FLIGHT CONTROLLER DAVID JEFFREY "D. J." PAXTON

Rank: Ensign Age: 22 Height: 177 cm (5'10") Weight: 72 kg (160 lbs) Hair: Blonde Eyes: Green Player: Mike Wathen

Background: David Jeffrey Paxton is an only child of two Star Fleet officers. His father, Captain James Paxton, currently serves aboard the U.S.S. Earhart, an exploration vessel. His mother, Lt. Commander Amanda (Briggs) Paxton, works in the offices of Star Fleet HQ on Earth. Her duties as a diplomatic liaison often keep her traveling off-planet to assist in diplomatic functions and assistance.

David's childhood was not very stable, and consisted of him being traded back and forth between his parents as they traveled on their respective missions. If not on Earth, he was traveling with his mother, or staying on a starship with his father. Because of the constant travel, he never made any lasting friendships with kids his age. Although still married and on good terms, the nature of his parents' respective assignments often kept them apart for months at a time.

Both parents' families had rich histories in Star Fleet, and David soon realized that to his parents, career was more important than family. David began to feel that he was involved in their missions more from a sense of being groomed into the next Paxton generation of Star Fleet officers, than for any familial responsibilities. Because they were always working, he received little support for any interests outside of Star Fleet, and often felt he was just in their way. When it came time to enroll in the Academy, David was not interested in Star Fleet. But, it seemed to be expected of him, and he didn't know what other direction he could take, so he applied.

David's entrance exams were good, but not good enough. He narrowly missed the cut-off point for enrollment. His mother pulled some strings with her contacts on Earth, however, and got David accepted. While enrolled, David was a good, competent student, but lacked the passion to distinguish himself. He graduated in the middle of his class with no outstanding honors or accomplishments.

When the proposal for the U.S.S. Cochrane came up, David's father was worried that his mediocre performance may keep David from getting a worthwhile assignment. Pulling some favors, Captain Paxton got David assigned to the Cochrane. Both James and Amanda hoped that after some real-life experience serving on a starship, David would fall into place and really show what he was capable of.

Personality: David's close friends call him D.J. (at least, they would, if he had any close friends). David doesn't make friends easily, since he wasn't able to practice that skill much as a child, and learned to rely on himself for support.

David is cordial to his parents, but not on the best relations. He resents their careers in Star Fleet taking precedence over their family, and somewhat blames Star Fleet for stealing his childhood from him. He has never agreed with the "Give 110%" philosophy that he's noticed among Star Fleet personnel, since that very way of thinking led his parents to shirk their responsibilities to their family. He appreciates the opportunities they've given him, but David resents these attempts to "make it up to him" for their poor family life, and wishes his parents would just accept that he may not be Star Fleet material.