Timothy Butusov
Sergeant Timothy Butusov (a.k.a. Checkers)
Former Irish Special Forces Commando and ESA Space Marine, he now hustles to survive alongside other members of the Highrider Community.
Born in Ireland to Soviet Immigrants, Timothy grew up on the streets of Dublin. Being bigger then most his age, and having a tenuous grasp of the law, he spent his formative years in and out of Juvi. At 16, he was offered a choice. Military Service or an Adult Detention Center. Timothy weighed his options, and signed up for the Army.
After 2 years in the Army, Timothy was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to the Army Ranger Wing for the next 6 years. These were great times, he excelled in combat and found himself running special ops behind enemy lines. Unfortunately, he had a run in with a certain Commandant's wife, and had to get out quick. He enlisted in the ESA's Space Marine Corps, and spent the next 4 years falling in love with space.
One thing that struck him, was the condition of the people. He saw the Rich up top, using the Army as there private police. He mustered out, and used the skills he learned in the Army and on the streets of Dublin to survive. His large size always attracted trouble on Earth, and in Space it was no different. He ended up in the Brig, serving 2 years for aiding in the manufacture and distribution of unlicensed medication.
He just got back out, and is looking to get back on his, to use an Earther term, feet.
Former Trouble Maker, Member of the Irish Army/Irish Ranger Wing, Former Space Marine, and Former Resident of the Brig. Currently a laborer on Galileo.
View Character Profile
Age
37
Birthplace
Dublin, Ireland
Children
Current Residence
A passenger on a Highrider Independant Movement ship.
Gender
Male
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Salt & Pepper
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Dark, Tattooed
Height
6ft 9"
Weight
300lbs
Related Reports
Friends & Enemies
Friends on Terra Firma
Tommy Sullivan Mate from the Streets, enlisted in the Army with me. He stayed behind when I went to space. We reach out to each other periodically, I heard he has been promoted several times. He doesn't talk about it much, apparently whatever he is doing is involving some classified stuff.
Sophia MacNaughton was a wonderful woman, and a great friend. In exchange for concessions from the British Government, Ireland loaned military forces to assist King Charles and the Royal Marines in a revolt against the MLA. We were not actively engaged, but managing support infrastructure. Private Oscar Dunleavy, a secret MLA sympathizer, attempted to sabotage the supply dump. Sophia was killed, and I was injured. Oscar claimed it was a faulty detonator that exploded when a box was moved, and a military tribunal did not find enough evidence to convict him. I know the truth though. I probably won't see him again, but if I do....
Corporal Bentham Mills, Armourer. I apprenticed for a year, and while I learned a lot about the repair and maintenance of firearms, I just couldn't hack it as an Armourer. He gave my nickname of Checkers. I would always win at checkers, but I was too stupid for chess. I keep in touch with him, having an Armourer on your side is always useful. Sure he is still on Earth, but he has contacts with other Military Armourers, even in space.
Amelia O'Nolan, the banesidhe of Curragh Camp. We all hated her at the time for pushing us to the breaking point, but after surviving 7 years in the service I understand. I reconnected with her at the mess hall several years after Basic, and I stay in contact when I can. She has a lot of knowledge, and as a drill sergeant she has a lot of contacts in the Army itself.
Friends in Space:
Safya Al-Walid, the first person I truly connected with in Space. I laughed when she said she was assigned to teaching me space combat. She never stopped laughing as she beat me down. She was a good person, friends with the poor laborers and quick to help those in need. She died in a space accident, debris tore open a bulkhead in a room she was working in. I won't forget her, or the lessons she taught me.
Chef de Battalion Solange Rousseau owes me, and he won't forget it. I bailed his ass out of an escalating situation between Bas Arbita and some Rich Corporate Water Traders. He sent in troops, thinking to calm the situation. When has armed forces ever settled a workers strike peacefully? I was friends with some of the Bas Arbita thanks to Safya, and I was able to de-escalate the situation.
Jonas Mathieu, a leader amongst the Wassa Arbita Bande, came to my rescue after my discharge. Finding work isn't easy with anything less then an honorable discharge. I work odd jobs for Jonas, and have been welcomed by most as a member.
Trevor McDooley is an old mate from Dublin! Imagine my surprise seeing him staggering around the station, lost, confused, and unsure what to do next. He was stuck with other so called Le Mtumwa Spaca, so I took him under my wing, same as Safya did for me. I have him working (Mostly) honest work for the WAB. He is currently working as a shopkeeper for a station supply depot.
Claudette Edmond; her and I didn't see eye to eye. She believed I was still working for the ESA, and just spying on the Tribe. She always spoke against me, tried to rile people up against me. I proved myself once and for all when I spaced an actual ESA birthwatcher. She accepts me now, which is good because she has some pull with the WAB. She is the one who set me up to work for the Neon Witch.
