Zam Wesell/Legends

Zam Wesell was a shapeshifting Clawdite bounty hunter from the planet Zolan. In her true form, Wesell was a reptilian-like humanoid, although she often appeared as a Human woman with short blond or bronze-colored hair. She trained in the ways of the Mabari warriors on her homeworld before eventually being labeled a heretic and fled to the commercial center of Denon. To escape, Wesell took the form of a Human woman and took a job in personal security. Over time, she moved up through the ranks by honing her skills, gathering equipment, garnering finances and making valuable contacts which altogether allowed her to begin a career in bounty hunting.

Wesell first encountered the bounty hunter Jango Fett in 32 BBY during his search for Bando Gora outlaw leader Komari Vosa. After assisting Fett in defeating Vosa, the two began to develop a friendship which was propagated by their periodic partnership on various contracts. One such contract arose in 27 BBY when the two bounty hunters were seeking the ancient artifact and superweapon, the Infant of Shaa, on behalf of the Dug Fernooda. Originally pitted against each other, the pair worked together to capture the idol. When it was revealed that a seedy underworld general planned to use it to destroy the Republic capitol-world of Coruscant. At Wesell's lead, Fett joined in the hunt to retrieve the artifact and save Coruscant. During this incident, Wesell made use of her developed shapeshifting abilities. This skill was also employed in her other exploits, such as the hunt for Kuati Hurlo Holowan, which was also subcontracted by Jango Fett.

In 22 BBY, with the rise of the Separatist Crisis, Confederacy leader Count Dooku contracted Jango Fett to eliminate Senator Padmé Amidala on behalf of Nute Gunray. Fett in turn subcontracted the bounty to Wesell who made an attempt to kill the Senator by blowing up the Senator's ship. The explosion, however, only served to kill Amidala's decoy and other passengers aboard the vessel. Amidala had arrived separately and was unscaved by the blast. Not pleased, but undeterred, Wesell met with Fett and schemed to use the venomous insects, known as kouhuns, to kill the vulnerable Senator. The attempt was foiled, however, by the alert presence of Jedi Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi who had been stationed in the Senator's apartment and easily killed the insects. Kenobi spotted the droid which Wesell had used to deliver the kouhuns and grabbed hold of it while the droid tried to return to Wesell. Skywalker also commandeered an airspeeder and began pursuit as well. After chasing Wesell through the skylanes of Coruscant, Skywalker was able to force the Clawdite to crash her airspeeder in a busy street of the Uscru District. Wesell fled into a nearby locale and prepared to ambush the Jedi. She approached Kenobi from behind but was easily defeated and dragged out of the club and into an alley. There, she was silenced by her friend, Jango Fett, by a toxic dart before she could divulge his identity.

Early life (&mdash;32 BBY)
"Did you know I was an orphan? My family had a farm. There was a civil war. We got caught in the middle of it. I don't know what would have happened to me&hellip; if someone hadn't come along and saved me."

- Zam Wesell reflecting upon her childhood.

Zam Wesell was born on the continent Sultur of Zolan, a planet in the Mid Rim. She was a member of the Clawdite species, who had become changelings due to genetic engineering gone awry centuries prior to her birth. Over time, known Clawdites, the off-shoot race of Zolanders, were ostracized and secluded into ghettos and deeply persecuted. Wesell was raised in this oppressed society which was perpetually either on the brink of war, or embroiled in it. In 27 BBY, she remarked that she had been an orphan. Her family had owned a farm, but was caught in the crossfire of a civil war.

While on Zolan, Wesell trained in the ways of the Mabari, an ancient religious order of warrior-knights. She craftily worked her fighting skills and reached third level mastery of the Mabari martial arts. She also developed a desire for profit and was aggressive in her actions. Calling herself a "progressive," Wesell's avarice was met with disapproval from more traditional Zolanders who held strong religious convictions. The natives showed disdain for her chosen profession of assassinations and bounty hunting. Furthermore, the Mabari held to the belief that those who did not show their true face were the worst of all sinners. As a shapeshifter, Wesell was able to conceal her identity to reach an aptitude in the martial arts, but eventually she was exposed.

Identified as an heretic, Zam Wesell disguised herself as a Human businesswoman and fled Zolan for the planet Denon. On Denon, she was employed in corporate security. She garnered a reputation as she rose through the ranks to become a sergeant. In a carefully calculated move, she took the well-paid position of executive bodyguard. Wesell, however, was more interested in even greater esteem and profit. She eventually departed Denon to pursue bounty hunting professionally. Wesell earned a considerable profit by employing her shapeshifting skills during jobs. Of her earnings, she sent large sums of money to radicals on Zolan who fought for the emancipation of the Clawdite species.

During her time on Denon, Wesell honed and refined her skills, gathered finances and equipment, and made contacts in order to turn her attention to bounty hunting. Also, she had firmly established an identity as a young, petite, attractive Human woman which was a useful tool in gaining contacts for her work.

Encounter on Oovo IV
In 32 BBY, Wesell launched an attempt to capture Bendix Fust, a Mordageen smuggler who was wanted by the Malastarian Dug Sebolto. Sebolto, a crime lord and king placed the bounty of fifty-thousand credits upon the head of Fust. The Mordageen, however, was interned on Oovo IV, an asteroid used as a maximum security prison. At the same time, Mandalorian bounty hunter Jango Fett was also in pursuit of Fust. The Clawdite stowed away aboard a supply vessel and sneaked into the prison. Wesell and Fett independently&mdash;and unaware of each other's presence&mdash;snaked through the prison and arrived at Fust's cell. Wesell arrived first, mere moments before Fett, and ordered Fust to leave with her. Fett watched from a ventilation shaft as the Mordageen resisted and Wesell used a gas grenade to subdue him.

To cover her escape, Wesell staged a prisoner riot. The Clawdite had not foreseen the arrival of Jango Fett and their mutual interference botched any previously devised plans for escape. Wesell had originally planned to leave Oovo IV via the supply transport previously used. With the guards alerted to the her presence, the original plan was not possible. She stumbled upon Fett's ship, Jaster's Legacy and attempted to hijack it. Prison guards, however, opened fire on Wesell as Fett arrived. The two dispatched with the guards and, upon approaching each other, aimed their weapons at each other in a standoff. Wesell proposed that since both were professionals, it would be more beneficial to barter than perish on behalf of Fust. Fett agreed and Wesell stated that she just wanted a ride off the asteroid and a share of the bounty. While they deliberated, a Firespray-class patrol ship swooped in and destroyed Fett's ship. The Mandalorian and Clawdite were forced to work together in order to leave the asteroid. Fett instructed Wesell to stay with Fust and keep watch while he proceeded through the prison to destroy the shield protecting the asteroid and reach the hangar. His intent was to commandeer a Firespray-class ship for escape.

Oovo IV had a protective shield which prevented rogue asteroids from impacting the prison while also providing another protective layer to prevent individuals from breaking in and breaking out. The shield was powered by three reactors. Fett destroyed the three reactors and, keeping with the newly devised plan, proceeded to the hangar. Inside the hangar, Fett defeated a security droid and stole a Firespray-pursuit special, which he would later name Slave I. Upon take-off, he fired into the hangar, destroying the other vessels before gathering Wesell and Fust and departing the asteroid.

Mission to Malastare
"You could learn a thing or two about being subtle."

- Jango Fett to Wesell following their escape from Oovo IV.

