Name: John Howard
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Profession: Operations Sergeant, United States Special Forces
Nationality & Affiliation: American, American Alliance
Birth Planet: Earth
Appearance: John stands at six foot two, with short brown hair well below military regulation length, and a hard and emotionless face. His eyes are dark brown to match his hair, and his body is muscular just by the sheer requirements of his work.
Strengths:
Primary – John has been enlisted in the United States Special forces for over a decade. He’s been trained on Earth and in the colonies. He’s been deployed to more places than most have visited. Simply put, he is a shining example of a competent and resourceful soldier.
Secondary – Due to the rigor of his work, John is in peak physical shape, far surpassing most men, despite his age of nearly forty.
Tertiary – John has been managing fireteams and personnel for years. As such, he’s developed inherent tactics to deal with team morale and tricky situations involving his group. Combine that with a natural sense of charisma, and John makes a fine leader in even relatively hostile environments.
Weaknesses:
Primary – Though he isn’t stupid, John has absolutely no schooling on the fields of science, including astrophysics and biology. He is totally in the dark when the conversation shifts to these topics, or when application of this particular brand of knowledge is necessary.
Secondary – While John has developed a sense of rapport and communication with his subordinates, he often comes off as brash and demanding to civilians, especially during stressful situations when he needs to give orders directly without wasting time. As a result, he may end up alienating some of the civilian members of the expedition, or be unable to rally them the same way he would with his squad.
Tertiary – Ever since the death of his wife two years’ prior, John has developed a concerning alcohol problem. It manifests more when he isn’t deployed and has more downtime, but lately he’s started carrying a flask with him almost everywhere, and a bottle of whisky can always be found somewhere in his quarters. He uses the drink to stave off a deepening sense of hopelessness and depression, a void which his work has long since ceased to fill.
Personality: John Howard is a man who tries his best to hide his emotions, and does it quite well. While it may not be unusual for him to crack a joke or give a halfhearted smile, there isn’t usually any amusement in his eyes. He’s quite good at instilling emotions in others which have long since withered in himself. It’s been a long time since he’s felt true happiness. Still, he is the type who gives his all no matter what has happened, and he has not stopped being an exemplary soldier. He cares for his fireteam and the civilians on board the expedition in equal measure, even though they may not ever see that from him, and he has no desire for them to.
History: John was born an only child in Boston, Massachusetts, to a Colonel in the U.S. Army and a financial accountant. His mother died when he was seven, and his father – the Colonel – was never all that great at raising a kid. They moved around often, wherever he was needed, and John simply learned to give up the prospect of making meaningful relationships. Initially, he wanted nothing to do with the military, and, partially trying to distance himself from his father’s legacy, went to college for business. He graduated with decent grades and a job out of the gate, at a tech startup. However, he found no joy in it, and after his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer he resolved to go into the military. His dad passed away soon after he finished basic training. For a few years, he was alone; all he had was his work, and he did very good work. He rose through the commissioned ranks of the Army, before being selected to join the Special Forces. It was around this time that he met a girl, Susannah, at a bar while he was on leave. The two started a relationship that kept blossoming even when he was away on duty. They married a year later, and were together for just six months before an incident on the highway caused her car to be thrown into the oncoming lane, and she died. John was away when it happened – he didn’t hear until days later. Ever since then, he’s been alone, just as he was before.
Family: John has no family.

Name:
Gera Zsoldos

Age:
26

Gender:
Male

Profession:
Co-Pilot

Nationality:
Hungarian-American, American Alliance

Birth Planet:
B.A.S.S.

Appearance:
Gera stands at about average height for a male, with a slender and wiry build. His short and unkempt chocolate brown hair stands stark against the canvas of pale skin covering his entire body. He has relaxed eyes the color of rain clouds set above a roman nose that is both prominent and unimposing. Gera’s face is gaunt overall, with high cheekbones and a gently tapered chin setting the stage for a mouth that can’t quite decide whether it should settle on a frown or a smile.

Strengths:
Primary- Gera has experience piloting and driving all sorts of vehicles, from motorcycles to helicopters to spaceships. A complete lack of responsibilities in life but an overwhelming urge to go fast and fly high left him plenty of room to learn how to do so.

Secondary- Though he may not quite look it, Gera’s knowledge extends far beyond that of being a junkie of all things vehicle. Being the son of a scientist must have it’s perks, as he had finished college by age nineteen.

Tertiary- While cars and planes may be his preferred mode of transportation, Gera can “go fast” all on his own if he’s pressed. He’s a fast runner with high stamina to boot.

