Ro Laren Rank: Lieutenant in the Bajoran Militia Current assignment: Chief of Security, Deep Space Nine Year of Birth: 2340 Place of Birth: Bajor Marital Status: Single

A tragic figure, Ro watched as her father was tortured to death by occupying Cardassians at age 7. She managed to escape the prison camps and won sponsorship as part fo the stricter admission requirements of a non-Federation citizen to Starfleet Academy. Ro's Starfleet career was spotty, at best. Three years after graduation, she was court-martialed for an incident on Garon II while serving onboard the U.S.S. Wellington. Reportedly, she failed to follow orders and eight away team members died. Ro was pardoned on Stardate 45077.1 by Admiral Kennelly in exchanged for her service in attempting to lure out a Bajoran resistance leader named Orta. Upon discovering that the raid for which Orta was blamed was in fact carried out by the Cardassians, Ro brought the truth to light. Granted service onboard the Enterprise, Ro found herself involved in numerous personality conflicts but eventually proved her worth to the crew. Ro and Commander William Riker became lovers briefly after her memory was blanked by a Satarran scan, but the two eventually parted ways amicably.

Though it seemed that Ro's career path had at last straightened itself out, she then elected to follow a dangerous path -- in 2370, she met Lt. Commander Chakotay and was herself promoted to Lieutenant. After hearing Chakotay's feelings about the Maquis movement, Ro followed her heart and joined the illegal resistance movement which fought against the Cardassian annexation of formerly Federation worlds. As a result, her rank in the Federation was revoked and she was branded a criminal.

In 2377, Ro was assigned to DS9 at the request of the Bajoran government, despite the fact that her presence causes tension amongst the Federation personnel stationed there. Many of them see her as a traitor and a criminal. Her relationship with Kira, though icy at first, has given way to grudging respect. Ro has found herself becoming friendly with both Shar and, much to her initial chagrin, Quark.

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