Savan

Revision as of 16:58, 14 March 2016 by Savan (talk | contribs)

Cadet Savan is currently in training at Starbase 118.

In training
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Savan
Position Cadet
Rank Cadet
Species Vulcan
Gender Male
DOB 236403.15
Age 37
Birthplace T'Vral Kol, Voroth Province, Vulcan
Writer ID A230001AA0


Stats


  • Birth Name: Savan v'Risalthis (Approximated from Vulcan)
  • Terran Legal Name: Savan Bergen - entered upon registration of adoption by Torin Marcus Bergen, SD 237604.30
  • Species: Vulcan
  • Age: 28
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 236403.15
  • Place of Birth: T'vral Kol, Voroth Province, Vulcan
  • Planetary Citizenship: Terra - transferred from Vulcan effective SD 237701.01
  • Hometown: Santa Cruz, California, Terra


Appearance and Traits


 
Savan, recently after graduating Starfleet Academy in off-duty attire
  • Height: 1.98 m (6'6")
  • Weight: 97.52 kg (215 lbs)
  • Hair Color: Dark brown
  • Hair Style and Length: Savan varies the length of his hair, from shortly cropped to medium long, at which he points he ties his hair in a simple pony tail. He also varies his hair style. The one haircut he absolutely avoids is what he calls the "Vulcan bowl cut." When Savan first arrived on Earth with that hair style, his cousins repeatedly made fun of it, but he stubbornly kept it until age 14. At that time, when Savan later admitted he was possibly interested in a classmate, they suggested he change it to a more Terran style. They also added it increased his chances of going out on a date. He immediately cut since the new haircut would more effective, hence a more logical choice. And it was.
  • Eye Color: Green with brown tint
  • Skin Tone: Medium olive tone. When on Terra for an extended time or after visits to warm planets with sufficient UV exposure, Savan develops a dark tan.
  • Build: Lean and muscular with long torso and limbs
  • Handedness: Ambidextrous
  • Scars: There is long scar at the top of his skull from when he bashed his head against a rock while surfing. This is usually hidden by his hair, however.
  • Tattoos: Savan has a tattoo on his upper left back, above his shoulder blade. He usually won't discuss it, but it is for a friend who died while he was in college. He also has a Tahitian tattoo on his right leg, which was done by his adopted mother's family in Tahiti.
  • Taste in Clothing (when off duty): When out of uniform, Savan tends to dress in a minimally decorated soft suit in neutral colors, underneath which he wears a solid-colored sweater or t-shirt. Sometimes, this can be long or short-sleeved depending on the temperature. He tends to dress in one single color, with a strong preference for dark blue, white, black, and grey. For meditation, he wears a Vulcan robe but notably without any of the usual Vulcan markings. Due to living on Earth and spending time in humid tropical climates, he does enjoy wearing resortwear like swim trunks and sun glasses, when the time and location are appropriate. As Vulcans are rarely seen tanning on beaches on Earth, Savan is an uncommon sight.
  • Voice: Savan’s voice has a warm, deep timber. Some have even said it is relaxing–at least when Savan is calm.
  • Manner of Speech: When in a professional context, Savan's speech borrows common Vulcan locutions in Federation standard. However, when speaking among close friends and family from his life on Terra, Savan quickly takes on a far more colloquial and almost human tone. Some wonder whether is his manner of speaking in Starfleet is some kind of affectation or a personal cover, a way to cover up for his more emotional nature. When asked, Savan insists that his formal way of speaking is an adaption of the usual, polite honorific speech commonly used by Vulcans. Casual speech is reserved only for close friends and families, he insists.
  • Physical Mannerisms: When on duty, Savan adopts an almost military posture, leaving his hands at his side or behind his back. . Off duty, though, he is much more relaxed, looking almost like an entirely different person.
  • Facial Expressions: Savan shows a far more dynamic range than most Vulcans. Sometimes, he seems very serene.When confronted with items of interest, surprise or humor, he often cocks his right eyebrow. In the midst of stressful activity, he can look intense, even fierce. His gaze can be very strong at times. Obviously, this can intimidate some. Often, he will show an almost smile, not bearing his teeth, but it does convey friendliness. When in very comfortable situation, his expression becomes almost human. With close friends and family, he will smile more openly. The sight surprises some humans when they see him like this for the first.
  • Carriage: Because of Savan’s intense training in martial arts and sports, he moves with a graceful elegance and quiet power. In fact, there is an almost some feline, animalistic way to how he moves at times, especially when he is tight quarters or in combat. Generally, though, he walks with a clean, confident stride, more expansive than other Vulcans.
  • Telepathic Skills: Savan missed much of the mental training that occurs during young Vulcan adulthood. His adoptive father Torin only has some intermediate training, which he did teach to Savan. He had some training from a Vulcan teacher on Terra, but it was nothing compared to what a Vulcan of the same age would already master. Several psychiatrists recommended Savan avoid any training that would lead to the ability meld, as his emotional boundaries may be too weak. Savan has only melded three times in his life. That said, Savan possesses some intuitive abilities, often able to detect subtle emotions from others. His lack of strict mental disciplines can make him more telepathically pliant, which could cause dangers from telepathic species.
  • Special Skills: Savan is highly trained in martial arts, holding expert status in Suhs Mahna and Wushu. He has advanced training in Klingon Mok'bara. He has also studied other martial arts traditions. His preferred weapon is the Vulcan lirpa, followed by the ahn woon. His Mok'bara instructor noted, however, that the Vulcan is a formidable opponent with the bat'leth. "Not a bad for a kid from a planet of pacifists," he joked.


