Russell Bartholomew is the Executive Officer of the VSDII Covenant in service of House Shar Dakhan of Clan Naga Sadow. Russell used to be the Captain up to 34 ABY, but due to old age he had to make way for a younger and more efficient officer. His expertise of the ships capabilities and its firepower as its former Captain has given Russell an edge in combat situations which the current Captain, Ginla Xinsel, has come to appreciate.
Early History
Russell Bartholomew was born on Naboo in 19 BBY during the start of the reign of the Galactic Empire. Born shortly after the Clone wars and during the beginning of the Great Jedi Purge, Bartholomew grew up in a typical imperialistic family. Raised in the strict code of the Imperial ways, Russell grew up to serve and embody the Galactic Empire and in 1 BBY he joined the Galactic Empire. As a fledgling recruit he was given arduous tasks, however this did not stop him from loving his job and the young human quickly made headway within the ranks of the Galactic Empire up until their second major defeat in 0 ABY.
First Encounter with Clan Naga Sadow
Upon hearing of the destruction of the second death star, and their Emperor dead as well, Russell was out on a reconnaissance mission on the outer fringes of Galactic Empire territory in the midst of a battle with unrecognizable forces. The morale of the crew dropped perilously low, but Russell kept his troops fighting despite the inevitable defeat. Their Captain had lost all sense and had shut himself in his quarters, leaving the crew to fend for itself as the forces of Naga Sadow began to board the crippled ship. It was thanks to Russell and his quick thinking that he was able to form a controlled fallback and make the Sadowans pay for every inch they gained on their ship. As they were eventually pushed back to the bridge, a lone figure broke through the ranks and offered the survivors a place amongst their ranks. The offer was politely declined by the sound of blaster bolts as they peppered the ground around the figure. Unphased, the figure ordered his troops to recommence the attack and proceeded to slaughter what remained of the crew.
Knowing this battle would probably be his last, Russell used the distraction to put in the self destruct command on their ship, before making his way to the escape pods. With only moments to spare the escape pod launched him away from the ship he had served on since he had entered in the service of the Galactic Empire. A sense of guilt washed over him as he watched the ship explode in fiery galore. He had condemned so many lives just for his own pride, but it was the right thing to do. As he sat back in his pod, a sudden lurch halted his thought process. He realized he wasn't moving anymore at the same speed and instantly concluded he had been caught in a tractor beam. Russell's dread grew as he saw the looming Capitol ship through his tiny viewport, not knowing what to expect now. He didn't fear for his life, his service to the Empire and the Emperor was one served with pride and fierce determination. He worried more about what new enemy he had made and how they would react at the loss of their troops.
Allegiance to Naga Sadow
- "You owe me a Captain for the one's life you took aboard your ship Russell. What do you have to offer Clan Naga Sadow?"
- ― Unknown leader of Naga Sadow
Bartholomew analyzing ship movement patterns.
Russell Bartholomew had been imprisoned for weeks upon the ship that had captured his escape pod. Not a word had been said to him, but he was kept well feed and hydrated. As the human began to realize that they did not want him dead, he thought of what they would want from him. Shivers ran down his spine as he thought that perhaps they were some cult and would execute him in the most gruesome of ways for their "gods". Bartholomew had seen enough cultures who indulged in these barbaric rituals. He had learned he was a board a ship that belonged to Clan Naga Sadow, who were a part of some society called the Dark Brotherhood. After six weeks in a cell, he was finally released and brought before the people who had captured him.
"You owe me a Captain for the one's life you took aboard your ship Russell. What do you have to offer Clan Naga Sadow?" a voice called out from the shadows. Bartholomew weighed his options carefully and came to the conclusion that he could still do what he loved doing. Empire, Republic, Naga Sadow, Dark Brotherhood, it was all the one and same if he looked at it subjectively.
Making his decision Russell Bartholomew stood tall and proud, saluting the figures in the shadows before being escorted out of the room and led to a room where he could shower, dress and prepare for his new life in the service of Naga Sadow.
Captain of The Covenant
Captain Russell Bartholomew standing on the Covenant bridge and watching TIE fighters deploy.
After 21 years of service, Russell had been granted his own ship and was fully promoted to Captain in 21 ABY. For his bravery during the Alien Incursion the Covenant had been passed down to him as Araic Simonetti moved on to become the Commanding Officer of the RSD Final Way. Though the ship was in bad shape due to the events of the Alien Incursion, Bartholomew took the position with pride and made the best of the current situation.
It was not long before the Covenant and Russell saw combat though, and with a fully repaired and good as new ship, Russell commanded the ship and its crew with absolute perfection during the Invasion of Orian where he faced off against the VSDII Dark Fusion led by Anaxela. The Covenant took a beating but they emerged victorious. Shortly thereafter Russell was called to action once again, for an internal feud between House Shar Dakhan and House Marka Ragnos. Once both Clans realized the internal feud was only to cull the herd, they quickly made up and rejoined forces to battle the next enemy.
The Covenant saw further action during the Invasion of New Tython where Russell ordered the ship to stay in orbit and provide orbital assistance where necessary.
Finally in 34 ABY Russell saw many conflicts beginning with the assaults from and on the Dominion. During both battles Russell had been ordered to stay behind the main force and provide backup if they were needed. In each instance they were not needed, leaving the Covenant unscathed and running at full capacity.
Executive Officer
After 13 years serving as a Captain of the VSDII Covenant, Bartholomew handed in his resignation and was immediately re assigned as the Executive Officer. Here Russell could still be of great use to the ship and it's crew, but with less stress. As of now, Russell helps to guide and provide valuable skills to the young Ginla Xinsel as the Covenant's next Captain.