Thomas Buckingham

Authored by Steve Alliss

Character Biography

Thomas Buckingham, MD

Date of Birth: 2364

Place of Birth: Unknown

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Tom is tall and quite skinny. His hair is Brown, parted down the left side with a Quiff in the front. Tom has light blue eyes and is clean shaven and well presented.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Tom speaks with a Received Pronunciation English accent and is often well spoken. He is friendly, calm and modest but when it is called for he can be firm and authoritative. From time to time the little self-confidence that Tom has wavers. Because of this he finds that he likes to have input from others to ensure that he is making the right decision.

BACKSTORY:

To Tom, the beginning of his life is very much a blank page. He was born in the year 2364 and Fostered at the age of 12 months he doesn’t know exactly where he was born, or who his birth parents are, something that took Tom quite sometime to come to terms with.

Tom was fostered and eventually adopted by an older couple, both in their early 60’s, living in a sleepy village in the County of Kent, England. Both his foster parents were retired which meant they were always around for Tom. His Upbringing was idyllic, His foster parents gave Tom free reign to be the person he wanted to be. He adored them, they were and still are the biggest influences on his life. His Foster Mother, Karen, was a creative, free spirit. She loved to spend time with Tom, whether they were playing, baking or just talking, it made Tom feel happy, and made Karen feel young again. Tom’s Foster Father, Jonathan, was slightly more reserved than his wife, but just as fun. Jonathan had an incredibly sharp sense of humour. He was infinitely calm, patient and spiritual. As Tom grew up he loved to talk with Jonathan, discussing anything and everything. Tom loved the way Jonathan looked at the world and the people in it.

Thanks to the undying love and support Tom received from his foster parents he did quite well in his schooling, excelling in Biology and Music.

As Tom grew into adolescence he began to have a strong desire to leave Kent, there was only so much there that could keep a Teenager entertained, and as lovely as it was, he began to grow bored. So at the age of 18 Tom packed up and moved to America, to attend medical school. Whilst at Medical School Tom specialized in the field of Trauma and Emergency Medicine. During his time in Medical School he formed a close friendship with one of his Professors - Andrew Williams. Seems as Tom had no immediate plans after Medical School Andrew invited him to remain at the school to lecture and research with him, and upon completion of his time at Med School in 2389 it was an offer that Tom gladly excepted.

3 years into his time in America, Tom met Natalie. She was a Elementary School Teacher. Natalie was a couple of years older than Tom, she was pretty, delicate and very funny. He fell for her instantly, and thankfully they clicked and a year after they started dating, they were married.

Everyday that Tom woke up beside Natalie he almost had to pinch himself, he couldn’t believe that he had found what could only be described as his soulmate. She challenged him, she amused him and they cared for each other.

However, not long after they celebrated their Third Wedding Anniversary Natalie became incredibly Ill. She had been presented the opportunity to join a research team, who were completing a scientific profile of a planet which was relatively unexplored, where she contracted an unknown illness. Tom spent two months by her bedside in Hospital, filled with hope that Natalie would get better, and the fear that it may not happen.
Unfortunately, aged 26 Tom was widowed.

One of Tom’s favourite memories is of the first time he took Natalie home to meet Karen and Jonathan. To see the smiles on both of their faces, the look of pride in their eyes. Hearing them say that they made the most perfect couple. And how it felt to be surrounded by the people meant the most to him. It is a memory made bitter-sweet by losing her.

Natalie’s passing shattered Tom’s world. For a few months after he lived in solitude. Angered by the fact she was gone, upset they could have had so much more with each other, and grateful for every moment they had together.

Eventually Tom pulled himself together. The idea of joining Starfleet had been playing on his mind for a while. With a strong desire to leave Earth, and the memories it held behind and start afresh, and to help heal and ease other people’s suffering would mean the world to him. So he enrolled in Starfleet Medical. During his time at the Academy he enjoyed his first posting as a Medical Cadet on the U.S.S Endeavor. He relished his time aboard the Endy so he was very pleased when the CO asked him to stay on as Chief Medical Officer. It was a position and role that he enjoyed immensely - albeit briefly. Ultimately though, it would prove too much for him. He had over-estimated how ready he was for life to continue after losing Natalie. Overwhelmed and feeling knocked back he withdrew from Starfleet for a few years to take the time to try heal and become strong again. Feeling recomposed he was back and ready to try and make something of himself once again.

MEDICAL HISTORY:
Tom has no notable Medical History.

EDUCATION AND CAREER:

Medical School: 2382 - 2389
Starfleet Accademy: 2391-2394
Medical Cadet - USS Endeavor (Cadet): 2394 - 2395
CMO - USS Endeavor (Lt.Jg): 2395
LONG TERM ABSENCE
Medical Officer - USS Ark Angel (Ensign): 2399 - Present