Species: Human
Birthplace: Belsham
Species: Human
Homeworld: Belsham
Affiliation: Compact Marine Corps
Role: NCOIC, Special Forces detachments
Gunnery Sergeant Bernie Washington is a seasoned Compact Marine from Belsham, a staunchly republican world known for its meritocratic values and disdain for hereditary privilege. Despite this, Washington has spent much of his later career working alongside Household Guard personnel from aristocratic worlds—most notably Bonaparte.
CNV Cygnus and Hanar Assignment
Washington first appears in Flight Blade as the senior enlisted leader of a Special Forces unit assigned to Lieutenant Mitsuko Yamato. During a mission to retake a derelict asteroid facility overrun by Goshenite radicals, Washington leads the Marine detachment supporting Yamato. He helps neutralize the insurgents and manages extraction coordination even after a trap destroys the facility’s life support.
His professionalism and dry wit serve as a steadying influence on both Yamato and the younger enlisted troops. Though outwardly deferential, Washington frequently mocks Bonapartan formalities with a deadpan sense of humor, often ribbing Yamato about her royal background while maintaining respect for her command abilities.
After the asteroid mission, Washington is reassigned to the Challenger, accompanying Yamato and serving as the lead enlisted trainer for future operations under Captain Hideki Okada and the warp program. His presence becomes essential as the Challenger is deployed to Hanar, where the Marines are tasked with helping stabilize the post-occupation colony and train Gelt-aligned forces.
🌍 Kaku V Incident
By 431 IE, Washington is tapped to serve as NCOIC for the Household Guard detachment during the politically fraught operation on Kaku V. Though nominally under royal command, Washington’s experience, pragmatism, and no-nonsense demeanor make him the de facto leader of field operations. He plays a central role in:
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Coordinating the rescue of both human settlers and native cephalopods
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Maintaining discipline among troops under intense diplomatic scrutiny
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Ensuring the retrieval of Edward Windsor, who had voluntarily entered captivity to diffuse hostilities
Washington retains his signature dry commentary, subtly undermining the more pompous elements of Bonapartan decorum without breaching protocol. His professionalism earns him high praise from both republican and royal factions.
Appearances: Flight Blade, “The Cephelapods,” Royal Orders