User:Whittaker

USS Columbia
Theo Whittaker
Position	Commanding Officer
Rank	Captain
Species	Human
Gender	Male
DOB	236410.18
Age	37
Birthplace	T'Pol's Landing, Archer IV.
Badges Awards & Service Ribbons Captain's Commendation Starfleet Academy Graduate Ribbon First Contact Ribbon Prometheus Ribbon Innovation Ribbon Explorer's Ribbon Prisoner of War Ribbon Purple Heart Lifesaving Ribbon Silver Lifesaving Ribbon Department Chief Ribbon Joint Meritorious Unit Award Captain's Commendation War of Shadows Ribbon Diplomacy Ribbon Peacekeeper Service Ribbon Silver Star Starship Commander Ribbon Good Conduct Ribbon Operation Safe Harbor Service Medal Awards B-Plot Award Khan Award TOSMA Pathfinder Award Strange Medallion Russ Bar Xalor Clan Xifilis Award Awards & Service Ribbons Sarek Star

Captain Theo Michelangelo Whittaker is the 37-year old Commanding Officer of the Federation starship USS Columbia. He is also an instructor and examiner at the Starfleet Academy satellite campus aboard StarBase 118. Prior to assuming command of the Columbia in September 2396, he served as the Commanding Officer of the starship USS Blackwell, part of the Andaris Task Force. Other notable assignments include a two year stint as First Officer of StarBase 118 and Chief Engineer of the Columbia in 2392.

The only child of Josiah and Madeline Whittaker, Theo was born on October 18th 2364 at the T'Pol's Landing University Hospital. His late father was a professor of English Literature at the university and his mother is a Starfleet officer, currently serving as Commanding Officer of the USS Orb of Prophecy & Change. Theo's decision to follow his mother in Starfleet led to an acrimonious rift with his father who had hoped he would follow him into a life of academic study. This rift was, unfortunately, not mended by the time that his father passed away in November 2389.

Statistics & Service Record

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Vitals

• Full Name: Theo Michelangelo Whittaker
• Species: Human
• T/E Rating: T0/E0
• Date Of Birth: 236410.18
• Age:37
• Place Of Birth: Archer IV
• Hometown: T'Pol's Landing
• Gender: Male
• Medical History: Forthcoming

Education

• Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) in Terran Literature: 2386, University of T'Pol's Landing, Archer IV.
• Bachelor of Science (with Honors) In Engineering: 2392, Starfleet Academy, Earth.

Starfleet Career

• Serial Number: MM - 120 - 848
• Training Facility: Starfleet Academy, Earth, 2388-2392
• Major: Impulse Propulsion
• Minor: Starship Operations Procedures
• Supplementary File: Forthcoming
• Commissioned: 2392
• Current Rank: Captain
• Current Assignment: USS Columbia

Personal Appearance

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Anthropometric Data

• Height: 1.85m (6ft 1in)
• Weight: 69kgs (152lbs)
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Hazel
• Build: Slim but defined
• Skin Tone: Caucasian
• Handedness: Right

Tone/Voice

As a junior officer Theo was noted for being rather reserved and often this was mistaken for shyness. Rather, this was a result of being raised primarily by his domineering father in an aristocratic household as well as his repressed grief at his father's passing in 2389. Over time, he was able to open himself up to others and find his voice through the gentle encouragement of friends aboard the Columbia. As a command officer, Theo is noted for his friendliness and willingness to engage in banter with members of his crew. Very much a 'people person', Theo can often be found at the centre of social situations off-duty (usually of his own making) without dominating the conversation. On duty, he is an assertive but encouraging and friendly captain with his crew and prefers to be addressed as 'captain' instead of 'sir' (an honorific he has never been comfortable with). When dealing with threats to Columbia, he is known for his fierce protectiveness and being forthright. In one instance he was able to talk a mercenary captain down from a foolhardy attack upon the Columbia. He is known for his sense of humour which is often sarcastic as well as his received pronunciation.

