Space: Above and Beyond Poster # 1 58th Squadron aka Wildcards

Description

Space: Above and Beyond is an American science fiction television show on the FOX Network, created and written by Glen Morgan and James Wong. Originally planned for five seasons, it ran only for the single 1995–1996 season, due to low ratings. It was nominated for two Emmy Awards and one Saturn Award. Set in the years 2063–2064, the show focuses on the “Wildcards”, members of the United States Marine Corps Space Aviator Cavalry, 58th Squadron. They are stationed on the space carrier USS Saratoga, and act as infantry and pilots of SA-43 Endo/Exo-Atmospheric Attack Jet (“Hammerhead”) fighters.

58th Squadron aka Wildcards

Kristen Cloke — Capt. Shane Vansen (USMC), callsign first episodes “Ace of Diamonds”, later changed to “Queen of Diamonds”. The eldest of three daughters, Vansen was born to two career marines. Her parents were executed at the hands of a patrol of Silicates during the A.I. war (she would later discover on interrogating a Silicate that her home was invaded and her parents killed as she and her sisters watched due to a coin toss (the Silicates adhering to their doctrine of “Take a chance” (Ep1.04) She joined the Marine Corps to honour their memories, and with ambitions to be one of the elite of the 127th Squadron, the “Angry Angels”. A natural leader, solid tactician and outstanding pilot, she was quickly chosen by her peers to be in command of her squadron in the early days of the Chig war, (ep1.02)and this choice was reflected in her being selected as ‘honcho’ by her superiors in missions thereafter. (ep1.04) During the war, she would repeatedly encounter the Silicates, and would demonstrate a cool head under pressure even when facing these nightmares of her childhood.(ep1.04, 1.06, 1.08,1.09) Reflecting her war record, having been wounded several times in combat, received repeated citations for achievement in battle as well as the continued respect of her peers and superiors, 1st Lt. Vansen was promoted to Captain in late 2063. (ep 1.17) She was close friends with all of her squadron, subconsciously slipping into the ‘big sister’ role that she had been denied as she and her sisters had drifted apart in the aftermath of their parents’ deaths.

Morgan Weisser — 1st Lt. Nathan West (USMC), callsign “King of Hearts”, Hammerhead dubbed “Above and Beyond” (ep. 1.01)Arguably the heart of the 58th Squadron, Nathan West had never intended to become a Marine. His choice or career and by definition, lifestyle had been in the Tellus Colony program. He and his girlfriend, Kylen Celina had worked long and hard to be selected for the program,with the kind of strong moral conviction of the truly adventurous. They had also been long-standing advocates of In Vitro rights. On the eve of their mission to colonise Tellus, they were advised that one of them was being summarily replaced by an In Vitro, a political decision that had ironically robbed them of their dream. Although Nathan tried to stow away, he was unsuccessful, and was removed from the transport. Kylen stayed on, handing a photo of them together, with a recorded message of “I believe in you” to Nathan. He watched as Kylen and his life flew away.Having been advised that a USMC sentry might be stationed at Tellus, he joined the Marine Corps, and was halfway through training when the news arrived that the Vesta & Tellus colonies had been preemptively attacked by the extraterrestrial species that came to be known as the “Chigs”. After undergoing Accelerated Training, he and the rest of the nascent 58th Squadron participated in the “Battle of the Belt”; the Earth forces’ first victory against the enemy. 1st Lt. West was credited with six confirmed kills in this space battle. Along with the other members of his Squadron, he was awarded a prestigious medal for this decisive victory.

Rodney Rowland — 1st Lt. Cooper Hawkes (USMC, In Vitro), callsign “Jack of Spades”, Hammerhead dubbed “Pag’s Payback”. (ep. 1.01) After being scheduled to be “erased” for asking a single question about freedom, Hawkes subdued one of his monitors and killed him in retaliation. Escaping the In Vitro training facility in Philadelphia, Hawkes lived on the streets until being arrested while chasing an In Vitro racist who had tried to hang him. The judge ordered him to the Marines, where he found the only people he ever cared about: The Wild Cards. He bonded especially with his fellow soldier Mike “Pags” Pagodin, who was K.I.A in the early stages of the conflict with the Chigs; and Lt. Col. “T.C.” McQueen, who became a father figure to him.

Joel de la Fuente — 1st Lt. Paul Wang (USMC), callsign “Joker”

Lanei Chapman — 1st Lt. Vanessa Damphousse (USMC), callsign “Ace of Hearts”.

Near mint condition.