Weaknesses:
Primary- Gera possesses the type of prideful arrogance that only one that has never been truly humbled could have. He may be relaxed on the surface, but any shred of doubt in his abilities brings out a condescending and caustic side of himself that refuses to be insulted in such a manner.

Secondary- Gera isn’t weak, but he just isn’t strong either. He would go down against anything bigger than him in a fight if he was unarmed or unable to make a run for it.

Tertiary- With so much of his focus spent elsewhere, Gera has a lack of experience with many weapons of war. He knows the basics, of course. Knives stab, guns shoot, bombs explode, but asking him to use any of these weapons or their relatives with effectiveness will yield disappointing results.

Personality:
Gera, on the surface, is a pleasant if not jovial character that enjoys a bit of banter between himself and present company. Digging a bit deeper reveals a prideful streak and a bitter loathing towards anyone that he considers “fundamentally less intelligent” than himself. Quick witted and as likely to condemn you as he is to befriend you, Gera loves playing equal parts steadfast friend and bitter rival.

History:
Gera was born and raised on B.A.S.S. by a wealthy astrobiologist, which allowed him frequent visits to Earth and the other colonies to expand his own horizons. Ion Sr. never expected Gera to follow in his footsteps, just as his first child hadn’t. Older brother and father alike, however, protested strongly against their kin taking the Willman job. Ever the stubborn one, Gera was insistent. “It’s going to be interesting, and besides, I’ve never been to Willman before.”

Family:
Ion Zsoldos Sr. - Father - B.A.S.S. Council Member - B.A.S.S.
Ion Zsoldos Jr. - Older Brother - Mining Foreman - Hyperion

Name:
Anton Kyznetsov

Age:
40

Gender:
Male

Profession:
Doctor

Nationality:
Romanian, European Union

Birth Planet:
Mars

Appearance:
Anton is an imposing figure. A well muscled man just shy of six feet and a gaze that can bore a hole through lead, he isn’t one to be trifled with. His bushy black beard, baggy eyes, and worry lines coupled with his rough olive skin make him appear much older than he actually is. His face seems to be set in a frown, though the occasional smile from him is not uncommon. The unfriendly glint of his metallic right hand match his steel grey eyes chillingly well.

Strengths:
Primary- Anton’s first and foremost skill is quick and effective medical treatment in high pressure situations, provided he has the proper equipment with him.

Secondary- Officially trained as a combat medic, Anton is in peak physical condition for a man his age, being able to best even many younger than him, and knows how to handle himself in fights, both long range and close quarters.

Tertiary- While Anton has minimal actual combat experience aside from stupid punks trying to pull shit in the colonies, his other role as a doctor has ensured that he’s seen sights most men couldn’t dream up in their worst nightmares. Very little phases him.

Weaknesses:
Primary- Perhaps Anton’s most glaring flaw, is his secret addiction to painkillers. Phantom pains from the accident that cost him his right hand beg the mercy of sweet euphoria. He knows all too well the symptoms of withdrawal, and stays well stocked because of this.

Secondary- The Hippocratic Oath may not technically include the tenet “Do No Harm”, but Anton often hesitates when put into a situation forcing him to take the life of another. A hesitation that may one day cost him his life.

Tertiary- The same phantom pains that turned Anton to drugs could also risk the life of another. A slip up during a delicate procedure may be deadly to his patients.

Personality:
Anton is a rather shut off figure, hiding the brunt of his emotions behind a veil of cool confidence. This front may not even be far from reality, as one can develop a certain cynicism when one holds the life of another in their hands on a daily basis. Whenever compassion is ever shown, it is often from his actions, rarely words.

History:
When Gabriel was young enough to still be in school, but old to be left alone and not feel the discomfort and longing that comes with disconnection, Anton finally took his wife of fifteen years on the honeymoon of a lifetime that they both deserved. A month long tour of all of the Earth’s most jaw dropping and awe inspiring landmarks. It was on the trip that Elena lost her life in a horrific car accident, the same one that smashed Anton’s hand, leaving him powerless to save her.

His relationship with his son began to slowly fall apart after their mother, the glue holding them all together, passed. After becoming totally estranged from Gabriel, was it any wonder that Anton signed on for the Willman job, an expedition full of unknowns and potential risks?

