Tolamael Benere

## **Overview**

> "*He's got talent, to be certain. But he also has that attitude that I often find in Corellians; he believes he's invincible.*"
> ― Idolon Jdre to Udas
>
>

**Tolamael Benere** was a pilot in the Alliance Starfighter Corp during the Galactic Civil War and the original commanding officer of Arrow Squadron. Shortly after the conflict ended, Benere was transferred to a position within the Republic High Command.

Angered by the government on Corellia's lack of resistance to the Imperial Occupation, Benere and several of his friends joined the Rebel Alliance during the Galactic Civil War, serving with distinction in several theaters. He fought in several small scale skirmish with Imperial forces until being promoted to Lieutenant and selected to lead Arrow Squadron shortly before the Battle of Scarif.

In the months that followed, Benere worked to form a resistance block in the Betseeda System with his Arrow Squadron forming the backbone. With an ever changing roster and almost always against superior odds, Arrow Squadron participated in the First Battle of Betseeda Prime, Battle of Faan Shaarada, the Battle of Myyribod, the Siege of Tazion, the Second Battle of Betseeda Prime, and the Battle of Jonquil Station.

With the eventual liberation of the Betseeda System, Benere led his squadron to the Chommell Sector to engage the Glaston Pirates, a group of renegade brigands employed by the Empire, that were working to destabilize the fragile situation in the far-flung reaches of the Galaxy. The campaign against the pirates and their leader, Ras Moltar, would prove costly for the Arrows in more ways than one.

Following the war against the pirates, Lieutenant Benere and Arrow Squadron were deployed to Hutt Space to help combat Imperial forces as part of a joint task force with the Hutt Clan.

For some time after the Hutt Campaign, Arrow Squadron was given a reprieve from active duty. Assigned to convey and escort operations, they were once against called into action during the Battle of Endor. With the destruction of the Second Death Star in 4 ABY, the Arrows were recalled to rejoin the in the formation of the New Republic Navy. Several members of the unit opted to retire from military service and Lieutenant Benere was promoted to Commander and assigned to the Senior Command Council of the Starfighter Corp. He turned over the reigns of command to the newly promoted Lieutenant Udas.

## **Biography**

### **Early Life**

Tolamael Benere grew up on the Core World of Corellia, the youngest of two children, in a middle class up bringing. His parents, both involved in merchant operations, instilled a love of space travel and piloting star ships in their children from an early age.

Being around pilots and space travelers for most of his young life, he was able to quickly learn the ins and outs of flying. Nurtured by his parents to pursue his passions, Benere's skills progressed. However with those skills came youthful arrogance and Benere made some enemies in the Imperial ranks. His father, in an attempt to pacify a dispute between his youngest son and an Imperial pilot, was imprisoned as a traitor and the family's processions confiscated by the Imperial garrison.

Both infuriated and ashamed, Benere, at the age of 21, and several of his fellow Corellians fled their homeworld and were welcomed with open arms by a fledging Rebel Alliance in desperate need of pilots.

### **The Early Rebellion**

Enlisting with the Alliance Starfighter Corp, Tolamael proved his skills to his instructors. Failing to lose his bravado cost him, however, and he was passed over for promotion as Flight Class Leader, the honor instead going to a fellow human named Idolon Jdre. The two continued their spirited competition with Benere eventually winning a simulated duel against Jdre. Only a short time later, intensified fighting broke out between Imperial and Rebel forces and the cadets were rushed into service.

Spending the early months of his time in the Alliance flying escort duty and engaging in small, running battles with the Empire in his Incom T-65B X-wing, Tolamael recorded his first confirmed kill against a TIE fighter high above Sullust. The young pilot continued his upward projection, catching the eye of Admiral Raddus of the Rebel Fleet.

Promoted to Lieutenant shortly before the Battle of Scarif, Benere was quick to recruit his friend and rival Jdre to his new unit. The two men also convinced fellow youngest Vid Paratool, a Twi'lek male, to join their newly christened Arrow Squadron. The remaining members were assigned by command, but had little time to mesh together as they were hurled against the Imperial forces high above the beach covered world of Scarif.

While the Alliance and Arrow Squad were ultimately successful in the battle, the victory came at quite a cost. Admiral Raddus was killed along with two members of the eight member squadron: Umbe Shembo and Elon Borgg.

