Sophia Marie von Stock (Chief Science Officer)

[Diamat]

Name: Sophia Marie von Stock
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Age: 32
Position: Chief Science Officer
Rank: Lt. Cmdr. (2nd Officer)


Background

Sophia was born into an average family in rural Germany. No member of her family had ever served in Starfleet, not to speak of being on a starship. But her family history did not stop Sophia from striving for higher goals. Already as a child she demonstrated aptitude in the sciences. At the age of twelve, upon the recommendation of her teacher, she was sent to a special youth science academy. There, she excelled in her studies and made a lasting impression on her instructors. As a result, after only four years, she graduated, subsequently attending Starfleet Academy, where she quickly moved from the rank of Cadet to Ensign, graduating on top of her class.

Sophia’s talents lie in astrophysics and temporal mechanics—these are her fields of specialization. Her knowledge of biology and chemistry, however, is lacking, and she tends to struggle with those subjects. After graduating from the Academy, she received an assignment onboard the science vessel Columbus. Her mission was to investigate the temporal physics behind an anomaly in Sector 8212. However, after only a few days of investigation near the anomaly, crewmembers started to experience signs of genetic deterioration. In fact, the captain, and other senior officers onboard the vessel, were no longer able to command the ship. In cooperation with the remaining crewmembers, Sophia was able to find a cure and direct the vessel to the nearest outpost. While she was commended for her actions, Sophia knew that she could have done a better job—she felt that many more lives could have been saved.

Thereafter, Sophia was granted the rank of Lt. Jr. Gr. Still only 21 years old, she was given an assignment as head of the astrophysics lab onboard of the Federation Starship Ostrich, a Nebula class vessel, tasked to research the effects of chronoton particles. Here she once again demonstrated her knowledge and acumen, making important discoveries in the field of temporal mechanics. Due to her hitherto spotless service record, she received the rank of Lt. at the age of 23.

But her career would not continue as smooth as it had begun. Her command abilities were lacking. She had no people skills. In fact, she incessantly head-butted with hear department head, eventually leading to her temporary decommission. It became a stain on her record that she never forgave herself for. Indeed, she was pondering to quit Starfleet and engage in independent research, where no one would tell her what to do. While she never went this far, she engaged in off-duty activities for a few years, perpending her life and research. Had it not been for an old friend from the Academy, perhaps she would have never re-entered Starfleet. But this friend of hers encouraged her to take the bridge officers’ test, which she barely managed to pass.

It was then that she requested a new assignment. But she knew that it was unlikely for her to receive an assignment anytime soon, due to her past record and the years she has been out of service. For some lucky reason, however, she was assigned onboard one of Starfleet’s leading exploratory vessels, the Indefatigable. Furthermore, she was given the rank of Lt. Cmdr. and Chief Science Officer, an honor she did not know why she received. “Is Starfleet this short of Science Officers?” she asked herself. Perhaps one day she will find out the reason for her “undeserved” promotion.


Character

While Sophia certainly is bright, she can also be rather cold. Indeed, at the Academy, her classmates often referred to her as “the Vulcan.” Whenever absorbed in her studies, she tends to forget about reality and other people. Romantic relationships just aren’t her thing. In fact, she never had a boyfriend. Nevertheless, once someone breaks through her barrier, one quickly finds her a loving and caring person.

[M D]

Approved, report to Deep Space 9 for launch