TV-Series
Description
Barnette Orangelo is a prominent character in Vandread: The Second Stage, serving as one of the Dread pilot co-leaders under Meia's command on the battleship Nirvana. She holds a rank higher than fellow pilot Dita and is distinguished by being the only recurring Dread pilot whose vessel never combines with Hibiki's Vanguard. This limitation occurred because of her specific positioning when the mysterious entity known as Paksis altered the Dreads, preventing the synchronization required for combination.
In terms of personality, Barnette is defined by her aggressive and fiercely independent nature. She possesses a very strong will and is known for being stubborn, sometimes holding grudges. Her behavior, both in combat and in her daily interactions, is one of the most aggressive among the crew, particularly in her attitude toward the men who have become integrated into the Nirvana's society. This hostility toward males is perhaps even more pronounced than that of the initially distrustful Meia. Despite this tough exterior, she has a softer side, demonstrating skill as an excellent cook. She also harbors a notable passion for collecting antique firearms, with her impressive collection including models such as a Calico pistol, a Steyr AUG assault rifle, and a Franchi SPAS-12 shotgun, and she is often described as being trigger-happy.
Barnette's motivations and role evolve significantly during the events of the second stage. Early on, she is a loyal soldier who often has to tolerate the schemes of her close companion, Jura Basil Elden, which frequently involve attempts to get Hibiki to combine with Jura's Dread or, later, to have a baby with him. However, after a harrowing sortie against a Harvester mothership that results in the loss of the tough-talking mechanic and leader Gascogne, Barnette steps into a new role. She voluntarily chooses to replace Gascogne, taking over leadership of the Registry, which is a central system on the Nirvana. Her motivation for this change is driven by a newfound sense of maturity and a deep-seated desire to never lose a friend again. She effectively takes on the role of a big sister figure to Hibiki, looking after him in a way similar to Gascogne before her.
The most significant key relationship for Barnette is with Jura. The two are almost always together, and Jura is extremely affectionate with her. The nature of their bond is portrayed as deeply intimate, with Barnette having romantic feelings for Jura that appear to be reciprocated. However, Barnette often finds herself frustrated by Jura's flirtatious and competitive nature, especially when Jura sets her sights on Hibiki.
Throughout Vandread: The Second Stage, Barnette demonstrates notable development. She begins as a somewhat rigid and stubborn supporting pilot, but she grows into a leader who assumes a critical administrative and protective role on the Nirvana. Her abilities are primarily combat-oriented, as she is a highly skilled Dread pilot known for her aggressive fighting style. Despite her Dread's inability to combine, she remains a formidable fighter, returning to active pilot duty to participate in the final battle. In addition to her piloting skills, her marksmanship with her collection of firearms and her unexpected culinary talent are also noteworthy aspects of her character.
In terms of personality, Barnette is defined by her aggressive and fiercely independent nature. She possesses a very strong will and is known for being stubborn, sometimes holding grudges. Her behavior, both in combat and in her daily interactions, is one of the most aggressive among the crew, particularly in her attitude toward the men who have become integrated into the Nirvana's society. This hostility toward males is perhaps even more pronounced than that of the initially distrustful Meia. Despite this tough exterior, she has a softer side, demonstrating skill as an excellent cook. She also harbors a notable passion for collecting antique firearms, with her impressive collection including models such as a Calico pistol, a Steyr AUG assault rifle, and a Franchi SPAS-12 shotgun, and she is often described as being trigger-happy.
Barnette's motivations and role evolve significantly during the events of the second stage. Early on, she is a loyal soldier who often has to tolerate the schemes of her close companion, Jura Basil Elden, which frequently involve attempts to get Hibiki to combine with Jura's Dread or, later, to have a baby with him. However, after a harrowing sortie against a Harvester mothership that results in the loss of the tough-talking mechanic and leader Gascogne, Barnette steps into a new role. She voluntarily chooses to replace Gascogne, taking over leadership of the Registry, which is a central system on the Nirvana. Her motivation for this change is driven by a newfound sense of maturity and a deep-seated desire to never lose a friend again. She effectively takes on the role of a big sister figure to Hibiki, looking after him in a way similar to Gascogne before her.
The most significant key relationship for Barnette is with Jura. The two are almost always together, and Jura is extremely affectionate with her. The nature of their bond is portrayed as deeply intimate, with Barnette having romantic feelings for Jura that appear to be reciprocated. However, Barnette often finds herself frustrated by Jura's flirtatious and competitive nature, especially when Jura sets her sights on Hibiki.
Throughout Vandread: The Second Stage, Barnette demonstrates notable development. She begins as a somewhat rigid and stubborn supporting pilot, but she grows into a leader who assumes a critical administrative and protective role on the Nirvana. Her abilities are primarily combat-oriented, as she is a highly skilled Dread pilot known for her aggressive fighting style. Despite her Dread's inability to combine, she remains a formidable fighter, returning to active pilot duty to participate in the final battle. In addition to her piloting skills, her marksmanship with her collection of firearms and her unexpected culinary talent are also noteworthy aspects of her character.