Zama Brak, a smuggler operating during the Cold War period, inadvertently triggered the rakghoul pandemic. This occurred when he consented to transport an infected risp for Doctor Sannus Lorrick on the passenger vessel, the Stardream, thereby initiating the widespread contagion.
The character of Brak was conceived specifically for a Star Wars: The Old Republic in-game event. During this event, players aligned with both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire had the opportunity to discover numerous journal entries penned by various passengers and crew members who were aboard the Stardream.