Sir Archibald Jasper Cleft

Sir Archibald is the younger son of Baron Cleft of New Luna. Born on New Luna in 3176, he studied astronomy at the University of New Luna from 3196-3199, before taking a commission in the Imperial Earth Navy.

Naval Career

Able as well as wealthy and well-connected, he managed to gain rapid promotion to become a destroyer captain within a few years of enlisting, and as captain of the DDI Resolution took part in the anti-piracy action at Nissan in early 3206, for which he was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal after an encounter with four armed merchants under the control of local pirates, during which all four enemy vessels were disabled or captured.

He found himself promoted to Captain of the heavy cruiser ESS Cutlass, attached to the 22nd Battle Fleet at Sol, which then transferred to Amoss in Quadrant 6 in late 3208 during fighting there between Earth and Sirian forces. His ship remained in Q6 during the tense stand-off over Amoss during 3209 and 10, but then subsequently returned to Earth, where he saw out the remainder of his commission.

Government Service

Captain Cleft completed his naval service in 3211, and stood for the Grand Council of Representatives in 3212, being elected as a representative for New Luna. He held the post for 6 years before being selected as the new governor of Quadrant 6 in 3218 following the election of Wilhelmina Franklin to the Imperial Senate. His selection - said to have been at the direct behest of First Minister Rathbone - raised a good many eyebrows within the Empire; at 44, he is one of the youngest Quadrant governors in the Earth Empire. Nevertheless, his military background and service against the Sirians in Q6 made him acceptable to more conservative elements, while his youth, energy and political association with the Imperial Party reassured more liberal elements in the government. The First Minister is said to have argued that Earth needs to promote "young, fresh talent". However, the fact that Cleft does not have much of a constituency within the Imperium and that he holds his post essentially at the sufferance of the First Minister may have counted more in his appointment, as this ambitious young man is surely all too aware.