Kartessa, a female Chandrilan, became a member of the pirate band led by Eleodie Maracavanya. She and her mother were passengers aboard Senator Tia'dor Emshwa's vessel, a part of a diplomatic journey to the world of Ithor. Their CR90 corvette was attacked en route and seized by Eleodie's Super Star Destroyer, the Annihilator, which was stolen. Kartessa, disregarding her mother's wishes, chose to join Eleodie's pirate faction, known as the Sovereign Latitudes of Maracavanya, becoming one of its members.
During the Galactic Civil War era, Kartessa was a young woman. Originally native to the planet Chandrila, she viewed her homeworld as uneventful and dull. Kartessa journeyed with her mother as part of New Republic Senator Tia'dor Emshwa's diplomatic mission heading towards Ithor. They were aboard the CR90 corvette named Starfall, transporting Ithorian goods such as artifacts, nourishment, medical supplies, and advanced technology. During their voyage, the Super Star Destroyer Annihilator, under the control of the alien pirate Eleodie Maracavanya, intercepted and boarded their vessel. After seizing their cargo, Maracavanya presented the crew and passengers with a choice: join zher pirate group or depart in the corvette's escape pods. Eager for excitement and a departure from her monotonous existence, Kartessa volunteered to join the pirates. Despite her mother's disapproval, Eleodie intervened, allowing Kartessa to make her own decision. Ultimately, her weeping mother reluctantly accompanied Kartessa onto the Annihilator. Kartessa displayed a smirk observing her mother's distress.
Some months later, Karteesa secured a position maintaining the engine rooms of the Super Star Destroyer. By this point, the Annihilator had been renamed Liberty's Misrule. Around the Battle of Jakku, Eleodie's pirate squadron had expanded to 24 vessels, which became the basis for a pirate state called the Sovereign Latitudes of Maracavanya. Weary of her mother's constant presence, Karteesa abandoned her within the engineering sublevel. Eleodie, upon learning this, scolded her for her treatment of her mother. When Karteesa questioned the feasibility of zher pirate nation, Eleodie explained zher ambitious plan to unite and sustain the pirates. When Karteesa highlighted the inherent selfishness of pirates, Eleodie likened zher crew to predators cooperating as a pack for hunting purposes.
While Kartessa contemplated Eleodie's explanation, the pirate ruler's crew members, the Omwati Shi Shu and the Gunner Carklin Ryoon, informed them of the emergence of three Imperial II-class Star Destroyers from hyperspace. These Star Destroyers were remnants from the Battle of Jakku. As Eleodie instructed the crew to attack the ships and subsequently bill the New Republic, Kartessa pointed out that the New Republic was not their ally. However, Eleodie countered that destroying the Imperial ships would gain them favor with the Republic. With the tractor beam engaged, Karteesa inquired if Eleodie knew what zhe was doing. Eleodie conceded zher uncertainty, comparing it to a gamble.
Kartessa was a rebellious young female from Chandrila, who held her homeworld in contempt for its lack of excitement and tranquility. According to Eleodie, she was unremarkable in appearance save for the intense spark in her eyes. She resented her mother's control and yearned for adventure. When the pirate Eleodie offered her the chance to join zher crew, Kartessa readily accepted, seeking to defy her mother.
By the time of the Battle of Jakku, Kartessa had secured a position in engine maintenance, showcasing her mechanical aptitude. She had also shaved her head completely. When her mother persisted in following her, Kartessa left her behind in the engineering sublevel. Eleodie disapproved of the youth's action and urged her to consider her mother's feelings. Kartessa was a sharp and insightful young woman, intrigued by Eleodie's vision of uniting the pirates into a cohesive nation. She also perceived Eleodie's decision to engage the Imperial remnants to curry favor with the New Republic as a perilous risk.
Kartessa made her debut as a supporting character in Chuck Wendig's 2016 novel Aftermath: Life Debt, the second book in the Star Wars: The Aftermath Trilogy. She appeared again in the 2017 sequel Aftermath: Empire's End.