Biography
Early life and career
Born in the Bothawui capital of Drev’starn, Shelsar Merr’skr was a member of the Rskr clan.
Her father was a member of the Bothan Council, a representative body of Bothan Clans, which was the primary governmental body of the Bothan people. This gave her the opportunity to learn the political game, which is a corner stone in every Bothan’s life, at a very young age.
Like all Bothans following “the Way”, Shelsar is always looking to advance herself through gathering information and political influence. Putting her own interest before the common good, Shelsar soon worked her way to a position of power within her own community.
Her Father would even name her his successor at his departure from the Bothan Council.
Military career
During conflicts such as the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of the New Republic, the Bothan society shifts to a survivalist state known as Ar’kai. This meant that all fit Bothans were encouraged to volunteer to defend their species form annihilation. This is where Shelsar had her first taste of military life.
The Hosk
After the fall of the Empire, the Bothan involvement within the New Republic increased. This was the direct cause for great Bothan military advancements. After graduating from the often mocked Bothan Military Academy, Shelsar joined the Bothan Combat Response Element of the New Republic Fleet. She served on the Bothan Assault Cruiser Hosk for 3 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.
Life in the military was easy for Shelsar. She made more friends than enemies with her advanced skills in political intrigue. The Hosk treated her well and she experienced a new concept, loyalty.
And then came the Darkness
In the 3rd year of her service, the Hosk came across an strangely marked Victory II-class Star Destroyer. Sounding general quarters, the Hosk went to immediate battle readiness. Shelsar was on the bridge as the two vessels engaged in combat. The Hosk was crippled and the Bothan security forces did not stand a chance against the mysterious intruders as they boarded the Assault Cruiser. Superior Taldryan forces swept through the vessel within and hour.
The Vengeance
Shelsar escaped in an ejection pod and crash landed on a jungle planet unknown to her. She activated the pod’s distress beacon and was soon found by the planet’s inhabitants. For she had landed on Taruma, home to the House Ektrosis of Taldryan. Shelsar was clever enough not to reveal her position within the New Republic. Instead she claimed to be a crew member of a freighter which had been destroyed by an unknown vessel. The Ektrosis Battle Team Leader who had found her, assumed that it been his own comrades whom might have been responsible for this woman’s misfortune, but chose not to volunteer that information to Mer’skr. With both parties withholding information that would otherwise have made them enemies, the arrived at a stalemate position.
Choosing not to begin a (perhaps profitable) relationship with mistrust, both parties accepted the other’s explanation. Shelsar was allowed to stay with Ektrosis out of her own free will. After a few proficiency tests, she was noticed by the Taldryan Navy. They offered the opportunity to prove herself aboard a military vessel.
Shelsar saw an opportunity to align herself with this powerful yet mysterious group of so called “Dark Jedi”, and she took it. The Brotherhood initially encorporated many things that Bothans hold dear. This could be and explanation as to why service to Taldryan held such great appeal for her.
During the Yuuzhan Vong incursion into Brotherhood space, Shelsar provided the Taldryan fleet command with valuable information on the Vong’s capabilities.
This earned her a commission as Captain and she was given command of the Frigate Vengeance in the Battle Group Vanguard.
Appearance
Despite the fact that interspecies attraction rarely occurs with Bothans, one would have to be blind not to notice the appealing physique of Captain Mer’skr. Her fur is always groomed and shiny. Hygiene seems to be very important to her.
Her face, if not wearing her many political masks, is gentle and seems to air a level of trust. Shelsar always encourages her crew to speak with her directly, should something be on their minds. She enforces order onboard the Vengeance, but more through understanding than tyranny.
This atmosphere of trust and openness is a great asset to the Vengeance. It’s crew operates as a well oiled machine. Her Captain being respected from the second in command to the cook 3rd class, who cleans the galley.
Trivia
TBA.