Vaklu Vaklu was an Onderonian general and commander - in - chief of Onderon ' s armed forces during the Mandalorian Wars , the Jedi Civil War , and the Dark Wars . During the Mandalorian Wars , Vaklu lead the resistance movement against the Mandalorian occupiers . He was loved by many , and decorated as a war hero . He gained much support from within the ranks of the military and from the populace of Onderon to seize control of the throne of Onderon from his cousin , Queen Talia . This coup d ' état soon erupted into a full scale civil war . Leading the Onderon separatists , Vaklu assaulted the palace in an attempt to crush Talia once and for all . His gambit failed , and he was executed as a traitor to Onderon . Biography . Early life and Mandalorian Wars . The exact details of Vaklu ' s life before he entered the Onderonian military are scarce . It ' s a safe assumption that he was born on Onderon , and entered the military at a young age . Due to his courage and shrewd tactical mind , Vaklu soon worked his way through the ranks , and eventually rose to the rank of General . At the start of the Mandalorian Wars , Vaklu was unable to help the Onderonian military , with it ' s outdated tactics and equipment , prevent the Mandalorian legions , with their cutting - edge weaponry and years of fighting experience , from conquering Onderon . During the Mandalorian occupation , Vaklu was able to rally his people and lead the underground resistance movement , and greatly helped in driving the Mandalorians from Onderon , although the Mandalorians would later claim that Vaklu ' s triumph was due only to the Jedi and the Republic , and that their forces never gave ground to any Onderonian soldier . After the victory against the Mandalorians , Vaklu was celebrated as a war hero and was made , due in no small part to his leadership during the resistance , the commander - in - chief of the planet ' s entire military . Vaklu was unable to show his skill during the Jedi Civil War , however , as Darth Revan seemed to purposefully avoid Onderon . Oddly enough , due to its diverse ecology , Onderon was necessary to seeding life on war - torn worlds , and had Revan invaded Onderon , the Onderonians might not have had their vital role in the post - war period . Seizing control from Talia . After the war , Onderon began to export their ecology to the Telosian Restoration Project , a template for the restoration of all other war - ravaged planets , making Onderon a vital world . Noticing how much Onderon had given to the Republic in both the Mandalorian Wars and the post - Jedi Civil War , and how little Onderon had received in return , Vaklu became dissatisfied with the now - weakened Republic , and openly announced his desires for Onderon to secede from the Republic . In addition to being a skilled military leader , Vaklu was also a charismatic politician . This , along with his heroism during the Mandalorian Wars , allowed Vaklu ' s ideas to spread across Onderon and the galaxy to off - world Onderonian diplomats and businessmen . Hundreds of thousands rallied around Vaklu . However , Vaklu ' s cousin , Queen Talia , was a constant supporter in the Republic , and spoke against secession . Many of Vaklu ' s following dwindled , due to their loyalty to the queen . Vaklu was then driven by his love of Onderon ( and his own ambitions ) to take the throne from Talia , to better serve the people and give Onderon the destiny he thought it deserved . Vaklu , determined as ever to see the secession of Onderon , constantly battled Talia over the support of the Council of Lords , officers within the military , and the Onderonian people . As political animosity escalated , riots became more common . Several attempts were made on Talia ' s life . Although Vaklu may not have been directly responsible for these attempts , it is certain that Vaklu ' s more radical supporters were responsible , believing themselves to be acting on Vaklu ' s behalf . The Queen stepped up security around the palace , and neighboring quarters , placing loyal officers on the Sky Ramp and the Merchant Quarter . Vaklu spread propaganda to breed distrust in the Republic . Vaklu also used his powers as commander - in - chief to pass several edicts in an attempt to sever connections to the Republic . He used the Onderonian navy to blockade the planet , thus forcing Republic trading ships to be searched in order to " search for Republic treachery " . However , this just made the Republic more irritated with Onderon , and also decreased the economic benefits of Onderon being a member of the Republic . Vaklu also spread rumors of Republic spies , and used the military to seize supposed " spies " , who were really , in most cases , journalists who openly criticized Vaklu , or