Ambai Teklile

### Education

* Dual degree program from a prominent university inside the Drell Domes on Kahje, Bachelor’s of Galactic Affairs & Broadcast Journalism.
* Received advanced self-defense training from a fitness center in Ethiopia, including hand to hand combat with a specialization in Capoeira, a few tech abilities, and handgun training

## OOC Info

### Status

Active

**Ambai Nyala Teklile** is a reporter for Westerlund News that is currently assigned to the Council Recovery Corps.

## Biography

Ambai Nyala Teklile was born on February 25th, 2168, and grew up quite comfortably as an only child in a modest, lively town called Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on Earth. Raised by two very kind, wealthy and cultured parents, both of whom were leaders in their respective fields, those being politics and medicine. Her mother, Doctor Adei Teklile, and her father, Mekbib Teklile, a government official. Due to this, Ambai believed since she was a young girl that she would either go into one of her parents' fields, or disappoint them, despite their reassurances otherwise. Though with the economical gap widening more and more everyday, she was not allowed to interact with “lower class” children. In respect to her parents' political status in Addis Ababa, her family went to great lengths to keep her away from the general public. Private school, private birthdays, private everything. While it was polarizing and isolating, she was able to fit in at school and make friends with most if not all of her classmates. Living such a sheltered life, Ambai had a hard time resonating with the majority of people living in poverty throughout her childhood.

As a toddler, Ambai’s parents enrolled her in many extracurricular activities. Specifically ballet, as tradition dictates. Through this it came to fruition quickly that she had a natural affinity towards the arts, mastering pirouettes and fouettés within a few weeks. A fellow young girl named Gete practiced in the same studio, and two quickly became best friends. Other activities included cheerleading, gymnastics & poetry, all of which she became a star in. In cheerleading, with her proven elegance in ballet, she was titled a flyer, soaring through the sky like a dove. All the way through her activities, her trusting nature and gullibility grew, blindly trusting as she was thrown into the air with no knowledge if she would be caught by her squad or duet partners. While she mostly excelled at performing, when behind a desk she was lacking in scientific and mathematical knowledge, though this was made up for with her theatrical writing capabilities.

Ambai was incredibly invested in articles and news from a young age, finding joy in being able to educate herself and have knowledge of vastly different cultures. Watching interviews, media stations and the like always interested her. She had nothing but admiration for the journalists who effortlessly exposed the truths on these platforms, despite the consequences they could face. These people were her heroes, and in her eyes, doing the work everyone else was too cowardly to do.

Focusing on her academics and athletic activities, she became the squad leader of her cheer team, and was the main event for the past three years of ballet recitals. This always made her giddy, and even today she holds onto this for inspiration and confidence. Academically, her struggles remained in science studies, but was overall a well rounded student. Due to her success, she became quite popular, and often spent her time with her cheer squad and Gete. Her parents were glad she could have a childhood, and finally explained that they wanted her to have the youth they couldn’t. As they both came from poor, low-class families, and had to climb to the top without integrity.

Throughout her teenage years, Ambai volunteered at her school as a teacher’s aide, joined the journalism club and started a teenage-friendly radio station in Addis Ababa with Gete where the pair talked about galactic issues, news and music. Along with this, Mekbib enrolled her in self-defense courses as a precaution with his political standing only rising more. Here she learned advanced hand-to-hand combat, specifically Capoeira, uses of drones and tech, as well as the ins and outs of pistols.

While continuing to do ballet and cheerleading, she often traveled around Ethiopia competing, giving her a hectic and busy life, but she appreciated the experiences and people she got to meet. But soon it all came to a stop, graduation was coming up, and Ambai had to figure out her next steps. She thought back to her fears as a child, and found solace and appreciation  in her parents unconditional support, as they all silently knew what she truly desired in life.

Doing research, Adei came across a university on the planet Kahje that would allow Ambai to study the two fields she appeared to admire most, Galactic Affairs & Broadcast Journalism, while having sports and extracurricular activities that aligned with Ambai’s experience. Mekbib also encouraged this, as no one would know him or the family name on far-off planets. She could live a truly normal life. Together, the family cheerfully created and sent an application, highlighting Ambai’s accomplishments as an athlete and writer. In a mere few weeks they received an acceptance letter, and all was set for the maturing Ambai.

