Susan Rivers
Physical Description
Eye Colour: Green
Hair Colour: Brown
Height: 5' 10
Weight: 140 lbs
Blood Colour: Red
Skin Colour: Caucasian
Physical Description: Tall, stands very straight, habitually with hands clasped behind her back. Her hair is medium length, although she used to wear it long and pinned up. She has high cheekbones, a nose which is just too long for beauty, large eyes with long dark lashes. Her face shows both the Native American ancestry from her father's side and the Bajoran nose wrinkles from her mother. Her figure is neat and trim - she works out regularly and is always neatly turned out in uniform, though she can be more relaxed off-duty. She has a small scar (no more than 0.5 cm long) on her right temple, just above her eyebrow.
Family and Background
Her mother is Lei Janna, daughter of Kol Shakan and Lei Roma, two Bajoran resistance fighters who died when Janna was only 10 years old. Janna has been fighting her whole life - first to free Bajor, then to free New Terra and the other Maquis worlds. She now holds a senior liaison post between the Maquis and the Federation.
As an ex-Starfleet pilot, Susan's late father Thomas Rivers had many skills to offer the Maquis and rose swiftly to a position of leadership. He and Janna moved from colony to colony, setting up resistance cells then moving on to prevent detection and capture. Their son, Marcus, was 10 years old when Susan was born, and so although she was sent to live with her father's sister Luisa on Earth when the Dominion invaded, he was allowed to stay with his parents.
Even after the defeat of the Dominion, Susan remained with Luisa (an archaeology professor) while her parents continued the fight for self-determination. By the time the Peace Accord was signed in 2388 and she could have returned home, Susan was 11 years old and in secondary education. It was decided not to disrupt her life by returning her to New Terra. Susan was bitterly disappointed at this decision, and felt as though her family was rejecting her. To forget her unhappiness she threw herself into her studies and graduated top of her class. She went on to study archaeology, but soon realised that she wanted more from life than the study of dead civilisations. She considered applying to the Maquis fleet, but eventually decided that she would have no place there that was not created by her parents and brother for her. She felt that only within the diversity of Starfleet could she make a place that would be hers and hers alone.
Her major problem is her constant clashes with authority, and her temper, both of which she is learning to keep under control. She doesn't suffer fools gladly and can be blunt to the point of rudeness, but can be intensely loyal where she feels it is deserved. Her respect, like her loyalty, has to be earned.
Education
Educated on Earth, in the care of her father's sister Luisa (a noted archaeologist), Susan's first degree was in archaeology. However, she soon decided that she wanted more out of life than following in her aunt's footsteps and studying dead civilisations, and after much thought (and a flaming row with her family) applied to and was accepted by Starfleet Academy.
Pre-Starfleet History
Susan was sent to Earth during the war and was brought up there by her father's sister Luisa. She chose to join Starfleet as opposed to the Maquis fleet, rather to her family's disapproval. She has a hot temper and can be assertive almost to the point of rudeness. She is painfully honest but during her Starfleet service has learnt to be tactful - sometimes! Her loyalty and respect once earned are absolute.
Starfleet History
Her three years at the Academy were notable for two things: her constant clashes with authority and her equally constant high marks in all her classes. She was on average in the top five students of her year each year, and graduated with honours. For three successive years she held the title for marksmanship, and has kept up her practice. She also gained high grades in hand-to-hand combat, with a distinction in unarmed combat. She has learned to control her temper on *most* occasions.
Whilst at the Academy she met and fell in love with another cadet, Steve Zintel, a Trill. She was extremely happy and had requested that she be assigned to the same ship Zintel was assigned to, the USS Spectre. Then she found out that Steve was cheating on her with other women, and Susan immediately broke off the relationship and requested a change of assignment, which was granted.
She was assigned to the USS Nimitz as OPS officer with the rank of Ensign(jg).
Promoted to Ensign(sg)
When Captain Aragorn married Louise Palmer, the Vegan invited his good friend Captain Remae Ktell and the crew of the USS Spectre, the ship on which Aragorn had first served and where he had met Louise, to the wedding. Susan met up with Zintel again, he apologised for the way he had behaved, and they made up. Zintel gifted her a Bajoran friendship bracelet just before the wedding.
Promoted to Lt(jg)
Promoted to 2O
During the Federation/Cardassian war, the Nimitz CO Captain Aragorn took Susan with him on a mission to get the Maquis forces to throw their weight in on the side of Starfleet. They agreed and a Maquis fleet was despatched to Starbase 968, arriving in time to swing the result of what became known to historians variously as the battle for Starbase 968 (Federation) or the battle for Bajor (Maquis). During that battle, Maquis Captain Thomas Rivers, believeing his daughter Susan was aboard the Nimitz, was killed when he used his ship the MSS Gernoimo to protect the crippled Nimitz from a Cardassian Galor. Unknown to Thomas, Susan had been issued with immediate transfer orders from the Nimitz to the Spectre only hours before the battle began.
Transferred to USS Spectre as FO, with a promotion to Lt Commander.
Learns of the death of her father from Captain Aragorn.
Meets up with her former fiance, Steve Zintel. Their romance is rekindled but Zintel dies of a previously unknown disease now named Zintel's Syndrome. The cure was found by Dr Anderson, the Spectre's CMO, but too late to save Zintel.
Transferred to USS Athene as FO with Captain Remae Ktell and the rest of the Spectre crew after the near-destruction of the USS Spectre.
Promoted to Commander.
Transferred to the USS New Victory, the temporary home of the Nimitz crew whilst the ship was being repaired after the battle for Starbase 968, as FO. Took part in the investigation of a Gulorian baseship, which the Nimitz crew managed to prevent falling into the hands of the Cardassians.
Returned to USS Nimitz as FO with Captain Aragorn and the Nimtiz crew once the ship's repairs and refit had been completed.
Promoted to Captain and given command of the newly-launched USS Boudicca. Met Captain Kendaro Itano, the CO of Starbase 968 and began an affaire with him whilst vacationing on Bajor.
After an attack in which she was severely injured, so seriously that the injuries could not be treated aboard ship, she was put into stasis and on their return to the nearest Starbase, invalided off the Boudicca.
The affaire with Kendaro did not survive their separation, leaving Susan wary of committing herself again.
When she eventually recovered several months later, Susan was informed by SFHQ that command of the Boudicca had been given to her former FO, Sam Kaneshiro, and that she was to await a new assignment. In the meantime, once certified fit to return to duty, she was given a desk job at SFHQ, reviewing OPS procedures. Never one to accept inactivity gracefully, Susan became increasingly bored and frustrated kicking her heels at SFHQ. Knowing that Sam fully deserved the command, and being glad that the Boudicca was in safe hands, nevertheless did not make things easier for her. Eventually her frustration boiled over into a furious row with Admiral P'Zaan over his refusal yet again to consider her for a return to active service, and at the disciplinary hearing which followed she was reduced in rank from Captain to Commander. Susan was beginning to seriously consider an offer from her brother to leave Starfleet and return to the Maquis, when Admiral Kriller ordered her to join him on board the USS Firebrande. Once aboard and underway, he informed her that they were travelling to rendezvous with the USS Nimitz, and that she was to be given command of her.
Promoted back to Captain by Admiral Eileen Greely, after bringing the badly-damaged Nimitz back to Starbase Geneva following the battle with the Romulan vessel, Red Claw.
Captain, USS Nimitz until injured in the line of duty.
Although her injuries were not that serious, she did not return to the Nimitz but transferred to Admiral Ohlsson's staff at his personal request. Further information of her time with Ohlsson remains classifed until further notice, but is believed to have included some blackops assignments.
Ohlsson then gave her a special assignnment, investigating a possible traitor on the Boudicca. To provide her with a cover-story, Susan used her previous record of insulting Admirals to provoke a court-martial for gross insubordination to Admiral West, resulting in a reduction of her rank from Captain to Lt(jg).
Assigned as TAC/ASC to the USS Boudicca under her own former FO, then Commander but now Captain Caladryll Sevant. However, when the Boudicca's FO, Commander West, was badly injured in battle, Captain Sevant made Susan his FO, promoting her to Commander.
Current assignment: FO, USS Boudicca
Medical History
Numerous appearances in Sickbay due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Skills
Expert at unarmed combat (she was Academy Champion two years running), also target shooting (sharpshooter status). Has recently received advanced computer training.
Hobbies
Has elevated the knack of upsetting senior officers, particularly admirals, almost to an artform.
Likes to read but rarely has the time to settle down with a book.
Has been known to enjoy the occasional holodeck program.
Can often be found in the gym or on the shooting range in her off-duty times.
General Notes
Susan has a pet cat, a ginger tom called Pangur Ban, who likes to go walkabout and meet people, generally making a nuisance of himself.
She dislikes children intensely, and strongly believes they have no place aboard a tactical vessel. To say she feels uncomfortable around them would be an understatement. Ironically she has recently become the guardian of two Bajoran children, Loren and Shun Toral, formerly wards of Sam Kaneshiro. It's hard to know who to feel sorrier for, Susan or the kids :-) They are currently in the care of Susan's mother, Lei Janna, on Bajor.
Susan makes a true and loyal friend once she gets to know you, but an implacable and unforgiving enemy.
Awards
Cross of Fire: For heroic action above and beyond in destroying Doenitz's Telepath Labs 2406
Combat Action Ribbon: For the battle with Doenitz's fleet at the site of the Telepath Labs 2406
Squadron Commander Commendation: Awarded to the entire crew of the Nimitz by Admiral Andrews of Vanguard Squadron, for their courageous actions against the Cardassians 2404
Squadron Commander Commendation: For remarkable courage and devotion to duty under the most difficult circumstances during the attempted Romulan invasion of the Nimitz 2405
Sub Rosa
Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day -5 Stardate: 2407.01.27
(Starbase Geneva, Temporary Quarters, Lt(jg) Susan Rivers and NPC Admiral Ohlsson, 1400)
"Come in!"
Susan continued to pack as the doors to her quarters opened, but when she saw who had entered, she dropped the top she was folding onto the open bag and came to attention.
Admiral Ohlsson waved his hand impatiently. "No need for that, Susan. Not just between ourselves. Sit down." He took a seat himself and stretched out his long legs. "I could do with a coffee, though. My assistant limits me to two a day, dragon that she is."
Susan grinned and got his coffee and one for herself then sat down.
"I'm sorry about the court-martial," Ohlsson said. "But it had to be real to give you the right cover, you know?"
Susan shrugged. "I know," she said. "It has to be not just believable but verifiable, right?"
"Right. And of course when this is all over your rank will be fully restored, no stain on your record." He grinned. "Well, apart from what was already there, that is."
Susan acknowledged that with a wry smile. Anyone who knew her and her temper would have little difficulty believing in her court-martial and subsequent demotion for gross insubordination. She also noted that Ohlsson had not specifically said once this assignment was over, but had been rather more vague.
"As you know," Ohlsson continued, "For some time now we've suspected that a ring of infiltrators has been passing information to Doenitz somehow. Your job will be to find and identify the members of that ring. If you can infiltrate it, so much the better."
Susan raised an eyebrow. "You think they'd try to recruit me? Even though my feelings about Doenitz must be well-known?"
"Ah, but that's the beauty of it. A Starfleet Captain, stripped of her command and demoted over a relatively minor misdemeanor, might be expected to harbour a lot of resentment, even a grudge, don't you think? You must admit, Susan, you'd be a tempting target. Especially if they were to offer you a command in return for your... co-operation."
She nodded slowly. "I suppose so."
"We know they've turned at least one officer that way before." He handed her a PADD. "For your eyes only. Your code-name will be Vixen, and you should use that in all your communications with me, which should take place on the channel detailed here only. Your access code is also detailed on this PADD. Your assignment, Susan, will be as TAC/ASC on the Boudicca. There's one there already but the Boudicca is a tactical ship just starting a covert mission in Federation space, so I doubt anyone will question it."
Susan stared at him. "The Boudicca? But I know so many people there! People I've served with, trusted, come to think of as friends!"
"Name me one ship in this fleet where you *don't* know someone," Ohlsson retorted. "Susan, when I recruited you to my section a year ago, you knew none of the assignments would be easy. This one is harder than most because of your personal relationships with some of the people under suspicion, but you can't let your guard down with anyone except Captain Sevant."
Susan snorted. "I'm glad *one* at least of my former friends and colleagues is regarded as above suspicion!"
Ohlsson regarded her soberly. "I wouldn't exactly say 'above suspicion' but he was the one to voice his concerns to me over a certain piece of information ending up in the wrong hands and to request a covert investigation. So he alone knows why you'll be there. But no one else is to know, understand? I don't care how long you've known them, how good a friend they are, if they've saved your life or you've slept with them. No one at all."
Susan looked down at the PADD again and sighed. "Very well," she agreed.
Ohlsson handed her a second PADD. "This one just contains your reporting instructions as per normal."
He swallowed the last of his coffee and stood up to leave. "Good luck, Susan. I have a feeling you're going to need it, on more than one level. It won't be easy working under people you once commanded. And this job... dangerous as well as difficult."
He turned towards the door, then looked back. "By the way, what exactly *did* you say to Admiral Weston to provoke him into court-martialling you?" he asked.
Susan told him, and Ohlsson gave a sudden bark of laughter.
"You hit a raw nerve there all right," he said.
He was still laughing as he walked down the corridor to the turbolift.
Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day 2
Stardate: 2407.02.02
(USS Boudicca, Transporter Room 1, Lt(jg) Susan Rivers, 0845)
As she materialised, Susan recognised the operative and saw with a certain amount of wry amusement, well hidden behind an impassive expression, that he recognised her too.
"Welcome aboard, Cap- uhh... Lt Rivers."
"Thanks, Hobek. I'm to report to Captain Sevant."
Still staring, he nodded. "He's... Umm, he's in y- his Ready Room, sir."
"Thank you," Susan said. "Could you make sure my bags are taken to my quarters?"
"Yes, Ca- *Lieutenant*."
She thanked him with a nod and left to report in to her former FO and new CO.
(USS Boudicca, Ready Room, Lt(jg) Susan Rivers, 0855)
Apparently oblivious to the stares of those on the Bridge who recognised her, Susan approached the Ready Room and sounded the doorchime. She felt as if their eyes were boring into her back, and flushed slightly. It would be, she realised, even harder than she had thought.
"Enter!"
She walked in and came to attention before the desk and the man sitting behind it.
"Lt Susan Rivers reporting for duty, Sir!"
She handed him the PADD containing her reporting instructions and waited for his reply.
(Reply by Sevant, anyone on the Bridge who might remember her, any) (Posted by Liz Geuken)
Susan Rivers is played by Liz Geuken.