offworlders with close ties with the Republic . Talia , having very little military influence , was powerless to stop Vaklu . With the threat of assassination looming outside the palace , Talia was unable to speak publicly to her people . Simultaneously , Vaklu began a push in the Council of Lords to take diplomatic powers away from the Queen and give it to the Council , a veiled attempt to secede from the Republic . However , Talia still had considerable influence within the Council of Lords , and many viewed it unlikely that Vaklu ' s movement would receive a super majority vote . During this time , an Iziz councilman loyal to the Queen believed that Vaklu was planning to kill Talia . During a council meeting , the man threw himself at Vaklu in an attempt to kill him . Vaklu survived the ill - planned encounter , and his soldiers killed the man during his arrest . Vaklu — having cut off the Queen ' s diplomatic and economic ties to the Republic , taking control of the media to spread his propaganda and lies , and , having garnered a large following within the Council of Lords , had decreased her political powers on Onderon — was ready to focus on preparations for a coup . Vaklu was approached by a remnant of the Sith Empire lead by Darth Nihilus . Nihilus offered the use of his soldiers and fire power to overthrow the Queen , all in return for Vaklu allowing Nihilus to investigate the tomb of Freedon Nadd on Dxun , the largest moon of Onderon . Vaklu agreed , although he was suspicious of his new allies and secretly plotted their downfall . The Jedi arrives . With all other facets of his plan complete , Vaklu began to initiate the final piece of his well constructed plan . Vaklu only had a part of the military to use for his overthrow of the Queen , since , although most of the military supported Vaklu ' s ideals , most were very loyal to the Queen . Even with a portion of the military and Sith allies , Vaklu still needed to draw support away from the palace , to make it vulnerable to assault , thus making his victory more likely . Vaklu used his more radical supporters like Anda and Ponlar to create riots and draw military strength and officers away from the Sky Ramp , the most direct route to the palace . However , Vaklu was faced with an unexpected problem . Vaklu ' s Sith allies warned him of a powerful exiled Jedi , that posed a great threat to his plans , one Vaklu had heard only rumors of : Meetra Surik , on business to Onderon , that at this point was unknown , even to the Sith . The Sith recommended that Vaklu take out Surik ' s ship , the " Ebon Hawk " , upon its arrival at Onderon . Vaklu charged his right hand man and most loyal supporter , Colonel Tobin , with the task of dispatching the " Hawk " . Colonel Tobin failed however , and the " Ebon Hawk " was able to elude both destruction and capture . Tobin returned to Vaklu with the bad news , and dispatched a group of scouts to search for the " Hawk " crew on Dxun . While disappointed with Tobin , Vaklu was able to make Tobin ' s failure work to his advantage . The attack on the " Hawk " had triggered a massive battle within the blockade . Onderonians feared that war was on their very doorstep . Vaklu used this fear to his advantage , saying that a " capital - class " Republic vessel had attacked Onderonian starships in attempt to break the blockade , even though the " Hawk " was only a small freighter . His control of the media assured that no other accurate reports of the battle were aired . Playing on the concept of a Republic conspiracy , Vaklu stepped up his plans , seizing " spies " in larger quantities , and prohibiting anyone from leaving Onderon without a visa . Soon after , he ceased the distribution of visas , and stranded many who sought to leave Onderon before a civil war erupted . As the situation escalated , Vaklu was informed by Tobin that Surik was actually in Iziz , despite being vigorously hunted by Tobin ' s men . Vaklu suspected Surik was searching for a Jedi named Kavar , rumored to be an adviser of the Queen , possibly for revenge . Vaklu once again decided to play the situation to his advantage . Vaklu ordered Tobin to observe the Jedi and wait to ambush Kavar , and to detain the Exile during the ambush so that Tobin could propose an alliance in order to deal with the Sith , once the Queen was overthrown . Surik did not appear to be on a revenge trip however , and made it quite obvious that she supported the Queen , and even helped loyalist troops stop a separatist riot . Surik did meet with Kavar however , and Tobin was sent to deal with Surik and the Jedi Master . Tobin had been lured away by Kavar during the ambush however , and was so unavailable to help his men kill Surik , thus allowing her to escape . Separatist - friendly soldiers