[Dare Da] Mark

Introduction:
Mark, the Commander of G-Force, the only group standing between Earth and the planets of the Federation of Peaceful Planets, and Spectra's plans for conquest. Many people look at the surface only, and hence comes a misunderstanding of the G-Force Commander, as much of a misunderstanding of the G-2 (see "Jason").

A. Who's the goodie-two-shoes?

Perhaps this misnomer comes partly from his innocent looks. But make no mistake, this is one boy you don't want to mess around with! Mark is dedicated to his cause and will do whatever he thinks is necessary to accomplish it, even if it means directly disobeying an order (Raid on Riga)

He has a definite personal life, but things tend to go askew with it, compared with his life as the G-Force Commander. Holding on to a life-long belief that his father is still alive, he secretly goes off to Riga in search of him, endangering a mission (The Sky is Falling). When he receives news that his father was killed in his sleep by an assassin, he goes into a depression that nearly costs the entire team their lives. He also gives in to violence against the man responsible for his fathers death (Raid of the Red Scorpion). When confronted by evidence that his father may be alive after all, he takes off in his plane in hot pursuit, leaving his team behind (Attack of the Alien Wasp). He's also know to occasionally take off on his own (Space Rocket Escort)

That said....

Leadership:

Mark is definitely confident and secure in his ability to lead his team. While being diplomatic, he gives orders and expects them to be obeyed, and isn't afraid to get on someone who isn't. He is good at knowing his teams strengths and weaknesses, and using them to their best, and is confident in their ability to perform. This is not to say he's a dictator. He's open to ideas when it it is warranted (Raid of the Red Scorpion, The Duplicate King), but when he thinks he knows what should be the right thing to do, he does it. If he does not believe something will work, no bullying or pushing will make him do it.

He's not willing to ask anything of his team he's not willing to do himself, and will take some of the most dangerous assignments for himself (The Sea Dragon, Magnetic Attraction, Rescue of the Astronauts , The Fierce Flowers). He leaves open the option of the team opting out of some missions, which they never do.

He has a great deal of self-control, which shows not only in his performance as Commander, but also in his personal life (except, perhaps, where his Father is concerned) (Curse of the Cuttlefish). He will get angry, but is usually able to stop for a moment, and then continue in a more controlled manner. He is dedicated to his job, and as such, realizes some things must be put aside, even personal attraction (Defector to Spectra).

While he is good at organizing his team, using their skills, and developing strategies, he is no genius himself in the sciences. If he gets a good idea for a weapon, he hands it over to those who can make it happen (Magnetic Attraction), and is not afraid to pull from another's expertise or admit he doesn't know everything to make a mission work (Mission to Inner Space, Tentacles From Space, The Awesome Armadillo, The Awesome Ray Force, The Thing With 1,000 Eyes, The Fierce Flowers, Silent City).

When he feels his leadership has failed, he's willing to take the consequences (sometimes defiantly), and offer to step down from his position (The Space Serpent, Raid on Riga, Raid of the Red Scorpion, Attack of the Alien Wasp)

B. The Personal side:

Personality:

Mark is not above making jokes and bad puns, enjoying a grin now and then. His teammates are also his friends, and he treats them as such in off-duty times, and this also filters down when they are on a mission. He sometimes uses humor to diffuse tense situations (Vacation on Venus).

He is easy-going at most times, and easily gets along with others, even complete strangers. He hesitates when his confidence his shaken, but is quick to recover and attempt to find a way to salvage the situation (Fierce Flowers, Curse of the Cuttlefish).

While working well with people, Mark also enjoys time to himself, at times flying his plane over sparsely populated areas, meditation, and taking the occasional odd job flying mail to remote areas.

Admirable traits:

His loyalty to his team and cause, even to the detriment of himself. He does not have an easy job, yet he does his best, finds the strength to keep going even when he falls and makes mistakes. He tries to balance his dedication to the missions with concern for his team, which often conflict with each other. His fighting skills are unsurpassed, and any Spectra Goon with the brains he was born with rightfully fear him. He has at times shown pity on the Goons, allowing them to escape (this could be a bad trait, but at least shows some compassion). He is not a glory-hound, being able to let his team members do their jobs without interference, confident in their abilities.

Less Desirable traits:

At times his dedication to accomplishing the mission is at the expense of the little people (Magnetic Attraction). He is sometimes willing to sacrifice himself even when an out could be found if he tried a little harder (thank goodness for his teams dedication to HIM). If he believes in something, it can take something dramatic to convince him its wrong (an example of a trait that can be both a good and bad thing).

Love life:

Unlike the other Eagles of the various incarnations, Mark does not ignore the female sex. He is not oblivious to a pretty face, or unable to admit it to himself or others (Defector To Spectra, Super Space Spies, Rage of the Robotoids). In the longterm, however, he is dedicated to Princess, with whom he admits an attraction and affection (Defector To Spectra, Magnetic Attraction). From the beginning of the series to the end, we see a development of this affection, from one only hinted at, or developing, to one they even talk about (Fierce Flowers, Curse of the Cuttlefish, Decoys of Doom, Invasion of Space Center). We have clues that this relationship has extended to their off-duty times, but not how far (Decoys of Doom).

C. Observations

When you look at Mark, his appearance is deceptive. With big eyes and an innocent expression, the inner truth is much deeper. This guy could still look innocent handing your heart back to you on a silver platter, and if he thinks its what is right for the mission, he would do it. He is easy-going and yet, at the same time, firm in his beliefs. He is self-confident in his view of the world and in himself. Don't underestimate this Commander, especially if you are Spectran. To do so would be a deadly mistake.

D. The Fanfic Writers Perspective:

Naa-Dei mentioned behavioral hooks. If Mark has one, its his dedication to his team, the cause, and his seriousness to the missions. But one needs to be careful even with these. Mark is complex, and to every rule to his personality, there is an exception. Unlike the typical Superhero, he is a flawed character,which makes him more human, and more interesting to write about in fanfic.

Julieann and Nanuk of the North