When the Jihad started, Isko Podolsky had been a young cadet in the Sun Zhang Cadre. His Luthien-based family had a history of serving in the Second Sword of Light and all indications suggested that Podolsky would earn a billet there as well someday.

Podolsky was on leave on with his family when the Black Dragons launched their coup attempt. Disgusted by the disloyalty of the Second Sword of Light, Podolsky joined the resistance. He was able to link up with Genyosha fighters, where he proved himself multiple times in combat.

Eventually, Podolsky’s cell was reduced to himself and the Khaled siblings. They had joined up with the Monkeys for several operations, and when the Monkeys sought to expand their forces, they asked all three to join permaneantly. Podolsky hesitated. He had no love for mercenaries, but the Monkeys dangled a tempting prize – they were going after Precentor Belial. Podolsky agreed to sign on, at least temporarily and make a final decision after the mission.

Unfortunately Podolsky never got the chance to make that decision. While bravely leading a charge against Belial’s personal Level II, he was knocked out and then killed by a targeted blast to his cockpit.