Camelot’s Son: A profile of Damien Redburn in his second year as Exarch
6/18/32
By Mace O’Ronnell, Stellar Associated
What does one expect from a man who was born to great traditions in military service
and historical study? Who earned his way up the military ladder of command, from
MechWarrior cadet to full Colonel of Stone’s Liberator’s—one of the Republic’s most
storied units—in just seven years? Who was one of the youngest men ever knighted
by Devlin Stone, the architect of peace, and the youngest paladin the Sphere has yet
seen?
Great Things
So it seems at odds with Damien Redburn’s history that, two years into his four-year
term as Exarch of the Republic, Devlin Stone’s handpicked successor seems more
intent on maintaining the status quo than in creating a grand legacy in his own name.
“I have to admit, I expected a great deal more,” said CEO Jacob Bannson, a powerful
business leader based on Tybalt. “He’s a watered-down version of Devlin Stone.”
Hardly complimentary. Then again, it was in Damien Redburn’s first six months as
Exarch that he had to contend with trouble of Bannson’s making. Labor unions under
Bannson’s influence organized disruptive labor strikes on the world of Addicks,
claiming that the pro-Kurita bias of the local governor kept them from attaining any
real collective bargaining position. They demanded that governmental control of
Addicks be shifted to nobles in Prefecture IV.
The Exarch allowed that any world mustering fifty-one percent favor could admit a
vote of no confidence in their local government and request such a change. Bannson,
speaking on behalf of the unions, agreed to the terms. But too many local businesses
relied on Addicks’ economic ties to worlds such as Ozawa and Towne, part of the
economic programs instituted by Devlin Stone, and the disgruntled unions could not
muster enough support.
Exarch Redburn credited Devlin Stone’s foresight.
Jacob Bannson obviously holds a grudge. “We were only asking for a fair shake.
There are a lot of unhappy people on Addicks, and I’m not sure if I can control them
now.”
Bannson is not the only business leader unhappy with the Exarch. Later in 3131 came
the ComStar bid for upgrading Republic-controlled HyperPulse Generator stations,
with a number of stations to be turned over to full ComStar aegis. Considerable
pressure was brought against the Exarch to accept. Instead, he eventually ruled in
favor of the Republic’s current contract with ComStar affiliate Stryker Productions
Limited. SPL was one of the first corporations to get its start with a loan taken under
the Military Materiel Redemption Program.
Stone Again
“ComStar cannot fault Exarch Redburn for protecting Republic business interests,”
said Precentor Olivia Palos of ComStar’s negotiating team. “We can only hope he has
not sold out the future for the special interest concerns of today.”
Lord Governor Heather Jarman (Prefecture VII—Irian) is more supportive of the
Exarch’s status-quo efforts. “Some voices just like to shout and be heard. The
Republic seems to be doing just fine. If it’s not broke, why fix it?” she says, a remark
that seems aimed right at her long-time debate opponent, Lord Governor Aaron
Sandoval (Prefecture IV—Tikonov).
Lord Governor Sandoval has repeatedly called on the Exarch to take a stronger hand
in policy. “[Devlin] Stone abandoned us, and in his place left us a pale clone with no
strength to meet the challenges of our changing nation. We require a man of vision.”
Prefect Kal Radick (Prefecture IV—Tikonov), speaking on behalf of Clan Wolf
descendents, is more specific in his grievances. “If there is an issue that demands the
attention of the Exarch, it is the inequality [Wolf descendents] continue to face even
after sixty years. We have been forever treated as second-class citizens despite our
contributions to the Republic. Our cultural traditions are still met with derision and a
lack of acceptance.”
Such challenges to the Exarch’s record are uncommon, though, as Damien Redburn
is typically held up as a champion for the regular man. Most recently, the Exarch sent
legislation back to the Senate (sponsored by a supporter of Kal Radick) that would
have allowed citizens to purchase government land for the purposes of sharecropping
at least half of it to non-citizen residents, eventually helping the residents take control
of their own small farms. Exarch Redburn’s position was the very real fact that a
common resident could never earn enough to pay for the parcels, leading to a kind of
permanent indentured servitude, and those who did would receive only half value.
What is the old saying? A society is best judged by how it treats its lowest members.
“It’s very typical of Exarch Redburn,” says Lord Governor Jarman. “The day he puts
special interests ahead of the common people is the day he loses my support.”
Exarch Damien Redburn often refers to himself as the steward of Devlin Stone’s
Republic. In fact, he has never publicly referred to it as his Republic. Is this admirable
humility, or cunning dissemblance? Exarch Redburn is capable of both, certainly. The
truly noteworthy fact is that he has applied that which is always most appropriate for
the Republic of the Sphere, and not once what might be considered more favorable
for himself.
