Gaeriel Captison

Gaeriel "Gaeri" Captison (19 BBY - 18 ABY) was a member of an influential political family on Bakura; her father, Dol Captison, and his brother, Yeorg Captison, were both senators in the Bakuran Senate. As a result, she was raised in the presence of notable political figures, and with a desire to follow in her family members' footsteps.

In 2 BBY, she won a position in the Bakur Senatorial Academy, a school aimed at preparing political-minded students for eventual positions in the Bakuran Senate. As the school was located in the Bakuran capital city of Salis D'aar, she spent her four years at the Academy living with her Uncle Yeorg and Aunt Tivee. During this time, Yeorg was elected Prime Minister of Bakura.

In 1 ABY, the Galactic Empire invaded Bakura, annexing the planet. Gaeriel's parents were both accidentally killed during a crossfire between Imperial and Bakuran forces. Already a follower of the Cosmic Balance, the deaths of her parents left her even more spiritual.

The year of 3 ABY Gaeriel spent doing postgraduate work in government on Imperial Center (due to a decree by Palpatine, it was the only planet where one could do such work). When she returned to Bakura in 4 ABY, she assumed a seat in the Senate (presumably the seat held by her father); of course, Gaeriel understood that the position was essentially meaningless with the Empire in control. However, despite what the Empire had done, she did not hate it, knowing that it brought economic growth and political stability along with its autocratic ways.

Not long after Gaeriel became a senator, the Ssi-ruuk invaded the Bakura system. During the subsequent Battle of Bakura, Gaeriel worked with both Imperial governor Wilek Nereus and Rebel Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. Her relationship with the later was complex due to her religion's anti-Jedi nature, but his actions and views were able to moderate her own views on the subject.

The end of the battle resulted in both the repulsion of the Ssi-ruuk and the liberation of the Empire from Bakura. Despite the mutual attraction that had developed between them, Skywalker and Gaeriel were content to go their separate ways, the former continuing the fight against the Empire and the latter contributing to the rebuilding of Bakura.

When her uncle retired from public life, Gaeriel won the election to succeed him as Prime Minister. One of her main accomplishments was the establishment of the Bakuran Defense Force; she placed Pter Thanas, the former commander of the Imperial garrison on bakura, in command of it. Thanas and Gaeriel worked together closely, and a relationship developed, culminating in their marriage in 12 ABY. Their daughter, Malinza Thanas, was born in 14 ABY.

The next few years did not go so well for Gaeriel. Shirtly after Malinza's birth, Pter contracted Knowt's Disease. Gaeriel failed to be re-elected as Prime Minister, and retired from political life. In 17 ABY, Pter died.

The next year, Luke Skywalker returned to Bakura, requesting the New Republic's use of the Bakuran Defense Force in the Corellian Crisis. Gaeriel used her clout to get the Senate to agree, and accompanied the fleet as the Senate's official liaison.

It would be a fatal error on her part, however, for Gaeriel (along with half the Bakuran fleet) were killed at the resulting Battle of Centerpoint Station. Luke ensured Malinza's adoption into a wealthy Bakuran family, and returned to visit the orphan several times.

Behind the Scenes

 * Her birthdate is assumed from her comment in The Truce at Bakura that Leia is "her own age."
 * Several official sources (including the Starwars.com Databank!) misspell her first name as Gaerial.

Appearances

 * The Truce at Bakura
 * Assault at Selonia
 * Showdown at Centerpoint