Lady Deirdre Skye was born in Scotland and her genius intellect and aptitude for biological sciences saw her rise to prominence and an eventual position as the chief Botanist/Xenobiologist for the Unity mission. The work of her team ensured that the landing pods were filled with edible plants adapted to the anticipated ecosystem of the new world, so that the human settlers would not face starvation after planetfall.

Having lived though the horrors of the last years of earth on the front lines of trying to save a dying world, Deirdre and her faction are determined not to repeat the tragedy of Earth. Gaia's Stepchildren focus on both the moral and practical imperatives of an existence in harmony with the environment.

They strongly believe that if humanity are to survive, they need to learn from, adapt to, and respect this new world. As such they have a strong interest in scientific research; many of their projects seek to develop ways in which human needs can be met and progressed in harmony with the planet's native systems.

Finally, they know that too many others have learned the wrong lessons, or no lessons at all, from the lost home world. Those that seek to destroy this world like they did the last one - though merciless exploitation - will find that while the Gaians prefer peaceful solutions, they will defend this world by whatever means are necessary.