admiral Gilad Pellaeon, refused to support Caedus. Tahiri, who was dispatched to secure his support, did not have much success. To make a long story short, Pellaeon had a very low opinion of Caedus and his increasingly dictatorial methods. After a joint meeting with the Moffs where he advised he would not be supporting Caedus, Pellaeon retired to his personal quarters. Tahiri followed him with the intention of trying yet again to change his mind. An argument between the two ensued, which escalated when Tahiri pulled out her blaster and gave Pellaeon an ultimatum: throw in with Caedus…or else. Pellaeon responded to this threat by giving orders to the Imperial Remnant fleet to side with Cha Niathal. Immediately after, Tahiri shot and killed Pellaeon in cold blood. This fateful action would come back to haunt her a couple years later. In the aftermath of the Second Galactic Civil War, Caedus was killed and Tahiri renounced her Sith apprenticeship. After a brief stint as a bounty hunter, Tahiri was arrested in 43 ABY by Galactic Alliance military officers and charged with the murder of Gilad Pellaeon. Now this is where the fun begins. Enter stage right Eramuth Bwua’tu, the lawyer I will be showcasing in this article. Bwua’tu was a male Bothan and a respected trial attorney within the Galactic Alliance. He was also the uncle of GA Admiral Nek Bwua’tu. But perhaps most importantly was his reputation and legacy. Eramuth was famous for winning every case he ever argued. He was an eccentric, elderly Bothan with old-fashioned mannerisms and an endearing charm. “Practice means nothing when you’ve won as many cases as I have.” - Eramuth Bwua’tu Before we go any further, remember the Twi’lek lawyer Nawara Ven I discussed in my last article? He was keeping busy during this period. From defending Luke Skywalker and the Jedi Order against charges brought by Chief of State Daala (that’s a whole other can of worms) to defending Valin Horn who had become infected with a form of Force psychosis, Ven was working overtime for the Jedi. Naturally, it would have fallen to him to defend Tahiri. Unfortunately, during the initial proceedings in the Court of Jedi Affairs (they have their own court?!), GA Judge Arabelle Lorteli refused to let Ven represent Tahiri. Bith lawyer Mardek Mool briefly stepped in as Tahiri’s legal counsel to fill the void left by Ven. Tahiri fired Mool after he tried to persuade her to spy on the Jedi Order for Daala in exchange for dropping the charges against her. She may be a killer, but she’s no rat! As a result of the court’s decision and the shenanigans outlined above, Jaina Solo persuaded her fiancée and Imperial Head of State Jagged Fel to find Tahiri effective legal representation. "I promise you that I will find her the best, most decent, most honest, hardest working lawyer I can." "Oh. I was trying to get her someone who'd win." - Jagged Fel and Jaina Solo on finding Tahiri legal presentation It’s at that point that Eramuth Bwua’tu was called on to represent Tahiri. A Chagrian lawyer named Sul Dekkon represented the Galactic Alliance as prosecutor in the case. Before the trial got underway, Justice Lorteli was dismissed from duty by Chief of State Daala and replaced with the Falleen Judge Mavari Zudan. This trial was very high profile. Likely even more so than the trial of Tycho Celchu 36 years earlier. Even though Tahiri was technically no longer a member of the Jedi Order at that point, the trial became symbolic of the Galactic Alliance’s struggle with the Jedi Order during this time period. The proceedings extended over the course of three books in the Fate of the Jedi series: Books 4, 5 and 6, respectively titled Allies (by Christie Golden), Vortex (by Troy Denning), and Conviction (by Aaron Allston). The books were released between May 2010 and May 2011. I also find it to be an interesting anecdote that all three authors of the Fate of the Jedi novels got the opportunity to flex their legal literary muscles and contribute to the courtroom drama unfolding on Coruscant (same planet as the Celchu trial). Before we delve a bit further into the proceedings, it’s worth discussing the morality of Tahiri’s actions and how these actions will be contextualized within the proceedings. We, as the readers, know for a certainty that Tahiri executed Pellaeon in cold blood. It was not manslaughter. At the very least, it’s likely worthy of a second-degree murder charge (perhaps even first-degree murder if premeditation can be proven). But there are no such distinctions in that Galaxy Far, Far Away. Tahiri has been charged with murder, plain and simple. Much like any murder trial in our own world, context is key. The facts are key. And regardless of whether or not the person is guilty, everyone is entitled to a defense. This simple entitlement is enshrined in the constitutions of many countries around the world and represents one of the most fundamental legal rights in any democratic system. In order to establish murder, the onus is on the prosecution to prove two components: 1) the guilty act (actus reus) and 2) the guilty mind (mens rea). Fancy Latin terms aside, what this really boils down to is that a prosecutor not only needs to prove that the accused carried out the murder, but also that they intended to do so. And this is where Tahiri’s defense really starts to take shape. Although we know she committed the act, we must ask the following: to what extent did Tahiri intend to kill Pellaeon? Are there extenuating circumstances, such as being under the influence of the Dark Side and a Sith Lord who continually gaslit her and preyed on her grief over Anakin? Can we truly say Tahiri was responsible for this murder? Well, let’s see how the trial plays out… At first, as things begin to unfold, we think (and even hope) that Bwua’tu will