That may be the greatest legacy any leader can offer.
6/18/32
By Mace O’Ronnell, Stellar Associated
What does one expect from a man who was born to great traditions in military service
and historical study? Who earned his way up the military ladder of command, from
MechWarrior cadet to full Colonel of Stone’s Liberator’s—one of the Republic’s most
storied units—in just seven years? Who was one of the youngest men ever knighted
by Devlin Stone, the architect of peace, and the youngest paladin the Sphere has yet
seen?
Great Things
So it seems at odds with Damien Redburn’s history that, two years into his four-year
term as Exarch of the Republic, Devlin Stone’s handpicked successor seems more
intent on maintaining the status quo than in creating a grand legacy in his own name.
“I have to admit, I expected a great deal more,” said CEO Jacob Bannson, a powerful
business leader based on Tybalt. “He’s a watered-down version of Devlin Stone.”
Hardly complimentary. Then again, it was in Damien Redburn’s first six months as
Exarch that he had to contend with trouble of Bannson’s making. Labor unions under
Bannson’s influence organized disruptive labor strikes on the world of Addicks,
claiming that the pro-Kurita bias of the local governor kept them from attaining any
real collective bargaining position. They demanded that governmental control of
Addicks be shifted to nobles in Prefecture IV.
The Exarch allowed that any world mustering fifty-one percent favor could admit a
vote of no confidence in their local government and request such a change. Bannson,
speaking on behalf of the unions, agreed to the terms. But too many local businesses
relied on Addicks’ economic ties to worlds such as Ozawa and Towne, part of the
economic programs instituted by Devlin Stone, and the disgruntled unions could not
muster enough support.
Exarch Redburn credited Devlin Stone’s foresight.
Jacob Bannson obviously holds a grudge. “We were only asking for a fair shake.
There are a lot of unhappy people on Addicks, and I’m not sure if I can control them
now.”
Bannson is not the only business leader unhappy with the Exarch. Later in 3131 came
the ComStar bid for upgrading Republic-controlled HyperPulse Generator stations,
with a number of stations to be turned over to full ComStar aegis. Considerable
pressure was brought against the Exarch to accept. Instead, he eventually ruled in
favor of the Republic’s current contract with ComStar affiliate Stryker Productions
Limited. SPL was one of the first corporations to get its start with a loan taken under
the Military Materiel Redemption Program.
Stone Again
“ComStar cannot fault Exarch Redburn for protecting Republic business interests,”
said Precentor Olivia Palos of ComStar’s negotiating team. “We can only hope he has
not sold out the future for the special interest concerns of today.”
Lord Governor Heather Jarman (Prefecture VII—Irian) is more supportive of the
Exarch’s status-quo efforts. “Some voices just like to shout and be heard. The
Republic seems to be doing just fine. If it’s not broke, why fix it?” she says, a remark
that seems aimed right at her long-time debate opponent, Lord Governor Aaron
Sandoval (Prefecture IV—Tikonov).
Lord Governor Sandoval has repeatedly called on the Exarch to take a stronger hand
in policy. “[Devlin] Stone abandoned us, and in his place left us a pale clone with no
strength to meet the challenges of our changing nation. We require a man of vision.”
Prefect Kal Radick (Prefecture IV—Tikonov), speaking on behalf of Clan Wolf
descendents, is more specific in his grievances. “If there is an issue that demands the
attention of the Exarch, it is the inequality [Wolf descendents] continue to face even
after sixty years. We have been forever treated as second-class citizens despite our
contributions to the Republic. Our cultural traditions are still met with derision and a
lack of acceptance.”
Such challenges to the Exarch’s record are uncommon, though, as Damien Redburn
is typically held up as a champion for the regular man. Most recently, the Exarch sent
legislation back to the Senate (sponsored by a supporter of Kal Radick) that would
have allowed citizens to purchase government land for the purposes of sharecropping
at least half of it to non-citizen residents, eventually helping the residents take control
of their own small farms. Exarch Redburn’s position was the very real fact that a
common resident could never earn enough to pay for the parcels, leading to a kind of
permanent indentured servitude, and those who did would receive only half value.
What is the old saying? A society is best judged by how it treats its lowest members.
“It’s very typical of Exarch Redburn,” says Lord Governor Jarman. “The day he puts
special interests ahead of the common people is the day he loses my support.”
Exarch Damien Redburn often refers to himself as the steward of Devlin Stone’s
Republic. In fact, he has never publicly referred to it as his Republic. Is this admirable
humility, or cunning dissemblance? Exarch Redburn is capable of both, certainly. The
truly noteworthy fact is that he has applied that which is always most appropriate for
the Republic of the Sphere, and not once what might be considered more favorable
for himself.
That may be the greatest legacy any leader can offer.
| June 18, 3132 |
