Austin was born in the reaches between star systems. He is a witcher as one who was born during a hyperspace jump is called. After getting old enough, he desired to strike out on his own as a pilot. He has no special ties to any particular government, be it Federation, Empire, or Alliance. He just wants everyone working together for the sake of humanity. He works his way up through the ranks of the governments, helping them out, hopefully to bring about this cooperative nature.