The Neon Witch, underground Ripper Doc and Chemist. No one is really sure of their real name. They hired me to act as a their body guard and as an extra set of hands. Apparently they saw some further use in my abilities, and also taught me some basics of the job, and taught me a little bit about Pharmacology. Running underground medical operations isn't easy, and everyone uses the help they can get. I was also real good at holding people down to get their bones set.
Enemies on Terra Firma:
Peter MacNally was my squad competition. He was so sure he would make Sergeant before me. He never forgave me for being promoted first. I hear he is still in the Corps, pretty high rank too. That is fine, as long as he stays on the ground.
Private Oscar Dunleavy, a secret MLA sympathizer, attempted to sabotage a supply dump. Sophia MacNaughton was killed, and I was injured. Oscar claimed it was a faulty detonator that exploded when a box was moved, and a military tribunal did not find enough evidence to convict him. I know the truth though. I probably won't see him again, but if I do....
Patrick Lyons, a backbiting pretty boy. I left for a Peace Keeping tour in Syria, I kissed my fiance Ellen Doheny goodbye, she swore she would wait for me. That lasted four months before I heard she was dating Patrick Lyons. He seduced her away from me. With his flashy cars, designer fashion labels, his rich political family.... If he wasn't so damned connected, I could do something about it.
Commandant McFearson, my personal nightmare. Took it personally that his wife wanted a piece of me. And the kicker? He wasn't really angry about that part, he was angry I "acted superior to my betters" but trying to shut her down. I was presented two options, a fabricated trial in front of a military tribunal or join the Space Marine Corps. So now here I am in a tin can in space.
Enemies in Space:
Hogbe Limbay, Naval Officer. Every battalion has one, that guy. Walking around all superior. Well he got the girl, he can rub it in my face, but if I find him someplace dark and private I will rub his face in to the wall.
Pvt Ruan Williams, a member of my Fireteam. He has been a member since I arrived in space, and has always failed at promotion. A real lifetime grunt. Apparently he held a grudge against me, and relationships I had made with Wassa Arbita Bande. He apparently has family in the Directorship of my station, and got me drummed out of the Marines on a General Discharge under Honorable Circumstances. While I believe my life is better now, it has become far harder. I will kill him.
My Cousin Anton, Interpol Agent for the ESA. He somehow ended up hunting down a rogue doctor, someone who was treating patients for (Get this) Free! Can't have that, corps might lose money. Guess who that doctor was? The Neon Witch. I was in the chemlab that day, and in the ensuing raid I was doused in chemicals that left me scarred all over. The Chemist got away, and is still working underground. I did not. I ended up in the Brig. I will space him, but carefully, Interpol is not one to cross.
Timothy's Family
My family is quite large, and my relationship with them is complicated.
My father is named Butusov Ilya (Ilik) Mikhailovich; my mother is named Butusov Yuliya (Yulia) Artemievna. My mother views my life as a series of trials from god, or some kind of penance for wrongs done back in the old country. She did not approve of my rabble rousing of youth, my time in and out of Juvi followed by a Military Career that took me to the stars. Being sentenced to the Brig was the last straw, I have not heard from her. Father calls periodically, he is tired and getting older, but I can see he still cares and is worried for my safely.
I have three Older Siblings:
Sorokina, Galdin, and Dyatlov. They were Born in the old Soviet Union, and came to Ireland with my Parents when they emigrated to Ireland. Sorokina likes me still, but Dyatlov and Galdin couldn't care less what happens to me. I think they blame me for the move, even though I was born after. They are planning on taking over Dads smuggling operations when he retires. While they may not like me, they still view me as a connection to another chain of distribution and so haven't burned any bridges with me.
And then I have three Younger Siblings:
Caitlin, Conal, and "Caoránach". All born after me here in Ireland.
Caoránach is my youngest sister, and her name is a nickname of course, but she has used that name for so long I can't really remember her birth name. Aislinn, that was it. She followed in my footsteps, the pursuit of a perfect body, to push herself further then any one. She has to be nearly as large as me by, and talks of going to Night City to start a boxing club with other so called "Body Extremists". Her and Father are the only ones to reach out to me during my stay in the Brig.
Conal is my brother, and he is the black sheep of the family. Not only does he think I have lived a disgusting life. Being the youngest, he was sheltered in ways none of us were. He doesn't understand the petty crime of my youth to stay fed, my being forced to join the army, or even being chased off the planet of my birth. He just sees a common criminal, a deranged mind who has distorted his body and covered it in hideous tattoos. He views the rest of my family only marginally better. He sees himself as better as he completed third level education at a University. He works for the Government of Ireland. We are embarrassments to be kept hidden.
