Neal Gibbons, embittered heir of noble House Given, became its sole survivor after Drake Luft's forces killed his parents early in the conflict. He assumes command of the resistance against Luft's military expansion, leading from the Aura ship *Zelana*—a vessel imbued with personal significance as his father's final gift. His leadership manifests as harshness coupled with fierce dedication to his crew, though the weight of command exposes his inexperience.

Romantic involvement with Riml Luft, daughter of his enemy, creates profound internal and external conflict, echoing a star-crossed dynamic. This relationship fuels crew distrust toward Riml, undermining unit cohesion even after she demonstrates combat loyalty. Concurrently, Neal remains unaware of the affections held by fellow resistance fighter Keen Kiss, who sees him as more than a comrade. He also shares a complex history with Marvel Frozen; initial mutual interest evolved into wartime respect under pressure.

As the war escalates, Neal's motivations crystallize into a personal quest for vengeance against Drake Luft, intensifying after Keen dies during the assault on Luft's flagship. The antagonist battleship *Spriggan*'s destruction of the *Zelana* deepens his trauma, symbolizing the loss of his familial legacy. Bereft of ship, crew, and Riml—murdered by Luuza—in the final battle, he descends into a death-seeking frenzy. Disregarding enemy attacks, he executes a suicidal charge against Drake Luft's command ship, the *Will-Wipps*, to ensure his enemy's demise. This confrontation culminates in his death.