236511.29-238012.15 - Childhood
Hiro was born in Chicago, IL on Earth's North American continent to Sato Hiroshi, a historical architecture preservationist and Tanya Jones, a florist and boxing instructor. Hiro's early years were characterized by a balance of pressure to succeed at whatever they attempted and an awareness of and respect for limitations. By the time Hiro was in his early teens however, they'd become the target of neighborhood bullies. Tanya began training Hiro in the martial art of boxing, all the while reinforcing the lesson that knowing how to fight doesn't mean it's always the solution. Hiroshi, Hiro's father, was often overheard lecturing Hiro on the importance of appreciating the journey all people have taken to bring them to the point at which their life and Hiro's intersected. It was crucial, Hiroshi would repeat, to be aware of all the things you didn't know.
238101.01-238407.31 - Late Teens
At the beginning of 2381, Hiro had recently turned 16. Far from a "wild child," Hiro had already set their sights on the future. Excelling in studies, earning every achievement recognition offered at school. Soon, Hiro set their gaze on Starfleet. The prospects for advancement there appealed to Hiro, so the application was sent. There was no surprise in the Sato-Jones household when the acceptance communication came through.
230408.01-239302.17 - Starfleet Round 1
Keeping pace, Hiro sailed through Starfleet Academy and into a career in counseling. Stationed at Starbase 104, Hiro was driven by a need for acknowledgement and achievement. The result was that in almost exactly four years from his commissioning, Hiro was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. This rank however, would hold for longer than Hiro felt was reasonable. In frustration, Hiro tendered their resignation papers.
239302.18-239712.24 - The Civilian Interim
Upon returning home, Hiro helped his parents part-time in their businesses, but Hiro's focus was on entering medical school and the advances possible through publication and research. Because of their service record and previous achievements, Hiro was admitted into an apprenticeship under Dr. Branson at the Chicago Institute of Virology and Pathology while completing their general medicine prerequisites - a track through which Hiro could complete their medical training much faster than was usual. Hiro rose to the challenge, but was frequently cautioned by Dr. Branson, who pointed out the blindspots created by Hiro's own ambition and need for acclaim.
239712.25-239911.29 - A Turning Point
Christmas Day, 2397, Hiro received a message from an old friend named Michael. There had been a tragedy: Michael's younger sister had taken her own life. The family had learned after the fact, by reading through personal logs, she'd been struggling with a great many issues, but never sought nor received the help she needed. This terrible news shook Hiro to the core. Hiro had been a counselor. Hiro had been in the position to help people just like this poor girl. Had there been missed opportunities in Hiro's career to do good? Had Hiro failed to lift up a fellow cremate? They had no way to be sure, but these questions tore at Hiro's mind for days. The purpose of life, they realized, was not acclaim, accomplishment, or personal advancement. The purpose of life was to in some way elevate the experience of living for all those around them in whatever way possible for as long as it was within their power to do so. On that mark, Hiro had been failing for a very long time. After a long, tearful conversation with Dr. Branson, Hiro decided to apply for re-commissioning into Starfleet - this time with new motivation and open eyes. The request was granted, but Hiro begged one condition for their return: that their prior service record be completely expunged, leaving only the original Academy graduation ribbon. The end compromise was that all awards and recognitions would be redacted and sealed, Hiro would rejoin the Fleet at the rank of Ensign upon completion of retraining, but that his record of rank would remain. Even though Hiro knew this would one day raise questions, they gladly accepted the terms, and threw themself headlong into becoming the best Starfleet Officer they were capable of being - for the sake of the whole. On their 34th birthday, Hiro completed retraining, and was given orders as a Medical Officer aboard the USS Excalibur-A.
