- "I'm sure it's a glorious day in the Corps somewhere."
- ―Sergeant Alejandra Herrera (from Aliens: Fireteam Elite)
Alejandra "Alex" Herrera was a member of the United States Colonial Marine Corps. She was sergeant of the 1st Rifle Platoon of Echo Company's newly organized 33rd Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Division in 2202.
Biography[]
Early life and training[]
Alejandra Herrera was born in El Cobre, Cuba, in 2178. Herrera’s father ran an auto repair shop, and she was expected to assist him in the garage from a young age. However, Herrera instead enlisted at Recruiting Station Santiago de Cuba in 2195, and trained at MCRD Isla San José in Panama. Her scores were average, but her leadership qualities were quickly noted. Initially a ringleader for unit troublemakers, particularly AJSP inductees, Herrera was chosen as Platoon Guide by her drill instructor, Zalman, and held responsible for ensuring none of her unit washed out; none did.[1]
Into the Hive[]
Though skilled in mechanical maintenance, Herrera declined service in a support unit, and was assigned to a line unit in the 37th MEU, aboard the Bougainville-class Attack Transport UAS Améthyste. Though Améthyste’s battle group was deployed in response to several provocations by the the Union of Progressive Peoples during 2196 and 2197, no combat occurred.
Herrera's second tour was with the 35th MEU aboard the Tientsin-class assault ship UAS Humaitá. Herrera’s unit responded to Xenomorph outbreaks on sixteen colonies and outposts in the Outer Rim Territories, four of which ultimately required orbital sterilization protocols. Herrera's actions clearing a Xenomorph Hive at Colegio Santa Rosa de Lima on Amaru were recognized with a Marine Commendation Medal. However, Herrera's performance declined after the operation, and a number of off–duty incidents occurred.
Upon returning to port, Herrera served a six–month garrison stint at Kuat ASFB on Surier (Delta Pavonis d), during which she voluntarily participated in an outpatient program run by the Veterans Administration. After her fitness was re–certified, she returned to fleet duty in 2201, assigned to the newly organized 33rd Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Division. Herrera's battalion was ultimately assigned to the 40th MEU aboard the Tientsin–class assault ship UAS Endeavor.
The LV–895 campaign[]
In 2202, the Endeavor received a transmission from Weyland-Yutani Corporation researcher Timothy Hoenikker, who had escaped a Xenomorph outbreak on the planet of LV-895 and was stranded on the orbital refinery Katanga. Herrera was placed in command of the Marine fireteam charged with rescuing Hoenikker, and assisted them with navigating the refinery and getting Hoenikker out alive.
Personality and traits[]
A standing joke in Echo Company had it that Herrera possessed a "technology death field" that caused lights to burn out and computers to lock up when she walked by them. While aboard the dropship during missions, Herrera liked to partake of cookies sent to her by her abuela.
Herrera and Lieutenant Feiyan Ko ran a revolving poker tournament on weekends; the rifle companies and aerospace squadron were particularly fierce rivals. Colonel Olivia Shipp saw no reason to curtail this activity.[1]