Over the summer, Ambai spent much time with her family and friends while vlogging the journey to be able look back on. Doing family yoga classes, eating out in fancy restaurants and traveling to the warm beaches, enjoying the finest of her home country before she would leave for the next few years. Ambai’s parents and friends were visibly sad but even more clearly proud of her. She was ready for this opportunity, and they all knew it. The once oblivions child, now an educated young woman, ready to soar on her own. And as the warm summer faded, the time finally came, Ambai was packed and ready. New books and expensive bags for school supplies, suitcases of well-made Ehtiopian clothing, Adei and Mekbib ensured she was able to sit pretty and comfortably. Saying goodbye to the cheer squad was easy compared to Gete and her parents while in the transportation center, hugging them all as she let tears stream down her face. Sharing a glum, final farewell, she had none of her typical cheer in her steps as she traveled to the terminal and boarded the first of many spaceships.

Arriving on the watery planet, Ambai was culture-shocked. From the vast ocean, the Encompassing, to the completely non-humanoid Hanar and Drell… she had never even been out of Africa. The Hanar locals slowly escorted her to the Dome section she would live in, as she was amazed by the drastically different architecture and unique individuals. Excited and nervous, Ambai’s social self had immediately started making friends with the other new students, bonding over the shared experiences.

The first year was quite difficult for Ambai, she was the alien on this planet, not them. Though she made many friends, her whole life could not have prepared her for this new, dramatically different world. Different gods, different cultures, few humans. Incredibly devastated by the solidarity of being one of very few humans in the domes, her academics suffered. This continued for the first few months, and was worsened by the fact that her radio station failed, coming to the conclusion rather quickly that her fathers political position brought an influx of listeners. Mere days after this discovery, the Terminus Confederacy declared war on the Citadel Council. For Ambai, she felt as if her world was falling apart. She had such an easy childhood, but nothing about her new life was easy. So far away from her family and friends, she was truly alone and confused. She said silent prayers every night that this would all work itself out.

Searching for assistance, a depressed Ambai came to her Drell professor, Koso, who offered both a job and advice. He helped her reach out to Adei and Mekbib, bringing some solace to the poor girl. Koso also helped Ambai realize she had to step it up to make it in the real world, and even more so to make it galactically. With her confidence slowly coming back, she started a new radio station. It took time, but over the next few years, it was a hit on Kahje. The Drell loved to learn about different cultures, and Ambai commonly had different visitors speak on the show, offering everyone some insight to their unique cultures. From travelling soldiers to humans like her.

The next three years were quite eventful for Ambai, mostly due to her experiences with the new culture. Her academics were recovering and quite impressive, although the Drell did not have ballet or cheerleading, they did offer dances of their own culture. Though she felt like a fish out of water amongst the highly religious Drell, she enjoyed learning their ways and culture. Even going as far as attempting to learn the moves of the “Siha Dance”, a dance to honor warriors, along with many more. This eventually escalated to her joining the academy’s dance team. Throughout her time on Kahje, she had also become adept at the Drell language, mostly due to being a teacher’s aide. The second year was hard, but better, she mostly struggled when the Reaper War made headlines. Struggling to adjust to a life without her parents and Gete near, she lived in constant worry. Throughout her final two years, she kept up with her new radio station, “In The Stars”, but took it galactic. Due to her coverage of the Reaper War, her channel was blooming. Continuing to speak openly about the news, cultures and events of the galaxy, she gained a following. She vowed to her followers that she would always tell them the hard truth, no matter where she went.

And this was true. Graduating with the hard to obtain high honors, Ambai applied for a News Reporter position at Westerlund News on The Citadel and was hired before she could even return home. Although they were missing their dear sēti liji, Adei & Mekbib were proud and understanding. Professor Kojo was proud of Ambai’s progress, giving her a pendant of Arashu, solemnly saying goodbye to his newfound friend. Packing her many things, and wearing her new religious necklace, she set out, with blooming confidence irradiating from her.

