Geordi La Forge is a lieutenant commander and the chief engineer for the USS Enterprise-D, a position which he attained in 2365 after initially serving as conn officer.Geordi is usually easy-going and cool under pressure, which serves him well in technical crises, but he has always struggled socially, particularly in relation to his romantic life. He is, however, good at forging strong friendships, often with similarly unique individuals, and also good at recognizing and encouraging strengths in the people serving under him. His closest friend is the android as Data, with whom he role plays Sherlock Holmes stories on the Holodeck, with Geordi in the role of Dr. Watson. He was also the few people who could tolerate the anti-social eccentricities of Reginald Barclay.On one mission, he formed a bond with one of his heroes, Commander Scott, Chief Engineer of the Original USS Enterprise, who had been trapped in a transporter lock for 75 years on a Dyson's Sphere. He also achieved a close working relationship with Dr. Leah Brahms, designer of the Enterprise D, after first befriending her hologram.Background: He was born Feb. 16, 2335 in the African Confederation on Earth to Starfleet Captain Silva La Forge and exozoologist (biological scientist who studies alien species) Commander Edward M. La Forge. He spent extended stretches with each parent growing up as they pursued their respective fields. He has a sister, Ariana.He was born without sight due to a birth defect, but he is able to see the electromagnetic spectrum, including heat and infared light, through his VISOR (Visual Instrument and Sensory Organ Replacement) device, which attaches to implants on his temples and connects directly to the brain. The direct cortical contact is extremely painful, requiring constant use of pain suppression.When he was child, he was trapped in a fire for two minutes before being rescued. Although he was unharmed, the trauma left him with separation anxiety.He attended Zephram Cochran High School, but was something of a social outcast because of his disability. He graduated from Starfleet in 2357 and was assigned to serve aboard the USS Victory as an ensign under Captain Zimbata. He later transferred to the USS Hood, where he met his future commanding officer and friend, William Riker.Captain Jean-Luc Picard first met Geordi during an inspection tour, after which Geordi impressed his future captain by staying up all night to retro-fit a shuttle engine based on an off-hand comment made by Picard.His specialties include antimatter power and dilithium regulators, although he is adept at the repair of many instruments and systems.