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Tessa Drae (pronounced /tˈɛsə dɹˈe͡ɪ/) was born in 16 ABY in Cinnagar on Empress Teta. Her parents had been esteemed navigators in the Navigators' Guild, known for their ability to safely guide starships through perilous sectors using their Force sensitivity. Raised in this environment, Tessa had struggled with a weak connection to the Force, which had led her to feel inadequate compared to her accomplished parents. However, her technical brilliance with starships, particularly in mechanics and piloting, had become her defining skill. Despite her success as an independent mechanic and pilot, she had never escaped the shadow of her parents' legacy.
Tessa's life took a turn when she had met Kodais, a mysterious figure seeking a skilled navigator. She had exaggerated her experience to secure a job with him, leading them on a dangerous mission through the Deep Core. Though she had failed at navigation, her exceptional piloting skills had impressed Kodais, who had hired her as his personal pilot. Over time, Tessa had become fascinated by Kodais' use of the Dark Side, which had conflicted with her upbringing but promised strength and control she lacked. As she had grown closer to Kodais, she had begun exploring her own latent Force potential.
Tessa’s journey had become even more complex when she and Kodais had revived NeMo, an ancient figure who had been in stasis for centuries. Tessa had felt a deep empathy for NeMo, seeing his struggles as similar to her own. Kodais' unexpected death, caused by an artifact, had shattered Tessa’s world. NeMo’s manipulation during her grief had intensified, as he had used her vulnerability to gain power. When NeMo had performed Sith rites over Kodais' body, it had marked a pivotal moment in Tessa’s emotional turmoil, pushing her deeper into a dangerous and manipulative relationship with NeMo.
Biography
Early Life (16 ABY-38 ABY)
Tessa Drae was born in 16 ABY, in the city of Cinnagar on the thriving world of Empress Teta, a planet renowned for its rich history and ancient archives, deeply intertwined with the Jedi Order’s long-standing connection to the Force. Empress Teta had been a place of learning and tradition, where starships, navigational routes, and the Force intersected in a way few other places could replicate. Tessa’s parents had been prominent figures in the Navigators’ Guild, a highly prestigious organization responsible for charting and guiding starships through the most perilous and unpredictable sectors of the galaxy, including the dangerous Deep Core. Their work had been vital to ensuring the safe travel of ships through the galaxy’s most deadly areas, requiring not only a keen understanding of space travel but an almost mystical connection to the Force itself. As Force-sensitive members of the Guild, Tessa’s parents had been highly respected, their abilities allowing them to navigate the unseen dangers of space with remarkable precision.
Growing up in such an environment, Tessa’s early life had been defined by admiration for her parents' accomplishments. They had both been highly skilled navigators and pilots, respected throughout the galaxy for their ability to guide ships safely through the most dangerous regions. Their reputation had placed high expectations on Tessa, who had been raised to believe that the Force was the ultimate tool for understanding the galaxy. However, unlike her parents, Tessa’s connection to the Force had been weak, leaving her with a lingering sense of inadequacy. No matter how hard she had tried, she couldn't quite measure up to their standard, both in terms of her Force potential and their professional success. This constant comparison had created a gap she could never quite bridge, and as she grew older, Tessa began to question whether she would ever carve out her own identity in the galaxy.
Though she had lacked the Force sensitivity that her parents had hoped for, Tessa's affinity for mechanics and technical systems had become her defining trait. She had spent countless hours tinkering with starship engines, repairing broken systems, and improving ship designs. Her mechanical genius had been nothing short of extraordinary—what most people struggled with, Tessa had done with ease, finding ways to enhance the performance of ships, ensuring their optimal operation on long-haul flights. Her ability to repair and modify starships had been an instinct she developed early on, and it quickly became clear that her skills in this area had been far beyond those of most skilled technicians.
