Professor Akary Smith, a scholar, held a position on a communications satellite orbiting the planet Roon. Since youth, he and Gar Tosh were companions. He also formed a friendly relationship with Gar Tosh's offspring, Jann Tosh, and a strong connection grew between them.
General Koong once seized Smith, Jann, R2-D2, and C-3PO to hold them as captives. To accomplish this, the General reprogrammed and weaponized XR, who was the professor's personal droid.