Born into a family of high class and prominence,Yianni found himself joining the Imperial Naval Academy by tradition rather than choice, though he did not regret the decision. Initially clumsy with self-doubt around orders and his superiors, his early fears of being overwhelmed were soon extinguished with pride and ambition and was rewarded when he graduated the Academy in the top two percent of his class. Commissioned as a lieutenant, Xition was assigned to a Victory-class Star Destroyer in the Outer Rim Territories as a senior tracking officer gaining attention for his abilities, most notably from Captain Nolaan. Having also served in the Outer Rim, Nolaan took an instant liking to the man and positioned himself as mentor and friend. For this Yianni's stay there was brief. Nolaan didn't hide his bias and, to spite his subordinates, began calling in favors that brought Xition to the Interrogator where Nolaan was serving under the direct command of High Inquisitor Antinnis Trem. By