Windscorpion's decision to retire has sent shock waves through the DDS and also unleashed politics on the organisation. The Orchid was the first (and so far only person) to announce she was going to stand in the forthcoming election to be the DDS Commander. As yet no date has been set for that though next February seems a likely date.
The Orchid is a strong candidate, a respected DDS senior member with well over 10 years service. She is also a follower of Rotariosism though she calls her political philosophy "Developed Individual Rotariosism". She can expect a block vote from the Hoods and other loyalists of the old Rotarios regime. Action Painting (who is likely to be the deputy), LPG and Redjec have already informally put their weight behind The Orchid.
But who will stand against her. The Sea Urchin is the logical main rival since Firefly has stated he will not stand. However Sea Urchin is hindered by the fact he is interim commander. In the cynical world of the DDS if the DDS does well under his rule he will be accused of using the DDS to enhance his election prospects, if things go badly then he will get the blame. Sea Urchin will likely try and make his interim rule as bland and inoffensive as possible. Unfortunately for him a majority of the DDS think he is already bland and inoffensive anyway and not Commander material. It is thought that Windy did not want Sea Urchin to succeed him which is why he knew making the Urchin interim commander would be the final straw in his prospects.
There are not many other potential candidates. Knobhead is a solid fleet commander but does not have much pedigree, he has yet to emerge from the shadows of his former superior Horsehead. Caratore has potential but its too early for him. Von Kane would gain a lot of Windy Massive support but his bizarre Nazi views would put off most. Salamander is an idiot.
It is likely The Orchid will be elected early next year. An Orchid led DDS will be a very interesting beast indeed. Can The Orchid marry a developed form of Rotariosism with the hedonistic individualism of Windyism? Only time will tell.
Professor Wayne King-Meiouf
