Zilghar Graviell

Character History

"It takes a man with a swollen ego to dare to fly in this hell. Luckily, I fit the bill."

―Zilghar during the Yuuzhan Vong Incursion.

Early Life

Zilghar was born the only son of a widowed smuggler, who had been working the Garconian spice trade routes for one of the well known Hutt cartels, when her husband was killed by soldiers of the Imperial Remnant. She was pregnant with Zilghar at that time, and knew that she couldn't continue the life of a smuggler while trying to raise her only son. So, she decided to settle down on Selen, where she gave birth to Zilghar. The young Devaronian grew up in a suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Estle City, in the company of all young human males.

He was a strong boy, smart and likable. He had a knack for piloting, taking his mother's tiny old freighter out on quick flights while his mother was away. She didn't have to work, because they lived off the large fortune left by Zilghar's father and the leftover credits from his mother's profitable business back in her youth. However, one thing that always irritated Zilghar was that while his friends went off to be trained to join the military like most warrior caste males did, he was not welcome there due to being an outsider.

Joining the Expeditionary Force

Zilghar was determined not to let his species stop him from joining his true calling, to fly with the fleet high above in the stars. He spoke of it with his mother often, who was very protective of her only son and hoped that he would reconsider. But she secretly knew that Zilghar wouldn't be happy unless he was among the stars. Instead, she counseled him to try and join the Defense Fleet, and not the Expeditionary Force, so that he would be close to home.

When his friends went off for their first day at the training academy, Zilghar followed along, and pleaded desperately with the trainers there to allow him to learn the ways of the Arconan Military, so that he could serve his homeplanet and his system. After much debate, Zilghar was allowed in, and went on to become the top student in his class. After graduating, in 22 ABY, Zilghar returned home for a year to look after his ailing mother. She was still pretty young, but had a failed heart. She died in mid-23 ABY, and Zilghar was heartbroken. For months, he laid around the house grieving, as pathetic as a Devaronian had ever been.

One day, he dreamed of his father, flying the old freighter with his mother, blissful content shown upon their peaceful features. Zilghar realized, again, that his true calling was out in space, and that he had to pick himself up and keep going. So, in early 24 ABY, he went to the academy where he had been trained and requested to join the Expeditionary Force. They looked up his profile, seeing his excellent stats and successes at the academy. They found him a slot in the Black Malice Squadron, where he was transferred to immediately.

Black Malice

The Devaronian pilot quickly got back in the swing of things with his new Squadron, becoming one of the best serving there in just a few short months. The other pilots came to depends on Zilghar to be there in combat, to cover their flanks or provide covering fire. He was well liked among the men, and valued by his commander. Until the Yuuzhan Vong incursion in the Antei System, it was said that Zilghar had not taken a single hit to his A-9 Interceptor. But when Black Malice faced the deadly coralskippers of the Yuuzhan Vong fleet, Zilghar faced a true challenge.

Nearly half of Black Malice perished in the initial Yuuzhan Vong assault on the Brotherhood. Rumors say Zilghar himself barely escaped with his life. One of the casualties was the commander of the squadron, and his second. Zilghar was the natural choice for the new commander, being one of the longest standing members alive, and regarded as the most talented pilot as well. He accepted the mantle, and after the BAC Shadow had been completed and began active service in the fleet, Black Malice's base of operations moved to its hangar.

Personality

Zilghar isn't the best leader, and certainly isn't a very good role model. He is a chronic drinker, and likes to gamble when he isn't in the cockpit of his A-9. However, he is a charismatic man, and a very skilled pilot, making him a valuable asset to the Expeditionary Fleet. Zilghar likes a good laugh, and plays practical jokes on his men from time to time. Even when in combat, he cracks jokes. The only time Zilghar gets angry or aggressive is when anyone talks disrespectfully to women, as he takes it as a personal assault to his honor and the memory of his mother that he holds in the highest regard.

Trivia

• Legorii created the character biography and background.