“ Justice or vengeance…by what measure is a man’s course weighed? ”
– Laban, TUT: Neoteric, Verse I
Laban Cyrillian is a famed hero of the One Earth Ascendancy, who’s acclaim stems from achievements garnered while serving as a Skirmishman and Fleetman during the late 23rd century. His strong desire for adventure has recently been suppressed due to traumas incurred during Ascendancy service, and for the sake of his wife and their unborn child. Not only this, but he has also frequently expressed no desire to ever lead men in military matters ever again.
During Laban’s time in service, he exhibited exceptional leadership, adaptability, and ingenuity. It is because of these traits that he rose above his peers, but it was due to war-time losses that his quick rise in Ascendancy ranks is historical. Still, Laban proved worthy of each position, and he prevailed against insurmountable odds, time, and time again.
Appearance
A handsome, confident looking man, Laban keeps his overall appearance in accordance with military culture, with his hair being tapered and keeping a short, cropped beard. Framing deep-set blue eyes, low, thick brows end at points, and sit above a stern nose with a slight hook beginning at the bridge, giving him a rather serious appearance. The shape of his face is something between an oval and a square, and the cheekbones sit high under the eyes. Despising luxuries, his manner of dress is generally practical and utilitarian, but he does have a penchant for a well-worn leather trench coat. His posture suits a man filled with the confidence gained through hundreds of battles, and the experience of commanding thousands of men.
Biography
Ever since he was a boy, Laban had within him a desire to explore the heavens. From history lesson of mankind’s earliest ventures into aether, where he learned about the first stations, such as the 22nd century’s “Noble Centurion,” to the colonies lost during the collapse of the UEE. He was never a violent sort of boy, and always one to solve problems diplomatically. Unfortunately for Laban Cyrillian, rest was never something fate had permitted him to remain in. Throughout his military career, he was time and time again placed at the forefront of battle.
Cyrillian was born in 2249EE, and completed Engineering school at the age of seventeen, and was shortly after conscripted into the OEA as a Skirmishman in 2266EE. Early tests and fitness exams placed him above his peers, and he entered as an Officer with the rank of a Lieutenant Major, pay grade SO-2. Immediately, he was thrown into the ongoing Greater American Conflict, where he operated with the 707th Remedial Ascendancy Skirmishmen (RAS), whom served as the spearhead of special operations in the region. The rank of Major was swiftly earned by direct battle promotion, followed expediently by the rank of Colonel.
In 2270, upon fulfillment of his duties overseeing the conquering of South America and the rebuilding of the Research Institute for the Advancement of Mankind, Colonel Laban Cyrillian requested to enlist as a Recruit Fleetman with the hopes of getting away from the violence of ground combat. Baffled at his decision, the Ascendancy refused to relegate one of their most famous war heroes to a position of such low standing. Resisting him every step of the way, the OEA at last permitted Cyrillian to enter the Fleet on the condition that he walk the career path of an officer. Cadet Cyrillian proved himself apt at handling the dizzying battlefields of aether, and upon graduation of Fleet Cadet School, a review of his accomplishments among the Skirmishmen of the Ascendancy was undergone. Upon review, Laban was promoted to Lieutenant, with a pay grade of JO-6.04 due to his prior service with the Skirmishmen.
His very first station in the Fleet was on the OEA Battleship Languish as a Special Service Fleetman. Violence hounding him like a shadow, this station saw him heading the only on-board military CQC scenario in mankind’s history. The event became known as “the Encounter with the UEE Parturition.” Besides remaining an enigma to this day, this battle is on record as the most deadly and violent, week-long slog of blood and bullets in aether faring history. For more information, see [REDACTED], and, “M-WAT on the UEE Parturition.”
Following those strange events, Lieutenant Cyrillian wrote the book on M-WAT (Movement Within Aetherial Terrain), and quickly ascended the career ladder, achieving the rank of a Fleet Commander (Normally Pay Grade FO-5, but given JO-6.05) in record time. However, scarred by past events, Commander Cyrillian had no desire of being promoted to the captaining of a ship. Instead, he wished to return to Earth in order to be with his family and childhood sweetheart. A short tenure spent in administrative offices sealed his desire to leave.
In the year 2276 he requested early retirement due to disagreements with goals of the Ascendancy, and deep rooted traumas. This request was granted, and he returned home. Shortly after, the Ascendancy offered Cyrillian a position as Project Director of Archlight Station, which was set to be the largest aetherstation ever conceived. Initially refusing, Laban accepted due to no small amount of leaning from the High Seat of the Ascendancy — and it was rumored he was left with little choice.
Archlight was a daunting and distant proposition for anyone except the most patriotic, desperate, or lonely. Further, the route to Archlight, though well patrolled by the Fleet, was rife with pirates and smugglers. The OEA knew that to have a famed hero of the Ascendancy leading its construction would swell the number of volunteers wishing to make the dangerous and lengthy trip.
As of 2277EE Laban J. Cyrillian remains in his position as Project Director overseeing the construction of Archlight, with his wife, Aruanah, at his side.