Ishnar Ti-Kharatal

Ishnar Ti-Kharatal was a Kajain'sa'Nikto who, in 231 BBY, served for Skarabda the Hutt as the head of security during the time of the High Republic Era. She was present in the city of Bilbousa on the planet Nal Hutta when a team of Jedi, consisting of the Jedi Master Obratuk Glii and the Padawans Farzala Tarabal and Qort, arrived on the starship Vessel to negotiate with the Hutts.

Biography

Security for the Hutts

An introduction

Ishnar Ti-Kharatal^[2] was a Kajain'sa'Nikto who served as the head of security^[5] for Skarabda the Hutt, the chief diplomatic envoy of the Hutt Clan during the time of the High Republic Era.^[1] In 231 BBY,^[6] the Jedi Padawans Farzala Tarabal and Qort, accompanied by the diplomat and Jedi Master Obratuk Glii and the crew of the Vessel, traveled to Bilbousa on the planet Nal Hutta on a secret mission to negotiate a peace deal between the Galactic Republic and the Hutt Clan to fight the Drengir, ferocious carnivorous plants that had recently wreaked havoc in Hutt Space. As the Vessel hovered over the city, Ishnar came to greet the party on a skiff accompanied by thugs. However, the delegation from the Republic was delayed at departing due to the negotiator, Master Glii, being asleep from Parwan seasonal hibernations occurring back on the planet Parwa, leaving the Zygerrian Tarabal to negotiate instead.^[1]

As Tarabal left the Vessel accompanied by the human crewmember Leox Gyasi, Ishnar responded to Tarabal that he appeared rather young for the position he held, only for Tarabal to reply that Ishnar also seemed youthful to be a chief negotiator. Ishnar corrected the Padawan and expressed she was the security for the mission and stated her name. She then reached her hand out and requested for the two to relinquish their weapons, both Tarabal's lightsaber and Gyasi's blaster, before signaling to the pilot Grok Grok to descend the skiff to ground level.^[1] Unknowingly to Tarabal, Ishnar became furious at how perfectly natural the Zygerrian acted, which made her gain a fondness for him that ultimately changed her.^[7]

Negotiations gone wrong

After rendezvousing with Skarabda at her palace, Ishnar announced in Huttese to individuals present about how the prominent and intelligible Skarabda, the envoy for the Hutt Clan, welcomes the diplomats from the Republic. Greeting the two, Skarabda questioned if they were here to negotiate a peace treaty between the Hutts and the Republic, with Tarabal confirming her words to be true before she angrily interrupted him and queried why their ship, the Vessel, was targeting them with their weapons equipped. Ishnar then shouted towards thugs around Skarabda to release several starfighters to engage the starship in the air while she protected the Hutt. Ishnar proceeded to fire her blaster into the sky while Tarabal and Gyasi ran for cover.^[1]

As the two evaded a large rancor and ran through the palace halls, Gyasi led the Jedi to an exit he knew about before, which was blocked off by an angered Ishnar and several guards. Sighting a window as Ishnar approached, they attempted to exit through the opening, only to discover a Drengir at the bottom which Gyasi mentioned was the reason their ship could not land. Ishnar later declared for her guards to prevent the two from escaping, which was halted by several vine tentacles from the Drengir entering through the window and grabbing the head of security. As Ishnar fired her blaster pistol back at the Drengir and demanded it release her, Tarabal used the opportunity to acquire his lightsaber from Ishnar through the Force and slice the vines in half.^[1]

Standing back up, Ishnar was astonished that Tarabal would rescue her despite seeking to apprehend him, with Tarabal expressing his actions were that of a Jedi. The Zygerrian later voiced to Ishnar that what had transpired was not their faults and he would do everything to make sense of what arose if Ishnar authorized it. The Nikto hastily responded and mentioned that it is her duty to look into what had happened and find the answer for who caused all the chaos. She admitted to the two she was unable to release them, but would make sure they would not be food for the rancors. Smirking, she ordered for her guards to relocate them to the holding area.^[1]

An explanation

Ishnar later clashed with the Drengir at the palace, firing her blaster at the violent plants while ordering an individual to help the humanoid Talzar, who was entangled in a vine. Hearing a destructive sound from behind her, Ishnar turned to see the wall of the palace destroyed, with Tarabal and Gyasi, who had escaped their captivity, riding a Blixus while communicating to the creature for it to be unworried. Ishnar then spoke to Tarabal, bewildered how he had saved her life twice despite all she did to the two, with Gyasi stating to her it was confounding. After conversing to the Blixus to attack the Drengir, Tarabal requested to Ishnar he be given his lightsaber back. Inquiring what would happen if she refused, Ishnar was stunned when the Padawan used the Force to receive his saber from her holster. Tarabal began to walk and explained to Ishnar how they would meet with Skarabda and work together to figure out what was going down. The Nikto reluctantly agreed to accompany them with Gyasi pointing out to Ishnar the courage Tarabal had.^[5]

