Character Name: Aidan Sykes
Age: 26
Species: Badlands Shepherd
AppearancePersonality: Aidan can be described in a few words: gentle, kind, practical, loyal, dedicated, introverted and self-sufficient. While he shows real passion in his work, he isn't very fond of tying any deep connections with people; he is socially competent, but he prefers to keep ties with his colleagues professional, thus, his self-sufficiency doesn't cripple his ability to work in a team. He doesn't push away people that try to talk to; he greets them with a kind, generous nature and cheeky quips.
Although he suffers from a light form of social anxiety, he manages crowds or groups of people with a half-humorous cordiality, but should the crowd be wounded people, he transforms into a medical machine. He can show empathy to those who are hurt and can lift up the spirits as much as he can. If he’s not treating the wounded and the sick in the infirmary, he’s playing “angry ambulance” with his GEAR. It’s either that or silently reading a book.
Personal History: Raised in poverty and civil conflict, Aidan knew hunger, hatred and violence. Although he showed an incredible detachment towards the suffering surrounding him, it still hardened his personality as he grew up aiding insurgents along with his father. He carried weapons, ammunition and supplies, earning his piece of bread and leftover rations with hard work, bruises, cuts and even one gunshot wound. When the religious conflict subsided, his family could finally move to a more calm life and away from the messy borders, but this life proved to be boring after having to deal with such ordeals. Knowing nothing else but to fight fiercely for his own life and help others in the struggle, Aidan showed little interest in higher education. He felt the violence of war pull him back in and much like a moth drawn to a flame, his wings withered in agony as old scars reopened during military academy high school.
At one point, he decided to study army medicine, wishing to become a combat medic: this way he could combine helping other people in need with the concept of struggling for his own survival. But thanks to a kind high-ranking officer, Aidan was given the chance to enlist for a special infantry unit program: GEAR piloting. That is when the shepherd won the passion of reading books, especially about pathology, trauma management, GEAR catalogues and technical manuals of operating GEARs. Soon, he graduated as a Warrant Officer, capable to pilot a light-type GEAR and proudly bearing several badges designating him as a trauma and medical emergency specialist; these two combined qualified him as a GEAR Pilot-Paramedic, “angry ambulance” as Aidan japed.
But putting so much theory into practice was rather tough, though the shepherd proved to be most able on the field during several skirmishes. It was there, out in the wild, where he felt at home, bringing some peace to his inner turmoil. He finally felt he was normal again, that he was back in his natural habitat. Soon, he will find himself right in the grinder, something as simple as a transfer to a landcruiser might just change everything.
Personal Weapons and Equipment:
Weapons:
A compact and versatile personal defense weapon fitted with pistol and rifle iron sights, comes with a holographic sight. Easy to stow away safely even in the tightest situations.
Standard LDF-issued sidearm, nothing particular about it
A pretty blade, but hopefully, it will never serve its main purpose.
Equipment: Standard issue GEAR pilot overalls, one set for non-combat, another one fitted with a ballistic vest and armour pads designed to fit perfectly into the seat of a GEAR and protect the pilot from most dangers. A pilot helmet with VitaSign Visuals software installed.
DATMK – Deployable Advanced Trauma Management Kit
An advanced all-purpose emergency kit contained in a single duffle-bag-like rucksack. Capable to store copious amounts of medical tools, bandages, gauzes, drugs, collapsible crutches and even a surgical kit. What differentiates this portable hospital from the standard issue kits is the VitaSign Monitor, a PADD with included wireless electrodes that reads the vitals of up to four patients at a time; it also includes a defibrillator module and software to be installed on any advanced combat helmet.
Another useful piece of hardware the kit carries is the LAZARUS Automatic Chest Compression System: a strong band tied with a strap that ties around the back of a victim that provides chest compression in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Very useful if the medic needs to treat additional injuries or other patients; unfortunately, it does not provide automatic ventilation, thus, the active presence of an EMT is obligatory. The mechanism works in cycles and in synchronous with the defibrillation module, so that the LAZARUS device will stop compressing the victim's chest when an electrical charge is administered. The kit can carry only one such device, mostly because it drains battery life quickly.
Although it is an extremely convenient resource to have in handy, it is difficult for a single person to operate with the whole kit; serious training and practice is required to hardwire muscle memory in the trainee wishing to use the DATMK effectively.
Heavy and susceptible to extreme weather conditions, prolonged sun exposure and excessive punishment and vibrations. Battery life lasts for a week at 100% usage, but it can be recharged with a GEAR’s battery.
Miscellaneous: Emergency flares
Glowsticks
A ton of books.
Personal Theme:
Mecha SheetGear Name & Serial Number: “Dartwing” DX-7 Mod. 3/ “Stumpy”
Mod. 3 has a wider main body with several extra hardpoints designed to attach the Quik-Ambulance Modular Container on the back of the GEAR. Due to this modification, the GEAR is less capable in combat and fitted for quick insertions and exfil. Its short stature and uninteresting design makes the GEAR harder to notice on the field, a key aspect for its purpose.
Role: DX-7 family: Hit & run assault GEAR
Mod. 3: Light hit & run, ambulance
Usual Loadout:
Primary - M-121 GEAR Auto-Cannon firing 20mm ammunition. Relative high rate of fire, designed for spray’n’pray tactics.
Right shoulder: Rocket launch pod holding a barrage of 12 missiles per launch. It holds a total of 36 70mm rockets.
Left shoulder: 12.7mm anti-infantry machinegun, holding 500 rounds.
Extra: M-89 Battle Cannon, a longer GEAR Auto-Cannon for longer skirmishes. Fires 40mm rounds at a significantly lower rate.
Another rocket launch pod
Other Systems & Equipment:
Standard combat sensors and anti-radar, IR and thermal technology, not very effective. The main body of the GEAR had its cockpit stripped from auxiliary and high-tech equipment to leave enough space to act as an ambulance, plus the extra space offered by the Quik-Ambulance Modular Container attached on the back of the GEAR. Once attached, the GEAR can hold up to two wounded personnel and the corpsman-pilot. The advantage of having such a Container is that it can be easily detached from the GEAR and be transported away by other vehicles, if the GEAR is unable to retreat with the wounded. Unfortunately, this leaves the GEAR open to attacks as the pilot needs to bring the GEAR to ground level, detach the container and latch to connecting doors shut. The inside of the container resembles bunk beds, leaving enough space for the pilot to maneuver the stretchers and to monitor the wounded.
The GEAR serves a supportive role if the pilot needs to leave it for tasks that require him to be on foot, becoming stationary and auto-firing at enemy targets. For its medical purposes, the GEAR is able to lower its main body to ground level and extend a ramp, easing patient transfer in and out of the GEAR.
For quick movement, the GEAR benefits of wheels installed in the heels of the GEAR, allowing it to travel at faster speeds, so long the surface is not riddle with potholes, boulders or other obstacles.
Other notes: The GEAR bears a series of small decals resembling a red cross on white background, a white caduceus on dark blue background and another dark blue star of life. They have all worn off and are barely visible, merging with the GEAR’s paintjob.
Had to wrestle with the BB code a bit, but here it is. Hope it's okay