Star Trek: How EVERY Captain Became Captain
10. Captain Christopher Pike
Born in Mojave in 2205, Christopher Pike was raised in a family that was somewhat split on the topics of science and religion. He was taught by his father, who was both a science teacher and taught on comparitive religions. These lessons stayed with him into adulthood, as the memory of hellfire came with him on his mission to Talos IV.
Alexander Marcus would inspire the young Pike into enlisting in Starfleet, where he graduated with an almost perfect record - expect for on "F" in astrophysics.
On leaving the academy, he became a test pilot. This was a skill that would later come in useful when he and Burnham attempt to reach the wreckage of the USS Hiawatha, shortly after his taking command of the USS Discovery.
After this pilot training, he went on to serve aboard three Starfleet vessels - the USS Antares (it is not clear if this is the same USS Antares that was destroyed by Charlie X), the USS Aryabhatta and the USS Chatelet.
His career aboard these vessels was so distinguished that he was recruited by Captain Robert April to serve as first officer aboard the newly commissioned Constitution Class USS Enterprise which, in 2250, he assumed command of.
Pike would go on to have a long and highly notable career on board the Enterprise, the second of several captains of ships by this famous name.