Character dads

Yes, just Ari, more than one dad

Her biological father is called Elian Tayrey and all she knows about him is that he's a spacer and he had an overnight with her biological mother.

That's it. When she went to space she had this vague 'find my dad!' idea, but she didn't do it, because even at that young age she realised it was a bad idea.

He could be anyone, he almost certainly doesn't know she exists, he might be dead, he'll think she wants something etc etc. So she abandoned the thought.

The reason she uses his surname is because 1. anyone looking for the Cardalek runaway would be searching for Arilanna Kittredge, and 2. there are quite a few famous spacer Tayreys and so she thought it'd subconsciously increase her chances of getting accepted on the ship

Director Kittredge is her adoptive father! Very wealthy, very busy man, who genuinely cares about her but also had really high expectations. Even by Director standards

Taking her to Company parties at an age where most kids would be called too young, just to show her off. Telling people her test scores (although he was never critical of her for not being top, that was all Miri Carrington)

He definitely gave Ari her understanding of 'good parent' - not that involved with daily life (tutors and nannies for that!) but takes you seriously, spends time doing things you enjoy, teaches you important things, always pushes for excellence.