Zarcal

Authored by Brian Richards

Character Biography

Name: Zarcal

Position: Captain of the USS Leviathan

Hair: Bald

Eyes: Greenish yellow

Born: 2093

Physical

Zarcal is a Zaranite, a species that requires a specialized mask and visor to breathe and see in oxygen-rich environments like Class M planets. His mask, connected to a backpack that generates the necessary fluorine gas, is a constant companion for him and while sleek given the technology of the day, it is still always present. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 144 lbs, Zarcal has distinctive greenish-yellow eyes with reptilian pupils. Blind from birth, he relies on an integrated visor system within his mask, similar to the older VISOR technology used by other species. However, the Zaranite brain possesses a unique capacity for handling the high neural load associated with such systems. Along with this, the Zaranite's optic processing naturally allows them to process a broader spectrum of light than most humanoid species. Additionally, their skin had been extremely tough, capable of withstanding pressures, temperatures, and acidity levels that would have proven lethal to other species.

Personality

Reflecting the natural curiosity and outgoing nature of his people, he spent many years as a xenoanthropologist before transitioning into diplomacy and research. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually taking command of the USS Santiago, a Viking-class explorer refitted for scientific research which brushed up against anomalous findings more commonly assigned to the ARU, a department that at the time he had no idea existed. After fifteen years as captain of the Santiago, Zarcal decided to step down and allow a new generation to take the helm. Rather than retire, he accepted a diplomatic post on Janus VI, serving as the Federation Envoy to the Horta and continuing research on the species. he stayed in that role for 11 years on Janus VI making it a home and working closely with the Horta where he earned their trust and admiration before being asked to come out of retirement for one last command. It was a strange call, more of an order to an officer rather than a request of a diplomat, but he wasn't one to refuse. Promised so many answers to just as many questions and an opportunity to dig deeper into the mysteries of the universe in ways only a few top brass knew existed. He was old, he knew that he had a long and distinguished career behind him and a lovely retirement in his near future, but the promise of knowledge? It wasn't anything he was going to let slip out of his hands.

One interesting thing about Zarcal is his love of his favorite soap opera, Troubling Times on Risa. Now if you took the most cliché aspects of a show you’d have TToR. With love triangles, affairs, blackmail, long-lost children, big secrets, you name it! Take Days of our Lives, General Hospital, All My Children, The Young and the Restless, and Another World. Threw it into a blender, then poured the solution into a holosuite, you’d have Troubling Times on Risa.

Personal Information

"Unable to breathe oxygen, they are forced to wear breather masks on any planet which does not have a fluorine gas atmopshere [sic]. They have packs on their backs which carry a mechanism capable of generating this gas. To know any Zaranite's history one has only to translate the jewelry which he or she wears around the top half of the body while the lower part signifies their personal designation. Because their home world is poor in precious metals, all adornment is produced from the horns of their most widely cultivated animal – the Berbbotjahaa." (reference)

Family

Martial Status

Single

Education:

Before Academy

During Academy

Entered the Academy in the science division and majored in xenoanthropology. In his second year he showed an aptitude for command and was dual enrolled in the command tract.

Interests:

He is a wine connoisseur and his favorite vintage is Chateau Picard. He is also an avid bibliophile.

Medical:

Zaranites live in a fluoride atmosphere so Zarcal wears a mask/visor combo to allow him to breathe his required air in a class M environment. In his quarters he wears a typlical VISOR when surrounded by his natural atmosphere.

Service History:

Important Posts

Arrival of the Zoo - Zarcal’s Egg Arrives