Stanger had served as chief of security onboard the USS Columbia, and held the rank of lieutenant. His service record was considered outstanding, and he was admired and respected by superiors and subordinates alike; his psychological profile indicated command material. However, Stanger was court-martialed after a burning phaser fell from his pack and discharged in the mess hall, right in full view of the first officer. In light of his otherwise unblemished service record, he was allowed to remain in the Fleet with a demotion to ensign, which he did not contest. The contraband weapon had belonged to his subordinate officer and romantic partner, Rosa, who was involved in illegal weapon smuggling. Stanger had accepted the demotion in the vain hope that Rosa would step forward and accept respo