Attitudes and Interests


  • Personal Philosophy: One of Savan’s friends in college at the University of California joked half-seriously that Savan “aims to live long and prosper on his own terms.” While it was meant to be taken humorously, Savan found the description to quite “logical and accurate.”
  • Living spaces: Savan prefers a clean and minimally decorated room but does like the scent of incense. He often includes one or two orchid plants. On display are his weapons (including a lirpa and a bat'leth) as well as a surf board and a canoe paddle. He also has a table for personal mementos and holophotos, as well as an altar.
  • Habits: When on a normal day shift, Savan rises daily betwen 0300 to 0400 hours. His morning routine consists of bathing, meditation, and one to two hours of physical traning before eating breakfast. He also is meticulously groomed. On occasion, unlike most Vulcans, he does grow a beard. Savan does go to bed regularly at 1130, after a period of meditation.
  • Diet:In keeping with Vulcan custom, Savan is usually a vegetarian. However, after having grown up on Earth, he has acquired a taste for spicy or strongly flavored cuisines. (His friend John Torres inspired his like for Mexican cuisine, in particular.) After spending time throughout the Pacific, Savan does eat raw fish on special occasions.
  • Drink: Savan mainly drinks strong coffee, Vulcan and Terran teas and water. Savan also drinks alcohol but only on limited occasions, when he describes it as an “unnecessary but pleasurable indulgence.” He does have an affinity for Japanese sake. He will avoid Romulan ale and tequila, as he has noted that both spirits produced “somewhat regrettable after-effects.” He has admitted that he did partake of too many “indulgences," including tequila, while a university student.
  • Religion/Spiritual Devotion: Savan expresses interest in traditional Vulcan philosophy, but also pre-Surakian belief systems. He meditates twice daily upon rising and before going to sleep. He also maintains an altar, though it not traditionally Vulcan.
  • Hobbies and Pastimes: Savan is an undeniably an active outdoors person. His main pastimes include martial arts, hiking, wilderness survival training, surfing, swimming, and outrigger canoe paddling. He is also developing an interest in holophotography. Savan also enjoys dancing, both as an artistic practice and as a social activity.
  • Favorite Places: His hometown of Santa Cruz, where he first felt at home. Also wild or isolated places, including Alaska, the Yukon, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. He is also fond of beaches in tropical climates and will not miss the opportunity to get into the water. That said, he has yet to visit Risa and looks forward to the chance.
 
In a rarely captured moment, Savan smiling with a high school friend on a beach.
  • Musical tastes: From Terra - jazz, classical Indian music, tango / From other worlds: Andorian blues, Vulcan lyre
  • Dislikes: Bureaucracy, Vulcan snobbery and arrogance, tequila, closed-up spaces with no views
  • Pets: When Savan was a child on Vulcan, he had a pet Sehlat. But he was unable to bring him to Earth, so it was given to a cousin. While he does not miss Vulcan much, he still misses the Sehlat. He is also fond of cats and kept two while in college. They now live with his adopted parents.
  • Ambitions and Goals: Savan joined Starfleet with the idea of contribute to the understanding between species. He is uncertain if Starfleet will be his long-term career. He considers that he could return to Terra to join the planetary parks service when he is older.
  • Nicknames: “Suave” and “Suavan”: While in both high school and college, several classmates were interested in Savan because of his good looks. Finding humor in the attraction to the sometimes reserved Vulcan—Savan would often become uncomfortable—his best friend and classmate John Torres would eventually call him "Suave" or, playing of his name, "Suavan." Savan does not share this name with ship mates, but it is still used by his close friends from high school and college. Upon hearing his nickname, Savan tends to smile despite himself. / “Sav”: Savan’s cousins Taurin and Tarek will sometimes call him Sav.
  • On his appearance: From the end of high school, several humans have considered Savan rather attractive. As he grew into maturity, especially with his intense physical training, he does gain his share of attention. (Savan admits that he did "indulge" himself during college because of this.) Regardless, he is still sometimes baffled by the reaction of others to his appearance. He states that, like any Vulcan, he does appreciate beauty and may be more expressive about what attracts him. With the indulgences of young adulthood behind him, he now tends to be amused by how much time humans spend idoling others.
  • On Vulcans: Savan prides himself on his Vulcan heritage but has an admittedly difficult relationship with Vulcans. He does tend to do better with Vulcans who have been raised on other worlds or who simply do not fit into the rigorous structure of Vulcan society. For all the supposed non-emotionalism, Savan often detects a good deal of hypocrisy. He has noted that his presence in the company of other Vulcans can inspire among them feelings of arrogance, fear, disgust, and suspicion. Of course, this may not be detectable to humans, but Savan can usually sense them. When told that Vulcans have no emotions, Savan usually retorts quickly and quotes the memoirs of legendary, late Ambassador V'Lar: "Upon observing the passions in humans and other species, many in our society have insisted our superiority and that we do not have such ‘primitive’ emotions. But this is false. The emotions of the humans are our own, and it would be in our best interest to acknowledge this.” Savan tends to avoid Vulcans socially but has no issues working with them in a professional context. He will tend to modify his behavior to seem more Vulcan but will keep conversation to a minimum and try to exit the situation as quickly as possible.

