Rathbone

One of The Twelve Families of the Solar Republic.

The Rathbones are one of the Tier one families in the Solar Republic and are considered by themselves to be "the first amongst equals". The Rathbone family have been by far the most influential in the Imperium for over 75 years but have recently seen increasingly aggressive competition from Tier Two and Three families.

The family has itself seen division amongst its own leadership with Sybil and Sebastian Rathbone at loggerheads over key decisions. Sybil has long been assumed to have been groomed for succession (and still has strong internal support). But, her younger brother managed to sideline her and briefly became First Minister with strong support from the DeAndres family (long term allies of the Rathbones).

This recent internal rivalry has allowed other families such as the Armstrongs and Zhangs to mount successful challenges for key political positions.

Henry Rathbone remains the longest serving First Citizen of Earth (for 37 years between 3178 and 3215). The Rathbones also held this position between 3158 and 3162 (Rupert) and 3162 to 3174 (Nikola) reinforcing a strong sense of entitlement.

Many observers consider Nikola's time in office to have been dominated by her husband (Anton de Andres). The two families have regularly intermarried and were often considered a unified bloc. Though the recent familial rivalry has thrown this into question.

The Rathbone family has strong links with the intelligence community and the military (in particular ground and internal security forces. The Rathbones are heavily focused on Quadrant Zero with much less interest in Foreign and Colonial affairs. Investment in their corporate assets is increasingly favoured by senior family members.