Nakiya Tann was a female Twi'lek who became one of the few aliens and females to become an administrator in the Galactic Empire's government. Born on Ryloth a year before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, her family fled the planet when it became a major battleground between the forces of the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, resulting in her being raised on Thyferra. During her youth, Tann became close friends with Serdor Marrak, a male Human. Being highly loyal to the Empire, though not a complete follower of the New Order, Marrak encouraged her to join it. He joined the Imperial Military when he turned eighteen, and Tann became a secretary in the office of the local Imperial governor. Her hard work ethic and administrative skills allowed Tann to rise beyond her