Family:
Gabriel Kyznetsov - Son - Security Guard - Mars, English Colony

Name:
Royland Asterwick

Age:
25

Gender:
Male

Profession:
Corporal

Nationality:
British, Commonwealth

Birth Planet:
Earth

Appearance:
Vibrant, emerald eyes, light brown hair cropped short, and a chiseled, well shaped face could only belong to a man as undoubtedly charming as Royland Asterwick. Perfection does not stop there, however. With his well muscled but certainly not bulky body, perfect teeth often showed off in his winning smile, and skin lightly tanned, it’s a wonder Royland didn’t go into the modeling business. The man is natural perfection incarnate. He’s what Hollywood actors wish they could look like.

Strengths:
Primary- Royland radiates charisma, and it seems he knows how to please just about everybody. People find it easy to respect him, and in turn it becomes surprisingly easy to lead them.

Secondary- This guy has muscles so good you’d think they were photoshopped. He’s far faster and stronger than most in his age range.

Tertiary- Royland holds an advanced understanding of most standard issue firearms, being able to operate most ballistic weaponry with deadly efficiency.

Weaknesses:
Primary- Royland is here to find out what happened to his family. Finding and protecting them, or avenging them if necessary, trumps all other loyalties and oaths. Family doesn’t always come first, but in the case of Royland Asterwick, it takes first, second, and third.

Secondary- Though he may be a magnetic leader, his tactical thinking skills leave something to be desired. Not an idiot by any means, but he lacks ingenuity, and when pressed will either follow everything by the book, or completely toss it out the window.

Tertiary- He has a strange habit to find omens, both good and bad, in everything.

Personality:
Ever the loyal subordinate and supportive leader, Royland is known to his compatriots as someone to be trusted and depended on. This is nearly true to a fault, the only clause being his loyalty to his own blood. When his family is on the line, you’re either helping him, or you’re incapacitated.

History:
Royland was born and raised on Earth by his mother, Cecile, while the rest of the Asterwick family was part of the Willman Lab, pursuing academic endeavors or acting as staff aboard the station. Royland and Cecile were close with the family members aboard the Willman, and visits to and fro were common whenever money and time allowed (Royland and Cecile visited often). Royland’s interest in joining the armed forces was met with moderate displeasure from his mother, who eventually chose to move to the Lab to reconnect with her siblings. The two parted amicably.

With Royland already being a ranking officer in the Global Coalition, on top of his exemplary performance and promise, assigning someone else to this mission would have been nothing but cruel.

Family:
That’s what he’s here to figure out.

Photoshoot of Alex during a test on human behavioural changes derived from different intakes of martian wine.

Name:
Alessandro Minghetti

Age:
27

Gender:
Male

Profession:
Quartermast

Nationality & Affiliation:
Italian, E.U.

Birth Planet/Station:
B.A.S.S.

Appearance:
Unlike his brother, who received the stereotypical physical attributes of the mediterranean men, Alessandro grew as big and imposing as an oak tree trunk, tall and with quick movements, all thanks to their shared swedish ancestry. He is neither fit nor chubby, but stands at an equilibrate position within the two, which allows him to look decent with most types of clothes. His squarish and stalwart-looking face is mostly soft on the eyes, with a goatie surrounding his mouth and a stubble running along the jawline; costantly scanning the surroundings, a couple of smart and luminous blue eyes move under a pair of light eyebrows, restless yet vigilant as those of a witty prey - or predator. Spiky short blond hair sit on top of his ample forehead, aboundant on his forearm and chest as well.

Strengths:
Primary- As anyone who knows him would tell you, he is highly poliedric. Capable of mostly anything, from basic knowledge of computer fuctioning and code-writing to exotic cooking or janitor tasks, he excells in resources micromanagement and logistic disposition of assets. Don't ask him to repair your lamp or broken mug, though. Just- don't, for your own good.

Secondary- Alex is a naturally diplomatic and rational person. Having been nominated for three following years class president in high-school, having roleplayed in the European CG simulation program, having worked in the most different situations during his "hobo" years, he's able to read most characters and flesh out the right kind of approach for several different kinds of personalities.

Tertiary- His med-school years, despite how rowdy and unstable they were, left him the rudiments of medical aid, human biology and anatomy, as well as some notions of microbiology. This knowledge may prove worthy of interest in the future.

Weaknesses:
Primary- He is quite prone to hyper-ventilate in outer space. His natural claustrophilia makes him the perfect space crew member and the worse open-field worker, or, to put it in more actual terms, the worst outer spacecraft repairer. Add to that his ineptitude at using any tool which isn't used for cooking and you got all the ingredients for a sugar-free disaster.

Secondary- Despite having learnt how to correctly point a gun for self-defence purposes, his skills with bigger, nastier or flashier weapons are literally non-existent. He is no more experienced with armed battle than an emergency militia in the end.

