Henrik Drum
| Henrik Drum | |
 | |
| Rogue ex military. | |
| Profile | |
| Origin |  Rheinland |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Das Wilde |
| Status | Active |
| Born | January 11th, 780 A.S., Planet Toledo. |
| Died | Still alive. |
History
Childhood
Drum's childhood was nowhere near games, toys, friends and family. His earliest memories were nothing more than the small cell he was raised in. Too young to understand where or why he was imprisoned, his days slowly passed away inside the cell. Receiving the proper care every day by the security guards. At the age of six he started to receive the basic education about the Sirius sector. With each year new and new subjects were included to his program. The complete isolation only motivated his will to learn about the universe surrounding him. History of the colonies, Mathematics, Astrology, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Psychology.... all those new aspects quickly entered his life with each passing year. Over time he studied long enough to understand that there is a reason for him being held captive. When he turned over twelve he was released and finally got the answer he long asked for. He was a part of a training program, preparing the new generation of soldiers. Ones with disciplined minds and unquestioned loyalty. However he was not alone, after his release he took his place along other children like him. All of them had the necessary knowledge to continue forward. The next step was the military training. For the first time he experienced true fear from his superiors. There was no room for mistakes or hesitation during the preparations. Obedience was rewarded, however like much children, there would be some who'd rebel against these harsh methods. Henrik never understood why some of his companions would question their superiors, but for those who stepped over the line, the so called severe punishment applied. No further details were given regarding it, only that it was used as a final measure. Many of Henrik's companions simply vanished because of their air headed behavior. For those who succeeded came the next step in their preparation. It was for the first time in his life he saw real sunlight and the sky above him. The military training advanced on a higher level. Henrik was taught in the arts of war: Strategy, infiltration, assassination, ranged combat, hand to hand combat, space combat. Performing with the highest results he quickly learned the advantages of patience. The thing that frightened him the most was the mental endurance test. It continued for hours exposing one to many external irritating factors which appeared to be harmless, but later proved to be extremely dangerous and difficult. One thing troubled the young boy, he felt an emptiness deep inside of him. A feeling he could no describe or understand. No matter how much attention he received, something was missing.......
Adolescence
Passing the training with maximum results, Henrik's ignorance was enlightened. He was an agent of the Order. An organization bent on protecting mankind from a mysterious alien race no matter the cost. Fully aware of his responsibility Henrik devoted his life to that goal. Above all... missions were his passion. Each mission was another opportunity to learn more, sitting in a cell reading safe and sound was one thing, but the real life was another thing altogether. The experience he gather from every mission helped him survive the next. Although it was not just a shiny career filled with success. Many of his comrades died in the fierce battles against the nomads. He learned the hard way that attachments were irrelevant in such times, so Henrik decided to concentrate on the bigger picture: Fulfilling his goal. He had no high assessment for himself, in his opinion he was just a tool and like one he would follow his purpose. Due to his Rheinland genes he was transfered on an infiltration mission. Henrik accepted his new assignment with great enthusiasm. Long had he dreamed to see his so called unofficial home with his own eyes. The objective was simple: To keep the Order in touch with any kind of alien activity. It was no secret that Rheinland suffered the most from the fierce Nomads. Renegade military ships still wandered the sector, displaying extreme aggression to any colony vessel. Henrik had no second thoughts in dealing with these unfortunate victims of war. Personally he had never seen an infested human, only what there was in the Order database. Little did he realize what they were capable of. When he arrived on New Berlin Henrik was so impressed that he decided to memorize it, thus starting a journal.
