Rachel Cortez

Captain Rachel Cortez was Commanding officer of the USS Excelsior (NCC-2000-C), in 2382. (Star Trek: Excelsior)

Background

Rachel Cortez was born on Vulcan in 2335, to a human father, and a Vulcan mother. She had one brother named Leonardo.

Starfleet Career

Rachel Cortez was (originally) never slated for command of a Sovereign-class Starship. She was First officer of the Intrepid-class USS Mercury (NCC-74801) when she was recruited by Starfleet Intelligence for a special mission. An emergency transponder identified as belonging to the Antares class (freighter) S.S.Anbar, a vessel having gone missing over 65 years past. Starfleet Intelligence was temporarily pulling Excelsior out her 2-years long hibernation to investigate. Over the objections of SFI, Starfleet command insisted on placing a Starship Captain to command the ship. They recruited retired Captain Chandra Siresh. He was well-known as “the Jellico of the Ninth Fleet.” He was popular during the War, and did a lot of intel work before and after, and he have a reputation as something of a humanist. Siresh selected Cortez as the crew’s sole representative from the non-Intelligence services. She had the guts, the loyalty, and the ideals to see this mission through—despite the objections from S.I. The Excelsior did indeed rescue the survivors of the Anbar, but, over the objections of Skipper Samantha Cox, Captain Siresh, and a small away team beamed over to the Anbar to conduct an investigation. One of the Away team members, Ensign Ermez, was, in fact a Bluegill operative, and detonating a pod, spilling dozens of Neural parasite (24th century) onto the deck. Siresh was infested, but that was not known by the rest of the team. They made it back to Excelsior, but Siresh was quickly exposed as infested. Acting on orders from SFI to sterilize the area if any infestation was discovered, in conjunction with SFI operative Ltjg Alex Rol, CDR Cortez killed Captain Siresh. The murder was covered up, Captain Siresh listed as dying in his sleep at home 2 months later. Cortez was being considered for command of the New Orleans-class USS Atlanta (NCC-63520), but once again, opportunity struck. The Federation was once again ready to attempt establishing relations with Valandria, a world located on the far side of the Iconian gateway at Starbase 911. Valandria was a Matriarcal society, one that was not favorably inclined to hear out male Captains. Having shown her mettle at the Anbar, Cortez was the obvious choice to initiate diplomatic overtures. Excelsior was brought out of mothballs, and refit for her next mission. PARKER : "You've probably given some thought to why you were assigned to the Excelsior?" CORTEZ: "It had crossed my mind, Admiral. I'm sure there were a great many candidates who might have come before me." PARKER: "Not to mince words, but you weren't even on the initial list for command of the Excelsior. You were high on the list for the Atlanta." CORTEZ: "Well, I would have expected something along the lines of a New Orleans class ship. What shifted me from the Atlanta to the Excelsior?" PARKER : "Part of it was this mission. Part of it we will go into at another time." PARKER : "We've been waiting for some time to send a ship to a world called Valandria. Are you familiar with it?" CORTEZ: "Mildly. They have warp drive, but both of our first contact attempts have been rebuffed. They're fairly close to the Iconian Gateway, aren't they?" PARKER: "They are… and, after last year's Borg attack, our analysts have determined that Valandria is in a strategically valuable location. We think it's time to make another try at establishing diplomatic relations, and you, Captain, are on a very short list of potential candidates to meet with their Premier." CORTEZ: "I'm sorry, Admiral, but how so?" PARKER: "You're a very well-established combat officer, Captain. You have an air of it in your attitude, and that's important to the Valandrin. They are not a diplomatic people: they respect strength and fight to establish status. Our misunderstanding of this is why our first mission failed. The Excelsior, however, is a Sovereign-class starship. It will be a massive show of strength, and they will respect what her captain has to say." CORTEZ: "I'm still a little confused about my part in this. There are a lot of seasoned captains whose experiences eclipse my own." PARKER: "Valandrian society is strongly matriarchal. Although their males are strong warriors, they will only acknowledge a female as leader—a detail that derailed our second contact mission. Out of the female candidates for this mission, you were at the top of the list. You have deep space experience, an excellent combat record, and your profile shows that you take a strong position where you need to. That's exactly what we were looking for for this mission." CORTEZ: "So, essentially, my gender secured me this assignment?" PARKER: "You know what they say, Captain: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. You're a skilled officer and you'll make an excellent captain if you don't get hung up on the details. The Valandria situation got you this assignment; now make the most of it." The Valandrian Expedition proved a bloody and costly affair. The Ship suffered massive, near catastrophic damage at the hands of Valandrian rebels. That, combined with an Iconian artifact hidden on the planet broadcasting a fatal telepathic plague, the crew's ranks were decimated. Among the casualties were Rachel Cortez, first injured in hand to hand battle on the Planet's surface. After starting to recover, a failed surgery resulted in her passing. Shortly before dying, she promoted her First officer, Lieutenant commander Alcar Dovan to Commander after Vice admiral Athos Roarke-Parker gave him permanent command of the Excelsior.

