Eddie Rickenbacker

Eddie's family has lived on Vega for 9 generations having emigrated from America in the original group of colonists. Though they have a German ancenstry the Rickenbackers have adapted to the Vegan way of life and as such speak with the odd accent mix that is common to the planet: speaking vowels reminiscent of Glaswegian Scots but with a clearly Eastern coast American sound. Being a metal rich colony the family has sustained themselves throughout those generations via the traditional Vegan craft of mining.

Despite having a high population by Federation standards Vega colony has a low population density, with settlements scattered all over the planet. As such there are several small mining settlements such as Eddie's home town and a handful of large cities which ship the finished proudcts off-world and service starships.

Eddie followed along the footsteps of generations before him and took to mining at 17 years old. He worked principally on machines, learning the in-depth mechanics of heavy duty phasers drills. After 3 years of mining he decided to move into the capital and worked as a mechanic for the various cargo barges and trade ships operating out of the starport on a daily basis, much to the dismay of his parents who wished for him to remain in the family tradition of mining. Eddie proved himself a capable engineer however, working on hundreds of different types of ships over 3 years.

Coupling his experience and education Eddie applied to Starfleet Academy, again to the dismay of his parents who had no other children to continue the family line.