Despite not having the mystical connection her parents had, Tessa had excelled as a pilot. Her quick reflexes, technical expertise, and ability to adapt to any situation behind the controls of a ship had made her a formidable presence in the cockpit. While she had lacked the Force-enhanced reflexes many navigators had relied upon, she had possessed the speed and precision necessary to compete with even the most skilled Force-sensitive pilots. Her reputation had grown, and soon Tessa had found herself working as a freelance mechanic and pilot for various clients across the galaxy. Although she had never formally joined the Navigators' Guild, her technical genius and reputation as a skilled pilot had earned her a place among the galaxy's most respected independent pilots. Yet, even with these accomplishments, a sense of dissatisfaction had lingered. Tessa could never escape the shadow of her parents' legacy and the perception that she was always second best, something she had been determined to overcome.
Job Opportunity (39 ABY)
Tessa’s life had taken an unexpected turn when she had crossed paths with Kodais Solatus, a mysterious figure who had recently come to Cinnagar, seeking a skilled navigator. Kodais had been studying at the Great Library of Cinnagar. He had crossed paths with Tessa when he had sought her out to help him navigate the dangerous Deep Core. In that moment she saw an opportunity to finally step out from under her parents' shadow and prove herself. Desperate to secure the job, Tessa had exaggerated her credentials, claiming extensive experience and membership in the Navigators’ Guild—both of which had been fabrications.
Kodais, intrigued by her boldness and the quiet confidence she had displayed, had hired her for the mission despite sensing that she might not have been fully honest about her capabilities. Together, they had set out on a journey aboard Starstorm One, Kodais’ rugged JumpMaster 5000. However, Tessa’s inexperience navigating the Deep Core had become apparent almost immediately. The region’s treacherous gravitational anomalies, violent space storms, and hazardous terrain had tested her limits, and the mission had been aborted after a series of dangerous mistakes. Tessa’s initial failure had been devastating, but Kodais had been impressed not by her navigational skills, but by her quick thinking, adaptability, and exceptional piloting abilities. Despite the missteps in navigation, her skill at the helm of the ship had been undeniable. Tessa had the unique ability to think on her feet, and when the situation had become dire, she had been able to pilot the ship to safety.
Recognizing her potential, Kodais had offered Tessa a new role as his personal pilot, a position that she had gratefully accepted. Over time, Tessa had grown to see Kodais as a mentor, though his connection to the Dark Side of the Force had begun to have an unsettling influence on her. Kodais’ teachings had been both enlightening and troubling, and Tessa had begun to feel drawn to the strength and power of the Dark Side that he had wielded.
Private Pilot to the Dark Side (39 ABY)
Over time, Tessa had become increasingly fascinated by Kodais’ connection to the Force. She had always been taught that the Force was a source of light and goodness, but Kodais' use of the Dark Side had both intrigued and troubled her. As she had grown closer to him, she had found herself questioning the teachings she had been raised on. Kodais had been a complex figure—his motivations seemed both noble and unsettling, and his power, rooted in the Dark Side, had presented a new kind of strength that Tessa had never experienced before.
Though she had remained largely disconnected from the Force, Tessa had begun to tap into her own latent potential, feeling drawn to the power Kodais had wielded. Over time, she had realized that she was no longer content to simply be his subordinate. She had had the skills, the knowledge, and the growing awareness of the Force to carve her own destiny. The more she had spent time with Kodais, the more she had been pulled toward the Dark Side’s promise of strength and control—something she had never felt in her life. While she had never possessed the overwhelming Force abilities that her parents had, she had begun to believe that perhaps the key to her own future had lain in embracing the power of the Dark Side, just as Kodais had.
Yet, a part of her had still hesitated. Tessa had been raised with certain ideals, and the pull of the Light Side had still resonated with her. She had learned to approach life with optimism and resilience, and the idea of using her newfound powers for destructive or self-serving purposes had felt foreign to her. But the more she had interacted with Kodais and his associates, the more she had felt an undeniable connection to the darker aspects of the galaxy, a place where power had been earned and controlled.
Finding NeMo (40 ABY)
The discovery and revival of NeMo had been an event that shook her to the core. When she and Kodais had unearthed the carbonite chamber on Auratera , Tessa had felt an inexplicable sense of something more than just a relic of the past. The ancient, quiet space had seemed to pulse with potential, and when NeMo had been revived from his centuries-long stasis, it had been as though a long-dead part of the galaxy had been brought back to life.