and citizens were sent to prevent Surik from escaping , but all failed in doing so . Civil War and Vaklu ' s downfall . With Surik gone , and Kavar back in the palace , Vaklu wasted no time in preventing Talia from undoing his schemes . He immediately initiated the final stage of his plan , and attacked the palace . While Vaklu attacked the main entrance of the palace , Sith - led forces attacked the Sky ramp , thus cutting the Queen off from reinforcements . They also worked on deactivating the palace ' s exterior turret defenses in order to gain air superiority . However , Surik soon returned , in dramatic style , by combat dropping into Iziz , by way of an old Mandalorian Basilisk war droid , instilling the fear of a Mandalorian invasion into Vaklu ' s troops . Surik was no great Mandalorian invasion , but she was enough to disrupt the Sith assault on the Sky Ramp , and led a contingent of Loyalist troops to clear the Sky Ramp and reach the palace . By that time , Vaklu had already caught up with the Queen , and they engaged in a heated duel with vibrosword s , while Tobin attempted to rejoin Vaklu by breaking through a nearly impervious force - field with a drexl larva . Tobin was able to seal Surik out of the outer chamber long enough for the drexyl to break the barrier . The Sith beast masters lost control of the drexyl , however , and Tobin was seemingly killed . Having defeated most of Vaklu ' s troops in the outer parts of the palace , Surik rallied the remaining Loyalist troops and attacked Vaklu ' s forces within the throne room . Vaklu , meanwhile , was unable to contend with Talia ' s youthful vigor , and was thrust into a stalemate . Tired and desperate , Vaklu ordered his men to gun Talia down . Surik was able to come to Talia ' s aid just in time , and Vaklu was captured . Vaklu , defeated and at Talia ' s mercy , declared that Talia ' s reign would not be easy , as her attachment to the Republic would destroy Onderon . He then taunted her by saying he would be free within a week by his supporters . But to Vaklu ' s horror , Talia intended to execute Vaklu on the spot . It was then that Surik pointed out that if Vaklu was executed , it would make him a martyr to his supporters ; the captive General was nonetheless sentenced to death and executed by firing squad . Despite Vaklu ' s beliefs , the Republic recovered and Talia brought peace and prosperity to Onderon . Personality and traits . Vaklu was an incredibly shrewd man , supremely skilled in both political and military affairs ; his ability as a tactician and strategist enabled Vaklu to ascend to the highest ranks as an army officer . Vaklu set high standards for those under his command and had a low tolerance for incompetence or failure . However , his favorite officer and right - hand man , Colonel Tobin , was often forgiven for " his " failures . Vaklu ' s ambition and controversial beliefs made him enemies , who he had no problem getting rid of . Journalists that criticized Vaklu tended to disappear , and " any " military officer that questioned him was relieved of command . A consummate politician , Vaklu was very good at twisting the truth for his own personal gain , as evidenced by the attack on the " Ebon Hawk " , where he was able to turn a potential embarrassment into a political victory . Using Republic spies as scapegoats , Vaklu created fear and paranoia within Iziz , giving him an excuse to increase his power at the expense of the Queen . Brilliant , charismatic , and a decorated war veteran , Vaklu won admiration and support from many Onderonians , from common citizens on the streets of Iziz to members of the House of Lords . He was also popular within the Onderonian military , though not universally so - some servicemen disliked Vaklu for his clear insubordination towards Queen Talia and his efforts to subvert her authority . Whatever his politics , Vaklu was also extremely loyal to Onderon . His nationalism pushed him to look past the benefits of Onderon being part of the Republic . All he saw was much of his homeworld ' s wealth being used to rebuild the Republic , and not how Onderon would suffer without Republic trade and protection . Vaklu was a very imposing figure . He was quite tall and had a large mane of slick black hair . He always wore his military uniform , signifying his status and power . This uniform was composed of a blue tunic , supplemented by a blue pats , and tall black boots . Vaklu , as part of the royal family , took after his beast rider ancestors , giving him his gruff look , black hair and gray eyes . Behind the scenes . Dark side alternate ending . Meetra Surik , to Vaklu ' s delight , showed an excellent amount of support for him during her visit on Onderon , helping Anda dispose of loyalist officers