Smythe

One of The Twelve Families of the Solar Republic.

The Smythes are one of the Tier Three families of the Solar Republic.

The Smythes reputation amongst the other families is tainted by the alleged disgrace of them overseeing the Solar Republic and Empire during the 'Venerian Rebellion'. (See History of the Venerian Republic ) But others (including themselves) see the family as pragmatists who saved the Solar Republic from complete collapse at the time of the Rebellion, "cutting out the rebel cancer" to save the rest. They also point out the role of the the Van Cleefs.

There have been two Smythe First Citizens both during the period of and immediately after the Rebellion - the fact they remained popular immediately after the Rebellion serves to demonstrate the tide of opinion at that time.

The Smythes dislike the Del Montes (who continually bring up the Rebellion), the Van Cleef's (for somehow escaping more of the opprobrium) and apparently hate the the Armstrongs and the Van Husens even more for reasons lost in the mists of time.

The Smythes continue to cling on to their position in the Twelve by having fingers in every possible pie - political, economic, military, diplomatic and intelligence. They are even alleged to maintain contacts with the Democracy And Freedom Today Movement (DAFT) and even the Belters. The Smythes are often described by political analysts as being like a "bad smell that you just can't seem to get rid of". Few other families would disagree with this sentiment.

The Smythes seem to have no strong political platform, regularly seeking to defund major projects supported by other families and reduce the burden of taxation on the wider citizenry.