At first, NeMo had been nothing but a shadow of a man, his mind shattered and his memories fragmented. Tessa couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sympathy for him as he had struggled to even remember his own name. His response—"Nemo"—had felt like a self-imposed blank slate, a man reborn from the void of his forgotten past. As someone who had always been a bit of an outsider herself, Tessa had immediately recognized something in him—a lost soul desperately trying to find his place in a galaxy that had long since moved on.
Tessa's empathy had naturally drawn her toward NeMo. As the others had tried to piece together who he had been and what he might have meant for Kodais' ambitious goals, Tessa had felt a kinship with him. His struggle to recall his past and the deep confusion in his eyes had mirrored some of the inner turmoil she herself had faced in her own life, particularly in her relationship with Kodais. Yet, where Tessa had found healing in building connections and mastering her skills, NeMo had seemed bent on carving a path that demanded control, even power, over his past and his future.
Kodais’ Death and NeMo’s Influence (41 ABY)
Kodais' sudden and unexpected death had been a devastating shock, an event that had completely upended the stability she had come to rely on. When she had first heard that he had been killed by the artifact, she hadn’t quite believed it. Kodais had been a stalwart figure in her life, a mentor who had always seemed invincible. His calm authority, his knowledge of the Force, and his sharp wisdom had guided her through so many challenges. The idea that he was gone, that he had fallen victim to something she couldn’t fully understand, had been incomprehensible.
NeMo had told her that when the artifact had activated, Kodais had fallen silent. Tessa’s world had seemed to tilt on its axis. His body had still been there, but his essence had been gone. At first, she had thought it was some kind of mistake, that Kodais would be fine, that he would return as he always had. But he hadn’t. And as the days had passed, the reality had begun to sink in, heavier and heavier, like a weight pressing on her chest.
NeMo’s words had only deepened her confusion. His portrayal of Kodais’ death, while filled with fake sorrow, had planted a seed of doubt in her mind. NeMo had claimed that the artifact had taken Kodais’ life, that it had been dangerous and treacherous. But something hadn’t felt right. Tessa had tried to cling to the last bit of hope that perhaps there had been some mistake, that somehow Kodais was still out there, but the void left by his absence had only grown with each passing moment.
As she had grappled with her grief, NeMo’s presence in her life had become more intense. She had always tried to help him, to be there for him as he had recovered from his long stasis. But now, with Kodais gone, NeMo’s manipulation had become more overt. He seemed to shift, to take advantage of her vulnerability. He had begun playing on her fears, her doubts, and her guilt, as if his loss hadn’t affected him at all. NeMo’s feigned compassion had felt empty, a mask for something far darker. Yet, she had found herself drawn in, unable to fully trust her own instincts as she had tried to process Kodais’ death while also navigating the complex, dangerous emotional territory NeMo had created.
When NeMo had performed the Sith rites over Kodais’ body, Tessa had felt the final fracture in her world. She had hoped, in the back of her mind, that there would have been some kind of respect shown for the man who had shaped her, who had been her guide.
Physical Description
Tessa has a soft, graceful appearance, with medium-length dark brown hair that falls gently around her face, styled with subtle bangs that frame her features. Her skin carries a warm, olive-toned glow, smooth and radiant, offering a striking contrast to her pale blue, almond-shaped eyes. These eyes seem to hold a quiet intensity, their clarity drawing you in with an almost mesmerizing depth.
Her cheekbones are high and delicately sculpted, giving her face an elegant structure. Her jawline is soft and rounded, creating a gentle flow to her face that contrasts beautifully with her strong features. Her straight nose with a rounded tip complements her soft jawline, creating a harmonious profile. Her lips are full and naturally shaped, their curve adding warmth to her expression and softening the overall look.
Her figure is lean and athletic, moving with fluidity and ease, exuding a quiet confidence. Her overall appearance is one of striking balance, where strength and softness meet, radiating a quiet, refined beauty.