in the Merchant Quarter , and aiding Ponlar in a riot , killing several loyalist soldiers . Vaklu was able to cover up Surik ' s part in this , and she was not apprehended . Surik met with Kavar in the local cantina , and Vaklu sent Colonel Tobin to capture Kavar . Kavar escaped the ambush , but Surik agreed to destroy the Sith ' s forces on Dxun , and then help take the palace . To maintain appearances , Tobin ordered his troops to attack Surik , in order to keep the Sith from becoming suspicious . With Surik as an ally , Vaklu set to work on the final stage of his plan . He alerted troops loyal to him , and triggered a civil war . Vaklu attacked the main entrance of the palace , drawing off many of Talia ' s forces . With the Merchant Quarter weakened , thanks to Anda and Surik , Vaklu ' s forces were able to swiftly take the Sky Ramp . Soon , Surik arrived in a Mandalorian Basilisk war droid . Putting his suspicions of the depth of Surik ' s assets aside , Vaklu , along with Tobin , met with Surik . Surik informed Vaklu that she had sent a group of her companions to deal with the Sith on Dxun . She also agreed to finish taking the Sky Ramp in return for payment and Onderon ' s entire force - sensitive population . At first uneasy about this last clause , Vaklu agreed when Surik pointed out that the alternative was giving the planet ' s Force - sensitives to the Jedi . With that , Vaklu returned to his main offensive , and left Surik to deal with her appointed task . When Vaklu breached the palace , he was separated from Tobin , and left to deal with the Queen by himself . Tobin , meanwhile , was left with breaking a massive force field to allow reinforcements to reach Vaklu . However , the Sith soon realized Vaklu ' s betrayal on Dxun , and the Sith turned on Tobin , locking him out of the throne room ' s antechamber ; the Sith then worked on getting to Vaklu , by using a drexl larva to break through the barrier . However , Surik was able to deal with Sith and Loyalist forces within the palace ' s outer halls , and broke into the antechamber . The Sith lost control of the drexyl just as it had finished off the force field , and Tobin ' s men rushed to the throne room . Tobin , however , was seemingly killed by the drexyl larva . Vaklu , meanwhile , had caught up with Talia , and engaged in a heated duel . Vaklu , although a skilled duelist , was unable to cope with Talia ' s youthful vigor , and was drawn into a stalemate . Vaklu , tired and desperate , ordered his men to attack Talia . By this time , Surik had killed the drexyl , and rallied Vaklu ' s forces , leading to the defeat of the Queen ' s forces . Surik , finally , dealt with Kavar , dueling and defeating him quickly . Surik then came to Vaklu ' s aid . Vaklu , realizing he had won , asked Surik if she would like to kill Talia herself . Surik preferred to watch , however , and Vaklu ' s men opened fire , ending Talia ' s reign . In Surik ' s debt , Vaklu told Surik that if the Republic attempted to capture her for her actions during the civil war , Onderon would forever be a safe refuge . With that , Surik left to settle unresolved business . Vaklu later found that Tobin was missing from the field of casualties , but was unable to ascertain his fate . Later , Telos IV was attacked by Darth Nihilus and his fleet . In order to deal a fatal blow to his former allies , gain favor with the Republic ( most likely to ease the transition between Talia ' s reign and his own ) , and to help Surik , who was also on Telos , Vaklu sent a large contingent of his troops to help turn the tide of battle , while he set to work ending the civil war . His troops did indeed turn the tide , and Vaklu ' s troops won the day . According to a prediction made by Darth Traya , Vaklu ' s reign would be short lived , but Onderon would leave the Republic permanently . Miscellaneous . If you take the path of the light , you will fight for the Queen and , at the end , the Queen ( or you ) will order Vaklu ' s execution . You can , however , request that the Queen arrest him instead . ( canon ) . Originally , the option of siding with Vaklu was also available to light - side players , with Surik telling Kavar that she believes Onderon would be better off standing on its own . The player would still have had to fight Kavar in this situation , however . In gameplay mechanics , Vaklu was not considered dark - sided , despite his usurpation and alliance with the Sith . The use of Force sight shows that his alignment is neutral ( Talia and Kavar are the only ones who register as light - sided ) . Meetra Surik , depending on whether she has learned it or not could use battle meditation to rally her side of the troops . This doesn ' t affect gameplay although it helps the battle considerably .