Relationships

With Her Subordinates

Lieutenant Commander Alcar Dovan

All Alcar Dovan wanted was to return to Starfleet and do some exploring after serving on the frontlines of the Dominion War. He had absolutely no expectation of serving on one of Starfleet's premier exploratory Heavy cruisers. When he broach the subject with him, she simply replied "I build my crew on people, not records. Anyone can sound wonderful with a good recommendation and a few years' experience; I'm looking for people who are ready to make that break from good officer to great one." (There You Are)

Lieutenant (j.g.) Aleczahnder Lohrok

There were thirty two candidates for Chief engineer on the Excelsior, ranging from junior Lieutenants all the way to full Commanders. Aleczahnder Lohrok stood out from his tour aboard USS Steadfast (NCC-1966) Cortez knew he would learn the ship by crawling through it, from stem to stern. He would not stop until he knew every inch of the Excelsior. "The Enterprise, the Lexington, the Excelsior… we're all Sovereign-class, built to spec, but none of us are the same and Aleczhander is an engineer who will spend every waking minute courting the Excelsior until he knows her every quirk." (There you are)

Chief Petty Officer Kinash Adow

Adow was not kindly disposed towards officers, especially senior officers. Her brief conversation with Excelsior's new Captain was proof positive. CORTEZ: "Crewman Adow. Just the person I wanted to see. How goes the battle?" ADOW: "Battle?" CORTEZ: "The battle to get everything up and running, Crewman." ADOW : "We're done the upgrades and diagnostics; most of my crews now transporting back to the Starbase." CORTEZ: "Windows cleaned, hull polished?" ADOW: "That all, sir?" Adow's attitude did not change for Cortez's tenure. (There You Are)

2nd Lieutenant Leo Amara

The 2nd Lieutenant in command of the Special Operations detachment had expected to be an autonomous department. So it came as an unpleasant surprise when Captain Cortez had them incorporated into the Starfleet Marine Corps detachment. CORTEZ: "You'll want to present these to the Marine Commander before you settle in." AMARA: "Sir—I mean, Captain, that's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." CORTEZ: "I don't believe there's anything to discuss. Special Operations falls under the umbrella of the Marine Division." AMARA: "With respect, Captain, I haven't been a Marine for quite some time now." CORTEZ: "I'm well aware of your service record, Second Lieutenant. However, my decision is made." AMARA: "Captain…" CORTEZ: "You will still be in command of your unit, but you will report to the Marine Commander. Dismissed." CORTEZ: "Something else, Lieutenant?" AMARA: "I just wanted to convey how unhappy I am with your decision." CORTEZ: "Lieutenant, I am aware that you had a certain amount of latitude in your last assignment, but that's over and you'd better get used to it. I won't tolerate elitist attitudes from any division on this ship. Now, do we have a problem?" AMARA: "No… sir." CORTEZ: "Dismissed." (There you Are)

Ensign Melissa Sharp

Rachel met Melissa Sharp while she was still First officer onboard the Mercury. Her ship had just completed a two year mission and was in for resupply, and she met the 6 year Ensign. She liked the Doctor, but cautioned her to have any hope of advancing her career, she was going to have take her chances and serve on a starship or starbase. Following her advice, Melissa put in for starship duty. Normally, an Ensign would serve as a junior medical officer on a starship's medical department, but when Rachel Cortez was appointed Captain of the Excelsior, she specifically asked for Melissa Sharp as Chief medical officer.

With Her Peers

Captain Chandra Siresh

Chandra Siresh was the 'compromise' when it came to the Command of the Excelsior for the Anbar Mission. In turn, Rachel Cortez was Siresh's pick for First officer. She had the guts, the loyalty, and the ideals to see this mission through—despite the objections from S.I. She was tested when Captain Siresh was infested by a Neural parasite (24th century) SIRESH: "Commander Cortez! Why don't you put down that phaser before somebody gets hurt?" CORTEZ: "No, I don't think so." SIRESH: "Mister Rol! Relieve Commander Cortez of her sidearm!" ROL: "I'm afraid I can't do that, sir." CORTEZ: "Captain Siresh, by the power vested in me as first officer of the Starship Excelsior, I hereby relieve you of command." SIRESH: "On what grounds?" CORTEZ: We were ordered to sterilze this entire area if we found any specimens. You're talking about bringing them home with us!" SIRESH: "It's an inhumane order, Mister Cortez! An absurd one! We're not at war with these... creatures. In fact, I believe there is much we stand to learn from this new race." CORTEZ: "Wrong answer. Rol! Do you see it? On his neck?" ROL: "Yes, ma'am, I do!" CORTEZ: "That's all I needed. Goodbye, Captain." (Every Good Captain Has Admiral Issues)