On Humans: In general, Savan appreciates humans and respects their culture. Terra became his home when he would have been rejected on his home world. For humans unfamiliar with his background, his relatively friendly demeanor compared to the rest of his species throws them off at first. In general, Savan gets along very well with most humans and enjoys most social customs.

  • On Tellarites: Savan is not proud of his attitude towards Tellarites, but he finds their argumentativeness provokes a great deal of irritation and frustration. He manages to keep these feelings suppressed but prefers to avoid Tellarites in non-professional contexts.


Personality and Psychology


In one of his most remarkable traits, Savan is far more open emotionally expressive than what is typical of average Vulcans. The personality trait is a result from early Trellium D exposure at age 10 and his subsequent development of ESFD (Emotional Suppresion Failure Disorder), which rendered him unable to develop the skills and technique to suppress his emotions like a normal Vulcan. Moreover, Savan grew up on Earth from his early teens, so exposure to non-native cultures has also made significant changes to his overall temperament.

In terms of general personality, Savan is regularly described as friendly. Nevertheless, Savan remains comparatively reserved compared to humans. On a unique note, Savan does have an occasional habit of smiling and even laughing or, more usually, almost smiling. Equally, Savan can express on occasion emotional upset, such as anger or sadness, though he is more likely to retreat into privacy on those occasions or wait for the emotional climax to pass before discussing it. Savan has regularly explained that Vulcan emotions are far stronger and wilder than those of humans, therefore requiring far more attention and discipline. Due to his ESFD diagnosis, Savan does have to regularly moderate the intensity of emotions. Extreme emotions, whether positive or negative, can have a negative impact on his psychological well being, undoing his usual reserve and producing behavior that can be erratic, disruptive or even dangerous. However, Savan maintains a regular program of intense physical exercise, meditation, and sport. Coupled with regular medication, ESFD generally causes no problems.

It should be noted though that Savan, despite his emotional expressiveness, has not turned his back on logic in favor of his passions. In this sense, Savan would not be considered as one of the Vʻtosh Kaʻtur (Vulcans without Logic), which is understandable as his psychological condition is medical. Instead, Savan has dedicated himself to finding internal harmony between the path of logic and his undeniable emotional nature.

Savan places high value on his personal friendships, though he has preferred a small circle of family, close friends and intimates. He will go beyond the limit to ensure and protect the well-being of those he values.

Another strong character trait is intensity and dedication. Savan will apply himself completely to both work and leisure. Besides his openness and relative friendliness, Savan’s intensity is frequently noted by non-Vulcans. Most frequently, he is described as “passionate” and “deeply dedicated” to his interests, personal and private.


Family and Personal Relations


Family Relationships
Name Visual Background Information
Varis (deceased)

Father | Buried, V’ral Kol, Voroth Province, Vulcan

 
Varis, Savan’s father, a few months before his passing at age 36
Born in Shi'Kahr, Vulcan, Varis showed a promising career as a geologist. He married T'Val at age 24. After exposure to Trellium D and consequently developing severe ESFD, Varis found himself unable to function, lost his post and had great difficulty with losing emotional control. He tried various medical treatments and even attempted an arcane ritual with a Vulcan priest, but all attemps failed to improve his worsening condition. Toward the end, Varis began to regularly hallucinate. Feeling he had no alternative, Varis committed suicide at age 36. Thoughraised in the Vulcan way—especially as he was raised in a somewhat prominent family in ShiKahr—Varis became very expressive about his feelings about his family before his passing. In a moment of lucidity, Varis left a final holographic message for Savan, who finally watched at age 18. Varis' final message: "Savan, I realize you will not have the future I had hoped for you. But I trust in your ability to find your own path, even if it means you leave our planet for other worlds. I apologize I can not fulfill my duty to you as a father. And forgive me for this final outburst, but I need to tell you this as my time is now short: I love you, Savan and that you have brought me much joy as my son. Live long and prosper, my child."
T'Val (49)

Mother | Botanist (Retired - Medical Reasons) - Voroth Province, Vulcan

 
T'Val, Savan’s mother
Born in T'Vral Kol, Voroth Province, Vulcan, T'Val was a botanist in the Vulcan Colonial Corps. Like her husband, T'Val suffered from severe ESFD after exposure to Trellium D. Following Varis' death, she became extremely withdrawn and, unable to properly care for Savan, found the logical decision was to to transfer custody of Savan to her older brother, Staran. T'Val now lives in a remote care center in a rural area of Voroth Province, where she maintains the facility's arboretum and garden. Savan has a difficult relationship with his mother because of her ongoing condition. He last saw her before he entered Starfleet Academy. Under the effects of ESFD, T'Val was overjoyed to see her son and expressed her love for him. However, she felt deep embrassment at her mental state and said that she does not want to see him because of her disorder, preferring a life of seclusion. Doctors say that T’Val’s condition is stable but that it is unlikely she will ever improve.
Staran (72)

