Lieutenant Commander Cole Dering

Character Information

Gender		Male
Species		Human
Age		37

Physical Appearance

Height		6'2" (188 cm)
Weight		172 lbs (78 kg)
Hair Color		Brown
Eye Color		Blue
Physical Description		Cole Dering cuts a tall, athletic figure with an easygoing charm and a naturally husky, slightly deep voice. Although he’s not a dedicated gym regular, he maintains excellent physical condition through running, recreational sports, and an active lifestyle. Off duty, Cole prefers casual comfort: long-sleeved V-neck tees, jeans, and, when the weather permits, a well-worn leather jacket. At home, he usually lounges in sweat shorts and soft tees while studying late into the night (often to the mild annoyance of his wife, Alexandra). His posture and stride reflect confidence, but there’s always a hint of relaxed mischief in his eyes.

Family

Spouse		Alexandra Elaine Dering
Children		None
Father		Admiral Jonathan Dering
Mother		Patricia Dering (deceased)
Brother(s)		Brady Dering (46), specialized psychiatrist
Sister(s)		Anya Dering (23, half-sister), pilot
Other Family		An extended network of aunts, uncles, and cousins

Personality & Traits

General Overview		A flirty, charming goofball with an unexpectedly brilliant medical mind, Cole is the kind of doctor who wins people over easily; sometimes too easily. He thrives on connecting with others and rarely hides his amusement at the quirks of life, but this same openness means he isn’t always mindful of personal boundaries. His heart is always in the right place; his delivery isn't always. Despite his playful demeanor, Cole is fiercely dedicated. Once focused on a case or patient, he becomes single-minded and intense, often to the frustration of those who care about him.
Strengths & Weaknesses		+ Loyal and passionate: His devotion to loved ones and to his work is unwavering. + Relentlessly dedicated: When he's on duty, he never truly clocks out; medicine is always on his mind. + Adaptive thinker: Years of trauma medicine have sharpened his ability to stay level-headed and creative under pressure. - Can be unintentionally annoying: Sometimes playfully, sometimes without realizing it. There are times when it is intentional. - Overprotective: His concern for others can push him into impatience or misplaced emotion toward the wrong person at the wrong time. - Self-pressuring perfectionist: Holds himself to unrealistic standards, especially when outcomes are beyond his control.
Ambitions		Cole’s goals change based on the needs of the moment. He doesn’t pursue rank or prestige; his focus is on achieving medical excellence, making meaningful discoveries, and helping the people he cares about. If he has a long-term ambition, it’s to improve Starfleet medicine for future generations.
Hobbies & Interests		* Plays guitar and some piano; surprisingly good singing voice. * Avid lover of old Earth films: especially 20th-century cinema, and known to quote movie trivia at inappropriate times. * Cooking, especially rustic Earth dishes. * Enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports. * Collects and reads classic comic books (and keeps them in archival sleeves).

Personal History		Cole was born in San Francisco, Earth, the younger son of Jonathan and Patricia Dering. His idyllic childhood ended abruptly at age seven, when his mother was killed in a hovercar collision. His teenage brother, Brady, was driving at the time. Though cleared of fault, Brady developed debilitating survivor's PTSD. Their father, a newly widowed Starfleet officer who had never been open with his emotions, struggled to anchor a household shaken by grief. Brady’s descent into drinking and reckless behavior nearly tore the family apart, while young Cole was left to navigate confusion, loss, and emotional isolation. They eventually found stability again, but not without deep, lasting scars. Cole’s teen years were wild: street-smart, impulsive, and far too charming for his own good. He drifted through relationships, often relying on charm rather than vulnerability. But beneath the mischief, he developed a strong sense of empathy; an instinct to fix, help, and understand, which eventually drew him toward medicine.
Service Record		Education Record: * Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, San Francisco (High School) * Pre-Medical Studies at Pacifica BioScience Institute. * Starfleet Medical Academy, Earth * Doctor of Medicine (Surgery and Trauma Medicine) * Supplemental training in emergency procedures * Completed the Medical Engineering Extension Program (bio-systems support, medical interface technologies) * Commissioned as Ensign after four years * Promoted to Lieutenant (jg) after specialty training * Post-graduate studies in microbiology and pharmacology * Internship rotation (Earth sector hospitals) Primary Specializations: Surgery, Trauma & Emergency Medicine, Medical Research. Secondary Competencies: Microbiology, Pharmacology. Service Record: * Medical Residency — Vega Colony Medical Complex * Chief Medical Researcher, USS ? * Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS ? * Chief Medical Officer, USS Archlight