Summary
Sandra Claudia McCord is a Starfleet officer currently assigned as Judge Advocate General for the Alcott Sector based on Deep Space Nineteen. In recent years, she has been responsible for enforcing Federation law and Starfleet regulations to ensure the protection of certain assets in the region, including the homeworld of the synthetic lifeforms from Ghulion IV.
Appearance
McCord carries herself with a poised and commanding presence. She stands at an average height with a lean, graceful build that reflects strength and elegance. Her dark brown hair is typically styled into a sleek bob with curls, accentuating the sharp angles of her face. Her defining features include high cheekbones, arched eyebrows, and piercing, deep-set eyes that seem to miss nothing. McCord’s gaze is intense and discerning, capable of silencing a room with a single look.
Her complexion is fair, and she often opts for minimal yet refined makeup that emphasises her natural sharpness. She walks with the measured grace of someone who has spent years in positions of authority, exuding an aura of quiet confidence. When in uniform, she maintains an immaculate appearance, the crispness of her attire reflecting her thorough nature.
McCord’s voice is another striking aspect. It is smooth, rich, and measured, with a dry, almost musical rhythm. When she speaks, there’s a weight to her words, a clarity that demands attention and respect. Despite her refined exterior, there’s a quiet fire beneath the surface, a subtle intensity that suggests she’s not someone easily crossed.
Personality
While she is intensely focused on her career, McCord’s personality has its subtleties. She can be sarcastic with those she knows well, especially when she feels comfortable around them. Her dry wit and sharp tongue often emerge during lighthearted moments or interactions with trusted colleagues. However, her sarcasm is never mean-spirited; it simply keeps things light amid the weight of her responsibilities.
Though mostly private, McCord’s personal life has seen significant change. Over two decades ago, she separated from her husband after discovering he had been cheating on her with a subordinate. While she has long moved beyond any bitterness regarding the split, she still can’t resist a snarky remark during family events where they must interact for the sake of their children and grandchildren.
Outside of her legal work, McCord enjoys the finer things in life. She has a deep passion for art and classical music, which provide her with an escape and a means of reflection. A highly skilled pianist since childhood, her talent is exceptional, and she has been known to perform publicly with other musicians who share her interests. She particularly enjoys Earth opera, especially the works of great composers, finding comfort and inspiration in their complexity and beauty.
Intellectually, McCord thrives on deep, thought-provoking conversations. She enjoys discussing complex topics, ranging from the philosophy of law to the ethical dilemmas of galactic diplomacy. Though her intelligence and direct manner can occasionally make others feel weary, those who work for her thoroughly respect her. McCord is recognised as an excellent mentor, providing guidance to her subordinates through a blend of stern yet supportive leadership. Her ability to challenge others while fostering their growth has earned her a reputation as a formidable legal mind and a compassionate leader.
History
Political Information
- Affiliation: Starfleet, United Federation of Planets
Family
- Mother: Nadine McCord, retired anthropologist
- Father: Gerry McCord, retired Federation ambassador
- Brother: David McCord, Starfleet Captain
- Ex-husband: Nicholas Anderson, M.D, Starfleet Officer, Avalon Fleet Yards
- Daughter: Lucinda Hyde, Starfleet Officer,
- Sons:
- Albie Anderson, touring Pianist, resides on Archer IV
- Bradley Anderson, Starfleet Officer, USS Orion
- Granddaughter: Erica Hyde
- Grandson: Jacob Hyde
Biography
Early Life
Sandra McCord was born on December 23rd 2336, on Alpha Eridani II, a Federation colony known for its lush landscapes and progressive approach to interspecies cooperation. While her family was not wealthy, they were well-respected within the Federation for their work in education and diplomacy. Her mother, an anthropologist who studied the cultures of various alien species, and her father, a diplomat, instilled in Sandra an early love for history and culture and the importance of understanding legal frameworks within diverse societies.
Growing up in the vibrant, multicultural environment of Alpha Eridani II, Sandra was exposed to a wide variety of cultures and legal systems from across the galaxy. Her parents’ work often took them to different parts of the Federation. Sandra travelled with them as a child, giving her a unique perspective on galactic governance and diplomacy. Her home was filled with books, maps of distant planets, and art from various cultures. Sandra’s childhood was intellectually stimulating, with stimulating conversations around the dinner table where her parents debated philosophical and ethical questions with visiting diplomats, scientists, and other prominent figures.
Despite this academic environment, Sandra was never pressured to excel, though she certainly did. From a young age, Sandra displayed an insatiable curiosity about the galaxy around her. She spent hours reading legal texts and enjoyed playing “courtroom” with her younger brother, where she would argue cases using the principles she read about in books.
Music also played a significant role in Sandra’s upbringing. Her parents were avid opera fans, and Sandra learned to appreciate the complexity of Earth’s classical music. From the age of six, she began taking piano lessons and quickly became an accomplished pianist. The piano became her refuge, a way to process the complex emotions she often kept to herself. Sandra developed a lifelong love for Earth opera, enjoying the grandeur and emotion of performances.
Starfleet Career
Starfleet Academy
Sandra’s intellect and dedication made her an ideal candidate for Starfleet Academy, and she started her career in 2354. Though Earth was a far cry from the peaceful environment of Alpha Eridani II, Sandra adapted quickly, absorbing everything she could in her rigorous studies. Thanks to her parents, Sandra was already ahead of her peers at Starfleet Academy in terms of her understanding of law, diplomacy, and ethical frameworks. She excelled in Federation law, xeno-diplomacy, and intergalactic politics. Her sharp mind and analytical skills set her apart, but her ability to stay calm under pressure impressed her instructors.
Despite her seriousness about her education, Sandra made a few lifelong friends during her time at the Academy. Among them was Nicholas Anderson, a medical cadet with a natural charisma that drew people to him. He was charming, easygoing, and had a wonderful sense of humour—traits that made him an ideal complement to Sandra’s more reserved personality. The two started as study partners, and before long, their relationship turned romantic. Though their paths in Starfleet were different—Nicholas was focused on medicine, while Sandra was deeply invested in law—the two shared a strong bond, united by their mutual respect, intellect and dedication. At the end of their fourth year, they knew their career paths would take them in different directions and decided to put their relationship on hold.
Starfleet Academy Campus – Tellar Prime – JAG Division
After her four years at Starfleet Academy, Sandra was assigned to Tellar Prime, where she spent another four years at the rank of Ensign, working towards her J.D. In her opinion, her training within the Judge Advocate General (JAG) division of the Starfleet Academy Campus was the four best years of her life. Sitting with her professors and fellow cadets, debating various legal cases and helping with the sector’s JAG office gave Sandra the push she needed to keep her focus on her career. Also, being on Tellar Prime, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse political landscape, was the perfect place for Sandra to refine her legal expertise.
Sandra learned from some of the Federation’s finest legal minds during this period. Her work in military law, galactic treaties, and interspecies arbitration shaped her understanding of Federation law and neighbouring species’ legal frameworks. Sandra’s meticulous approach to legal research made her an invaluable member of the sector’s JAG office, where she quickly earned the admiration of her superiors and colleagues.
Starbase 310
Sandra’s first field assignment took her to Starbase 310, where she served as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate from 2362 to 2366. During this time, her former love interest, Nicholas Anderson, was rekindled after he was made the station’s chief medical officer. Their bond grew stronger. Sandra was promoted to Associate Staff Judge Advocate in 2366 and continued to rise in prominence. It wasn’t long before Nicholas asked her to marry him. During a small ceremony on the station, the two got married.
In 2367, the couple’s first child, Lucinda, was born. The birth of their daughter brought both joy and challenges. As a mother, Sandra was more protective and focused on her family than ever before. Yet, her passion for her legal career remained undiminished, and she quickly became one of the most respected legal officers on Starbase 310.
Lya Station Alpha
Following Nicholas’s promotion in 2370, Sandra and Nicholas were transferred to Lya Station Alpha. The entire family moved to the station, and Sandra soon found herself pregnant with their second child, a son named Albie. During this time, Sandra’s role as a legal officer continued to grow, and by 2372, she was promoted to Staff Judge Advocate with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Lya Station Alpha was near the Federation-Cardassian border, and tensions were often high. Sandra handled her legal duties with poise and precision, dealing with everything from diplomatic disputes to military protocol. However, the pressure of balancing work and family began to take its toll on her marriage. While Sandra remained focused on her career, Nicholas’s own ambitions often pulled him away, and the growing tension would eventually affect their relationship.
Starbase 257
In 2374, during the height of the Dominion War, Sandra was transferred to Starbase 257, a station near the frontlines. Her family did not join her, as she was assigned to oversee the legal ramifications of the war, especially the treatment of prisoners of war and the application of conventions regarding the treatment of POWs.
The strain of the war, coupled with the distance from her family, took a toll on Sandra. She worked long hours, handling the growing number of legal matters related to prisoners of war. Her time at Starbase 257 would be a defining period in her career, giving her an intimate understanding of the brutal complexities of wartime law.
Starbase 84
After the war ended in 2376, Sandra and Nicholas transferred to Starbase 84, away from the former warzone. Sandra was promoted to Deputy Supervising Staff Judge Advocate, and in 2378, she became pregnant with her third child, a son named Bradley. However, by 2380, Sandra’s marriage had deteriorated. After discovering that Nicholas had been cheating on her with a subordinate, Sandra and Nicholas attempted couples’ counselling, but this ultimately failed, and they divorced in 2381. Nicholas left Starbase 84, and Sandra found herself raising three children as a single mother while continuing to excel in her career.
Deep Space 19
In 2385, Sandra transferred to Deep Space 19, seeking a new chapter in her life. She was appointed Deputy Sector Judge Advocate, a role she held until 2394 when she was promoted to Captain and became the Sector Judge Advocate. In 2401, she was made the Third Officer of the station when a few of the senior officers were transferred to other locations after the loss of so many seasoned officers during the Frontier Day massacre.
While on Deep Space 19, she dealt with her children growing up and leaving her to pursue their careers and life choices. Though she misses her children, becoming a grandmother has become another aspect of her life she has enjoyed.
Service Record
Date | Position | Posting | Rank |
---|---|---|---|
2354 - 2355 | Cadet First Year | Starfleet Academy |
Cadet Freshman Grade |
2355 - 2356 | Cadet Second Year | Starfleet Academy |
Cadet Sophomore Grade |
2356 - 2357 | Cadet Third Year | Starfleet Academy |
Cadet Junior Grade |
2357 - 2358 | Cadet Fourth Year | Starfleet Academy |
Cadet Senior Grade |
2358 - 2362 | Trainee Officer |
Starfleet Academy Tellar Prime Campus - JAG Division |
Ensign |
2362 - 2366 | Assistant Staff Judge Advocate |
Starbase 310 Regula-class |
Lieutenant Junior Grade |
2366 - 2370 | Associate Staff Judge Advocate |
Starbase 310 Regula-class |
Lieutenant |
2370 - 2372 | Associate Staff Judge Advocate |
Lya Station Alpha Spacedock-class |
Lieutenant |
2372 - 2374 | Staff Judge Advocate |
Lya Station Alpha Spacedock-class |
Lieutenant Commander |
2374 - 2376 | Staff Judge Advocate |
Starbase 257 Anchorage-class |
Lieutenant Commander |
2376 - 2380 | Deputy Supervising Staff Judge Advocate |
Starbase 84 Spacedock-class |
Commander |
2380 - 2385 | Supervising Staff Judge Advocate |
Starbase 84 Spacedock-class |
Commander |
2385 - 2394 | Deputy Sector Judge Advocate |
Deep Space 19 Unity-class |
Commander |
2394 - 2400 | Sector Judge Advocate |
Deep Space 19 Unity-class |
Captain |
2400 - Present |
Sector Judge Advocate Third Officer |
Deep Space 19 Unity-class |
Captain |