Character Profile: Melfina

When Gene first opened the case that "Hot Ice" Hilda had been carrying, he was definitely not expecting a woman, cold from cryogenic stasis, curled up inside.

Her name is Melfina, and though she is not truly human, it is impossible to tell from her looks or actions, living and breathing just like everyone else. Created by Gwen Khan out of ancient alien biotechnology so sophisticated that not even he understood all of it, she is perhaps the most sophisticated bio-android in existence, possessing all the quirks of living beings, even emotion. Physically, Melfina is 2 years old (she was completed TS0156), she looks 18, and she has components that date back over 30,000 years. As innocent as a newborn, she wonders why she was brought into being. In a strange change of behavior, Gene does not act his usual boisterous self around Melfina but rather becomes much more caring and gentlemanly, treating her like a real woman despite her origins. Melfina becomes intrugued by him and appreciateive of the way he treats her.

Everything around her is a new experience, and she takes in every sight with the delight of an exploring child. She's also developed a fascination for cooking. Her relations with the rest of the crew are cordial at the least. You almost can't hate her...but there is someone she hates. On a couple occasions, Harry MacDougall tried to hack his way into the Outlaw Star's computers, in the process intruding on Melfina and terrifying her with his advances.

Melfina and the Outlaw Star were designed together and meant to work in tandem. The ship carries a special fluid-filled interface chamber. When Melfina enters the chamber, she assumes the role of navigator, guiding the ship in ways she doesn't always understand herself. You see, hidden away in Melfina is the secret to the Galactic Leyline. It is her task to guide the Outlaw Star to the center of the Leyline...and then unlock its secrets.