John Ferris

• Age at Launch: Early 40s
• Build: Broad-shouldered, lean-muscled; strength born from repetition and necessity
• Eyes: Steel gray—intense, observant, rarely giving away emotion
• Distinguishing Marks: Faint scar across left temple; stylized military tattoo (classified emblem) partially covered beneath uniform collar
• Preferred Gear: Tactical security exosuit (custom-fit), modular pulse weapon with manual fallback, and his old carbon steel combat knife, sharpened religiously

Head of Security aboard Aurora; later captain of Aurora/commander of Enlightenment; calm, tactical leader.

Book 1: Launch Point

• Origin: Earth, Eurasian Sector
• Military History:
• Served as part of Unified Escort Division 9, protecting convoys and colony transports during early expansions into the outer colonies
• Notably active during the Cygnus Skirmishes—a series of unexplained attacks on mining colonies, suspected to be pirate or rogue AI actions
• His final mission saw a total system failure and ambush, leading to the deaths of five crewmates under his watch. Ferris survived after disabling a reactor core to halt an enemy advance, suffering burns and neural trauma.
• Psychological Recovery:
• Underwent extensive rehabilitation at a recovery facility on Titan, where he studied ancient martial breathing techniques and cognitive rewiring exercises for PTSD and situational hyperfocus.
• Transfer to Aurora:
• Chosen personally by Captain Morrow for his unwavering commitment, low ego, and calm under pressure. Despite his quiet nature, his dossier included numerous commendations for restraint, valor, and ethical integrity.