Cassian Faden

Summary
Cassian Faden is a Starfleet Officer, and one of the most promising graduates of the Academy in the last 50 years. A kind, but duty bound man, he currently serves as a science officer aboard the Saber-class USS Lammergeier, assigned to Task Force 11.

Once Cassian has set his mind to anything, it is virtually impossible to stop him from attaining it. He is a long term planner and cited to always have one eye on the bigger picture. Faden grew up in a house without religion, which while not uncommon in the Federation, only helped him to develop his logical mind. However, this also made it more difficult to truly understand or appreciate those that did possess faith.

Despite his relatively polite and professional demeanor, Cassian was often ostracized for his exceptional mind’s processing power. “Pointy Eared Wannabe”. “Walking Talking PADD”. “Computer Impersonator”. This has often prevented him from making friends, but leaves him fiercely loyal to those few he does make. Perhaps one day, when he commands his own ship, his peers will see him for more than just the sum of his parts.

History
Birth - 2374: Mist, Mountains, and Minds

Born in his family’s estate atop Mount Kumotori in Okutama, Japan, Cassian’s life was one of structure and discipline from an early age. His father, the head researcher and owner of a powerful science conglomerate, provided only the finest private instructors for his son’s education. His mother, a retired Starfleet officer and virtuoso in genetics and chemistry, took a personal interest in every step of Cassian’s development, often training and instructing him herself. His older brother supported him by serving as an inspiration to push himself to be the best every day, as well as the occasional sparring partner.

In many ways, such a structured upbringing was not unlike those Vulcan children went through. Day in and day out his instructors pushed the limits of his intellectual brain, with the aim of developing a supralogical mind without preconception or prejudice. The perfect mind for a scientist. They ultimately succeeded, and Cassian’s knowledge absorption, reasoning, and capabilities soared. Over the next few years the young boy would begin classes that far exceeded those of his age group.

Whilst his family wasn't inherently Japanese, Cassian couldn't help but fall in love with the culture, history, and architecture of his home in his free time. With encouragement from his mother, Faden took up the Shamisen, a three stringed, traditional instrument of Japan. It would be one of only a few things he would take with him when he finally left home.

When the time came to apply for the Academy, Faden was a nervous wreck, afraid he’d fail his family. Test after test, interview after interview, Cassain wade through the entrance proceedings. In the end, to his parent’s pride, he passed every test with a perfect score. The only thing of note with his interviews were indications that he was lacking something, but what that was the interviewers were uncertain of.

2374 - 2378: Starfleet Academy

Faden’s mental discipline and eidetic memory were perhaps his greatest assets throughout his years at the academy. He would spend his hours between advanced classes locked away in his room, pouring over any and every text he could find, broken only by two hours of exercise each day, the occasional meal, and sleep.

Despite his social awkwardness, he did earn himself a few friends here and there. Most of his time with them was spent working out or on training exercises, but the young man didn't mind. Even though he knew he didn't have to, he would even host the occasional study session at his apartment, trying to help others and fit in better with academy society.

On more than one occasion, he was even offered the opportunity to graduate early, his mind thought to be a potential asset to Strategic Command during the Dominion War. Despite this, he insisted on completing all four years, concerned that leaving early would prevent him from being confident in his abilities as well as the fear he’d fail his fellow officers during such a tumultuous time. Staying ultimately proved the right choice, as it gave him the time to earn the title of Science Specialist, with his dedication rewarding a number of recognitions and honors. Perseverance and a desire to make a name for himself saw him graduate amongst the top 5 cadets of his year, and one of the highest rated in the past 50 years. Oddly enough however, upon graduation day, Faden’s father wasn't present for the momentous occasion. A fact that weighed heavily on the brand new ensign.

2378 - 2379: Start of a Career, Heralded by Tragedy

Cassian’s first assignment was one of prestige, and a great honor when he first boarded the USS Nestos, an Akira Class starship bound for exploration along farthest reaches of Federation territory near Starbase 185.