Uncle | Commander, Vulcan Self-Defense Fleet - ShiKahr, Vulcan

  Born in T'Vral Kol, Staran considered entering Starfleet but, because of family obligations, decided to serve in Vulcan's self-defense forces. While Staran was a sub-commander on a cruiser in the Vulcan home system during the Dominion War, he received news of his sister's accident. He did his best to raise Savan after receiving custody, but as a disciplined, logical officer with heavy responsibilities, he could not handle the emotional and often unruly child. While Staran had difficulty in maintaining contact with his nephew, he did reach out finally to Savan after he entered the Academy to say that he was impressed by his young nephew's perseverance and ability to rise above the adverse conditions that were presented to him. Savan appreciated the message deeply. The two now stay in occasional contact. Savan will to reach out to his uncle when he needs a clear viewpoint, unfettered by emotion.
Torin Marcus Bergen, PhD (66)

Cousin and adopted father | Professor of Interspecies Anthopology, University of Caliornia - Santa Cruz, California, Earth

 
Torin, a Terran/Vulcan anthropologist and Savan’s adopted father
The only son of a former Vulcan Starfleet officer Selon and and a human mother in Federation Ambassadorial corps, Stephanie Bergen, Torin was raised between San Francisco and Vancouver. After joining Starfleet, his father Selon grew progressively enamored with alien and particularly human cultures, including human women. As Bergen was the last in her family line, she notably insisted Torin take her family name. (Selon knew to not object to his wife.) Nowadays, Torin only uses his full name for academia. For all other interactions, he will use his Vulcan name. Because of Selon’s fascination with humanity and his mother’s strong personality, Torin was raised mainly in the Terran tradition. But his father did school him in Vulcan language and philosophy regardless, but, unlike many Vulcan fathers, he insisted his son follow his own path. Torin thinks this may be due to that a few of his family's ancestors were V'tosh K’atur. With age, Torin has progressively embraced Vulcan culture over the years and shared it with his family. Savan's presence in his life only served to increase his interest in his fathers culture. After several research posts, he currently serves as a professor of interspecies anthropology at the University of California. He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife of 35 years, Tevai. He expressed some disappointment that Savan joined Starfleet instead of pursuing a career in the planetary parks service, partially as he has truly considered Savan as his own son and wanted him to stay near. However, Torin remains supportive of Savan's career decision but is not sure if Savan can follow such a by-the-book career path. He has repeatedly told him: "Savan, because of the circumstances of your life, you have grown an appreciation for the wild and unconstrained. You need to honor this within you, lest this passion overwhelms you one day."
Tevai Heremoana Duval, MD (60)

Adopted mother | Doctor of sports medicine - Santa Cruz, California, Earth

 
Tevai Duval, Torin's wife and Savan's adopted mother
Born and raised in Tahiti, Tevai Heremoana Duval is a noted former surf champion. Following her surf career, Duval became a doctor specializing in sports medicine. Tevai found Savan's presence initially challenging when he first arrived, finding difficulty in supporting Savan's deep emotional problems. But the two became close after Savan, age 14, went on a surf trip home with her and her sons to the South Pacific. After the trip, Savan opened up and told her that the trip was the first time he had been happy since before the accident. Duval now considers Savan like her own son.
Taurin “Tau” Michel Bergen-Duval (31)

Cousin and adopted Brother | Profesional surfer and surf instructor - Malibu, California and Tahiti, Oceania, Terra

 
Taurin, or Tau, Savan’s cousin and adopted brother
Cousin: The eldest son of Savan's adopted father Torin, Taurin is three years older than Taurin. He is a champion surfer and has won several planetary competitions. Taurin now splits his time between the South Pacific and Southern California, where he has become a leading surf teacher. He still occasionally competes but has realized he prefers the role of coach and teacher. His nick name is Tau. Taurin has shown more interest in Vulcan culture than his younger brother and has even learned to speak conversational Vulcan but finds it difficult–like most things Vulcan. Savan has looked up to Taurin as an other brother, especially as Taurin helped his brother adapt to life on Earth and understand Earth customs and culture. Taurin was notably the first person to insist that Savan get rid of his typical Vulcan haircut. Out of the two brothers, Taurin is the quieter, more introspective one.
Tarek Marama Bergen-Duval (28)

Cousin and adopted Brother | Swimming coach - Melbourne, Australia, Terra

 
Tarek, Savan’s cousin and adopted younger brother
Torin and Duval's youngest son, Tarek is a year younger than Savan. Tarek was also a competitive surfer but also pursued a competitive swimming. He currently lives in Melbourne, Australia and serves as a university coach. While he is called Tarek by his father, his mother and friends often call him by his Tahitian middle name, Marama. Tarek appreciates his Vulcan heritage but associates far better with his human side. In fact, for Tarek, being Vulcan is just like being a particular ethnicity on Earth. Despite Torin's efforts, Tarek gave up learning Vulcan at a young age. But thanks to Savan, he has learned the basic of using the lirpa and rudimentary Suhs Mahna. Tarek made a point to thank Savan for the training when it saved from a concussion during a bar fight in Sydney. Tarek has a much more humorous relationship with Savan and will regularly joke around and try to make his cousin laugh, especially in public. Tarek is often successful.
Close Friends
Name Visual Background Information
John Torres (29)

