Ari Skyff was a Smuggler of the Twi'lek male variety. During the Galactic War, he sided with the Galactic Republic.
Back in 3642 BBY, he served as the captain of the starship known as the Corvani, a NX-1200 model. He embarked on a mission to transport both medical provisions and X-22 blaster rifles to the Republic forces stationed on Balmorra, a planet ravaged by war. Unfortunately, Imperial forces downed his ship, leaving him marooned on the planet. He then charged a Republic civilian with the duty of retrieving the supplies intended for delivery, in addition to a fragment of his ship's hull to serve as a reminder.
Even after the items were returned, Skyff's situation on Balmorra remained unchanged. In an effort to make some money, he began piloting for the Balmorran resistance, and he called the ship they gave him the Corvana. Sometime after, he sent a thank you note to the space traveler who aided him when he needed it most.