Wesell sat behind Fett in the newly acquired Firespray-class ship as he piloted the ship out of hyperspace and into the Malastare system. As they approached the planet Malastare to meet with Sebolto, Wesell inquired they were going to turn Fust over to the Dug crime lord together and split the bounty evenly. Fett responded that only Wesell was going to approach Sebolto while he executed "other plans." At this moment, Wesell realized that Fett was working another job and demanded that she be involved. Fett retorted, "You're lucky I don't kill you. I'm allowing you to tag along because you might be useful." He continued, saying that she might find it beneficial in the end.

To accomplish his objectives, the Mandalorian devised a plan that involved Wesell dropping him off in the jungles outside of Sebolto's compound while she landed at the compound proper. The ship, Fett surmised, would be searched at this point and weapons would be confiscated. Wesell was instructed to find a way to stay at the compound. During her extended time with Sebolto, the plan was for her to sneak out and find a way for Fett to cross the canyon. Since Wesell would not have any weapons, Fett would cover her from the opposite cliff. Two two bounty hunters then landed in the jungle and began their scheme. Wesell took the ship and headed directly for the compound, while Fett began his pursuit through the jungles.

As Fett traversed through the jungles, Wesell approached Sebolto with Fust. Turning the bounty over, she recounted the tale of how Fust was extracted from Oovo IV. The tale impressed the Dug crime lord, and he invited her to stay for dinner. He also provided accommodations for the bounty hunter to "freshen up." Wesell reported these developments to Fett through a communication device as he was proceeding through the jungle. By nightfall, Fett still had not climbed the cliff. He reported this to Wesell, to which she responded that time was running out. Fust was being tortured by Sebolto, and Wesell stated that she was not really willing to dine with the Dug. Shortly thereafter, Fett reached the top of the cliff. Wesell proceeded out of the compound, but encountered a few guards. Fett, using his position across the canyon, took down these guards with his sniper rifle. With the guards eliminated, Wesell sent a skiff across the canyon. Upon its arrival, Fett boarded the skiff and met up with Wesell.

Once Fett crossed the canyon, Wesell asked to know further information about his larger mission. He told Wesell that he was searching for a way inside Sebolto's deathstick factory, which he believed was a part of the larger compound. Wesell recounted that Fust was taken through a secret doorway in the throne room. She surmised that this was the passage to the factory. The pair decided to return to the palace the way Wesell had sneaked out. Fett handed her his sniper rifle, at her suggestion, to help cover him on his ascent.

Fett and Wesell began their ascent to the palace, dispatching with guards as they attacked. The pair came across a bridge which had been raised, preventing the bounty hunters from crossing a small chasm. Utilizing his jetpack, the Mandalorian crossed the gap and lowered the bridge, allowing Wesell to cross. Upon reaching the cliff, Wesell remarked that she was not able to climb at this location, but a control station for a lift was located at the top of the cliff. She snidely added that she did not have a jetpack. Fett used his jetpack to work his way up the cliff-side and reach the control station. At the station, he activated the lift and the pair continued toward the palace.

A similar pattern continued as Fett aided Wesell in crossing a waterfall and through sealed doorways. Once the pair reached the compound, Wesell told the Mandalorian which building included Sebolto's throne room. Fett remarked that he was going alone and wanted Wesell to return to their ship. Wesell, seeking her reword stubbornly murmured as a door between them closed. Fett approached Sebolto and chased him into the deathstick factory, where the Dug crime lord fell to his death. As Fett was attempting to find the secret landing site used for smuggling material in and out of the compound, Wesell reentered the facility. Not willing to leave without receiving her reward for Fust, she took as much loot as she could carry and proceeded to the Firespray-class ship.

When Fett reached the secret landing site, he was approached by a skiff piloted by Montross. Fett called on his communicator for Wesell to bring around the ship, to which he received no response. Montross, an exiled Mandalorian warrior and rival bounty hunter of Fett, taunted Fett. Taking a missile launcher, Fett destroyed the skiff as Wesell brought their escape vessel around, overhearing part of the conversation between Montross and Fett. Fett and Wesell then departed Malastare; although, Montross had placed a tracking device on the ship to follow their pursuits. Once in space, Wesell pressed Fett for more answers about his larger job. Connecting statements by Montross about Komari Vosa to his pursuits of Sebolto, she surmised that he was after the former-Jedi–turned–cult-leader of the Bando Gora via private invitation. With his secret objectives exposed, Fett expounded a few more details of his hunt, making a connection between the Hutts and the Bando Gora. After briefly conversing, Wesell, at Fett's instruction, set course for the planet Tatooine.

Intrigue on Tatooine
Approaching Tatooine, Jango Fett contacted Rozatta, a Toydarian who was his confidant and informant for various bounties. The Toydarian commented on the presence of Wesell and her appearance. She then provided information about the Hutts which had originally been provided by Watto, a fellow Toydarian. On Tatooine, Jabba the Hutt and Gardulla the Hutt were feuding for control of the planet. Rozatta noted that a Hutt was never seen without something being offered. She suggested pursuit of Longo Two-Guns, a criminal wanted by Jabba, dead or alive.

Uncertain which Hutt was allied with the Bando Gora, Fett decided that he and Wesell should split up. Fett would go to Jabba for information while Gardulla would be visited by Wesell. As they split up, Fett went in pursuit of Longo Two-Guns, hoping that securing this bounty posted by Jabba would allow the Mandalorian an audience with the Hutt crime lord. Simultaneously, Wesell began to search for Gardulla's palace. Eventually, Wesell found Gardulla's palace; although, Fett had discovered from Jabba that Gardulla was dealing with the Bando Gora by the time Wesell discovered the location of the palace.

While conversing with Jango Fett about the connection between Gardulla and the Bando Gora, Wesell spotted guards approaching her position outside of the palace. She was captured by the guards and taken to the palace where she was placed in a cell. Fett sneaked into the palace and found the cell where Wesell was being held. She informed him that the vault contained a computer and was located in the throne room. She added that the vault was accessible by a medallion that the Hutt wore. Despite her pleas for release, Fett stated that it was too dangerous to let her out. He surmised that the guards would be alerted to an empty cell. He told her to trust him, and that he would return. Wesell was not trusting and feared being fed to Gardulla's krayt dragon. Feeling betrayed, she alerted the Gamorrean guards, who then cornered Fett and rendered him unconscious.

Fett was brought before Gardulla, where the Hutt revealed that Wesell was a shapeshifter, and mentioned her plans to sell her for profit. Fett was stripped of his weapons and armor and fed to the krayt dragon. Escaping, he dispatched with all the guards, laid waste to the palace and confronted Gardulla. Gardulla chastised him for his efforts and his desire to gain access to her vault. Fett pushed the Hutt into the beast area, where she was consumed by her krayt dragon. Fett, in order to escape the palace, terminated the dragon and proceeded to the holding cells to speak with Wesell. Once the Mandalorian arrived in the concourse of the cells, Wesell pleaded for her freedom. He, in turn, scolded her for turning him in. Armed with the information from Gardulla's vault and Wesell remaining locked in the cell, Fett departed, saying, "I've got a bounty to hunt."

End of the hunt
"Looks like she's all yours, Jango. Were even, now."

- Zam Wesell, after being injured by Komari Vosa.