Best friend | Architect - Mexico City, Mexico, Terra

 
John Torres, Savan’s best friend since high school
Savan met John his sophomore year at the Interspecies Day School of California, where Torres' family enrolled him so he could get a better understanding of other species. The two became close friends and later shared an apartment while attending the University of California. Torres would regularly introduce Savan as "the baddest ass Vulcan you'll ever meet," to which Savan would often cock his eyebrow and frown. Nevertheless, Torres’ introduction would often lead to interesting experiences while they were in college. It is partly because of Torres—or, in Savan’s words, Torres’ fault—that Savan will no longer drink tequila. (In fact, the smell of it and similar spirits makes him nauseous.) Torres has calmed down quickly after graduating university. Now in his late 20s, John is now married and works as an architect in Mexico. Torres and his wife have one child, Isabela, for whom Savan is the proud godfather. Torres is the person who has the easiest time in making Savan laugh, even more so than Tarek. Torres has no hesitation about telling Savan the truth about what he think and has not problem in calling Savan out when he feels his friend is out of line. Though they have argued on occasion because of this, Savan appreciates Torres' honesty. Despite the distance and current professional responsibilities, Savan and Torres stay in close touch. After his family, Torres is the first person that Savan will visit when on Earth.
David Ironwood (55)

Mentor | Retired Starfleet Marine - Sausalito, California, Terra

 
David Ironwood, a former Starfleet Marine who mentored Savan
A former Starfleet Marine, Ironwood received several commendations during the Dominion War. Shortly thereafter, he left the service and returned to Earth and become a teacher. Ironwood met Savan in a tactical training class during Savan's senior year at university. Seeing a natural talent, Ironwood gave him private instruction and later encouraged him to join Starfleet. Through his old contacts, Ironwood notably got Savan the rare opportunity to train with a group of Starfleet Marines in Alaska. Savan considers Ironwood to be the first mentor in his life and holds him in high esteem. He will drop everything to assist his teacher should he need it.
Intimate Relationships
Name Visual Background Information
Sarinae (29)

Former girlfriend | Artist - Stratos, Ardana

 
Sarinae, Savan’s first serious romantic interest
Savan met Sarinae, the daughter of an Ardanan representative to the Federation Council, in philosophy class during his junior year of high school. After spending much time over the following summer, the two began to date. Initially, Savan had a challenge in opening up to her, but he eventually relaxed and became himself. The relationship went very well but ended after she returned to the capital city of Stratos to continue her education. Though they maintained contacted for a year, they fell out of touch and have not spoken for 10 years. However, Savan still remembers her fondly and credits Sarinae for showing him to not being afraid of his feelings. Recently, a high school classmate told Savan that Sarinae is now a respected artist on Ardana and still single.
Irian (33)

Current career unknown | Location unkown

 
Irian, a Deltan who was an exchange student at the University of California
During the beginning of his junior year at university, Savan became attracted to a Deltan exchange student, Irian. The two spent a significant amount of time over a few months, discussing a variety of topics and often exploring the surrounding wilderness , and Savan later expressed his feelings and how he wanted to turn the relationship into something more. While not under an Oath of Celibacy—only required for Deltans in Starfleet and other kinds of similar interstellar posts—Irian chose to not turn the relationship into a romantic one–especially as he was uncertain how contact with a Deltan would affect a Vulcan, especially one as sensitive as Savan. Nevertheless, Savan was deeply effected by the experience and Irian’s subsequent return to Delta IV, which, along with other occurrences, made him decide to take a semester off. Savan still has often vivid dreams of Irian, but he finds them overwhelming and discusses them with absolutely no one. He has considered looking for Irian at times but has chosen to focus on his career in Starfleet. That said, Savan is unsure and, perhaps, even afraid of what might happen should he meet Irian again.
Gnaeus Aelius Galeo (26)

T’hy’la | Starfleet Cadet - San Francisco, California, Terra

 
Gnaeus Aelius Galeo, a Starfleet Cadet from Magna Roma
While Savan’s intense schedule at the Academy left little time, Savan did develop a particularly close relationship with a cadet from Magna Roma, Gnaeus Aelius Galeo, who was in training to become a marine. Several cadets and professors thought the two were together romatically attached, but both insisted their relationship was a more fraternal one. While they were rarely seen together at social events, they were usually seen sparring in the gymnasium or training. Galeo also taught Savan basics of Magna Roman training. For a long time, Savan did not know how to define their relationship, which was closer and more important than a regular friendship, even a strong one like he has with John Torres. When Savan explained the situation to his adopted father Torin, Torin suggested the Vulcan term th’y’la, which was probably not taught to Savan since his Vulcan education stopped so early. Torin did make note of the word’s ambiguity, as th’y’la can mean "friend," “brother," or “lover.” Eventually, Savan told Galeo how he appreciated their friendship and explained the word th'y'la to him. To Savan's surprise, the Magna Roman smiled and offered that there was actually similar word, erostoïs, that developed in one of his planet’s prominent ancient cultures—one very similar to Ancient Greece on Terra. It is still used today, added Galeo. Since then, in private, Savan refers to Galeo as his th'y'la, while Galeo calls him his erostoïs. In a sense, the relationship remains a mystery to Savan, as it touches a part of him so deep he can barely understand it. He does know, however that he would sacrifice himself without question to save Galeo if his th’y’la’s life were ever in changer. Savan keeps remains in touch with Galeo and keeps his picture next to his family mementos. Galeo will finish his marine training and graduate from the Academy over the next year. Savan secretly hopes they can be posted together. Savan's best friend John Torres has tried a few times to express his thoughts on what Savan's relationship to Galeo actually is, but Savan has cut him off every time. It's the one topic where Savan will not take his friend's advice. Torres gave up eventually and decided to let Savan figure things out for himself, though he thinks the nature of their real relationship, though still unfulfilled, is clearly obvious.
Vresan (22)

