Get to know more about Kellan "Kel" Janik

Having too much fun creating a backstory to my character for the "Choose Your Character" CIG Contest, I wanted to post more about him in an additional post. This specific post is NOT an entry to the contest but rather a deeper presentation of Kellan "Kel" Janik.

Origins and Upbringing

Kellan "Kel" Janik was born on Terra in the year 2919. Growing up in a bustling trade hub, he was exposed to a myriad of cultures and people from an early age. His parents were both in the transport business, managing a small fleet of cargo ships that ferried goods between star systems. Kel spent much of his childhood aboard these ships, learning the ropes and developing a love for space travel.

Formative Years in the Navy

At the age of 18, in 2937, Kel enrolled in the United Empire of Earth (UEE) Navy, seeking to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a decorated hero who bravely saved dozens of humans from multiple Vanduul attacks. During his tenure, Kel quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure. He specialized in tactical operations and space navigation, earning a reputation for his strategic mind and steady hand in critical situations.

Involvement in the Vanduul Conflict

In 2945, the Vanduul War escalated following the devastating attack on Vega II. Kel was part of the rapid response fleet deployed to fortify defenses and assist in evacuation efforts. His actions during the Battle of Vega were instrumental in saving countless civilian lives and delaying the Vanduul advance, earning him a commendation for bravery and tactical brilliance.

Pivotal Moment of Heroism

In 2951, at the age of 32, Kel was assigned as the captain of the UEE frigate Resolute. During a routine patrol in the Stanton system, Resolute received a distress signal from a civilian transport under attack by pirates. Kel led a daring rescue operation, successfully neutralizing the threat and saving over a hundred civilians. This act of bravery earned him the Navy Cross and solidified his standing as a capable and courageous leader.

Characteristics and Personality

Kel is known for his stoic demeanor and unwavering sense of duty. His crew respects him not only for his tactical acumen but also for his willingness to put himself in harm's way for their sake. Off-duty, Kel is a man of few words but enjoys playing the harmonica, a skill he picked up from his father. He has a dry sense of humor and often uses it to diffuse tense situations.

New Ventures and Command

Now 35, in the year 2954, Kel has transitioned from the military to civilian life, taking up the role of captain on a state-of-the-art exploration vessel, the Starbound Voyager. Under his command, the crew embarks on a mission to chart uncharted systems and uncover the secrets of the galaxy. Kel's leadership and experience are invaluable assets as they face the unknown dangers of deep space.

Driving Force and Aspirations

Driven by a sense of adventure and a deep-seated desire to protect and explore, Kel is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and ensuring the safety of his crew. His past experiences, including key battles in the Vanduul War, have shaped him into a resilient and resourceful leader, ready to face whatever challenges the cosmos throws his way.