GADDES

Allen's loyal lieutenant aboard the Crusade, Gaddes is the sort of supporting character who quietly makes the entire adventure function. While Allen duels, Van broods and Hitomi has visions, Gaddes keeps the ship crew organized, helps manage repairs, survives attacks and generally acts like somebody remembered that a flying fortress requires actual adults to operate it. He respects Allen without worshipping him and is comfortable enough around his commander to show personality instead of standing around as a nameless subordinate. Gaddes rarely drives the grand mythology of Atlantis or fate, but he is present through much of the journey and becomes part of the reliable human texture around the main cast. In a series full of princes and destiny, his competence is refreshingly ordinary.