Personality

We can sum Rand up as a nice guy. He doesn't strike people as being "nerdy" at first, but if you get him talking about technology, he can get animated and go on and on. To say that he likes computers would be an understatement; he loves them and understands them inside and out. He doesn't just know about the software aspect; he also understands the electronic wiring, and takes to things of technology naturally. If only he could interact so well with people...

At the moment, Rand has a part-time job doing web design, as well as working in the school computer lab a couple hours a week helping computer science undergrads. He has a web page that hosts a few games he's written and some articles and essays on various things. Communicating on the computer has always been somewhat soothing; his powers don't work on instant messaging and email, so he can interact with people there just as a normal person would.

To tell the truth, a lot of people would find him bland. He doesn't like being social with no good reason--meaningless parties and the like. He's content to have just a few friends, rather than getting to know a lot of people. He likes watching movies and going bowling or something of the like with his friends, but he's just as happy to be home by himself, watching a video or playing games on his computer or PS2. So, yeah, he's a bit of a loser, but he knows he can probably make lots of money in his chosen field so he doesn't let things like popularity bother him.

Rand is smart, especially in math and science. History and literature never really interested him, and though he's got a decent imagination when it comes to solving problems in programming, he's not very good at writing, drawing, or anything musical. When he talks, he sounds intelligent, but his spelling and grammar on the written page make any good English student wince. He likes music--his favorites include the Beatles, Yes, Pink Floyd, Beethoven, and anime and game soundtracks.

Rand is nice and good looking, but there's nothing other than his looks to make him stand out. He doesn't go out of his way to meet new people, and discourages people who are attracted to him for his looks. Those who do get to know him find that he is an insightful conversationalist with a sharp wit and interest in the world around him, but when dealing with people he doesn't know he generally keeps his mouth shut and tries not to initiate contact. Sometimes he feels lonely, but it's very rare that he's really interested in getting to know someone he's just met.

So what’s he doing in the Rose Elite? Well, it seems to be his fate...he’s willing to accept Tenteki’s explanation, and when a few dim memories of his past life are triggered, revenge seems justified. Besides, it’s a chance for him to use his mad 1337 skills, and appeals to his sci-fi reading, console RPG-playing romantic side. Of course he questioned it at first, but Tenteki was able to explain away his suspicions and made a willing convert of Rand Latimer.