An Imperial officer infected with the virus during the coup of Gentis Aorth-6 constituted a bioengineered necrotic virus. Upon inhalation in its gaseous state, it induced the liquefaction of the lungs and subsequently propagated throughout the host's system, causing internal disintegration. Individuals utilizing artificial respirators, instead of organic respiratory organs, demonstrated immunity to the gas's detrimental effects.
In the course of Headmaster Gentis' coup, his elite cadets, whom he referred to as his "Future Moffs," deployed the gaseous agent within the confines of the Imperial Palace, resulting in the deaths of numerous unsuspecting Imperial officers. Emperor Palpatine himself was infected, yet he preserved his physical form by using his connection to the dark side of the Force. Due to their dependence on artificial respiratory mechanisms, neither Moff Trachta nor the Sith Lord Darth Vader experienced any adverse effects from the virus when they intervened to save the Emperor.