TV-Series
Description
Barnette Orangello is a Dread pilot and one of the key members of the crew aboard the battleship Nirvana. She serves as a co-leader of the Dread pilots under the command of Meia Gisborn and holds a rank higher than fellow pilot Dita Liebely. Her position on the ship is defined by her competence as a fighter and her strong, independent nature.

In terms of background, before becoming a Dread pilot, Barnette originally worked within the Registration System under the leadership of the crew member Gascogne. Her family background includes her parents, as well as four sisters, making her the third child in her family. Her notable collection of antique firearms, which includes models such as a Calico pistol, a Steyr AUG rifle, and a Franchi SPAS-12 shotgun, was a gift given to her by her Ouma, a term for grandmother.

Personality wise, Barnette is characterized by her aggressive behavior and strong will. She is highly independent, stubborn, and is known to hold a grudge. This aggressive demeanor is displayed both in her confrontational fighting style and in her general attitude, particularly toward the male members who were integrated into the Nirvana’s crew. In this regard, her hostility toward men is often noted as being even more pronounced than that of the stricter Meia. Despite her tough exterior, she possesses skills that contrast with her warrior image, as she is also revealed to be an excellent cook. She is also very trigger-happy, reflecting her enthusiasm for her gun collection.

Her motivations and role in the story evolve, especially during the events of The Second Stage. After the loss of Gascogne during a battle against a Harvester mothership, Barnette voluntarily steps forward to take over leadership of the Registry system, effectively replacing her fallen comrade. This decision demonstrates a sense of responsibility and a desire to honor the fallen, as she takes on the role of a protective big sister figure to Hibiki Tokai, much like Gascogne did before her. She takes over the central Redge system after Gascogne's death, showing a greater maturity driven by her wish to never lose a friend again.

One of Barnette's most significant key relationships is with the pilot Jura Basil Elden. The nature of their bond is a notable aspect of her character. Jura is extremely affectionate and physically close with Barnette, leading to ambiguity about whether they are best friends or lovers. In the context of the anime, multiple sources indicate they share a romantic relationship. This dynamic is sometimes strained by Jura's schemes, particularly her persistent attempts to bond with Hibiki, which Barnette often has to tolerate. The two initially started as rivals before their bond deepened into a close partnership. Unlike the other three primary Dread pilots, her Dread unit is incapable of combining with Hibiki’s Vanguard mecha. This is due to her specific positioning when the mysterious entity known as the Paksis altered the Dreads, setting her apart from Meia, Dita, and Jura in combat scenarios.

Regarding development, Barnette shows a clear arc from a stubborn and aggressive soldier to a mature leader. Her willingness to step into Gascogne's shoes signifies her growth and her ability to put the needs of the crew above her personal feelings. She returns to active duty as a pilot for the final battle, indicating her versatility and commitment to the Nirvana's cause. Her notable abilities include high proficiency in piloting her Dread unit, expertise with a wide array of firearms, and the practical life skill of cooking.