Tertiary- The years he spent as a wandering space hobo made him lose much of the faith he had in humanity. He has difficulties at fully trusting people, and generally feels like the whole universe is purposefully hostile. Not of much truble in normal conditions, but emergency situations may reveal even more taxing for him, expecially due to the trust costrictions of the chain of command.

Personality
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History:
Despite having an European citizenship, Alessandro was never born in any of the countries making up the confederation, or on Earth if that's the matter. His mother, Elena, a trainee agricultural genetist hired for an iternship at that time, gave birth to him on one of the many BASS stations orbiting the planet. "Delivered among the stars" would be a rendundant phrase that would accompaign him across many birthdays, costantly repeated by his grandparents, phanatics of centuries old sci-fi telefilms and videogames.

He grew up on the surface, in his mother's hometown in the Tuscan countryside. However, five years after Alessandro was delivered, a new family member appeared on the scene, and his parents decided to move into a greater urban center to offer better opportunities and education for both of their children. As time passed their natural affinities developed, taking them to different paths and forcing both of them, one after another, to leave the parental nest.

Alessandro attended med-school at university for two years, until he decided to be fully fed up with the static surface life, enrolling into a colonial program on Mars. For three years he continued to switch jobs, from cargo space driver to financial entrependeur personal assistant, acquiring social and technical soft skills nobody would have taught him back in his cozy apartment on Earth. In the end, he returned to Florence, where he completed his studies and, through intermediation of his brother, managed to snatch several official contracts on European vessels.

Seeing an opportunity into the recent black-out of the Willman station, Alessandro submitted his curriculum to the authorities and was hired as Quartermaster.

Family:
Giovanna Paranzo and Davide Minghetti - Grandparents - Retired - Vinci, EU
Mattia Minghetti - Father - Liceum Teacher - Firenze, EU
Elena Quintaluce - Mother - Genetist - Firenze, EU
Lorenzo Minghetti - Younger Brother - E.U. Bureaucrat - Brussels, EU

Name: Erin Middaugh

Age: 28

Gender: Female

Profession: Astrobiologist

Nationality: Irish, The Commonwealth

Birth Planet: B.A.S.S.

Appearance: Standing at an average height for a female with a rather stocky build, Erin isn't at all imposing, but looks like she can hold her own. Her curly red hair falls to the length of her elbows, framing her wide and friendly face. She is graced with a button nose and pouty lips, though the most noticed feature happens to be her bright grey eyes.
Even when at work, she remains as casual as possible, holding preference over relaxed blue jeans, a two-toned long sleeved jersey shirts (with the sleeves rolled up, naturally), and some sneakers.

Strengths:
Primary: Her love and study of astrobiology was spurred and nurtured at a very young age, and her knowledge is extensive. Not only does it include the study of space and earth biology and evolution, this included dabblings in chemistry, physics, and astronomy. This was only strengthened in her collegiate schooling.

Secondary: Erin has a sharp memory. She can learn and adapt quickly, and has a knack for recalling details that are easily missed, even if the information was exposed for a few seconds.

Tertiary: Not one to sit at a desk and be idle, she enjoys working out and keeping active, granting her a muscular edge under her rounded physique. She's sparred quite a few times, and she's won a few of them too.
Weaknesses:
Primary: She is easily distracted, and has difficulty keeping focused on things she isn't all that interested in. Her interest is a downfall as well, as she will zone out many things she's not focusing on, leading to many accidents or frustration from others.

Secondary: A weak knee, brought about from a minor childhood accident, causes her some distress when strained. This manifests to be as little as a limp when extended or sensitive, to as much as a full collapse when pushed too far.

Tertiary: Erin's head was buried in books, and her hands in samples of earth. Weaponry is absolutely foreign to her, giving her little to no experience in heavy combat.

History: Erin Middaugh was born on B.A.S.S, raised by her eccentric mother and stern, yet knowledgeable uncle. Her home was filled with books and new experiments, and she was always encouraged to grow and grasp for all she wanted, just like the vines her mother grew. She rapidly set off to learn all she could, settling on astrobiology for her major field. This was interrupted by brief trips to Earth, Luna, and Mars for hands on study. After years of working on the stations, a live wire like the Willman Laboratory trip was too good to deny.

Family:
Dierdre Middaugh - Mother - 53 - Senior Agricultural Biologist - B.A.S.S.
Quinn O'Farrell - Uncle - 46 - Systems Engineer, Rank 2 - B.A.S.S.