Personal Life

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Clothing

Theo is known for his love of clothes and sees it as a form of self-expression and identity. Additionally he believes that if one takes pride in their appearance, they will feel better in themselves. Off duty he can be found in casual but tailored pieces that are somewhat figure hugging yet not revealing. On more formal occasions that do not require a Starfleet dress uniform, Theo prefers to wear tailored suits with elaborate detailing. During the two years he was stationed aboard StarBase 118 he frequently attended SB118 Fashion Week and was a patron of many of the Commercial Sector's independent boutiques. He is a noted fan of Andorian designer Shrelanaleth zh'Narrash as well as the Luna-based tailor Rowena Cassidy. The latter provided him with a suit to attend SB118 Fashion Week in 2394, the last before he was transferred to the USS Columbia.

Quarters

• USS Columbia]: Deck 2, Captain's Quaters
• USS Blackwell: Deck 4, Captain's Quarters
• StarBase 118: Apartment 418, Cleveland Abe Tower, New York District, StarBase 118 Commercial Sector (2392-2394).
• USS Columbia: Deck 2, Executive Officer's Quarters (2394)
• USS Albion: Deck 2, Executive Officer's Quarters (2392-2394)
• USS Columbia: Deck 5, Senior Officer's Quarters.

Personal Effects

Theo is not a collector of material things and therefore he has few treasured possessions. Regardless, there are a small number of objects and trinkets that he genuinely cares for:

• A collection of hard bound first edition books of ancient Terran literature. These were given to him by his father in commemoration of attaining his degree in Terran Literature in 2396. Some of the novels include classics such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Far From The Madding Crowd, Great Expectations and Jane Eyre.

• A mixology set: During this time stationed aboard StarBase 118 Theo came to be known as something of an amateur mixologist. The set was brought for him as a housewarming present by close friend and confidant Mirra Ezo after he moved to the station's Commercial District. Despite his interest in mixology waning since his departure from the station, he has kept the set as a reminder of his friendship with Mirra.

• Miniature of the USS Columbia: A direct result of his love of his first assignment, Theo kept a model of the Columbia on the desk in his office aboard StarBase 118 and later the USS Blackwell. It now resides on a small table in his ready aboard the Columbia as a reminder of the fact that he began his career aboard her.

Diet

• Restrictions: None at present although former CMO Doctor Mirra Ezo made several attempts to improve Theo's diet. This went as far as to reprogram the replicator in his office aboard StarBase 118. Such attempts were largely ignored Theo (who would simply restore the replicator database to it's default settings).
• Coffee: Cream, no sugar. He tends to favour Earth blends (notably from Africa) but also enjoys Bajoran and Andorian blends.
• Tea: Chamomile, Bajoran mapa leaf, lemon and ginger as well green tea.
• Alcohol: Rarely imbibes alcohol since becoming a starship captain but used to enjoy a traditional Manhattan Cosmopolitan.
• Favourite Meal: Spaghetti Carbonara with hasperat loaf.

Hobbies & Interests

• Hobbies: Classic Terran literature, mixology (former hobby), Starfleet technical manuals, hiking (former hobby), fashion.
• Favourite Colour: Orange.

Theo was once known as something of an amateur mixologist although this has waned in the last several years. He is also a keen follower of the latest fashion trends and was once a staple presence at Starbase 118's bi-annual fashion week. These days he can usually be found in his quarters reading a book or pouring over technical manuals sent to him by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers.

Family

• Spouse: None.
• Significant Other: None
• Children: None biologically. Former foster guardian to Mason Parker, although never formalised.
• Parents:
  • Mother: Captain Madeline Christina Whittaker, Commanding Officer USS Orb of Prophecy & Change.
  • Father: Professor Josiah Whittaker: Lecturer of Terran Literature, University of T'Pol's Landing (Deceased, 2389).
• Siblings: None.

