Paula, the sole known survivor of Sonul 5, escaped her world's transformation into an organic Bacterian fortress. Discovered in suspended animation by Gradius pilots Stephanie, Dan, and Eddie, she reveals extrasensory perception abilities honed through meditation after the invasion, enabling her to locate the Bacterian base. Returning with the pilots to Gradius, she warns of an internal coordinator aiding the Bacterian infiltration. To gain Eddie's trust, she draws parallels between their refugee experiences and guides him to an ancient Moai obelisk. Persuading Eddie it is a Bacterian stronghold, she convinces him to destroy it. This act exposes her betrayal: the obelisk was actually Gradius's protective barrier. With its destruction leaving the planet defenseless, Paula sheds her form, transforming into a dragon-like entity and declaring her allegiance to the Bacterian before departing. Her deception deeply wounds Eddie, who felt kinship with her.

Later, as the Bacterian plot to assimilate Stephanie into a cyber brain for their leader Gofer unfolds, Paula actively participates. When Stephanie is rescued, thwarting the plan, Paula volunteers her own consciousness to become Gofer's cyber brain. She transforms into a giant phoenix-like dragon to command the Bacterian forces. After Stephanie and Dan defeat this form, Paula's spirit is sensed leaving the battlefield.