Born in the heartlands of Great Britain to a wholly ordinary family, Rhinehart's early life was shaped by tragedy. An only child, with very little extended family, he and his parents were a closely-knit unit. Rhinehart was just five years old when his father, a shipwright, was cruelly taken in an industrial accident. Compensation from the incident left his mother and he family comfortably well-off, but robbed the young Rhinehart of his illusions about the world. His bitter anger and recriminations faded with counselling throughout his childhood and adolescence, but left him burning with questions of a more prosaic and philosophical nature. He remains close to his mother, but a rift has opened between them since his decision to join Starfleet. Space is a dangerous place, no matter how comfortable the modern conveniences of interstellar travel, and she fears losing her only son as she lost her husband. In spite of this, she is proud to see her son wearing the cadet's uniform.

Education

Starfleet Academy King's College, London

Pre-Starfleet History

During his teenage years, Rhinehart became fascinated with world religions, devouring the myriad concepts voraciously in a search for truth, insight and enlightenment. Even though, in the 24th century, religious faith has given way to a more humanistic approach, Rhinehart still believes the old religions have something to teach us about ourselves. While not maintaining any specific faith, he does believe in a supreme consciousness. He studied philosophy with theology at the venerable King's College in London, and spent a year trekking across Latin America, considering all he had learned, before his attention turned to the stars. At once heartened, yet dissatisfied by the answers he had gleaned, he hungered to ask more questions of more people... and gain more knowledge of himself. Swiftly switching tack, and with barely a goodbye for his mother, he travelled to the US to enroll in a space exploration primer course, cramming the basic concepts he would need for the Starfleet entrance exam. His application form was a rushed, hurried mess, such was his eagerness to get going. Nevertheless, he was offered a chance to sit the entrance exams, and shortly thereafter was offered a place among the next intake of cadets.

Starfleet History

Graduated Starfleet Academy, Ensign (JG); Assigned USS Champlain, Ship's Counsellor; Promoted Ensign (SG); Received Captain's Commendation.

Medical History

During his early childhood and adolescence, Rhinehart suffered a number of trying psychological breaks tied directly to the death of his father. He was extensively counselled through this period. His medical records indicate that his specialists have signed off on him, but there is the possibility that situations of extreme duress may prove psychologically difficult for Rhinehart. On the other hand, it could be argued that his difficult experiences have lent him an extraordinary psychological resilience, as evidenced in his determination to enter Starfleet and his keen study of philosophy. It is a difficult call to make.

Skills

Rhinehart is possessed of a keen intelligence, and is quick to grasp and utilise new concepts. He has a wide range of interests and skills. He can turn his hand to almost any task within reason, and peform it adequately, but he lacks a single, defining ability - there is not any one task at which he excels - except possibly in talking to people. Although he seems not to realise it, he possesses a deep and wide-ranging wisdom that belies his young age, and an honest frankness that is startling to strangers, yet prized by friends. And although his demeanour may seem cool at first, beneath the surface is a warm, gentle and affable soul.