Elizabeth Sondeheim
Elizabeth was a political figure from the 26th Century, serving as the 1st Senator of Tyr from 2550 to 2570 and the 8th Lady-Governor of Tyr from 2566 to 2580.
Elizabeth also shared the spotlight with Senator Lovoto who encouraged people to invest in Tyr. The parades were seen as a move to further stress the differences between the core-worlds and Sol system and the frontier worlds.
In mid 2566 Tyr and House Sondeheim hosted a large celebration in honour of the completed terraforming, hosting the best and brightest of the Republic. Due to her fathers ill health, Elizabeth took to hosting the event.
Early Life
Born in 2510, Elizabeth was the second child of Elbar Sondeheim, born slightly before her twin Reid. She was a studious and introverted young woman with a keen interest in art and history. She attended Cairo General College on Furnace and studied Political Science, excelling in her studies and graduating near the top of her class in 2532. It was during college that Elizabeth became much more confident, engaging in debates as part of the debating society and becoming slightly involved in the planet's politics. During her time at Cairo General, she met Bazely Castwell. The Castwell's were wealthy landowners and politically active on Furnace at the time. In 2539, after dating for nine years, she married Castwell in a relatively small ceremony on Furnace. The couple had two children together- Aurelian Sondeheim (Born 2545)
- Kentan Sondeheim (Born 2546)
Early Political Career
Elizabeth became an advisor to Centrist politicians of Furnace, gaining valuable political experience and working in local campaigns. She was elected to the legislature in 2535 and spent five years as a conservative minded independent. In 2540 she left the legislature to become a full time lobbyist promoting Terran unification between The Antares Federation and The Republic. As unification looked likly in 2545 and with her first child due, Elizabeth returned to Furnace and was reelected to the legislature.Senator of Tyr
In 2550 Lord Elbar announced the terraforming project and changed the name of the planet to Tyr. He also founded the Tyr First Political party on Tyr with the planet joining the Republic. Elizabeth joined the party and ran for the 1st Senate Seat of Tyr, winning against a crowded field with tough competition from the Libertarian Party. During her time in the 2550 Senate she worked with the Vishnu Elpis party. She had a vocal mistrust of the Inkerman administration during his second term but disliked the attacks and incongruity of the radical left. She joined the Senate Armed Services committee and was a key voice in the committee, becoming involved in logistics and procurement. She was considered one of the brighter Senators in the committee. Ahead of the 2560 election she made frequent campaign trips to Tyr, appearing alongside Tyr First's other senate candidate Jashawn Lovoto. In the election Tyr First won both seats comfortably with their Libertarian rivals merged into Ravenheart.Regency
In 2562 Lord Elbar made the surprise announcement that Elizabeth would become Heir over her older sister Isabella, breaking the Sondeheim tradition of Absolute Primogeniture. There was speculation that a rift would occur between the sisters as Isabella had been confirmed as heir in 2537, 3 years following their grandfather's passing. Sources within the House remain tightlipped about the change. In late 2565 with Lord Elbar's health failing Elizabeth took over duties as Head of House as regent. During this time she appointed her twin Reid as Lt-Governor of Tyr, while she completed her term as Senator. A skilled orator by now, Elizabeth rose to the forefront of the House as regent during the first Tyran military parade in 2565 she gave a speech that was described as a patriotic, tough tone and highlighting the strength of the people of Tyr and its long history of being "on the edge" of the Republic. Military Parade SpeechWe on Tyr have a long and proud history of supporting the military. It was under the leadership of Lord Kentan, that 200,000 soldiers from Tyr, journeyed to the Hassall league and aided our allies in liberation. And for 200 years, there has always been a Sondeheim in Terran military service.
Our planet has been invaded time and time again, with little help from the central government. Most recently abandoned by the Avender-Slade administration to the Karkouri. It was then, my father and grandfather pledged, to never again, leave Tyr to the whims of the federal government. As such Lords Kentan and Elbar dedicated their lives to ensure our sovereignty and protection.
As Lady-Regent, I again reconfirm House Sondeheim's loyalty and priority to Tyr.
