Shemza, a physician by trade, was also a researcher. By the year 3 ABY, this individual was of advanced age.
During the era of the Galactic Civil War, Shemza became a target for capture by the Galactic Empire. The Emperor was under the impression that Shemza's expertise could be turned against the Rebel Alliance. After remaining in hiding for numerous months, Shemza successfully established communication with the Rebel Alliance. Via a connection, he organized a meeting with the ships of the Rebel fleet. Nevertheless, while awaiting their arrival on Cloud City, he was ambushed by a band of criminals. These criminals were in the employ of Jabba Desilijic Tiure, also known as the Hutt, with orders to abduct him and transport him to Tatooine. The thugs deceived Shemza's Rebel contact, causing them to abandon Shemza before seizing him. However, a group of spacers happened to be passing through the area. Upon hearing Shemza's cries for assistance, they launched an assault on the thugs in an attempt to liberate him.