Former subordinate in cadet training group | Starfleet Cadet - San Francisco, California, Terra

 
Vresan, a Starfleet Cadet from a Romulan background - San Francisco, California, Terra
Vresan is the daughter of Romulan refugees, who, despite many challenges, was admitted into Starfleet Academy. During Savan’s final year, he was assigned as the leader of her first-year training group. The two felt an immediate attraction that was for awhile left unspoken. Eventually, Vresan told Savan that he had the likeness of a great Romulan war hero whom she had always dreamt of meeting. Given the intensity of the attraction, the two almost briefly considered. But both have a strong sense of duty and discipline and decided against it. Before Savan left the Academy, Vresan told him in private, “We may be creatures of duty, but in the near future, we will no longer need to be concerned about regulations." She then reached her index and middle finger held together and touched his. “And one day soon, I will find you.” Savan smiled.

Notes on Intimate Relations As Vuclans go, Savan is quite unique in his relative openness to romance and intimacy. After adapting to life on Terra, Savan admitted at age 14 to his cousins that he was interested in a classmate. While that classmate didn't return his interest, Savan became more and more open about possible romantic feelings and interest. His first serious relationship was with Sarinae, an Ardanan student, who put him in touch with his romantic feelings and helped him to see the beauty in them.

During his studies at the University of California, Savan developed a progressively active social life, frequently attending events, parties and bars around and off campus. (This was partially at the encouragement of his best friend John Torres.) Savan dated a few humans for brief periods (for a few weeks to three months at most), and had other “intimate interactions,” as he calls them, but none led to a significant long-term relationship. During the beginning of his junior year, he met Irian, a Deltan. While the relationship never became a romantic one, Savan was very overwhelmed by the whole encounter.

The rigors of his security training at Starfleet Academy left Savan little time for any romantic pursuits. Savan did develop a close relationship with Magna Roman cadet Gnaeus Aelius Galeo, whom Savan calls his th’y’la, to express his deep connection. To this point, the relationship, though deep, is not a romantic one. Prior to graduation, Savan had some interest in a younger cadet, Vresan, a Romulan refugee. After the two became friends, Vresan said that Savan reminder her of a famous Romulan hero, adding that it was always her dream to meet him. Because Savan was assigned to oversee her group as a senior cadet, the two eventually decided that any fraternization would be against regulation.

As Savan has gotten older, his attitude towards relationships and romantic interactions has become more mature. That said, on occasion, when he is sufficiently attracted to someone, he will flirt, though more subtly than most humans. When he does have problems with affairs of the heart, he will turn to his adopted parents, who both offer appreciated advice. If he needs a brutally honest opinion about a relationship, he'll turn to his friend John Torres.


Personal History


Early Childhood Savan was the child of two young Vulcan researchers—Varis, a geologist, and T'Val, a biologist, both of whom had promising careers in the Vulcan Colonial Corps, often assisting with new Federation colonies. The coupled married at an early age, shortly after completing their university studies. While in their mid-twenties (Earth standard), T'Val gave birth to Savan in the city of T'Vral Kol, at her family estate. Much of Savan’s early childhood was without incident and quite typical of Vulcan children. The only exception was that he accompanied his parents to two new Federation colonies at age 5 and age 7. On each occasion, the family spent a year away from Vulcan. His parents appreciated the chance to interact and learn about alien cultures. This gave Savan an early exposure to other species and fostered his curiosity about other worlds and cultures, a quality encouraged by his parents.

The Accident On Stardate 237405.02, when Savan was approximately 10 Earth years, he once again accompanied his parents. Their journey meant to take them from Vulcan to the then-new Vulcan colony, V’Radan. During the final leg of their journey, the independently run transport became caught in an ion storm, causing irreparable repair to the warp drive and leaving the ship with no option but taking refuge in a nearby unexplored solar system. Unbeknownst to the the Vulcans, the transport was carrying a large shipment of Trellium D that had been safely contained. However, a breach in the containment field caused for a gradual release of Trellium D into the ship’s ventilation system. Eventually, Savan’s parents suffered from moderate exposure. While the exposure did not lead to the violent, irreparable state that had been seen on a Vulcan ship in the 22nd century, Varis and T'Val both lost control of their emotional suppression, leading to progressively worse states of paranoia and rage. After the couple nearly killed the ship’s captain, the physician managed to put sedate them and put them into stasis. Savan had been in a different area of the ship and suffered a lesser degree of exposure. While the exposure was not fatal for his parents, both were never fully able to recover and sent to a hospital facility on Vulcan.

The Aftermath In the months after the accident, the family was treated first in a Federation medical facility and then transferred back to Vulcan. Initially, it was thought that the family could regain a normal life. Varis' treatments--which even included a session with a Vulcan priest--proved to be ineffective. Faced with the end of any career and irreparably permanent loss of emotional control, Varis, committed suicide about two years after the accident. T'Val managed to show more improvement but the loss of Varis affect her deeply, leading her to seek refuge in a Vulcan clinic located in Voroth province. Before going into retreat, T'Val passed custody of Savan to her older brother Staran, who, despite his initial efforts, gradually realized he was unable to raise the child on Vulcan. The Trellium D exposure, coupled with the loss of his parents, left Savan unable to develop the emotional suppression common in Vulcans, consequently rendering him unable to effectively function and thrive in the rigorous education expected of the average Vulcan youth. A near fatal attack on two schoolmates led to Savan's permanent supsension from school, leading Staran to look for some way to send the child off-world for a better life.

