Matthew Vercet was born on Hapes in Year -18 in Chume`Dan South and grew up close to his younger sibling, Johnathan Vercet, born on Year -17, Day 305. They both attended school up to the university level, Matthew graduating under Sociology and Education, while Johnathan worked primarily in Business Administration. Both boys left home soon after graduating, when the Galactic Empire and the Hapes Consortium combined, initially to begin some small work as pilots and cargo haulers. Matthew was the better freighter pilot, but Johnathan surpassed him easily in administrative work.