As the three approached Skarabda, who was accompanied by Jabba the Hutt, Tarabal promised to the envoy that they had nothing to do with the bombardment of her palace. Jabba, who observed the Zygerrian, asked Skarabda if he was the Jedi saboteur, with the Hutt confirming he was. Skarabda, however, also pointed out about Ishnar's presence alongside Tarabal and asked her if she believed what the Padawan had stated. After taking a glance at a smiling Tarabal, Ishnar turned to the Hutts and asserted she trusted what he said. Tarabal and Ishnar continued to express that if Skarabda gave them the approval to track down the Vessel they would eventually find the answer. However, Skarabda exclaimed that their actions would be needless due to a transmission coming in from the ship.^[5]

The hologram appeared with Glii, who had awoken, explaining that he had several prisoners that may be intriguing to the Hutts. Skarabda, who identified the prisoners as Jabba's people, claimed that he had sent them to the Vessel to purposefully make the Jedi appear in the wrong and lead to them not agreeing to the alliance between the two groups. Glii followed up on the accusation and furthermore suggested that Jabba did this in hopes of wreaking enough destruction to cement himself as the leader of the Hutt Clan and create a wedge in the negotiations between the Hutts and the Jedi. Glii responded to the Hutts and affirmed he and the Vessel would arrive presently and that his Padawan, Tarabal, would cover until he arrived. As Ishnar smiled in the Hutts direction, Tarabal communed to them that the Jedi would help with their Drengir situation on Bilbousa and assured that if they ever required help, they could simply request it from them.^[5]

Arriving on Starlight

Making new friends

At some point, Ishnar had mentioned to Tarabal that she was a skilled chef. Not long after, Ishnar was invited by Tarabal and Qort to travel to the Republic space station Starlight Beacon, which she accepted. Once they arrived, Ishnar darted alongside Tarabal and Qort to meet with the Jedi Padawan Lula Talisola and her associate Zeen Mrala, who were accompanied by Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram. After embracing, Tarabal asked Talisola if she would reveal who her new friend was, with Talisola requesting if Tarabal would do the same with Ishnar. Due to questioning first, Talisola informed the group about Jomaram, mentioning his expertise at being a mechanic and the accomplishments he made during the Valo Atrocity, an attack on the planet Valo which occurred not long ago.^[2]

Welcoming Jomaram and accepting him as family, Tarabal educated the rest of the individuals present about Ishnar, declaring her as an extraordinary fighter for the Hutts and noting she was a superb cook. Discomforted about the latter attribute, Tarabal continued to mention Ishnar had preserved their survival on Nal Hutta, despite heavy persuasion. Ishnar did admit what the Zygerrian was saying was factual, despite being uneasy about his words. Tarabal carried on by expressing that once Ishnar had her mind changed, he was certain she would be the finest at covering you in the midst of battle, along with realizing she would fit in with the rest of the company. Stunned knowing she would belong, Tarabal admitted to requesting she visit the space station with them, with Talisola clasping the Nikto and proclaiming she, as well, would be family.^[2]

As they walked down the halls of Starlight to a briefing, Mrala was disbelieved that Ishnar was both an astonishing soldier and adept cook, querying if the Nikto was incapable of anything. Ishnar proclaimed to Mrala that her ability to sing was average. Tarabal, jokingly, uttered to Talisola that he wished for Ishnar to be an avid educator in regards to cooking, leading an irritated Talisola to complain about how annoyed she gets because of the one time she fumbled a dish. Curious, Ishnar asked the two what the dish might have been, with Tarabal speaking up over Talisola to confirm it was water. Jomaram, who overheard the conversation, pitched in an inquired how one may ruin water, with Ishnar asking if water was even a course. As Jomaram and Talisola spoke, Mrala enlightened Ishnar on the reality that the dish Talisola was intending to create was tea, only for Ishnar to explain if all the water was scorched it would be nothing.^[2]

Mission briefing

Entering the meditation room, Ishnar, along with others, observed two Jedi Masters, Torban Buck and Kantam Sy, meditating in the middle of the room. Jumping out from a seat, the Chagrian Buck greeted the individuals and explained what he and Master Sy were performing in relation to a future mission. Interested, Talisola questioned what the task was, which led Sy to pipe in and redirect the talk to report that the persons who were in attendance had engaged in many distressing situations in an ever changing galaxy. Buck informed that if the people present had questions in regards to current events, they could freely express them. Ishnar, alongside everyone else, proceeded to bombard the Jedi Masters with several questions.^[2]

Overwhelmed, Buck shushed the group and admitted to not knowing several of the answers on hand. Sy carried on and advised that the whereabouts of Master Yoda, a Jedi High Council member who disappeared a year prior, are still a mystery. As Ishnar listened, Sy proceeded to shed light on Yoda being his Master as a Padawan and the loss he felt with him gone. Buck then spoke about how Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm had also been found deceased not long ago due to an unknown cause, informing the group that a particular Jedi was investigating the untimely and unusual death.^[2]

