Plat Mallar

Plat Mallar (&mdash;16 ABY) was a Grannan from the Imperial colony world of Polneye in Koornacht Cluster, and a member of that world's defense force, piloting several varieties of TIE fighters. When the Yevetha attacked during the Great Purge, Plat Mallar was the sole survivor from Polneye, due to piloting his TIE out into space in hopes of alerting someone to the situation. Days later, near death, he was found by New Republic forces, and the "Plat Mallar tapes" would eventually become criticial in swaying public opinion in the New Republic towards supporting retribution against the Yevetha.

Plat Mallar was taken under Ackbar's wing, and thanks to his experience in a TIE&mdash;and the Admiral's influence&mdash;he quickly joined the New Republic armed forces, though as a ferry pilot only. He was part of the mission during which Han Solo was captured by the Duskhan League. Later, during the final battle against the Yevetha, Plat Mallar's commanding officer was incapacitated. Plat Mallar boarded his craft and joined the battle, sacrificing his life ramming a Yevethan ship which, itself, was intending to ram the one Plat Mallar had just left. His final act saved hundreds of lives, just as his desperate flight from Polneye guaranteed other worlds near Koornacht would not have to fear a second Great Purge.

When he joined the armed forces, Leia Organa Solo admitted Polneye into the New Republic Senate. As sole survivor, Plat Mallar was senator de facto and could have sat if he wished; however, he chose instead to seek vengeance against the Yevetha. Organa Solo then decided to leave Polneye's seat open as a reminder of the Yevethan atrocities. Presumably it is open still.