With the help of the Rozatta, Jango Fett discovered the location of the Bando Gora monastery on a moon of Bogden. The Mandalorian proceeded to the moon of and was immediately attacked by Bando Gora slaves. Eventually, he was overcome by the forces and was brought to Komari Vosa. During this time, Wesell escaped the cell in Gardulla's palace and discovered the location the cult leader. In pursuit, she arrived on the moon and sneaked into the compound. As Fett was being tortured, Vosa began to antagonize and harass the captive Mandalorian. Wesell had secretively arrived in the chamber as well, positioned behind a wall out of sight from the cult leader. The Clawdite drew her blaster and prepared to turn the corner. The cult leader sensed Wesell's presence and invited her to reveal herself. Disgusted and surprised, Wesell turned the corner, aiming her blaster at Vosa. Instead of firing immediately, the bounty hunter hesitated, allowing time for the cult leader to draw her twin red-colored lightsabers. In reaction, Wesell fired upon Vosa, only to have the blasterfire deflected back at her. In the foray, Wesell was hit by the deflected fire and fell to the ground wounded. As Vosa approached, the bounty hunter took aim at the binds holding Fett hostage. She fired, striking the binds and releasing Fett. Vosa quickly turned to see Fett grab his weapons from a nearby surface. As Fett opened fire on Vosa, she retreated deeper into the monastery, laughing evilly.

Wesell struggled to lift herself as Fett approached her. She told the Mandalorian that they were "even," and he calmly instructed her to remain and save her strength. Fett then continued in pursuit of Vosa. The Mandalorian bested Vosa in the skirmish that ensued. Out from the shadows appeared Tyranus, the man who had contacted Fett about the pursuit of Vosa. He commended Fett for his work and offered the bounty hunter a chance to be used as a template for the clone army being created for the Republic. Fett agreed under the condition that he receive the first clone, unaltered. He then departed the monastery, carrying the wounded Wesell to Firespray-class ship which had been named Slave I.

Crossed contracts
"You do recognize me. I wasn't sure you would given my state&hellip; of undress."

- Zam Wesell, after being surprised by Jango Fett.

Five years after the hunt for Komari Vosa, Zam Wesell pursued a contract for Dreddon the Hutt, a crime lord and Outer Rim arms dealer. The contract had been placed by a rival named Antonin, a Vigo in the Black Sun crime syndicate. Wesell disguised herself as a redheaded Human female and joined the Hutt's harem. She then convinced the crime lord to have his staff depart for the evening, leaving the two alone. Having manipulated the Hutt, placed a micro-bomb into the amorphous creature which the Hutt ate.

Before she departed the compound, Jango Fett arrived, looking for Dreddon. Wesell grabbed a blaster which she had hidden and fled out of sight. Wesell noticed Fett and became immediately proud that she had killed the Hutt who had employed Fett on recent bounties. She also had the upper hand, being positioned out of sight with her blaster ready. Fett saw the Hutt murdered and turned to see Wesell, wearing a metal bikini, appear from behind some curtains with a blaster drawn. Fett quickly drew his blaster even though he recognized Wesell. He proceeded to ask if the lifeless Hutt was of her doing. Replying affirmatively, she noted that she was fulfilling a contract.

Fett was angered by the death of Dreddon. He had come to the Outer Rim to be paid by the crime lord for fulfilling a contract: the death of Vigo Antonin. Wesell was in turn outraged that Fett had killed the Black Sun Vigo who had hired her. The two bounty hunters had realized that their contracts crossed and neither was going to be paid. Even after arguing about their crossed contracts, the pair remained in a stand off. After a short period, Wesell aimed her weapon away from Fett, approached him and departed, saying: "Take care of yourself, Jango&hellip; until next time." She then sashayed out of sight.

Stealing the artifact
Shortly after Wesell and Fett crossed contracts, both bounty hunters were contacted by Fernooda, a Dug on Coruscant. Working for the Annoo-dat General Ashaar Khorda, Fernooda contracted the two bounty hunters to steal the Infant of Shaa, a religious artifact from Seylott. The two bounty hunters were contacted separately and were unaware of each others involvement upon accepting the contract. The prize was fifty thousand credits to capture the artifact, which Fernooda claimed had been stolen from his employer by a Seylott native.

Wesell traveled to Seylott to capture the Infant of Shaa, discovering Jango Fett in the process. She waited, allowing Fett to clear the path to the idol, as he progressed through the jungles to some ruins, dispatching with fauna and a native Force-sensitive priest. As Fett began to depart the ruins, Wesell sneaked behind Fett to ambush him. Placing the tip of her blaster in his back, she ordered him to slowly turn around. The Clawdite took the idol and asked to see under Fett's helmet. He obliged, removing his helmet. With Wesell distracted, a large insect&mdash;known as the guardian of the idol&mdash;attacked, grabbed Wesell with its tongue. The artifact fell from her grasp and was picked up by Fett. The Mandalorian ran from the scene with Wesell shouting for help.

Upon exiting the ruins, Fett reconsidered leaving Wesell to perish. He turned around and ran toward the insectoid beast. Having approached the beast, Fett shot its tongue with his blaster. He grabbed Wesell and asked her to drop any explosives she carried. As she released the explosives, the pair fell down a chasm in the ruins. The explosives detonated on the surface next to the beast, killing it. Fett's jetpack, however, malfunctioned and the pair fell to the bottom of the chasm.

Upon reaching the bottom, Fett landed upon Wesell. After asking if she was fine, Wesell grabbed his helmet and returned it to him, jokingly asking if she could have the artifact in exchange. Seeing how Fett had returned to save her, however, she allowed the Mandalorian to leave with the idol and collect the bounty.

Conspiracy exposed and defeated
Shortly after the Infant of Shaa was turned over to the General, Ashaar Khorda, Wesell learned that the Annoo-dat had planned to use the artifact&mdash;which could cause planet-devastating explosions&mdash;as a means of destroying Coruscant. She quickly traveled to Kamino, to the residence of Jango Fett, hoping to recruit him to assist in a scheme to save the galactic capitol. When she landed on Kamino, Jango Fett was outside playing with his son, Boba. The young Fett was chasing a ball that rolled to the feet of the approaching bounty hunter. Boba Fett and Zam Wesell were introduced to each other, and Wesell began her petition to the elder Fett. Jango Fett was initially unimpressed with the prospect of partaking in this mission for free. Telling him that the blood of innocent beings would be on their hands still did not fully persuade the Mandalorian. Rather, Fett retorted that he needed to remain with his son. Wesell responded by questioning how many "sons" would be orphaned in such a catastrophe, recounting her history of being an orphan due to war. The appeal resonated with Fett, who himself had been an orphan. Persuaded to join in the effort, the pair boarded Slave I and departed for Coruscant.

Arriving on Coruscant, Wesell took the shape of the Dug criminal Fernooda, in an attempt to infiltrate Khorda's inner circle. While in disguise, she asked around about the happenings. She later remarked that no one was willing to speak on any matter, even to Fernooda. Wesell was able to learn, however, that Khorda had not been seen on Coruscant to that point. Additionally, Khorda was planning to use the idol at the planet's power relays, where the explosion would set of a planet-devastating chain reaction. She surmised that he was laying low, attempting to have the general populace and his cohorts limited with knowledge of his presence. Learning these things, she met Jango Fett in the lower levels of Coruscant. Wesell revealed her discovered information while returning to a Human appearance.