Paying attention, Ishnar remained firm as Sy and Buck diverted to delve into the aforementioned task, and enlightened the individuals on a cell within the Nihil marauder organization that had recently laid claim to numerous Jedi outposts in a particular section of the galaxy. Sy built on what Buck informed and noted from intelligence the cell was functioning differently then other gangs in the Nihil and was being run by the former friend of Zeen Mrala, Krix Kamerat. Mrala, who was in the room, was advised by Sy to remain on Starlight while others partake in the mission. However, Mrala refused and announced she would depart alongside other individuals. The decision was approved by Sy who announced they would leave at once, with Buck notifying a perplexed Tarabal they would arrive on the planet Takodana and assist the singular Jedi, Sav Malagán, in thwarting off the cell again from the Jedi Temple stationed there.^[2] In the battle that occurred not long after the Jedi's arrival, the Nihil were successfully defeated, albeit with the Jedi Temple destroyed in the process.^[8]

Rumble Race

In 230 BBY,^[10] Masters Buck and Sy announced to individuals on Starlight Beacon about the Great Jedi Rumble Race, a leisure event the two hosted back on the planet Endovar, to allow ease from the events that recently occurred from the Nihil conflict. Ishnar, alongside many others, paid attention as Buck and Sy explained to the bunch about how the race had no rules. Sy later personally explained to Ishnar and others about how they and Buck ran the event on Endovar years ago when the two were Padawans in the Jedi Order. Sy furthermore described how the leisure activity had since past and the reason as to why the event was revived. Sy proceeded to ask if the group had any questions, with Ishnar and Jomaram holding up their hands. Mrala queried to Master Sy if she could partake despite not being a member of the Jedi Order, with Buck barging in and mentioning the rules were nonexistent. Jomaram later asked his question once Sy called upon him if he could employ his droid, V-18, in the race, only for Buck to repeat how the rules were absent.^[9]

With all questions being answered, Buck declared the race had begun, with himself and several others, including Ishnar at the front, dashing through the halls of Starlight Beacon. As Ishnar started to stray behind, Tarabal attempted to advance beyond Talisola and Mrala, only to be Force-pushed by Mrala who claimed he had to outdo his current performance. Mrala, Talisola and Ishnar all shared smiles at the Zygerrian's downfall before being knocked over by Jomaram aboard the droid KC-78. Ishnar continued to run alongside another Jedi until she caught up with the frontrunners. As they neared the finish line with a proud Buck cheering them on, Tarabal and Mrala decided they should all complete the race together. But before concluding the event, Buck used the Force to shove the individuals over, with Ishnar being hurt in the crowd collapse. She upsettingly stood back up to find Buck passing the finish line, declaring himself to be the winner. As Buck commemorated his accomplishment, Ishnar cheerfully conversed with Tarabal.^[9] Later after the race, she shared a grin alongside a joyful Bibs as the contestants celebrated.^[11]

Capture of Krix

Sometime afterward, the Padawan Bibs, who was attempting to locate a distress call in his Jedi Vector, made contact with a Nihil starship and pursued it to the planet Dol'har Hyde, where the Nihil cell leader Krix Kamerat was stationed. Notifying Starlight Beacon about the discovery, a Jedi task force led by Talisola and Buck departed to the planet with the intent to capture Kamerat and the Er'Kit Nihil Sabata Krill. As members of the task force confirmed to be at the ready, Ishnar shouted amid the comms while located in a gunner position of a starship an ancient mantra used by the Jedi Order. Quickly after, she also dedicated the fight to Tarabal, who piped in on the comms in confusion at the mention of his name. Ishnar speedily backtracked what she said after hearing Tarabal and reminded him she uttered nothing at all. Ishnar and the rest of the task force battled with the Nihil at the encampment in the atmosphere of Dol'Har Hyde, with Kamerat being captured^[3] and imprisoned in short time.^[12]

Fall of Starlight

Monsters in the shadows

While on their way to Starlight Beacon aboard the Padawan Academic Cruiser Star Hopper, the Padawans Qort and Tarabal were chosen by Masters Glii, Tabakan Pak and Buck to become Jedi Knights. After dressing in formal attire, the two ignited their lightsabers on the bridge during their knighting ceremony and proclaimed "For Light and Life" towards a room full of Jedi. Ishnar, who was present in the room, pumped her fist in the air as she smiled at the two's achievement.^[12]

Soon after docking on the station, an explosion^[13] caused by Nihil saboteurs^[14] resounded on the station^[13] in an act to destroy Starlight Beacon. Additionally, Nameless, creatures who feast on Force-sensitive individuals, were released in crates delivered by the saboteurs as well,^[14] which sparked fear in the Jedi onboard the station. Ishnar and the other Jedi attempted to return to the cruiser since departing, but were unable to due to a Nameless hunting the Jedi. The group was unable to reach the comms,^[13] due to the saboteurs destroying them,^[14] with Glii and Pak disappearing in the havoc. As they fled, Talisola mentally noted how Ishnar was the only individual not phased by the events that transpired around her.^[13]

