So, on page 172 of the clone wars there's a republic military space transport.  The Nu-Class attack shuttle.<br/><br/>I'm thinking that when Vasher Ni'Kora was an active Jedi, his ship the Star Fury was one of these.  As Vasher was a good pilot himself, he had the Star Fury equipped with maneuvering thrusters so he could dog fight against fighters and avoid the weapons of capitol ships with the ease of a smaller vessel.<br/><br/>After retiring to  marry and have a daughter, Vasher received the republic's permission to keep the Star Fury.  He pulled out half of the carrying capacity.  He redid the insides.  Now, instead of accommodating 2 crew and thirty passengers, it has spacious living quarters that can reasonably house up to 15. He also expanded the cargo capacity considerably--possibly including a very small smuggler's hold.<br/><br/>Upon Vasher's death at the hands of a 'jedi' with a red light saber, it was inherited by Minuet Ni'Cora.  Minuet was very young at the time, but very skilled and gifted.  She took good care of the ship and used it to support herself--frequently performing illegal runs.  She was doing a good job of supporting herself 'til just recently.  Four mercenary vessels were hired by someone she'd  angered to destroy her.  Minuet destroyed one and escaped with her life and her ship, but the Star Fury required extensive repairs.<br/><br/>Fortunately for Minuet, she had a friend on Senator Amidalla's staff.<br/><br/>Zeeko brigs persuaded the Senator that Minuet had great skill and potential to become even greater.  She was too valuable a pilot to leave without a ship.  Minuet singed a contract with Senator Amidala.  In return for the restoration of the Star Fury, Minuet works for the republic for 7 years, and surrenders ?% of her pay for the duration to pay off the repairs to Star Fury.