The Protector was a shuttle used by the New Republic. Nakaron, a Trandoshan prisoner, escaped custody and seized control of the shuttle on its way to the detention center located on Dles IV. He also took the crew and Agent Thom Clessigan captive. Three months following this event, Nakaron made requests concerning the release of the hostages, prompting the New Republic to plan an intervention utilizing a privately operated strike force.