Talisola's thoughts were suspended after Ishnar shouted that the beast had returned, firing her blaster in its general direction. She acknowledged to the group of Jedi she believed she frightened it away before being cut off by Talisola, who expressed to the bunch they could not continue with their current actions. Tarabal questioned what other options were present and attempted to explain what might transpire if the group retreated, with Talisola stating the Jedi could not flee back. Talisola then informed the group that the younglings lives were the foremost priority in their situation, and that the band should head to the Jedi quarters section of the station. The group collectively agreed upon Talisola's proposed plan and progressed towards the section.^[13]

Planning in chaos

As the group advanced in the direction of the quarters, a Nameless ambushed them in the corridors and slayed the Padawans Bibs and Rardal Balnar while severally injuring Qort, all of whom darted to kill the creature which took flight after the encounter. Reaching Qort, Talisola and Buck helped the wounded Aloxian as the former cried to the younglings to run like it was the Rumble Race. Ishnar, Tarabal and the other Jedi were then separated from Talisola, Buck and Qort, which led the previous Nameless to arrive and prey on the split up Jedi. Ishnar managed to repel the being as it approached the Force-sensitives, albeit with the rest of the people incapacitated from terror with the encounter. Shortly after, Ishnar concealed herself as Nihil pirates traveled in the halls of the space station searching for Jedi.^[13]

Ishnar, who was guarding the group of paralyzed Jedi, raised her blaster as a figure approached her and ordered them to disclose themselves, with the Nikto being taken aback by the figure being Buck. She queried to the Chagrian, who was partially stripped, where his Jedi apparel was and where the other Jedi were. Buck responded to a bewildered Ishnar that Qort had extracted the younglings from the station and that he provided his clothes to a needful individual. Buck then requested Ishnar brief him on the downed Jedi amid the room, which led Ishnar, who was tending to a stricken Tarabal, to communicate the encounter she had with the Nameless and pirates.^[13]

Ishnar voiced that they could not face the pirates if they were all debilitated, which was agreed upon by Buck who declared that time was of the essence. Buck suggested to Ishnar only one option was available to to keep the Jedi secure and not engage in warfare with the Nihil, with the Nikto affirming she would do what Buck had in mind, regardless of what the proposal was. Buck hastily instructed Ishnar to hide the lightsabers of the Jedi and remove the robes on their bodies to replace with maintenance uniforms of traditional Starlight Beacon workers he grabbed beside him, proclaiming there were enough outfits for everyone present in the room.^[13] Ishnar and the group managed to escape the destruction of Starlight Beacon, but ended up being taken as prisoners by the Nihil.^[15]

Lost and forgotten

Following the loss of Starlight Beacon, Republic files were created for individuals who were present aboard the station when it was annihilated. Ishnar, amongst others, had a file constructed which listed her case to be a closed file, being presumed deceased by the Republic for over a year.^[16]

Imprisoned by Nihil

Aboard the Korvix Vorn

In spite of being assumed dead,^[16] Ishnar, along with Tarabal, Buck and others, had been incarcerated aboard the Nihil prison ship Korvix Vorn, mainly located within the Occlusion Zone,^[15] an area of space controlled by the Nihil which was located behind a Stormwall that formed shortly after the fall of Starlight.^[17] The Nihil enforcer who commanded the Korvix Vorn—The Warden—had established to Ishnar and her friends when they arrived about his plans to eradicate any Jedi amid the large crowd of prisoners, furthermore emphasizing any escapees would suffer the loss of not themselves, but a singular prisoner each day they were absent. The rules enforced bounded the group with Ishnar to the ship out of pure compassion.^[15]

Over time, Ishnar had observed Tarabal on the ship at his bleakest,^[7] additionally sharing a cell on the ship with him, Buck and Tarkin family member Sevran Tarkin,^[18] who had been aboard Starlight on a diplomatic mission^[19] and was captured by the marauders.^[18]

Rooting out the Jedi

After being held captive for a year and two weeks,^[15] in 229 BBY,^[20] plans then emerged to rescue the captives aboard the Korvix Vorn after the droid B-333, who was allied with the Republic, learned the prison ship would depart from the Occlusion Zone and into Republic territory for a supply run in the future. The droid additionally informed Tarabal of these plans when he arrived on the Korvix Vorn under the alias the droid was delivering unlawful items for the Nihil.^[21] Shortly thereafter^[15] in 228 BBY,^[22] the Korvix Vorn exited Nihil space, which activated a tracking device planted on the ship by B-333 that notified the Republic Defense Coalition (RDC) and Jedi Order of the ship's whereabouts.^[15]

