Benjamin Maxwell

Benjamin Maxwell was the commanding officer of the Starfleet starship USS Phoenix (NCC-65420) in 2367. He was also the commanding officer of the USS Rutledge in the 2340s.

While in command of the Rutledge, Maxwell served in the Federation-Cardassian War. One of the most harrowing experiences he faced during this time was the massacre at Setlik III. His wife, children and many colleagues were killed during the fierce battle.

By 2367, Maxwell had moved on, in command of the Phoenix. Still harboring a simmering hatred for the Cardassians while being haunted by his dead family and colleagues, he took what he felt was pre-emptive actions against the Cardassians, believing they were secretly building up munitions and bases to prepare for another war with the Federation. In his strikes, he killed approximately 700 Cardassians in the Cuellar system on both station-side and on starships, destroyed a warship and supply ship, killing a further 650 Cardassians, and nearly opened fire on another supply ship in the Kelrabi system. USS Enterprise-D Captain Jean-Luc Picard refused to be drawn in to the conflict, even threatening to open fire on the Phoenix to stop war. In the end, former Rutledge, now Enterprise crewman Miles O'Brien convinced his former commanding officer to stand down. Maxwell obliged, turning himself over to the Enterprise to await a court martial. (TNG: "The Wounded")

Fan continuities

The Recruited

In 2370, Maxwell was in command of Earth Spacedock, in an attempt to redeem himself after his stint with the USS Phoenix. Unfortunately, he was caught assisting the Maquis. To make matters worse, Section 31 intervined and captured Maxwell with intentions on handing him over to the Obsidian Order. They hoped the transaction would bridge the gap between organizations and allow both sides to work together. Fortunately, Commander Sith caught wind of this and saved Maxwell before it was too late. (The Recruited)

The Wounded

Capt. Maxwell was court-martialed for his actions in the Cuellar System. Maxwell's defense team was vigorous and succeeded in accessing Starfleet intelligence data that verified that Cardassian activity along their border with the Federation constituted probable cause that motivated Maxwell's actions. The prosecution maintained that Maxwell had violated direct orders from Adm. Hancock and Capt. Picard.

Originally convicted and sentenced to five years confinement, that ruling was overturned on appeal. Eventually, a plea agreement was entered into, whereby Maxwell admitted to disobeying direct orders while pleading no contest to firing on Cardassian ships. In exchange, Maxwell resigned from Starfleet. Though the decision was protested by the Cardassian Ambassador to the Federation, no other action was taken.

Maxwell lived in quiet retirement until 2373, when the Cardassians joined the Dominion. After turning down his request to reactivate his commission, Starfleet invited Maxwell to contribute as a civilian tactical analyst. In this capacity, he worked closely with Starfleet and Zakdorn strategic analysts and helped to form a mission plan that resulted in the highly successful joint Federation-Klingon task force assault on Torros III.

Later in the war, as Dominion War casualties increased, Maxwell made repeated requests to rejoin Starfleet. Ultimately, Starfleet reinstated Maxwell's commission, and he took command of the Nova-Class starship USS Vincennes. After distinguishing itself during the latter stages of the Dominion War, the Vincennes was lost in the Alliance defeat at the Second Battle of Chin'toka.

Star Trek: The Helena Chronicles

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Star Trek: Pendragon

Following his court-martial, Maxwell was sentenced to five years confinement in the New Zealand Penal Settlement. (Star Trek: Pendragon)

Maxwell was released from the New Zealand penal settlement in 2372 and joined Admiral James Leyton's side in the Federation Civil War. He was given command of the USS Bellerophon.

After the war's end in 2374, Maxwell fled Federation space and disappeared into the Demilitarized Zone. He joined the Maquis and led a cell, fighting against the Klingons and Cardassians. (PDN: "Vendetta Road")

Star Trek: Sigils and Unions

As of 2375, Maxwell continued to serve time in prison for his actions during the Phoenix incident. His scheduled release date is unknown, but it is clear that he was not given a life sentence...much to the consternation of Gul Macet. (Star Trek: Sigils and Unions--The Thirteenth Order)

Notes

• TNG's "The Wounded" gave the impression that the Setlik III massacre took place during the late 2340s, but later evidence from the DS9 episode "Tribunal" indicated the year 2362. Many fans sites go by the information from "The Wounded" and place the attack in 2347, but others go by the (more concrete) timeline established in Deep Space Nine. Captain Maxwell's service dates and background represent that.

External links

• Benjamin Maxwell article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
• Benjamin Maxwell article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.