Theo's relationship with his father was often strained as the boy Theo often chafed at his father's insistence that he follow him into an academic life. Additionally his father expected Theo to refer to him as 'sir' rather than 'father'- which might explain why Theo dislikes the honorific. Though Theo did attain a degree in Classic Terran Literature, he enrolled in Starfleet Academy almost immediately after graduation, which resulted in the complete breakdown of his relationship with his father. This estrangement was not resolved when his fathers passed away in 2389. In contrast, he shares a close relationship with his mother despite the fact that their assignments often means they do not see one another for years at a time.

Theo was briefly a foster guardian to a 10 year old boy- Mason Parker- during his assignment to StarBase 118 although this was never formalised before Baylen Anders disappeared from the station. When it was discovered that Anders and Parker had been kidnapped by the Orion Syndicate and forced to work as slaves, Theo did not immediately resume the foster guardianship and was transferred to the [[USS Blackwell] shortly after their return.

Early Life & Starfleet Career

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Childhood & Teenage Years

Theo Michelangelo Whittaker was born on Stardate 236410.18 at the T'Pol's Landing University Hospital on Archer IV to Josiah and Madeline Whittaker. Though she took an extended leave of absence to raise Theo, Madeline returned to her career in Starfleet when he was 7 years old taking an assignment aboard the USS Sparrow which was permanently assigned to the Archer Sector. This allowed her to be close to her only son and be an effective co-parent with her husband. From an early age, Theo displayed an interest and aptitude with technology and by a teenager he harboured a desire to become an engineer in the Federation Starfleet. Despite this, his father insisted he abandoned these dreams and wanted Theo to devote himself to a life of academic study as he and his father had before him. Although reluctant, Theo complied with his father's wish although this often led to their relationship becoming strained. In acts of defiance, Theo would often hide in the naturally occurring tunnels underneath his father's home or disappear into the Cutler Mountains on the outskirts of T'Pol's Landing. The latter led to an interest in hiking in his teenage years that would persist in to his time at Starfleet Academy. Because of his father's insistence of a strict program of study, Theo did not have many childhood friends and was very much a solitary child and teenager. Many of his peers viewed him as a loner and avoided prolonged contact with him.

Notably, he was more animated when visiting the USS Sparrow, his mother's long term assignment. Theo could often be found asking questions to the ship's engineering department and it is here that his social skills developed the most, although he was still nervous around children of his own age. His time aboard the Sparrow would be extremely educational for his Starfleet aspirations and he learnt much about warp and impulse propulsion technology in his teenage years.

University Studies & Early Adulthood

At 18, Theo was granted a place at the University of T'Pol's Landings to study Classic Terran Literature. He was an average student although many of his professor's believed that he could have been valedictorian had he only applied himself to the course more. Theo would later reflect that they were likely right and although he enjoyed the subject matter, he was not completely invested and still harboured a desire to join the Federation Starfleet as an engineer. Another reason for his average performance that he would admit to years later was because he suspected that his father had arranged for him to gain a place at the university rather than off of his own academic ability and did not apply himself fully out of immature spite.

After graduating in 2386, Theo found employment within the University's Text Restoration department where it was his job to restore faded texts to make them readable. He absolutely detested the job, especially since his father had openly arranged for the position. For eighteen months, Theo toiled away at his job and grew increasingly depressed. During this period, the relationship between father and son continued to deteriorate even further as their arguments became more frequent and more vitriolic. In late 2387 and during his mother's annual shore leave visit, Theo confided in her that he was 'utterly miserable with the thankless work' that he did and that he wanted nothing more to join Starfleet as an engineer. Though she was initially reluctant to do so without his father's agreement, his mother eventually sponsored his application to Starfleet Academy. Upon learning of Theo's resignation from his job, Professor Whittaker threw his son out of their house and they did not speak to one another at all. The estrangement lasted until the elder Whittaker's death two years later.

