Kael was a mysterious bounty hunter working for the Mantis Syndicate during the Galactic Civil War. Kael's species, sex and physical aspect were unknown. Circa 1 ABY, the Syndicate sent Kael to murder Karl Mathieu Ancher, a smuggler and member of the smuggling organization Black Bha'lir operating in Socorro. Kael was to approach Ancher during the funeral of another smuggler, an event that would be witnessed by hundreds of people. The Tribunal, leaders of the Bha'lir, discovered the plot but were still unaware of Kael's description. They assigned a small group the task to stop Kael, without Ancher even knowing he was in danger.