Nicomedas "Nico" Anax stands 6'2 and weighs a chiseled 210 pounds. He has the bronzed skin Spartans are known for, with his mother's deep blue eyes and wavy black locks he lets grow out despite regulations. His facial hair tends to grow in quickly, but he does his best to keep it shaved, or at least clean looking.


Nico is a second generation pilot from from New Sparta, one of the first colonies to be decimated by the Dynasty horde. While he is one of the remnant fleets top fighter pilots, he struggles to crawl from the shadow of his lineage. The Anax family is rich with tradition. His father Alex was one of the colonial forces greatest pilots until he was lost, and his mother Gorgi is a surgeon on the fleet’s medical frigate. His cousin Yuri is an up and coming fleet pilot and son of Councillor Dorian of the Ruling Council  Lastly, and possibly the biggest shadow to overcome is his uncle, Admiral Leonidas, commander of the First Fleet

Proud of his Spartan heritage, Nico is a bit arrogant at times, but has the stature and skills to back it up, and has excelled at every level since he worked his way up the ranks from his Academy days. Where he is at his best is in the cockpit of his fighter. Early in his cadet days he was tagged with the moniker "Ghostrider" because his instructor swore Nico had to have his father's ghost flying with him because it came so natural to him. It did not take long for other comparisons to begin to another second generation pilot. It did not take long before Nico first crossed paths with Maverick after a particularly intense head to head exercise. While neither have ever divulged what took place, the next day he showed up with a serious black eye and she sported bruised ribs. It did little to end their rivalry. If nothing else, the intensity she had in their skirmishes only served to fuel his desire to beat Maverick. Every flight was close, and the results mixed with the difference being his tactics versus her sheer tenacity.

During the invasion, Nico's Iron squadron logged more flight time than most against the Dynasty's invaders, second only to Silver squadron, but his pilots fared a better, loosing only four members before they were forced to stand down after a refuelling landing though three more fighters were unfit to return to duty when they tried to return to the battle. Once they had pilots and fighters reassigned to them, Iron squadron took every mission thrown their way.

It was not long after things began to settle along the front that Nico heard that Commander Cain was putting together a special operations squadron and that he was at the top of the candidate's list. His only problem would be convincing his uncle to allow him to transfer

*******



“Nephew, I understand your pain and frustration, but I cannot in good conscience condone your request.” The older man said, placing a hand on the younger man’s shoulder.

“Uncle, with all due respect, you do not understand. No one understands what it means to us to be one of the remaining survivors of New Sparta. Most of our people were wiped out before I was even born, so they don’t understand our pride in our heritage.

“Since I was old enough to fly I have served by your side and strived to become one  of the Remnant’s Fleet star fighter pilots despite always being an outcast at best, just as my father did right up until he was killed. Yes, you and your family to me in and have always treated me well, but you are among the few and I have had to work harder  for everything I have earned because of both you and father because they don’t believe I have earned my place. Please do not take this chance to follow in Father’s footsteps from me. Uncle Leo, if it were your own son, you would not hold him back.”

“You make a strong case, Nico.” Admiral Leonidas Anax replied with a slight smile. “Very well, I will grant you your wishes to allow you to transfer to the new special operations squadron being formed, but you are aware who else has been reassigned there?”

Nico nodded, “Yes sir, but I am certain there will be no further issues. We will need the second best pilot you have as well.”

“Good, see to it my boy. For the time being though, your father’s ship will remain in my carriers’ hold.” He held up a finger to silence any protest. “When you earn the right to take your father’s place as a Wing Commander, then we shall discuss it.”

Nico mocked surprise. “Sir, I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing of your own nephew. I simply want to continue to be the best pilot you have, not sit back and send others to do what I should be.”

Leo smiled widely, but pointed a finger menacingly at the young man, “And there is that flippant Spartan tongue that caused your father grief at times. I am certain your cousin Yuri will be happy to watch your back.”

“I believe it is the other way around, Commander.” Nico replied.

“Perhaps.” Dorian smiled. “I have meetings to attend, and to figure out the best way you can tell your mother you are transferring from the home fleet.”

Nico groaned before nodding, “Thank you sir, but she knew this day would come,” then gave a proper salute before departing