Tristi Richardson
Name Tristi Richardson
Position Crew Family
Character Information
| Gender | Female | |
| Character Quote | Wasn't me! | |
| Species | Human | |
| Age | 16 |
Physical Appearance
| Height | 5f6 | |
| Weight | 100lbs | |
| Hair Color | Brown | |
| Eye Color | dark brown | |
| Physical Description | Tristi is a wiry, thin teenager with sharp eyes and quick reflexes—traits honed from years of surviving on the streets. She dresses in oversized, baggy clothing that conceals both her slight frame and the assortment of tools she keeps hidden on her person. Her hair is often tucked under a cap or tied back in a messy knot, and there’s always a faint smudge of dirt or engine grease on her hands. Though she moves quietly, there’s an undeniable alertness in her every motion—like a cat ready to bolt at any moment. Despite her guarded posture, her dark eyes sometimes betray a spark of warmth when she’s in the gardens or among trusted company. |
Family
| Father | Mattias Richardson (Adoptive) | |
| Mother | Phoenix Lalor-Richardson (Adoptive) | |
| Brother(s) | William Kenneth Lalor-Richardson (Adoptive) | |
| Sister(s) | Elizabeth Liselle Lalor-Richardson (Adoptive) | |
| Other Family | Miran Lalor, Kyian Lalor, Kiana Lalor, Kara Starr, Malakai Starr |
Personality & Traits
| General Overview | Tristi is a survivor in every sense. Life on the streets of Sydney made her cunning, cautious, and fiercely self-reliant. Though she projects a quiet, tough exterior, beneath it lies a fiercely loyal heart and an almost childlike curiosity about the world—especially plants. A “thief with honour,” Tristi refuses to steal from those in need or harm the vulnerable. She avoids violence when possible, preferring cleverness over confrontation, and often expresses herself through dry wit and understatement. Despite being surrounded by the structured environment of Starfleet life aboard the Elysium, she still struggles with trust and often isolates herself in quiet corners or the ship’s arboretum. Her green thumb and surprising gentleness with growing things contrast sharply with her street-hardened instincts, making her both an enigma and a survivor. |
|
| Strengths & Weaknesses | Strengths: Expert pickpocket and lockpicker (mechanical and electronic) Strong intuition and street smarts Mechanically adept with small crafts, anti-gravity lifters, and ground vehicles Keen observational skills; remembers details others overlook Natural affinity for plants and hydroponic systems Weaknesses: Limited literacy; struggles with spelling and formal writing Deep mistrust of authority and fear of confinement Avoids physical contact; uncomfortable with emotional vulnerability Prone to fleeing or shutting down when confronted with strong emotions or discipline |
|
| Hobbies & Interests | Gardening and hydroponics (her safe space aboard the Elysium) Tinkering with lock mechanisms and small tech Exploring service corridors and maintenance shafts Sketching plants and making small growing journals (with rough spelling) “Practicing” sleight-of-hand tricks—much to Security’s irritation |
Character Background
| Personal History | Early Life Tristi was abandoned at birth and raised in a state-run orphanage in Sydney, Australia. The institutional environment offered little affection, and by the age of five, she ran away—vanishing into the labyrinth of city streets. She survived by stealing food, avoiding law enforcement, and befriending other runaways who came and went with the seasons. By the age of ten, she had developed an uncanny knack for picking locks—both mechanical and digital—after stealing an electronic cracking device from a repair shop. She also learned to identify valuable items at a glance, often fencing them for enough credits to survive another day. First Contact with the Stars At eleven, Tristi stowed away on a cargo vessel bound for an off-world colony—a biodome transport carrying plants, seeds, and soil samples. Discovered mid-journey, she was spared punishment by a compassionate botanist named Dr. Alira Vestra, who offered her a deal: work with the crew in exchange for food and safety. During that voyage, Tristi tended plants for the first time and discovered a sense of peace she had never known. Dr. Vestra became a mentor, teaching her to read and write at a basic level, and awakening a fascination with growing things that would stay with her forever. The Wanderer Years After leaving the ship at thirteen, Tristi drifted from colony to colony, working odd jobs and stowing away when necessary. She learned to operate anti-gravity cargo lifters and small ground craft, always keeping to the edges of society. By fifteen, she was living on Rigel X, working as a cargo hauler in the sprawling docks and sleeping in a cramped, dim hotel room. Her skills made her useful—but her curiosity got her into trouble. One day, she attempted to pick the pocket of a woman she thought was a wealthy trader. That woman turned out to be Phoenix Lalor, undercover at the time. Instead of turning her in, Phoenix and Mattias saw something in the defiant, frightened teen—something worth saving. Adoption & Present Day After the Elysium returned to Federation space, Phoenix and Mattias petitioned for adoption. No biological family could be found, and Tristi—hesitant at first—slowly accepted the idea of belonging somewhere. Life aboard a starship has not been easy for her; structure and affection are foreign concepts. Yet she’s found purpose helping in the ship’s hydroponic bays, learning from the science staff, and occasionally assisting Operations with low-level maintenance tasks. She still slips into old habits from time to time—Security has caught her “testing” crew members’ reflexes by lifting their combadges or data padds—but she always returns them. Eventually. |
|
| Service Record | Education: Informal education during childhood Basic literacy and numeracy lessons from Dr. Alira Vestra (Botanist) Self-taught in lockpicking, cargo handling, and piloting small craft Ongoing informal mentorship aboard the USS Elysium under Science Division (Hydroponics Assistant) Special notes: Security advisory: Keep an eye on your belongings—Tristi likes to “stay in practice.” Shows aptitude for xenobotany and environmental systems. Currently under the informal mentorship of the Elysium’s Botany Department. |
|
| Languages | Federation Standard, some swear words in Orion |