Despite our size, Tyr has one of the best equipped and trained planetary forces outside of Sol, with the singular aim to never again let Tyr fall into the hands of anyone who would wish us harm. House Sondeheim will always put Tyr First.
Lady Sondeheim
In 2566 Lord Elbar passed, making Elizabeth Head of House and Lady of Tyr. In defiance of unwritten rules, Elizabeth did not resign her post as senator, instead choosing to split the Head of House duties between herself and her twin Reid, along with making him Lt-Governor of Tyr, ruling the planet while she completed her term. This drew wide condemnation from other senators who felt she should have resigned her seat in the Senate. In 2570, term as Senator came to a close, with Elizabeth leaving Dhaka and taking up residence on Tyr. With the suspension of federal elections, Elizabeth appointed her close friend and political protégé Strom Gallagher to the senate alongside Senator Lovoto. Following the terraforming, Lady Elizabeth launched a campaign to encourage people to move to Tyr, selling off a lot of House Sondeheims land for housing. The conditions outlined by the Lady-Governor's office were that the land must go to:- Immigrants to Tyr
- Young Families
- New locally owned businesses
The Second Zzendi War
Elizabeth lead House Sondeheim and Tyr through the Second Zzendi war, though significant hardship to herself and the people of the planet. On Tyr massive constructions projects were started and extensive defensive works were put into place around the planet, the most prominent being a new fortress constructed in the heart of Luxor. The new Fortress, named Elbar's Rest, is the linchpin of Luxor's defence, rising above the skyline and equipped with massive armaments seen from the street level. Among the public there is speculation that this fortress hides secret weapons purchased by House Sondeheim, only to be used in the event of invasion. The Lady-Governor's office frequently declines to comment when asked. Lady Elizabeth also authorized the construction of 9 new frigates in 2570 and 2575 along with a cruiser in 2570. However in 2573, tragedy struck House Sondeheim when the Cruiser Unity of the Republic Navy was destroyed in an engagement with Hive Fleet GORGON. Lady Elizabeth's younger brother, Rear Admiral Archer Sondeheim was in command of the vessel and her task force, in addition her son and heir Lieutenant (JG) Aurelian Sondeheim was serving as a tactical on the bridge of the Unity. Sources close to Elizabeth reported she fell into a deep depression and was inconsolable at the loss of her baby brother and her son although she didn't show this in public. She did not leave Tyr for many years following this event and was rarely seen except for walks around Luxor with her infant grandson and now heir, Aurelian's son, Frederick Sondeheim. Elizabeth relied on her brother Reid during this time, he took over the public image of the House, becoming CEO of ARBI and following the merger with Creed Financial, CEO of ARC Financial until his untimely death in 2577. In 2575, Lady Elizabeth, gave a powerful public speech dressed in mourning black, and accompanied by five year old Frederick Sondeheim who was dressed in Sondeheim red and black. The speech was given at the christening of the new cruiser that Elizabeth had ordered built in 2570. In honour of her son, she named it "Lord Aurelian" Launch of Crusier <em>Lord Aurelian</em> speechBrave Tyrans, the war has taken a heavy toll so far and no doubt the price will be steeper than many had imagined. I stand before you all to say that our brave soldiers stand firm on Whitworth, ready to defend the planet should the Zzendi approach.
I cant help but look around Tyr and see the other planets in the northern half of Terran space, just sitting there. We face the greatest threat to Terran survival since the Raphiem and our brave brothers and sisters in the South are making the Zzendi bleed for every inch on ground they take. Al Ahily is a shining example to Terran grit and determination. Fort Kurzons defences made the Zzendi give up and woe to any bug that lands on Vanheim.
Yet the North remains silent, our industry untouched, our man power, sitting idle.
Tyr as you well know has committed 100,000 volunteers and 50,000 marines from a population of 4 million. 14 frigates and our new cruiser will fight alongside the allied fleet.
Did the people of New Berlin and New Carthage not hear of the tales of the first Zzendi war from their grandparents? Did they not wish to aid others going through the same thing? Or are they scared and shirking their duty to the Terran State, letting others fight for them.
