Matthew Brighthaven
Matthew Brighthaven is a former member of the Terran Space Navy on loan to the Pelted Fleet. He spent time as the commandant of Fleet Academe, and is part of the Fleet Admiralty. Wass in his thirties during Alysha's time at the Academe.
Physical Characteristics
Matthew Brighthaven is a lean, tall man with a strong jaw, tan skin, and oak-brown hair streaked with grey. His eyes are a sharp steel-green color.[1] Brighthaven has broad, sturdy shoulders and large hands with sensitive fingers.[2][3] His voice is a baritone.[4] He wears cologne. [5]
He is 15 years older than Alysha, and about a decade younger than Newell. [6]
Biography
Pre-Fleet History
Spent his first years doing solar system security runs. [7]
Post-Assignment to Fleet
Brighthaven was loaned out from the Terran Space Navy to the Pelted Fleet, and served as commandant of Fleet Academe. During his tenure there, he was betrayed by his second, Harroway Sloan, who sought to murder Alysha Forrest and frame Brighthaven in support of the Anti-Human League.[2] With Forrest's support, Brighthaven elected to remain with Fleet and accept a position in the Admiralty.[3]
Left "a couple of years" after Baner and Alysha graduated. Overhauled Fleet Academe during that period. Reformed the tuition system so specialist cadets still paid the high rates but cadets going command had a drastically reduced rate. Ensured more scholarships and work grants, and hired someone to seek those opportunities, not just in the Core but for other Academe campuses. Made a post for someone to oversee the curriculum and policies of the Academe as a whole, across all its campuses, with a committee to support that post's efforts. [8]
Ended up senior admiral in Public Relations after his tenure as Commandant, because according to Newell, "You're charismatic, you're a good speaker, and you think well on your feet. Doesn't hurt that you're young and good-looking. Plays well to the cameras." [9] During this time he defended the rewrite of the Fleet Manual, and became the face of the new human push to reform Fleet.
Family
Has a niece? He likes to have tea parties with her. [10] Has parents as well, and presumably a sibling (a brother, I think).
Quotes
"Whether you intended it or not, you're making a name for yourself and that ship of yours. Which you've only just been assigned to. You might consider slowing down a little. Maybe saving up so you can sprinkle things throughout the next few years. A few daring rescues. A world-shattering discovery or two." [11]
"We'll look out for each other, then. We have practice at that, don't we. Alysha."[12]
"When you find yourself confronted with a soldier's decisions--when you kill people, alet, and have to make your peace with it at the end of the day--knowing that you were doing it in a context that makes sense, that you aren't the only person to have struggled with it, and that generations before you, and generations after, will walk the same path... that helps you live with yourself." [13]
Trivia
- knows how to mix a Manhattan, likes rye whiskey, used to have brandy in the back rooms of Phantasies, and drinks tonic with a lime twist when he wants to look like he's drinking something alcoholic
Story Appearances
References
- ↑ Alysha's Fall, "Blood Money"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Alysha's Fall, "Steel"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Alysha's Fall, "The Piece That Makes the Difference"
- ↑ Who is Willing, chapter 7
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 5
- ↑ Faith in the Service
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 5
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 3
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 2
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 5
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 9
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 9
- ↑ Faith in the Service, Chapter 11