Jessy James (King James I) (Jessy Raiix Chume James Hapesah), born xxxx, is the current King of the Hapes Consortium. He was crowned following the abdication of King Andrew in 4027 and has led the Consortium in to a new Golden Age. He enjoys an enormous popularity both within the Hapes Cluster and elsewhere and is largely considered responsible for the success of the Hapes Consortium's industrial and commercial projects in recent years. Under his rule the government has gone through a series of reforms, becoming more centralised with most major decisions being made by officials on Hapes Prime.
Prior to his ascension to the throne, James was a career officer in the Royal Hapan Navy. He took over as naval commander in 4014 following the death of Jacevel Canler and became Grand Admiral in 4020. For his work on expanding the Royal Hapan Armed Forces and securing the Hapes Cluster, he was titled Crown Prince in 4025.
Early Life
Details of the King's early life are shrouded in mystery, especially those relating to his family and heritage. It is rumoured the he is the descendant of a noble family, but nothing has ever been confirmed. He was born on Vergill in the Hapan system and grew up in a fairly moderate environment which shaped his trademark calm and relaxed demeanor.
He attended the First University of Vergill where he earned a degree in diplomacy, finance and naval tactics. As the Hapes Consortium was still reluctant about opening its borders to the outside galaxy and the Hapan economy was still struggling, the young James decided to pursue a career within the military.
Military Career
Service in the Galactic Empire
As the Royal Hapan Navy was still struggling with the re-unification efforts after the Dark Age, James traveled out of the Hapes Cluster and enlisted in the Imperial Navy, the space fleet of the Galactic Empire. He served in both the 6th Imperial Fleet and 3rd Imperial Fleet where he acquainted himself with many individuals who would later rise to fame as the leaders of the Galactic Empire.
He earned himself command of the feared Armageddon squadron, a fighter wing attached to the 3rd Imperial Fleet. Here he learned about the major naval powers of the galaxy, their firepower, tactics, numbers and strategies which he would put to use later in life. Eventually he grew tired of the spartan life in the Imperial Navy and returned to the Hapes Cluster.
Upon returning to the Hapes Cluster, he enlisted in the Royal Hapan Navy where he received the starting rank of Lieutenant due to his experience and skills. He decided to change direction and got himself out of the pilot seat by choosing a career within capital ship command. He started as a bridge officer and executive officer of the HRS Intrepid, a Nova Battle Cruiser attached to the 1st Hapan Fleet.
Following the death of the ship's commander during a skirmish with pirates in the Keltros Expanse, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and was given command of the vessel. He led the ship successfully in to a number of engagement with pirates, drawing upon his experience from the Imperial Navy. For this, he was awarded the silver Medal of Combat and promoted to Commander.
Commander of the 1st Hapan Fleet
After commanding the HRS Intrepid for several years, he was appointed fleet commander of the 1st Hapan Fleet with the rank of Commodore. Sirius Threestars was appointed as his executive officer. Several promising naval officers rose through the ranks under his command, such as Juthan Karrde, Sala Mander, Galin Rudge and Alexander Tylger.
His style of leadership and prospering fleet earned him the attention of King Andrew who appreciated his devotion to his fleet and crew.