Skipper Samantha Cox

A distant relation to Rachel Cortez, Samantha Cox was born in the 'Big Empty' within the Anbar's 65 year absence. Though it was unknown if they met face to face, Sam did say their farewells over the comm as Excelsior made its escape, and Cox, along with a small number of Anbar survivors remained behind on the Anbar to scrub the warp trail, hiding Excelsior's presence from the Bluegills. (The Pursuit)

With Her Superiors

General Isaac Brahms

Rachel Cortez had a good working relationship with the head of Special Projects. She took his call prior to the ship's launch from Starbase 911. She also sent a message mid-mission, warning him to be prepared to take 'drastic action'. As she lay dying she warned her successor, Alcar Dovan "Brahms will try to stop you. He thinks he's right, but he's wrong." (The Manchurian Officer)

Vice Admiral Athos Roarke-Parker

Despite the fact that the Commander of Starbase 911 was her direct superior, the interactions between Rachel Cortez and Admiral Parker were purely official, not the adversarial relationship of Alcar Dovan nor the openly hostile relationship with Isaac Brahms. Their first known meeting was when the Excelsior was trying to depart spacedock. CDR Cortez insisted the Admiral's clearance was 'merely a formality', since their mission was authorized by four Admirals, as well as the President of the United Federation of Planets. Parker wryly admitted that without his authority, they weren't going anywhere, nor was their conversation. The conversation was cut short by the arrival of Excelsior Captain, as well as long-time friend Chandra Siresh. After a brief chat, he sent Excelsior on their way. Upon Excelsior's return, Parker was caught up in the intrigue surrounding Excelsior's other mission, and the involvement of Special Projects. In the light of Rachel's incapacitation, he confirmed Alcar Dovan as Cortez's successor.

Chronology

• 2382 - Transferred from the Intrepid-class Starship USS Mercury (NCC-74801) for a special assignment for Starfleet Intelligence
• 2382 - Assigned as First officer of USS Excelsior (NCC-2000-C) under Captain Chandra Siresh for a highly classified mission, signed off by four Admirals, along with the President of the United Federation of Planets.
• 2382 - Excelsior rescues 76 survivors from the Antares class (freighter) S.S. Anbar. After a comprehensive and difficult debrief, they will be returned to Earth.
• 2382 - Captain Siresh discovered to be infested by Neural parasite (24th century) after attempting to smuggle more parasites onboard. Is killed by Commander Rachel Cortez and 2nd Lieutenant Alex Rol.
• 2382 - Starfleet orders USS Excelsior reactivated and returned to active duty after refit. Rachel Cortez is appointed Commanding officer and promoted to Captain.
• 2382 - Excelsior is dispatched to Valandria to establish diplomatic relations. The mission goes awry when a rebel faction attacks Captain Cortez, the away team, and Excelsior. Captain Cortez is gravely wounded.
• 2382 - The Excelsior returns to Starbase 911 after the failed Valndrian Expedition. Captain Cortez makes a partial recovery.
• 2382 - Rachel Cortez dies after suffering complications from a second surgery. Before passing away, she promotes Alcar Dovan to the rank of Commander.

Memorable quotes

"Captain will do fine."

— (There you Are)

"Lieutenant, I am aware that you had a certain amount of latitude in your last assignment, but that's over and you'd better get used to it. I won't tolerate elitist attitudes from any division on this ship. Now, do we have a problem?"

— (There you are)

"You know how many candidates I had for Chief Engineer? Thirty-two, ranging from junior lieutenants to full commanders. I don't know if it's just the class, or the name of the ship, but people threw their hats in. I even had a Lieutenant Barnet from the Enterprise get a recommendation.Character, Commander. You can have the finest personnel in Starfleet, but if they can't work with you, you're not getting the best. I looked at my personnel on what the would offer the Excelsior. Aleczhander knew the U.S.S. Steadfast from stem to stern, not by reading specs, but by crawling through every Jefferies Tube in order to get to know the ship—and every ship is different. I build my crew on people, not records. Anyone can sound wonderful with a good recommendation and a few years' experience; I'm looking for people who are ready to make that break from good officer to great one. You see what I mean? I build my crew on people, not records. Anyone can sound wonderful with a good recommendation and a few years' experience; I'm looking for people who are ready to make that break from good officer to great one."

— (There you are)

"There’s no sign of infiltration aboard the Excelsior. It’s the scans, Isaac. Yubari handed me the first batch this morning. She had… no idea what they were. I told her it was just a high-resolution mapping job, standard scouting procedure. But, of course, you and I know what those scans represent. And it’s worse than we thought. Much worse. There’s been a breach, General. The Excelsior should be finished at Valandria by tomorrow, and, when we return, you have to be ready to take… drastic measures. Our survival depends on it. I’ll talk to you soon. In person. Cortez out.” "

— (Down The Rabbit Hole)

Background

• Rachel Cortez is played by Eleiece Krawiec in all her appearances in Star Trek: Excelsior.