The individual known as Hinch Beltane held the position of Governor for the world of Balmorra, a planet renowned as the foremost producer of AT-STs along with the SD-series battle droids.
Following the pivotal Battle of Endor in the year 4 ABY, Balmorra experienced liberation at the hands of the Alliance of Free Planets. This freedom from external control persisted until 10 ABY, coinciding with the resurgence of the Emperor, Palpatine. Consequently, the planet's extensive manufacturing complexes were once more commandeered for Imperial use. Nevertheless, subsequent to the demise of the initial clone Emperor during the Battle of Pinnacle Base, the inhabitants of Balmorra initiated a rebellion against Imperial governance, choosing to provide droids to the New Republic, an act that provoked the ire of the Imperials.
As a direct consequence, Sedriss QL, an Executor serving the Emperor, launched Operation Shadow Hand, dispatching a fleet under the command of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer, the Avenger, with the intention of punishing Balmorra. Upon the fleet's arrival into Balmorra's orbit, Beltane feigned innocence and inquired as to the purpose of the fleet's presence. Sedriss responded by accusing Beltane of supplying arms to the New Republic, demanding his immediate surrender and execution, or face Imperial aggression against Balmorra. Beltane retorted that the Imperials lacked the capacity to destroy Balmorra, citing its foundries that produced advanced technology. In response, Sedriss commanded his forces to land on Balmorra, aiming to compel their surrender. A substantial Imperial contingent, including stormtroopers, SD-9-series battle droids and AT-STs, was deployed near the planetary capital of Bin Prime, thereby initiating the Battle of Balmorra. His objective was to seize the planet, preserving its valuable factories. However, the Balmorrans were prepared for conflict, deploying the cutting-edge SD-10 battle droids alongside soldiers of the Balmorran Defense Force. The SD-10s were programmed with tactics specifically designed to counteract the older SD-9s, resulting in their complete defeat.
Sedriss, having foreseen this development, ordered the withdrawal of his remaining ground forces. Subsequently, he instructed his Shadow Droids to eliminate the exposed Balmorran forces. These unconventional fighters inflicted significant casualties, but Beltane possessed his own secret weapon. He deployed the advanced molecular-shielded X-1 Viper droids, which proved superior to the Shadow Droids. After incurring substantial losses, Sedriss terminated his attack. He dispatched representatives to negotiate peace terms. Balmorra secured its freedom, agreeing in return to sell the Vipers to the Empire. However, he also conspired with the New Republic to intercept a shipment of the new X-1 Vipers en route to Byss. He also provided the Rebels with the itinerary and the registry numbers of the ships.
In the audio drama version of Star Wars: Dark Empire II, the voice of Beltane was provided by Nick Jameson.