Caitlin is my sister, and she dislikes me also, but for different reasons. She fell in with a local chapter of a Inquisition. She sees what I have done to myself as an affront to her god, and believes that it is my fault Caoranach took the path she did. She is fine with the families smuggling operation though, because apparently improving your body is wrong but stealing is okay. Specially if you steal from those who augmented themselves. It makes no sense to me, but Family never does.
The history of Timothy
Current Age: 36. 2 Years Infantry Corps, 6 Years in Army Ranger Wing. 4 Years in a Corporate Space Marine Corps, 6 Years as a street doc, 2 years in prison, 6 Months back out.
First 8 Years spent in Irelands Infantry Corps/Army Ranger Wing:
17 Made a Friend: He's a reconnected old childhood friend.
Tommy Sullivan, a true stand up mate. We grew up hungry on the streets of Dublin, watching each others backs. We liked to roll tourists for quick cash. It isn't anything I'm proud of anymore, but it was that or starve. I shouldn't be surprised that we ended up enlisted together, not many ways out of Poverty in Ireland.
18 Made an Enemy: He's a ex-friend. Emnity started due to: Deserted or betrayed other. The feeling is mutual. Next time you meet, reaction is: Ignore the scum. Their backup is just himself.
Peter MacNally was my squad competition. He was so sure he would make Sergeant before me. He never forgave me for being promoted first. I hear he is still in the Corps, pretty high rank too. That is fine, as long as he stays on the ground.
* Applied PROMOTION: Rolled 8, Made Sergeant, Moved to Army Ranger Wing. (Leadership+ 1, Expert: Tactics-type as appropriate +1)
19 Big Lose: Lover/friend/relative killed: You lost someone you really cared about. They were murdered and you know who did it. You just need the proof. What are you going to do: Clear your name.
Sophia MacNaughton was a wonderful woman, and a great friend. In exchange for concessions from the British Government, Ireland loaned military forces to assist King Charles and the Royal Marines in a revolt against the MLA. We were not actively engaged, but managing support infrastructure. Private Oscar Dunleavy, a secret MLA sympathizer, attempted to sabotage the supply dump. Sophia was killed, and I was injured. Oscar claimed it was a faulty detonator that exploded when a box was moved, and a military tribunal did not find enough evidence to convict him. I know the truth though. I probably won't see him again, but if I do....
20 Made an Enemy: He's a squad ex-friend. Emnity started due to: Was a romantic rival. The feeling is mutual. Next time you meet, reaction is: Rip into him verbally. Their backup is just himself.
I left for a Peace Keeping tour in Syria, I kissed my fiance Ellen Doheny goodbye, she swore she would wait for me. That lasted four months before I heard she was dating Patrick Lyons. He seduced her away from me. With his flashy cars, designer fashion labels, his rich political family.... He is one of the reasons I left Earth. I couldn't stay in Ireland, seeing his stupid face on billboards.
Applied +1 to Melee, +1 to Weaponsmith 21 Big Win: Find a Combat Teacher: Armorers are willing to pass on their secrets, too. Add +1 to Weaponsmith skill, and add +1 to any weapons or combat skill (except Martial Arts or Brawling), or begin a new combat skill at +2.
For a work rotation, I was assigned to Mills Bentham, Armorer for our Division. He showed me how to clean, repair, and maintain firearms. When he wasn't showing me how to repair firearms, he was showing me how to get by without them.
* Applied +2 Hide/Evade 22 Big Win: Find a Teacher: Likewise, military instructors look for motivated pupils. Start a new INT skill at +2 or add +1 to any existing INT-based skill.
Based upon my military record, I was placed in to a special school for "Bang and Burn" operations. Gained a +2 to Hide/Evade. We were responsible for working behind enemy lines, and not getting caught.
PROMOTION: Rolled 2, Failed
23 Made a Friend: She's an old enemy (choose which one).
Amelia O'Nolan was one of the most hated officers at Curragh Camp. I hated training underneath her when I enlisted. She was tough as nails, and didn't give an inch. The longer I spend in the Corps, the more I understand why. A lifer, she has seen more action then anyone else I know, and I have learned to value her input.
24 Made an Enemy: She's your commanding officer. Emnity started due to: Turned down other's offer of job or romantic involvement. They hate you. Next time you meet, reaction is: Go into murderous killing rage and rip her face off! Their backup is an entire gang.
I Pissed off a higher up. A pretty high higher up. Commandant McFearson's wife took a shine to me. Why she picked me, I will never know. But I turned her down, and instead of being rewarded her Husband for my moral fibre, I was punished for being so proud as to refuse such an offer from one so better then me. I had two choices, A manufactured trial followed by court martial, or a tour with the ESA Space Marine Corps.