Starfleet Academy

Passing his entrance exam on his first attempt, Theo enrolled at Starfleet Academy in early 2388 and was accepted on to the engineering pathway. He Majored in impulse propulsion technology with a minor in Starship Operations. Throughout his four years of study, Theo's academic tutors noted Theo's academic prowess (in contrast to his previous University studies) though they did express concern that he did have trouble socialising for much of his first year. Referred to the Academy's mental health program, he was diagnosed with low self-esteem likely as a result of his father's domineering parenting. Weekly meetings with counsellors and a desire to push himself to be the best version of himself, his socialisation skills increased exponentially during his second year although he was never considered a 'popular' cadet.

When his father was diagnosed with the terminal Meenok's Syndrome and passed away in October of 2389, Theo struggled and was plagued with feelings of guilt and remorse over his stubborn refusal to mend the rift that had begun when he had announced his was going to join the Academy. These feelings would impact his life: while he was still in the top percentile of students, he became increasingly withdrawn and reserved, preferring to focus on his studied rather than deal with his guilt and grief. He would later admit that he did not deal with these emotions until well after he had become Executive Officer of StarBase 118. Some of his academic tutors believed that his devotion to his studies was a subconscious attempt to win his father's posthumous approval. It was a sentiment that Theo would later acknowledge as being correct.

In 2393, Theo graduated from Starfleet Academy after completing his final exam aboard StarBase 118. It was during this exam that he would first meet future Commanding Officer and close personal friend Sal Taybrim who was serving as the examination's Executive Officer.

USS Columbia

Following his graduation, Ensign Theo Whittaker was assigned as a junior engineering office aboard the Nebula class USS Columbia under the command of Captain Ben Livingston. His immediate superior officer was Lieutenant Commander Ethan Brice. During his first assignment, Theo encountered a sentient A.I known as 'Providence' that had been developed illegally by Federation scientists in the Piktar System. He was part of a team that would attempt to reason with the A.I. which had infiltrated Columbia in an attempt to find another A.I. known as 'Mercy'. Theo was horrified when he discovered that at Providence was the cerebral impression of a deceased 7 year old girl. The scientists responsible for Providence's creation attempted to delete the program and much of it was badly degraded including the personality subroutines based on the girl, something that shocked and angered Theo to his core. Despite this, he was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) for his efforts.

Shortly after this mission, Theo met Mirra Ezo for the time and quickly formed a long lasting friendship with the science officer and later medical officer. During an assignment to assist in clean up efforts on Avronis V, Theo was brutally assaulted by a being that claimed to be an Iconian, although he was saved from serious and long lasting harm thanks to the quick efforts of the Columbia's medical division. He assisted in the modification of a shuttle that was to be discreetly sent to destroy a recently uncovered and operational Iconian gateway to prevent it from falling into Roman hands. He also found himself developing a crush on Risian pilot Antero Flynn during this times. For his actions during the mission, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as Columbia's Chief Engineer after the departure of Commander Brice. While his appointment is largely met with support, one Vulcan engineer stationed aboard the ship finds it difficult to accept and his frequently abrupt and rude, frustrating Theo's first day as CEO.

During an assignment to the planet Hemix I, Theo encountered self styled 'pirate queen' Chennel for the first time. He was also attacked by a suddenly feral Captain Nugra, Columbia's Chief Intelligence Officer, whose Gorn physiology was extremely susceptible to the planet's environment. He and the team were eventually by Chennel and she chose to torture Theo to prove a point to the Columbia, who she was attempting to force to withdraw from the region. He was saved by sudden changes to the space around Hemix I and the emergence of a fourth-dimensional lifeform. He is commended for his bravery and also awarded a Prisoner Of War ribbon and a Purple Heart (his second of four). He kisses Antero Flynn shortly after this mission who had been moved by Theo's selflessness and the two begin to cautiously date.

Theo was present for the incident on the Roman colony world of Estava and helped to develop a countermeasure against the fistrium blocking the ship's sensors and hampering their ability to offer support to the away team's on the planet's surface. Shortly after the mission came to an end, Theo found out he was being transferred to StarBase 118 to serve it's Chief Engineer as Columbia was being withdrawn from active service and overhauled as part of a study of it's space frame. At this time, Theo and Antero Flynn stop dating, both of them unwilling to conduct a long distance relationship.