## **The Betseeda System**

### **Assignment**

After returning to Yavin 4, General Jan Dodonna summoned the young Benere to his office where he laid out the Rebellion's strategy of liberating smaller systems occupied by the Imperial Navy. Understanding the need to open up several fronts in the war, Dodonna informed Benere that he was being assigned, along with Arrow Squadron and a group of replacement pilots, to the Betseedan System located in the Inner Rim.

Days later, Benere and his fellow pilots were in route to the system, their future unknown and facing an opponent several hundred times there strength. Rough intelligence coming from the system indicated that as many as three Imperial Star Destroyers could be occupying the region. It would take some time and the establishment of trust between the commander of the Betseedan Resistance Forces (BRF), former Senator Madeline Gren and Benere, but eventually a plan was set into motion that would begin the liberation campaign.

In what became known as the First Battle of Betseeda Prime, a coordinated attack was launched against Imperial Forces that were occupying the capital city of Tazion on Betseeda Prime. The attack included ground forces of the BRF and air support from the Arrows. In a surprise victory, the Imperial Navy retreated from the planet and returned to their Star Destroyers near the moon of Faan Shaarada. Unfortunately, Senator Gren was killed in the attack. A new government came to power in the system and while officially they did not support the Rebellion, they turned a blind eye to activities conducted by their citizens in support of the effort to topple the Empire.

### **The Campaign Continues**

> "*We have to fight smart. The numbers will always be against us.*"
> ― Tolamael Benere
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>

Benere and his squadron, emboldened by their successes, increased their hit and run attacks on the Imperial Navy in the system. Lieutenant Benere's forces realized that they would need to be cunning in order to make up for their numerical disadvantage. He also pushed for an increased partnership with the new commander of the Betseedan Resistance Forces, Hooper Croix. Benere was keenly aware that Croix and his ground soldiers would be vital in winning the battle against the occupying Imperials. Croix was receptive to these advances and a stronger partnership was formed.

Working with his second in commander, Lieutenant Jdre and Danic Polis, the Arrows executed a brilliant sneak attack on the Imperials during a routine training exercise. In what became known as the Battle of Faan Shaarada, experienced rebel hackers were able to penetrate the Imperial comm channels, the Arrows posed as Imperial pilots and offered conflicting orders. In the ensuing chaos, several TIE fighters were destroyed. Benere led the attack against the Star Destroyer Venom, scoring several damaging blows. This surprise attack further humiliated and the Imperial forces and they retreated to what would remain their operating base throughout the remainder of the campaign, Jonquil Station.

Flush with confidence, the Arrows celebrated their second unlikely victory in style. It was these two rapid, unexpected victories that, Benere later realized, worked against them. The Arrows, he later remarked, got cocky.

During this time, however, Benere took the opportunity to send several reports back to his superiors on the successes of their strategy in the Betseeda System. He learned that several other similar missions had been undertaken by the rebellion with mixed results. The Lieutenant also continued to requisition supplies and improve the Arrows base on Shonzu Lake. Benere also had to handle and suppress his feelings of jealousy as Sorshara Bray, one of his pilots, began a romantic relationship with his close friend, Lieutenant Jdre. While Tolamael knew dating one of his subordinates was inappropriate, he had none the less thought Bray to be an attractive and appealing partner.

Admiral Jhutan Ensah and Captain Yiromatu Takei, the Imperial officers in command, began to adapt their tactics. Realizing that the Rebels would never be drawn into a decisive, climatic battle, the talented tactician Takei began to plot different ways to destroy the rebel "pests". Using their own tactics against them, he launched his plan only two weeks after the disaster at Faan Shaarada.

Captain Takei began a brutal crackdown on any suspected enemies of the Empire. Knowing that Lieutenant Benere would answer this call with increased patrols, he continued his campaign of terror until the right opportunity presented itself. That chance arose above the forested planet of Myyribod.

The Battle of Myyribod, which would become the Arrows first major defeat was a brilliantly executed ambush. he was able to gain the upper-hand and deal the Arrows their first significant loss under Commander Benere. Takei, using a fake distress signal, lured one of Benere's flight wings into a blood ambush. The conflict escalated into a running retreat as more and more Arrow Squadron flight groups joined the battle. Eventually, Commander Benere and his pilots, the last to arrive, fought a brilliant rearguard action that allowed his surviving pilots to escape.