H.D.D. (Henrik Drum's Diary)
The life of the exile
The life spend in the Rheinland military changed Henrik in almost every aspect. Despite his training and personal believes he developed relationships and strong bonds. He discovered many new things for the real life. Emotions he could not control as well trusting the instinct rather than the plain logic. After his experience with the wicked infested military he was a broken shadow of his former self. Suffering from the after effects of their mind control he was on the edge of a mental breakdown. Consumed by endless grief and regret he had no choice but to desert the military and hide in the border worlds. Returning to Toledo was no option, Henrik knew the standard procedures for nomad influenced pilots. Certain death awaited him, the only option was to disappear. The psychical damage haunted Henrik everywhere he went. He could hardly sleep at night and even if he did the nightmares were tearing him apart. The daily doses of liquid cardamine only worsened his condition. Enhancing his physical abilities at the price of rational thought. Henrik became more aggressive with each day losing a part of his personality.
The thing that drove him mad was the separation with Tanja Voelkel and Felicia Drum. He took it very deeply, containing the grief and pain inside him, soon it slowly turned into poison running through his veins. Corrupting the little what was left of Henrik's mind. In addition the link to the nomad infested humans remained, much like a small sinister whisper deep inside his head. He developed a sixth sense and could tell whether nomads were in the area.
He became traitor in the eyes of Rheinland, a reward was put on his head which also made him a popular target for bounty hunters. As a plain rogue Henrik was nothing more than another regular scum for the mercenaries. One thing he learned from his Nomad experience is that everything is fear-based. Fear distorts, clouds and confuses it's victims and through fear he decided to become more than just a simple prey. By using his chemistry knowledge and small sample of the liquid cardamine, Henrik synthesized an aerosol. A toxin which manipulated the human subconsciousness and weakened the target allowing it to become easily manipulated. Those who met him in person experienced the full potency of the toxin. Dying slowly while being consumed by their own personal fears.
Throughout his journeys Henrik met a freelancer named Victoria Lesley. He felt something similar between them and soon realized she tried liquid cardamine as well. It was for the first time he met some one almost like him, some one who understood his feelings and accepted him for what he is. His wandering ended, following Victoria over all the Sirius and assisting her Henrik felt a great relief on his soul. Shortly he met with Victoria's beloved David Calhoun. Their common interests brought them together and they began to do unlawful bounties for the Liberty Rogues. Dispatching liberatorian targets even capital ships such as gunboats and cruisers. Over time they became well known in Liberty for their hit and run tactics. While Victoria and David preferred team work, Henrik still remained a solo fighter. He was used to isolation and loneliness, which made conversations with him difficult. All of the attempts to have a successful conversation ended without results. However that didn't discourage his new partners they learned to handle his personality by simply giving him free space. The thing that mostly affect Henrik was the encounter with a navy pilot called Maria Stevens. She displayed unusual interest in him, at the same time he was impressed by her calm reactions. He indeed was a criminal but she considered him something more. At first their encounters ended fast. Nothing more than a few words between them. As time passed they met more frequently, Henrik still remained suspicious of her, but for unknown reasons she wanted to talk with him more and more. Until one day Maria decided to desert from the Liberty Navy and to accompany Henrik in his travels. This unusual decision did leave an impression, her unique personality reminded him of Tanja Voelkel. The group became stronger but slowly began to fall apart. Tensions between Henrik and David rose high, sometimes they resulted in conflicts resolved by force. Apart from David and his cowboy attitude, Henrik quickly ran out of liquid cardamine supplies which had severe effects on his body. He went through incredible agonies and the only thing that kept him alive was Maria. She never left him alone and stood always by his side doing everything to ease his pain. Although Henrik disapproved of her obvious affection he very well knew that he owed her a lot. The long sleepless nights she spend taking care of him were hard to ignore no matter how much he tried to hide his emotions. Soon it ended with the new supply of liquid cardamine, personally extracted by Henrik who ventured deep in the Omega worlds to hunt for nomads. With David's disappearance the group scattered, Victoria left probably to search for her beloved. Henrik, tired from all the endless running, decided to find a place, one that he could call a home. He longed for a quiet and peaceful life, away from the colonies and all of their issues. Landing on the Outcast home-world he found true peace and harmony in the beautiful golden fields and the bronze sky. Maria followed him every step of the way, using what was left from their personal funds they purchased an old house in the outskirts of the Outcast city deep inside in the cardamine fields. A modest and simple shelter, one that relaxed the mind... one that was worth calling a home.
