Laura Bennett

Lieutenant junior grade Laura Bennett was a Starfleet officer in the late 24th century.

Starfleet career

After graduating from Starfleet Academy, she was assigned to the USS Horizon. By 2375, she was serving as the Flight controller on the USS Ticonderoga under captain Roger Decatur. She piloted the ship between a Jem'Hadar attack ship and the USS Baldwin. As a result, the ship was disabled. Captain Decatur had ordered her to initiate the maneuver and subsequently recommended her to Baldwin' captain Patrick Ingrum. Patrick acted on his recommendation and posted her to the Baldwin's helm.

Her first duty of combat impressed Patrick a lot, as the Baldwin dodged most of the fire as they came under attack by a swarm of Jem'Hadar attack ships. She admitted (and demonstrated) a spatial sense that impressed her new captain (USS Baldwin: "Bullseye"). Patrick recommended that she take bat'leth training from a Klingon Warrior. She took Patrick's advice. The Klingons were impressed with how she handled the Klingon sword, proclaiming that she had the heart of a warrior after only three months of training. She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on Stardate 52535. Soon after, Laura exhibited telekinetic ability (USS Baldwin: "Only the Young").

After the war had ended, she sought spiritual guidance from a cleric at the Bajoran monastery of Deep Space 9. The Cleric noted the young woman had a strong pagh (USS Baldwin: "Good Will").

Personal relationships

Laura previously served on the Horizon with Stephanie Taylor, Betsy Royer, and Sarah Allison. The four formed a friendship, and got together aboard the replimat on Starbase 375 in 2375. (USS Baldwin: "Bullseye")

Service jacket

Assignment History

	First Year Cadet	2367-68	Starfleet Academy	Assumes four years in the Academy from the age of 18
	Second Year Cadet	2368-69
	Third Year Cadet	2369-70
	Fourth Year Cadet	2370-71
	Ensign	2371	USS Horizon	USS Baldwin: "Bullseye"
		2375	Flight controller, USS Ticonderoga
		2375	Flight controller, USS Baldwin
	Lieutenant junior grade	2375		USS Baldwin: "Only the Young"

Decorations

	Battle of Cardassia Medal	2375	Received for serving on Baldwin during the Battle of Cardassia	USS Baldwin: "Resolution"
	Dominion War Victory Medal	2375	Received for serving in Starfleet during the Dominion War	USS Baldwin: "Good Will"

Background

• Laura was intended to exhibit abilities similar to the Jedi in Star Wars — the USS Baldwin author has friends who are Star Wars fans.
• The surname "Bennett" is an homage to Heroes.