Personal History
after the "Eastern Project" preparatory Group began operations on Nox, Valena—anticipating potential contingencies—set about organizing a dedicated security unit under the team's direct command. Drawing from a pool of recruited volunteers, veterans, and existing troops, this unit was tasked with camp defense and VIP protection; crucially, it was also charged with evacuating core personnel and project data back to Earth should the worst-case scenario befall the United Territory.
Although Valena’s resources were limited and the terms of service were hardly lavish, the dire local economy—combined with the promise of a room and Food —attracted many Nox locals. Baline was one of them.
Baline was born into an impoverished shepherd family in Zarab. As the eldest of seven children, she knew all too well the struggle of trying to feed such a large family on the meager income earned from herding sheep for others. She hadn't had a truly full meal since the age of four, yet her daily labor as a shepherd only made her appetite grow. Driven by the need to survive, she left home to seek work that could provide extra rations for her family.
Influenced by memories of the United Territory’s economic prosperity during its golden age, Baline headed straight for what had once been the hub of Nox's economy and technology. After passing through layers of vetting, she secured a job as a security guard for the United Territory’s Administrative Committee; however, the pay was low and frequently in arrears. When Valena arrived and began recruiting for the Eastern Project’s security company, Baline chose to transfer, hoping to better support herself.
For the first week, Baline was content, happily indulging in sausages, canned goods, borscht, and unlimited Dalieba bread. It was only then that she realized the security company was actually expected to risk life and limb against the enemy. She immediately tried to resign, but upon seeing the astronomical bill Valena presented—a sum so vast she couldn't pay it off even if she sold herself into slavery—the penniless Baline had no choice but to remain on Valena’s "ship." Yet, there was a silver lining: the modest monthly stipend, combined with the extra cans of food Valena provided, ensured her family no longer went hungry. Although Valena’s unconventional recruitment methods attracted plenty of locals, few possessed the character and aptitude to survive recruit training while also demonstrating exceptional EGO capabilities. While Baline’s voracious appetite had initially caused food shortages in the mess hall, it was her outstanding marksmanship and cross-country mobility that made Valena determined not to let her go.
After basic training concluded, Valena assigned Baline to a sniper course. Faced with a mix of threats—such as being made to pay for her own meals if she refused—and promises of extra allowances, Baline had no choice but to throw herself into the grueling training, all while envying the comparatively relaxed duty lives of the other recruits.
Life in the guard company was certainly harsh, yet military service was still preferable to the precarious existence of a shepherd, where meals were never guaranteed. Moreover, Valena would often slip Baline extra combat rations and canned goods after missions, sparing her the need to spend her monthly stipend on food to send back home.