Personality and Traits
Tessa Drae was a compassionate, diplomatic, and highly empathetic individual, driven by optimism and a desire to foster cooperation and understanding. Her natural ability to connect with others and offer comfort made her an exceptional communicator and mediator. Tessa was emotionally intelligent, reading people's emotions and adjusting her approach accordingly, which helped her defuse conflicts and build trust. Her charm and warmth were genuine, making people feel valued and heard.
Though diplomatic, Tessa was also stubborn and determined, standing firm in her beliefs and taking risks to pursue what she believed was right. This idealism could make her vulnerable, as her optimism sometimes blinded her to others’ darker motives. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, whether in crises or negotiations, allowed her to remain an invaluable ally and mediator.
Tessa was introspective, often questioning her place in the galaxy, especially as she grew more independent and moved beyond her role as Kodais’ subordinate. Her curiosity and desire for self-discovery led her to explore both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force, creating internal conflict.
Highly skilled as a mechanic and pilot, Tessa’s technical expertise and resourcefulness made her indispensable in dangerous situations. Despite feeling like an outsider due to her weaker connection to the Force, she carved out her own identity through her abilities and determination. Compassionate but cautious, Tessa was constantly evolving, grappling with her past and striving to find her own path in the galaxy.
At her core, Tessa was a nurturer, someone who was always looking out for the well-being of those around her. Her deep empathy and her belief in the potential for good in others made her not only a remarkable negotiator but also a trusted and beloved friend, leader, and ally. Her personality blended a calm, compassionate demeanor with a sharp intellect and an unwavering belief in the power of empathy and communication.
Skills and Abilities
Tessa Drae was a remarkably capable individual with a wide array of skills and abilities that made her highly capable, even though she didn't fit the traditional mold of a Force-sensitive hero. Her talents were rooted in her technical expertise, quick thinking, and strong adaptability, and these shaped her into someone who could navigate the galaxy with remarkable resourcefulness.
Mechanical Genius
Tessa’s most prominent skill was her exceptional mechanical aptitude. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural talent for understanding and repairing complex systems. She spent countless hours working on starships—fixing engines, recalibrating sensors, and improving designs. This mechanical genius made her stand out, enabling her to excel both as a mechanic and a pilot. Her ability to fix, modify, and enhance almost any ship, often bringing systems others deemed irreparable back to life, made her indispensable to anyone in need of starship repairs or upgrades.
Piloting Expertise
Tessa was also an expert pilot, capable of handling a variety of starships, from small freighters to large vessels. While she lacked the Force-enhanced reflexes some pilots relied on, her sharp instincts, precise reflexes, and deep understanding of ship mechanics allowed her to adapt quickly in any situation. Whether evading enemy fire, navigating dangerous environments, or executing complex maneuvers, Tessa thrived in high-pressure moments. Despite not being trained in traditional Force navigation, she earned a reputation as one of the best independent pilots in the galaxy, relying on skill, technology, and pure reflexes to navigate the most hazardous regions, such as the Deep Core.
Adaptability and Quick Thinking
Tessa excelled at thinking on her feet, swiftly adapting to rapidly changing situations. Whether in the cockpit, fixing a broken starship, or navigating complex social dynamics, she could quickly analyze a problem and implement an effective solution. This ability made her a formidable asset on dangerous missions, particularly in high-stakes scenarios where she had to make split-second decisions under pressure.
Leadership and Mentorship
Though often independent, Tessa possessed natural leadership qualities. She could make tough decisions under pressure and guide others, especially in life-threatening situations. Her time as Kodais' personal pilot honed these abilities, teaching her not only how to lead but how to mentor others with a steady hand and sharp mind. After Kodais' death, Tessa was forced to step up, making difficult choices and leading others even when her heart wasn’t fully in it. Her leadership was fueled by a deep drive to protect those she cared about, even if it meant sacrificing parts of herself.
Latent Force Sensitivity
Though Tessa’s connection to the Force was weaker than that of her parents, she had latent potential. Early in life, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy compared to more Force-sensitive individuals. However, exposure to Kodais' use of the Dark Side began to awaken her own power. This budding connection to the Dark Side was a source of conflict, as Tessa was drawn to its power but remained wary, influenced by the Light Side teachings she was raised with. While her Force abilities were still developing, they represented both an asset and a danger as she learned to navigate this newfound power.
