Difference between revisions of "Melissa Steiner (32nd c.)"

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{{InfoBoxCharacter
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
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| caption            =  
 
| caption            =  
 
| name                = Melissa Steiner
 
| name                = Melissa Steiner
| birthdate          = [[3099]]
+
| birthdate          = [[3099]]<ref name=ER3145p98>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 98: "Melissa Steiner profile"</ref>
| died                = 17 July [[3143]]<ref name=ABoWc15>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', Ch. 15</ref><ref name=ER:3145p23>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 23 "Timeline of Events"</ref>
+
| died                = 17 July [[3143]]<ref name=ABoWc15>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 15</ref><ref name=ER:3145p23>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 23: "Timeline of Events"</ref>
 
| othernames          =  
 
| othernames          =  
 
| affiliation        = [[House Borge-Steiner]]
 
| affiliation        = [[House Borge-Steiner]]
| profession          = [[Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth|Archon]]
+
| rank                = [[Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth|Archon]]
 +
| title              =
 +
| position            =
 +
| profession          =
 
| parents            = [[Andrew Steiner (32nd c.)|Andrew Steiner]] (father)
 
| parents            = [[Andrew Steiner (32nd c.)|Andrew Steiner]] (father)
 
| siblings            =  
 
| siblings            =  
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| children            =  
 
| children            =  
 
}}
 
}}
{{Otheruses|the 32nd century Archon|the 31st century Archon|Melissa Steiner}}
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{{Otheruses|the thirty-second-century Archon|the thirty-first-century Archon|Melissa Steiner}}
  
'''Melissa Steiner''' (b. [[3099]] - d. [[3143]], aged 44 years)<ref name=ER3145>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 98, "Melissa Steiner profile"</ref> the [[Archon]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] who showed more interest in the world of commerce than in the world of politics.
+
[[Archon]] of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] '''Melissa Steiner''' showed more interest in commerce than politics.
  
== History ==
+
==History==
From a young age, Melissa grew up with her cousin [[Trillian Steiner]]. The two of them differed on their political viewpoints while they grew up; Trillian believed in [[Devlin Stone]] and the [[Republic of the Sphere|Republic]], while Melissa, who was influenced by her father [[Andrew Steiner]], had a negative opinion of the new nation.<ref name=ER3145TS>''Era Report: 3145'', p. 97-98, "Trillian Steiner profile"</ref>
+
===Early Years===
 +
Born on [[Tharkad]], Melissa grew up along with her cousin [[Trillian Steiner]]. As they got older, the two diverged politically. Trillian believed in [[Devlin Stone]] and the [[Republic of the Sphere|Republic]], while Melissa, who was influenced by her father [[Andrew Steiner]], had a negative opinion of the new nation.<ref name=ER3145p97f>''Era Report: 3145'', pp. 97–98: "Trillian Steiner profile"</ref>
  
Melissa was not prepared for the day when she took over the throne from her father.  Being only 28 at the time of ascension, and more so delved into the world of commerce instead of politics, Melissa decided to surround herself with the aides from her father.  As time went by she began to realize that she had to have people around her that she could trust and rely upon.  She promoted her trusted cousin Trillian to the position of Chief Diplomat in order to solve any problem within the Commonwealth.<ref name=ER3145></ref>  In politics, she despite adopting her late father's stance towards the Republic, she viewed Republic of the Sphere as a strong trading partner, however she opposed many of its policies that didn't benefit her nation. She gave a series of speeches which would motivate others in Lyran pride, and ultimately bring about revolt within the Republic.  This would lead to motivating a distant cousin, [[Jasek Kelswa-Steiner]], then a militia commander to take up arms against the Republic in [[3133]] forming his band of like-minded soldiers in forming the [[Stormhammers]]. His efforts endear Lyran leading civilians in Republic Prefectures to side with his efforts, ultimately softening them for possible takeover by Melissa's LCAF units she would end up sending in [[3137]].<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 120 Andrew and Melissa - Info regarding Melissa's early days leading to the Jihad and her influence which led to the formation of the Stormhammers.</ref>  
+
===Archon===
 +
Melissa was not prepared for the day when she took over the throne from her father.  Being only 28 at the time of ascension, and more so interested in commerce instead of politics, Melissa decided to surround herself with the aides from her father.  As time went by she began to realize that she had to have people around her that she could trust and rely upon.  She promoted her trusted cousin Trillian to the position of Chief Diplomat and "problem solver" within the Commonwealth.<ref name=ER3145p98/>  In politics, despite adopting her late father's negative views towards the Republic, she recognized the Republic of the Sphere as a strong trading partner; however she opposed many of its policies that didn't benefit her nation. She gave a series of speeches stoking Lyran pride, and ultimately helped bring about revolt within the Republic.  This would lead to [[Jasek Kelswa-Steiner]], a distant cousin and militia commander, to take up arms against the Republic in [[3133]] in the form of a band of like-minded soldiers calling themselves the [[Stormhammers]]. His efforts caused Lyran-leaning civilians in Republic Prefectures to side with his cause, ultimately softening them for possible takeover by Melissa's LCAF units she would end up sending in [[3137]].<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 120: Andrew and Melissa - Info regarding Melissa's early days leading to the Jihad and her influence which led to the formation of the Stormhammers</ref>
  
