Jamelia Johnson Darilek
She/her
In the 2180s, Jamelia grew up in the inland outskirts of Houston with her grandmother. She spent her time studying (especially for science classes) and hanging out with Gavin, her boyfriend.
In 2199, Jamelia and Gavin entered a satellite in an upstart aerospace facility on a dare from their classmates. When they were locked inside, no one rescued them before they were sent into Earth's orbit.
After the satellite events, Corelai and Maxence adopt Jamelia as part of helping her get back on her feet. Jamelia takes on internships and eventually jobs as an astronaut.
This section includes major spoilers about "Gavin and Jamelia,"
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Appearance
Jamelia was born a human. She was a Black woman with dark brown skin. During "Gavin and Jamelia," she kept her tight coils of black hair in a ponytail. She had dark brown eyes. Her wardrobe was limited to the gray clothes sent by the mysterious packages.
Personality, Behavior, Et Cetera
Jamelia didn't express her feelings through words as much as actions. Her care for others showed in how she remembered things, like Gavin's favorite songs. Her demeanor tended to be serious, especially after being trapped in the emergency housing satellite.
Her interest in science became almost an obsession. In trying to find a way back to Earth, she saw a potential future in technology and astronomy. She even admired astronauts, particularly Corelai and Maxence.
She was a bisexual, autistic woman. She didn't mind the limited stimulation of the satellite or the lack of people, but it did take her time to figure out how to be around Gavin all day, every day.
Relationships
She grew up with her grandmother, Verity Johnson. Verity passed away while Jamelia was trapped on the satellite.
For years, Jamelia looked up to Corelai and Maxence. She followed their livestreams and interviews, hoping that they would rescue her. After they do, they became her mentors and—after they adopted her—her parents. She hadn't experienced having parents in a long time, as she never really knew hers. Although their age was closer than typical parent-child relationships, Jamelia respected them as older family members.
Jamelia loved Gavin, her boyfriend. He brought out her joking side and she brought out his serious side. Being trapped together in a small satellite tested their relationship, but they found that they liked living together, even if it was in dangerous circumstances.
Trivia
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Jamelia chose to honor her deceased grandmother and her mentors by taking on both Johnson and Darilek as her surname
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Jamelia's name was originally Juliette, referencing the Shakespearean Juliet and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet as I thought the tragedy was a fitting reference. But I didn't want to indicate that Jamelia's love was rash and childish like Juliet's, so I changed it
