Zena Cyone

Dr. Zena Cyone was a female Laatl economist from Laikeer. Born in 105 ABY, she was one of relatively few Laatls who voluntarily traveled off their watery homeworld to live outside an aquatic environment. She was the daughter of merchants, and developed an early interest in the economy.

Earning places at several prestigious universities in the Golden Empire, she received advanced degrees in economics and finance, devoting special attention to banking regulations. She wrote several pieces critical of the loan system employed by both the Ministry of Finance and the Vall`to Sector Bank. Intrigued by the critiques, Queen Rin Sakaros invited a surprised Zena to join the Ministry of Finance as a consultant.

Zena was one of several economists who supported privately-financed exploration and colonization of uninhabited worlds discovered by the Empire, a plan eventually adopted by the Royal government. In 148 ABY, Rin appointed Zena to the Council of Economic Advisors. In 151 ABY, she also put the Laatl on her newly-formed Sovereign's Council. Though Cyone was surprised by the appointment, Rin respected her willingness to be candid and direct in criticizing inefficiencies in the government which could have impacts on the lives of ordinary citizens.