As Wesell dressed, she discussed the next course of action with Fett. The Mandalorian urged searching at the power relays of the planet's core. An explosion there, he stated, would cause a chain reaction. The difficulty, however, was discovering which power relay Khorda was accessing. While searching, they discovered guards who had been murdered. The pair assumed they were on the right trail and continued onward. At the same time, Jedi Master Yarael Poof was searching for the artifact and its possessors. The two bounty hunters and the Jedi Master entered the power relay station from opposite ends as Khorda was about to activate the Infant of Shaa.

Cornered, Khorda ordered his thugs to kill the Jedi Master and the two bounty hunters. A firefight ensued, as the unlikely trio began to dispatch with the thugs. During the fight, Fett was knocked off the walkway by a Wookiee. Then, as she finished skirmishing with a female thug, the Wookiee shot her in the left shoulder, sending her to the ground. Fett, using his jetpack, ascended over the walkway and dispatched with the Wookiee thug. Wesell remarked that the wound was clean and that she would be fine. The Mandalorian also realized that Khorda still possessed the idol; although, he was battling with Yarael Poof. Flying by usage of his jetpack, Fett proceeded further down the walkway toward Khorda and attacked Fernooda. As Fett assailed the Dug, Khorda activated the idol. Yarael Poof severed Khorda's right hand, and used the Force to take the activated artifact into his possession. Khorda, however, stabbed the Jedi Master with a blade, causing him to lose concentration. The idol fell, and bounced toward the edge of the walkway as Fett killed Khorda. As the artifact bounced off the walkway, Wesell reached for it. Using her shapeshifting abilities, she transformed her arm into that of another species. With her arm much longer than that of a Human, she caught the falling idol and turned it over to Master Poof. The wounded Jedi used his training in the Force to bind together the energies within the artifact. With the artifact re-stabilized and inactive, Poof collapsed on the walkway, dead.

Coruscant had been saved by Master Poof's sacrifice, and the pair of bounty hunters decided to return the artifact to Seylott. Arriving on the planet, Wesell returned the Infant of Shaa to its Mother&mdash;the large carved stone structure within a religious site. As they turned from the artifact, Wesell and Fett spotted a large crowd of Seylotts that had gathered. As they peacefully approached, the crowd parted. The bounty hunters walked through the parted crowd and were approached by a priest. Wesell apologized to the priest for having taken the idol earlier. The priest responded that the secrets of the idol were to die with the people of the planet. Additionally, he urged Wesell and Fett to never return to Seylott.

Upon leaving Seylott, the bounty hunters returned to Kamino&mdash;specifically, the residence of Jango Fett. Wesell flirted with Fett, stating that there was truly a man under the mask. After kissing him, she departed, disappearing into the heavy rain as Boba Fett came to greet his father.

Tracking Holowan


While completing a job on Esseles, Wesell learned through the local cantina that Jango Fett had arrived on the planet. Disguised as a hunched, withered woman, Wesell approached Fett, and his son Boba, in the docking bay where Slave I was parked. Using the codeword "ruffelluff," Wesell revealed her identity to Fett, who ushered her into his ship. Inside, Wesell shifted her appearance to her common Human identity, surprising the young Boba.

Fett showed a hologram of the woman Hurlo Holowan to Wesell and asked if she could imitate the woman. Replying affirmatively, Fett gave Wesell a bandage and a vest and revealed a plan to learn her location. Fett had already captured Senator Rodd of Fondor and was searching for Holowan. The plan involved using Wesell, disguised as Holowan, to get information from Rodd regarding the woman's whereabouts. Wesell donned the apparel and changed into the appearance of Holowan.

Entering into the cell where Rodd was held, Wesell commented that she had dispatched with the bounty hunter who had caught the Senator. Wesell fumbled with the keys, intentionally failing to release Rodd while they conversed. Once enough information was learned, Fett stormed into the cell area and surprised the Senator. Grabbing Wesell by the neck, he dragged her out at sealed Rodd in. Wesell then shifted back to her normative Human appearance.

Fett was experiencing a conundrum. He needed to transport his son, Boba, back to Kamino, but did not want to risk losing Holowan. He revealed that the Trandoshan bounty hunter Cradossk and his son Bossk were in hot pursuit, hoping to kill Holowan on behalf of Wat Tambor. Offering her assistance, Wesell took the subcontracted bounty of catching Holowan alive for the large sum of one hundred thousand credits. While she was initially fearful of the razor eaters, the amount of credits sealed the deal. The bounty hunters agreed to meet near Commenor once Wesell had captured Holowan.

Having learned from Senator Rodd that Holowan was the daughter of a Kuati merchant house patriarch, Wesell left Slave I and searched the Curamel Intergalactic Spaceport for a vessel to commandeer. Inside a docking bay, Wesell spotted a Subpro Corporation StarNailer-class fighter. The bounty hunter knew that this vessel would allow her to reach Kuat faster than most civilian craft. Plus, she hoped that the theft of such a costly and expensive vehicle would reach be circulated across the HoloNet. Hoping that law enforcement agencies throughout the galaxy would be looking for this vehicle, she would be arrested within moments of arriving at Kuat. Rather than directly trying to infiltrate the heavily defended world, she would slip in as a captive. Stealing the vehicle, Wesell piloted it away from Esseles and toward the Kuat system.

Upon entering the Kuat system, two law enforcement vehicles immediately came beside the StarNailer fighter. Locking on with their tractor beams, they ordered Wesell to surrender. In a weak and quavering voice, Wesell offered her surrender and killed the engine. Wesell then altered her appearance again and hid some explosive polymer under a layer of fake skin. The patrol ships towed the vessel to a docking bay at the Kuat Passenger Port. When Wesell departed the ship, under arrest, she identified herself as Marby Welcus of Corellia. The bounty hunter appeared as a thin, timid man who acted as a disoriented and confused simpleton. The guards removed Wesell's blaster and ushered "Welcus" across the docking bay.

Wesell was taken to a small cell in the docking bay. She noticed that Bossk had also come to Kuat, but was resisting arrest and being held by force. Once in the cell, she took the explosive polymer and placed it on the door. The explosion was muffled, but the door was blasted open. Exiting the cell, she ignored Bossk who was growing angry with the commotion in the corridor. The shape-shifter spotted the guard and altered her shape to mimic him and took his uniform, donning it over her bodysuit. Disguised as the guard, she left the detention area and retrieved her belongings from a locker, dispatching with the guard in the process. Taking her belongings, she walked into the public lobby.

Wesell decided to drop the disguise as the security officer and entered into a public restroom adjacent to the lobby. There, she returned to her standard Human appearance. Returning to the lobby, she noticed the Kuat City Express, a ferry bound for Kuat City. When a final boarding call was announced, Wesell noticed a merchant running toward the ferry. He dropped his bag, and turned to retrieve it. Wesell, however, snatched the bag, and held it in front of the man in a taunting gesture. The bounty hunter stepped behind some storage containers, the man&mdash;who had identified himself as Khoss of Knylenn&mdash;in pursuit. Out of sight, Wesell knocked the merchant unconscious and took his ticket for the ferry. Boarding the ferry, she took Khoss's seat and napped as she was transported to Kuat City.

Upon arriving in Kuat City, Wesell furthered her disguise by purchasing a hooded cape which concealed most of the head and the body. Paying for it with the money stolen from Khoss of Knylenn, the clothing would allow Wesell to move freely as a Kuati citizen. Stopping at a kiosk, she inquired with a protocol droid about the location of the House of Holowan. The droid directed the bounty hunter to the location and Wesell traveled to the location known as Holowan Terrace.