She shut down “In The Stars” due to the job restrictions, but her first live airing on Westerlund received a massive influx of her previous viewers. From the Drells on Kahje, to the humans back home in Addis Ababa, all of her previous following chimed in and watched. After the next few segments, she was trending as the “#RuthlessReporter” who mercilessly exposed any ill-doers without worry of the consequences or dangers. After a few months, she got notice from the head of Westerlund she was being assigned to the CRC as a correspondent. Though she had no qualms with this, she felt as if it was because she upset the other reporters with her carrying the ratings and honest work.

Ready and willing, she serves both the people and the CRC, ready to find her next story.

## Personality

Though one would think Ambai is a stuck-up spoiled woman due to her wardrobe and style, she’s a true social butterfly with a rather large heart and a passion for helping the galaxy however possible. While most reporters spread hate and fear to fuel their stories, make headlines and antagonize the public, Ambai shares the truth and spreads positivity. Something she was never given as a child, which has gained her due respect and a positive name. A sweet glow and delicate smile charm individuals, and her honeyed-words always seem to make people happy.

Ambai’s optimism is just as easily placed as her faith in people, due to this she is easily misled by “colleagues”, chasing after false stories or petty gossip on bad tips. She sees the good in everyone, and despite the two-faced behavior of antagonistic co-workers, chooses to keep it that way. Adding to her gullibility is the experience she had as a head flyer in her cheer squad, as such she often had to blindly trust strangers. But due to the teamwork throughout her youth, she’s rather fond of working with others, and harbors no fear of the unknown.

Although Ambai portrays herself as an authentic, good-natured reporter, she has a serious side. She will not allow illegal acts to go under the radar. She’s been known to go as far into the fray as possible, straight into clear danger to get the story out. Integrity is the core of her persona but her desires to expose the truth in any situation have made her a rather incautious and injudicious individual.

### Hobbies & Interests

* *Ballet -* Ambai had a flair for the arts, drama and theatre, ballet was a speciality and family tradition among the Teklile’s. From the ages of 5 to 18, she performed at a professional level with her dance academy in Ethiopia and continued this while at Kahje. And currently, in her spare time, she instructs students.
* *Gymnastics/Cheerleading -* Throughout her youth, Ambai was an athletic individual who excelled at sports, primarily gymnastics & cheerleading. While in her teens, she won national awards at various competitions on Earth. She was particularly adept at springs, flying and flips, but skilled overall in both fields. She still stays limber and practices when the chance arises.

## Physical Description

Ambai stands at an average 5’8”, weighing a lithe & mere 115 lbs. Years of Ballet & Gymnastics have kept her graceful form, standing tall, light and prideful. Her smooth nutmeg brown skin almost has a radiant glow, accompanied by wavy chocolate-coloured hair that bounces like soft, angelic clouds when she moves. She most commonly wears it in a high ponytail/bun, fishtail braid or draped down her back. The styles in which she wears her hair came from her experiences as a ballerina and cheerleader. Her face is soft yet angular, almost perfectly chiselled.

Ambai walks with poise, flowing like water with each step. Her graceful demeanor clearly reveals her upbringing and experience. A sway in the hips slightly enhances her slight curves, accompanied with her strongly accented but soft Ethiopian voice make her a perfect television personality.

The ensembles that adorn her are a shining resemblance of her heritage in Ethiopia, but with added elegance and class. From royal crimson and orange patterned gowns with oval cutouts on the sides and elbow long gloves, to revealing ocean-colored aztec inspired turtleneck dresses. She typically has a set of large earrings in corroborating her wardrobe and a slight layer of makeup. Constantly being on camera, Ambai keeps herself looking attractive and stylish.

When going into the field to record, interview and report, Ambai remains stylish but not ineffective. Covered in black, white and grey hues, a tight shiny turtleneck bodysuit with shoulder pads and high heeled boots adorn her body. The zipper is slightly open, revealing only her neck.

### Abilities

* Defence Drone
* Neural Shock
* Overload