Bastian

Biodata

Background and History

As commander of the West Blue’s 16th Branch, Bastian accepted mafia payments. A seized payment list records 500,000 Beli per month, with major operations billed separately; a photograph also places him at a dock during an arms transfer 15. Under his command, the branch’s facilities and patrol boat fell into disrepair. When Jack applied to enlist, Bastian tried to turn him away, then appointed him a corporal without a crew after Jack cited the Navy Recruitment Regulations 16.

Jack’s rescue of eleven children from a ship linked to Moretti alarmed Bastian, who feared retaliation against himself. He threatened to report and transfer Jack rather than address the children’s needs, but yielded access to supplies after Jack struck his desk 19. Bastian subsequently asked Moretti to get rid of Jack and warned Capone Bege about Jack’s campaign against the mafia 21 25.

Colin later intercepted Bastian’s letter offering to help Bege eliminate Jack in exchange for continued protection of the branch 28. Confronted with the letter, Bastian shot Jack, then argued that mafia money was necessary for the branch’s survival. Jack arrested him and reported the evidence to Headquarters 28. Captain Croft arrived three days later, read charges of collusion, bribery, dereliction of duty, and abuse of power, and took Bastian into custody 29.

Appearance

Bastian is an obese man in his forties with thinning, side-parted hair 16.

• His uniform strains across his belly, and he wears his collar open 16.
• He has short, thick fingers and a deep voice roughened by smoke 16.
• After three days in custody, he has tangled hair, gray-white stubble, and a bruised wrist 29.

Personality

Bastian is chiefly concerned with preserving his position. He reacts to Jack’s actions with fear of mafia retaliation and exposure, and repeatedly seeks to shift the danger away from himself 19 21 25. He defends his collusion as a compromise necessary to keep the branch operating, claiming that other West Blue branches also depend on mafia money; the account is his own justification 28.

Relationships

• Jack — Bastian reluctantly enlists him, later tries to have him removed, and is ultimately arrested by him 16 21 28.
• Mr. Moretti — Bastian contacts the mafia figure and asks him to get rid of Jack 21.
• Capone Bege — Mafia boss who receives Bastian’s warnings and his offer to help eliminate Jack 25 28.
• Colin — Intercepts the letter that exposes Bastian’s attempted bargain with Bege 28.