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| Angela Benton | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Captain Angela Benton, Chief Engineer aboard Nimbus Station, presents a unique blend of unfaltering dedication and self-imposed distance. Born with an extraordinary mind, she found comfort in the logic and predictability of numbers and systems, a trait that developed her into a prodigious engineer but also made social interactions a challenge. Consequently, she can often appear aloof or unapproachable. Yet beneath this exterior, she's fiercely loyal and deeply protective of those who manage to penetrate her defenses, reflecting her inherent human warmth and emotional depth. Angela has found solace and structure within the rigorous rules and regulations of the military, using this framework to navigate the complexity of interpersonal relationships.
Professionally, Angela is a force to be reckoned with. Her formidable intelligence, coupled with her unrivaled expertise in engineering, materials science, and theoretical physics, has made her an invaluable asset within Solas Tempus. Despite being seen by many as a distant genius, those within her division recognize her dedication, loyalty, and exceptional problem-solving skills. As Chief Engineer, Angela grapples with the demands of leadership. She sees herself more as a scholar and innovator than a leader. Yet, time and again, she has proven her leadership capabilities, effectively steering her team through challenges with her analytical mind and strategic intuition. While Angela may struggle with the mantle of leadership, there's no denying her innate ability to lead when the situation calls for it.
Special Abilities
- Photographic Memory
- Angela possesses an eidetic memory, allowing her to recall visual information in great detail after only brief exposure. This ability is incredibly useful in her line of work as an engineer, as she can remember complex schematics, formulas, and systems with ease. This ability does not only apply to her work; Angela can recall faces, places, and events with the same level of detail.
- Highly Intuitive Problem-Solver
- Angela has a knack for intuitive problem-solving. She can often see solutions to complex engineering problems that others may overlook. This is not just limited to her work. She often applies this intuitive thinking to various aspects of her life, making her an excellent strategist in unexpected situations.
- Exceptional Spatial Awareness
- Angela has an uncanny understanding of spatial relationships and is able to mentally manipulate objects and understand how they will interact in a given space. This gives her an edge in her work as an engineer, allowing her to plan and visualize intricate designs and anticipate potential structural or functional issues.
Special Skills
- Advanced Knowledge in Engineering
- Angela has a comprehensive understanding of different fields of engineering. Her PhD in Mechanical Engineering has equipped her with extensive knowledge in the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- Expertise in Material Science
- With her Master's degree in Material Design, Angela specializes in understanding the properties and behaviors of different materials. She can anticipate how materials will interact under various conditions, which makes her exceptionally skilled in the selection and application of materials in engineering designs.
- Theoretical Physics Knowledge
- Angela has a robust knowledge of theoretical physics, including concepts like quantum mechanics and relativity. This understanding allows her to work on advanced projects such as the Defiant Class starship and contributes to her abilities as a problem solver and innovator.
- Research and Development
- Angela has experience in conducting high-level research and turning theoretical ideas into practical applications. Her groundbreaking work on the Defiant Class starship is a testament to her abilities in this area.
- Experience in High-Stakes Environments
- Her years of experience working on classified projects with the Starfleet Corps of Engineers have honed Angela's skills in operating within high-pressure, high-stakes environments. She is adept at handling the stress and expectations that come with these roles.
- Project Management
- As a member of Solas Tempus' Functional Command team and later as the Chief Engineer of Nimbus Station, Angela has gained valuable project management skills. She can coordinate teams, manage resources, and oversee complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
- Adaptability
- Angela's journey from academia to the military has required her to adapt her skills and approach to different environments. This adaptability is a special skill that enables her to thrive in diverse settings and take on a wide range of challenges.
- Analytical Thinking
- Angela's logical mind and aptitude for mathematics equip her with strong analytical thinking skills. She can break down complex problems and find effective solutions, making her an invaluable asset in her field.
- Command of Advanced Technology
- Angela is proficient in using advanced engineering technology and software. This proficiency allows her to create intricate designs, perform precise calculations, and execute sophisticated engineering tasks.
Background
Born and raised on Luna Colony, Angela Benton, a child of the year 2344, exhibited a prodigious intellect and curiosity from a young age. Despite social challenges brought on by being on the Autism spectrum, she found solace in the structured and consistent world of logic and mathematics. This steered her toward the Earth-based University of California at Berkeley for higher education, a journey she embarked on at the tender age of 16. After earning her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at 22, she made significant contributions to the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, particularly to the development of the Defiant Class starship. However, the intense pressure of the environment led her to seek the structure and order of the military organization Solas Tempus in 2370. Over 15 years, she climbed the ranks within their Green Team engineering division, ultimately achieving her goal of becoming Chief Engineer at Nimbus Station in 2385, despite her social challenges. Throughout her journey, Angela has demonstrated resilience, brilliance, and unwavering dedication to her work.
Early Childhood
Born in 2344 on Luna Colony, Angela Benton came into the world demonstrating a precocious mind. Her parents, though of modest means, recognized her unique abilities early. When Angela was diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum, it offered a framework for understanding her exceptional intelligence and difficulty connecting with others.
From an early age, Angela displayed an intrinsic understanding of complex systems. The world of machines and equations enthralled her, offering comfort in its dependable, rule-governed structure. Despite the unique challenges of growing up in a lunar colony, her parents provided unwavering support, fostering her passion while helping her develop essential communication skills.
Angela's public school years on Luna Colony were a blend of academic triumphs and social trials. While she frequently felt isolated from her peers due to her social difficulties, her educators noted her brilliant mind, exceptional analytical abilities, and her intense interest in mechanical and theoretical concepts. To provide her the challenge her intellect required, her school proposed an accelerated curriculum.
With the encouragement of her parents and her own relentless drive, Angela graduated high school on Luna Colony at just 16, two years ahead of her peers. She was accepted into the prestigious engineering school at the University of California at Berkeley on Earth, a testament to her unprecedented intellect and potential. As she prepared to leave her lunar home and embark on this new journey, her parents couldn't help but feel a mix of awe, trepidation, and pride. Angela was on her way to becoming one of the most brilliant minds of her generation, an engineering prodigy ready to leave her mark on the world.
Education
Angela's entrance into the world of higher education was a daunting change. At just 16, she left the support of her family and the lunar familiarities of Luna Colony to attend the University of California at Berkeley, a prestigious engineering school known for its rigorous academic environment. The social demands of college life, coupled with adjusting to Earth's culture and the unfamiliar setting, were overwhelming, and initially, Angela struggled to cope. Her unique cognitive abilities that served as an advantage in the realm of academics seemed to set her further apart from her peers, leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Finding Acceptance and Self-Realization
However, this challenging phase at UC Berkeley was instrumental in Angela's growth. In grappling with her differences, she began to explore the concept of neurodivergence and its role in her life. She slowly but surely started to understand and accept her unique way of relating to the world, recognizing that her cognitive differences were not flaws but rather an integral part of who she was. During this time, Angela also found 'her tribe' within the Berkeley engineering community - a group of students who, like her, were passionate about their pursuits and valued individuality. Though initially reluctant to engage, Angela formed meaningful connections with this group, gaining not only friends but also a supportive network who appreciated her for who she was.
Embracing Identity and Academic Success
This newfound acceptance of self and the support system she found at Berkeley buoyed Angela as she continued to excel in her studies. She embraced her neurodivergence as an asset, allowing her unique perspective to influence her work in innovative ways. By the age of 22, she had graduated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, her groundbreaking research earning her recognition as one of the most brilliant engineering minds of her generation. Her years at Berkeley not only shaped her academic prowess but also greatly contributed to her personal growth, solidifying her place as a formidable force in the engineering world.
Engineering Consultant
Fresh from her academic success, Angela embarked on an exciting and challenging journey. She was approached by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers to consult on the design of the highly classified Defiant Class starship. This starship was a crucial project aimed at defending the Federation against potential Borg attacks, and her expertise was seen as vital for its success.
Angela's four-year tenure with Starfleet Corps of Engineers was characterized by groundbreaking research and high-stakes development. Her knowledge and innovative approach played a pivotal role in shaping the Defiant Class starship, proving her to be an asset to the project. However, these years weren't without their challenges. The intense pressure to succeed and the relentless stress of working on such a high-profile project pushed Angela's coping mechanisms to their limits. The interpersonal skills she had carefully honed during her time in academia were barely keeping her afloat amidst the high-stakes environment. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the academic world she had grown accustomed to; here, the expectations were higher, the deadlines tighter, and the spotlight brighter.
Joining Solas Tempus
Following her intense experience with the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, Angela yearned for a change — an environment that offered predictability and structure where her logic-driven mind could find solace. Her solution was found in an unexpected place: the military. Angela had initially considered joining Starfleet, but the unsettling events surrounding the USS Pegasus cast a shadow on her perception of the organization. The revelation that the Federation had developed a cloaking device in violation of a treaty with the Romulans deeply affected Angela. This betrayal of trust solidified her decision to join Solas Tempus instead.
In 2370, Angela joined Solas Tempus, finding the military's rules and regulations comforting. Their structure offered a sense of predictability that eased her social interactions and resonated with her logical mind, providing a blueprint for navigating social complexities with less stress. Embarking on her new career, she attended the Solas Tempus Academy, earning the equivalent of a Master's in Material Design. This additional education further specialized her already impressive skill set. By 2373, Angela had established herself as a leading expert in the field within Solas Tempus, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability in the face of new challenges once again. Her journey from a young prodigy to a respected military engineer was a testament to her brilliance, strength, and unwavering dedication to her work.
Becoming Chief Engineer
Angela embarked on a diligent and steady ascent through the ranks of Solas Tempus' engineering branch, the Green Team. Her formidable skills and unwavering commitment to her work made her a standout in the organization. She became part of the elite division, "Functional Command", setting her sights on the role of Chief Engineer.
During this period, Angela's military rulebook approach helped her navigate the challenging social environment of the military. However, this method came with its own share of misunderstanding. Angela gained a bit of a reputation - while many respected her work and accepted her unique social approach, others perceived her distance as aloofness or an attempt to intimidate. In reality, Angela was still grappling with her social skills; she kept others at arm's length, not out of disdain or superiority, but out of a struggle to connect on a deeper level.
Despite this, Angela found solace within her division. Among her Functional Command team, her skills were highly respected, and her quirks accepted. She built strong working relationships, her competence and dedication earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.
In 2385, Angela's hard work and dedication paid off. She was appointed Chief Engineer of Nimbus Station on the planet Soteria, reaching her long-held goal. Her journey was a testament to her resilience, her unwavering dedication, and the unique perspective she brought to her work, proving that even amidst challenges, she could rise to the top.