GOVERNOR ARTIS MASON

Artis Mason lived his entire life in the shadow of his heroic father.

A former military hero, Dr. William Mason is a physician, humanitarian and an outspoken opponent of President Wayne’s tyrannical regime.

In many ways, Artis Mason’s back story bears a remarkable similarity to Landus’—both sharing a history totally devoid of any real ambition.

Mason tried to follow in his father’s footsteps, becoming a career officer. Unlike Dad, Artis lacked the personal drive to move up thru the military hierarchy by deeds (Artis chose to ride on his father’s coattails through the military ranks—never proving himself in any fashion).

Because of his father’s outspoken opposition to the policies of President Wayne, Artis’ years of faithful military service is rewarded by being shipped out to the ‘armpit of the universe’.

Mason winds-up being assigned to the Colony as the facility's warden—the future equivalent of being sent to a command at the North Pole.  There, he languishes-- desperately scheming of ways to get himself transferred off the rock and back to Earth.

Mason is not a coward—just totally self-centered.  There is nothing in his life greater than his desire to go home, having learned some valuable life lessons the hard way on Erus. 

Mason loves music—all kinds.  He even keeps a stash of forbidden Pyresian symphonies in his private quarters. Occasionally, he attempts to organize prison orchestras, but they usually turn out to be unprecedented disasters.

In his heart of hearts, Mason is a poet—secretly writing numerous journals of poetry and lyrics that he hopes will be put to song, one day.

Like Landus, Mason has a moral awakening during his time at Port Dumas. Mason’s father, leader of the Earth resistance, is executed by President Wayne in retaliation for Mason’s eventual siding with the Colony rebellion. Mason becomes a changed man as a result.

He begins to understand what has made his father a hero and how far he has to go to live up to his family name.