Tom Hawkins

Political Information

• Affiliation: Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Family

• Mother: Rosalind Hawkins, retired Starfleet officer
• Father: Pierce Hawkins, retired Starfleet officer
• Husband: Orlando Radcliffe, former Starfleet officer.

Biography

Early Life

Tom Hawkins was born on August 2nd, 2372, on Mars, beneath the gleaming domes of Utopia Planitia. His parents, Rosalind and Pierce Hawkins, were theoretical engineers employed at the Advanced Starship Design Bureau. Growing up in proximity to one of Starfleet’s most prestigious shipyards meant that Tom’s formative years were marked by an environment of innovation and technological progress. From their home, he observed the skeletal frames of starships under construction, illuminated by the reddish hues of the Martian sky. He loved every moment of it and would spend hours asking his parents about their latest designs or projects they were working on. 

Life on Mars provided Tom with stability and comfort. His parents’ relentless duties at Utopia Planitia necessitated long working hours, but they remained supportive of his academic pursuits, nurturing his natural curiosity and passion for learning. Even during his early childhood, Tom displayed an inquisitive nature that distinguished him from his peers. While other children expressed fascination with starship design and engineering, Tom was captivated by the diverse crews that served aboard them. He often spent extended periods at the observation decks, attentively listening to conversations between passing officers, enthralled by the various languages and dialects spoken.

When visiting family on Earth for First Contact Day celebrations in 2385, like everyone else, Tom and his parents had to watch in terror when the Attack on Mars took place. His entire home, everything he had known, was destroyed in a matter of seconds. Tom and his parents would move in with his grandparents, who lived in Seattle. Both his parents were reassigned to Earth Station McKinley, and the focus of their work was transferred to repairs and refits instead of designing new ships. This change had a significant impact on them and Tom. Noting his parents being affected by this, Tom did the right thing by working harder at his new school.

His parents frequently remarked that their son was more inclined to analyse Vulcan literature than engage in warp core construction. Although they took pride in their professional achievements, they recognised early that Tom’s aspirations diverged from engineering. By the age of fourteen, Tom avidly studied linguistics, alien cultures, and xeno-sociology. The more obscure the language, the greater his interest. It was not uncommon to find him engrossed in the vast libraries on Mars, diligently studying Klingon dialects or the nuances of Andorian proverbs.

As he progressed further into adolescence, Tom’s introspective nature became increasingly evident. While many of his peers gravitated toward practical projects such as robotics competitions or engineering simulations, Tom immersed himself in holoprograms focused on ancient alien scripts or attended virtual lectures on first contact protocols. Though not antisocial, he preferred focused academic engagement to the social activities favoured by his classmates. His academic performance remained exemplary, but he did not seek external validation. His teachers frequently described him as diligent and motivated by a genuine passion for knowledge rather than the pursuit of recognition.

Starfleet Academy was always Tom’s primary objective, not because he wanted to emulate his parents’ careers but to explore the galaxy and meet as many species as possible. He envisioned himself serving as a bridge between civilisations, fostering mutual understanding through communication and diplomacy. His parents offered unwavering support for his ambitions, though Pierce Hawkins often lightheartedly inserted starship schematics into Tom’s study materials. Nevertheless, Tom was more interested in the communication technology than the deflector geometry or hull configuration. 

Despite his academic focus, Tom maintained a balanced lifestyle. Swimming became his preferred recreational activity, providing both physical exercise and mental clarity. Before the Attack on Mars, the Martian leisure centres featured expansive zero-gravity pools, and this was where Tom refined his endurance and strength. He continued this while in Seattle on Earth. By the age of seventeen, swimming had become integral to his routine, offering a means to manage stress and sustain focus. He swam for his school’s team, earning several medals and awards for solo competitions.

Starfleet Career

Starfleet Academy

Upon his arrival at Starfleet Academy, Tom quickly immersed himself in his studies, gravitating toward courses in exolinguistics, diplomacy, and cultural anthropology. It was during his second year that he met Orlando Radcliffe, a charismatic and sharp-witted cadet whose interests in tactical operations and flying complemented Tom’s more analytical pursuits. The two became fast friends, supporting each other through rigorous coursework and eventually forming a deep romantic relationship.

By their third year, Tom and Orlando were practically inseparable. Their contrasting strengths created a balanced partnership—Tom’s methodical, thoughtful nature tempered Orlando’s bold and decisive demeanour. They often collaborated on projects, spending late nights in the Academy library or working side by side in holodeck simulations. Their professors frequently noted their teamwork, describing them as an efficient, synchronised pair.

After graduating from Starfleet Academy, Tom and Orlando were offered positions in Starfleet’s Advanced Tactical Training program at the Mellstoxx III campus. They accepted the offer, Recognising the opportunity for growth and the chance to remain together. The rigorous program tested their limits, yet their bond strengthened as they navigated the intense demands of tactical simulations, survival exercises, and leadership courses.

Roommates throughout their time at Mellstoxx III, Tom and Orlando found solace in each other’s presence, providing unwavering support through the program’s most gruelling challenges. Their instructors often commended their ability to function seamlessly as a unit, describing them as a “well-oiled machine.” The experience honed Tom’s strategic and leadership skills and deepened his relationship with Orlando.

Eventually, after their training, Starfleet Intelligence approached them to join them as field agents. Neither of them had suspected this was the direction they would take in their careers, but when their supervising officer explained why they were offered the roles, both men accepted. Tom knew the impact from the Attack on Mars had on Starfleet and the Federation; he felt he needed to protect what was left. When both of them were told they would be assigned to Deep Space Nineteen together, both men started to make plans for a future together. 

Deep Space 19 – Concordia Station

In 2394, Tom joined Deep Space Nineteen as Assistant Chief Communications Officer at the rank of Ensign, with Orlando assigned as a flight control officer. Together, they began building a life on the station, forging friendships with the crew and making their shared quarters feel like home. Despite their official postings, their duties often extended beyond the ordinary, as their proximity to the Romulan Free State border necessitated covert intelligence work. From infiltration missions to discreet surveillance, they embraced the challenge, and their relationship grew stronger through shared experiences in the field.

Tom’s work ethic and calm demeanour earned him respect aboard DS-19, and in 2397, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and made Chief Communications Officer. Orlando received the same promotion, stepping into the Chief Flight Control Officer role. The pair thrived, becoming integral members of the senior staff. In 2399, Tom proposed to Orlando, who enthusiastically accepted. Plans for their wedding quickly took shape, with friends and crewmates sharing in their excitement.

However, fate took a cruel turn. Just months before their wedding, Orlando told Tom he planned to leave Starfleet. The strain of undercover work and the relentless deception had worn him down. Tom was devastated as Orlando returned his engagement ring and departed DS-19, choosing civilian life over their shared future. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Tom withdrew from Starfleet Intelligence shortly thereafter. He even moved out of the quarters they had made together—too many painful memories. 

Over the following two years, Tom poured himself into his duties as Chief Communications Officer, finding solace in his work and the camaraderie of the DS-19 crew. His friendships with senior officers, including his best friend, Doctor Jowain Parin, became his anchor during this challenging period. By 2401, his resilience and dedication were recognised with a promotion to full Lieutenant, solidifying his place as a valued leader aboard the station.