Character Name: Ryan Kincaide
Nickname/Callsign: Showman
Age: 30
Nationality: American
Gender: Male
Bio:Ryan grew up in the southern USA, born in Tennessee.
A laid back sort of guy, he drifted through his high school years after having family problems at home. His father was involved heavily in criminal activities revolving around theft, narcotics, blackmail and other similar activities. By association, he ended up in and out of trouble and falling in with bad crowds. Not having a taste for the life and wanting to avoid the same life of prison, violence, and fear as his father, he tried to make other friends and shake the reputation of his family name.
It wasn't until he found himself arrested after being reluctantly present at one of his fathers 'business deals' that he realised he needed to straighten himself out and get out of that world.
Enrolling in a program to better his grades, he got to know several of the instructors, some of whom were former soldiers, sailors and Marines and one of whom was a Naval Aviator. Entranced by his stories, and also taking a trip to the nearby bases to get a look at the hardware and the lifestyle really got him enthused, and he worked hard to remedy his failing grades, getting on top of his education, as well as to get out of the world he'd found himself mired in.
Around this time he also got into music, learning to play the harmonica and guitar, finding an escape from his difficult home life in music, and making new friends. He gained some minor notice in the local scene playing as part of an ensemble, though his families' reputation in the criminal world still haunted him, and his fathers' shadow was never far behind him, with people often targeting him to get to his family, despite his increasing attempts to distance himself from their name, and associations with their criminal activities.
His enlistment was uneventful, he entered into flight school with a college degree and trained hard, though was still dogged by a bad rep because of his name, and this occasionally lead to scuffles with other Marines. Occasional problems with discipline and a bad temper came from that. However, he also still kept up his music, which earned him the nickname 'Showman' which he never really managed to shake.
Ryan graduated onto flying Intruders for the US Navy, and flew over Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as tours over Libya and the Horn of Africa supporting anti-piracy operations.
Rotating to the far east, Ryan was involved in combat in the initial stages of the offensive against the Yerrill, and was shot down, his co-pilot at the time, Miles 'Weatherman' Douglas. Weatherman was injured after ejecting, and Ryan managed to drag him through hostile territory for miles, evading Yerrill ground forces and even aiding civilians to safety. For this, he earned commendations. He spent some time recovering from his injuries and debriefing.
He later returned to the skies for the final push back against the Yerrill, once more flying in an A-6F Intruder. It was at this time he met his current co-pilot/WSO Diane 'Blackjack' Tallent and the pair quickly became good friends and an excellent team.
Following the conclusion of the operation, he was promoted and was immediately short-listed with his squadron for the Expeditionary Force mission, one of a limited number of naval forces recommended, given the obvious lack of ways to send warships through the Tokyo Jupiter portal.
His service record and performance in the war so far gave him a shot at a command position which he was recommended for.
However, his families' reputation continued to haunt him, and one of the 'higher ups' in the command chain pulled some strings, removing him to one of the 'lower down' squadrons, with less of an 'active' role. Disgruntled and unhappy that his history was still dogging him even now, Ryan took the position, but swore to do the best with the squadron he had, and make sure they - and he - were a squadron to be proud of.
Personality: Generally, Ryan is upbeat, outgoing and a cheerful sort of guy. He is intelligent, thoughtful and generally optimistic. However, he is not without a practical outlook, especially as a pilot and a commanding officer, and is always willing and able to give orders and cut off bad behaviour and ideas where needed, or enforce discipline if it's needed.
His reputation still haunts him, and occasionally surfaces when he is introduced to new people. It can be a bit of a button-push for him, and lead him to become sullen, introspective and angry. Similarly, he still carries some guilt about Weatherman's injuries - which have left him forever out of the military - and can sometimes become depressed when left to think about if it was his fault they were shot down.
Thankfully, Blackjack is very adept at tuning into her partners' moods and personality, and can do a good job of bucking up her fellow aviator and good friend.
While he does try to be a 'good sailor', Ryan does occasionally skirt the rules, especially some of the more 'fussy ones' as he puts it, and the slightly looser atmosphere of the Expeditionary Force suits him well, resulting in his 'non-reg' hair and appearance and his generally amenable and relaxed attitude; at least when the brass aren't looking.
Ryan is likely to be found enjoying classic rock-and-roll music, blues, jazz, country music and the like when not on duty, having as he does a taste for some of the traditional aspects of music, cinema, and life in general. He especially loves Johnny Cash. He is very much a 'rocker', and has an appreciation and love for simple pleasures.
He is growing an appreciation for the breathtaking scenery of Avalon's unspoiled wilderness and nature, with rolling mountains and vast forests. He enjoys riding horses, and hopes to own some one day. He also loves whiskey, especially Tennessee bourbon.
Ryan still plays the acoustic guitar, and also the harmonica at a high level. He has a fairly good singing voice too.
He enjoys spending time with his fellow pilots, and he and Blackjack often relax together in good company.
