Lieutenant JG C'trk Dzan

Character Information

Gender		Male
Species		Sci'piron
Age		74

Physical Appearance

Height		5' 3"
Weight		284 lbs
Hair Color		N/A
Eye Color		Yellow-gold
Physical Description		Sci'pirons are typically a shorter, stockier humanoid race with more reptilian qualities than arachnid; the Scorpion-like comparisons made for the species stem mostly from the long segmented tail tipped by a pair of prong-like jointed appendages, a hardened abdominal carapace, and a photophobic aversion to certain forms of light. Features are broad in nature, and the Sci'piron are exceptionally strong due to the high gravity of their homeworld. Sci'pirons feature prominent foreheads, with skull features that elongate upwards and back, which broaden out slightly, similar in shape to a set of horns. Unlike horns these skull features hold extra sensory receptors. Sci'piron receptors have been known to perceive fluctuations in gravity and atmospheric density, however further uses have not been revealed to Starfleet Medical personnel due to Sci'piron resistance to medical study. Accompanying these receptors are two rows of bony spines running from the forehead just above the protruding brow ridge, up over the cranium and down the back of the skull to just above the exoskeletal neck plating. Sci'pirons do not possess a nasal cavity, instead taking in nitrogen-oxygen compounds through two membranes covered by cartilaginous spines located just above and forward of the jaw line. Sci'pirons ingest a variety of food types, though are primarily carnivorous in nature, and possess a set of four teeth-like mandibles on the exterior of their oral cavity. These teeth have a hollow core that allows them to release a toxic digestive enzyme that helps break down food before entering the oral cavity, where it is then further broken down by thousands of bristle-like cilia. The Sci'piron have horizontal slit-shaped pupils, an adaptation which increases their peripheral depth perception. Sci'pirons also possess two separate sets of eyelids, one of which is a thick skin that closes horizontally, the second set a thin transparent membrane which closes vertically and protects the eyes from light sensitivity and clears dust and particulates from view. Sci'pirons feature a hard, inflexible neck, marked by a distended exoskeletal sheath protruding out and down from the skull and joining in a segmented fashion with the abdominal carapace. This is due to the unique development of the Sci'piron brain; composed of three lobes, one of which is located beneath this armored sheath and connected to two more traditional lobes by way of a thick network of neural fibers. The existence of the exoskeletal sheath prevents Sci'piron physiology from pivoting the neck from side to side like most humanoids, though it does still allow for significant up and down movement. Sci'piron locomotion is provided by tridactyl (three toed) lower appendages, with articulated legs that bend via hocks instead of knees, much like an Earth Capra aegagrus hircus. Sci'piron males typically have facial appendages best described as 'wattles', closer in relation to a beard in other humanoid species. These wattles are revered as a symbol of age and experience in Sci'piron society. Sci'piron females are notably smaller and narrower in shoulder than Sci'piron males, featuring smaller turned-back skull features. Sci'pirons have two tetradactyl (four fingered) upper appendages. Both fingers and toes of Sci'pirons are broad, possessing only one set of interphalangeal articulations, unlike humanoids such as Terrans, Vulcans or Klingons, which possess two sets. Despite this, Sci'pirons have developed a unique deftness of touch and sensory input/output. Skin pigment for a Sci'piron varies between habitats on Gamma Scipii IV and III; Sci'pirons from Gamma Scipii III tend to have skin pigmentation in the red/bronze to tan/brown shades due to the planet's widespread desert environment. Sci'pirons from Gamma Scipii IV have demonstrated color variations from blue, green, red and most commonly black due to the lush vegetation of their world. Both sexes of Sci'piron feature the segmented tail, with the males having a wider and less flexible tail versus a female's longer more sinuously useful tail. The tip of a Sci'piron's tail is a pair of prong-like jointed appendages which serve as a natural defense mechanism of the Sci'piron; unlike the remotely distant Earth Scorpion, a Sci'piron's tail does not contain venom, but instead is capable of delivering a very strong electrokinetic charge. This charge varies in strength between individuals among the Sci'piron, and cannot be 'trained', but research has been done in the past to enhance the charge through genetic and technological means, though with often significant and damaging side effects to their unique organic makeup. The electrokinetic charge is 'stored' in the bulbous segment directly behind the end prongs, though the enzymes which generate this electrokinesis are produced by a set of four organs located on either side of the abdominal carapace. Sci'pirons are a long-lived and mostly placid species, despite their aggressive-looking physiology and harsh ecological environments. Sci'piron blood is iridium-based, producing a brilliant yellow to dull orange when the cells are oxygenated. When oxygenated, iridium-based blood requires it to be shielded from light due to its high photosensitivity. The pigment slowly decomposes over a period of days or weeks when exposed to strong light, gradually changing color from orange to green and finally to a deep bluish-black.

Family

Spouse		Dzan has not yet chosen a mate.
Children		Dzan has not yet contributed to a cluster.
Father		Ch'trk Xar, Chief Advocate of the Sci'piron to the Antares delegation of the Federation Council.
Mother		Cj'lana Kin, clerk of the Solicitor General's office of the Federation Supreme Court
Brother(s)		Fourteen cluster-mates
Sister(s)		Nineteen cluster-mates
Other Family		Dzan has thirty-one female Elder cluster-mates, forty-nine male Elder cluster-mates, Sixteen Eldest contributors, and over one hundred and seven sciplings.

