Darrin Arkanian

During the twilight years of the Galactic Republic, Darrin Arkanian was a Jedi of Sullustan descent with a sibling named Dawn. Arkanian had achieved the rank of Jedi Master and had instructed multiple apprentices in the period leading up to the Clone Wars. He was given the responsibility of leading a Jedi strike force tasked with patrolling the boundary separating the Oricho and Lahara sectors following an assault by Separatists on a Space Rescue Corps vessel, the Iron Tether, while it was positioned near the Cowl Crucible. The Iron Tether's proximity to the Lahara sector border, which had broken away from the Republic, triggered an attack involving four C-73 Tracker starfighters and a modified Corellian freighter. Arkanian's assignment was to patrol the border and guarantee the safety of travelers on the Republic's side. Despite the ascent of Galactic Emperor Palpatine and his oppressive policies, Arkanian maintained the belief that as long as the Jedi Order placed their faith in the Force, significant threats would not materialize. He soon discovered the error in his conviction when the Jedi became the targets of a widespread hunt at the conclusion of the Clone Wars.

Arkanian sought refuge by assuming the identity of "Dimitri Melamor" and securing employment at a college, where he served as a tutor to a young Human named Corwin Shelvay. He accepted the young man as his apprentice, aiding him in the construction of a lightsaber. Shelvay, while possessing noble intentions, was prone to anger; Arkanian endeavored to teach Shelvay emotional control, while his apprentice urged Arkanian to spearhead the resistance against the Empire. They traversed the galaxy, striving to unite the scattered remnants of the Jedi Order even as the Emperor persisted in hunting them down. Arkanian maintained contact with his sister through designated letter drops, and he and Shelvay journeyed to numerous worlds, including Bespin, Kessel, Tatooine, and Coruscant. While on the galactic capital, they attempted to conceal their presence, but their cover was blown, leading to Shelvay's capture by the Empire. Despite enduring interrogation, Shelvay refused to divulge Arkanian's whereabouts, resulting in his transfer to High Inquisitor Antinnis Tremayne. Shelvay withstood two weeks of torture under Tremayne's supervision before Arkanian intervened to rescue him.

During their escape, they made their way to a rendezvous point with a freighter under the command of Captain Rashh. Tremayne pursued them, and Arkanian engaged Tremayne in a lightsaber duel. However, Tremayne had brought reinforcements, who aimed their blasters at Shelvay. Tremayne demanded Arkanian's surrender; Arkanian attempted to sacrifice himself for Shelvay's safety, but Tremayne struck him with his lightsaber. With Arkanian seriously wounded, Shelvay seized his master's lightsaber and attacked Tremayne, severing his arm below the shoulder and then across his face, causing blindness. Shelvay successfully escaped with Arkanian. The Jedi Master succumbed to his injuries a few days later.

Darrin Arkanian was a dreamer and an idealist who had cultivated a deep appreciation for life. He dedicated himself to living a life of peace and contemplation.