This is my personal contribution to rebel alliances everywhere, no matter what the cause. If you want to take over a government/planet/galaxy, etc., all you need do is watch the series Blake's Seven. However, a word of caution: if you want to keep morale up among your ranks do not, I repeat DO NOT show them the last episode.

First:

You need a crew. No matter what the cause, no matter what the effect, every good rebellion needs people. Henceforth, I will refer to them as a crew simply because it is more time effective and cost efficient.

1. Fearless Leader: Roj Blake

Every rebellion must have a leader, and one of the first and most important qualities he/she must have is fearlessness. Other important qualities include good hair, a strong jaw, a pleasing voice and good fashion sense (only some of which are demonstrated in B7, but it was made in the 70's). Idealism, drive, dreams and a smidgen of insanity are also a must.

2. Second in Command: Kerr Avon

While the Fearless Leader does most of the actual leading, the Second in Command is vital because of the role he/she plays as the devil's advocate. In most cases, this will be someone who cares about the cause, but does not necessarily agree with the methods and/or ideologies of the Fearless Leader. An ability to come up with witty quips and sarcastic remarks is the Second's most important attribute. He/she should also be a specialist in some field so that he/she is of major importance to the mission (so that the Leader can't just get sick of his smart remarks and dump him off somewhere). Avon is a perfect example of this kind of friction creator.

3. Pilot/Navigator

Jenna Stannis and Del Tarrant are prime examples of the Pilot/Navigator. This person is usually also the third in command (although Tarrant served as Pilot/Navigator and Second in Command). He/she does not actually make any decisions, merely carries out the orders of the Leader and Second. The Pilot is very good at this one skill and not particularly good for anything else, but he/she is loyal - sometimes to a fault.
 

4. Muscle or The Hired Gun: Olag Gan, Dayna Melonby, and Soolin

Weapons experts and gentle giants are always helpful when it comes down to the actual fighting bit. Anyone who is quick on the draw, a good marksman, or just considerably larger than everyone else will fit this part perfectly. These are the followers, not the leaders, and though they may express opinions and even the occasional bit of wisdom, they are for the most part, merely the help. Watch out for mercenaries though - they tend to have an attitude.

5. The Psychic: Cally

A most important addition to the crew (if you can get one) is the Psychic. Communicate over long distances while still maintaining radio silence, know what your enemy is thinking, and have lots of fun at parties! Be wary of the psychic's "funny feelings" as they often foretell disaster.

6. Comic Relief: Vila Restal

While not a very productive member of the crew, the Comic Relief is never the less an important facet to any rebellion. He/she should be clever, but not particularly smart, funny, but not particularly attractive, and most of all, a coward. His/her cowardice will lend a human feel to the whole rebellion regime and it will also cut you down a notch with plain down-to-earth realism when your plans get the teeniest bit big and/or irrational. A word of caution however, the Comic Relief often has a genetic hatred of work and an inclination towards good food, good drink, and good times.

7. All Knowing Being: Orac

Like Obi Wan or Yoda, the rebel must have an All Knowing (or at least extremely wise) Being on their side. This gives you the edge you must have in order to have any hope of succeeding. If you know what your enemy is planning before they even know what they're planning, it is a good thing. Think of the possibilities! All Knowing Beings do, however tend to develop an attitude since they are, all knowing. Be ready to put up with some serious slams if you want to work with these beings.

Second:

You need a cause. Having a cause will provide you with enemies, so the two go hand in hand.

Enemies: Servelan and Travis

Enemies tend to be either very beautiful or very ugly. They almost always fit the standard dominatrix, despot, dictator profile and are therefore exceedingly evil. Governments, bureaucracies, and other public institutions can often provide excellent targets as can large corporations.

Finally:

The people must love you. It is very important for the common man to relate to you and your cause. To see how well received Blake and his crew are, check out this list of sites.

• Hawk's B7 Site - One of the most complete overviews of the series out there.
• Central Control - A good place to start if you're interested in fan fiction.
• Blake's Seven Links - Every other B7 link you could ever want. Or at least, a lot of them.

I hope you now have a better understanding of how rebellion actually works. For a complete guide to do-it-yourself rebellion, please send a check for $9,999.99 to:

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