Elise Francesca Collins

Born: Nov 6th 2038
Current age: 29
Position: Secondary pilot on Thunderbirds One and Two

Elise is the only daughter of USAF officer Frank Collins and his wife, Helen. Orphaned by a family yacht accident when Elise was 9, she was raised by her father's older sister, Victoria Collins, in Denver, CO. Her childhood was relatively normal despite being orphaned. She did well in school, made friends and was generally very popular. Elise learned to figure skate at an early age, but gave it up in her teens, as the cost of competing became too high and her aunt could no longer afford it. She was a member of the Air Force ROTC in high school, and graduated near the top of her class. This led to a scholarship to the Air Force Academy, where she majored in Humanities, and flying became her passion. While in the Academy, she was a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, taking the championship in her sophomore year.

After graduating, she served for nine years with the USAF as a helicopter and jet pilot. At some point during her Air Force career, she served under Capt. Scott Tracy, and during that time had an unforgettable run-in with a Fireflash prototype. When her term of service was up, she obtained a private corporate license to pilot helijets and jets, obtaining a job with a private company, ferrying businessmen across the US.

Eventually, she became displeased and unsatisfied with her employment, and Elise started looking for a more challenging position. Through the aviation grapevine she heard that Tracy Ind. was looking for quality people including corporate pilots. Knowing that TI is owned by multi-billionaire Jeff Tracy, she figured if she got "in", she'd not only get herself her dream job, but also be able to fly some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The fact that she knew Scott Tracy from her AF days would be the key to help her "get her foot in the door". She applied to, and was hired by Tracy Industries and sent to New York City to work flying helijets. Eventually, she was called upon to take Jeff himself on what would be a fateful and life-changing flight.

Elise is serious when working, and dedicated to what she is doing. She is independent, but sociable with a good sense of humor when the need arises. She is strong-willed, yet kind hearted and can be counted on in a crisis, however big or small. She tends toward impatience, which may also spark her sharp temper, and her occasionally sharper, sarcastic tongue. She enjoys wine, country music, dancing, and a good night out with friends. Elise would someday like to get back on the ice to figure skate just for pleasure. She does like to sing, and usually sings in the car or the shower but is not afraid of a karaoke machine. She doesn’t follow sports per se, but will always root for the AF Academy or a Colorado team when they’re playing. She’s still a wicked Frisbee player, and is always up for a game.

As a result of the yacht accident that killed her parents, Elise suffered for many years with severe hydrophobia and a fear of boats, making it difficult for her to fly long distances over water. Later investigation would show that she also suffered from PTSS and survivor's guilt. She is getting professional help to deal with these issues

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