Meanwhile, prisoners of the Korvix Vorn were ordered to enter the yard of the prison ship for the Nihil to figure out who among the captives is a Jedi. As they walked, Buck assumed they had left the Occlusion Zone, with Ishnar pondering if the time to commence chaos was right away. Tarabal responded to Ishnar that it was not time, with Buck stating the possibility of this occurring again were slim. Buck continued to speculate by saying the pirates, specifically the Umbaran scientist Niv Drendow Apruk who was onboard the ship, had works in motion. As they further walked towards the yard, Ishnar growled at a Nihil atop a hovering pedestal, who ordered the prisoners, whom they dubbed filth, to proceed. Bindal Sep, an alien Jedi who had survived^[15] Starlight^[16] along with the others, approached the three and queried as well if it was time to begin the riot. Buck informed Sep to halt any meditations the youngling might have and believe in the Force, with Tarabal commenting it was almost time to set in their plans in motion.^[15]

The Warden, alongside Apruk and the Valon pirate Driggit Parse, stood before the assemblies after all the prisoners set foot in the yard, with the Warden kicking off the mass interrogation by being handed a box from Apruk, which contained two Nameless. Ishnar then asked the three Jedi what the problem was as they continued to sweat, with Sep and Tarabal informing the Nikto about the presence of the box feeling unpleasant. The Zygerrian then informed Sep to depart and notify all within the yard to remain calm. Buck, who also sensed the terribleness, spoke up about the feeling being similar to the experience he had on Starlight. The Warden then addressed the crowd of prisoners and informed them of his plans, which he had been developing for over a year, to locate the Jedi within the array of prisoners.^[15]

Riot and rescue

Hearing his plans, Tarabal informed Buck and Ishnar their scheme was ready, further mentioning to alert the others about it and pause before he gave out his signal. Ishnar and Buck acknowledged Tarabal's words, before he and Buck acted out a sequence which caught the attention of the Warden, who directed for his guards to apprehend the Zygerrian and have him serve as their first volunteer. Being taken onto the stage, Apruk and Tarabal conversed before the former opened the case to reveal a Nameless. As Tarabal stammered while trying to respond to Apruk, Ishnar falsely shouted into the air about how she was a Jedi. The declaration visibly shocked Apruk and the Warden, with the enforcer roaring to eliminate the aforementioned Jedi. Buck and Tarabal responded quickly in the same manner, followed by all the prisoners, which led an enraged Warden to scream at his guards to eradicate all the individuals in the yard.^[15]

As mayhem covered the entirety of the yard, the Republic exited from hyperspace to engage the prison ship and rescue the prisoners. Seeing this, the Warden instructed for the prison ship crew to seal the access points to the yard, leaving all the prisoners trapped within its boundaries. However, a Republic starship managed to access the docking bay of the prison ship, which allowed several Jedi to fight their way towards the yard. The breach made by the small party was then reported to the Warden by a Nihil. THe enforcer smacked the guard away before howling a command on the comms to release the shields, which kept everyone in the yard from being emptied into space. With the Warden, Apruk and Parse managing to enter a doorway leading from the yard, the shields were then successfully dropped, sucking all the prisoners, including Ishnar, into the void of space.^[15]

Tarabal, who acted quickly to save others, noticed an oxygen tank on the side of the Korvix Vorn while twirling in space, and utilized the Force to draw the tank towards him. He then floated to a now unconscious Ishnar and applied the oxygen mask over her face. Simultaneously, the RDC and Jedi Order took notice of the drifting prisoners, and quickly formulated plans to rescue each of them in space through separate small starfighters. The task was hastily carried out, with Ishnar and the other prisoners rescued one by one, and the Korvix Vorn destroyed by the Eriadu droid intelligence squad, who was present alongside the RDC and Jedi. Ishnar and the remaining prisoners were then transported to the Arkorayal Cabaret Cantina on^[23] the planet^[24] Eriadu, where each was placed inside of a bacta tank to heal from their asphyxiation.^[23]

Once back, Mrala and Qort stood before the tanks and observed their friends, with Mrala mentally expressing they were safe and secure, regardless of it not feeling to be true, nor if it ever would. Although, despite her worry for her companions, Mrala was instead in the room to hide her confessions meant for Talisola. As the two stared at Ishnar, Buck and Tarabal, Qort—who understood the Mikkian's emotions—reminded Mrala that they would awaken when shewas present, adding she was already prepared to speak her thoughts to Talisola and should go find her. Mrala then departed from the room to speak with Talisola.^[23]

Despite the captivity being over, the time Ishnar spent on the Korvix Vorn would ultimately leave her with trauma on the inside that she would attempt heal over time.^[7]

Time on Eriadu

A well-deserved pastime

Following her bodily recovery,^[23] Ishnar and several Republic and Jedi associates participated in a game outside of the Arkorayal Cantina which included paddles and a ball that needed to be thrown into a projected goal. During the game, Talisola remembered Ishnar, along with other friends of hers, being held captive by the Nihil, before Tarkin caught the attention of the distracted human to alert her of the sport they were engaged in. Ishnar, who was a part of the Blue Team in rivalry with Talisola's team, observed Tarkin and Talisola converse before the latter passed by the Nikto and kicked the ball towards the the Blue Team. Talisola then managed to grab hold of the ball, with a stunned Ishnar, now wielding a paddle, diving at the human. As the game progressed, Talisola taunted Mrala at being in the lead, with the Mikkian responding to the remark about how the game was still tied. Talisola quickly shut down the remark by scoring a goal as her lover Mrala tackled Ishnar nearby.^[4]

