Isabelle Verhagen

Isabelle’s father left before she was ever born, expressing that he had no interest in helping to raise the child, and leaving her mother to raise her until age three. At that point her mother, Anne-Marie, began a relationship with Luna, her future “stepmother.” The growth of her family benefited young Isabelle greatly, but she retained a desire to take care of herself as much as possible, and was always eager to take on more responsibility. From the earliest age she strived to be fully self reliant. Self defense classes were a natural fit for her and she took quickly to the lessons. In no time at fighting techniques had become a passion, and at the age of 13 Isabelle was even proclaimed regional junior jiu jitsu champion. She learned to cook for herself, organized camping trips and slept under the stars, and worked hard in school. By the age of 18 her credentials merited entry into Starfleet Academy, she took the opportunity to leave at the earliest convenience, seeing her departure as a chance for her parents to focus on their own lives. A life among the stars provided tremendous opportunities to grow, discover, and face challenges.

Isabelle did well at the academy, moving into the security track and graduating with high marks. She received her commission and immediately received her first taste of combat in the Omega Crisis of 2383. She saw the brief conflict through without incident and moved on to other postings, moving steadily up the ranks. The turning point in her career came in early 2386 with the “Cyclops incident.” While Isabelle was serving as the security officer on duty, her vessel, USS Cyclops was ambushed by an enemy force and disabled. The crew was forced to abandon ship and the Cyclops was ultimately destroyed. The attack would claim the lives of ⅓ of the entire crew. An investigation would clear Isabelle of any wrongdoing, but despite that and ongoing counseling, she continues to blame herself, sure that if she had just been more attentive, more prepared, she could have prevented the loss of the ship. Following the incident she redoubled her efforts, wishing to make sure she could be ready next time it really counted. Through the intervening years and another promotion she served well, and quietly. Now with the fires of war burning across the beta quadrant, she waits for the true test of her abilities to come.