Katrina Steiner

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This article is about the Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth, 3007-3039. For the later Archon who adopted her name, see Katherine Steiner-Davion.
Katrina Elizabeth Steiner
Character Profile
Born 20 October 2976[1]
Died 4 January 3040
Affiliation House Steiner
Profession Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth[1]
Duchess of Tharkad[1]
Parents Alexandr Weldon (father)
Lisa Steiner (mother)
Siblings Nondi Steiner
Spouse Arthur Luvon
Children Melissa Steiner


Katrina Steiner (2976[1] – 4 January, 3040, aged 64 years[2]) ruled the Lyran Commonwealth. Her reign is noted for the Peace Proposal that she circulated, which led to the Federated-Commonwealth Accords and the eventual creation of the Federated Commonwealth. Katrina was born on the world of Gallery. She was the first daughter of Lisa Steiner[3] and General Alexandr Weldon. She was older sister to General Nondi Steiner.[1]

Biography

Early Life

A sickly child, Katrina Steiner surprised her doctors by going on to pilot a BattleMech at the tender age of 12. Graduating from the Nagelring Academy in 2994 at just 18, she was posted to the 3rd Arcturan Lancers conventional regiment as an infantry officer and later went through various postings in different military branches. Her stated reason for this was to become well acquainted with all of them. Despite her meandering career path, by 3004 she had risen to the rank of Hauptmann-General. She commanded the 10th Lyran Guards (which is traditionally led by the Archon's heir, or at least a member of House Steiner) and the 2nd Royal Guards before being promoted to the Strategy and Tactics Division.

Red Corsair

She disappeared on Poulsbo in 3004, after suffering an assassination attempt by Loki agents on that planet, under orders of Archon Alessandro Steiner. This one, decades later, claimed than he never ordered Katrina's death, only Arthur Luvon, after uncover he was a Heimdall agent, and than Katrina and Morgan Kell's presence was unknown, but that remains unconfirmed.[4] The three reemerged on Tharkad a year later, seemingly changed and more hostile to her uncle, then-Archon Alessandro Steiner. It is not generally known that she was forced to go into hiding alongside Arthur Luvon and Morgan Kell as Loki agents were apparently trying to abduct or kill them.

Katrina Steiner created the identity of the Red Corsair and the trio fled into the periphery, where they would find lostech under undisclosed circumstances including the Black Box superluminal fax machines. They eventually returned to Lyran space via a detour through the Free Worlds League.

This, combined with Alessandro's foolish military strategies, led directly to Katrina's coup d'etat against him in 3007 and her subsequent appointment as Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.

(Near the end of his life Alessandro Steiner privately told Ryan Steiner that he had actually sent the Loki agents to kill Arthur Luvon, whom he had discovered to be a high-ranking Heimdall leader; it was an unforeseen coincidence that Katrina Steiner and Morgan Kell were present when the attempt took place and wholly unintended that Katrina would believe she had been the target. According to Alessandro, he saw a strong and competent leader in his niece and always considered her his heir and successor, but their relationship was forever poisoned after she returned from hiding.[5])

Marriage and Children

Katrina married her long-time friend and lover Arthur Luvon, the Duke of Donegal, in 3009. The following year saw the birth of their only child, Melissa. That was also the same year that Arthur died of cancer.

Archon

In 3020, Archon Katrina hoped to bring about a diplomatic solution to the Succession Wars. This peace proposal was rejected by all the Successor States, but marked a beginning of a cordial relationship with First Prince Hanse Davion and the Federated Suns. By 3022, Katrina and Hanse had signed an alliance treaty between their respective nations and the Archon had willingly betrothed her daughter, Melissa, to the First Prince.

Death and Legacy

In 3037 Katrina was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment, unfortunately discovering her condition was terminal in December 3038. Given less than a year to live, Katrina chose to spend the time she had left with her daughter and grandchildren. To this end, on the birth of her fifth grandchild Yvonne on March 15th 3039, Katrina abdicated in favor of Melissa, adopting the title of Archon-Emeritus. Katrina's abdication also ensured her reputation as a peacemaker remained intact, despite the fact the LCAF were in the final stages of preparing for the War of 3039.[2]

Katrina would serve as military and political adviser to her daughter during the War of 3039, but by the end of that year she was increasingly frail and in great discomfort. Archon-Emeritus Katrina Steiner would die in her sleep on January 4th 3040, mere days before the formal signing of the Exeter Accords that ended the 3039 conflict.[2]

Quotes

Though the public may have forgotten them, any military man worth his salt remembers and studies the actions of the Tamar Tigers and the Stealths, perhaps the most successful Commonwealth regiments of all time.
  — From The Use of the BattleMech in Modern Combat, by General Katrina Steiner, Commonwealth Military Press, 3006[6]
Even among us Steiners, there comes a time when cold-blooded practicality must outweigh even family loyalty. My uncle has proven his inability to rule. As his niece, I grieve for his disappointment, but I will not let my emotions stand in the way of what I feel is right. I am Archon now; that is what I feel is right for me. More importantly, that is what I feel is right for Commonwealth.
  — Archon Katrina Steiner's announcement of Archon Alessandro's 'retirement', from Royal Court Transcripts: Year 3007, Commonwealth Historical Press, 3007[7]
The good thing about history is that it usually passes its judgments long after their subjects are dead.
  — Archon Katrina Steiner from Royal Court Transcripts: Year 3009, Commonwealth Historical Press, 3009[8]
Yes, there have been attempts on my life, but most leaders have to expect such things. For who can rule perfectly? With just a few words, I might instantly turn 20 million loyal subjects into enemies bent on seeing me dead. One rules as best he can, but learns to suspect every shadow, every blind corner.
  — Archon Katrina Steiner in a Holo-interview, Tamar Broadcasting Company, 3024[9]

Gallery

Titles and Positions

Preceded by Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth
30073039
Succeeded by

Template:Archon Timeline

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) - "Katrina Steiner profile", p. 149
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Historical: War of 3039, pp. 17-18 "Personalities - Archon-Emeritus Katraina Steiner"
  3. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) - "Gallery planetary profile". End article mentions Katrina's sister Nondi Steiner's mother is Lisa Steiner
  4. Warrior: Coupé p. 100
  5. Warrior: Coupé, chapter 9
  6. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 45, "Tigers And Stealths"
  7. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 78, "Ouster"
  8. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 79, "Current Events"
  9. House Kurita (The Draconis Combine), p. 90, "Internal Squabbles"

Bibliography