Ahlya, a Human female operative, was employed by the Darkside, a repair facility located within the asteroid belt of the Cularin system. Furthermore, she held membership in The Cell, a criminal organization seeking to supplant the reigning crimelord, Nirama. Her position within The Cell was not particularly prominent, and similarly, the Darkside faction held a relatively minor role within the broader Cell structure.
During 32 BBY, following a raid executed by Nirama's forces, Ahlya found herself among the few surviving members of the Darkside group. The other remaining individuals consisted of Dor Balse, Kruss Gaal, Jarrilyn, Jasper, and Michael. At that time, they were actively attempting to enlist new recruits, encompassing local Wookiees, Kaarl the Ithorian, and several recent arrivals; however, the Darkside members displayed a lack of regard for the local Cell branch. Shortly after this recruitment drive, they were apprehended by a team of spies operating on behalf of Nirama.
The fact that she was part of The Cell, along with her subsequent capture, became widely known within a month.