A Human female hailing from Adumar, Cheriss ke Hanadi achieved fame as the Cartann Ground Champion in the intense sport of blastsword dueling. During Red Flight's visit to Adumar, comprised of Wedge Antilles, Tycho Celchu, Wes Janson, and Derek Klivian, she acted as their guide.
Cheriss, originating from the powerful Adumari region of Cartann, held deep admiration for the skill and courage of fighter pilots, who were highly respected in Adumari society. However, her aspirations to become a pilot were thwarted by persistent vertigo. Consequently, she embraced the diminishing practice of blastsword dueling to escape what was essentially forced labor in Cartann's subterranean factories. Her mother succumbed to brownlung, a factory-related illness. Cheriss continued working in the factories for an additional season, until her blastsword skills, and subsequently endorsements, provided her with a sustainable income. Disregarding conventional blastsword techniques, she favored older, more primal styles. This unconventional approach branded her as a "gutter fighter," provoking animosity from some nobles, yet her consistent victories garnered her widespread popularity.
By the time the New Republic rediscovered Adumar, Cheriss had risen to the position of Ground Champion due to her mastery of the blastsword. The Perator, Pekaelic ke Teldan, designated Cheriss as the official guide for the New Republic's delegation of pilot-ambassadors, including Wedge Antilles. Cheriss developed a strong affection for Antilles, but was heartbroken when he and Iella Wessiri formed a relationship. Driven by despair, she engaged in a series of intense blastsword duels, pushing herself to the brink of death. Wes Janson intervened, preventing her opponent from delivering a fatal blow, while Derek Klivian promptly requested medical assistance from the Star Destroyer Allegiance (Imperial I-class). During her treatment, Cheriss disclosed her vertigo condition, leading doctors to discover a treatable chemical imbalance in her bloodstream. Finally cured, Cheriss apologized to Antilles and joined his Red Flight in opposing Perator Pakaelic's oppressive actions against the "lesser nations." Cheriss served on the Holdout Team ground team, which successfully recovered the New Republic pilots' stolen T-65A3 X-wing starfighters and uncovered a secret passage into the Perator's palace, ultimately leading to Pakaelic's capture and resignation.
Following the Battle of Adumar and the cancellation of her blastsword endorsement after her defeat, Cheriss enlisted in New Republic Starfighter Command, becoming a renowned instructor in vibroblade combat. She later held the rank of lieutenant in Moonlight Squadron, an A-wing group stationed off Mon Casima.
In 40 ABY, Cheriss was likely among the select pilots who accompanied Wedge Antilles to the abandoned Imperial base on the Endor moon, where Luke Skywalker had relocated the Jedi Order in defiance of Jacen Solo. She subsequently flew as Rakehell Eight in combat near Centerpoint Station. During Rogue Squadron's attack on the Rakehells, her fighter was destroyed. Despite this, she survived, and in 43 ABY, two years after the conclusion of the war, she was among the numerous pilots who journeyed to Kessel to assist in saving the planet from impending destruction.