The Shape-shifter strikes
From the hovertrain stop on Holowan Terrace, Wesell could see the imposing mansion. Traveling the one block north, Wesell spied two guard droids as patrol on the walkway which crossed a moat. Changing her face to that of Hurlo Holowan, she attempted to cross. Her voice, however, failed the recognition test and the droids attacked. Wesell, however, easily dispatched with the droids, shooting one and kicking the other into the moat. Arriving at the front door, it was open and unlocked. Wesell began to suspect that a trap had been set.

Crossing through the mansion, Wesell passed into the courtyard, the door sealing behind her. She spotted a woman on the balcony above wearing a red gown and black cape. The bounty hunter recognized the woman as Holowan, but Wesell&mdash;also appearing as Holowan&mdash;caused the woman alarm. Three guard droids attacked Wesell at the woman's orders, but Wesell destroyed them. With the woman running from the scene, Wesell climbed a statue and jumped for the balcony. Reaching the balcony, she ran in pursuit of Holowan, who was darting toward an open window. Setting her blaster to stun, she shot the woman, who fell to the ground. When Wesell arrived to check Holowan's pulse, she realized that the being was not Holowan, but rather, another Clawdite who had been in disguise.

When the Clawdite decoy awoke, Wesell asked where Holowan was hiding. Under threat of force, the decoy pointed to a staircase and mentioned that it lead to a laboratory. Wesell fired her weapon into the Clawdite's hip, stunning the being once again. She then hid the decoy in the closet and continued her pursuit. While descending the stairs, Wesell changed her appearance back to her common Human form.

The door to Holowan's laboratory was locked, but Wesell was able to slip through a window above the door. The bounty hunter saw the true Holowan standing at a worktable. When Zam asked Holowan to put her hands up, however, the woman flipped a switch. Wesell braced herself against the wall as the floor retracted and a razor eater ascended from the exposed pit. The droid attacked Wesell, but the Clawdite quickly responded. She fired at the photoreceptors to blind the droid, then jumped at it, knocking it off balance. The droid fell back into the pit and was crushed by the floor closing up.

Holowan still refused to surrender. She unleashed a monstrous felinx, which was larger than any Wesell had seen before. As the feline creature attacked, Wesell stunned the jaw and a hind leg. As a result, the felinx retreated and Wesell turned her attention to Holowan.

Commandeering Holowan's personal craft, Wesell took Holowan to the bridge and tied her to a seat. The Clawdite was unimpressed with the anti-theft device which was covering the controls. It had been programmed to shock any potential thief. Wesell made Holowan give an attempt to deactivate the device, but failed, shocking the woman. With Holowan stunned, Wesell pulled out her universal key and decoded the device, unlocking the ship's controls. Even though two law enforcement vehicles attempted to stop Wesell from piloting out of the Kuat system, the bounty hunter evaded them and successfully put the ship into hyperspace. While traveling to Commenor for the trade&mdash;Holowan for credits&mdash;Wesell slept.

Arriving at Commenor, Wesell scanned for Jango Fett's Slave I. Eventually, the two ships docked together and Fett boarded Holowan's craft. Fett gave Wesell a heavy leather case which contained her payment while he took Holowan, still unconscious and tied to a seat on the bridge. Wesell helped load Holowan into a cage on Slave I and conversed with her acquaintance for short time about the mission. Fett also explained his troubles with Cradossk, and how he hoped to avoid any unnecessary attention to his son, Boba. Wesell and Fett then returned to the cage Holowan was being held in to interrogate the Kuati woman. Learning that his next target was on Balmorra, the bounty hunters departed.

First assassination attempt
"I hit the ship, but they used a decoy."

- Zam Wesell

Around 22 BBY, Jango Fett was hired by Count Dooku, on behalf of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray, to assassinate Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo. The job was then subcontracted by Fett to Wesell. Using her skills as a shape-shifter, Wesell learned the location and time of Amidala's arrival. The Clawdite's scheme involved planting explosives on the Senator's cruiser. Posing as a reporter to drunk and disillusioned Naboo Lieutenant Theomet Danlé, Wesell convinced the young man to plant a "listening device" aboard Amidala's shuttle in an effort to expose political corruption. Danlé obliged and, unknowingly, set the explosive devise. When the cruiser arrived on the Coruscant landing platform, it exploded. Danlé was among the casualties in the explosion.

Although Wesell succeeded in destroying the Naboo Royal Cruiser, the explosion killed the senator's decoy, Cordé. The Senator, herself, had arrived in an N-1 starfighter. The explosive device, however, also had a flaw. A technical hitch in the triggering mechanism also allowed the Senator to escape. Nevertheless, the explosion was not traced to Wesell. Instead, it was believed to have been caused by disgruntled spice miners from the moons around Naboo.

Second assassination attempt and death
"We'll have to try something more subtle this time, Zam. My client is getting impatient. Take these. Be careful. They're very poisonous. Zam, there can be no mistakes this time."

- Jango Fett

Following the first attempt on Senator Amidala, the Senator was put in the protective care of the Jedi. In an attempt to draw out her attacker, Amidala crafted a plan to disable her apartment's automated security devices. All the security cameras and sensors in her apartment were turned off, and she entrusted her security to Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. The only protective measures in place were the astromech droid R2-D2's sensors and the two Jedi who were assigned to wait in the anteroom and use the Force to detect any trouble.

After being reprimanded by Jango Fett, he provided Wesell with deadly kouhuns, multipedal insects from Induomodo, which he considered more subtle. For the second attempt, Wesell loaded the clear cylinder of kouhuns into a special receptacle of her assassin droid ASN-121 and programmed the droid with the location of Amidala's apartment. In further preparation, she disabled the ability for the droid to reroute its electrical circulation into its outer shell to prevent the electrical signature from alerting the apartment's security senors. She also instructed the droid to remain near the kouhuns to monitor the attack.

With Wesell waiting on the roof of the Trade Federation Office Tower, the droid arrived outside the apartment, it bypassed the security screen which surrounded the window by emitting disruptive energy beams from the tips of its wings. The droid then cut a hole in the pane with a laser cutter. The droid discharged the kouhuns and began to monitor their progress. The droid R2-D2, which was scanning the room for intruders, was unaware of the predatory insects. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, however, detected their presence through the Force and destroyed them.

As ASN-121 was following its directive to remain, Kenobi spotted the droid and leaped out the window, grabbing the droid by its body. The droid, following the next step of its instructions, began a jaunt at high speeds amongst the Coruscant skyscrapers. The droid was unhindered by Kenobi's added weight and returned to Wesell. The bounty hunter, however, spotted the Jedi clinging to the droid. Taking her sniper rifle, she fired upon the droid, destroying it. Kenobi began plummeting toward the planet surface while Wesell attempted to escape.

Skywalker, however, arrived upon the scene as his master was in freefall. Catching Kenobi with his commandeered airspeeder, the padawan continued the pursuit of the Koro-2 Exodrive airspeeder piloted by Wesell. Spotting the Jedi, Wesell took her speeder on a nosedive&mdash;plunging 2,670 meters toward the lower levels of Corusca Circus. Still not shaking the Jedi pursuers, Wesell flew through the exhaust flames of the Kerdos Company Recycling Plant. Knowing her speeder was sealed, the bounty hunter hoped that the flames would scorch the Jedi in the open-top speeder. Seeing Skywalker still in pursuit and unscaved by the flames, Wesell fired at the couplings of a nearby electrical plant, causing the Jedi's speeder to be inundated by electrical shock.