Evantually, Staran was able to find his distant cousin Torin, a half-Vulcan who was an interspecies anthropologist in Northern California. Torin’s father, Selon, joined Starfleet and married a human female, with whom he had three children, Torin being the youngest. Despite his father’s preference for alien cultures, Torin managed to raised his own two sons with some Vulcan culture and taught them basic mental disciplines in order to help contain any vestigal Vulcan drives, all the while knowing their dominant human blood left them for all intents and purposes humans in the eyes of fellow Vulcans. (Their Vulcan features did make other humans considered them as Vulcans.) While Torin could not consider himself a pure Vulcan, he did pride himself on his Vulcan ancestry, over the years, and was eventually able to reestablish and restablished contact with his father’s family.(Selon had a falling out with his father when he joined Starfleet and later did not invite his family to his wedding.) Thankfully, the family hailed from the small city of T’Vral Kol, located on the shores of the Voroth Sea, Vulcan's largest ocean. In keeping with the general culture of T’Vral Kol, the family was more liberal and open-minded compared to Vulcan's in the capital when it came to dealing with other species.

 
Savan, the summer following graduation from the Interspecies Day School of California in San Francisco, Stardate 238206.25

Relocation to Earth After several months of discussion between Staran and Torin, Torin travel to Vulcan to meet Savan and, after a positive meeting with the child and his uncle, Savan took the then 12-year-old Savan into his custody and brought him to Santa Cruz. Savan proved to be an entirely new challenge. Unlike his own children who were of a mixed background—and hence with more moderate human traits—Savan was a pure Vulcan who possessed the strong emotions and passions of his ancestors. In some ways, Savan had the raw, unfiltered rage fit for a Klingon youth—an emotional quality that Torin knew came from Savan’s loss of his two parents and the inability for Vulcan society to accept him or his parents. Moreover, the prescribed medical and psychiatric treatments proved only to be moderately effective at best. As an anthropologist, Torin contacted parents of mixed species children for desperate advice. The parents of two part-Klingon children had found one successful outlet for their children: intense physical activities that required immense discipline. Their advice proved to be an effective channel for Savan. Torin managed to enroll Savan into various martial arts programs and wilderness survival programs. Then came the ocean. Torin's wife, Tevai, was a human and originally an accomplished surfer from Tahiti. Already in their late teens, his sons, Tauvin and Tarek, had proved highly successful in their mother's posrt and eventually taught Savan the art of wave riding and competitive swimming. As the human expression goes, Savan took to the sport like a fish to water. Tevai and his cousins would eventually take Savan on trips around Terra to different surf spots, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia and Indonesia. It was during these travels that Savan discovered a love for the sea and tropical climates.


Late Teens in California Despite the initial challenges, Savan had managed to successfully adapt to life on Terra by the he entered high-school. At 15, Torin enrolled him in the Interspecies Day School of California in San Francisco, which boasted rigorous programs and students from across the Federation. He managed to develop several friendships with humans, most notably, his best friend John Torres, and later graduated as class valedictorian. Throughout high school, he participated in several extracurricular martial arts events. Notably, he even dated a classmate during his senior year. This was a first for any Vulcan student attending IDSC.

 
Savan at the end of his wilderness training with a group of Starfleet Marines in Alaska.

College and Preparing for Starfleet Savan's love for nature and wild spaces inspired him to pursue environmental studies at the University of California. His original plan was to enter the planetary parks service. He was also admittedly happy that his best friend John Torres was going to the same school. The two friends shared an apartment for much of the time during their studies, which Savan enjoyed but confessed it was not the most productive environment for academics. Savan admits that university was perhaps his wildest and most unruly time as an adult but appreciates he had the chance to explore human life. It is from a few "incidents" during college involving Torres that Savan developed an ongoing disdain for tequila. His first semester his junior year was very lackluster. As a consequence, Savan took a few months off to hike around Terra to clear his mind. He returned for a stellar senior year that fall. During that time, Savan intensified his martial arts training, eventually meeting a former Starfleet Marine David Ironwood. Seeing Savan's high skill level, Ironwood introduced him to modern tactical training and the use of energy weapons. . The retiree eventually inspired Savan to apply to the Academy, helping him to overcome his personal concerns about his ESFD. Prior to joining the Academy, Savan served as Ironwood's assistant. During this period, Savan is awarded expert status in Suhs Mahna from the Interplanetary Martial Arts Association, the only organization off Vulcan authorized to give such recognition. His teacher Savrak, also a former Starfleet officer, admitted to Savan that he was initially skeptical of Savan because of his condition, but realized his judgment was in error. Ironwood was later instrumental in securing for Savan the opportunity to train with a group of marines in Alaska for three months, prior to his arrival at the Academy. Savan says the experience was the most challenging physically in his life up to that point and deeply appreciated the training. He has also repeatedly said that it gave him an edge for his training in security at the Academy.


