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xxxxxThe only son of middle-class federal bureaucrats, Siddhartha grew up in Montgomery County, just north of Washington, D.C. His father is a devout Nichiren Buddhist, his mother a lapsed Methodist, and both put a high priority on education. He took an interest in music from an early age, but put his dreams of singing on the back burner at his parents' behest.
xxxxxHe attended the University of Maryland and majored in political science. His parents were less than thrilled when their A-student came out as gay, but did their best to be tolerant. They were not quite so understanding when he dropped out to join the Marines after 9/11.
xxxxxNear the end of his second tour in Afghanistan, Siddhartha was critically injured by an IED. An Afghan youth appeared as he lay dying and placed his hands on the wounds, which miraculously began to heal. A member of Siddhartha's unit stumbled upon this scene and ordered the youth to move away. Whether due to the language barrier or the intense concentration of his task, the youth did not respond. Before Siddhartha could intervene, the other Marine shot his savior.
xxxxxSiddhartha recovered rapidly, but could not shake the sight of the young man collapsed over him, bleeding out through shattered ribs. After weeks of intensive counseling Stateside, he was honorably discharged. He met and fell in love with another veteran at a support group, eventually moving to NYC with him. Unable to find employment, he volunteered for LGBT community groups and at-risk youth mentoring programs. After his relationship ended, he joined the NYPD on the recommendation of an officer he had befriended as a volunteer.
xxxxxHis new career became the center of his existence. Hard-working and well-respected by his colleagues, he made detective right before the Brotherhood of Mutants’ attack on the UN summit. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned to the Special Investigations Division’s new Mutant Crimes Task Force. He feels dubious about the new focus of his job, but understands its necessity.
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