View source for Conrad Sterling

{{CharacterInfobox
| status     = Alive
| born       = 
| died       = 
| gender     = Male
| homesystem = 
| allegiance = Independent
| occupation = [[Vox Galactica]] Political Correspondent
| relations  = 
}}
'''Conrad Sterling''' is a [[Journalism|political correspondent]] for [[Vox Galactica]]. In 3307, he reported on the events of the [[Galactic Summit]], the resurgence and final dissolution of the corporate republic [[Jupiter Division]], and negotiations between the [[Federation]] and [[Yuri Grom]] over the allegiance of [[Delta Pavonis]]. In 3308, he reported on the superpowers' refusal to reinstate [[Aegis]] after it was ordered to shut down in response to the [[Paul Baumann|Baumann Report]].
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== Timeline ==
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07 FEB 3308
*Shutdown procedures for the anti-xeno organisation are continuing, despite [[Aegis]]'s warnings that Azimuth has returned. Conrad Sterling reported on the situation for [[Vox Galactica]]: "We now know that the [[Alexandria]] megaship was targeted by a hostile force that could be [[Azimuth Biochemicals]], the 200-year-old corporation which owned the [[Adamastor]] and [[Hesperus]]. In the face of this new evidence, Aegis leaders have petitioned for it to be reinstated. Even while accounting for this new evidence, the [[Paul Baumann|Baumann Report]] has exposed a litany of organisational failures within Aegis. There is still a broad consensus among politicians that the organisation should have done more to repel the [[Thargoid]]s. Many senior military figures have switched focus to Aegis's controversial rival [[Salvation]], despite his mysterious nature. As one [[Imperial Navy]] admiral succinctly put it: 'Salvation's methods have proved more effective in counteracting the Thargoid threat.' The issue of military staff defections also appears to have been resolved. [[Alliance]], [[Federation|Federal]] and [[Empire|Imperial]] fleets have opened channels of secondment, allowing naval crews to voluntarily take positions aboard Salvation's vessels without resigning their commissions. However, one of Aegis's requests has been authorised. There will be a public ceremony to posthumously award medals of honour to Captain [[Jacob Morales]] and the four thousand people who lost their lives aboard the Alexandria."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/620107f4e5510241a42989bd GalNet: The Fall of Aegis]</ref>
24 SEP 3307
*Negotiations between the [[Federation]] and self-styled dictator [[Yuri Grom]] are underway to determine the [[Delta Pavonis]] system's allegiance. Political correspondent Conrad Sterling published an update for [[Vox Galactica]]: "In recent years, Yuri Grom has developed a degree of mystique. He was one of the few leaders not to attend the [[Galactic Summit]], and news from within his dominion was scarce. But now he is visibly relishing the opportunity to confront Federal representatives under the protection of diplomatic immunity. Initial exchanges were belligerent as both sides argued over who would be the most beneficial partner. This was to be expected since Delta Pavonis is one of the Federation's founding systems, and it would be a significant coup for [[EG Pilots|EG Union]] to establish a presence so close to [[Sol]]. What was unexpected was the mutual respect that gradually developed between Yuri Grom and [[Ambassador]] [[Delphine Dumont]]. Her charming manner clearly appealed to the dictator, even bringing forth his thunderous laughter on occasion. A deal is now being discussed that would allow the Autocracy of Delta Pavonis to have trade and political ties with both parties while remaining [[independent]]. Perhaps the Federation has learned some lessons from the [[Federal Rebellion of 3307|recent rebellion]], and perhaps Yuri Grom's hatred of the superpower he once served is finally abating."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/614dbf3b10d993146c5fbd1e GalNet: Progress Between Federation and Yuri Grom]</ref>
21 JUN 3307
*The fall of [[Jupiter Division]] has undermined the popular movement calling for the [[Federation]] to be governed by [[corporation]]s. Conrad Sterling, political journalist for [[Vox Galactica]], reported on developments: "[[Core Dynamics]]'s recent victory in the Ts'ao Tach system dealt a severe blow to the corporatists. Many companies withdrew their support even before the last shot was fired, and plans for Jupiter Division to become the movement's central organisation have been abandoned. Sighs of relief were undoubtedly breathed through the corridors of power on [[Mars]] when this threat to the Federation's democratic principles was defeated. And yet, despite [[Federal Congress|Congress]] downplaying it and many Federal [[News Feed|newsfeeds]] neglecting to cover the story, calls for a corporatocracy have not been completely silenced. Citizens who seek an alternative to voting for either [[Zachary Hudson|Hudson]] or [[Felicia Winters|Winters]] are still attracted to the idea. Would corporate rule be more honest? Opinions vary, but many supporters claim 'big business' already possesses true power behind closed doors. It now seems that history will record this as a path not taken. With [[Jupiter Rochester]] imprisoned and Jupiter Division dissolved, replacement figureheads for the corporatist movement are unlikely to arise in time to preserve it."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60d09b4546004047d64e9692 GalNet: Corporatists Stalled by Jupiter Division's Defeat]</ref>
01 JUN 3307
