Catherine Ekkirt

Curvy and confident in life, Cathy has somehow managed to translate that into her personality as a Blade, despite the fighter's standard sharp angles. She takes great pride in her new body, and flies every chance she gets.

Life

Cathy was one of the first children born on Janikk, a daughter to two former members of the Turncoat Armada who chose to denounce their former families and settle in Dirkkatael as part of the civilian city-building effort.   She led a charmed if sheltered life, doted on by the adults around her as a living embodiment of hope for the future – a beautiful sentiment, but a major responsibility to carry on one's shoulders, particularly as a baby. As she grew she came to anticipate such sentiments, constantly reminding her of her role as "the future of society" and the expectations that seemingly entailed. They always seemed to change, but she never doubted she'd be up to the task.  

Death

At the tender age of nineteen, Cathy set out into the wilds of Janikk, intent on proving her parents' legacy. Her parents helped her plan with a mixture of pride and trepidation, remembering their conscription into the Sparnell Armed Forces at sixteen and hoping they'd better prepared their own daughter.   She reassured them she was ready, politely rejecting all offers of assistance from her parents and their friends. This was about proving she was ready to face the universe on her own, she explained patiently, and accepting an escort would only serve to undermine her goals.   She never achieved them.   Less than a week after setting forth to help catalog the diverse insect life surrounding the capital, she was back – without her body. One of the many predators surrounding Dirkkatael had fallen upon her while she was busily sketching her latest finding.   Her notebook was never found, although genetic testing did manage to positively identify the bones of her left foot.  

Rebirth

Despite the pleas of her parents to resurrect and settle down in the city, Cathy was determined to prove her worth, instead enlisting with the Grand Armada. After rigorous training as an Afterlife Intelligence, she was bound into a Blade months later and assigned to a squadron with Mate Devin Tark as her Dancer.   The two hit it off, finding in each other an energetic kindred spirit, eager to prove themself to the rest of the Mordena. Surprisingly, rather than encouraging each other to push themselves to new and greater risks, this mutual respect and understanding has led to a more cautious approach to their partnership, as while they've proven themselves more than willing to risk themselves for their goals they look over their partner with a protective, more cautious ambition.

Cathy has befriended her entire squadron and is working her way through the rest of the population in Dirkkatael's Primary Blade Hangar, although her Blade Dancer, Mate Devin Tark, holds a special place in her heart. When assigned to each other, both Blade and Dancer had been struggling to find their place in Jannadael society, a burning question which they appeared to have answered in the process of bonding over their responsibilities toward each other.

She maintains close ties with her parents, despite their initial disapproval of her career choices. They've seen the joy she brings to her new role, and have even agreed to fly with her upon occasion, although she keeps close to Dirkkatael unless accompanied by others of her squadron.

Cathy is extremely warm and kind-hearted, gifting her generosity to everyone around her. She's quick to help those she can, with a kind word or a quiet listen, and even a calming flight to those so inclined.   Her joy is infectious and genuine, with many of her squadron teasingly decreeing her their unofficial morale officer, a role she has embraced whole heartedly.