While I'm not fond of the solo character aspect either (what if we have a ground forces storyline for a few weeks or send in ambassadors?  It sidelines the character) do you really want to play a cowardly deserter?  Totally cool if your are because that takes courage but most people would feel uncomfortable doing so.


Alternatively he could have had his crew evacuate while performing a selfless, near suicidal act but survived anyways.   Perhaps he was trapped in the event horizon of a black hole, experiencing time dilation for ten thousand years!  Maybe it was a surprise attack by the wraith with his entire crew on shore leave being destroyed before his very eyes.