Description
Gregorie Harkov is a seasoned and cunning intelligence officer serving the RIS. He gives off the appearance of a past-his-prime spy, clinging to his glory days. He seems to drink too much, and achieve too little. In some circles of the Terran military, he's used as a cautionary tale. He has adopted the persona of 'likable idiot' and plays the part well.
However, despite his outward appearance of a jovial and easygoing demeanor, Harkov possesses a shrewd and resourceful intellect that drives his strategic maneuvers. He is as cool an operator as they come, often able to out think or out manuever his opponents before they even realize they're competing against him.
Gregorie is an intensely loyal patriot, but he is rather flexible in that loyalty, often focusing on the greater or long-term good rather than rigid adherence to the law. Because his duty often makes him feel compelled to do morally objectionable things, he believes himself 'damned' or 'irredeemable', which makes him often take on morally questionable jobs to others don't have to.
Gregorie Harkov is a rugged, middle-aged man with the quintessential appearance of a seasoned Russian spy. He sports unkempt, dirty blonde hair streaked with gray, a prominent jawline, and a slightly misaligned nose, hinting at past injuries left unattended. His weathered complexion bears the marks of a life filled with hardship and purpose. His facial hair, often left untamed when not neatly trimmed, contributes to his disheveled image.
Harkov's piercing blue eyes are a defining feature, frequently sparkling with mirth or obscured by a calculating gaze that conceals his true thoughts from others. Beneath his seemingly relaxed exterior, he exudes an aura of calm assurance, projecting the self-assured bearing of a man who remains firmly in command. His attire is practical and understated, favoring functionality over fashion, typically consisting of a plain, dark jacket and trousers that allow him to seamlessly blend into his environment.
Physically, Harkov is an imposing figure, his muscular build a testament to years of active fieldwork. While no longer at the pinnacle of physical fitness, he has traded some of his lean muscle for the softening effects of age and a more comfortable lifestyle. Nonetheless, he retains a disciplined posture, a remnant of his early days in active service, and his movements remain surprisingly nimble for his stature. This suggests that despite his outwardly laid-back demeanor, he is perpetually prepared for action.
Gregorie Harkov is a master of duality, balancing the jovial charm of a classic rogue with the ruthless pragmatism of a seasoned intelligence officer. He appears at first glance as a boisterous, almost carefree man, unafraid of cracking jokes and leaning into stereotypes about Russians drinking too much or being straightforward. He uses this facade to disarm those around him, putting them at ease or making them underestimate him, while his mind is always several steps ahead, plotting and calculating.
Harkov is deeply patriotic, but not in a naive or blind way. His loyalty to the Republic is complex — it’s not about following orders or trusting authority, but about a deep-seated belief in protecting his people, even if it means bending or breaking the rules. He operates in the gray areas of morality, willing to make sacrifices or underhanded deals if it furthers the greater good as he sees it. This makes him a bit of a maverick within the RIS, respected for his results but also viewed with suspicion by those who prefer a stricter adherence to protocol.
Gregorie’s respect is hard to earn but genuine when given. He admires competence, particularly in his enemies, and often finds himself in a begrudging sort of camaraderie with formidable opponents like Alastair McKenzie. He enjoys the game of espionage, treating it almost like a sport, and relishes encounters where he can match wits with worthy adversaries. Despite his flippant exterior, he harbors a sharp, introspective side, often reflecting on his own actions and the nature of his work with a touch of weary cynicism.
Harkov is also a skilled manipulator, reading people easily and knowing exactly what to say or do to get under their skin or gain their cooperation. He’s not above using blackmail, deceit, or even charm to achieve his goals, but he never does so without a purpose. He can be unflinchingly cold when the situation demands it, yet there are glimpses of a softer side — particularly in his rare moments of honesty or when speaking about people he genuinely cares for, such as his illegitimate daughter, Saya.
Overall, Gregorie Harkov is a paradox: a charming spy who laughs easily but trusts little, a patriot who’s willing to betray his superiors for the right cause, and a pragmatist who finds joy in the dangerous dance of intelligence work, even as he grapples with the moral weight of his choices.
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