Tyr has taken in 3 million refugees, aiding those who have been displaced. Other planets have taken more but none are as small as Tyr and the small increase to their populations are essentially meaningless. The North needs to step up, and defend the Terran heartland as fiercely as the south, with our industry, with our soldiers and with our bravery.
Today our Cruiser leaves Tyr to join the rest of the fleet alongside our new frigates. In honour of my son, who gave his life for the Terran cause, I christen this ship "Lord Aurelian" and may it show the Zzendi that the Terrans will not give up, nor give in and that we will never surrender.
Return of a Son
In 2574, rumours had reached House Sondeheim's intelligence services. The leads were followed and Aurelian Sondeheim, who was believed to have perished alongside Elizabeth’s younger brother, Admiral Archer Sondeheim, at the Battle of Yolik, was found in a field hospital on New Silesia. Acting with haste, Elizabeth arranged for Aurelian to return home to Tyr. Keeping his presence hidden for a few years as he regained his strength, she announced his return in early 2578. It was during this press release she made a surprise announcement that she would abdicate in 2580 just after the elections. Following this announcement, Elizabeth kept a steady hand on the House, preparing it for Aurelian's investiture. A week following the elections, she gave a speech to Tyr in a informal affair. Standing in the central plaza, she was flanked by the statues of her grandfather and father. Lady Elizabeth's abdication speechLeading the Tyrans through the 2nd Zzendi war was one of the greatest honours of my life. Every single person on this planet rose to the occasion and performed exceeding expectations. The sacrifice, generosity and will of the Tyran’s is legendary. A planet of 5.5 million, we have taken in 3.3 million refugees, to those who wish to stay, we welcome you. We sent a fleet greater than most other worlds and our Marines are one of the only ones who fought on non-native soil alongside a large force of volunteers.
The war has taken its toll however, and in this era of rebuilding, the Tyran people are owed a leader belonging to a younger generation with more energy than my years will allow. We enter into a new age, the election has demonstrated some shock results, and some others being unsurprising. Now is a time of rebuilding, and reconciliation. I know Jashawn and Strom will represent us well.
My final act as Lady, is to rename the cruiser that was named in my son's honour. Lord Aurelian has been returned to us, and as this ship has shown the rest of the Terrans what we are capable of, both defending our shared people and picking them back up, I rename the cruiser, HLS Pride of Tyr. It is now joined by our second cruiser, HLS Light The Furnace.
I thank you all for your service and convictions, I pray our future is a bright one.
Life in Arcadia
Following her abdication, Elizabeth moved to Arcadia on St Lawrence to study Valtinism. Graduating in 2582 with her degree in Valtinism, she was elected to the SAC in 2583 as a Ranger. Elizabeth spent the rest of her life in Arcadia, attending SAC meetings and studying the teachings of Valtinism. She obtained her doctorate in 2587.Death and Funeral
Elizabeth Sondeheim passed away in 2590 at the age of 80 after a short illness believed to be pneumonia. House Sondeheim released the statement "Lady Elizabeth passed away peacefully at her residence in Aracdia, she will be laid to rest alongside her father and grandfather" Tyr entered into a period of mourning and Elizabeth's mortal remains were carried to Tyr aboard the Crusier HLS Pride of Tyr. Upon arrival at the downport, a full military escort carried the coffin to Elbar's Rest where it lay in state for 5 days. A large portion of the Tyran population came to pay their respects along with representatives of other noble families, notably Princess Anastasia Valane and Count Royce Cutbill. Other notable figures present were the entire Valtinist SAC, Vice President Estelle Banecroft, Treasury Secretary Percival Tiago, and Henrick Tremlow. Former Admiral Hamish Adams was in attendance and gave a moving speech to reporters. Against the Valtinist tradition of cremation, Lady Elizabeth was interned in the Sondeheim Mausoleum in the family grounds. The procession proceeded through Luxor, from Elbars Rest to the Mausoleum.
Elizabeth (aged 63) sitting in her office in the Governor's Manse in Luxor
Life
2510
2595
85 years old
Birthplace
Luxor, Tyr
Children
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
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