Hep Kotas

**Hep Kotas** was a cyborg Duros, former Espan Syndicate henchmen, and older brother to group member Nat Kotas. He often came off as gruff and ill tempered at times, but those who knew him best recognized him for his integrity and admirable values. He typically wore a black and orange combat suit, and wielded a large, heavily modified blaster pistol. Over the years, Hep had several romances, including: Nemar Tebbo, Kad'ja Urlu, Zias and Ruk-Da.

### Backstory

Hep was the first-born son of Gedjo and Sondi Kotas, born in 52BBY. He was raised on Urrdorf City over the planet Duros, alongside his younger brother Nat. As an adult, Hep took a job in a nearby factory that was secretly owned by the Espan Syndicate. In 23BBY, a workplace accident (secretly orchestrated by the Espan Syndicate) led everyone to believe that Hep had died; in reality, his body was rebuilt with cybernetics and programed to serve that criminal organization. Hep's implants provided him with heightened reflexes, stamina, and strength. His implants included a vibro-brain processor jutting from the left side of his skull, a prosthetic left forearm, and enhanced skeletal structure.

### Back from the Dead

Hep Kotas later showed up alive on Montu Cordu (c. 18BBY), leading an Espan Syndicate gang. At this point, he had re-gained some measure of independence and thereby sought to free himself from his criminal controllers. He learned that his brother, and a certain group of adventurers, were also on the planet. His appearance was such a shock, that Nat fainted.

### The Crusade

In 17BBY, Hep stole an HWK-290 light freighter from his former employer, Morgid Espanix, after he and Nat defeated the crime boss on Serocco. Once they returned to Montu Cordu and recovered, Hep fixed up the damaged freighter, naming it the Kotas Hawk. The ship would go on to serve the Kotas' for many years to come.

In the aftermath of Morgid's death, the Espan Syndicate was salvaged by a being called Grendal, who then placed three lieutenants--Aboth Caal, Buunko the Red, and Szade--over certain aspects of the organization. When Grendal put a death-bounty on Hep and his family (c. 14BBY), Hep devoted the next few months of his life to the complete irradiation of the syndicate. He gathered allies to his cause such as Zias, Neric "Voz" Devozier, Jin Odaya, Cybox and Snork. They traveled to the Corporate Sector, Rodia, Thustra, and to Grendal's hideout--systematically destroying everything that came in his way to make sure that the Espan Syndicate would never rise again. Hep then established the Kotas Cabal from the ruins of the Espan Syndicate.

### Captured

In 10BBY, Hep Kotas was captured by Iskalloni raiders. He formed a bond with one of their kind, a woman named Ruk-Da, who then helped Kep escape their clutches. Ruk-Da went on to become a lover and ally for years to come.

### Generations

Around the time of the Galactic Civil War, Hep had several adventures with children of his old allies. Once, he had to halt the inappropriate advances of a sixteen-year-old and drunk Zara Gra'tua. Years later, he recruited both Zara and his nephew Eli Kotas in a job to protect former employees of Zyphro Technologies from their enemies.

### Legacy

By 9ABY, Hep Kotas was experiencing a major health crisis, both physically and mentally. As a result, he secluded himself on Dantooine and cut all ties with surviving friends and family. Two years later, Uri Tebbo and Eli Kotas traveled to Dantooine to inform Hep concerning the death of Uri's mother, Nemar. In 12ABY, a venerable Hep was killed in the Yuuzhan Vong's attack on Dantooine.