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Mariko Tanaka was born in Sapparo; Japan, and became a fighter pilot in the struggle against the Kilrathi, a race that seeks to conquer Earth in a war that shows similarities to the conflict between the Allies and the Nazis. She comes from a long line of warriors, her father having died in battle, and joined the war effort out of tradition, but would quickly learn that the war against the Kilrathi is one that has to be fought and won if the human race are to survive. Earning the callsign of Spirit, Mariko distinguished herself by her superior flying skills, eliminating the enemy fighters often before they even knew she was there. Spirit remains a soft spoken, philosophical, and friendly pilot, lending a sympathetic ear or some words of advice and encouragement. She would later fall in love and become engaged to Philip, who was in the medical corps. Unfortunately he became a prisoner of war, and Spirit grew angry and vengeful of the Kilrathi at first, before fantasizing of being a commando and saving Philip. Over a decade later, Spirit had become a Lieutenant Colonel, and still loved Philip very much. A traitor however tries to blackmail Spirit using Philip's life. Spirit however is intent on dealing with the situation her own way.
Pros - Spirit is a skilled fighter pilot who just wants to end the war and has reached a high rank in the Space Force. Her professionalism is unquestioned, never becoming outspoken or full of herself, or antagonistic like some of the people she works with. However she is not so uptight that she shies away from drinking or gambling, or shore leave, even if she keeps these separate from fighting. Spirit is always ready with a kind word, praising when the war effort is good and consoling when it is bad. She is optimistic even in times of despair, believing that Philip is still alive and speaks of him at times, or that she can still fight and win against insurmountable odds. Spirit also has a humorous side, ragging on one pilot who is a pessimist and saying she'll do what she can to keep the main character out of trouble.
Cons - Spirit's philosophy and outlook is not for everyone. She often speaks of the war effort and death, about throwing everything against the Kilrathi and having the right mind set to win. She even mentions committing suicide when discussing pilots who are forced to turn traitor, and comes across as having something of a martyr's complex, or being anxious to die.
Overall - Mariko is a character who draws people in, someone who is moving and makes the war against the Kilrathi all the more personal. Seeing the game through her eyes is an emotional rollercoaster that displays an aspect of war that most shy away from. Her kind, compassionate and gentle nature is a nice contrast to the fact she is a warrior and a killer, a fact she acknowledges.
Pros - Spirit is a skilled fighter pilot who just wants to end the war and has reached a high rank in the Space Force. Her professionalism is unquestioned, never becoming outspoken or full of herself, or antagonistic like some of the people she works with. However she is not so uptight that she shies away from drinking or gambling, or shore leave, even if she keeps these separate from fighting. Spirit is always ready with a kind word, praising when the war effort is good and consoling when it is bad. She is optimistic even in times of despair, believing that Philip is still alive and speaks of him at times, or that she can still fight and win against insurmountable odds. Spirit also has a humorous side, ragging on one pilot who is a pessimist and saying she'll do what she can to keep the main character out of trouble.Cons - Spirit's philosophy and outlook is not for everyone. She often speaks of the war effort and death, about throwing everything against the Kilrathi and having the right mind set to win. She even mentions committing suicide when discussing pilots who are forced to turn traitor, and comes across as having something of a martyr's complex, or being anxious to die.
Overall - Mariko is a character who draws people in, someone who is moving and makes the war against the Kilrathi all the more personal. Seeing the game through her eyes is an emotional rollercoaster that displays an aspect of war that most shy away from. Her kind, compassionate and gentle nature is a nice contrast to the fact she is a warrior and a killer, a fact she acknowledges.
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