Born to the high-gravity environment of Homeland in Beta Hydri, Arthur Idaho was raised in a socially-involved, politically active Federal household.

At the age of 23, Arthur became involved in relief efforts for Marlinist refugees temporarily relocated to Homeland, in the process of seeking asylum within the Federation. This experience made a profound impact on Arthur, exposing him to a perspective on human dignity, civil liberty, and Republican government that made Federal politics and culture look superficial and corrupt by comparison.

Arthur made many friends among the refugees, and kept in touch with them even after they had moved on to the new Marlinist Colonies facilitated by Sirius Corp.

In late 3308, Arthur was dismayed to receive messages from his friends now living in the Marlinist Republic, telling him of a mass invasion by the armed forces of Cofradia de Accion Independiente, Close Encounters Corp, and Union Cosmos. Gripped with a sense of horror at a war that he could describe as nothing other than ethnic cleansing, Arthur pulled together sufficient resources to buy a Sidewinder and resolved to aid the Marlinist cause.

By early 3309, Arthur Idaho had joined the Dark Wolf Marlinist paramilitary organization, committing to the defense of the Marlinist Republic.