Timeline


  • SD 236403.15 - Born in V’ral Kol, Voroth Province, Vulcan to Varis and T'Val.
  • SD 237405.02 - Savan (age 10, Earth years) and his family are on a transport to the V’Radan colony when, following a containment breach in the storage hold, Trellium D is released into the ship’s air supply. Savan and his parents suffer from Trellium D exposure, leading to critical health problems. The final diagnosis is Emotional Suppresion Failure Disorder (ESFD).
  • SD 237506 - When Savan is 11, Savan’s father, unable to cope with ESFD, commits suicide. Two weeks later, his mother T’val, devastated by the loss, transfers custody to her older brother, Staran, then a sub-commander in the Vulcan self-defense fleet.
  • SD 23760415 - Unable to raise Savan due to the the child’s emotional problems, Savan’s maternal uncle Staran transfers custody of Savan to his half-Vulcan cousin, Torin Marcus Bergen, an interspecies anthropologist on Terra.
  • SD 237604.30 - Savan’s adoption is registered on Terra, and he is given the legal name Savan Bergen. Savan is 12.
  • SD 237701.01 - Savan’s planetary citizenship is transferred to Terra from Vulcan.
  • SD 237809.05 - After a year of private study and therapy, Savan (age 14) is enrolled at the Interspecies Day School of California, located in San Francisco.
  • SD 238206.025 - Savan (age 18) graduates from IDSC as class valedictorian.
  • SD 238209.01 - Savan starts his studies at the University of California.
  • SD 238501.15 - After a very lackluster first semester his junior year caused, in part, by an overactive social life, Savan takes a leave of absence during the 2nd semester. He hikes several mountain ranges on Terra.
  • SD 238609.02 - Savan (age 22) returns to the University of California.
  • SD 238610.12 - Savan (age 22) begins study at the private tacitcal academy established by retired Starfleet Marine David Ironwood.
  • SD 238712.12 - Savan (age 23)graduates with a BA in Environmental Studies with High Honors from the University of California.
  • SD 238805.25 - After a four month intensive, Savan (age 24) is awarded status as a Suus Mahna expert, the second highest ranking, by the Interplanetary Martial Arts Association.
  • SD 238807.07 - Through a connection via his instructor Ironwood, Savan trains in the wilderness of Alaska with a group of Starfleet Marines, his most challenging survival experience to date.
  • SD 238901.04 - Savan (age 24) enters Starfleet Academy. Interested by both the marine corps and security, he ops to major in the latter.
  • SD 239301.20 - Savan (age 28) graduates from Starfleet Academy with a major in security. He takes the weeks off before his cadet cruise to travel Terra with his adopted family.
  • SD 239303 - Savan arrives at Starbase 118 for his cadet cruise.


Starfleet Academy


Major: Security

  • Specialization in Diplomacy, Survival, Tactics

Minor: Comm/Ops

  • Specialization in Languages (Cardassian, Klingon, Romulan)

Additional training with Starfleet Marine Corps

Savan's performance at the Academy was generally superior. His previous martial arts, survival and early tactical training allowed him to excel in his main security coursework. He also showed an aptitude in languages. In particular, professors noted that his natural proficiency in Romulan and greater emotional openness could be a future asset to Starfleet Intelligence.The repeated, though minor, concern from some professors was that it appeared Savan could be understimulated by the day-to-day routine and tedium, not to mention, the enclosed space of a starship. Also, there was one very challenging course for Savan: captivity training. His difficulty was most likely due to his ESFD. In contrast, Savan usually performed best in on-the-ground scenarios and in wilderness settings, making him ideal for away team missions.


Medical Evaluation


Because of exposure to Trellium D at the age of 10, Savan developed a condition known as Emotional Suppression Failure Disorder (EFSD), as it is called in Federation Standard. This was most famously encountered by the USS Enterprise NX-01 in the 22nd century, when the ship encountered a Vulcan ship whose crew had been exposed to massive amounts of the compound. Similar to the Bendii Syndrome that affects elderly Vulcan, ESFD causes the loss of a Vulcan's ability to suppress emotions and, more spectacularly, can produce agitated, progressively violent states, psychosis and paranoia. Records indicat that Savan suffered only moderate exposure. His subsequent ESFD does not produce the more troublesome effects but has notably caused difficulty in the suppression of emotions. Per review initiated by Savan's first adopted parent, Staran, it was recommended Savan be raised around more emotionally expressive species. His condition progressively improved after moving to Terra under the supervision of his adoptive parents. After psychological evaluation, Savan is deemed fit for duty. The subject has developed a personal management program consisting of meditation and intensive physical activity, coupled with medication. Should the subject continue with his management program, he should expect no unforeseen problems. Additional documentation from instructors in Starfleet Academy Survival Training and Starfleet Marine Corps indicated that Savan had no problem in performing in usual high-stress situations. The one exception may be captivity under hostile forces, which may provoke ESFD symptoms. In addition, Stafleet Medical recommends that the subject and commanding officers should take care for him to avoid situations where he would be exposed to psychoactive substances or aggressive telepathy. It goes without saying that all exposure to Trellium D or substances similarly harmful to Vulcans should be avoided at all cost.


Service History


Service History
Insignia Rank Dates Posting Assignment
Cadet First Class 239302 Graduated Starfleet Academy Security Cadet


Awards & Service Ribbons



Awards and Service Ribbons
Award Name Date/Assignment Citation
None
Service Ribbon Name Date/Assignment Citation
Starfleet Academy Graduate Ribbon 239302
Starfleet Academy
Awarded to those who have graduated from Starfleet Academy.