Living in the genuine Dream
Waking up yet from another nightmare, the past seemed to haunt him everywhere he went. No matter how hard he tried to forget, it only worsened, distant memories flickered to life in his dreams. Reminding him of his long lost beloved. Although he did not admit it, he still suffered greatly from the loss. Looking at Maria, sleeping next to him with one of her arms wrapped around his chest, he saw only the reflection of his own guilt. Henrik had strong feelings for the both of them. A part of him wanted to stay and forget everything else, but another part wanted to return in Rheinland and reunite with Tanja.
‘’Never look back… No regrets’’ Easier said than done. When he closed his eyes, his wish came true. She was waiting for him on planet Stuttgart. The sun was setting down, giving the sky a dark red color… twilight hour. The warm breeze felt good, unique in it’s own special way. He looked around gazing upon the city and the beautiful nature of the planet. There she was… leaned on her Wraith enjoying the sunset. In his eyes she was perfection itself, every time he tried to approach her, but with every step she became more distant. No matter that he didn’t care, he would always follow her even if she was just an illusion.
‘’Did you forget about us?’’ A whisper… it echoed in his mind, poisoning him with each passing day.
Although he felt a minor relief from those dreams, they only encouraged his desire to see Tanja with his own eyes. Even if it would be only for a day, he would be released from this personal ghosts and demons. Finally finding the inner peace he so long sought.
Second thoughts went through his mind, would she accept him for what he has become? Would she still share the same passionate love he holds for her? Or would his greatest dream slowly twist into another nightmare. More importantly… what will happen to Maria and how will she take it. Henrik was standing on a dangerous crossroad. Both choices seemed to be like double bladed daggers. Live for the present and regret for the past… or live for the past and regret for the present.
Nonetheless, he made his decision, he allowed his desire to distort his rational thought and in the middle of the night Henrik quietly departed from Mactan, leaving Maria behind. His journey back for Rheinland took him dangerously close to the uncharted sectors of the Omega systems. As he was finally passing the Omega 11 system a faint laughter was heard.
It somehow felt familiar, at first Henrik did not pay attention to it, considering it to be just a random transmission from the nearby Dauman mining station or a mere disturbance caused by the radiation from the Red Giant. The sudden surprise came when he checked his communication logs. No transmissions were registered in the history files. He heard the same laughter again at tad louder this time. It was followed by a line which made his blood freeze.
***Did you forget about us?***
He stopped the ship, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head, this wasn’t the best place for daydreaming. Taking a deep breath he leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes , gathering his thoughts. Then something far more sinister happened.
He felt some one’s hand touching his cheek, slowly sliding down much like a mother would do to comfort her child. The touch felt soft and gentle… remarkably familiar. Henrik quickly turned around to find nothing but empty space behind him. Perhaps his time finally came? Was he indeed loosing his mind…
Resting his head on the ship’s controls he tried to calm himself down. He felt the same touch again, as if something slowly lifted his head leaning it on the back of the seat. This time the distant echo became a clear voice he recognized.
***Missed you so much***
Henrik heard Tanja’s whisper and felt her soft touch on his skin. He wanted to look, but was afraid to see the cruel reality. Keeping his eyes closed he just went with the flow… allowing his own desire to draw him into the deadly trap.
***Stay with me*** Her voice was bliss for his mind, he didn’t resist it, he only wanted to listen more.
Henrik extended his arms forward as if he was wrapping them around a person, he still did not open his eyes… it felt so real. Unaware of the passing time, he did not realize how an hour slipped away. When he finally opened his eyes he thought that the heavens granted his wish. What he saw in that moment astounded him.
There she was, sitting in his lap with both hands placed on his cheeks. A divine glow was surrounding her appearance, glaring at him with a warm smile on her face. Henrik completely ignored the fact that this was a simple plot of his sub consciousness. Tears of joy began to slide down his face.