Skywalker, as an expert pilot himself, quickly caught up to Wesell. The bounty hunter steered her craft into a network of skytunnels, aiming once again to lose the pursuing Jedi. Skywalker did not chase directly into tunnel, but opted to travel a different way. Wesell wove through the local network of tunnels, reaching speeds of 400 kilometers per hour. Upon exiting the network at the Cybot Galactica Research Institute, the bounty hunter was surprised when Skywalker suddenly landed upon her airspeeder. The Jedi ignited his lightsaber and sliced at the windscreen, knocking out the guidance systems. Wesell shot the lightsaber out of Skywalker's hand, but the ensuing struggle caused Wesell to misfire her blaster pistol, damaging the control pipes. The Koro-2 airspeeder began to plummet toward the surface, crashing on Vos Gesal Street in the Uscru Entertainment District, near the Outlander Club. Having been chased for over one hundred kilometers, Wesell crawled from the crashsite and fled into the club.

Inside the Outlander Club, Kenobi instructed to his padawan to search the premises while he went for a drink at the bar. Kenobi's plan was to be an easy target to draw out the attacker. Wesell hid until the two Jedi separated, then slowly approached the seemingly vulnerable Jedi at the bar. To secure the accuracy of her shot, she continued approaching the Jedi with her weapon drawn while Kenobi sensed the bounty hunter's intentions. In an instant, however, Kenobi ignited his lightsaber, spun around and severed Wesell's arm below the elbow.

Kenobi and Skywalker took the defeated bounty hunter and dragged her out of the club, setting her gently in the an adjacent alley, behind the club, for interrogation. Wesell was initially reluctant to give any information about who had hired her, simply replying, "it was just a job." As Skywalker pressed her, however, Wesell prepared to divulge the information. Suddenly, Jango Fett, who had been observing the situation, fired a toxic dart into the Clawdite's neck. The dart released a lethal, but painless, toxin into Wesell and she quickly died, reverting to her natural Clawdite form.

Legacy
"The only females I knew as a kid were a Kaminoan and a changeling bounty hunter. Doesn't equip you to be a family man. I tried."

- Boba Fett, briefly recalling his memory of Wesell as an isolated influence.

During her career as a bounty hunter, Wesell was credited with the assassination of Senator Jubben and Baron Wazado. This was confirmed when the status log of her ASN-121 assassin droid was salvaged by Republic officials in the undercity. This log solved several previously unsolved assassinations and served as a warning to several senators. Additionally, Wesell bore a daughter named Sone at some point. Sone, however, disappeared following her mother's death.

Fett held some regret for having killed Wesell with the saberdart. Over the years, the pair had developed a positive relationship. Fett was visibly disturbed upon his return to Kamino, however. His son, Boba Fett, also was saddened by the death. Kenobi was initially unable to identify the saberdart found on Wesell's corpse with the help of the Jedi analysis droids. As a result, he turned to his friend Dexter Jettster, who ultimately directed Kenobi to Kamino and Jango Fett.

Personality and traits
"You could learn a thing or two about being subtle."

- Jango Fett to Wesell following their escape from Oovo IV.

"Where's Zam?&hellip; I have a joke to tell her."

- Boba Fett

On the one hand, Zam Wesell was a skilled, dedicated, and callous bounty hunter. She possessed an extraordinary self-discipline which was used to develop skills as a shapeshifter and in combat. She was confident&mdash;at times overly confident &mdash;in her abilities and did not appreciate being underestimated. Yet, Wesell was not a compulsive fighter. When in the line of duty, she was level-headed and carefully measured. Nevertheless, Wesell's motives were clear. She was driven by money and did not care which side she fought for as long as her client was willing to pay well. As a result, she was ruthless towards her bounties, viewing them explicitly as marks who "probably deserved it anyway." She enjoyed leading the life of the outlaw and read books about famous outlaws of the past and the bloody battles of Galactic history.

On the other hand, Wesell also had a conscience. While she initially cared more about herself during the hunt for Komari Vosa, Wesell returned to aid Fett in the final showdown on Kohlma, the moon of Bogden. Her intervention allowed Fett to overwhelm Vosa and defeat the Bando Gora leader. Similarly, Wesell was not willing to allow the entire planet of Coruscant to be destroyed without a fight during the Infant of Shaa incident. Instead, she appealed to Jango Fett and the pair&mdash;along with Jedi Yarael Poof&mdash;defeated the terrorists who planned to use the idol at the planet's power relays. Wesell also developed a friendship with Jango Fett and his son, Boba, that evolved into a caring relationship.

Shape-shifting
"I'm a Clawdite, Jango. It's what we do."

- Zam Wesell, remarking on her shapeshifting abilities.

Over her career, Zam Wesell was often believed to be a Shi'ido by those who were aware of her shape-shifting abilities. While she never refuted this belief, she was in fact a Clawdite. As a Clawdite, Wesell was endowed with the ability to alter her physical appearance at will. For Clawdites, however, this process was extremely painful and it took great skill to achieve. Wesell, however, developed skills in her shape-shifting and became highly skilled at self-alteration. Some of her abilities that she fostered were different than those of a more normative Clawdite. For example, Clawdites typically did not possess the ability to mimic an exact replica of an individual. Nevertheless, Wesell was able to closely replicate the appearances of other individuals such as the Dug Fernooda, Hurlo Holowan, and a Kuati Security Guard. In the first instance, Wesell was able to converse with Fernooda's associates without being suspected. When mimicking the two Kuati individuals, Wesell did not properly replicate the vocal sounds that each person made, although their appearance was sufficient to fool their acquaintances. Furthermore, the alteration abilities that Clawdites possessed were traditionally confined to the alteration of skin color or texture. They could not create extra flesh or other limbs to imitate wings or reconfigure their bodies into non-humanoid shapes. Wesell possessed an ability, however, to mimic a Dug, which required some bodily reconfiguration. Additionally, she was able to manipulate her right arm, on one occasion, to a significant length in order to catch the Infant of Shaa before it fell into the core of Coruscant. It was speculated that such ability came from a net gain or loss of water content within Wesell's body.

University of Sanbra scientists noted that Clawdites typically could not maintain an altered form for more than a few minutes. However, they conceded that rumors abounded about those who had developed the ability to sustain an appearance indefinitely. In those cases, it was believed that the being's internal structure had been liquefied. Furthermore, most Clawdites only possessed the ability to alter skin tone; or, at most, other humanoid species. Regardless, Wesell had developed her skill beyond the overwhelming majority of Clawdites. While it was extremely rare, Wesell was able to maintain a form even while sleeping, and she possessed the ability to mimic the form of almost any other species for any demanded period of time in spite of the pain it caused her. Most often, however, she held the appearance of a young, attractive woman.

Tactical skills
As a bounty hunter, Wesell was considered one of the best of her generation. She was a shrewd and intelligent huntress who was skilled at martial arts. During her years on Zolan, Wesell had advanced to the third level of fighting in the Mabari order of religious warriors and further honed her skills during her tenure on the corporate world of Denon. She was willing to put her body in any position in order to take the necessary shot at a target, but she preferred to hit her marks from afar. Wesell was a skilled pilot, as well. She trusted heavily in her skills which were on display as she whipped through the Coruscant skylanes at nearly four hundred kilometers per hour after the second attempt to assassinate Senator Amidala.

