Characters / Heir to the Bruce Quest

Main Cast

Rhiannon Bruce:

• Ace Pilot: One of her defining attributes; made ace on her first combat mission - as a cadet in a scramble against a surprise Draconis Combine attack. Then after less than a year of active service - against some of the very finest DCMS and CCAF pilots - she has racked up an almost insane 50+ kills including more than a few solo dropship kills. She's definitely not the best pilot in the Inner Sphere, but she was very well trained by them. And most of the time flies around in a lostech killing machine.
• Action Girl: Much to Williams exasperation at times, Rhiannon in the air is in the very thickest part of the action and seems to attract trouble wherever she goes.
• And I Must Scream: A lighter version. On Terra, Rhiannon is poisoned in a failed assasiation attempt. The nerve agent is designed to cause her muscles to first lock up, then start to spasm out of control until she rips her body apart. The poison is detected and countermeasures put into place, but she has to suffer through a considerable time conscious with all her voluntary muscles locked up, in no small amount of pain and no ability to speak or communicate.
• Arm Cannon: Rhiannon lost her right arm in an earlier assassination attempt and had it replaced with cybernetics while at NAIS. This includes multiple hand types she can easily switch between; one of which is a laser pistol.
• Bling of War: And how ; in addition to her Chest of Medals, Rhiannon also earned the Mc Kennsy's Hammer award which consists of a literal nine-kilogram silver block hammer carried when in dress uniform. She has not had to hit anyone with it. Yet.
• Chest of Medals: And then some, every single one of them earned the hard way. She is also perhaps the first military officer since the Star League to earn military awards from no less than three Great Houses (being the LCAF, AFFS and FWL).
• Chronic Hero Syndrome: At times Rhiannon can fall into this, beating herself up for not doing 'more' despite without any question doing the best she possibly could above and well beyond the call of duty.
• Cunning Linguist: Rhiannon Bruce speaks at least four languages at a conversational fluent level. It can be very reasonably argued that her ability to speak Chinese led to the destruction of the Capellan Confederation...
• Determinator: If there is a SINGLE trope that defines Rhiannon Bruce, THIS is it. So much so that despite the utterly incredible things she has accomplished, this trait has had significant negative impacts of her mental health that have needed significant intervention by various family and friends to pull her back.
• Establishing Character Moment: In the first thread, a conspiracy tried to kill her - and ended up dumping her into a Lostech construction facility as a result. Getting in harms way and finding things has become an (in-universe even) running joke.
• Elites Are More Glamorous: Her first posting out of the academy was the reborn 4th Royal Guards of the LCAF. Completely equipped with Lostech SLDF gear, power armor and handpicked personnel. Which included her, a position she earned outright on her skill.
• Parental Abandonment: Witnessed her parents dying (remotely) fighting off a pirate raid. It's one of the core foundation stones of Rhiannon's character and a driving motivator in her actions for much of the quest.
• Rank Up: Rhiannon is commissioned as a Lieutenant in the LCAF upon graduation. It is not long before with her exceptional skill and leadership qualities that she is promoted to First Lieutenant and as the 4th Succession War ends in the reshuffles, she is promoted to Hauptmann and given a squadron command and currently to Kommandant (O4 equivalent) with a wing command. All purely on merit over a very short time. Eventually retires as a Hauptmann-Kommandant.
• Renaissance Man: Has a double degree from the NAIS in engineering, designed the first new aerospace fighter in well over a century, speaks a half dozen languages, is an ace pilot, a qualified Mechwarrior, senior member of the Lyran Aristocracy who was declared emancipated in her teens - and she plays the bagpipes.
• The Ace: As stated above, Rhiannon is a literal Ace Pilot, a status earned from her very first combat engagement.
  • She also qualifies in general as The Ace military wise as she has shown she is perfectly competent leading combined arms ground units in training exercises to the point that her future CO Freddy Steiner remarked it was unfortunate she had gone the pilot route as she would have made an excellent Force Commander. And she has qualified for basic Battlemech proficiency.
  • She's also in general very intelligent (if not to the same curve-destroying level as her little sister).
• Workaholic: To the point that House Lords have had to pull her back at times before bad habits got too badly ingrained. She's gotten better at delegation and not trying to solve all the Inner Sphere's problems at the same time though.

Iona Bruce:

Rhiannon's little sister and certified genius. She developed Binary Heat Sinks better than the canon Clan version. Working at the NAIS.

Somerset Ducal Guard

William Dunhill:

Stephen:

Iona's primary bodyguard before transferring back to Rhiannon's detachment.

Miria Dunhill:

Ducal Guard, handles a lot of paperwork and 'manages' William. Killed a 3-man gun team by herself during the first assassination attempt. Vivacious, outgoing, and tends towards good-natured harassment of people she's fond of, which includes Rhiannon. An expy of Misato Katsuragi.

Sorcha & Liadan:

mother & daughter folded into the Ducal Guard from the former's martial arts practice during recruiting drive. Liadan is generally found 'under cover' as taking the same classes as Rhiannon.

Akio Matsumoto:

Samurai and former DCMS Mechwarrior, now sworn to Rhiannon, because she honored his integrity and skill, even as an adversary.

Estoc Ddraig Estoc Marik:

Short blond swordsman of impressive skill, has since been trained with standard kit for the Ducal Guard and bodyguard detail. An expy of Saber.

Torch Mc Cloud:

survivor of the field trip bombing, skilled marksman.

Henry Mc Cloud:

Feuding survivor of the field trip bombing.

Lauren Porter:

Teaches maths & sciences, also an MD. Doesn't like romantic stuff, and doesn't interact with Rhiannon much; doesn't think The Bruce needs her help much. Official Ducal Physician. An expy of Ritsuko Akagi.

PFC Alicia Fleming:

Pistol Marksman & speed-shooter. Looks younger than you do, even if she's five years older. Snapped up from the militia. Wounded during the Thuggee attack on the Bachelorette party, recovering from wounds on New Avalon

On Somerset:

Ramsay Mc Callaugh:

Captain, in command of Somerset's current limited armor contingent. Fought honorably in the battle of 3018.

Corporal Ike West:

fire-team leader with a facility for silent movement. Very personable.

Sergeant Ailill Mc Pherson:

prodigy woodsman. Smiles too often.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Expy Characters

The first, and one of the largest, groups of Expy characters introduced as the staff and students of the co-op that Rhiannon joins to complete her basic education. While the adults join the Ducal Guard, much of the student body becomes the core of the Sommerset Mafia, Rhiannon's clique during her Nagelring and NAIS years.

Luc Anchor:

Una's retiring younger brother. Lacks some of the martial and academic talents of his contemporaries, instead excelling in music. An expy of Shinji Ikari

Una Anchor:

Quiet and unassuming young woman with a seemingly unphasable poker face. Is actually the result of a supersoldier project meant to create individuals that can interface more directly with their battlemechs. An expy of Rei Ayanami

Cu Chullain Bruce:

One of Rhiannon's distant cousins and the physically largest individual in their peer circle. Has a competitive streak that has seen him in a rivalry with Aifric since their childhood. An expy of Toji Suzuhara.

Miria Dunhill:

Ducal Guard, handles a lot of paperwork and 'manages' William. Killed a 3-man gun team by herself during the first assassination attempt. Vivacious, outgoing, and tends towards good-natured harassment of people she's fond of, which includes Rhiannon. Eventually marries William. An expy of Misato Katsuragi.

Cadet-Lt. Coaimhe Langley:

Rhi's friend from Somerset. Somewhat overshadowed by her more talented friends in the Somerset Mafia, she makes up for her relative lack of talent with organization and hard work. Good friend of Rhiannon, fiercely loyal to Rhi and Melissa for medical treatment of her after the first bombing. Supply/Logistics cadet, plans to act as a key supporter/administrator for Rhi after doing her five. In a relationship with Rhi's cousin Cu Chullain Bruce and plans to marry him after graduation. Currently living her lifelong dream to study at NAIS. Part of the Mary Bruce Conspiracy. An expy of Hikari Horaki.

Blair Mc Callaugh:

The Igor to Iona's Dr. Frankenstein, a military nerd who got swole and is now living the dream as junior research faculty at NAIS and semi-hot social commodity among ladies looking for a husband. Born in 3009 (currently 18-19). Co-creator of the BHS (Iona had the theory breakthrough but he was key in helping her turn theory to reality). While not as purely a driven genius as Iona, is very smart himself and works well with other geniuses, also a member of classified tech teams at NAIS. Views Iona as his little sister who sometimes needs to be reined in gently for her own good. Member of the Mary Bruce Conspiracy. Future recipient of the Lyran equivalent to the Nobel Prize once BHS is declassified (which will make him a Baron). An expy of Kensuke Aida

Cadet-Kommandant Aifric Mc Henry:

Sompter, Rhi's friend and an actual genius studying to be a 'Mechwarrior. Owns a lostech Rampage won in a bar bet. Father is a Marshal currently assigned to the Ducal Guard, dead mother. Obsessed with winning and being the best that she can be. Placed top-three in the Hotel Brecker exercise. Performed superbly in Townsville as one of the top two Battlemech pilots using our salvaged gear. Top scoring cadet entering her senior year, insufferable about that fact. Transfer student to NAIS. Hot headed, aggressive, a genius, intensely driven to be the best and then be a legend. Nagelring valedictorian who is looking for a challenge and a boyfriend who can keep up with her at NAIS. Mechwarrior cadet, drives a -5G Rampage with the Artemis IV and SSR M2s out that she won in a bar bet/test of combat ability. Part of the Mary Bruce Conspiracy. An expy of Asuka Langley Soryu

Lauren Porter:

Teaches maths & sciences, also an MD. Doesn't like romantic stuff, and doesn't interact with Rhiannon much; doesn't think The Bruce needs her help much. Official Ducal Physician. Eventually leaves ducal service for a position at NAIS. An expy of Ritsuko Akagi.

RWBY Expy Characters

The next major batch of expy characters were introduced during Rhiannon's training at the Nagelring. Most are members of, or related to, one of the members of Kitten platoon.

Cadet Solacenae 'Sola' Crow:

Sophomore, Mechwarrior specialty and major, studious, did her homework on Rhi. Eurasian, 16 years old from Port Moseby on the LC/DC border, child of ISF agents who are now looking to defect. Fanatically loyal Lyran patriot with a deep disgust for the Combine thanks to seeing what it is really like, also personally loyal to Rhiannon and Melissa for helping her parents make contact with LIC and defect. Extremely skilled athlete, winner of the Port Moseby Martial Triathlon at 16, skilled with firearms and katana - spars with Estoc and Akio regularly. The book nerd of the Kittens, rooming next to Rhiannon. Asked Rhi to help her get in touch with LIC to assist her family in coming out of the cold. Contact with LIC has been made after a minor screwup involving an ISF mole who is now captured. Sola is currently wondering who else Rhiannon Bruce has 'chew their ass' rights on besides Simon Johnson. Indebted to Rhi for arranging LIC to assist her family. Now has a standing offer to join the Somerset Mafia, as well as plans to spar with Akio and Estoc. Also a freaking ninja in the field who carried the Hotel Brecker flag to safety. :ninja: Hauptmann during the Townsville exercise, turned in a solid performance. Smart, stealthy, and frighteningly observant, the only person to date to figure out who Mary Bruce really was without being told. Being recruited as future Archon's Hand. Transfer student to NAIS. Part of a twin-crew Land/Air Mech unit that parades on New Syrtis during Rhi's wedding. An expy of Blake Belladona.

Jennifer Gemma:

AFFS officer who served a term as LCAF transfer officer. Mechwarrior, Albion grad, a Captain in the 3rd Crucis Lancers by the battle of Dieron. Shoshannah's older half-sister. Family 'Mech is a custom Charger with rocket fists. Hard drinker, harder partier. Friend of Lumi. Expert at Battlemech CQC and boxing. Cybernetic arm after an attempted mugging by a stalker with a knife. Bonded with Rhi over bad puns and share the same smartass sense of humor. An expy of Yang Xiao Long (Don't touch The Hair).

Cadet Shoshannah Gemma:

Fed Suns transfer student into the Kittens from NAIS. Sophomore, AFFS Mechwarrior/Artillery Specialty, Mechanical engineering, Metallurgy, and Munitions triple major, NAIS transfer student, does not like Edgar Allen Poe, ~15 or younger years old, from Saginaw in the Crucis March. With us in the Tango Club. Also a bit of a nerd and 'techie' girl genius, study partner for us. Apparently younger than she looks (like Rhi). Graduate of AFFS Sniper School and freaking lethal in a firefight. Adopted Private Nibbles during the Hotel Brecker exercise. Feddie Demigoddess of Artillery Fire after smashing attacks during the Townsville exercise. Just found out that Mary Bruce is a "real Princess" and current points leader (by a bunch!) for 'most shocked face' on the Melissa reveal. Notable sweet tooth for cookies. Is Precious Cinnamon Roll of the transfer students. Served as a lance commander with the Crucis Lancers during the Battle of Dieron. An expy of Ruby Rose.

Lieutenant Lumi Valkoinen:

Graduated cadet, mechwarrior specialty with a minor in ASF piloting, majored in Physics and Chemistry, daughter and heir of Baroness Valkonien, who owns Valkonien Minerals, a major germanium mining and refining company. Rumors of Valkonien Mineral's business relationship with Toloy Chemicals souring. Thanks to Baroness Valkoinen, drives a Lyran Scout Mech (AKA an Atlas), something Lumi is less than happy about. First assignment as a transfer officer to the AFFS, enjoying her posting to the 3rd Crucis Lancers (Achernar Lancers) in correspondence with Rhiannon. Has a very complex love/hate relationship with her overbearing bitch of a mother (Lumi's description of Baroness V). Probable candidate for Archon-Designate's Hand once Mel reveals herself. An expy of Weiss Schnee.

Harry Potter Expy Characters

The other half of the Expy crew introduced in the Nagelring and NAIS arcs where Rhiannon goes for tertiary education.

Cadet-1st Lt. Brunhilde Brecker:

Eldest child and heir of Duke Lexathus Brecker of Zebebelgenubi. Reformed 'Social general' who is living up to her considerable tactical and political potential. Mechwarrior cadet, pilots her family's Atlas. Top 5-10% student from the Nagelring. Politically incredibly skilled and ally and friend of Rhiannon. Her family is covertly severing ties with Aldo Lestrade. Single and looking for a good feddie man (preferably high character and noble). Future Melissa hatchetwoman (unknown to her). Kitten Platoon Alumna. An expy of Draco Malfoy.

Cadet Victoria Cline:

Sophomore, Mechwarrior and unknown major. Introduced as one of Brunhilde's social circle from Zebebelgenubi, had personal tutors for history, minor nobility. Brunhilde's primary miltary minion. Presumably 16 years old. Assisted Sue with her costume for the Archon's Halloween Ball. Drives her family's Zeus. An expy of Crabbe or Goyle.

Cadet Theresa Glockner:

Sophomore, Mechwarrior and major, introduced as one of Brunhilde's social circle and roommate, presumably 16 years old, from Zebebelgnubi, has an arranged marriage set up back home (a minor noble in and of herself). The brains to Cline's brawn for Brunhilde's minions and Brunhilde's primary political advisor. An expy of Crabbe or Goyle.

Cadet Sam Smith:

Sophomore, 'athletic' entrant, pilot with experience in dropships and small craft/cargo hoppers. Also from Mako City on Tharkad, was good enough to be hired as a temp pilot by a local shipping megacorp. Friend and platoon mate of 'J' Viljelija. Wingman for Rhiannon during Crazy Bruce's Wild Ride, got several kills in and was the next to last to fall. Second-best ASF cadet in his year behind Rhiannon. An expy of Harry Potter.

Cadet Vincent Tavi:

Sophomore, athlete, in Co-ed platoon next door and friends with Sam Smith and Jalokivi Viljelija. Acquaintance. An expy of Ron Weasley.

Cadet-Hauptmann Jalokivi Viljelija:

Sophomore, linguistic genius from the co-ed platoon next door, merit entrant from Mako City on Tharkad. Going to NAIS, one of Aifric's chief competitors for top cadet (not quite as good at practical but superb at academic subjects). Friend of Mary Bruce and potential Archon's Hand. An expy of Hermione Granger.

Other Expy Characters

Lieber:

Male member of Ace Platoon. Fritz Leiber is known for his Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser fantasy stories, so possible expy-bait?

Aino:

Ace platoon marks(wo)man. Name might hint at a Sailor Venus expy.

Cadet Berthold Konigsmann:

Sophomore, Rhi's designated dance partner. Built like a Viking warrior (over 100 kilos, not exactly light on his feet). (Name suggests a Kingsman expy although the first name does not match).

Captain 'Maniac' Marshall:

AFFS pilot assigned to liaison duty after familiarizing Rhi with her Stuka birthday present from hanse Davion. Hotshot and horndog with an ego the size of said Stuka, he is almost as good a throttle jockey as he thinks that he is. Wing Commander expy.

Major Jeannette 'Angel' Devreaux:

AFFS pilot, Marshall's superior and babysitter, flight instructor TDY to the 'Ring. Elite ace pilot (flies a Corsair) interested in potentials of recovered Los Tech freezers in fighters. Wing Commander expy.

Canon Characters

Cadet-Hauptmann "Mary Bruce":

Actually Melissa Steiner in disguise with contacts and hair dye. Secret fiancee of Hanse Davion. Armor cadet, top 5% student from the Nagelring. Genius and troll, also The Heart of Kitten Platoon. Highest academic scorer amongst the Kittens. Canon BT character in origin impacted by Brucequest.

Leftenant Morgan Hasek-Davion:

Hanse Davion's fanatically loyal nephew and heir. Elite Mechwarrior, Bro-est of bros, tactical genius, and all around awesome guy. Boxer and rugby player along with having an interest in Tango and flight thanks to Rhiannon. Head over heels for Rhi and the feelings are reciprocated (and are giving the Kittens diabetes just watching them). Graduate of Warrior's Hall, NAIS, and then Nagelring Summa Cum Laude, assigned to the Davion Heavy Guards as a lance commander. Pilots an Atlas. He and Rhi are to marry on New Syrtis, the wedding shortly following the war.

Marie Hasek-Davion:

Morgan's mother, Hanse's older half-sister. Close to Hanse and Morgan, loyal to the Davion dynasty and the Suns. Trained as an ASF pilot at Albion Military Academy, but deliberately flunked out to prevent herself being used as a pawn in a potential civil war. Elite albeit unblooded ASF pilot (flies a Stuka), favors Rhiannon marrying Morgan. Was horribly wounded by her husband's ambitions which wrecked her marriage, and while on the surface 'Meek Marie' is a nonfactor in FS political life, covertly opposes Michael. Canon BT Character.

Michael Hasek-Davion:

Morgan's father, Lord of the Capellan March, Duke of New Syrtis and head of House Hasek. Hanse's primary domestic political rival, wants the throne for himself. Ambitious scheming snake secretly in bed with Max Liao, but now mending fences with Hanse. Retired Mechwarrior.

Katrina Steiner:

Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth and mother of Melissa Steiner. Her offer of peace to the other Successor Lords was taken as weakness by three of them, but she's fully aware that peace depends on the strength to defend it. Widowed the year Melissa was born, she remarries in a private ceremony during the departure from Terra. At the end of the Fourth Succession War she leads reinforcements to Skye and negotiates peace with Theodore Kurita.

Hanse Davion:

First Prince of the Federated Suns and a troll. The premier Magnificent Bastard of the setting, and the man who founded the NAIS, owns the land it sits on, the planet that holds that land and the rest of the largest star empire int he Inner Sphere. Secretly engaged to be married to Melissa Steiner. Rhiannon views him as a pseudo father figure and mentor.

Dr. Buckaroo Banzai:

Genius, polymath, scientist and mercenary commander of Team Banzai in service to the Fed Suns. Senior NAIS research faculty, Canon BT Character. Coworker of Iona and Blair who helped turn their BHS prototype into a production model. Good guy.

Aldo Lestrade:

Tipped off the Draconis Combine about the route the Cadet Convoy from Tharkad was taking to the NAIS in an attempt to kill Rhiannon Bruce. Now even shorter than in canon after Duke Lexathus Brecker was Not Amused by Aldo's disregard for collateral damage in his attempt to kill Rhiannon.

Frederick Steiner:

Katrina's first cousin and rival for the Archon's throne - partly spurred on by Aldo Lestrade. With the latter's death, he's redeemed and becomes commander of the Fourth Royal Guards: the spearhead of several critical battles and showing off the extent of Katrina's reforms. Sometimes calls on Rhiannon for political or diplomatic tasks.

Aaron Sandoval:

Head of House Sandoval, Lord of the Draconis March and Duke of Robinson. The other March Lord, loyal to Hanse, Hates the Draconis Combine with a burning passion stoked by over 200 years of bloody "war to the knife, knife to the hilt" fighting versus the Snakes. Awarded Rhi the Robinson Medal of Valor for Thorin. Retired veteran tank commander after he lost his legs fighting Kurita. Canon BT Character.

Colonel Ardan Sortek:

Hanse's trusted #2 man and close friend. CO Davion Heavy Guards Battlemech Regiment, frequently on detached duty as 'The Prince's Shotgun'.

Janos Marik:

The twice widowed Captain-General of the Free Worlds League. The only Kapteyn Pact leader to take Katrina's offer of peace seriously during the wedding. Repeated indiscretions by Romano Liao finally give him the excuse to withdraw from Kapteyn entirely and ally with the Federated Commonwealth to invade the Capellans. Uncle of Estoc Marik and Duncan Marik, both relationships strained by his duties as Captain-General.

Romano Liao:

The Federated Commonwealth's greatest (unintentional) ally.

Takashi Kurita:

Coordinator (and in his eyes one of the few sane men within) the Draconis Combine. Stoic samurai, who values strength honour but the demands of his office require him to tolerate the dishonourable - frequently disappointed by the results. By Combine standards, he's a reformer and was fully capable of distinguishing between strength and brutality. At the wedding on Terra he was constantly wrongfooted by Liao stupidity, Dragoon provocations and Hanse's misdirections. In order to redeem his failures he personally commanded the DCMS on Dieron and Skye, dying in the final battle.

Grieg Samsonov:

Former Warlord of the Galedon Military District in the Draconis Combine, his actions to clear his name and prove the Wolf's Dragoons duplicity have been all-but-confirmed to lead to Bruce Quest's version of the Clan Invasion.

Kitten Platoon

Sue Wojick:

Lower-class merit entrant from Eutin Prime (high G moon dystopia semi penal planet). Naval (dropship/jumpship) cadet, top 25% Nagelring student. Is very good friends with Mary Bruce, does not know who Mary really is or that Melissa Steiner has plans for her as a future hatchetwoman. Frequently the Only Sane (Wo)Man in Kitten Platoon and just wants a nice quiet, peaceful, orderly military career where she can make contacts and support her mother. Designated Kitten Platoon Sufferer.

Cadet-1st Lt. Solacenae Crow:

See Expy Characters

Shoshanna Gemma:

See Expy Characters

Cadet-1st Lt. Roxanne Wentworth:

The "Old Sarge" of the Kittens, in her mid-late 20s. LCAF Staff-Sergeant and war hero awarded a scholarship to the Nagelring along with a promotion and medals for keeping her infantry company together when the officers got killed. Infantry/Power Armor track and views the rest of the platoon as a bunch of promising larval officers. Very much the voice of experience and reason for the younger girls, top 5% Nagelring student. Rooming next to Rhiannon at NAIS.

Maria Vance:

Another older student (in her 20s), sports star, Wentworth's friend. Best pitching arm in the Kittens.

Private 'Mr. Nibbles':

Shoshannah's squirrel friend, the Poacher of Pecans, and Stealer of Snacks was last seen leading the 3rd Lyran Guards on a wild squirrel chase through the forest for the tracker that he carried during the Hotel Brecker exercise. Kitten Platoon mascot. Sadly deceased, but not forgotten. RIP Nibbles.

Fourth Royal Guard.

Lieutenant-Colonel Fritz Patterson:

CO of the ASF forces. Callsign 'Crooner,' is noted for very aggressive tactics.

Colonel Lothar Peter Lutherson:

CO of the 4RG Mech Regiment. Had earned a Knighthood before joining the 4RG; isn't from a noble family, but is generally expected to be before he retires from the LCAF.

Bohemian Squadron.

Killian 'Midas' Obiterson:

Rhiannon's CO. Highly sociable, adaptive tactician, very good with tail guns.

Sam Smith:

Rhiannon's old wingman from the Nagelring. Headhunted for the 4th Royal Guards directly after graduation, as despite middling academics he ended up being the best pilot of his class after Rhiannon's transfer to the NAIS.

Sophia 'Chuuni' Mc Masters:

• Always Second Best: Develops this relationship with Rhiannon, but concedes that Rhiannon isn't to blame for her insecurities.

Johan 'Ivory' Schneider:

Rajko 'Burst' Trajan:

• Blood Knight: Towards the Combine specifically. It's implied that he's either been demoted or held back in rank, given that he's still a First Lieutenant in his 30s.