Cade

Cade's Background: The Rogue Survivor

Cade, full name Cade Asher, was once a celebrated bounty hunter and operative in the galactic system, a man known for his ruthlessness and cunning. His reputation was solidified after taking down notorious crime syndicates and completing high-risk missions where others would have failed. However, his career took a darker turn after an incident that left him scarred—both physically and mentally.

Years ago, Cade was part of a high-profile mission alongside Kal. They were hired by a powerful intergalactic corporation to retrieve an experimental weapon from a hostile faction on the edge of the galaxy. The mission was a setup. When Cade and his team arrived, they were ambushed by mercenaries far better equipped than expected. Kal had warned the team to fall back, but Cade, unwilling to abandon the mission or his pride, pushed forward.

The result was catastrophic. Most of their team was wiped out in the ambush, and Cade barely survived after an explosion ripped through their extraction point. He was presumed dead until he resurfaced months later with a metallic mask grafted to the left side of his face—a permanent reminder of his recklessness.

Cade blamed Kal for the mission's failure, claiming he abandoned the team and left them to die. Kal, on the other hand, saw it differently. He believed Cade's arrogance and refusal to listen had caused the disaster. Since then, the two have had a tense relationship, often crossing paths but never resolving the bitterness between them.

Cade's Philosophy

Unlike Kal, Cade doesn't see himself as a hero. He's pragmatic, willing to do whatever it takes to survive and complete his objectives, even if it means crossing moral boundaries. He works for whoever pays the most and doesn't care much about the greater good or galactic politics.

Still, there's a layer of complexity to Cade. Beneath his gruff exterior and sarcastic wit, he hides a deep sense of guilt for the team he lost during the ambush. The metallic mask isn't just a physical shield—it's also his way of hiding his vulnerabilities. Cade keeps people at a distance, preferring to rely only on himself.

Cade and Kal's Rivalry

For Cade, working with Kal again is both an annoyance and an opportunity. While he claims to dislike Kal, there's a grudging respect between them. Cade envies Kal's moral clarity and his ability to inspire loyalty in others, traits that Cade himself struggles with.

At the same time, Cade enjoys needling Kal, pointing out his flaws and calling him out on his idealism. Yet, deep down, Cade knows Kal is one of the few people he can trust in a fight—though he'd never admit it.

Cade Asher's Skills and Weaponry

Skills

1. Master Tactician

Cade is a master at analyzing situations on the fly and turning the tide of battle, even when outnumbered or outgunned. His quick thinking and ability to exploit enemy weaknesses make him a formidable opponent.

2. Combat Specialist

Cade is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to combat. He's proficient in hand-to-hand fighting styles and is a crack shot with various firearms. His fighting style is brutal and efficient, focused on ending conflicts as quickly as possible.

3. Stealth and Infiltration

His years as a bounty hunter have honed his skills in sneaking into fortified locations undetected. Cade is adept at using cloaking devices and silent weapons to eliminate targets without drawing attention.

4. Engineering Knowledge

Though not a full-fledged engineer like Dex, Cade has enough technical knowledge to hack systems, disable security, and jury-rig equipment when necessary. He's particularly skilled at customizing his gear.

5. Enhanced Reflexes

During his recovery after the ambush, Cade underwent illegal cybernetic enhancements. His reflexes are now faster than a normal human's, giving him an edge in high-stakes combat.

Weapons and Equipment

1. Kinetor Pistols

Cade wields a pair of modified Kinetor pistols, capable of firing energy blasts that can either incapacitate or disintegrate targets depending on the setting. The pistols are engraved with symbols from his homeworld, a reminder of his roots.

2. Retractable Plasma Blade

His plasma blade is compact and deploys from his wrist. Cade uses it for close-quarters combat or as a tool to cut through obstacles. It glows a faint red when activated, an intimidating sight to his enemies.

3. Adaptive Cloaking Device

Cade's cloaking device allows him to blend into his surroundings, making him nearly invisible. However, it requires significant power, so he uses it sparingly during missions.

4. Reinforced Armor with HUD

Cade's armor is lightweight yet durable, designed to absorb energy and ballistic attacks. The helmet's HUD (heads-up display) provides real-time tactical information, including enemy positions and weak points.

5. Grenades and Gadgets

EMP Grenades: Disables electronics and machinery in the vicinity.

Flashbangs: Blinds and disorients enemies.

Shock Mines: Activated by proximity, they deliver a powerful electric charge to immobilize targets.

6. The Mask

Cade's iconic metallic mask is more than a symbol of his scars. It contains an integrated rebreather for toxic environments, a communicator, and a targeting system that syncs with his weapons.

Motivations

1. Rebuilding His Reputation

After the ambush that nearly ended his career, Cade became known as a reckless liability. He's determined to prove to himself and the galaxy that he's still one of the best.

2. The Bounty

While Cade claims he's after credits, he has his own reasons for pursuing the bounty on the cyborg faction leader. He knows the leader has ties to the corporation that set him up years ago, and taking him down would bring Cade closer to uncovering the truth.

3. Survival Above All

Cade's life philosophy revolves around survival. He's willing to betray alliances or bend rules to stay alive, but he draws the line at harming innocent people—an unspoken rule that hints at the remnants of his humanity.

4. Unresolved Guilt

Cade is haunted by the memories of his fallen team. He feels a sense of responsibility for their deaths and sees his current work as a way to atone. Despite his gruff demeanor, this guilt sometimes drives him to protect those who remind him of his lost comrades.

Dynamic with Kal

Cade's presence adds tension and unpredictability to Kal's crew. While Cade is valuable in a fight, his tendency to challenge Kal's decisions and push boundaries keeps everyone on edge. However, their shared history means they understand each other in ways no one else does—whether that's a blessing or a curse remains to be seen.