A veteran officer, Commander Ranse Layne has been with the Federation for many years.

He is tall at six foot four inches, and had a rangy, rawboned build. His face is rather striking and his piercing gaze reveals a keen mind and a quick intellect.

New to the Independence, he is firm but friendly, and always aware of the chain of command. He comes across as a bit standoffish, perhaps due to the age difference between him and much of the crew, or perhaps for some other reason.

It will take him awhile before he opens up to his new crew members, if he ever does.

His office is devoid of personal affects, but his quarters, should any join him there, have an antique Japanese esthetic, dark woods and soothing colors, and a small collection of glazed cups and plates, metal tea pots, kabuki masks and geisha dolls. Keen eyes might note a complete lack of photographs.