Appearance: 
Approximately 5'9" and relatively muscular, more athletic than a weightlifter build. Dark eyes and hair, usually with a spark of mischief and humour to them, but when that goes away is when it's obvious he's angry or upset.
Wears a normal USMC flightsuit and gear, fatigues when not flying. Out of the cockpit tends toward motorcycle-style boots, jeans or cargo pants, checked shirts and the like. Comfortable but practical clothing.
Personal Gear: Harmonica
Acoustic Guitar (not carried on his person!)
Hip Flask - with bourbon
Folding utility knife.
Aircraft: A-6F Intruder Aircraft Colours: All over low-viz grey with national insignia. Upper surfaces are painted to look like a red-feathered hawk or bird of prey in flight, with the words 'Red-tailed Devil' painted under the pilots' side cockpit.
Character Theme: One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Character Name: Diane Tallent
Nickname/callsign: Blackjack
Age: 27
Nationality: American
Gender: Female
Bio:Diane grew up on America's West Coast, in California. Around navy towns and the sea for much of her life, she fell in love with the ocean, and especially the idea of a life on the waves.
Always something of a tomboy, the life of a sailor and soldier intrigued her, and after she saw the Blue Angels among other aircraft in displays, and saw the massive aircraft carriers in port, her imagination was captured.
The tall, gangly young woman studied and trained hard, finding escapism from the teasing and confusion of teenage years in hard work, exercise and discipline. She became an excellent athlete, channelling a growing anger at not fitting in and being mocked by girls for being too manly, and boys for being not girly enough into physical prowess. She grew strong, quick and agile as she practiced at martial arts, and other pursuits.
Despite her 'outsider' status, her modest level of achievements gave her some popularity and recognition and she made some friends, finding them in similar outsider spots, and growing a love of alternative cultures of comic books, games, and other pursuits, interests she keeps to this day.
She did modestly well in her time at the academy, gaining a reputation as a reliable, dedicated and quick-witted WSO and co-pilot, though she had some time in the pilots' chair as well.
Like most pilots of her age, she had some time over Iraq and Afghanistan as a WSO in A-6F Intruders, participating in several key strikes on enemy positions, including on downtown Baghdad. Before much more could happen she was pulled into the combat against the Yerrill. Her original pilot, Lucy 'Mouse' Carmichael was injured outside of combat in an accident, and after squadrons were conglomerated due to losses of personnel and aircraft, she found herself teamed with Ryan.
The pair hit it off almost immediately as a good friendship, finding their skills and personalities complimentary, and have enjoyed working together thus far, spending time together outside of the cockpit as well as in combat.
Personality: Diane is more shy and retiring than her pilot. Despite having bloomed into a tall, statuesque and physically fit and powerful woman, she still remains quiet, and quite introverted - though does enjoy having fun with others and has a good sense of humor all the same. She will open up to others when she feels comfortable, and is by no means a pushover or easily browbeaten or intimidated, but often requires some reassurance from others to act, or follows their lead.
She is intelligent, quick-witted and smart, and enjoys conversation and discussion about fiction, still maintaining a strong interest in sci-fi, fantasy and other escapist pursuits. Going to a genuine alien planet is exciting for her, although she often says that she wishes it was the Avalonians who'd made contact rather than the Yerrill.
Her callsign, 'Blackjack' is a reference to an occasion when she and other pilots from her previous squadron were on exercises at Edwards AFB, and took a trip to Las Vegas. Somehow, Diane managed to win a considerable sum of money every night they were there in cards, and her luck transferred the next day to their exercises, where she planted every bomb on target. Becoming something of a good luck charm, the name stuck.
Ryan has tried to coax her into singing and music, as she does have quite a pleasant voice, but her shyness has prevented her from singing too often - other than when drunk a few times - much to his consternation. She does enjoy horse-riding with him, however, and the pair occasionally swap books. She is also teaching him some martial arts.
Appearance: Diane is 6' 4", and is relatively solidly built, with broad shoulders, wide hips and a thick waist. She is quite fit and muscular, and has modest feminine curves. She keeps her chestnut-red hair short and stylish and it is a compliment to her warm brown eyes. Despite her size and build, she is quite quick and dexterous and is agile and nimble, thanks mostly to her martial arts training.
Her voice is light, pleasant and tuneful.
She wears normal US Navy pilots' fatigues and flight suits when in the cockpit, and her helmet visor has a Black Spade and a Red Club painted on it, overlapping one another.
Outside of the cockpit she often wears high-tops, jeans, T-shirts, and vest tops in variety of colors, many with characters or logos as references to her various geeky interests.
Personal Gear:Tablet computer
Headphones & MP3 Player
Folding pocket knife
Aircraft: See Above
Aircraft Colours: See Above
Character Theme: I'm The One That's Cool 
Member
Crimson Flame
Lunamaria Hawke
Half Pint
Einherjar 906
Mae
Snowdrops
Slypheed
vietmyke
Sky Blue