*** No more loneliness… no more pain… we will be together… forever ***
Perhaps this was his one and only weakness, a weakness he could not resist, one that always costed him… a lot. As suddenly as it appeared, the illusion vanished in thin air. Henrik shivered at the sight of its disappearance, he desperately tried to hold her close to him. Then he saw a military Wraith passing by on cruise speed. Swiftly moving away… Henrik heard Tanja’s laughter again, possibly coming from that fighter. Quickly powering up the cruise engines he followed the Wraith, the chase lasted no more than 20 minutes when his scanners detected a jump hole. To his surprise the Wraith went through the hole. It did not answer to any of Henrik’s hails. He followed it, the thought of losing her again was unbearable.
On the other side the vessel was waiting for him. He closed on it, trying to get view on the cockpit. More specifically on the pilot. The sinister trap was sprung. Henrik felt his body going numb, he could not move or speak. His eyesight slowly became a blur, getting darker and darker until he passed out.
The dream was different this time. He was ‘’waking up’’ in a cold and dark area. Complete darkness around him. Henrik couldn’t tell whether he was actually standing up or walking at all. There was no sense of orientation just darkness everywhere. A good question glimpsed in his mind: ‘’Am I dead?’’
A figure appeared in his peripheral vision, it was Tanja slowly walking to him. The same mysterious glow surrounded her, shedding little light in the dark area. She opened her arms and embraced him, with that he felt more alive than he ever was. Henrik tried to speak, but no words could express the joy he was experiencing. Then he heard Tanja’s voice again, but her figure was not moving her lips. Her voice appeared to be coming out of every direction.
***Together my dear… always…stay with me…***
Even if he wanted to he couldn’t resist. Little did he know of the wicked mind-game he was trapped in. Unwilling to see the truth he remained there imprisoned with his own desire. Time did not apply, Henrik could not tell how long we stayed there. A question followed the long silence.
***Will you stay?***
He agreed without hesitation or second thoughts. Nothing else mattered now. By accepting this fate he lost little what he had left of his sanity. Soon he would find himself at the beginning of a new journey.
Personality traits and personal relations
Henrik Drum is often short tempered, he avoids long conversations and rarely says anything unless it's an important issue. His past made him cold and difficult to handle. However despite his harsh character he is loyal to his companions always looking out for those he cares. Often he does not display emotional bonds as that would only distract him.
Victoria Lesley
Being the only person he knows to have survived the first dose of the liquid cardamine Henrik feels Victoria a lot closer to him. Her story is similar to his, she is also a rogue and left behind her Hacker life. She also helped him to crack the shell formed around him keeping the world at a distance. Victoria offers the luxury of having a real friend that cares about him. A luxury that Henrik badly lacks.
Alec Voelkel
Alec Voelkel joined the military shortly after Henrik's arrival in Rheinland. They both were the shiny rookies in Malte's elite wing. Soon they became best of friends always on the move supporting each-other no matter the situation. With Alec's sister, Tanja Voelkel, entering Henrik's life their relationship got complicated due to Alec's overprotective manners. Even after the incident with the nomads Henrik won't forget the bond between him and Alec. Often he remembers the good old times when they used to go together on Stuttgart for the late night drink.
Tanja Voelkel
Henrik's first true love, although such relations between the military officers were strictly forbidden it didn't stop them from sharing their feelings. Tanja's innocence was like an uncut diamond in Henrik's eyes. Although he wasn't able to see her again after his departure from Rheinland, his feelings still remain unchanged. The passionate love that bonds him to her will most likely never extinguish. There is no information about her current status, but Henrik reacts violently just by the sound of her name.
Evangeline A. McDowell
Evangeline McDowell is the person whom Henrik probably detests the most. With her overbearing and childish personality plus as he called it fairy-tale life. A reason for his negative relations with her is most likely because of the friends and love she is surrounded by. But most of all he despises her for turning Felicia against him, which almost costed his life.
