Erwin Kliest was born on Corellia, the second son of 3. His family ran a transport company in the Corellia system and to the core worlds. He grew up around the spaceport and interacted with various races. He rode along with his Dad or older brother on short hops around the system, learning how to pilot at a young age.
During his teenage years, pirate raids were common on the space lanes. Patrols had decreased after the Clone wars and the pirates were taking advantage of this. Corellian Security had started the own patrols, with veteran spacers returning home. His family helped by using some ships as decoys to help catch pirates. His older brother was killed by pirates venting the ship after it had surrendered because their leader was caught on one of the CorSec runs.
The Empire finally made its appearance known by sending a small fleet to police the shipping lanes. Erwin was impressed with the smart appearance and bearing of these Officers who fought against the pirates. At his first opportunity, his father obtained for him a place in the Imperial Academy, where he excelled in small capital ship and anit-fighter tactics. Upon graduation, he was sent to the Kuat sector and quickly rose through the ranks obtaining the position of Captain of a ISD.
The Empire slowly started their "anti-human" policy in the Kuat sector. Erwin saw blockades destroy or commandeer vessels that had no humans on board. Purges were also being conducted at this time, he saw honest, capable Moffs, Admirals, and other fellow Officers being executed on drummed up charges or forced into early retirement. While less qualified, politically connected people were promoted and placed into high positions in the local government and the Imperial Navy.
He wisely and secretly contacted family and close friends back home on Corellia, trying to obtain information on how to contact the so called "rebels" who were fighting against the New Order. While visiting family during a leave period, he defected and made contact with these forces.
Official Status: Declared a deserter by the Imperial Navy. Captain Erwin Kliest deserted in a time of war, stole Imperial property, a Skipray Blast Boat, and assaulted a Officer and 2 Non Coms while stealing said ship. Current location unknown, last sighted in Corellian space.