Veronica Bennett
Supporting Character in Wings of Freedom
Veronica Bennett
Supporting Character / Pilot Trainee
Biography
A middle-aged woman in her mid-fifties, Veronica Bennett joins the pilot training programme not out of personal ambition but out of a desire to understand her late son Derek's passion for space flight. Quiet and determined despite her obvious anxiety and technical struggles, Veronica develops a maternal bond with Jack, sitting beside him in class and offering him practical advice like wearing double socks to prevent his new boots from chafing. As the training progresses and the challenges become more complex, Veronica eventually recognizes that piloting isn't her path but accepts that her brief experience has given her enough insight into her son's passion to find peace with his memory.
Personality Traits
Appearances
- Wings of Freedom - Veronica appears as a fellow trainee in Jack's pilot certification course, forming a bond with him and serving as a maternal figure during his training before ultimately deciding not to continue after the mid-course assessment.
Key Relationships
Jack Abbott
Veronica develops a maternal relationship with Jack, offering him practical advice and emotional support throughout their training. Their relationship provides Jack with a gentle form of adult guidance that contrasts with Captain Hale's more stern approach.
Derek Bennett
Though he never appears in the story, Veronica's deceased son Derek is central to her character motivation. Her desire to understand his passion for space flight drives her to attempt pilot training despite her obvious unsuitability for it, and her eventual acceptance that she doesn't need to become a pilot to honor his memory marks an important point in her healing process.
Captain Hale
Despite her struggles with the technical aspects of piloting, Veronica earns Hale's respect through her determination and genuine effort. He recognizes her underlying motivation and shows unexpected patience with her limitations.