Akiva, situated in the Outer Rim Territories, was a planet characterized by its dense jungle environment and its remote location. This world was once affiliated with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, who constructed a substantial droid manufacturing complex beneath its surface. Following the conclusion of the Clone Wars, the Galactic Empire took control of Akiva, with the Satrapy of Myrra cooperating with the new imperial regime.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, the remnants of the Empire convened an emergency summit in orbit above Akiva, with the goal of reorganizing their forces and initiating a counterattack against the New Republic. This assembly proved unsuccessful, triggering a rebellion on the planet. As Imperial leaders fled, the citizens of Akiva successfully overthrew the Empire, making Akiva the first Outer Rim planet to align itself with the New Republic. Later, in 34 ABY, Akiva shifted its allegiance to the rising First Order.
Located in the Outer Rim Territories and in proximity to Raydonia, Akiva presented as a hot and humid planet. It possessed a terrestrial atmosphere and was well-known for its frequent thunderstorms and rain storms, referred to as "mausim" during the wet season. Within the city of Myrra, "storm ladders," consisting of chains secured to rooftops, were commonly used to facilitate rapid evacuations during flash floods. The planet's landscape featured both jungles and canyons. The primary mode of transportation in Myrra was the bala-bala speeder, a compact vehicle designed for navigating the city's narrow and winding streets, serving both for commuting and transporting goods.
Myrra, the capital of Akiva, was an expansive city built atop a network of ancient catacombs. These catacombs were inhabited by the Uugteen, a primitive humanoid species indigenous to Akiva. Rumors circulated regarding the catacombs, suggesting they housed a Jedi training temple, a Sith trap, or a Hutt breeding ground. The presence of the Uugteen made venturing into the catacombs perilous, with few who entered ever returning. Furthermore, the Myrra catacombs contained a Separatist droid factory dating back to the Clone Wars.
Akiva was once the home of the Ahia-Ko, an ancient species who constructed impressive temples within the planet's jungle wilderness. The Ahia-Ko believed that the water found in the planet's canyons possessed the power to cleanse individuals of their sins, leading to personal betterment. This canyon water was highly valued by members of the Satrapy of Myrra, including figures such as Satrap Isstra Dirus, who considered it a luxurious commodity.
At least two native species called Akiva home: the Uugteen, who dwelled in the catacombs beneath Myrra, and the Ahia-Ko, who constructed grand structures in the planet's untamed jungles. By the time the Galactic Empire came to reign, various species had settled on Akiva, including humans, Koorivar, Sullustans, Mon Calamari, Besalisks, and Abednedo.
During the Clone Wars, Akiva sided with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, leading to the construction of a Separatist droid factory within Myrra's catacombs. Around the formation of the Empire, the Satrapy of Myrra overthrew the existing government, which had been based in the Myrra capitol building. Due to its remote location, the Empire maintained only a limited presence on Akiva, ruling indirectly through the Satrapy of Myrra, who enforced Imperial laws and collected taxes from the Akivan population. The planet became a hub for criminal activity, with corrupt satrap governors and various syndicates vying for control of resources and opportunities. The black market flourished, and corruption became deeply entrenched within the Satrapy and its aristocracy. Among these aristocratic families was the Karyvin clan, who owned the Karyvin house Plantation in Myrra, as well as islands in the Southern Archipelago and crystal mines in the Northern Jungles.
During the Imperial Era, Brentin Lore Wexley played a crucial role in transmitting messages for the Rebel Alliance's across the Outer Rim. Consequently, he was apprehended by the Empire and imprisoned at Ashmead's Lock on Kashyyyk. His wife, Norra Wexley, subsequently became a member of the Rebel Alliance, entrusting their son Temmin Wexley to the care of her older sister Esmelle and her wife, Shirene. The crime lord Surat Nuat and gang also established a presence in Myrra.
Following the assault on Sunspot Prison, the Rebel Alliance established a holding facility within the planet's catacombs.
In 3 ABY, Kay Vess, a thief, journeyed to Akiva to enlist the aid of her friend, the Rodian Gedeek Obaz, leveraging his expertise with droids for a heist. While on Akiva, Vess explored the Separatist factory that had been abandoned following an attack by the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. Accompanied by Obaz and ND-5, she ventured into the factory to repair ND-5. They received assistance from the Rebel Alliance, who were utilizing the factory as a base. Upon discovery of the base, the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Revelator nearly destroyed the factory, but the Star Destroyer was subsequently destroyed in the Akiva system.
After the Battle of Endor, Norra returned to reunite with her estranged son Temmin. Her return occurred simultaneously with a clandestine Imperial emergency summit held at Dirus' palace in Myrra. After Wedge Antilles, a starfighter pilot from the New Republic, was captured by Imperial forces, Norra, Temmin, his B1-series battle droid Mister Bones, the bounty hunter Jas Emari, and the former Imperial loyalty officer Sinjir Rath Velus united to incite a successful uprising on Akiva and apprehend members of the failed Imperial Future Council. ships of the New Republic Defense Fleet under the command of Commodore Kyrsta Agate subsequently destroyed the Imperial ships above Akiva. As a result, the Satrapy changed its allegiance, and Akiva became the first Outer Rim planet to officially join the New Republic. They then initiated efforts to eradicate corruption and crime, with some gang members escaping, others being imprisoned, and some choosing to make a final stand.
By 5 ABY, Pima Drolley, a human woman, was appointed as Akiva's senator to the New Republic. She had two children, a son named Dann and a daughter named Merra. Following the Battle of Jakku, Brentin was buried in a salt marsh, adhering to Akivan tradition. His funeral was attended by his son Temmin, his wife Norra, and their relatives Shirene and Esmelle. Mister Bones, who had been permanently disintegrated on Jakku, had his remaining arm buried alongside Brentin's corpse.
As the First Order advanced across the galaxy, an emergency election was held, leading to the removal of the existing governor and the election of a wealthy merchant who was sympathetic to the First Order.
Akiva made its debut in the novel Aftermath, penned by Chuck Wendig.
Aftermath suggests that Akiva is among the "five closest worlds" to Raydonia, with the others being Tatooine, Mustafar, Dermos, and Geonosis. However, while Tatooine and Geonosis are both located in the Arkanis sector (at R-16), Mustafar has been established to be a considerable distance away from both of them (at L-19). Furthermore, these planets are on the opposite side of the galaxy from Dathomir, a known neighbor of Raydonia (at O-6).
The Star Wars Galaxy Map indicates that Akiva and Raydonia are not in close proximity to either Mustafar or Tatooine and Geonosis. Instead, it places these two worlds in the galactic north (also at O-6), relatively near Dathomir. Given the inconsistency within the Aftermath description, this article assumes that the location provided by the Galaxy Map is accurate.
The planet was visually depicted for the first time in the 2024 video game Star Wars Outlaws.