Early life
Jonathan Starke led a very segregated life. Although his parents were educated people they had the old “Jim Crow” mindset. Because of this Jonathan didn’t interact much with people of different cultures. He grew up an All American, both a superior academic student and outstanding athlete. Jonathan’s father was ex-military and because of this he had an innate love of and commitment to country. Jonathan went to UC Berkeley on a football scholarship and double majored in economic history and political science. Berkeley was where he had his first real interactions with people from other ethnic backgrounds. He always knew the lifestyle he had growing up was sheltered. Being at Berkeley gave him insight into how other people lived and the disparities in American society. Yearning to follow in his father’s footsteps, Jonathan graduated a semester early and enlisted in the US Marine Corps.
Marine Corps
Jonathan’s military career began at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Immediately he demonstrated superb leadership skills. His ability to be tough and diplomatic earned him the respect and trust of the other marines. He excelled at all exercises, but was a particularly proficient sniper. His commanders began sending him on covert missions for the US government. After obtaining the rank of general, Jonathan began coordinating and leading black ops squads for the government all over the world in the name of democracy. Once training in the Marine Corps was complete Jonathan earned an MA in International Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University.
Iran-Contra Affair
Under the orders of president Reagan, Jonathan became one of many involved in the Iran-Contra affair, one of the biggest political scandals of the 1980s. The US sold arms to Iran in order to fund the Contras, an anti-communist guerrilla organization involved in an insurgency against the leftist Sandanista government of Nicaragua. Jonathan was not the type to question orders, but this didn’t seem right to him. This was not the image of the America he grew up with. In spite of his personal feelings Jonathan oversaw the sale of weapons and the transfer of funds. He witnessed first hand the atrocities of the Contras against civilians. Jonathan reported his observations and findings to supervisors, but he was ignored. The turning point came when on a mission his squad was ambushed by a group of Sandanistan rebels and taken prisoners. The US government disavowed any knowledge of the team. This infuriated Jonathan and he went on a one-man rescue mission to save the lives of the men he felt personally responsible for. Just as he entered the building they were being held in the Contras attacked the village. As Jonathan was rescuing one of the last soldiers he was caught in a devastating explosive blast. He awakened back in the States at Walter Reed hospital. Jonathan had lost his left arm, his left eye and hearing in his left ear. He received his fourth star and the Purple Heart for his heroism. Jonathan went through a severe depression. The military was his life and without it he felt his life had no purpose.
Desert Storm
During the years that followed General Starke underwent intense physical therapy. He managed to chase off several therapists until a woman named Elena began working with him. Their relationship was tumultuous. She was as stubborn and unyielding as he was; his battles with her were the first he had ever lost. Over time Elena opened his heart and mind again. He learned her son died in desert storm and that a lot of soldiers were suffering from gulf war syndrome. The government did little or nothing to relieve their suffering. He started doing community work for the soldiers but began to help all people. Jonathan’s disapproval with the US government grew to new heights.
A close friend of his was experimenting with top-secret cybernetic technology that incorporated the use of nanobots. John was never a fan of prosthesis, but his friend convinced him that these implants could fool the most discriminating eye. John underwent the surgery; his left eye, ear and arm were restored. The nanobot technology incorporated into the cybernetic implants allowed for instant upgrades. He was awed at these bio-machines that could not only evolve the machinery but also lay down synthetic skin. New and improved he began working with the NSA. This strained his relationship with Elena and the two parted.
Deputy Director of NSA: Meta-human division
Jonathan rose to the level of deputy director of NSA, coordinating secret investigations and covert operations. Because of his unique abilities due to the cybernetic implants the President put him in charge of a new division: the meta-human division. This new sector was created once the awakening project started producing subjects with unique abilities the administration felt could be used to further its own agenda. Jonathan was proficient at training these recruits to use their abilities. These operatives were some of the best within the organization. The director of the NSA saw Starke and his relationship with the meta-humans as a threat. He convinced the president to promote Jonathan to a higher position so that he could take control of the meta-human program.
United States Deputy Secretary of State
Jonathan was promoted to the position of Secretary of State. Throughout his long career, Jonathan realized that long-term peace is more often obtained through diplomatic means, not military means. As secretary of state he was willing to engage people on their own terms so they can see their own advantages to moving forward. However, working under the current administration was difficult and his work was undermined and second-guessed. That in conjunction with the attack on civil liberties and human rights led him to resign his post. “This country is not the way it should be, what it could be,” he thought.
Jonathan began putting together a group capable of instituting change. He recruits select meta-humans into the Strand. The war for change is on.
Cybernetic Implants
Eye: Probably the most advanced piece of bionics in the world, General Starke’s eye performs multiple functions. He is capable of using it like a telescope to see long distance, making him an even deadlier sniper. He no longer requires the use of a sniper scope. It also functions like a microscope. It also allows him perfect night vision and is also capable of detecting various wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the infrared range.
Ear: Organs within General Starke’s left ear is also has cybernetic enhancements. He can detect sounds as low 1 Hz in frequency. He also has the ability to block out ambient sounds to focus on a specific source or frequency. General Starke can detect stress patterns in the human voice as well as discern pitch and frequency of sound. The limits of his hearing are not known, but he can hear a whisper at a hundred feet away.
Arm: General Starke’s bionic arm grants him enhanced strength. He can lift, push, or pull up to 1500 lbs. He is capable of bending, smashing or crushing concrete, granite, and many other materials depending on the density and thickness of that material.
Integration of Nanotechnology
The integration of nanobots allows General Starke’s components to be upgraded. They are practically sentient and seem to communicate with his natural biological systems. They are also capable of creating synthetic skin, real to the touch. They regulate and repair his cybernetic components should they become damaged.