*The [[Core Dynamics]] breakaway faction created by ex-CEO [[Jupiter Rochester]] has survived, by gathering believers in the corporate rule of the [[Federation]]. Conrad Sterling, political journalist for [[Vox Galactica]], published this report: "With its military forces defeated in February, and its leader found guilty of mass murder and imprisoned for life, [[Jupiter Division]] should now be a footnote in the Federation's history. Yet in recent months it has steadily grown, retaking control of [[HIP 54530]] and several neighbouring systems. Its [[megaship]], Victory's Forge, even managed to repel Federal troops and remains under Jupiter Division's command. There is much speculation about the underlying reasons for this. Alongside general unrest with the Federation's current policies, there is a rising interest in Rochester's grand vision – replacing democracy with corporatocracy – among those wishing to see change. Many have flocked to Jupiter Division's banner, preventing its collapse. Core Dynamics, its parent company, has also continued to see defections within its ranks. However, new CEO [[Owen McKenna]] has vowed to destroy his predecessor's rogue department. It is possible that Jupiter Division's survival was only a brief reprieve, unless the corporatists can gather in sufficient numbers to sustain it."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/60b73e1edf893a54853e8a79 GalNet: Jupiter Division Inspires Corporatist Movement]</ref>
09 MAR 3307
*Potential solutions to the threat posed by the [[Thargoid]] race are being debated at the [[Galactic Summit|diplomatic conference]] in the [[Sirius]] system. Political correspondent Conrad Sterling reported for [[Vox Galactica]]: "As always, the topic of the Thargoids brings division. The [[Alliance]] delegation has portrayed the aliens as a universal danger, while the [[Empire]] and [[Federation]] took a more balanced view. Professor [[Alba Tesreau]]'s plea to increase support for [[Aegis]] was well received, but many delegates argued that further anti-xeno breakthroughs were needed to justify additional funding. To this end, Aegis will undertake new research into the [[Guardian]]s, hoping to discover a technological advantage from that ancient species. [[Edmund Mahon|Prime Minister Mahon's]] proposal for strategic cooperation against the Thargoids – known as the [[Sirius Treaty]] – is now being examined in detail. Supporters view it as a logical progression from the recently agreed [[Cornelius-Lasky Convention]]. There was minor uproar when [[Archon Delaine]] agreed to be a signatory. Coupled with similar commitments from the [[Marlinist Colonies]] and other [[independent]]s, this has brought pressure upon the Empire and Federation to follow suit. If ratified, the Sirius Treaty could be the crowning achievement of the conference. However, putting it into practice will require a huge influx of resources. Decisions are expected before the end of this week."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6047718ff6016450154ae258 GalNet: Thargoid Conflict Discussed at the Galactic Summit]</ref>
03 MAR 3307
*Leaders from the [[Alliance]], [[Empire]] and [[Federation]] have agreed a series of minor treaties at the [[Galactic Summit|diplomatic gathering]] in the [[Sirius]] system. [[Vox Galactica]] featured this report from political correspondent Conrad Sterling: "Following days of heated arguments, temperatures in the conference chamber finally cooled enough for all three superpowers to formalise a raft of agreements. These were ratified in person by [[Anders Blaine|Chancellor Blaine]], [[Zachary Hudson|President Hudson]] and [[Edmund Mahon|Prime Minister Mahon]]. The most significant of these treaties is the [[Cornelius-Lasky Convention]], named after its two leading proponents. This requires the Alliance, Empire and Federation to share information on any large-scale threats to civilian populations, including environmental, medical and xenological crises. There has been slow progress on other topics, such as military limitation and border control. Many [[independent]] ambassadors are demanding to prioritise debates on the [[Thargoid]] issue, and especially the defensive role played by [[Aegis]]. Outside the chamber, [[Jenna Fairfax|First Minister Fairfax]] invited [[Aisling Duval|Princess Duval]] to a small ceremony to honour her late father. Fairfax formally apologised for [[Harold Duval|Prince Harold's]] death and condemned the terrorists responsible. Aisling Duval gracefully accepted this, but time will tell if it was an empty gesture or the first step toward Imperial-[[Marlinist Colonies|Marlinist]] rapprochement."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/603f8712228a4030f344bcb3 GalNet: Superpowers Make Progress at the Galactic Summit]</ref>
26 FEB 3307
*[[Alliance]], [[Empire]] and [[Federation]] leaders have held their first ever face-to-face discussions at the diplomatic conference in the [[Sirius]] system. Political correspondent Conrad Sterling published this report for [[Vox Galactica]]: "The [[Galactic Summit]] has already made history by bringing together many political figureheads within one conference chamber. Optimistic opening statements from [[Chancellor]] [[Anders Blaine]] and [[Alliance Prime Minister|Prime Minister]] [[Edmund Mahon]] gained applause. [[President of the Federation|President]] [[Zachary Hudson]] was more curt, reminding everyone that billions of people would be affected by their efforts. Agendas and debate topics for the next three weeks were formalised. Much of the work will be done behind the scenes by ambassadorial staff, making big decisions in small rooms. The general tone so far has been courteous, although that may not last. Predictably, interactions between the [[Empire|Imperial]] and [[Marlinist Colonies|Marlinist]] delegations have been frosty, with [[Senator]] [[Denton Patreus]] refusing to even acknowledge their presence during discussions. However, First Minister [[Jenna Fairfax]] enjoyed a more cordial meeting with [[Shadow President]] [[Felicia Winters]]. They were joined by [[Jasmina Halsey]], who has accompanied Winters from [[Mars]] in an unofficial capacity. One notable absentee was Federal Ambassador [[Jordan Rochester]], whose [[Rochester family|family]] is under legal scrutiny following the crimes of his older brother [[Jupiter Rochester]]. This at least spared Jordan the awkwardness of having to formally greet his ex-fiancée, Princess [[Aisling Duval]]. But it's likely there will be no shortage of tension between other delegates in the coming weeks."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6037c55ded002f4672455f67 GalNet: Historic Meetings at the Galactic Summit]</ref>
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== References ==
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[[ru:Конрад Стерлинг]]
[[uk:Конрад Стерлінг]]