Next 4 Years in Space Marine Corps
25 Made an Enemy: He's an officer, not your commander. Emnity started due to: Was a romantic rival. You hate them. Next time you meet, reaction is: Ignore the scum. Their backup is just himself.
Hogbe Limbay, Naval Officer. Fuck that guy. Every battalion has one; pretends the Army is like the movies. Puffs his chest out. He got the girl, fine, but if I find him in a dark alleyway I may bash his head in.
26 Big Lose: Lover/friend/relative killed: You lost someone you really cared about. They died accidentally/naturally. What are you going to do: Live it down and try to forget it.
Safya Al-Walid was the first person I met when I reached space, she taught me how to move and fight in Zero-G. She was taking inventory in a storage bay when her ship was holed by space debris. I learned a big lesson, in Space life can be beautiful, but it can be cut short in the blink of the eye. Be prepared, your ship is your life.
PROMOTION: Rolled 8, Failed
27 Big Win: Ranker Owes a Favor: You did a ranking officer a favor. This Major/Colonel/General owes you back.
Chef de Battalion Solange Rousseau owes me, and he won't forget it. Low Workers were being squeezed by Rich Corporate Traders for water. A riot was brewing, and Responding Interpol Officers were acting like children with lit matches at a gas station. Situation was degenerating quickly. My fireteam was brought in to provide assistance. I was able to meet with Several Self-Styled Leaders amongst the Rioters and the riot was dispersed peacefully. This time.
28 Made an Enemy: He's a ex-friend. Emnity started due to: Deserted or betrayed other. You hate them. Next time you meet, reaction is: Go into murderous killing rage and rip his face off! Their backup is himself and a few friends.
Pvt Ruan Williams; he has been on my fireteam since I arrived in Space. Apparently he didn't like my sympathizing with the Low Workers. Felt I was going "Native." He apparently has family in high places, and I was brought up in front of a Tribunal. I was drummed out with a General Discharge under Honorable Circumstances. The Dog and Pony show couldn't find anything to nail to me. When I see him, I will kill him.
Leave Service, Become a Criminal
Next 6 Years with the Wassa Arbita Bande
29 Big Lose: Illness: You contracted an illness. Lost 1 REF permanently. What are you going to do: Clear your name.
Its hard to find work without an Honorable Discharge. I am a big guy, and fell in with the Wassa Arbita Bande. My first year on the street I almost died from some horrible pestilence. I was left with a tremor in my left arm, a slight arthritic movement. I found work with fitting my size, its not honorable but it pays.
30 Big Win: Highrider Tribe/Family Connection: A different highrider family/tribe befriends you. You can call on them once a month and is equivalent to +2 Family.
My size and military skills are a pretty good deterrent to violence. And when Violence still finds me, I have no reason to hold back. Several times I have stood with them against the Corporations. They may not see me as one of them, but they don't see me as a stranger either.
31 Made a Friend: He's a reconnected old childhood friend.
Trevor is from Dublin, but I ran in to him in space, an Le Mtumwa Spaca. I took him under my wing, same as Safya did for me. I try to keep him employed honestly; but us street kids always manage to find trouble.
32 Made a Friend: She's an old enemy (choose which one).
Claudette Edmond, her and I didn't see eye to eye. She believed I was still working for the ESA, and just spying on the Tribe. She always spoke against me, tried to rile people up against me. I proved myself once and for all when I spaced an actual ESA birthwatcher.
Applied +1 to Pharmaceuticals 33 Big Win: Find a Mentor: get a +1 to existing TECH skill or start one at +2
I do many things I need to do, to survive. I spent some time body-guarding a "Chemist". Medicine is expensive, backroom clinics have to resort to making their own. If course its expensive, so these Chemists also make drugs to sell to the rich, to pay for the medicine the Rich won't sell to the Poor. Its dirty, dangerous work, but I picked up some cooking skills of my own.
34 Made an Enemy: He's a relative. Enmity started due to: Caused a physical disability (badly scarred) The feeling is mutual. Next time you meet, reaction is: Ignore the scum. Their backup is an entire Government Agency.
My Cousin Anton works for Interpol, and was placed on the same Station as I was by the ESA. Family comes first, but he seems to have forgotten that. He was assigned to raid a Chemlab that I was working in, and the mudak didn't have the decency to warn me. I ended up with burns to my face and arms from spilled chemicals.
35 Big Lose: Imprisonment: You have been in prison, or possibly held hostage (your choice) for 24 months. What are you going to do: Hunt down those responsible and make them pay!
My Cousin, he somehow connected with Ruan, the sukin syn. They built a case, Timothy kingpin drug smuggling criminal. I ended up in the Brig for two years of my life! When I get out, I do not care if we are blood, my Cousin shall die. Ruan may be a brother in Arms, but I will crush him to dust.