Emotional Resilience
Tessa’s emotional resilience was another key strength. Despite her inner turmoil and sense of inadequacy, she learned to push through adversity. She faced loss, emotional manipulation, and the weight of high expectations, yet her ability to maintain her sense of self through these challenges spoke to her mental and emotional fortitude. Her empathy, while a strength, also made her vulnerable to manipulation, yet her resilience allowed her to recover from betrayal and loss.
Combat and Tactical Knowledge
While combat wasn’t her primary focus, Tessa developed practical combat skills and tactical knowledge, especially in high-stress environments. Her experience as a freelance mechanic and pilot often placed her in situations requiring self-defense, leading her to become proficient with blasters and self-defense techniques. However, her true strength lay in her ability to outthink and outmaneuver opponents, using her intellect and resourcefulness rather than engaging directly in combat.
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving
Tessa excelled in strategic thinking, analyzing complex scenarios, and devising creative solutions. Whether in the cockpit, during technical repairs, or navigating tricky social dynamics, she always thought several steps ahead. Her ability to assess risks and make calculated decisions proved invaluable in her career as a pilot and mechanic and in her evolving relationships with those around her.
Equipment
Ratchet
Ratchet, Tessa's R2-series astromech droid, got its name from the ratcheting sound its dome made whenever it rotated. The distinctive clicking noise was the result of a mechanical issue that had been left unresolved for some time. The sound had become a characteristic of Ratchet, one that Tessa found oddly endearing at first, though it could be frustrating at times, especially during moments of silence when a soft click would break the quiet.
Over time, however, Tessa decided to fix the problem. Her technical expertise allowed her to isolate the issue—an overly tight connection within the dome's internal rotation mechanism. After some careful tinkering and adjustments, she was able to repair the malfunction. The ratcheting noise ceased entirely, and for a while, Ratchet seemed almost disappointed. It had grown accustomed to the sound, and without it, something felt off.
Ratchet's Personality and Relationship with Tessa
Ratchet was far more than just a standard R2-series astromech droid—it was a complex, obsessive, and at times, unnervingly self-aware companion. While most droids were built for specific tasks, Ratchet saw itself as something far greater. It didn't just see its modifications as upgrades; it saw them as proof of its superiority over other astromechs.
In a way, Ratchet’s relentless pursuit of self-improvement mirrored Tessa’s own drive to constantly evolve and adapt. As much as Tessa had transformed the Haggard Vulture into something more than its original design, Ratchet had similarly molded itself into an extraordinary machine. Its self-obsession manifested in a constant need to prove its worth—not just to Tessa, but to itself.
Ratchet's belief that it was superior to other droids was not entirely baseless. The modifications and upgrades it had undergone were nothing short of impressive. The addition of a built-in SCOMP link for slicing into terminals and other droids was invaluable, allowing Ratchet to bypass security systems and hack into tech with ease. Its toolkit was not just a simple repair kit; it was an advanced set of tools capable of performing large-scale repairs and upgrades to even the most complicated droids or machinery, which had saved Tessa countless times when their missions went awry or when NeMo’s complex systems needed tending. Ratchet's engineering prowess, then, was not just a function of its programming—it was a direct manifestation of its obsession with becoming the best.
Ratchet’s advanced astrogation programming further elevated it beyond the ordinary. Not only could it plot complex hyperspace jumps with far more precision than most astromechs, but it also stored an extensive database of hyperspace coordinates. This feature made it invaluable to Tessa, especially during moments of crisis or when navigating through hostile territories. Ratchet’s ability to perform highly intricate maneuvers gave Tessa the confidence she needed when making tight escapes or dangerous tactical moves, even if the ship’s age and occasional fragility might suggest otherwise.