Personality & Traits

General Overview		Dzan's psychological makeup could be construed as perplexing to psychological profilers not familiar with Sci'piron socio-familial structures, though to more experienced personnel one could pick up on classic markers that define Dzan's race. Outwardly, Dzan shows a placid and calm demeanor, tailoring responses and actions to meet the social situation with as little conflict and complete furtherance of the overall goal. Cooperation and compromise are the primary tools utilized by Dzan in his social interactions, a sharper tool than most Sci'pirons are afforded despite their race's galactic renown for the subject. Dzan's interactions with others are polite and placid, almost Vulcan in their lack of emotional impact. This is not regarded as a failing of Dzan's, as Sci'pirons are known to endure years of training in the mediatory arts during their primary education. It is worthwhile to note that this is an impressive talent given the Sci'piron's physical features which portray a more barbaric and aggressive species. Dzan's social interactions outside of normal working environs are deemed satisfactory; he frequents communal areas with peers, observes social behaviors and participates in a modest fashion. Dzan's work ethic is decidedly studious, and he is more than willing to apply extra effort in completing his tasks quickly and efficiently. During his time as Particle Analyst aboard the Charon, he frequently volunteered for extended duty shifts in order to lend greater effort in furthering the Charon's exploration of the Bezani Cluster during its three year deep space assignment. His efforts were deemed commendable by his supervising officer, helping to steer the Charon clear of possible danger by being proactive in the navigation around potential spatial phenomena that could be harmful to the ship.
Strengths & Weaknesses		Dzan's strengths lie in his analytical capabilities and his steadfastness and focus on completing a task. He has a brilliant and agile mind, professional and thorough in maintaining an orderly appearance, workplace and scientific method. Dzan's weaknesses lie in developing personal relationships beyond polite acquaintance. Dzan is prone to mumbling, and is often hesitant in verbally presenting ideas or findings that are contrary to the ongoing opinion of a group discussion. Dzan is prone to restricting himself to reports and PADDwork, which in the eyes of some of his superiors has stunted his chances for advancement. Dzan's core weakness resides in his fear of his own physical strength, and it being used to harm others around him; this combined with the aggressive features inherent to Sci'pirons makes him shy and unobtrusive to others in social gatherings.
Ambitions		Dzan's passion for exploring and understanding the nature of the cosmos does provide him with a solid ambition to understand the wonders and phenomena of far off worlds not yet encountered. Deep down, he would thrive at being regarded one of the prominent Sci'piron stellar scientists, of which there are very few in Sci'piron history.
Hobbies & Interests		In his personal time, Dzan enjoys tending Cytharian orchids, admiring the philosophies of diverse cultures, and studying Betazoid and Vulcan meditation techniques. Dzan also takes time to maintain his basic skills with the Sci'piron sh'kembo, two broad hand-blades used in martial arts and various Sci'piron rituals.
Languages		Dzan is fluent in Sci'pok, Federation Standard and basic Klingon.

Personal History		C'trk Dzan is considered gifted amongst his people, those that are called the Sci'piron. Their place in the galaxy is amongst the Antares Corona Worlds, a loose alliance of worlds in the Antares Cluster, over six hundred light-years from Sol. A coalition led by the Antarans, they have prospered peacefully with the Federation for centuries. Where the Antarans have been their diplomats, the Corona Worlds have relied heavily upon the Sci'piron of Gamma Scipii as their scientists, councilors and advisors. Despite Dzan's age of 74 years, he is still considered just breaching the cusp of maturity by the standards of his species. His education has included years of study at the Antares Corona Galactic University, as well as an internship with the Trill Ministry of Science and a cultural exchange appointment to the Vulcan Science Academy. His patient and thorough approach to stellar research has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues as a reliable and objective mind in the study of interstellar phenomena. Dzan's personal history is kept very private; his life before Starfleet has only been revealed to a select few, though the basics he is willing to allow be disseminated include his various schooling and some basics regarding his race. It is not to say that Dzan is uncomfortable or regretful of sharing his experiences, but a habit of his species to shelter ones self from direct interaction. On a personal level, Dzan has been distanced from others within his home socio-familial unit, owing in part to his pursuits as a scientist. Dzan is descendant of a series of mediators and advisors to the Antares Corona Worlds in the areas of civil administration and interstellar trade. Naturally, his elder pairing expected him to continue pursuing the same diplomatic specialties inherent in their genetic line, but Dzan developed in himself a particular aptitude for spatial sciences and discovered his own desire to pursue them. Although Dzan was not ostracized for his desire to go against the familial grain, the disappointment by his elder pairing was enough to leave a lasting mark on Dzan. Instead of withdrawing and applying less enthusiasm to his chosen goals, this made Dzan work harder to attain a position with in Starfleet, proudly earned as one of the very few Sci'pirons to have achieved such a post.
Service Record		Cadet Cruise: USS Yorktown Other ships served: Particle Analyst, USS Endeavour Astrometric Assistant, USS Charon