Deacon Messer II

Deacon Messer II (2567-2661) was [Imperator](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0Gz5BoJ9wl-uee-imperator) of the [United Empire of Earth](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) from 2592 to 2628. The only son of [Ivar I](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RXlXYPWk8q-ivar-messer-i) and Delia Hassan, Deacon oversaw the [Second Tevarin War (2603-2610)](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/bE3rPrz3Pv-second-tevarin-war), increased military spending, expanded the powers of the [Advocacy](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VDoP5pmODk-advocacy), increased minimum sentences for criminals, approved funding increases on exploration and [terraformation](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/V3qgj8vjnj-terraforming) efforts, increased taxes on the wealthy, and decreased taxes on the poor and middle class. He voluntarily stepped down as Imperator in favor of his daughter [Livia III](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/01dWwaQkrL-livia-messer-iii) in 2628. Deacon took on the role of advisor to the Imperator until the death of Livia's son and his grandson, [Marius IV](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RxNxAgrXZz-marius-messer-iv), in 2641. Alongside Livia, he retired from public life entirely in 2643, severing ties with son [Corsen V](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0OaB8O6awO-corsen-messer-v). He remained close with his grandchildren throughout his life. A year after his 2661 death, his granddaughter [Illyana VI](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/bZwQBNmWrL-illyana-messer-vi) allegedly had her father Corsen and brother [Gammon](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0rxrqgDP12-gammon-messer) assassinated.