An Interview with Erich Michael Braeden
“Good
evening, this is Jamie Fitzpatrick, field reporter for the Pan Historian, here
tonight on the bridge of the UEN battle cruiser Kestrel, with tonight’s
Featured Character, Commodore Erich Michael Braeden. Commodore Braeden, thank
you for allowing us this time.”
"You're quite welcome, Ms. Fitzpatrick."
“I understand you’re new to both your rank and the bridge of the Kestrel,
Commodore,” says Jamie. “Congratulations. What do you see as your primary
responsibility in what I understand are increasingly trying times in the Beyond
The Stars universe?”
"Thank you, Ms. Fitzpatrick. It has been an experience." Erich smiles.
"My primary responsibility, as with any military officer in the field, is
to keep the peace or do what it takes to bring peace to the people."
“Whether they want it or not, Commodore?” asks Jamie seriously. “It’s
the Pan Historian’s understanding that EarthGov has forced its colonies to
accept Earth’s homeless and unemployed, and that UENF forces are, even as we
speak, attacking one of the UEN’s own member worlds, Deneb, under the
‘pretense’ that the Denebians asked for help in quelling a riot. And what
about this ‘Voice of the Resistance’ that’s been defying all attempts to
find, much less silence, it?”
"The people only see what affects them. Most don't see the bigger picture.
It is the role of the government to see the bigger picture and to do what needs
to be done to protect the people. That is what we are doing in the Kryterium
Wasteland. It is our job to clean up the mess out there. As for Deneb, you
really should do your homework before asking questions. Saboteurs do not make
good sources."
“And what is your specific mission right now, Commodore?” asks Jamie.
“Where is the Kestrel going? The Kryterium Wasteland or Deneb?”
"The Kryterium Wasteland, of course. We are taking back the Wastelands from
the dregs that have taken over these past years."
“Isn’t it true that the current condition of the KW is due to the blatant
neglect of the UEN dating back to the end of what is referred to as the
‘Skanker War’?”
"Actually, it was a result of the war. As you know from your research, I'm
sure, the planets of the Kryterium System suffered a devastating attack to such
an extent that the UEN could not do anything about it. It's resources were
stretched thin due to the war. It was a decision I'm sure our leaders did not
want to make. They had colonies to protect. Those in the Kryterium System were
gone. Abandonment at the time was the only option."
“I see. Let’s move on. It’s also our understanding that you actually
have a dual role. As Commodore Erich Braeden in the BTS universe, and as Captain
Erich Braeden of Braeden Transport in the Interstellar
Geographic universe, where, we understand, you’re facing challenges of a
more immediate, familial, nature.”
"Well yes, I'm a totally different person in Interstellar Geographic. I'm
definitely not the military type there. There, I do have the family life
happening."
“Rumor is that you’re somewhat skills-challenged in the parent arena,”
says Jamie seriously, “having assumed custody of a young child with virtually
no warning. How are you dealing with such an unexpected challenge?”
"Somewhat? Thank you for putting it so nicely." Erich grins. "I
actually fail more than succeed in the parent arena. It's still new to me, but
I'm learning. As for 'dealing' with it, simple... I hired a 'manny."
“And what does the future have in store for both your selves, Mr. Braeden?”
"War and War - one military and one family. As to which will be the most
entertaining, that remains to be seen."
“And we’ll look forward to finding out with you,” says Jamie. “Thank
you for your time, Mr. Braeden. This is Jamie Fitzpatrick, for the Pan
Historian, aboard the UEN Kestrel. Back to the studio.”