Dra'rek Calla

## Overview

Dra'rek Calla is a passionate, charismatic, and indefatigable Callaxian known as the primary leader of the rebel group known as the Shoehorns. Being the daughter of Ref Calla, the King of Tarn, and the older sister of Brek Calla, she was expected to be a de facto queen but instead, upon reaching adulthood, she chose to oppose the oppressive social hierarchy of the Stratum publicly. Despite being seen as a traitor by many, her natural ability to inspire confidence and her unwavering dedication to justice have made her a prominent figure in the Callaxian Civil War.

## Appearance

Dra’rek possesses the distinctive traits of her species, including a unique nose ridge and split pupils. She is described as plump, with long ash-blonde hair and tan skin; it has often been noted how alike her late mother she looks. A notable feature shared with her brother Brek is a symbol emblazoned on her hand to show she is marked.

## Childhood

Born into the Calla family, Dra'rek had the heavy expectation of eventually taking over her father's position. The Stratum, an oppressive system that enforces social segregation, was part of her daily life. However, during her teenage years, she witnessed an act of Stratum-related injustice against a staff member she was fond of, which was the starting point to a significant awakening. From then on, she began to seek out and understand the pervasive issues related to the Stratum.

## Adult Years

Upon reaching adulthood, Dra’rek decided to openly oppose the Stratum. She lent her voice to the existing civil rights movement, effectively becoming a critical figure in its expansion. Her life then became a life in hiding as she worked tirelessly in building up the resistance in New Bray'ed.

She got married to Kipp Fello (who took her name at the time of their marriage), a Lax member of the rebellion, in an illegal ceremony in Rayz. Soon after, they had a daughter named Fin'na. However, tragedy struck when Kipp was killed in a civil fracas a year before the war started in earnest. Now, she fights not just for her cause but also to honor her late husband and ensure a better future for their mixed-class daughter, who was almost two at the start of the war.

In her adult years, Dra'rek's bitter resentment towards her father has been greatly fueled by the death of her mother, Go'mul Calla. The decision of Ref Calla to refuse Mission medical treatment for Go'mul's cancer, which would have saved her life, continues to be a source of deep and unresolved anger for Dra'rek. Despite her mother's implicit endorsement of the Stratum, Go'mul's kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on Dra'rek, making her loss even more deeply felt.

## Role in Callaxian Civil War

The Callaxian Civil War has placed Dra'rek in a central position of a high-profile interstellar event. Despite her family ties, she stands firm against the Stratist Traditionalists, led by her brother Brek, who are supported by the Union of Planets based on self-determinism principles. Dra'rek's fight against her family's values and the enforced Stratum law has seen her leading the Shoehorns with dedication and fervor, making her an influential figure in the fight for a better future on Callax. She is a key liason with the Mission, who backs the Shoehorns' cause; she works closely with Findelo Fendall, Abretha Dontell, and Xeth Xiantra.