Nicolette Nicky Riordan is the mayor of Defiance, a post she has held for nine years, and mentor to Amanda Rosewater when the series begins. She served as a low-level clerk with the newly formed Earth Republic and traveled to St. Louis -- now Defiance -- in an effort to save the Gateway Arch, where she met Rafe McCawley as the town was forming. She takes to power well and quickly learns how to use information to her benefit.Background: Has a past history with Rafe McCawley. She keeps many secrets, including one about her own background and another having to do with the death of Rafe's wife, Pilar.