[hider=Facial Reference][center][img]https://threadoftruth.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/summer-glau-net_3.jpg[/img][/center][/hider]



[b][u]Name:[/u][/b]  
[indent]Illyria “Lyra” Jadan Kan’Dosha[/indent]


[b][u]Age:[/u][/b] 
[indent]27[/indent]


[b][u]Rank/Position:[/u][/b] 
[indent]Lieutenant; Chief Security Officer[/indent]


[b][u]Race:[/u][/b] Avalian; 

[indent][sub]From the planet Avalia (Located in the Idini Star Cluster; achieved warp capabilities 100 years ago, and while not a Federation Planet, has a steady alliance with the Galactic Federation of Planets), these feline-like humanoids are known to be great hunters and predators. While their technology has developed to an advanced point, they still do things such as hunting or fighting in their traditional ways, so as to not lose their natural skills. Feline attributes include dexterous limbs (Of which the legs and feet are [url=https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAa0AAAAJGE4ZmJkYTY3LWZlNDEtNGM5Ny1iZjUxLTRkMjE3YTIxMjgwMw.jpg]half-Digitigrade[/url], to accommodate for climbing, jumping, and moving both quicker and quieter than that of a plantigrade animal - such as a human) and enhanced reflexes and flexibility. 

Strength does not necessarily exceed that of a human, but as most on the planet hunt to eat, higher muscle density is common. Long furry tails add to their agility when traversing difficult environments; and their senses have heightened to that of a natural hunter – enhanced night vision, sensitive taste and smell receptors, and feline like ears atop their head pick up sounds and frequencies a human would miss.

While one would not consider them to be claws or fangs, Avalian nails and teeth are far more durable and sharper than that of a human; the former to use as grip when climbing or to use in a fray; the latter due to their status as obligate carnivores (Their canines specifically are longer and sharper than the rest, to a slightly noticeable extent.). [/sub][/indent]



[b][u]Appearance:[/u][/b] 
[indent]Standing at an – Avalian average – height of 5’4, Lyra has a slim and lithe figure, as is the norm of her kind. Her hips and waist are visible, although not particularly pronounced. Her skin is a pleasant tanned colour, although the colour had diminished somewhat with the lack of UV rays available on a star-ship. Said skin is littered with mostly minor scars, most from some forms of sharp object like claws or fangs; and too many to list, from various skirmishes as a child. However, this is the norm on Avalia, and she does not see scarring as something ugly as some races might.

Her eyes are a peculiar golden colour; an almost honey-like hue, with flecks of darker amber within. Her pupils – as with all Avalians – are more oval than circular; a process of evolution away from vertical slits found in felines, as their eyes looked millennia ago. 

Lyra’s natural hair is a mess of long, dark, mahogany curls – for work, they’re usually seen tamed into a bun or ponytail after being attacked by straighteners. In her downtime, it hangs loose, and for more sociable events, the curls can be seen as more elegant than wild, sometimes adorned with delicate plaits or decorations. The fur upon her feline like ears and tail are the same shade as her hair.[/indent]



[b][u]Personality:[/u][/b] 
[indent]What should be noted about Avalians, is that they have no real concept of “appropriate behaviour” or personal space; at least by most species’ standards. Touching or hugging people; regardless of relationship or familiarity, is a norm for Avalians, and by default, Lyra. Even after nearly ten years away from her home planet, she has not fully grasped this. If she were among a crowd and unable to see something, she would not hesitate in climbing up a taller comrades’ back to get a better view. The only real thing she has learnt is to avoid doing this with strangers, or people she has only just met.

As for her immediate personality, she is immensely curious. Never afraid to try a new thing, and showing an almost childish wonder at new things, Lyra can come across as very open-minded. Nothing particularly falters her, even if a thing is surprising or extremely different from she is used to. This has come from an acceptance seen as uncommon among her people, and adaptation from her change in cultures. Her philosophy is this: Why be afraid of something new, when you can learn something from it?