After the [[Gray Monday|HPG network crash]], Melissa started creating plans for the invasion of the former [[Free Worlds League]] which would become known as [[Operation HAMMERFALL]].  To ensure a successful invasion, she was able to secure the help of both [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] and [[Clan Wolf]] forces.  Though the invasion was successful, when the forces from Clan Wolf felt that they were being betrayed, they stopped attacking the Free Worlds League and turned on the forces of the Lyran Commonwealth.<ref name=ER3145></ref>
+
After the [[Gray Monday|HPG network crash]], Melissa invested billions of ''kroner'' into [[ComStar]] to help them reestablish the [[HPG]]s, but when that effort failed, the Commonwealth economy suffered.<ref>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 3</ref>
  
When the [[Clan Wolf Touman|forces of Clan Wolf]] began to bear down on the defenseless worlds of the Commonwealth, the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]] did for the first time a military coup d'etat. [[3141]] was when Melissa lost the title of Archon and her realm, however, the replacement that the military put on the throne was incompetent which allowed Melissa to retake her throne after only two years.  She reclaimed her throne just in time for the dual invasion of [[Tharkad]] from Clan Wolf and [[Clan Jade Falcon]].<ref name=ER3145></ref>
+
Later, Melissa created plans for the invasion of the former [[Free Worlds League]], known as [[Operation HAMMERFALL]].  To ensure success, Melissa was able to secure the help of both [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] and [[Clan Wolf]] forces. Though the invasion was successful, when she heard that [[Alaric Ward]] killed the League's Warden-General [[Thaddeus Marik (32nd c.)]], against Trillian's advice, Melissa ordered the activation of ''Operation Empty Cupboard'': a plan to delay the transfer of Wolves' civilians. This would have catastrophic consequences. When the forces of Clan Wolf felt they had been betrayed, they turned on their Lyran allies, and the defenses Melissa had put in place were bypassed.<ref name=ER3145p98/><ref>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 3-7</ref>
 +
 
 +
In [[3141]], with [[Clan Wolf Touman|the forces of Clan Wolf]] bearing down on defenseless worlds of the Commonwealth, Melissa suffered an assassination attempt and military coup. Melissa lost the title of Archon and her realm; however the military-backed replacement, Duke [[Vedet Brewer]], turned out to be incompetent, and his efforts to stop the Wolves was short-lived.<ref>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 11</ref>
 +
 
 +
After the situation on the fronts became critical, Melissa was able to retake her throne after only two years, just in time for the dual invasion of [[Tharkad]] from Clan Wolf and [[Clan Jade Falcon]]. Before the [[Battle of Tharkad (3143)]] began, Melissa refused to evacuate, despite the overwhelming odds. She put [[Callandre Kell]] in charge of the planet's defense.<ref name=ER3145p98/><ref>''A Bonfire of Worlds'', ch. 15</ref>
  
 
===Death===
 
===Death===
Before her death, she desired for her cousin Trillian to take her place as Archon of the Commonwealth.<ref name=ER3145TS></ref> To ensure that Trillian and the rest of the Lyran leadership survived the attack on the capital, she sacrificed herself in the face of [[Elementals]] from Clan Wolf. Though it was a futile gesture of bravery on her part, it did leave an impression on the Wolves and was able to gain their respect in death.<ref name=ER3145></ref><ref name=ABoWc15/>
+
When hope seemed lost, Trillian offered herself to pose as Melissa in order to effectuate the Archon's escape. Melissa refused. Realizing, too late, than her cousin always had been loyal to her, Melissa asked Trillian to take her place as Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.<ref name=ER3145p97f/>
 +
To ensure that Trillian and the rest of the Lyran leadership survived the attack on the capital, Melissa sacrificed herself in the face of [[Elementals]] from Clan Wolf. When an Elemental ordered her to surrender, she instead shot him with a laser pistol, before being killed by his return fire. Though it was a futile gesture of bravery on her part, it did leave an impression on the Wolves and gained her their respect in death, even from Alaric Ward.<ref name=ER3145p98/><ref name=ABoWc15/>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
The Elemental that killed Melissa was hunted and killed by [[Kommandant]] [[Bonnie Richards]], of the [[First Royal Guards]] RCT, before the Wolves left Tharkad.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'' p. 124</ref>
+
The Elemental that killed Melissa was hunted down and killed by [[Kommandant]] [[Bonnie Richards]], of the [[First Royal Guards]] RCT, before the Wolves left Tharkad.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 124</ref>
 
 
==Titles and Positions==
 
{{s-start}}
 
{{s-bef|before=[[Andrew Steiner]]}}
 
{{s-title|title=Archon of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]<br/>(first term)|years=[[3127]] - [[3141]]}}
 
{{s-aft|after=[[Vedet Brewer]]}}
 
{{s-bef|before=[[Vedet Brewer]]}}
 
{{s-title|title=Archon of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]<br/>(second term)|years=[[3143]] - 3143}}
 
