Admiral John Emillio Vargas might not have the years of some of the Federations more long-lived species, but the man is a living legend in his own right. Despite being in his early sixties, the man would look roughly half his age were it not for his silvered hair. The man graduated from Starfleet Academy in 2360, two years earlier than most, at the top of his class. Even back then, everyone knew he was destined for greatness.

Known for his tenacity, cunning, and fierce fighting spirit, there is a reason he was assigned to a Nebula class vessel, the USS Geronimo, as his first posting. They were assigned to patrol the Cardassian border during the skirmish years of the Federation-Cardassian War. What should have been a relatively quiet assignment eventually turned into a series of desperate retreating battles that left the Geronimo barely functioning, more than a dozen Galor class vessels destroyed, and Vargas being field promoted to Chief Tactical Officer.

And that was only the beginning of his storied and colorful career. His reputation with the Cardassians was essential in when the Federation-Cardassian Treaty was signed in 2370. It was his numerous skirmishes with the Cardassians that earned him the nickname Vaquero (as well as his penchant for using two phaser pistols), and earned him a promotion to Commander despite only being 30 at the time.

And though he was not present for the Battle of Wolf 359, his martial expertise was consulted in several ship design choices to combat the Borg. He was part of the team that designed the Defiant-class, for instance. But it was the outbreak of the Dominion War that brought him out of the shipyards and back on the front line. He was given a Captaincy at the war's opening, given a Luna-class ship, the USS Oberon, and turned loose on the Dominion. That was where he perfected the Vaquero Gambit, which is still taught at Starfleet Academy.

For the next twenty five years, Admiral John Emillio Vargas has been one of Starfleet's go too men for dealing with war and crises. He's an old warhorse at this point. But despite his years of wartime service, he very much still believes in what the Federation stands for. He would prefer peace and exploration over conflict any day. Which is why he is happy to be in command of the second fleet. still ready to react to danger if required, but starting to relax into an era of peacetime.

And he's never lost that cheeky grin of his. The only aspect of his life that the Admiral never passed with grace was his personal life. Four failed marriages and seven children will be his legacy to the galaxy.