Roy Stubbs is human and joined PACT to escape from the poverty in which he grew up on an Earth colony planet. His mechanical skills were put to good use, and he trained as an engineer. He is slim and rough-looking, but he has a good heart. He looks like a young Nicholas Lyndhurst.
He has been working on the Kestrel with Blackwell for two years, and looks on him as a father-figure. Blackwell took him under his wing and helped him to learn some of the social graces that he lacked.
He has proved himself to be a very useful member of the crew, often helping in little ways unbidden. He is not afraid of hard work, but is nervous of responsibility. His tough upbringing has left him with little self esteem, though he blossoms when praised by Blackwell. Blackwell is sure that in time, he will make a good career for himself and be a credit to the service.
In Intruders Roy Stubbs is tested when the Kestrel is forced to carry six extra passengers, all from different alien races. The overcrowding and clash of cultures is a severe trial for him. A trial in a different way is the presence of Tabitha Enns the trainee. She is nearer his age than the other crew members, and the only female. He fancies her, but his skills in that area have little finesse. Enns is not used to attention from boys either, and has an awkward time working out how to handle his advances.
In Alien Secrets he gets a new room mate when James Tomos joins the crew to replace Sam Ryan. At first they don’t get on as Roy Stubbs thinks Tomos is showing off, but when he realises Tomos is trying to help by sharing his knowledge they get along well. Tomos shares tips on women too when they meet two girls on Caspar. Unfortunately Kestrel runs into pirates who take Stubbs hostage, with tragic consequences.
Ann Marie Thomas is the author of five medieval history books, a surprisingly cheerful poetry collection about her 2010 stroke, and the science fiction series Flight of the Kestrel, Intruders, Alien Secrets & Crisis of Conscience are out now Follow her at http://eepurl.com/bbOsyz