Is'taria

Is'taria

The name of this planet was originally conceived by Anne-Marie Gazzolo, who was a co-author of DarthIshtar before she turned to evil. Its original name was actually Ishtaria, but once DarthIshtar took command of the world's creation, it was shortened to its current form.

History

Settled during the Clone Wars, Is'taria was founded as a mining colony. It provided the Republic with ore during the Clone Wars, but was of no great strategic significance. It is located in the same sector as Ord Mantell and has no indigenous population.

At the time of the rise of the New Order, the governor declared his loyalty to Palpatine. Within five years, the assets of the mining colony had been seized and the Empire installed a garrison to keep the peace. The miners and their families were well-compensated and there was no slave labor allowed.

With the funds and materials provided by the Empire, the Is'tarian colonists built nine more mines across the world's main continent.

Rebel Era

Because of the frequency of mining accidents, the primary mine was provided with a top-notch medical facility. Services included neural therapy and prosthetic attachment.

Just before the Battle of Hoth, three Rebels took shelter on the world. Commander Luke Skywalker and Captain Han Solo brought Princess Leia Organa to the hospital in hopes of getting her medical treatment. The chief resident was a Rebel sympathizer and gave them sanctuary.

Less than three days later, Darth Vader tracked the Rebels to the colony. They immediately packed up and left so as to not endanger the populace further. Vader, enraged that Skywalker had eluded him once more, ordered the mines to be destroyed. All of his orders were followed except at the primary mine in Dikeha.

There, the commanding officer refused to destroy such a valuable asset. Lord Vader ordered that all of the villagers and miners be brought to the administration building under guard by the 3rd Infantry. Once the company and the entire population of that village was in the building, the Executor opened fire and obliterated the site.

Further notes

The plight of the Is'taria colony was something of an urban legend among the Imperial Infantry, a cautionary tale about what happens to men who refuse orders. It was not until the war crimes trial of Darth Vader (Ye Be Judged]) that the crime was exposed in a court of law and prosecuted. One of the members of the 3rd Infantry who had not been assigned to the destruction of the Dikeha mine brought evidence against Lord Vader.