The confrontation known as the Battle of Botajef represented a significant clash. It pitted the forces of the Fel Empire against the Mandalorians, who were, at that time, serving as mercenaries for the Galactic Alliance. This battle occurred towards the end of the initial year of the Sith–Imperial War.
Chernan Ordo, bearing the title of Mandalore, led the Mandalorian warriors. They were contracted to defend Botajef until the arrival of the Galactic Alliance fleet. However, Yaga Auchs committed an act of treachery. Working for an external group seeking the Mandalorians' exit from the conflict, he destroyed the communications hub, resulting in the death of a fellow Mandalorian and the abandonment of Hondo Karr. Subsequently, he departed the planet, taking the bulk of the Mandalorian forces with him.
Karr managed to live through the ordeal by donning the armor of a deceased stormtrooper and impersonating a survivor. He integrated himself into the Jokers, a specialized squad belonging to the 407th Stormtrooper Division, which was under the leadership of Sergeant Ran Harkas.