However, the more Ratchet improved, the more it started to struggle with its obsession. Ratchet’s unyielding desire to be the best could sometimes result in unexpected consequences. When it pushed itself too far to complete a task—whether fixing a broken system or outmaneuvering another droid—it sometimes overcompensated. This might lead to damaging effects, like breaking another system in the process or causing a tech glitch in its pursuit of perfection. It was a reminder of its limits, something Ratchet wasn't always willing to accept.
Ratchet and Tessa’s Bond
Despite its arrogance and obsession, Ratchet was deeply loyal to Tessa. The two shared a unique bond, built on mutual respect and understanding. While Ratchet might occasionally indulge in its superiority complex, Tessa knew that beneath that hard metal shell lay a droid that would do anything to protect her, even if it meant going to great lengths (and sometimes getting itself into trouble). Ratchet viewed itself as an indispensable part of Tessa’s life, and while it might go overboard trying to prove its value, its intentions were ultimately driven by a need to be useful to her.
Tessa, in turn, had grown to rely on Ratchet as much as she did the Haggard Vulture itself. While she understood Ratchet’s flaws and quirks, she had learned to appreciate its unique perspective and value. Ratchet’s technical brilliance complemented Tessa’s own skills, and in many ways, it acted as an extension of her intellect. Even if she might roll her eyes at Ratchet’s constant boasting, she knew that when things got dire, Ratchet would be right there, slicing into systems, calculating hyperspace jumps, or making sure everything on the ship ran smoothly.
Yet, at times, Tessa did worry about Ratchet’s obsessive tendencies. She recognized the potential dangers in having a companion who believed it was incapable of failure—especially when those failures came with consequences. And despite the droid’s self-improvement goals, Tessa knew there were moments when Ratchet’s obsession got in the way of common sense.
But despite these quirks, Ratchet remained Tessa’s steadfast partner. Whether it was navigating treacherous space routes or hacking into an enemy’s network, Ratchet was there with its advanced programming and tools, always eager to prove that it was more than just a tool—it was a force to be reckoned with. And though it might drive Tessa mad at times, there was no denying that, at its core, Ratchet was a valuable ally in their shared journey through the stars.
The Haggard Vulture
The Haggard Vulture is a Dynamic-class Freighter that has long since outlived its original purpose as a cargo vessel, now serving as the personal transport and base of operations and owned by NeMo. The ship's origins date back to an era when it was a workhorse for smugglers and independent traders, a vessel known for its unassuming design, versatility, and ease of modification. Over the years, the Haggard Vulture has passed through many hands, each owner adapting it to their own needs—whether for transporting goods or as a covert smuggling operation. With a long history of battles and skirmishes, the freighter has accumulated various scars, scratches, and dents that only add to its grim appearance.
Relationships
Tessa's relationship with Kodais had always been one of mutual respect, tempered with a healthy dose of light-hearted teasing. While Kodais remained the more stoic and commanding figure, Tessa balanced him out with her optimism, empathy, and ability to charm others. She had a natural gift for diplomacy, often smoothing over situations that might otherwise escalate into conflict. Her ability to see multiple perspectives and think laterally had proven invaluable, offering solutions to problems that brute force would fail to address.
As the mediator between Kodais and others, Tessa often acted as the bridge that encouraged cooperation rather than confrontation. Her calming presence and perspective helped soften Kodais’ more aggressive tendencies, ensuring that their missions and relationships remained productive. Despite the significant age gap and their differences in temperament, their partnership had been a harmonious blend of complementary strengths. While Kodais had been focused and often serious, Tessa brought a lighter, more human touch to their interactions, offering humor and levity in difficult moments.
While their relationship was largely platonic, there had been an emotional complexity beneath the surface. As Tessa matured and became more aware of her own feelings, she began to develop deeper emotions for Kodais. Her admiration for his power, wisdom, and the way he had shaped her understanding of the galaxy had led her to romantic feelings—especially given the close bond they shared. However, Kodais, being significantly older and perhaps viewing Tessa as a “protege” or even a daughter figure, likely kept a distance from any romantic attachment. He would have seen any such connection as a potential vulnerability, something to be avoided in the interest of maintaining their professional dynamic.
