Jennifer Shepard

Jennifer Shepard is an interceptor pilot for XCOM.

Appearance
Jennifer has piercing blue eyes and keeps her blonde hair cut short, typically she wears an XCOM jumpsuit when on duty. Occasionally Jennifer's seen with the top half tied around her waist, preferring to work in a vest for tasks like working on her interceptor. For missions she has a custom designed flight suit, featuring a stylized thunderbolt on the back.

Personality
Independent and spirited, Jennifer gets on very well with most people, though she has a tendency to come across as tough and brutal at times when due to a tendency to be overly blunt. A dedicated and loyal officer, Jennifer is not above questioning her orders though when others are at risk. Often this results in Jennifer putting her interceptor and own life in danger countless times, though thanks to her skills and thinking she's always survived a mission. Her spirited and risk-taking attitude earned her the nickname "White Maverick" by other pilots, a reflection of both her refined skills and tendency to ignore direct orders.

Weapons

 * Plasma Pistol
 * A backup weapon for pilots, they're rarely used but all pilots are given full training in using them.

Skill & Abilities
An exceptionally skilled pilot, Jennifer is gifted with high reflexes and a natural talent for flying. She also has some skills with a pistol, though doesn't quite see the point to using one when she has an Interceptor as an alternate choice. As a pilot she feels a responsibility to help keep her interceptor in top condition and helps with repairs when she can. Also Jennifer has skills in hand-to-hand combat, often sparring during her time off.

Equipment

 * Flight Suit
 * A key piece of equipment for pilots, the flight suit provides anti-g resistance and connects the pilot to an oxygen supply for high-altitude operations.

History
Originally Jennifer was stationed on an American aircraft carrier as part of an elite air force squadron. During a training mission the squad was ordered to disengage and return to base, this was due to an incoming UFO entering the Earth's airspace and XCOM's launch to intercept them. However, Jennifer didn't leave, noticing the incoming UFO as it broke through the atmosphere. Deciding to then stay and assist XCOM forces she helped shoot down the enemy aircraft. Shortly afterwards XCOM recruited her as a pilot for her skills in taking on a UFO with inferior technology and firepower.

Following her recruitment into XCOM Jennifer was assigned a position at XCOM's Canadian headquarters. Occasionally assisting in recruitment of new personnel.