Paul Burch

Paul Burch was a heroic Federation Starfleet officer introduced in the Star Trek novel Dreadnought!
Sometime before 2270 Burch reached the rank of Commander, and was assigned as Vice Admiral Vaughan Rittenhouse's assistant. He learned that Rittenhouse was intending to overthrow the Federation government and subjugate the Federation's neighbors by force, Burch engaged in a counter-conspiracy against Rittenhouse. With the assistance of students and technicians who supported him, Burch stole Rittenhouse's Federation-class dreadnought USS Star Empire, which Rittenhouse planned as the first in a series of ships to bring about his twisted version of the Federation. Burch and his people were branded as terrorists by Rittenhouse and the Admiral's forces. 
When the USS Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk arrived, Burch tried to get Kirk to board the Star Empire to plead his case. Rittenhouse refused to allow Kirk to meet with Burch and had the Enterprise senior officers arrested. After the Enterprise officers were freed by Lieutents Piper and Sarda they returned to their ship while Piper and Sarda took a fighter to the Star Empire.
Rittenhouse chose that moment to attack Enterprise and Star Empire. When Enterprise lowered her shields and Spock contacted Rittenhouse to say Kirk was dying Burch was ready to surrender but Piper realized it was a ruse and kept Burch from doing so. Kirk's ship opened fire and severely damaged Rittenhouse's ships Potempkin and Lincoln, but Burch was seriously injured when Rittenhouse's flagship Pompeii fired on Star Empire. Piper assumed command and with the Enterprise was able to defeat Rittenhouse's forces. Rittenhouse attempted to ram Star Empire and was killed when the Enterprise destroyed his ship to keep him from succeeding. 
Following the battle Burch was treated for his injuries and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in defeating Rittenhouse and his fellow conspirators. Meanwhile, Starfleet decommissioned Star Empire and prepared to dismantle the ship on the grounds that it was not in keeping with Starfleet ideals.
 
Category:Star Trek Heroes
Category:Male
Category:Book Heroes
Category:Counter-Terrorists
Category:Leaders
Category:Military
Category:Protectors
Category:Servant of a Villain
Category:Lawful Good
Category:Successful
Category:Protectors of Innocence