Blaming himself for the defeat and loss of several Arrow Squadron pilots, Benere temporarily lost his nerve and had to be consoled by both Udas and Lieutenant Jdre. The suspected loss of his close friend, Vid Paratool weighed especially heavy on the young commander. The Arrows would not find out for some time that Paratool had actually survived his crash landing and was actively seeking to return to the unit.

Over the next month or so, Lieutenant Benere publicly kept a brave face, but inwardly questioned his own abilities. He continued to order daily patrols, but limited their time away from the Arrow's base and encouraged his pilots to not openly engage Imperial targets. This caused some dissension among the ranks as some of the more aggressive pilots felt he was allowing the Imperials a chance to make up lost ground.

Benere continued his work on strengthening the Arrows position on Betseeda Prime with his close deputy, Lieutenant Jdre working to keep the ships in flying form and expand their supply network. The work was fortuitous as a short time later, the Imperial forces struck back.

Both Star Destroyers in the system, now mostly repaired and spoiling for a fight, laid an orbital siege of the Betseeda capital of Tazion. The attack was devastating as the Star Destroyers, coupled with near daily bombing runs by Imperial TIE bombers killed thousands and crippled the city. The situation grew worse by the day as supplies of fuel, parts, and food began to dwindle. The local population began to sour on the Rebels believing they brought the struggles to Betseeda. Only the combined efforts of the Speaker of the Chamber, Tomas Ust, Lieutenant Benere and BRF leadership prevented a complete collapse.

Eventually, with things near their breaking point, a plan was hatched to send a strike team to attack the Star Destroyers from within. In this coordinated attack, two groups would launch a coordinated attack, one against the Venom and one against the Salient. Lieutenant Benere would lead a small group of X-wings against the Venom.

> "*Arrow Seven, Arrow Ten, move in to neutralize that tower. Arrow Four, hit those turrets!*"
> ― Lieutenant Tolamael Benere at the battle against the Venom during the Siege of Tazion
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While the other group sought to foster chaos among the Salient, Benere and his group peppered the Venom and engaged TIE fighters. Their attack was to create more of an annoyance and to cover the team evacuating the Salient, should they survive. Despite taking heavy casualties, the strike team was able to cause enough damage to force the Salient out of action. Barely escaping with their lives, the BRF commandos and Arrow Squadrons watched in grim satisfaction as the Venom and the Salient beat a hasty retreat.

The Siege had been deadly, killing tens of thousands of civilians and reaping untold destruction on Tazion. The result, which had been so much in question and nearly turned the planet against the Rebellion, ended up strengthening the nerve of the people. A short time later, in a ceremony attended by all members of Arrow Squadron, Betseeda Prime officially declared its support for the Rebel Alliance. It was one of Tolamael's proudest moment, something he shared with his squadron shortly thereafter. In addition to this good news, Vid Paratool, feared dead, was reunited with his squadron, albeit a darker, changed man.

### **Drawing to an End**

A short time later, the Arrows engaged in a small, but spirited fight against an Imperial squadron at the Second Battle of Betseeda Prime. While the Lieutenant did not fight in this battle, the engagement marked the first time that BRF pilots trained by Arrow Squadron saw active combat, successfully repelling an Imperial incursion. This was another proud moment for the Lieutenant as he had developed and pushed for such training. It also showed him that slowly, but surely, the Betseedans were growing more independent and able to defend themselves.

Following this battle, the Arrows continued with their routine patrols and the rebuilding efforts of Tazion. However, information relayed to them by an Imperial deserter changed the course of their campaign once and for all.

They learned that Admiral Jhutan Ensah had been replaced by the young, tactical, and ambitious Captain Yiromatu Takei. They also learned that the two destroyers, so badly wounded during the Siege of Tazion were being repaired - slowly - at the orbital platform known as Jonquil Station. Quickly the Arrows formulated a bold plan. Deciding to use similar tactics as those used in the successful Battle of Faan Shaarada, the Arrows split their forces with Lieutenant Benere leading the wing that would be flying against the Venom while his deputy, Lieutenant Jdre would lead the attack against the Salient. A third, smaller group, would be lead by Vid Paratool. Their job would be to provide cover and engage targets of opportunity.

The implications of this battle did not need to be overstated. The entire squadron realized this was their opportunity to finally push the Imperials out of the system. The entirety of Arrow Squadron went to their fighters and were airborne.

The Battle of Jonquil Station was about to begin.

