Silya Shessaun/Legends

Silya Shessaun was a female Human from Thesme who represented her sector in the Galactic Senate around the end of the Clone Wars.

Biography
In 31 BBY, the twenty-year-old Shessaun was the first person of Thesme's working class to become a Senator in the Galactic Senate. A child prodigy, she came into politcs devoted to any cause that benefited the poor and underprivilged. Her efforts drew criticism from others, who believed that she was spreading herself out too far without focusing on the larger picutre in general, and Thesme in particular. This would send her home shortly before the start of the Clone Wars, when the majorty of the Thesme sector threatened to secede from the Republic.

She was a friend of Padmé Amidala, and was her mentor when the younger Amidala joined the Apprentice Legislature. Shessaun was impressed by her and was happy when she heard that Amidala was elected Queen of Naboo. When Amidala stepped down and became Naboo's representative in the Senate, the two would meet regularly and discuss topics of mutual interest.

Shessaun was among the members of the Loyalist Committee, though she never signed the Delegation of 2000, believing that to do so would be considered a Separatist act.

When word reached her of Padmé's death, Shessaun was deeply affected by it and was among those who attended her funeral. Though her death was attributed to the supposed Jedi uprising, she had her doubts and pushed the Senate to investiage the matter. She found her efforts blocked by Emperor Palpatine who cited "security concerns" about the matter. Shortly thereafter, her allegiance to Amidala and the more vocal members of the Delegation of 2000 forced to resign as Senator. Her position was filled by a more pro Imperial diplomat.

Shessaun lived out the rest of her life on Alderaan, helping Bail Organa form the Rebel Alliance and raise Leia Organa

She returned to Thesme sometime before Alderaan's destruction and died shortly after the Battle of Endor. Leia was among those who attended her funeral.

Behind the scenes

 * Silya Shessaun was portrayed by Lisa Shaunessy in Revenge of the Sith, but was cut from the film.
 * Shessaun's backstory was developed by StarWars.com Hyperspace members Twi'LekEntertainer, ShadowCultist (Evan Burger), Master Starkeiller and Hedec Ga (Greg Mitchell) for Hyperspace's What's The Story? feature.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith