Sam Lavelle (Sutherland)

Lieutenant Sam Lavelle served first as Senior Helmsman on board the ''USS Sutherland NCC 72015 from 2371 though 2376 in David Falkayn's Star Trek: Sutherland series, earning promotion to Lieutenant Commander by the end of the Dominion War. With the promotion of Commander Christopher Hobson to Captain and his subsequent reassignment as commanding officer of the USS Perseus, Lavelle was promoted to first officer of the Sutherland and was soon promoted to commander.

Early Life
Born in Canada, his parents have separated. His mother was in Starfleet and was, as of 2372, a lieutenant commander assigned to the Sciences Branch, on board the USS Potemkin; while his father was a cultural anthropologist, as of 2372 a professor at the University of Nairobi and consultant for the Federation Ministry of Colonization. He had an uncle, Robert, who was Captain of the ''USS DeRuyter.

Educational Years
His application to Starfleet Academy prep school, while opposed by his mother, was endorsed by his uncle, Robert.

Starfleet Academy
His application to Starfleet Academy was also opposed by his mother, while at the same time endorsed by his uncle, Robert. This issue has led to a split within the family as his mother has not spoken to Robert, except in the line of duty, since.

At the Academy he met and formed a friendship with the Bajoran cadet, Sito Jaxa. This friendship will be continued beyond the Academy as both individuals are assigned to the USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D.

USS Enterprise-D
While on board the Enterprise-D, he served alongside and formed strong friendships with the abovementioned Ensign Sito Jaxa, Ensign Alyssa Ogawa, and Ensign Taurik. In 2370, he was in competition with Ensign Sito for the Ops night duty officer slot. Unsure as to his chances of attaining the position, he attempts to strike up a conversation with the Enterprise first officer, Commander William Riker, using what he had thought was their mutual Canadian origins as a starting point. Unfortunately, the conversation ended poorly for Lavelle as Riker was born in Alaska, and with Riker coming away from the conversation feeling that Lavelle was too eager to please. With the apparent death of Ensign Sito, Lavelle was promoted to the Ops night duty officer position and promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade. (TNG: "Lower Decks"; Memory Alpha)

USS Sutherland
Approximately one year after his promotion to Ops night duty officer, Lavelle accepted transfer to the USS Sutherland as senior helmsman, the position carrying with it a promotion to full lieutenant. While on the Sutherland, he has, to date, participated in helping to overcome a dangerous new alien lifeform that threatened shipping within the Bajor Sector and led a dangerous mission to rescue Sito Jaxa after he and Alyssa Ogawa had received a video showing their Bajoran friend being brutalized by the Cardassians. This mission resulted in the successful recovery of Ensign Sito from the Cardassians and a secret commendation from Admiral Samson Glover placed in his permanent record.

Family and Personal Life
While his relationship with his mother is strained, Lavelle has cordial relations with his father and siblings and a good relationship with his uncle, Robert. Lavelle is also currently involved in a growing romance with one of the Sutherland's operations officers, Ensign Maria Django, that is often tempestuous.

Relationships
Coming soon

Memorable Quotes
Coming soon

Background Information
Coming soon