An important part of Wesell's skill as a bounty hunter was due to her ability to alter her appearance. Wesell most often dealt with her contacts in the form of a young, attractive Human woman, which she found beneficial to making connections. Additionally, she was able to readily assume the forms needed to help accomplish her task.

Airspeeder
"My speeder might be built like a dung beetle, but it could survive an acid storm on Mordis VI."

- Wesell, on her airspeeder.

Wesell often commandeered vehicles for her more routine missions to prevent herself from being traced. She used her personal craft, however, when she needed the security of its performance. Measuring in at 6.61 meters in length, the Koro-2 Exodrive airspeeder, built by Desler Gizh Outworld Mobility Corporation, the craft featured no armaments for defense; although, Wesell did originally plan to upgrade the vehicle with a blaster canon. Wesell stole the green craft from a mining colony controlled by the Mining Guild. As a result, the airspeeder was a versatile vehicle originally intended for the hazardous atmospheres of hostile worlds. It had limited air intake and could sustain an internal atmosphere for about two weeks. The craft was flexible even in large urban areas; although, it was not intended for such.

For propulsion, the forward mandibles of the craft irradiated the air around them, inducing ionization and making it conductive. The electrified airstream then magnetically propelled to the rear of the craft. Therefore, the craft was literally forced forward by the electrified matter moving from one end of the craft to the other. In urban areas, however, outdoor power lines were known to cause problems with the propulsion fields and made steering the craft difficult. The propulsion mechanisms also caused an aural howl to be heard as the vehicle passed, as well as left radiation and a foul stench in its wake.

Wesell's Koro-2 airspeeder was a versatile vehicle used for many of her missions. It had a hidden locker for her assassin/sentry droid ASN-121, situated behind the driver's seat; a rifle, which was stored in a covert forward mandible compartment; and special oils for Clawdite shapeshifters. All totaled, the craft could carry up to eighty kilograms of cargo weight and maintain speeds of 800 kilometers per hour in the process.

In 22 BBY, the craft was used as the getaway vehicle in the plot to assassinate Senator Padmé Amidala. When the plot was foiled, Wesell attempted to flee the scene and boarded her airspeeder. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi chased the bounty hunter through the traffic lanes of Coruscant until Skywalker jumped from his airspeeder to the surface of Wesell's. Using his lightsaber, he punctured a hole in the craft, causing the bounty hunter to lose control. As a result, the vehicle plummeted to the surface, crashing in the Entertainment district. Wesell fled her burning craft, leaving the vessel to be scrapped and scavenged. By the time the authorities had arrived on the scene, the vehicle had been stripped to the airframe hull.

Armor
Wesell used specially designed armor and apparel which could be used even as she employed other humanoid forms than her natural Clawdite appearance. The boots, for example, could be used with other types of limbs other than Human feet. Lining the bodysuit were elastic bands, placed at strategic locations, which remained taut during changes. Moreover, the bodysuit could stretch to accommodate a new form.

The purple armor had other features apart from its versatility when shapeshifitng. The material had dark subtle colors which blended into shadows of buildings and other objects. A vail was also used to cover the lower part of her face, hiding her appearance. The armor was also equipped with a direct-to-lungs breathpack. Hoses from the breathpack could connect to the couplings grafted into Wesell's ribcage. Moreover, Wesell wore a Mabari armorweave blast-sink skirt and shin guards on her boots. The skirt was able to absorb or deflect blast fire from grenades and other energy-based explosive devices and offered protection for attacks from behind.

While decorative instead of protective, Wesell wore an ancient Mabari artifact as a cape seal. This artifact included a Mabari emblem and markings which indicated her rank as a third-level fighter within their order. Other inscriptions were located on the armor breastplate. Additionally, her Mabari combat gauntlets and her helmet also included intricate etchings from the Mabari holy books.

Arsenal


Wesell kept an arsenal of a blaster pistol, rifle, and explosives at her disposal, using them when the situation demanded. She was also skilled with gadgets and technology, relying on them while working as a bounty hunter. Among these gadgets were a universal key, a comlink that scrambled outbound signals, and specially-equipped binoculars which were attached to her helmet.

Her blaster pistol was a KYD-21 model, composed in part of a Hadrium alloy. The blaster also featured a guardless trigger which allowed for rapid firing. Due to its small and compact size, it could be easily hidden. Therefore, Wesell preferred the weapon when she needed to appear nonthreatening or to close in inconspicuously on a target. It also could shoot up to seventy-five shots before needing to recharge. Wesell used the blaster pistol during the Clone Wars. Most specifically, she drew her weapon upon her approach toward Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Outlander Club. After her death, the KYD-21 would later fall into the possession of Boba Fett, who awarded it to an unknown individual for slaying the bounty hunter named "Project Durge."

Although she did not prefer the use of projectile weapons, Wesell began to adopt the use of a projectile rifle to use for long-range shots. The rifle was included in her arsenal at the insistence of Jango Fett, and she stored it in a mandible of her airspeeder. It was a versatile weapon that featured an Optical/Thermal imaging scope which provided for extreme accuracy. The rifle would eventually be used to destroy her assassin droid, ASN-121, during the plot to assassinate Senator Amidala.

Due to her experience, Wesell also carried a universal key and explosives to use as part of her arsenal. The explosives were available to use during the Infant of Shaa incident, when she was attacked by a giant beast. Jango Fett freed Wesell from the beast and instructed her to drop the cylindrical devices. They exploded, killing the creature. Wesell also created her own explosive polymer, which she put to use while escaping a cell on Kuat during the hunt for Hurlo Holowan. The explosives were able to be concealed while the authorities took her blaster and universal key.

Assassin droid
"Senator Jubben. STATUS: Terminated. Baron Wazado. STATUS: Terminated. Senator Amidala. STATUS: ABORTABORTABORTABOR-"

- From the recovered log of Zam Wesell's ASN-121

Zam Wesell's personal assassin droid was a custom-made creation by the Malkite Poisoners upon her request. To hide its true origins, the Malkite Poisoners created the automaton from commonplace parts. The droid was equipped with a wide-array of features including unprecedented environmental awareness and stealth abilities. It also possessed an infrared photoreceptor, an eavesdropping recorder, a tangle net, and a stinger blaster. These tools were specifically installed for use on stealth missions. Furthermore, the droid's narrow shape minimized the profile for pursuers or those attacking from ahead, creating a smaller target.

The droid was constructed with a powerful repulsorlift engine which was rated military-plus. Powered by fusion generator, the repulsorlift allowed the droid to reach near-orbit altitudes. Because it was independently powered, the repulsorlift ensured good balance for the droid, even under unusual loads. The automaton also had the ability to reroute its electric current to its metal posterior, shocking stowaways or any item which would interfere with it.

Wesell had the ability to equip the droid with a variety of implements and weapons, such as a harpoon gun, sniper blaster, gas dispenser, spy sensors, flamethrower, durasteel drills and cutters. All of these were easily installed into the central tool socket, which was designed to accommodate these items. The central socket also had the ability to hold canisters, which could have been filled with toxic biological agents or explosives.