{{s-aft|after=[[Trillian Steiner]]}}
 
{{s-end}}
 
  
== References ==  
+
== References ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
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* ''[[Fire at Will]]'' (novel)
 
* ''[[Fire at Will]]'' (novel)
  
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Steiner, Melissa]]  
+
 
 +
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Steiner, Melissa]]
 
[[Category:Archons|Steiner, Melissa]]
 
[[Category:Archons|Steiner, Melissa]]

Latest revision as of 15:38, 31 January 2024

Melissa Steiner
Melissa Steiner
Personal
Born3099[1]
Died17 July 3143[2][3]
AffiliationHouse Borge-Steiner
Profile
RankArchon
Family
ParentsAndrew Steiner (father)
This article is about the thirty-second-century Archon. For the thirty-first-century Archon, see Melissa Steiner.


Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth Melissa Steiner showed more interest in commerce than politics.

History[edit]

Early Years[edit]

Born on Tharkad, Melissa grew up along with her cousin Trillian Steiner. As they got older, the two diverged politically. Trillian believed in Devlin Stone and the Republic, while Melissa, who was influenced by her father Andrew Steiner, had a negative opinion of the new nation.[4]

Archon[edit]

Melissa was not prepared for the day when she took over the throne from her father. Being only 28 at the time of ascension, and more so interested in commerce instead of politics, Melissa decided to surround herself with the aides from her father. As time went by she began to realize that she had to have people around her that she could trust and rely upon. She promoted her trusted cousin Trillian to the position of Chief Diplomat and "problem solver" within the Commonwealth.[1] In politics, despite adopting her late father's negative views towards the Republic, she recognized the Republic of the Sphere as a strong trading partner; however she opposed many of its policies that didn't benefit her nation. She gave a series of speeches stoking Lyran pride, and ultimately helped bring about revolt within the Republic. This would lead to Jasek Kelswa-Steiner, a distant cousin and militia commander, to take up arms against the Republic in 3133 in the form of a band of like-minded soldiers calling themselves the Stormhammers. His efforts caused Lyran-leaning civilians in Republic Prefectures to side with his cause, ultimately softening them for possible takeover by Melissa's LCAF units she would end up sending in 3137.[5]

After the HPG network crash, Melissa invested billions of kroner into ComStar to help them reestablish the HPGs, but when that effort failed, the Commonwealth economy suffered.[6]

Later, Melissa created plans for the invasion of the former Free Worlds League, known as Operation HAMMERFALL. To ensure success, Melissa was able to secure the help of both Clan Wolf-in-Exile and Clan Wolf forces. Though the invasion was successful, when she heard that Alaric Ward killed the League's Warden-General Thaddeus Marik (32nd c.), against Trillian's advice, Melissa ordered the activation of Operation Empty Cupboard: a plan to delay the transfer of Wolves' civilians. This would have catastrophic consequences. When the forces of Clan Wolf felt they had been betrayed, they turned on their Lyran allies, and the defenses Melissa had put in place were bypassed.[1][7]

In 3141, with the forces of Clan Wolf bearing down on defenseless worlds of the Commonwealth, Melissa suffered an assassination attempt and military coup. Melissa lost the title of Archon and her realm; however the military-backed replacement, Duke Vedet Brewer, turned out to be incompetent, and his efforts to stop the Wolves was short-lived.[8]

After the situation on the fronts became critical, Melissa was able to retake her throne after only two years, just in time for the dual invasion of Tharkad from Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon. Before the Battle of Tharkad (3143) began, Melissa refused to evacuate, despite the overwhelming odds. She put Callandre Kell in charge of the planet's defense.[1][9]

Death[edit]

When hope seemed lost, Trillian offered herself to pose as Melissa in order to effectuate the Archon's escape. Melissa refused. Realizing, too late, than her cousin always had been loyal to her, Melissa asked Trillian to take her place as Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.[4] To ensure that Trillian and the rest of the Lyran leadership survived the attack on the capital, Melissa sacrificed herself in the face of Elementals from Clan Wolf. When an Elemental ordered her to surrender, she instead shot him with a laser pistol, before being killed by his return fire. Though it was a futile gesture of bravery on her part, it did leave an impression on the Wolves and gained her their respect in death, even from Alaric Ward.[1][2]

Notes[edit]

The Elemental that killed Melissa was hunted down and killed by Kommandant Bonnie Richards, of the First Royal Guards RCT, before the Wolves left Tharkad.[10]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Era Report: 3145, p. 98: "Melissa Steiner profile"
  2. 2.0 2.1 A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 15
  3. Era Report: 3145, p. 23: "Timeline of Events"
  4. 4.0 4.1 Era Report: 3145, pp. 97–98: "Trillian Steiner profile"
  5. Field Manual: 3145, p. 120: Andrew and Melissa - Info regarding Melissa's early days leading to the Jihad and her influence which led to the formation of the Stormhammers
  6. A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 3
  7. A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 3-7
  8. A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 11
  9. A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 15
  10. Field Manual: 3145, p. 124

Bibliography[edit]