Melissa Steiner (32nd c.)
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Melissa Steiner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 3099[1] |
| Died | 17 July 3143[2][3] |
| Affiliation | House Borge-Steiner |
| Profile | |
| Rank | Archon |
| Family | |
| Parents | Andrew 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 commerce than politics.
History
Early Years
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, while Melissa, who was influenced by her father Andrew Steiner, had a negative opinion of the new nation.[4]
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.[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 restablish the HPGs, but when that failed, the Commonwealth economy suffered the consequences.[6]
Later, 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 they had been betrayed, they turned on their Lyran allies.[1]
In 3141, with forces of Clan Wolf bearing down on the defenseless worlds of the Commonwealth, the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces underwent a military coup. Melissa lost the title of Archon and her realm; however the military-backed replacement turned out to be incompetent. 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.[1]
Death
Before her death, Melissa desired that her cousin Trillian take her place as Archon of the Commonwealth.[4] 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 gained her their respect in death.[1][2]
Notes
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.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Era Report: 3145, p. 98: "Melissa Steiner profile"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 15
- ↑ Era Report: 3145, p. 23: "Timeline of Events"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Era Report: 3145, pp. 97–98: "Trillian Steiner profile"
- ↑ 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
- ↑ A Bonfire of Worlds, ch. 3
- ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 124
Bibliography
- A Bonfire of Worlds (novel)
- Era Report: 3145
- Field Manual: 3145
- Fire at Will (novel)