For the first time in years, the ensign allowed himself to slow down a bit, opening up to more interpersonal relationships. It worked in his favor, as his kindness and professionality got his foot in doors while his expertise continued to make him a clear choice for important tasks. He garnered the attention of Captain Darnish, who took an interest in the young man’s career. Over the next couple of months, he would get to spend more time on the bridge than most ensigns would ever dream of. Eventually, at the Captain’s behest, Cassian applied to the Command Training Program with apprehension and excitement, eager to get a jump on his future.

Unfortunately, it was not to be. A few days later, the Nestos encountered a Borg Sphere emerging from a previously unknown Transwarp conduit. Alone and too far away from any potential reinforcements, the crew put up a valiant fight but were overwhelmed. In the end, the Captain ordered the crew to abandon ship while he piloted the Nestos on a collision course. Faden managed to pull several officers onto one of the ship’s runabouts, saving six lives before impact. Cassian and his fellow crewmates watch in sorrow as their captain, their ship, their home, sacrificed itself so that they might live. Captain Danish’s plan worked, destroying the Sphere when the Nestos’ warp core breached and chain reacted with the Sphere’s deuterium tanks, preventing any sort of pursuit from the insidious vessel.

2379 - Present

Healing is never easy but Cassian pressed onward, determined not to let the loss of his former crewmates stop him from active service. After a mere three weeks, yet still possessed of a heavy heart, the ensign sought reassignment, but this time not so close to the delta quadrant border. It was then that he discovered the expeditions into the Shackleton expanse were to begin again. Taking advantage of contacts he made at the Academy and using his history of exemplary service, Faden chose the USS Lammergeier as his next posting. It was the first ship he could secure a position on that was heading into the Expanse, and he never looked back. Yet after the tragedy of the Nestos, Cassian once again found himself rather reserved despite finally getting a chance to realize his dream. He could only hope that someone onboard a ship with such a long history could help him break free of his shell once more.

Service Record
2378 - 2379: USS Nestos NCC-62101 The ten months Cassian spent serving aboard the Nestos were in some ways more educational tan the four years at the academy. Absorbing information from textbooks was nothing compared to a practical education, and the lessons he learned would serve him well in the coming, uncertain future.

2379 - Present: USS Lammergeier NCC-61815

While serving on a smaller, older vessel like the Lammergeier may not be the ideal posting for being on the bleeding edge of exploration, it’s destination more than made up for any shortcomings. Traveling into an unknown, barely explored region is the dream of any decent explorer, and for Cassian, it held even more meaning.

Appearance
Lithe from a life of rock climbing and swimming, Cassian continues to keep himself in good condition under the maxim “Master of one’s body, Master of one’s mind”. He is of average height, with piercing green irises containing a gold ring along the pupil. His longer, dark brown hair is barely kept within regulations, though he does keep a hair band under his uniform sleeve just in case. Cassian’s features have notably sharp lines, especially along the jaw and chin. There is a certain inherent grace to his movements, like a seasoned dancer as he moves about. He wears a single piece of jewelry, a black-colored ring with a thin golden line through the center, meeting to form two small circles parallel to each other, which he had to get special dispensation from Starfleet to wear during duty.

Motivation
From an early age, Cassian drove himself to be the best in direct competition with his older brother. His brother was superior physically but Cassian was greater in mind. In his studies, news of the first expeditions into the Shackleton Expanse reached even his reclusive home. Even as he grew older, he still waited with childish wonder as reports trickled through the Federation. Yet when the news that the exploration had stopped, and the Expanse was to be left for some other day, Cassain decided to join Starfleet. Desperate to prove himself, just for the opportunity to join the next expedition, Faden threw himself into his studies, graduating amongst the top 5 of his class.

As all cadets who graduate amongst the top of their classes get to choose their preferred postings, Cassian decided upon the USS Nestos, who’s course took it as close to the Expanse as one could get with the expeditions on hold. So when tragedy struck with the destruction of his first ship, Cassian was almost broken, until news that his childhood dream was suddenly in reach. Hoping that through hard work and dedication to being the best officer he can be with this new opportunity, Cassian continues to push himself to be on the fast track for promotions and eventually the Command Training Program, any maybe, just maybe, find some missing piece of himself amongst the stars.

Episode 01

 * Day 01 | 0000 hrs. | Thread Title with Character 01, Character 02, Character 03