Karol Gryga
Commander Karol Gryga
Commander Karol Gryga is an officer of the Polish Interstellar Navy who serves as the first officer of the flagship, ORP Eagle under the command of Captain Justyna Zych. Karol has known the captain for many years before joining the crew of the Eagle and they have become close friends. One could even call them companions.
Service
Karol graduated from the navy academy in 2314 as the second-best student in his class. Upon entering active service he received the rank of lieutenant and was stationed on the ORP Lightning, a small destroyer patrolling the border of Polish-controlled space. In 2315 the ship was attacked by a Catoxian vessel. When the enemy boarded the ORP Lightning, Karol was sent to help defend the engine room. After the chief engineer was severly wounded Karol was the highest ranking officer in the engine room and assumed command of the defenders. He was able to not only defend the engine room, but also push the Catoxians back to the airlock they boarded through. For this the captain gave him a commendation that was recorded in Karol's file.
I would have been dead if not for Karol. When the Catoxians attacked the engine room on the Lightning I was standing right in front of the door. He saw me and jumped and pushed me to cover.
In 2318 Justyna Zych was given the command of ORP Eagle, the flagship of the Polish Interstellar Navy. When choosing her first officer, she came across Karol's file and read about his actions against the Catoxians. She remembered Karol from the training cruise she was a first officer on. She knew that he was very skilled and talented. Justyna immediately knew that this is someone she wanted at her side. Justyna presented the case to fleet command and after some discussion the admirals decided to fast-track Karol's career by promoting him to commander and posting him to the Eagle as first officer.
I met him when he was a cadet on a training cruise. I trust him and there is no one who I would rather have by my side on the bridge.
Since his promotion and transfer Karol hasn't seen a lot of action yet. He has only visited the Celestial Archive a couple of times when the Eagle was transporting some important officials.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Karol was raised in a patriotic Polish family. From a very young his parents were making sure to implant strong love for Poland in him as well as taught him everything about national and religious traditions. However, they remembered to also teach Karol to respect others and to not discriminate anyone because of their nationality or beliefs. At the same time, his father's brother was a member of an ultranationalistic organization opposed to Poland abiding by the rules of the UNIC. Every time they met, Karol's father and uncle were arguing so much that everyone feared that one day it may turn violent. Luckily, it never did.
Such upbringing made Karol into a man with strong patriotic beliefs, but who is open to meet others and learn about them. He joined the Interstellar Navy as he saw it as a perfect choice for someone who wants to both serve his country and explore the universe.
Virtues & Personality perks
Karol never gives up. He always works hard to finish what he started and to do that in the best way possible. Additionally, he also knows how to spread such a mindset to others. People who fought alongside him during when his first ship was attacked by Catoxians say that Karol was able to put hope and determination into them even when everything seemed lost.
Karol is also naturally curious and likes learning new things. He has always wanted to visit the Celestial Archive and explore its libraries. However, the couple of times he was there with the Eagle there was no shore leave time.
Vices & Personality flaws
His desire to finish what he started in the best way possible can sometimes make Karol not see when things can't be done. He becomes stubborn and often doesn't even see that he is repeating an approach that he already tried several times and it didn't work.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Captain Justyna Zych is Karol's commanding officer and one of his closest friends. They met when Karol was still at the academy. Justyna was the first officer on one of his training cruises. They became friends almost instantly. Karol likes serving as her first officer. He feels that Justyna values his insights and advice as well as gives him plenty of oppurtinities to learn and develop his skills. The lines between their friendship and professional relationship often get a little bit blurred. It isn't uncommon for them to call each other by name instead of rank even in professional situations like on the bridge of the ship.
Ok, I trust you, Karol. Execute it.
Family Ties
Karol is an only child. His parents live on Earth, but he is in regular contact with them. Similarly, he is in good relations with rest of his family. The only exception might be his radical uncle who is still not happy that he didn't succeed in turning Karol into an ultranationalist. They haven't spoken with each other since Karol started the navy academy.
Relationships
History
Karol and Justyna first met on Earth in 2312 when Karol was attending the navy academy. Justyna was the first officer on one of his training cruises. While many romantic relationships can be described as love at first sight, their relationship can be described as friendship at first sight.
Karol Gryga is a very interesting man love the fact that he's best friends with his captain. It was very fun article to read
Thank you
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