I am CMDR Gene Marine. But that is not my real name, that remains a mystery, for mine is a life lived in intrigue. There is no record of my birth parents, or of where I was born, it is almost as if I just came to be.

According to the scientists, the epigenetic clock in my DNA suggests that I was born around the year 3268. I think that sounds about right. My DNA also shows signs of heritable genome editing going back some eleven generations. This led to a rumour that I am the descendent of a cloned Imperial infantry unit, so people started to call me the Gene Marine. Looks like the name stuck. I wonder if that makes me a mutant, I have read stories about those guys, popular culture from ancient Earth is something of a hobby of mine, so I decided to name my ships after them.

I lived most of my life on stations near the Alioth system. One of my earliest memories is hearing of the birth of Princess Aisling Duval and the tragic death of her mother, I was around 8 years old at the time. It stuck with me as I didn't know my mother either and it was the first time in my life that I didn't feel quite so alone. So to me she really is the people's Princess, my inspiration as I try to be the best that I can be, to live a virtuous life that strives for justice, truth, honour, and loyalty.

Over the years I worked various jobs onboard stations and megaships, earning credits wherever I could. But I had always dreamed of the stars, and in the year 3300 that dream would become a reality. I became the CMDR of my very own ship, a humble Sidewinder. I named it Cyclops, it was a glorious time. Many years have since come to pass and I am lucky enough to now have my own fleet of ships, so I frequently venture out into the black as an independent freelancer and work occasionally to earn those extra credits.

I have finally found the place where I belong in the freedom of the void amongst the stars. So fly safe my fellow CMDRs, I hope to see you out in the black sometime o7