Ralph came up through the ranks of the Federation, starting as a ship mechanic. He rose to be a pilot, then left active service to travel the stars. It is rumored that his departure was because he *won* an argument with a flag officer, embarrassing the service. He is mostly an explorer and trader, and does not seek out combat. He is a trained engineer, starting on electronics at age four. That is also the age he first flew a ship. An eccentric, he watches old Earth "costume drama", and plays games on long voyages. He is also an RF enthusiast, and poker player.