During the second attempt on the life of Senator Amidala, Wesell loaded the ASN-121 assassin droid with a canister of kouhuns. She also disabled the ability to redirect its electrical current, hoping to minimize its electric signature. After using its tools to dispatch the creatures, the droid was forced into a retreat when it was spotted by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kenobi jumped through the apartment window and grasped the droid. Kenobi's weight of 63kg neither deterred nor slowed the droid. The droid, however, was able to shock Kenobi using its electro-defense grid as he rode it through the skylanes of Coruscant. ASN-121 also attempted to remove the clinging Jedi by brushing up against a skyscraper. In an attempt to kill the Jedi, by causing him to plummet to his death, Wesell used her sniper rifle and shot the droid. The wreckage of the droid was later recovered and included a status log of Wesell's bounties.

Jango Fett
"I'm intimately familiar with that fast draw of yours, Jango."

- Zam Wesell

"Take care of yourself, Jango&hellip;until next time."

- Zam Wesell

Zam Wesell and Jango Fett first developed a partnership in 32 BBY that evolved into a highly efficient team. Even though they seldom worked together on a job, Fett subcontracted many jobs, even some of the most dangerous tasks, out to Wesell. By the Clone Wars, Fett desired to spend more time with his son and this arrangement was profitable for both, for it allowed the money-driven Wesell to expand her career while Fett could be choosy with the tasks he took. On subcontracted jobs, Fett was then able to monitor from a safe distance, preserving his life so he could live for his son, Boba. Yet, Fett trusted Wesell with these most dangerous jobs. He admired her skills, and the pair held a mutual respect for each other.

While Wesell and Fett maintained a professional relationship, Wesell was able to get closer to Fett than anyone other than his son Boba. Wesell was sometimes flirtatious in her conversing with the Mandalorian  and successfully asked to see the face of the bounty hunter which was was most often hidden under the mask. Wesell also enjoyed teasing Fett, but the pair declined to further the relationship beyond friendship so it would not adversely affect either career.

Even though Boba Fett regarded Wesell as his father's only friend, Jango Fett believed he was forced to silence Wesell after the failed assassination attempt on Coruscant. He was saddened by the events which led to her death and was visibly disturbed upon his return to Kamino. He held regret for having terminated her life and retreated to walking alone in the rain and fishing at his home on Kamino prior to the arrival of Obi-Wan Kenobi. At least, however, the dart which killed Wesell released a painless toxin.

Boba Fett
"Want adventure? Read books. Then when you get tired of the excitement, you can close the book. Better than real life."

- Wesell to Boba Fett

Zam Wesell was first introduced to Boba Fett in 27 BBY when she traveled to Kamino during the Infant of Shaa incident. From that point, the Clawdite developed a friendship with the young son of Jango Fett. By the Clone Wars, their friendship had developed to the point that they readily exchanged jokes and the young Boba missed Wesell when she was absent for long periods of time. She also encouraged the young Mandalorian to read, promoting the excitement that could be found from doing so. Following the failed assassination of Senator Amidala, Boba learned of Wesell's death from his father through periodic conversation upon Jango Fett's return. As he learned of her death, Boba became sad and all the enjoyment in his life was sapped away. Wesell became greatly missed by Boba and his existence became even more lonely. Later in his life, Boba remarked that Wesell&mdash;along with the Kaminoan Taun We&mdash;were the only two female beings he knew growing up.

Character development and portrayal
"The costume and weaponry really help make the character. You look at yourself in the mirror, and you say, ' This is how I'm going to be. '"

- Leeanna Walsman, on portraying Zam Wesell.

The character of Zam Wesell was played by actress Leeanna Walsman in Attack of the Clones. Walsman also provided the voice for the same character in the game Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. Wesell was voiced by Diane Michelle, however, in the expansion pack Clone Campaigns to the game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds.

Wesell was originally created as an antagonist in Attack of the Clones. Early drafts of the Episode Two scripts referred to Wesell as a "C.A.T.," a Corporate Alliance Trooper, instead of "Zam Wesell." Her first appearance in canon, however, was in the one-shot comic Star Wars: Jango Fett which predated the film by two months. Wesell was not originally conceived as a changeling or shapeshifting being. Rather, this concept developed well after principal photography for Attack of the Clones had begun. As a result, Walsman was originally unaware of Wesell's species type. The transformations and alien appearance were created digitally by superimposing a "mask" over Walsman's face. Wesell, as a changeling, was then included in the one-shot Star Wars: Jango Fett and in the tenth issue of Star Wars Gamer. Further details and background information were eventually created with the one-shot comics Star Wars: Jango Fett, Star Wars: Zam Wesell, and the game Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. Subsequent appearances in Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive and The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi further expanded her role in the life of Boba Fett and provided more details about the plot to assassinate Senator Padmé Amidala. Additionally, while Wesell does not appear in LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, she does appear in LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga.

The New Essential Guide to Characters
Unlike other sources, the New Essential Guide to Characters lists much of Wesell's vital information as "unknown." This, however, does not pose direct conflicts with other established sources but the Guide directly offers the possibility that much of Wesell's backstory may have been prefabricated in-universe by the character as a web of carefully concocted lies. For example, Wesell's gender is listed as "unknown" in the Guide, but is confirmed as female in sources such as the Databank. Furthermore, while all sources call the character "Zam Wesell," the Guide states that it may not be her real name.

The Official Star Wars Fact Files
A minor inconsistency arises between the The Official Star Wars Fact Files and the video game Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. The video game takes place in 32 BBY, five years before the crossing of contracts between Dreddon the Hutt and Vigo Antonin. Yet, Fact Files 53, 65, and 71 state that Wesell's first encounter with Jango Fett was Dreddon's palace.

Another continuity issue arises in Fact File 101 which states that Wesell, in preparation for the first assassination attempt on Senator Amidala, planted an explosive device on the landing platform where the Senator was expected to land. Wesell then staked out over a kilometer away and detonated the bomb when she saw Amidala's decoy, believing it was Amidala herself, step out of the vessel and onto the platform. This is conflict with the Databank which states that Wesell posed as a reporter and conned a drunk Theomet Danlé into planting the explosive on the ship. Whether or not Wesell staked out the landing pad in this situation is not stated, but the Databank cites the explosion as having come from the bomb planted inside the vesell.

Non-canon and ambiguously canon appearances
The LEGO model for Wesell does not appear in LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game as the model was unused. The character, however, and the attempt to assassinate Padmé Amidala both have non-canonical appearances in LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga. The game also includes the speeder chase between Wesell and the Jedi Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Wesell also has an appearance in the Wizards of the Coast scenario Two Jedi Walk Into a Bar. In this role-playing scenario, the player revisits the Outlander Club following the speeder chase in 22 BBY creates a what-if situation in which Jango Fett wanted to keep Wesell alive and help her escape the Jedi rather than meet her ultimate canonical fate.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
 * Star Wars: Jango Fett
 * Star Wars: Zam Wesell
 * Star Wars Adventures 5: The Shape-Shifter Strikes
 * Star Wars Adventures Game Book 5: The Shape-Shifter Strikes
 * Star Wars Adventures 6: The Warlords of Balmorra
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Comic: Issue 1
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones novel
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones junior novel
 * Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive
 * Labyrinth of Evil
 * Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds (Clone Campaigns Expansion set)
 * The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi
 * I Am a Bounty Hunter
 * Bloodlines
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga