USSC Pioneer
The ship of colonists from any country in any of the Americas and/or the colony’s top leaders. This ship was commissioned by the United States for this daring experiment and as a result it was the American military who picked the United Forces officers. They naturally stacked the odds in favor of Americans, with a couple exceptions for “token diverse crew” posts. Hence Sophia used her authority as Fleet Commander to ensure several of the “crew” posts were filled by colonists, both to lighten the payload and to limit the amount of potential spies America could throw at them.
The Crew
These are the brave men and women assigned to man stations on the ships, ferrying the equally brave men, women and children, who shall colonize Mars to their destination. Some are there for a roundtrip to Mars, then right back to Earth. Still others are not just officers, but colonists, themselves.
Colonist 01
Fleet Commander
Natalia Bilbao
Contraalmirante Sophia “Count” Martinez
Contraalmirante in the Mexican Navy means Counter Admiral. When combined with her personality, being commanding and almost domineering, despite still being respectful, the rank helped to earn her the nick-name ‘The Count’. She is harsh on her enemies, though not brutal, and the kind to keep her allies in line. She speaks. You listen. It’s just natural for her to get that kind of response. In Sophia’s view, every challenge must be overcome and victory is merely delaying defeat until it doesn’t come calling anymore. She prepares herself and her crew for every conceivable outcome, though is still occasionally caught off guard. Only one person gives her a run for her money as far as predicting possible outcomes and that’s José.
From
Mexico
Colonist 02
Captain of the Ship
Performer’s Name Here
Capitán de Navío José “Gringo” Rodriguez
With Sophia handling most Captain related duties on the Pioneer as well for the whole fleet, José has the free time to actually man a post. This is why he fills in frequently as Navigator. He’s a Gringo-Mexican and frequently softens Sophia’s sternness when go-between. Primarily optimistic, he typically sees the silver lining. José is the adventurous one of the pair and the one who asked to go to Mars. He is the one who enjoys the challenge itself, as much as the victory, contrasting Sophia’s view of life.
From
Mexico-America
Colonist 03
Chief Medical Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Medicine Man Bradley “Doc” Sullers
This Native American medicine man is also a Harvard Medical School graduate, who served as a MASH doctor in WWIII. He has studied genetics extensively, (why investors allowed him to go) though is morally opposed to Genetic Modification thanks to his Native American studies (why Sanka Doug allowed him to go). He is very knowledgeable in ancient spiritual and dietetic healing. He’s not a stereo-typical Native American. Raised by Caucasians, he didn’t start studying his culture until his very non-Native American upbringing made him a not-quite-white-man. He sees the world a little askew from everyone both Indigenous and European.
From
Iroquois Confederacy
Colonist 04
Gunner
Performer’s Name Here
Colonel Fredrick “Zues” Tanner
He’s the modern day gunslinger who shoots first, asks questions never, and wields his guns and religion with precision accuracy to do the most damage to his enemies and family. Now, for the first time in his life, he’s in a situation where religion is not the shield it once was and his abusive nature towards his family is becoming more and more visible everyday. And worse, his favorite target for abuse, his daughter, Charity, was drafted by Brad (in Fredrick’s opinion, an Indian quack) to the medical staff and is therefore only medical officer Fredrick actually trusts on the Pioneer. His entire world is about to crumble as he must choose between his family’s illusion of what he, Fredrick, is like, or his loyalty to General Robertson’s fat paycheck for spying on, and if necessary, sabotaging, the colony. His religion and temper earned him the nick name “God’s Thunderbolt” to some, but to most he’s “Zeus”.
From
America
Colonist 05
Navigator
Performer’s Name Here
Fänrik “No-First-Name” Falk
In tribute to the character with no first name, portrayed by actor Peter Falk, The Swedish scientist Falk has no first name. Like Columbo, Falk’s mind is far sharper than his attitude leads people to believe. Unable, when shooting, to hit the broad side of a barn, the slowest runner and yet not out of shape, Falk’s skill lies in science and not his Swedish Navy skills.
From
Sweden
Colonist 06
Chef & Agriculturalist
Performer’s Name Here
Mound Farmer Khanyisile “Mother Nature” Mmorosa
Khanyisile is the Ghanaian tribal woman whose skill at mound farming without chemicals earned her the coveted position of chief agriculturalist in the eyes of Sanka Doug and the nick-name “Mother Nature”, especially when combined with her nurturing personality. It took making her the token Ghanaian to get investors to allow her participation. But her real skills are impressive, as she is the mother of everyone she cooks for and everyone who stops by her mounds. Her nick name is Ghana based, however roughly translates to Mother Nature.
From
Ghana
Non-Colonist
Chief Engineer
Performer’s Name Here
Lieutenant Commander Kennedy Brooks
Sandy Brooks is an American hard working navy officer, well versed in ship operations. This trip can’t be over soon enough for Sandy, however, as he was drafted for this ferry mission by the U.S. Navy.
From
America
Non-Colonist
Metalworker
Performer’s Name Here
Lieutenant Michael Coffman
He’s the saboteur who’s been hired by General Robertson to scuttle the Pioneer, forcing the American Tanner and Duncan families to move to other ships, so that Fredrick Tanner can take his “rightful” place as Colony Leader.
From
America
Non-Colonist
Electrician
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Guatemala
Non-Colonist
Chief Pilot
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Bolivia
Non-Colonist
Second Pilot
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Mexico
Colonist 07
Plumber
Peter Argento
Lane “Piper” Zuckerman
Not military ever in his life and a widowed father of three, Lane was once a plumber, but then moved to oil-field work. This is how he got involved in the Mars project. His old employer wants a man in position to acquire oil rights on Mars after NASA’s promising speculations of ancient life, making Mars a veritable treasure-trove of natural resources with no governments to protect them. Lane needs the money and wants to do better for his family, so takes the assignment, however, unlike Fredrick, Lane’s morals aren’t as much the problem as his desperation. When it comes to protecting his kids, he’ll make any deal with anyone. And that might make him more dangerous than Fredrick.
From
America
Colonist 08
Communications
Performer’s Name Here
Private Calvin “Bugle Boy” Hughes
He is the Pioneer’s bugler, for musical commands are without language and therefore the most easily interpreted across the type of language barriers this fleet has to contend with. He’s all American and a little naive. He exists somewhere between “Radar” O’Reilly and Maxwell Q. Klinger. Young and eager to please, with his own fears and uncertainties that he feels a soldier shouldn’t have, he does his best to deny his fears, which never is a good idea.
From
America
Colonist 09
Chemist
Performer’s Name Here
Douglas “Beaker” Duncan
He’s the husband of Stacy Duncan and the “Yes, dear” kind of man. He’s the one who raises the children, while Stacy campaigns and handles her political responsibilities. He’s a skilled chemist, with the knowledge to create almost anything chemically. His easily adaptable personality enables him to serve as chemist on a colony where chemical creations are discouraged without minding too much. This is why he was made chief chemist by Sanka Doug.
From
America
Colonist 10
Vice Fleet Command
Performer’s Name Here
Brigidier Thomas “Bushmaster” McInnes
Thomas McInnis is the Australian laid back commander, who is second fleet commander to Sophia. He’s more gentle in his speech than Sophia, with a wider range of compassion. He’ll find ways to avoid a fight in situations where Sophia will take the shortest route to victory. Thomas is the type to try to talk any attacker down and fight as a last resort. He’s the voice of reason more often than not and better with children than Sophia, who treats all children like officers, just as she treats all adults.
From
Australia
Non-Colonist
Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Antigua
Non-Colonist
Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Venezuéla
Non-Colonist
Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Nicaragua
Non-Colonist
Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Greenland
Non-Colonist
Officer
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be Created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Chilé
Colonist 11
Buffer/Colonist Liaison
Performer’s Name Here
Midshipman Damian Preston
Thomas McInnis is the Australian laid back commander, who is second fleet commander to Sophia. He’s more gentle in his speech than Sophia, with a wider range of compassion. He’ll find ways to avoid a fight in situations where Sophia will take the shortest route to victory. Thomas is the type to try to talk any attacker down and fight as a last resort. He’s the voice of reason more often than not and better with children than Sophia, who treats all children like officers, just as she treats all adults.
From
Australia
The Passengers
These are the colonists who have much to offer on Mars, but have little to offer when it comes to running a spaceship, aside from an ability to adapt rapidly and learn.
Colonist 12
Foreman
John Charles Harnett
Herbert “Hardhat” Brown
The foreman from America, who is gruff and to-the-point, not a family man in the least. He’s rough around the edges and is a little more coal than diamond in the rough, but for the most part, still has sufficient ethics to work well as part of a team and the staying power to muddle through new experiences that he really didn’t want to have.
From
America
Colonist 13
Vice Chief Architect
Jules Hartley
Ashley Parker
The woman who is prettier than she’d like to be, because she has no time for men. A power-woman, on her way to the top, she’s only on Mars, because her career was black-balled on Earth, after she rebuffed her boss’s sexual harassment, and is now on course to be chief architect of Mars. However once she meets the Russian chief architect, Dmitri Ivanov, she discovers he actually is the best colonist for the job, partly because he and Ashley rapidly agree the other is their equal professionally.
From
America
Colonist 14
Colonist
Jackie McClain
Wanda tanner
The Christian, submissive housewife, who allows Fredrick’s abuse of her children, especially of Charity. The family dynamic exists in such a way that even Wanda is mothered by Charity. Wanda is the timid type, afraid of many things and in a situation where she’s likely to confront every fear she has. Fredrick chose her, because her fears gave him power over her, but once she starts conquering fear after fear, how long will her husband’s power over her last? Especially, considering her husband is growing increasingly hated by the other colonists.
From
America
Colonist 15
Barber
Fleur Preston
The Australian wife of Damian Preston, the barber from Melbourne. She’s a beautician who’s had most of her products confiscated for creating toxic fumes that will build up fast enough to be lethal on Mars. But Fleur’s personality is the kind to always regroup for another attempt. While she might not have the same resources, she’s resilient and will always find some way to achieve her goal. She can move a mountain with just a few innocent questions or suggestions, during haircuts that will get everyone around her hopping to, to get something done the right way.
From
Australia
Colonist 16
Private Investigator
Performer’s Name Here
Dylan “Sherlock” Tragg
The Private Investigator who is somewhere between Magnum P.I. and Jim Rockford. He’s not a goofball, who never grew up, despite fighting in a war, but he’s not always taking him seriously either. Responsible and fatherly, he takes Albert under his wing to guide him into a role as a productive member of society, rather than a video-game addict, who likes blowing things up, just because he can. Tragg is a smart and diligent with his investigations and abides by the laws, unlike most P.I.s on television. Even when there are no official laws, like will be the case on Mars.
From
America
Colonist 17
Senator
Performer’s Name Here
Stacy “The Senator” Duncan
The ex-New Hampshire Senator, born in Germany, now on the path towards Mars President. She was slated for the Camelot due to her European heritage, but wanted the post on head point and was granted it, so that her husband, Doug could be indoctrinated in the dangers of chemistry in a sealed environment, by Brad. However the investors didn’t know that. She’s the classic modern American mother. Self-absorbed and a career-mom who doesn’t have time for her family, but wants “The American dream” of a flourishing family with smart kids and a loving husband. Well she has it all, but doesn’t realize, until Chelsea helps her reconnect to the important part of her life – the people she loves.
From
Germany-America
Colonist 18
Colony Mother
Performer’s Name Here
Chelsea Heartford
The unwed mother who’s one of the few obviously sensible individuals in the whole fleet. She’s an atheist, but is willing to talk religion to those who practice it. Since she’s confident in her atheism, she’s not intimidated by views that conflict with her own. She has that attitude about everything. If she’s confident there’s no need to become abrasive, because she’s right, she knows it and no amount of talking, yelling, threatening, intimidating will get her to believe otherwise. This is even true if she has to make tactical decisions to appear compliant or even actually comply in some rare cases, so as to placate a terrified person, who’s pretending they have the answers. She’s going to Mars to make a better future for her unborn son. A future where Freedom still exists as it was supposed to in her home country of America. Her maternal instincts are spot on and she won’t ignore them. She is one of the Founding Mothers of Mars Colony, a woman who has a dream of a better future for her children, that she’ll go to any lengths to make real.
From
America
Colonist 19
Colonist
Katie Layman
Yolanda Purlman
Another American mother, who was connected to her kids, until her husband’s death. Now this trip to Mars, with everything on Earth crashing down around them, enables her the chance to reconnect with her family, while getting a fresh start on Mars. As a Pilates instructor, she’s very skilled at teaching and understanding the problems of those around her.
From
America
Colonist 20
Colonist
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Bolivia
Colonist 21
Colonist
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Argentina
Colonist 22
Police
Performer’s Name Here
Ostovar Naja Yekomn Rasoul “Mad-eye” Mahmoudi
He’s the Iranian Atheist, who dresses like a radical Ismalic, just because that’s a more intimidating fashion statement. While he dresses and keeps a straight face so as to intimidate, when you get beyond his persona, you learn that inside, he’s a man who’s actually quite compassionate and generous. The kind who will go out of his way to help another, while making it seem like he was doing it for his own convenience. A straight man to the Nth degree, his rapport with Darice provides a splendidly dynamic duo. His last name of Mahmoudi and straight-arrow emotionless hardened disposition both sufficiently similar to the famous Harry Potter auror to earn him the nick-name ‘Mad-Eye’.
From
Iran
The School Children
These are the children of colonists, several of whom are indeed the reason their parents got to go to Mars. They have the innocent vision necessary to see life the way it is and are the motivation needed to keep the adults dedicated to the colony’s survival.
Colonist 23
Apprentice Detective
Performer’s Name Here
Albert “Watson” Preston
The impetuous Jr. Detective, who started out a video-game addict, ready to blow up anything and everything, treating life as a giant computer game. That is, until he started to really connect for the first time with an adult. Not his father, who was never home, but Dylan Tragg, the Private Investigator, who challenged Albert, to become an investigator (and better person), so that Albert’s weakness, being unable to pass up a dare, started getting him doing something he could feel better about than just blowing up the latest enemy on CGI interfaces.
From
Australia
Colonist 24
Jr. Politician
Performer’s Name Here
Sabrina Duncan
The daughter of Stacy Duncan, Sabrina is a brilliant girl, who would’ve been very smug and insufferable if left on Earth, because deep down, she’s not the perfect little princess on the path to President so as to please her mother. No. She’s deep down a tom-boy, who knew that the first female American President or even a Senator, needed to have a well behaved daughter to get elected. At least on Earth. On Mars, she begins to get a chance to explore her adventurous side and hone her language skills that enabled her to speak more languages than her mother before they even left for Mars. And when it comes to leadership, Sabrina does that, naturally.
From
America
Colonist 25
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Max Duncan
He’s smart. And a wild card. Unlike his sister, he resented having to be “the perfect gentleman” and never tried to be that. Instead, Max is the one who acts out, gets his mother to do his homework for him and in short in a sly devil. The kind who takes the lead, when mischief is in order. He’s got the brains to be anything he wants, but the preconceptions that he’ll never be as good as his sister.
From
America
Colonist 26
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Samantha “Sam” Purlman
The daughter of Yolanda and the one who acts out in school, because she’s mourning her father. She’s the upstart, who gives Sabrina a run for her money, when it comes to leading the class. The two girls are on a collision course that could either end up dividing the school or uniting the two girls as ring leaders, if they decide to work together. Especially if Sabrina manages to help Sam through her grief.
From
America
Colonist 27
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Brent Purlman
The son of Yolanda and the kind of boy who’s anxious to be doing Anything. Everything. His adventurous spirit gets him into all kinds of trouble that usually involves his older sister bailing him out. He’s grieving in his way, by getting into trouble and it will take a while for that drive to fade as he mourns his father.
From
America
Colonist 28
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Ruby Zuckerman
The eldest Zuckerman girl and Khanyisile’s assistant cook. She made and sold pies to supplement their father’s income after their mother died, without time to properly grieve. As a result, it’s not until this Mars journey that this family has really had a chance to confront their feelings, something Ruby has done most easily with Khanyisile’s guidance and support. She’s the stand-in mother for her siblings, something they both appreciate and resent, placing Ruby in a hard position.
From
America
Colonist 29
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Emerald Zuckerman
The girl who’s caught in the middle. While her sister’s the mother hen now that their mother’s died, Emerald is the wily one, who’s the brains of the family. She’s the one who keeps track of Zane, helps Ruby and pays attention to everything and everyone around her, noticing and noting, but keeping her observations to herself until she knows what to do with them. And when she does, she acts usually successfully.
From
America
Colonist 30
Student
Dane West
Zane “Zany” Zuckerman
The youngest Zuckerman and the only boy. He’s ADHD and it’s a good thing, too. He’s always one step ahead of everyone, why Emerald keeping track of him is so important. He’s the one who takes the biggest risks in the family, partly just for the excitement and partly because it’s necessary to either help hone his skills or because it’s just necessary. His ADHD symptoms began when his mother died, because his behavior is actually caused by PTSD which sometimes is misinterpreted as ADHD.
From
America
Colonist 31
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Country
Colonist 32
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Country
Colonist 33
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Country
Colonist 34
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Adofo Mmorosa
Khanyisile’s eldest child, a boy. He’s impetuous and still wears the African tribal attire, disliking the foreign clothes that have been introduced on the ship. He’s quick witted and smarter than his clothes make him appear. He’s fast on his feet and a good shot with a curare dart. Like his mother, tied to nature and very knowledgeable about growing things and living things.
From
Ghana
Colonist 35
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Enyonyam “Li’l Sprout” Mmorosa
Khanyisile’s youngest daughter, named after Khanyisile’s sister, who is also going to Mars. Enyonyam is young enough that she’s just enjoying life. Like her mother and brother she still wears the tribal attire.
From
Ghana
Colonist 36
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Charity Tanner
God’s chosen prophet, that he sent to Mars so that Mars could be guided by a girl who’s religious beliefs are as uncertain as the future of the colony. Her father’s favorite emotional whipping post, Charity is the Tanner who takes responsibility for all of her family’s actions and fates. She is the natural choice to lead as she is convinced she’s a nobody, but cannot allow others suffer, meaning she is the perfect choice to bestow a gift of such power to, as she will want to reject it, just as all prophets always have. She’s Brad’s assistant nurse in the infirmary and is learning about Native American culture, soon to include how Charity herself is a Medicine Woman as having precognitive dreams is a sign that one is a Medicine Man/Woman.
From
America
Colonist 37
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Jeremiah Tanner
The youngest Tanner, he’s the boy who could either become a decent human being or continue worshiping his father’s abusive nature as what to aspire to and become just as doomed. He trusts his sister’s dreams and even likes having her keep him informed as to what will happen, even though his father wants Charity to deny or even stop having the dreams. Jeremiah is a rule breaker who does what he wants, even if its against the rules and brags far too frequently. He’s a loose cannon who could become an asset or a liability.
From
America
Colonist 38
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Venezueala
Colonist 39
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Venezuela
Colonist 40
Student
Performer’s Name Here
Yet to be created
Pending local writer/cultural consultant.
From
Venezuela