Patel, Thomas

Born to parents of Indian decent, Thomas Patel grew up in the Battersea area of London. He is a gifted Starfleet officer, being both an excellent tactician and natural leader. He graduated second in his class from the Academy and was immediately scooped up by Starfleet Intelligence, where he went on to excel.

In 2365 he left Starfleet Intelligence and was assigned to the Dawnstar-class USS Argus (NCC-70124) as Tactical Officer. Here he gained further promotions to Lieutenant Commander and then Second Officer, and in early 2367 he was the most senior officer to escape the ship before it disappeared during the Battle of Wolf 359.

Six months later he was assigned to the USS Discovery as First Officer and was promoted to Commander within two months. During his time on the Discovery he shared a close relationship with Jane McDonald, who was serving as the ship's Chief Medical Officer. It is thought that this relationship was the reason why he turned down two opportunities for his own command. The relationship is believed to have ended in 2373 when McDonald left to join the USS Argus (NCC-75124), which ironically was the same vessel Patel would find himself assigned to a year later.

Most of the time, Thomas Patel is one of the most well balanced and friendly Starfleet officers that you are ever likely to meet, and this quickly engenders respect in most of those he works with. However, if he perceives there to be a security threat the other side of his personality is soon displayed - a battle hardened, no nonsense veteran who takes defence of the Federation very seriously.

This concern for the Federation's security stems from his time in Starfleet Intelligence, most of which is classified and none of which Patel talks about, including his reasons for requesting a transfer out of SI in 2365. One thing that is certain is that this period has had a long term effect on Patel, and it cannot be ruled out that this emotional baggage won't continue to have an effect on him in future.

Stardate 36505.7: Graduated Starfleet Academy.

Stardate 36586.3: Joined Starfleet Intelligence.

Stardate 36894.3: Promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

Stardate 40367.6: Promoted to Lieutenant.

Stardate 42298.4: Assigned to the USS Argus (NCC-70124) as Tactical Officer.

Stardate 43742.6: Promoted to Lieutenant Commander.

Stardate 43895.4: Promoted to Second Officer.

Stardate 44001.1: Escapes the USS Argus shortly before the ship disappears during the Battle of Wolf 359.

Stardate 44588.8: Assigned to the USS Discovery (NCC-71345) as First Officer.

Stardate 44812.5: Promoted to Commander.

Stardate 51033.8: Assigned to the USS Argus (NCC-75124) as First Officer.