The two continued to talk as Ishnar grabbed hold of Talisola before they were interrupted by the Arkorayal owner Jackaby Snell, who arrived to inform them of a message from Grand Master Yoda of the Jedi High Council. The group circled around to watch the hologram of Yoda inform the bunch of the Stormwall expanding to the edge of space near Eriadu, before Mrala noticed the Star Hopper above in the atmosphere, being commanded by the Warden of the Nihil. Ishnar then observed the group of individuals converse with one another of what actions should be undertaken, only for Sy and Buck to comment this appeared to by more so psychological warfare. The Nikto and others then departed into the Arkorayal, but Talisola, Mrala and a few others decided to initiate combat with the Academic Cruiser. The attack, also meant for psychological warfare, frightened the Warden into departing back into the Occlusion Zone. With the assault finished, the assembly of individuals later played the same game outside of the Arkorayal.^[4]

The battle commences…

Shortly thereafter, the Stormwall broadened again with Eriadu being brought into the Occlusion Zone.^[24] Additionally, the Nihil began to conduct an invasion on the planet,^[19] which subsequently led to an all out war^[25] that Ishnar fought in.^[7] As Sevran Tarkin, whose family was allied with the Republic in the battle, directed orders from^[18] her fortress^[25] on the planet, she mentally recollected her imprisonment in a cell alongside Ishnar, Buck and Farzala on the Korvix Vorn by the Nihil while vocalizing inwardly the conflict against the marauders would end this day.^[18]

Later on in the fight, the Warden, aboard the Star Hopper, commanded his Nihil to attack a confidential lava reactor core underneath the Arkorayal to destroy Bri-Phrang City after the Stormwall had been deactivated.^[18] Tarabal, who understood their plans, relayed the information across the city through an artillery command tower stationed above it. Outside the Arkorayal, Ishnar, surrounded by Tarkin family Honor Guards, listened as Tarabal issued an evacuation for the city's denizens to depart towards Silverlight Bay. Following the notice, the Nikto requested below the Arkorayal near the reactor for citizens and military personnel to follow her across a bridge. As the crowd continued to push forward, Ishnar spotted the individuals Farlin and Briko and called to them to watch for their footing. However, the latter had accidentally shoved Farlin off the bridge, which sent them plummeting into the lava beneath.^[7]

Calling out in despair, Ishnar watched Farlin plunge before they were held in the air with the Force by Jedi Master Yaddle, who was assisting in the evacuation. As they were brought up to the overpass, Yaddle called upon a concentrated Ishnar for a talk, which was gladly accepted by the Nikto. The alien informed her that, despite not possessing the intel Tarabal contained,^[7] she^[26] believed the evacuation would not be successful in time to evade the Nihil's wrath. Ishnar assured her that they had to attempt the option Tarabal trusted in, which was agreed upon by Yaddle. Nevertheless, the Jedi Master requested if Ishnar could contact Tarabal and understand his strategy, further questioning if they were trusted friends. Ishnar, stumbling to answer her comment, was informed by Yaddle about her passionate emotions, and how they were acceptable to have. As Yaddle departed, Ishnar queried if the emotions she felt were appropriate.^[7]

A chaotic confession

In time, Ishnar remained outside of the Arkorayal and called allowed towards individuals to depart from Bri-Phrang City. As the hoard of people passed her by, she withdrew her comlink and asked if Tarabal was on the other end, further stating her name. Tarabal acknowledged her and attempted to converse with her, but was swiftly interrupted by the Nikto who announced she wished to speak. Spitting in her address, Ishnar then explained on the com how Tarabal altered who she formerly was, specifying he probably achieved it unintentionally, which only made his actions more effective on herself. She continued to state the reason was from him remaining genuine since they first greeted one another on Nal Hutta and every point onward. Ishnar conveyed how she perceived Tarabal to be a challenge in of himself due to how simplistic the Jedi was at being successfully benevolent.^[7]

She furthermore expressed how magnificent she was at everything, except for the particular trait of his, and indicated the fury she held back then. She specified her threatened nature she had over his behavior, which Ishnar clarified was the basis of her change that made her love Tarabal instantaneously. She echoed how his genuineness was the explanation as to why she adored Tarabal every point thereafter. As a grief stricken Tarabal wept, Ishnar vocalized how she understood she would never keep him, which she had come to terms with. Ishnar described that while Tarabal had ignited the light inside of her, something she was gracious for, she was the one who ultimately made the transformation inside.^[7]