Tessa, however, had struggled with her feelings. She had always respected Kodais, but now her emotions were more complicated. She found herself torn between the admiration and affection she felt for him and her growing independence, realizing that she no longer wanted to simply be his subordinate. While Kodais had likely recognized her internal conflict, he would have avoided exploiting it for personal gain, understanding that their professional relationship hinged on maintaining boundaries. Still, Tessa’s emotional attachment could have potentially become a tool for Kodais to use, or a vulnerability to exploit, should it ever come into play.
Tessa’s relationship with NeMo had been an emotional and psychological labyrinth, one that began with compassion and quickly spiraled into something much darker. When NeMo was first revived, she saw him as a lost soul—a figure who had been frozen in time for over a thousand years. His fragility and confusion drew her in, and her natural empathy made her feel responsible for helping him find his place in the modern galaxy. She thought that by assisting him in recovering his memories and adjusting to the present, she could help restore a broken person, someone who had been deprived of his past and purpose.
At first, NeMo had played the role of the innocent, grateful figure—someone deeply dependent on her. His vulnerability seemed genuine, and Tessa felt drawn to him in a way that she hadn’t anticipated. He seemed like a project, someone she could nurture, someone she could help rebuild. The more she invested in him, the more she began to feel a sense of responsibility for his recovery. She was determined to be there for him, to help him regain his place in the galaxy. She thought she was doing something good, something noble.
But soon, cracks began to form in the facade. NeMo, rather than simply being the fragile figure she believed him to be, began to manipulate her in subtle ways. His gratitude turned into emotional dependence, a constant need for her reassurance and approval. He knew just how to pull at her heartstrings, using her own empathy against her. As she became more emotionally invested in him, he started to change. Moments of apparent affection were followed by coldness, and she found herself constantly questioning where she stood with him. One minute, he would make her feel valued, and the next, he would withdraw or lash out. His actions seemed erratic, leaving her disoriented and unsure of what was real.
It became clear to Tessa that something was off, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull away. She had invested too much of herself into NeMo’s recovery, and there was a part of her that still believed she could help him. She thought that the coldness was perhaps a result of his long imprisonment and that he might need time to adjust. But NeMo’s behavior escalated, revealing a darker side—one that was sadistic and manipulative. He began testing her, pushing her into situations that forced her to make difficult choices, all while keeping her emotionally off-balance. The affection he showed her always seemed to come with a price. If she hesitated or refused to meet his demands, he would punish her—either emotionally, by pulling away, or by turning cruel, making her feel worthless.
As the relationship progressed, Tessa found herself trapped in a web of emotional manipulation. NeMo knew exactly how to exploit her vulnerabilities. He played on her need to feel needed, making her believe that her worth was tied to her ability to help him. But every time she felt like she was gaining ground, like she was making a difference, he would shift again, pulling her further into his control. Her feelings for him deepened, even as she began to realize how much he was manipulating her. She knew, on some level, that he wasn’t the person he appeared to be—but she couldn’t seem to break free.
By the time NeMo’s memories began to return, his manipulation had become more overt. He no longer pretended to be the helpless figure she had once thought him to be. Instead, he began to use her as a tool to further his own ambitions. He pushed her into moral gray areas, forcing her to make choices that would test her loyalty and her boundaries. The more she resisted, the more cruel and controlling he became. Tessa began to realize that she was not helping NeMo—she was being consumed by him. His affection for her was nothing more than a weapon, a way to control and dominate her.
Looking back, Tessa saw how deeply she had been ensnared in NeMo’s psychological games. What had started as an effort to help someone who appeared lost and broken had turned into a nightmare. She had been manipulated, gaslit, and emotionally drained, and yet a part of her still longed to believe that there was a way to “fix” him. Her feelings for him had become tangled with the shame of being manipulated, and she wasn’t sure if she could ever escape the hold he had on her.
In the end, Tessa came to a painful realization: she had never been in control of their relationship. NeMo’s true goal was not redemption, nor partnership—it was dominance. And she had been just another pawn in his cruel game. The affection he had shown her had always been a means to an end, and Tessa had paid the price.
Trivia
Tessa exists because Kodais/NeMo doesn't have any skill points in Piloting.