Tatash: Difference between revisions

* '''Full Name''': Tatash Ssiolassh (Pronounced Soo-lash)

* '''Birthmarks, Scars''': Assorted, barely visible on his scales. Most due to various combat operations or over-vigorous sparring.

* '''Build''': Muscular, broad. Hulking rather than agile.  

* '''Taste in Clothing (when off duty)''': Simple. Jeans and a sweatshirt, nothing flash or fancy.

* '''Voice''': Deep, commanding. The translators adjusted to his speech patterns properly at long last. He does however have a very loud laugh.

{{Section|Personal Details|Gold}}

* '''Quarters''': While sparse he does like to keep his space comfortable. Various scatter cushions adorn the seating in bright colours while he keeps his ceremonial weaponry on proud display. He has a medium size aquarium in which he keeps an assortment of tropical fish.  

* '''Favorite Room''': He tends to enjoy anywhere food is, either in the ships lounge or even occasionally joining the mess crew preparing his speciality grilled meats (which always go down a treat).

* '''Personality''': He's very professional on duty, typically Gorn when it comes to his work ethic. Off duty however he tends to surprise people with how laid back he can be, enjoying good company (and good booze if he can find some!). Surprisingly even tempered despite his fearsome appearance, it takes a lot to make him angry and he tends to make a good, devoted friend to those that earn his trust.

* '''Orientation''': Despite being quite private, he has no qualm in admitting he's Gay, the Gorn priding themselves on duty and performance rather then personal preferences.

* '''Hobbies and Pastimes''': He enjoys sparring and martial tournaments, although usually he's just as content to read a good book or take in the latest holo-adventures. He has an interest in classical music from numerous cultures, even enjoying the odd Klingon opera.

* '''Ambitions and Goals''': Tatash wants to progress well in Starfleet, following Nugra's footsteps as a personal inspiration. He hopes deep down that the exchange program will once more prove that Starfleet and the Hegemony are capable of being allies, or at least friendly towards each other.

* '''Physical Limitations''': Speed, or a lack of. He can’t keep up with a decent athlete, preferring instead to rely on his massive strength to find solutions. He also does not have a great deal of dexterity or technical knowledge beyond defensive and offensive systems.

* '''Father''': Talash

A veteran General in the Gorn Ground Forces, Tatash's father has always been an inspiration to drive him, pushing him through the challenges he faced in his younger years with a harsh, but fair hand. Talash always pushed Tatash to do his best and to hone his abilities. Sadly, in recent years Talash has suffered numerous bouts of poor health, resulting in him essentially handing over the family name to Tatash as he knows his own time is starting to draw to a close, much to Tatash's horror.

Inducted as an officer he was deployed to Cestus III and became a Major, one of the key officers in charge of planetary security. It was here that he was introduced to the human colonists, and found that both Gorn and Human had managed to exist peacefully (after a brief conflict many years ago) and indeed build up a culture of mutual trust and friendship.

When the brief conflict between the Federation and Gorn exploded in the mid 2380’s, Tatash was thankfully not part of it. Indeed, he strove to ensure that Cestus III was left well alone, ensuring  (along with other officers) that the Colonists were treated as an independent faction rather than part of the Federation. This was agreed in earnest, to protect interests on both sides and to prevent a large scale skirmish becoming a situation of total war.

It was this exposure to mankind and other races within the Federation that prompted the Hegemony to 'volunteer' him for a diplomatic exchange program. One Federation officer was chosen to serve within the Gorn military arm, while Tatash was chosen to start from the ground up in Starfleet Academy in order to try and mend some bridges between the two powers. While older then most other cadets, his front line experience gave him a large advantage playing 'catch up' with the younger trainee's.

It was actually an enjoyable experience for him, once people got over the initial culture shock, he found that he had made some good friends. It was inevitable though that some resentment still remained and Tatash has always been cautious about getting too close to more senior officers that may remember or have lost men in the conflict between the two powers.  

The transition was difficult, after all Starfleet was a lot more relaxed then the rigid hierarchy of total obedience that existed within the Gorn forces. He has however grown to understand that the more pliable structure is far better for adaptability and letting individuals shine beyond their posting.

His service on the Columbia helped him grow rapidly from a self-imposed outcast to finally being able to open up to those around him. The kindness he was shown on board created friendships that were tested in hardship and in celebration, ones that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.