### **Slaughter at Jonquil**

> "*We are going to be coming in hot, Arrows. We have the Imps backed into a corner. There is no telling how dangerous they may be. Be ready for anything.*"
> ― Lieutenant Tolamael Benere just prior to the Battle of Jonquil Station
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Arrow Squadron jumped out of hyperspace and, to their surprise, caught the Imperials off guard. Things developed quickly from that point. Lieutenant Benere barked out his orders just as the anti-aircraft turrets on the Salient, Venom, and Jonquil Station opened up. TIE fighters also streamed out of the two ships.

In quick order, several TIE fighters were shot down. However, one of the Lieutenant's bombers, Craal "Al" Noarnn, was forced from the battle with a damaged ship another Arrow, the popular Otan Vebb, was shot down and killed defending her friend Noarnn as she escaped. Already, the battle was proving deadly.

Lieutenant Benere pushed on, knowing that both Destroyers had taken serious damage during the Siege of Tazion, aimed to cripple the ships. During their attack run, Rex - Arrow Nine - was able to knock out the shield generators on the Star Destroyer. As the X-Wings banked away and circled back around to lock on with proton torpedoes, Rex's ship was hit by anti-craft fire and destroyed in a fiery explosion. He became the second Arrow to die in a matter of moments. Benere, Udas and Stodl banked around and launched another attack against the Venom's exposed hull. A series of targeted torpedoes proved to be the killing blow. The attack caused massive damage to the ship and it began to explode from the inside. Benere ordered his remaining attack wing to engage the TIE fighters provide cover for the Arrows attacking the Salient. The Venom was knocked out of the fight, but at a serious cost.

Lieutenant Jdre had just as difficult task. While the Salient had taken even more damage than the Venom during the Siege, the Destroyer was docked closely to Jonquil Station, a tactical issue that the Arrows had not accounted for. The platform was heavily armored and defended by banks of turrets and lasers. The added fire from the platform repulsed the first two attack runs with no losses to the Arrows. Realizing that his attack wing was running out of time, he ordered his fighters to make a run at the Salient while he destroyed the turrets on the station. In a brilliant display of flying, Jdre managed to destroy or damage a large part of the station, buying his fighters the time and cover they needed to complete their attack run. Several missiles, as well as concentrated fire destroyed the bridge of the Salient which crippled the ship and killed Captain Takei.

While this should have been a proud moment, a crowning achievement, the slaughter was not yet finished.

As Jdre banked back to rejoin the others, his fighter came under fire from a group of incoming TIE fighters. These were the last ships to be launched from the Venom's hold before it plummeted to the surface of the moon. Jdre managed to destroy three of his attackers before a fourth and a fifth TIE fighter pinned him in a pincer move. While managed to pull them away from the others, once again giving his fellow pilots space to operate, the increased maneuverability of the TIE's proved to be the deciding factor. Jdre was shot down and killed, horrifying the entire squadron.

Lieutenant Benere, his best friend for many years, witnessed the entire affair, unable to assist Ide as fought off his attackers. The outrage at his death was immediate. Comm chatter among the surviving Arrows were either silent in shock or filled with cries of horror. Lieutenant Benere had to swallow these feelings and restored order as best as he could.

With the Venom slipping beneath the atmosphere of the watery atmosphere of Jonquil, the Salient breaking apart and drifting aimlessly and Jonquil Station exploding from the inside, the remaining Imperial fighters lost their will and scattered. The battle was effectively over. It was at this time, as Lieutenant Benere began to process the loss of his friend, he was told that another Arrow, the young Rodian pilot Kubala Ruwassa, was shot down and killed as well.

Jonquil Station had been the bloodiest battle in Arrow Squadron history. As the survivors limped back to Betseeda Prime, nothing was said on the comm; everyone felt the same sadness.

### Moving Camp

The Arrows, heartbroken and battered, but alive and successful returned to Tazion as heroes. The news of their victory was quick to spread and the thankful planet wished to celebrate the expulsion of the Empire. Few of the Arrows were in the mood to celebrate, but Lieutenant Benere did his best to put on a brave face, once again, and attended various balls and ceremonies.

Once he transmitted his report to Alliance High Command, he hoped the Arrows would be given some R&R to recover from their staggering losses. Within days, however, he received new orders. With their efforts to liberate the Betseeda System now complete, the Alliance needed their assistance elsewhere. There was no time to rest, only to refit and refuel. The Arrows were headed to the Chommell Sector in the Mid Rim.