Nicodemus Hallows

Age • Binary Bloom

Role in Story

„Gouverneur“ of Binary Bloom. Not really a ruler because he has authority but little power to enforce it, but the closest thing that the station has.

Goal

Physical Description

Personality

Occupation

Habits/Mannerisms

Background

Internal Conflicts

External Conflicts

Notes

## Nicodemus Hallows

**Age:** Binary Bloom (exact age unknown)

**Role in Story:** "Gouverneur" of Binary Bloom.

**Not a Ruler, But a Diplomat:** While the title "Gouverneur" implies leadership, Nicodemus wields little actual power. Binary Bloom is a lawless station built on the fringes of civilization, attracting smugglers, mercenaries, and those seeking to disappear. Nicodemus' role is more akin to a skilled diplomat, maintaining a fragile peace through negotiation, persuasion, and a healthy dose of self-preservation.

**Goal:** Maintain Order (Without Getting Killed)

* **Short-term:** Keep Binary Bloom operational and functional, preventing major conflicts that could lead to the station's destruction or abandonment.

* **Long-term:** Guide Binary Bloom towards a more stable and legitimate existence, attracting businesses and citizens who value a modicum of order without sacrificing the station's core principles of freedom and anonymity.

**Physical Description:**

* **Worn but Resilient:** Nicodemus is a man sculpted by a life on the fringes. He has a lined face, weathered hands, and a wiry build that hints at hidden strength. His eyes are a piercing blue, constantly scanning his surroundings, and his lips are often pursed in a thoughtful frown.

* **Clothing:** He dresses practically, favoring a mix of durable workwear and salvaged spacer gear. A worn leather duster is his trademark, adorned with various trinkets and charms he has collected over the years, each one a silent story of a deal brokered or a conflict averted.

**Personality:**

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

* **World-Weary Pragmatist:** Nicodemus has seen the dark side of humanity and the galaxy up close. He's cynical but not jaded, understanding the value of order without being naive about the inherent chaos of Binary Bloom.

* **Shrewd Negotiator:** Years of dealing with smugglers, pirates, and mercenaries have honed his skills in negotiation and mediation. He can read people well, can identify pressure points, and can find common ground even in the most volatile situations.

* **Dry Wit:** He has a dry wit and a sardonic sense of humor, using humor to defuse tension and lighten the mood in tense situations.

**Occupation:** Gouverneur

**Habits/Mannerisms:**

• Barter Master: Nicodemus rarely uses credits, preferring to barter for goods and services. He has a vast knowledge of the station's black market and a knack for finding unexpected uses for seemingly useless trinkets.

• Coffee Ritual: He starts his day with a specific coffee ritual, brewing a strong, bitter concoction from scavenged beans roasted over repurposed engine parts. The ritualistic process helps him focus and prepare for the day's challenges.

• Stargazing: Despite the harsh reality of Binary Bloom, Nicodemus finds solace in stargazing. He spends quiet evenings on the station's outer decks, studying the constellations and using them for rudimentary navigation. He might even have personal stories or legends associated with specific star formations.

• Quotes and Pithy Sayings: Nicodemus loves dropping obscure quotes and sayings, often with a metaphorical meaning related to the situation at hand. These quotes could be from historical figures, scavenged data fragments, or even cryptic messages left by previous Gouverneurs. He enjoys the challenge of deciphering their meaning and using them to add weight to his arguments.

• Fidget Spinner (Modified): Instead of smoking, Nicodemus carries a small, intricately carved fidget spinner made from salvaged starship components. He spins it unconsciously when thinking or negotiating, the whirring a calming counterpoint to the chaos of Binary Bloom. The spinner might even have hidden compartments used to store small bribes or data chips.

**Background:**

Nicodemus' past is shrouded in mystery. He arrived at Binary Bloom decades ago, a drifter with a shadowed past. His skills at negotiation and conflict resolution quickly became apparent, leading him to be unofficially appointed Gouverneur.

**Internal Conflicts:**

* **The Weight of Responsibility:** Nicodemus longs for a simpler life but understands the importance of his role in keeping Binary Bloom afloat. He wrestles with the burden of maintaining order in a place that thrives on chaos.

* **The Price of Power (or Lack Thereof):** He questions the true value of his authority. Does he truly lead, or is he merely a puppet manipulated by the various factions vying for power on the station?

**External Conflicts:**

* **Balancing Factions:** He constantly walks a tightrope, maintaining a fragile peace between the various criminal organizations, smugglers, and mercenaries who call Binary Bloom home. A single misstep could lead to a full-blown power struggle that could tear the station apart.

* **The Galactic Authorities:** Binary Bloom exists in an uneasy truce with the larger galactic powers. Nicodemus must tread carefully, ensuring the station doesn't attract too much unwanted attention while also preventing major incidents that could provoke a crackdown.

**Notes:**

* Nicodemus is a complex character, a man who has seen the worst of humanity but still believes in the possibility of order. He is a survivor, a diplomat, and a reluctant leader who plays a vital role in the continued existence of Binary Bloom.

* His relationship with the crew of the Grimalkin could be interesting. They represent a different way of life, one that is both exciting and dangerous. He might see them as a potential threat to the fragile peace of Binary Bloom, or he might recognize their skills as valuable assets in maintaining order.