StarBase 118 Ops & Move To Command

Theo joined StarBase 118's command staff at a moment of transition. Captain Handley-Page had taken an extended leave of absence and Commander Sal Taybrim had been promoted to Acting Commanding Officer in his stead. His first assignment as 118's Chief Engineer was to assist in the station's attempts to bring renegade Starfleet officer Haz Arrhimen to justice after he attempted to incite a war between the Federation and the remnants of the Romulan Star Empire following a terrorist attack led by Romulans which had killed his brother. The station's auxiliary support vessel, the USS Albion was severely damaged by Arrihmen and Theo was instrumental in bringing the ship back to operational capacity in time to destroy Arrihmen's vessel the USS Stormcrow. It is during this assignment that Theo first met Lieutenant Commander Baylen Anders and shortly afterwards, began a fiercely passionate relationship with him. The two managed to prevent an overload in one of the Albion's torpedo tubes that could have destroyed much of the Excelsior-class vessel.

Friends, Significant Others, and Notable Colleagues

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Friends

Mirra Ezo

Mirra is Theo's best friend of four years. They first met as junior officers aboard the USS Columbia. Their friendship grew after Theo placed himself between Mirra and the pirate known as Chennel during an away mission to Hemix I. Mirra has a tendency to become exasperated at what she perceives at Theo's reckless streak and his tendency to put himself in harm's way to protect the officers under his command. After the Columbia was withdrawn from active service, they were reunited when they were both assigned to StarBase 118 (Theo was assigned there two months earlier). Their assignment aboard 118 was marked by repeated clashes with Chennel and their fierce protectiveness for each other ensured that they both survived each encounter. Mirra took a Leave of Absence from Starfleet following Chennel's final defeat (and death) and the two lost contact while she recuperated. However, they once more encountered each other during the USS Blackwell's mission to Arndall in the Par'tha Expanse. Theo was by now a starship commander and he reactivated her Starfleet commission, assigning her to the Blackwell as a Diplomatic Officer. She followed him to the Columbia in September 2395 but was reassigned shortly afterwards. The two remain in contact despite Columbia's assignment at the edge of the galaxy.

Sal Taybrim.

More than just Theo's former Commanding Officer, Sal Taybrim became Theo's mentor in the two years he spent as the Betazoid's Executive Officer. It was Sal who first spotted Theo's potential and transferred him out of engineering and put him on to the command track. Starbase 118's struggles against the resurgent Orion Syndicate and the corrupt Starfleet officials in their pockets led the two men working closely to thwart them. This working relationship eventually blossomed in to a close friendship, with Theo learning much about command and even himself as Sal guided him through tough times with gentle support and encouragement. After one arduous mission, Theo contemplated leaving Starfleet but the strength of loyalty to Sal made him realise he was where he needed to be. Even after Theo's reassignment to the USS Blackwell the two remained in touch and it was Sal who was given the honour of promoting Theo to Captain. When Sal himself was promoted, the Columbia's assignment to the Sagittarius Reach meant he was unable to attend the promotion ceremony- however he still found the time to send his close friend a message of congratulations.

(Background/Personality/Career History)

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Service History

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Service History
Insignia	Rank	Dates	Posting	Assignment
	Cadet First Class	(Stardate you completed your Academy Class)	Graduated Starfleet Academy	(Duty Post you Graduated as)
	Ensign	(Stardate you were placed on your first ship) - (When you left)	USS Your first ship	(Your duty post)
	Lieutenant JG	(Stardate you were placed on your second ship) - (When you left)	USS Your second ship	(Your duty post)
	Lieutenant	(Stardate you were placed on your current ship) - Present	USS Your current ship	(Your duty post)

Awards & Service Ribbons

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For award descriptions, see: Awards and Service Ribbons

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SIM Archive

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