be able to win the hearts and minds of the jury. After all, he will be the first to tell you that Tahiri Veila is a victim. Unfortunately, things begin to go sideways when an audio recording is produced. The recording captured Tahiri’s final conversation with Pellaeon before she killed him (a scene that takes place in the novel Legacy of the Force: Revelation for those interested in checking it out). The recording is damning and we see that any sympathy Tahiri had previously gained with the jury begins to wane. It’s worth pointing out that, in our world, surprise evidence of this nature is rarely ever permitted at trial, and would likely have been disclosed during the Discovery process in the months or years leading up to trial. That said, even though it’s not very fair to blindside someone during a legal proceeding, it doesn’t make for an exciting court case. At this point, things go from bad to worse. Tahiri becomes convinced that her lawyer, Eramuth, is beginning to drop the ball. During key moments in the witness examinations, Eramuth appears to be dozing off. Despite their losing court battle, Tahiri senses no urgency from the elderly Bothan lawyer. He acts aloof, and Tahiri begins to wonder if he is distracted. Despite Eramuth’s advice to the contrary, Tahiri hires a second lawyer, a woman named Sardonne Sardon. How’s that for a name? In frustration, Bwua’tu attempts to quit, but (and we sometimes see this in our own world), Judge Zudan will not permit it. So, Bwua’tu decides to take a backseat to the proceedings and let Sardon take the lead. Shortly after, things take an unexpected turn: Tahiri caught Bwua’tu’s eye and was not surprised to see him give her an encouraging nod. She smiled back at him, then said, “I think I need to dismiss a defense counsel.” A wave of relief flooded Zudan’s face. “I’m inclined to agree.” The judge’s gaze dropped back to Bwua’tu. “Please proceed.” “Thank you, Your Honor.” Tahiri turned to Sardon, then said, “I’m sorry Sardonne. You’re an excellent attorney, but I think Eramuth works better alone.” In a move no one expects (certainly not the perpetually annoyed Judge Zudan), Tahiri changes her mind and fires Sardonne Sardon. As the trial progresses, it is revealed that much of the prosecution’s evidence has been tampered with. In fact, if you want to see a fun exchange, check out the cross-examination of imperial intelligence officer Lydea Pagorski in Vortex by Troy Denning. You won’t be disappointed. While the trial is nearing its end, Chief of State Daala gets ousted from her position by the Jedi Order and a new Triumvirate is formed to take control of the GA, which includes Jedi Master Saba Sebatyne as one of its members. This move appears to be the proverbial nail in the coffin for Tahiri’s defense strategy. The jury completely turns against former Jedi Knight Tahiri Veila and renders its verdict. Hearts and minds were not won. Tahiri is found guilty. “Guilty.” Each time the judge began a question, “On the charge of …” and ended it with “how do you find the defendant,” that was the word spoken by the jury spokesperson, an imposing Mon Calamari male with a forbidding stare … a stare directed at Tahiri. Tahiri is sentenced to death and moved to the Armand Isard Correctional Facility, which also happens to conveniently house the recently-deposed Daala. Whew. I did not see that verdict coming. But never fear, intrepid reader. Even though the law failed us, justice prevails in the form of Boba Fett of all people. The fabled Mandalore himself springs Daala and Tahiri from the correctional facility and everyone’s favorite Jedi-turned Yuuzhan Vong Shaper-turned Sith apprentice-turned bounty hunter lives to fight another day. There you have it. Much like in our own judicial system, even juries in a Galaxy Far, Far Away can be swayed by popular sentiment. Instead of deciding this case on the legal merits, the jury decided to send a message and indict the entire institution of the Jedi Order. Whether or not we think Tahiri is truly guilty of murder (both in act and in mind), we should remember that justice is not served by sacrificing a single individual’s right to an impartial jury in order to make a broader political statement. But sometimes, that’s just how the Wookiee-ookiee crumbles. Join me next time for part 3 of this series, where we’ll be taking a look at a lawyer with a more villainous disposition. And in the meantime, go read something with Tahiri in it!

Here I am back with a few more reasons why (if you have the money) you may want to consider going to Legends Con! 1) Twin Suns Foundation Two people who represent the fandom THE BEST will be there and if you go, you must meet them. Brian Borg and Dylan (don't know if he wants his last name revealed here) are 2 of the best guys I've ever meet in the fandom. They run an excellent charity which caters to children by bringing them books from the EU. I've spoken to both of these gentlemen countless times and have even had the pleasure of hanging out with them face to face and I will honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of it and you will too if you decide to drop by their booth. 2) EU Cosplay I'm so-so when it comes to cosplay, but there's no denying there should be some excellent EU characters being showcased at this thing. I just hope everyone posts pictures for me to see! 3) The fans I can't imagine anything better than a large gathering of people who love the EU as much as I do. I'm a social person, so face to face is my bread and butter! I love it. And that's what I'll miss the most, since I won't be able to attend this year. So if you're going, let me know what you're excited most about. If you aren't going, what location would you like to see them bring the convention to next? Here's hoping "Dallas" is the next location!