ORIGINS: Li Chen

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LTJG Li Chen- Chief Helmsman, USS Hood

• Player: Tang, Alan
• Contact: Email
• Last Updated: SD 2260.245

Name:  Li Chen
Date of Birth: Stardate 2229.72 
Age: 28
Place of Birth: Beijing, China
Species: Human
Ethnicity: Chinese
Position: Ship’s Helmsman/Field Scout
Marital Status: Single

HISTORY:
CHILDHOOD:
                Li Chen was born in Beijing, China on July 2nd 2229 to Chinese parents (Robert Chen, Mei Chen), both of whom served as bureaucrats in the Federation Civil Service. As a child, Li attended the finest schools on Earth and excelled in his academic studies. Because of his parent’s heavy workload, Li was left to his own devices and developed an interest in physical sports, eventually becoming the Captain of his high school’s rugby team. There he embraced the value of physical sports and team-work eventually shifting his academic persona into one of physical labour and mental drive. 

ENLISTMENT
                Li Chen graduated from the Vancouver Institute of High Learning with Honours in Mathematics and Engineering and was accepted into Starfleet Academy. During his freshman year Zhen switched his academic focus, abandoning the Engineering discipline and moving into starship/flight training. He did this after discovering his newfound interest in starship operations and flight mechanics. He also felt emotional reward working in flight operations, with his increasing fascination of various starships. His parents did not approve of his decision and felt that his academic skills were being wasted to what his father considered work more fitted for “hot rods”. A rift arose from this decision and Li drifted away from his parents - seeking an identity and purpose of his own.

                In his class year, Li was seen with much respect and envy over his work ethic. He was also someone who chose to live a more reserve - some would say - conservative lifestyle in contrast to the more ‘free-love spirited’ crowd of his generation. His instructors took note of this, with the Dean of the Academy pegging him and others like him to ‘sweet-heart’ assignments in deep space. This reflected the mentality of Starfleet at the time, as instructors cheery picked the ‘Hardest and Smartest’ to lead the next generation of Starfleet. This was well reflected in his take on the Kobayashi Maru, with Li keeping cool under-fire despite the no-win scenario. His orders were clear and concise and Li demonstrated true discipline and did not panic over the simulation, despite losing his ship with all hands. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER
                Li graduated Starfleet Academy 8th. While his primary training is in starship flight operations, Chen also qualified and trained as a Field Scout (specialized training for away scouting/contact missions).  His first assignment was the USS Nagoya – an archer class scout ship assigned in deep space exploration at the fringe of the known Beta Quadrant. At the age of 22, he assigned as the Assistant Chief Helmsman. Li –as inexperienced he was- exceeded his Captain’s expectations, when he lead the away team to save a previous away team on the world of Falkes IV. Captain Laurence Robert noted in his log, the professionalism of Zhen’s conduct during this mission stating “I’ve never seen someone so green, so lacking in fear -or emotion for that matter…a young man who knew he had a job and stepped up when needed”. 

                The Nagoya concluded its five year mission in the Beta Quadrant in 2257. Chen ascended to the rank of the Lieutenant and served as the Chief Helmsman and Field Scout section leader after Commander McDonald was killed in action by a stray sporting arrow in a bungled first contact mission. Since then he implemented a department review, reinstructing scouts on first contact procedures and diplomatic discourse and tactics. With his thoroughness, Chen gained quite the reputation, with his skills and competence in ‘red-shirt’ security drawing high demand across the fleet. 

                Chen decided to take a break from regular service and decided to visit his family on Cestus III, with his parents now serving as Political Administrators for the new federation colony. During this time he reconciled with his father, who saw the value in his career choice given his impressive resume. He also helped that bond by getting involved in an ancient sport that had taken Cestus III by storm – Baseball.  Given the fringe location of Cestus III, Chen was unable to return to regular service when the destruction of Vulcan and Earth’s reserve fleet happened. 

                After the destruction of several ships with the loss of Vulcan, all regular servicemen were recalled into service. Chen immediately took his marching orders and was assigned back to Earth awaiting the USS Louis & Clark for its resupply. At this time Starfleet and the Federation sat at a crossroads in crisis, and despite only being an officer for less than a decade, Zhen was trusted to serve in a department head role once again. By 2260, Chen was reassigned to the USS Hood; serving as her new Chief Helmsman. 

PERSONALITY
                Chen has a very straightforward manner about himself. He does not often joke around or fraternize with people he doesn’t know very well. During his academy and Nagoya days, Chen had a preference for special cliques, establishing friendships with people he wanted to. As a result he could come across as a little stand-offish in social settings.  He also been known to be a bit of a prude, often acting awkward in ‘open-liberal’ situations and isn’t one to partake in too many ‘foreign customs’ if the mission did not require it.

                When he’s on the clock, Chen is a complete professional - from the shin of his shoes, to the concise and competent manner he operates in.  He is a natural leader and works extremely well in a team setting. His academia background also allows him to participate in conversation and discourse which serves him well in a diplomatic context. Because of that he is regarded as being book-smart, sometimes too much for his own good, as it sometimes alienates colleagues.