She repeated how she would never receive him, but did comprehended him in ways superior to that of his best of friends. Ishnar then recalled her time on the Korvix Vorn with Tarabal and how she witnessed the Jedi at his poorest. She additionally disclosed how they, especially herself, were still aiming to recover from the imprisonment. To close with her confessions and discussion, Ishnar finally questioned to her admirer if he was aware of another alternative from withdrawing everyone from Bri-Phrang City. Tarabal, who observed the monitors ahead of him with the Warden aboard the Star Hopper, tried to speak of an answer, but silently responded with a "no" and escaped into his mind, concluding the conversation.^[7]

Deranged droid

Succeeding the exchange, Ishnar, alongside several Honor Guards and the Jedi Yaddle, Qort and the critically injured Initiate Zint, were then separated from their current position near the Arkorayal and pinned back by Nihil marauders on the battlefront. Firing back with her blaster, Ishnar attempted to contact the forward guard on her comlink to alert of their hazardous status amid the battle. As Yaddle parried blaster bolts with her lightsaber, she queried to Ishnar if Tarabal had offered her any word. The Nikto stumbled to respond before mentioning she was unsure, puzzled whether she used a poor choice of words. She continued to inform Yaddle on the abrupt silence that terminated the talk and vocally regretted what she spoke of.^[7]

However, her lamentation was promptly discontinued following an explosion near Qort and Zint, with Qort proclaiming for individuals to take shelter. The culprit of the detonation,^[7] the destroyer droid^[27] X-10, emerged from the rubble and conversed intimidatingly with Qort as they fired at all present. X-10 later fired a blaster at Qort as he and Zint dived for refuge, but the bolt was deflected by the lightsabers of Ram Jomaram and his friend Kildo, who arrived to assist after an encounter with Nihil elsewhere.^[7] Sometime later, Tarabal successfully eliminated the Warden and his Star Hopper with a targeted blast from the artillery command tower.^[28] Additionally, General Abediah Viess of the Nihil had departed mid-battle, which allowed for the Republic Defense Coalition to secure a victory over the Nihil^[25] who surrendered to them and the Eriaduan resistance, ending the war.^[29]

A celebratory ending

As the resistance brushed away the rubble on Eriadu, Ishnar attended a gathering to pay tribute to Torban Buck,^[29] who perished concurrently during the Battle of Eriadu^[30] on the planet Sophros due to a Nameless.^[25] To finish the eulogy, the huddle of individuals sang a Corellian funeral shanty and later participated in celebration while honoring all who passed due to the conflict again the marauders. After conversing with people present, Ishnar viewed the knighting ceremony of Ram Jomaram and cheered with others following his ascent to knighthood. Ishnar later observed the newlyweds Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala be rewarded with medals from Sevran Tarkin, along with the human Alys "Crash" Ongwa plant her seeds on Eriadu to create her family's tree. Ishnar furthermore celebrated with the crowd of people present and happily embraced^[29] her love^[7] Farzala Tarabal.^[29]

Personality and traits

Ishnar Ti-Kharatal was a Kajain'sa'Nikto with light blue eyes and orange skin, complemented with yellow horns. When confronting the Jedi Farzala Tarabal on Nal Hutta, Ishnar complimented the Zygerrian for being young. When the Jedi reciprocated the same acknowledgement, she clarified she was the security on the mission before rudely asking him and Leox Gyasi to relinquish their weaponry. After the two's starship, the Vessel, fired its weapon systems at Ishnar's superior, she hastily commanded all personnel to launch all fighters while she stated she would protect the Hutt envoy, not backing down as blasterfire rained down around her.^[1]

She eventually came across the two elsewhere with a contingent on the planet and attempted to restrain them, but was overtaken by a Drengir. Ishnar hostilely attempted to halt the Drengir's grab on her, but was saved by Tarabal, which she found confounding. The two, now captured, promised to uncover the reason behind the attack, only for the Nikto to quickly utter that job was her responsibility. She continued to speak on how she had no power in releasing the two but would prevent them from being devoured by the rancors for the time being, ending the sentence with a sly smile.^[1]

Following the imprisonment, Ishnar fought the Drengir at her superior's palace, continuing to direct orders as she fired her blaster at the beasts. As the fighting became overwhelming, Tarabal and Gyasi, riding on a Blixus after breaking free from their cages, erupted from the wall behind the Nikto. Ishnar, now less stressed, repeated how dumbfounded she was at being rescued by Tarabal again. The Jedi then approached her and demanded to receive his lightsaber back again, wish Ishnar questioning what may happen if she refused. The Jedi smugly used the Force to obtain his lightsaber from Ishnar, who was astonished at the Zygerrian's actions. He then furthermore responded as he paced forward how he was now on a direct route to encounter Skarabda, with Ishnar stumbling to approve of his efforts before deciding to go with them.^[5]