Felicia Drum
Felicia is generally, if not crude, very overbearing toward people around her. She always speaks her mind and is rarely afraid to argue with other members of the High Command. However theres no report of disobedience during her career. She is hardly spending her free time like other women: Always prefers to perfect her leading and fighting abilities. Often she would stay in the gym and exercise or spar for hours in the training decks. The one thing she truly hates is looking at other soft, neglectful, irresponsible, weak and pampered people. The sight of long good-cared hair, tones of make-up and lipstick only makes her sick, as she regards them as a waste of time. That does not mean she ignores her physical appearance, for her its most important to be in top shape. She strongly believes that a female pilot can be as strong as a male pilot. Her personal dream is to best every one that stands in her way, sometimes she can be quite fierce when loosing a battle. Independency is a way of life in her opinion.
Despite her rough and somewhat mocking character she has a strong caring side for the people she holds dear. Often following her feelings blindly and allowing them to affect her actions. Due to that she keeps her distance from bonds as they would be major setback and weakness. Often isolates her true feelings deep inside of her. She suffers from insomnia which explains the shadows around her eyes. The illness does not affect her that badly, some times she would sleep for 1 day straight and then be active for 2 weeks. There is no medical reason for her illness as experts comment it to be caused by early child-hood trauma, although she rejects that theory.
Her birth place is unknown, she was the daughter of an artifact smuggler named Klaus Gramann . Back then she was no more than 6 years old when their transport was caught by order agents. They boarded the vessel and requested all artifacts, however Herr Gramann did not want to give up on his valuable cargo without a fight. He was not much of a fighter and was quickly knocked down on the ground. Due to his asthma he reached for his pocket for his inhalator, the order agents misunderstood that action and thought he was going for a gun. They shot him before young Felicia's eyes, realizing the terrible mistake one of the agents pitied the innocent child and offered it his help. He took her with him away from the ship. The small girl was too young to understand what just happened, but felt comfortable with her new so called parent .
The name of the Order agent was Henrik Drum. He was crushed after that unfortunate accident and wanted to do everything in his power to take good care of the child. Looking after a young girl in the Omicrons was out of the question so he requested a transfer to a more peaceful place. They both moved in Rheinland, the undercover job was easy enough for Henrik to handle alone and to have plenty of time for Felicia. She often asked about her real father, but Henrik never told her the truth. Instead he made up false stories, breaking the child's mind would have been a terrible mistake, especially at her young age. After a couple of years she grew up and stopped asking questions about her father. Her child-hood was far from lonely or miserable. Henrik spend a lot of time with her, for him it didn't matter what she wanted as long as she felt loved. Eventually Felicia regarded herself to be part of Henrik's family and accepted his last name. Henrik watched over her as she grew up fast, he taught her everything he knew about the dangers in the real life. Of course he didn't skip to educate her. Felicia's talent never ceased to amaze him, she learned everything in a very short amount of time. Bottom line: She grew up into a fine intelligent fighter pilot with the desire to become even more.
Felicia and Henrik developed an incredibly strong bond. She often referred to him as her big brother. Over the time that bond got stronger and stronger, thus they were rarely separated. He wanted to protect her from all the violence and danger, but her wild and adventurous character pushed her only towards extreme situations. She signed up for the military as well. Looking up to her brother she wanted to be just like him. He was the only inspiration her life and the only person she allowed to emotionally affect her. Her talent didn't go unnoticed and Felicia quickly earned high ranking positions in the military.
Maria Stevens
Always following him closely Maria Stevens and Henrik developed a bond much like the one with Tanja. She never stopped concerning about him, always saying he is her only friend and that she doesn't want any one else. Henrik did his best to make her reconsider her emotions, but with no results. Upon the landing on planet Malta a confession was made which transformed their relationship until they became something more than friends. Henrik admitted he had strong feelings about her, feelings which he prayed never to experience again. However love never asked for his opinion.
