Netus

Netus, a male Human, began his service in the Galactic Republic as a member of the rocket-jumper corps. After a five-year tenure within the Republic Military, Netus shifted his focus to a career in politics. His successful campaign led him to a seat in the Galactic Senate, ultimately propelling him to the position of Minister of Defense by 3998 BBY. In that year, a concerning situation arose on Onderon: a Sith cult known as the Naddists, under the leadership of Onderonian King Ommin, had launched an attack against Jedi forces on the planet. Shortly after the initial battle with the Naddists, Netus intercepted a fragmented transmission from Ulic Qel-Droma, one of the Jedi Knights stationed on Onderon. Qel-Droma's message detailed the events of the uprising, including the capture of Jedi Master Arca Jeth, and requested military assistance from the Republic. Alarmed by this development, Netus promptly convened a meeting of the Republic's Defense Committee to discuss the appropriate course of action.

While Netus advocated for the immediate deployment of the Republic Navy to aid the Jedi, several senators, including the representative from Orron III, voiced their disagreement, arguing that the Jedi should handle the matter independently. Abruptly, the Tchuukthai Jedi Master Thon, accompanied by his apprentice, Nomi Sunrider, entered the meeting chamber. Netus was deeply honored by the Jedi Master's presence, and with Sunrider acting as a translator, Thon sternly admonished the assembled senators for their lack of unity with the Jedi. The Tchuukthai emphasized to the Committee that the struggle against the dark side was not solely the concern of the Jedi, but rather a shared responsibility of the Republic and the entire galaxy. Having delivered his message, Thon departed the room alongside Sunrider without another word. Subsequently, Netus called for a vote on the matter, and the senators unanimously approved the motion to provide aid to the Jedi.

Two years later, Netus remained in his position as Minister of Defense, serving under the Republic's mollusk-like Supreme Chancellor. Following reports of terrorist attacks on Republic shipyards perpetrated by a rogue Jedi Knight, Vodo-Siosk Baas, the Krevaaki Jedi Master, arrived on Coruscant with a group of Jedi—Nomi Sunrider, Cay Qel-Droma, Dace Diath, Tott Doneeta, the Twi'lek, Sylvar, the Cathar, Qrrrl Toq, the Nazzar prince, and Shoaneb Culu, the Miraluka—to persuade the Senate to grant the Jedi authority to address the crisis. Netus and the Chancellor greeted the Jedi upon their arrival. However, as they were welcoming the Jedi, Netus received a message from Orley Vanicus, a Republic Navy Captain, revealing that Ulic Qel-Droma was responsible for the attacks. Netus issued orders for the Republic fleet to assemble at Kemplex Nine in an attempt to intercept the enemy, as they had received intelligence suggesting that it was Ulic's next target.

The assembled group, particularly Ulic's brother Cay, was shocked by this revelation. However, as they were discussing these developments, a large attacking force emerged from the sky. At that moment, Ulic's true plan was unveiled: Kemplex Nine was merely a diversion to draw the Republic's defenses away from their capital, Coruscant. As the attacking fleet began bombing the streets of Coruscant, Netus sought cover and ordered his subordinates to mobilize any remaining defenses to defend the planet. Additional forces under Qel-Droma landed in the heart of Galactic City, prompting the Jedi team to spring into action. Netus managed to assemble a small defense force, and the Minister of Defense, wielding a blaster pistol, joined the fray. Despite Qel-Droma and his forces managing to breach the Republic's War Room, Netus and the Jedi successfully apprehended him, ultimately repelling the invasion.

As Minister of Defense, Netus was known for his diligence, dedicating much of his time to reviewing requests for military aid, budget increases, and new weaponry, while also overseeing Republic security and the state of the military. He typically approached issues with caution, yet recognized the value of swift action. Consequently, Netus frequently found himself advocating for the approval of military operations. Despite holding a significant government position, the former Republic rocket-jumper remained unafraid to take matters into his own hands, brandishing a blaster pistol and actively participating in the defense against Ulic Qel-Droma's invasion of Coruscant. Netus held the Jedi Order in high regard and believed that the Republic should reciprocate their service in any way possible. He also revered Jedi Master Thon. Netus firmly believed in the Republic's political system and conveyed to Thon that a unified government could overcome the individual differences of its politicians. While Netus had red hair in 3998 BBY, by 3996 BBY his hair color had changed to black. He also bore a prominent facial scar extending from his forehead to his right cheek.

Netus's character first appeared in Tales of the Jedi: The Freedon Nadd Uprising, the third story arc of the Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi comic book series, authored by Tom Veitch and released in 1994. He later featured in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi – The Sith War, penned by Kevin J. Anderson. Netus made his debut in a single panel of The Freedon Nadd Uprising's first issue, and in 1995 he appeared in the second issue of The Sith War. In The Freedon Nadd Uprising and The Sith War, Netus was illustrated by Tony Akins and Dario Carrasco, Jr., respectively. Netus was also included in the Tales of the Jedi audio adaptation. Further details about Netus's background were provided in George R. Strayton's 1996 Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game supplement, Tales of the Jedi Companion. Netus also received entries in the Star Wars Encyclopedia and The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, and he was mentioned in the 2009 sourcebook Galaxy at War.