Once in the presence of Skarabda and Jabba the Hutt, Tarabal announced the Jedi had no doing in the attack on her palace, with Skarabda querying to Ishnar if she believed him. Ishnar proceeded to glance at the beaming Tarabal and happily confirmed she did. The two then smilingly remarked how they would uncover the problem together before being interrupted by the hologram of the Jedi Obratuk Glii, who confirmed they had no part in the attack. After Glii concluded his speech and gave power to Tarabal until he arrived, Ishnar mischeviously grinned as the Jedi spoke to the two Hutts.^[5]

Skills and abilities

Ishnar was an adept chef and viewed her vocal ability to be moderate.^[9] While on Nal Hutta, Ishnar served her superior^[1] as the head of security^[5] and assisted in maintaining protection through security and commanded order within lower ranks. Once Farzala Tarabal and Leox Gyasi, individuals representing the Republic in a secret negotiation with the Hutts, arrived in the presence of Ishnar's superior Skarabda, she opened the talks by granting the two an audience with the envoy. Following an attack by the Vessel, Ishnar disclosed her duty was to investigate on the matter and exact justice on the culprits who were responsible for the strike.^[1]

In combat, the Nikto employed her blaster while facing off against the Drengir,^[1] the Nameless^[13] and the Nihil,^[7] additionally piloting a ship on a mission to encounter the Nihil.^[3] Ishnar also partook in joyful festivities such as running on Starlight Beacon during the Great Jedi Rumble Race^[9] and competing in an unknown game on Eriadu.^[4] When Eriaduans attempted to escape from Bri-Phrang City, Ishnar proficiently commanded the crowd to evacuate.^[7] Her expertise and abilities was found to be a surprise to her friend Zeen Mrala, who doubted if there was anything the Nikto could not do.^[9]

Equipment

In 231 BBY,^[6] Ishnar wore a gray jacket over underclothing, with an olive vest over her jacket which included a gray emblem planted on the left side on the chest. She also wore two gray wrist gauntlets with spikes on each of them and two square gray objects on each of her arms. She also wore a brown belt which held several pockets and a holster for her blaster. She also wore gray jeans with brown boots and kept a blaster pistol hidden within her vest. After meeting with Farzala Tarabal and Leox Gyasi, she temporarily held onto the former's lightsaber and the latter's blaster.^[1] In 230 BBY,^[10] when facing off against the Nihil, she wore a headset to communicate to others in her starfighter.^[3] Ishnar also wore a brown strap around her right thigh when facing the Nameless shortly thereafter on Starlight Beacon.^[13]

In 228 BBY,^[22] while being held captive by the Nihil, Ishnar wore a tan prison uniform jacket that had green marks on each shoulder. After being rescued by the Jedi and Republic, she wore a white top and bottom garment while placed in a bacta tank. Once released,^[23] Ishnar then wore a blue sport jersey over a beige vest when playing in a game on Eriadu. She also wore two gray spiked pauldrons, two small gray cuffs on each wrist and each arm, a gray belt, light brown pants and brown boots.^[4] During the Battle of Eriadu, Ishnar then wore a tan vest with gray underclothing. Additionally, she wore two gray spiked wrist gauntlets and two gray spiked pauldrons, a gray strap around her chest, a gray and brown belt which held several pockets and a holster which held a blaster, tannish pants with black boots, and a comlink. Ishnar also added blue bands which she wrapped around her back horns.^[7]

Behind the scenes

Ishnar Ti-Kharatal^[2] was introduced in the sixth issue of the 2021 Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures comic series, written by Daniel José Older, illustrated by Harvey Tolibao and Pow Rodrix, and published by IDW Publishing^[1] on July 21 of that year^[31] as part of the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia project's Phase I.^[32] Prior to the release of the comic, she was pictured in a preview of the issue published on StarWars.com on July 15, 2021,^[33] while Older revealed the name Ishnar in a Twitter post on the same day.^[34] The character's surname of Ti-Kharatal was identified in the series' eighth issue, written by Older^[2] and published on September 1, 2021.^[35]

When designing the cover for the eleventh issue^[36] of the same comic run,^[9] Tolibao made sure Ishnar and others present on the front had the chandeliers from the interior of Starlight Beacon reflect upon their designs, which echo the visual elements incorporated on the space station.^[36]

Appearances

• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 6 (First appearance)
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 7
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 8 (First identified as Ti-Kharatal)
• The High Republic: Trail of Shadows 3
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 11
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 12
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 13
• "Starlight Coda" — Free Comic Book Day 2023: All Ages
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 2
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 4
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 5
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 6
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 16 (In flashback(s))
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 17
• The High Republic Adventures (2023) 20

Sources

• Mission to the Hutt Homeworld in Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #6 - Exclusive Preview on StarWars.com (backup link) (First pictured)
• Star Wars: The High Republic Show: New High Republic Wave 3 Cover Reveals, Starlight Beacon Model Unveiled, and More! on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
• The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic: Volume I
• SWCE 2023: Dark Horse Reveals a Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Phase III Teaser, New Jaxxon Art, and More on StarWars.com (backup link)

Notes and references