Hank Lewis

 

Hank Lewis

Captain of the C.S.S. Hell's Belle
Age: 34 | Height: 6'1" | Weight: 190 lbs
Hair: Brown | Eyes: Blue

Overview

Hank Lewis is the captain of the Hell's Belle, a title that comes with more debt than glory. A seasoned hauler and pilot, Hank’s carved out a living in the narrow spaces between corporate control and freelance survival. Raised on the the fungal world of Ersa, in a colony known for its heavy rains and harder people, Hank grew up on a Meeph farm, tending to the genetically engineered cattle.

In his late teens, seeking more than another decade working the farm, he moved to Ganymede, where the corporate sprawl offered work, if not freedom. It was there he signed on with Coleman Schmidt Shipping (CSS), taking a thirty-year indenture contract that would put him in the cockpit of a freighter and bury him in fine-print debt.

Personality & Traits

Charisma & Influence: Hank isn’t a smooth talker, but his word carries weight. His reputation among both corporate and criminal contacts is built on being a man who shows up, shuts up, and gets the job done.

Hard to Kill: A lifetime of bad weather, bad odds, and worse contracts has toughened Hank to the core. He’s survived things that should have spaced him twice over.

Fast Reaction Time: Whether skimming Ersa’s mossy canyons or dodging customs patrols, Hank’s reflexes are sharp enough to keep him alive.

Born Behind the Wheel: From colony crawlers on Ersa to corporate freighters on Ganymede, piloting isn’t just a skill for Hank—it’s instinct.

Big Damn Hero: For all his grumbling, Hank can’t help but dive into danger when his crew’s at risk. His words have weight, and inspire his companions to do great things.

Flaws & Burdens

Adversary (Law): Between smuggling runs, shady contracts, and that damn AI deal, Hank has made more than a few enemies in law enforcement.

Can't Back Down: Ersan pride runs deep. Once Hank’s dug in on a decision, moving him is like shifting bedrock.

Honorable (Serious): He might play in grey areas, but Hank’s code is ironclad. Betrayal isn’t in his vocabulary.

Bad Luck: Whether it’s bad weather on a run or corporate fine print biting back, Hank’s life is a testament to Murphy’s Law.

Schmuck: The kind of man who’ll volunteer for the worst jobs because it’s “the right thing to do.” Often regrets it. Never stops.

Life & Motivation

Though he rents a cramped apartment in New Berkshire’s lower east side, Ganymede, Hank rarely spends time there. The Belle’s worn bulkheads and reactor hum are home. Every credit he earns edges him closer to owning the ship outright, though CSS makes sure that dream stays just out of reach.

His biggest mistake? A “too good to be true” deal for a modified AI core from a flashdealer on Io. That deal came with strings—specifically, Gula Corp’s strings. Now, alongside his CSS indenture, Hank’s paying off a debt to one of the nastiest megacorps in the system.

For Hank, it’s simple: keep flying, keep the crew safe, and maybe—just maybe—get out from under the boots pressing down on his neck.

Gear & Keepsakes

"Betsy": His trusty shotgun, as dependable as the man himself.

EVA Suit: Worn but functional, patched more times than he’d like to admit.

Dobro Model F Deluxe Bass Guitar: A slice of peace when the stars are quiet.

A worn baseball: A childhood relic from Ersa, scuffed and well-traveled.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Railjack Street Drugs

Devilgrass: Effects: Devilgrass induces a sense of euphoria and heightened sensory perception. Users may experience enhanced creativity, relaxation, and a feeling of being disconnected from reality. It can also lead to increased appetite and a temporary boost in physical stamina. Side Effects: Prolonged use of Devilgrass can result in addiction, memory loss, paranoia, and impaired cognitive function. Long-term users may also experience withdrawal symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Bliss: Effects: Bliss induces intense feelings of pleasure, happiness, and euphoria. It can create a sense of emotional warmth and relaxation, often accompanied by enhanced sensory experiences and a distorted perception of time. Side Effects: Regular use of Bliss can lead to addiction, tolerance, and dependence. Users may experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Overdose can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death. VDM-40: Effects: VDM-40, also known...
Read more

Slang Terms

  Slag   - Rubbish Bagger   - Police Flip   - To rob or cheat Elvis   - Dead Gonk out   - Sleep Go   white   wine   -   To   kill   or   stop  Haircut   -   Corporate   employee  Jamhole   -   hiding   place Jammie   - vehicle Ken   -   Corporate   Worker   -   Derogatory   Slot   and   run   -   hurry   up,   get   to   the   point   Dreg   -   Earth,   scumbag   -   Derogatory   Chiphead   -   VR   junkie Chrome   - external cyberware Cleaner   - assassin Deckhead   - Simsense abuser, anyone with datajack Heatwave   - Police crackdown Redhead   - Martian Paydata   - Datafile worth money Screamer   -   credstick or   ID   that triggers alarms if used Dump   -   to   be   kicked   f...
Read more

Chapter One: Sixteen Tons

Image
"Some people say a man is made outta mud, A poor man's made outta muscle and blood, Muscle and blood and skin and bones, A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong.   You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt, St. Peter don't you call me, 'cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store."   Hank Lewis bounced a baseball off the bulkhead with a loud ping before the artificial gravity sent it tumbling back to his hands.   It was the only sound in the cockpit, save for the low, rumbling hum of the ship's ion engines. He glanced around the lonely cabin, sighed, and tossed the baseball into the air once more.  I t hit the bulkhead with another loud ping and then returned to his hands.   The ship's bridge, if you could call it that, was quaint. It had a small cab with enough seating for five behind the cockpit where Hank sat, a two-seater control setup for piloting and navigation. Hank currently had his feet...
Read more