“"It's a calm, pleasant environment. I don't think I've ever seen anyone get upset here."
- – David Corwin interview with Cynthia Torqueman (within earshot of Ivanova).
David Corwin was an Earthforce officer who spent years working as a technician in Babylon 5's C'n'C.Eventually becoming B5's Executive Officer under Captain Elizabeth Lochley, he also worked as the liaison between the Earth Alliance and the ISA personnel on the station.[1][2][3][4]
Personality
David Corwin was essentially a quiet shy person who hated being the center of attention, a state Dr. Franklin would characterize as "a classic example of being caught between fight and flight."
History
A career military officer, Corwin spent several years working his way up the junior ranks. Working as a technician in B5's C'n'C, he was promoted to the rank of full Lieutenant on Monday March 11th, 2260, effective at 0630hrs. To celebrate, he invited a number of friends and co-workers out for a drink at Earhart's the night before. Following the party, Captain Sheridan began to consider him a possible hindrance or potential ally for the then still secret Army of Light. Volunteering to find out where he stood, Commander Susan Ivanova invited him to a private meeting in her quarters. Shocked, Corwin was unsure if the invitation was a date and not wanting to offend Ivanova, turned up with some (very expensive) synthetic roses in hand. Quickly realizing he'd gotten the wrong end of the stick, he claimed to have found them lying outside her quarters. Over some of her real coffee, the two made small talk until Susan broached the subject of bending the rules, while still being loyal to Earth. Asking him if he'd report anyone he saw disobeying orders, Corwin said that he would, further stating that it's not up to him to decide which orders to follow and which to ignore, and that the chain of command must be respected. Later informed Sheridan that Corwin wasn't with them and clearly shared his disappointment.[5]
However, a few months later their worrying was shown to be for naught, when Corwin supported Babylon 5's break with the Earth Alliance in the wake of President Clark's bombing of civilian targets on Mars. Corwin remained at his post in C'n'C following Sheridan's declaration of the station's independence from Earth, while at least one of his colleagues walked out. He then stayed to help operate the defense grid's tracking and weapons during the subsequent battle.[6]
Throughout the Shadow War and Earth Alliance Civil War, Corwin's responsibilities increased as he became the station's de-facto second officer, replacing Major Atumbe.[7] Following Sheridan's retirement from Earthforce and Ivanova's promotion and subsequent departure in late 2261, Corwin assumed the post of Executive Officer under the command of Captain Elizabeth Lochley. As Babylon 5 was now independent of the Earth Alliance's jurisdiction, functioning as the provisional headquarters and capital of the new Interstellar Alliance, part of his new duties involved becoming a liaison between Earthforce personnel and the ISA.
Notes
- Although a recurring character since Season 1's "Signs and Portents", Corwin would not get a name until Season 2's "And Now for a Word", and did not have his name spoken aloud until Season 3's "A Day in the Strife". He was usually referred to as "Tech 1" or "Tech 2" for each of his appearances in the first two seasons.
- Corwin was named for Writer and professor Norman Corwin, a great inspiration to many subsequent writers including Rod Serling, Ray Bradbury and J. Michael Straczynski.[8][9][10][11]
Appearances
References
- ↑ No Compromises
- ↑ JMS post on CIS - 10/7/1997 4:33:00 AM
- ↑ Signs and Portents
- ↑ The Official Guide to Babylon 5 (CD ROM)
- ↑ Exogenesis
- ↑ Severed Dreams
- ↑ No Surrender, No Retreat
- ↑ JMS post on AOL - 2/16/1996 9:26:00 PM
- ↑ JMS post on GENIE - 9/1/1994 9:41:00 PM
- ↑ JMS post on AOL - 2/18/1996 11:17:00 AM
- ↑ JMS post on GENIE - 6/15/1994 8:04:00 PM