Marida Cruz

Overview

Marida Cruz is a major character in Mobile Suit Gundam UC. Holding the rank of lieutenant, she serves as a premier mobile suit pilot for the Garencieres squad within the Neo Zeon remnant faction known as The Sleeves. Quiet and composed on the surface, she possesses exceptional combat expertise alongside a deeply empathetic nature forged through overcoming tragic hardship. Throughout the Laplace Incident, she stands as a key figure protecting her commander and guiding younger allies.

Appearance

Marida is an eighteen-year-old woman with long chestnut hair, blue eyes, and refined facial features. She possesses a physically strong build, though her body bears physical scars from severe past abuse. Her expression is consistently stoic and calm, rarely revealing inner turmoil. In addition to her pilot suit and flight helmet, she is depicted wearing standard clothing and dresses.

Personality

On the battlefield, Marida is cool-headed and focused, displaying a reserved exterior that can initially seem distant. However, beneath her stoic demeanor lies a compassionate, nurturing personality. She shows a soft spot for children, willingly helping care for her comrade Gilboa Sant's family, and harbors a youthful fondness for eating ice cream. Having endured immense trauma, she retains a firm moral compass and frequently offers quiet wisdom to Banagher Links, encouraging him to hold onto hope regardless of circumstances.

Abilities

As a Cyber Newtype, Marida possesses exceptional piloting talent, sharp intuitive insight, and powerful psycho-commu aptitude. She is the sole pilot capable of operating the massive Kshatriya, demonstrating the ability to single-handedly neutralize entire enemy units. Her piloting record includes the Mass Production Qubeley, the Banshee, the Kshatriya Besserung, and the Kshatriya Repaired. Through her immense Newtype spatial awareness, she can resonate telepathically across vast distances to convey her thoughts directly to others.

Background

Originally created as Ple Twelve, the twelfth clone of Elpeo Ple, Marida fought under Glemy Toto during the First Neo Zeon War. Following her commander's defeat and the loss of her sister clones, she escaped to Earth in a pod at ten years old, only to be captured by human traffickers and subjected to horrific abuse in a brothel. She was eventually rescued by Suberoa Zinnerman, who adopted her and named her after his deceased daughter. Joining the Neo Zeon remnant group The Sleeves, she returned to the cockpit during the Laplace Incident, gradually overcoming her tragic conditioning to fight for her own beliefs.

Relationships

Marida shares an intense, loyal bond with her commander and adoptive father Suberoa Zinnerman, initially addressing him with formal obedience before recognizing him as a true parent. She displays absolute devotion to Mineva Lao Zabi as her leader. Though initially meeting Banagher Links as an enemy, she becomes a trusted guide and elder sister figure who nurtures his resolve. She is warmly embraced by Gilboa Sant and his family. Additionally, her interactions with Riddhe Marcenas and Alberto Vist—who holds an unrequited affection for her—ultimately serve to free them from their bitterness.

Trivia

Her given name, Marida, originates from Suberoa Zinnerman's late biological daughter, Marii. While her personality shares certain traits with Ple Two rather than the original Elpeo Ple, she lacks Ple Two's aggressive temperament. She appears regularly across video game titles such as the SD Gundam G Generation and Super Robot Wars series; in select Super Robot Wars entries, special gameplay conditions allow players to alter her narrative fate and ensure her survival throughout the campaign.