Sarell was a Human male major who fought for the Galactic Republic during the raging Galactic War. Stationed on Balmorra, Sarell and his troops battled the Empire in Gorinth Canyon until they were poisoned by toxic fumes. While the troops were being treated, he and Doctor Betrin debated as to whether to destroy the toxin along with the fertile soil in process or spend time devising an antidote instead.