However, this should not diminish her ferocity and protectiveness. Being an apex predator, and a strong and wilful fighter, Lyra is ready to protect herself and others from enemies, no matter the cost. Becoming Chief Security Officer aboard the [i]USS Orion[/i] has only reinforced that fact; her life, before anyone else’s, from the Captain to the lowliest Crewman.

Outside of duty, Lyra retains both her curiosity and protective side; she enjoys hearing stories from her workmates, particularly amusing ones; and to expand her knowledge in other species’ cultures. Also, if a friend of hers is being harassed, she will respond in the only way she knows – this can often come across as being over-protective, or an over-bearing attitude; she has been known to address people, even her superiors, with an aggressive attitude in the mind of keeping them away from harm. This has gotten her into trouble in the past, and will likely do the same in the future – because while Lyra can accept other cultures and people, she often finds it hard to understand why they do certain things; why a Human will do something life-threatening just to prove a point, or a Klingon being happy with death as long as it is a “good” one.[/indent]



[b][u]History:[/u][/b]
[indent]Lyra was born as Princess Illyria Jadan of Clan Kan’Dosha; third in line to the throne that ruled over the continent of Aldaan. The Kan’Doshans had ruled over Aldaan for centuries before they achieved warp capabilities, and were constantly at war with their sister continent of Ieslyaa, ruled by the Fortun Clan. A shaky peace treaty was only created twenty years ago, achieved with the aid of neutral Starfleet negotiators.

Lyra had an easy-going and straight-forward life; being third in line to the throne after her eldest brother Kadan, and older sister Eldaya, she had no real responsibilities. Kadan was groomed to be the future King, and Eldaya to be the “back-up”. Lyra and her younger siblings were not focused on as much in royal terms, instead being allowed far more freedom than their two eldest siblings. She spent her days as a child in play; which, for an Avalian, involved far rougher activities than a human child would endure; hunting animals in the wilds surrounding the cities; “play-fighting”, as it was called, although often involving some form of mêlée weapon, or simply just tooth and claw. However, as a Princess, she was expected to take part in certain other activities at a young age. A study of alien languages (Mostly focused on English, being the most Universal language of the Federation); elocution (at least, elocution by Avalian standards), and history; mainly that of her own world. However, even at a young age, Lyra was far more interested in other planets, and their own histories. While her tutors and parents were happy to stem her curiosity at first, they soon grew more stringent in their teachings upon realising her enthusiasm on the subject. The last thing her parents, the King and Queen, wanted was for Lyra to think too much about outside cultures. That meant she could potentially question her own culture, and it would be most problematic for a Princess to do so. Instead, they tried to channel her eagerness into more practical uses – fighting and hunting skills, taught to all children upon their planet, regardless of kingdom or social stance. And for a time, this worked. Lyra channelled all of her will into learning new fighting and hunting styles, wanting to best everyone – even her older sister, with whom she certainly felt very competitive against.

However, over time, her wanderlust returned, and she yearned to know more of outside planets. Her parents attempted to stem this somewhat in sending her on diplomatic visits to Ieslyaa – of which she was only too happy to do, what with her being the most companionable of her siblings when it came to their previous foes – but it wasn’t enough. The brief visits into the upper atmospheres, or moons of Avalia arranged by her parents weren’t enough for Lyra. She needed to see more of the universe – after all, they were not a true part of it! Why should she not see more?

As the years went by, Lyra and her parents warred; they, attempting to stem her curiosity without losing her to the stars; and she, wanting to go further, but without losing the love of her parents. For despite their differences, she did love her parents, and they loved her; perhaps, too much to avoid losing her. However, this all came to an end when she turned 16, when both her mother and father died. A supposed accident; solar flares from their twin suns knocking their shuttle towards a moon off course, wiping out life support and killing all on board. It was a time of grieving for their entire continent, for the King and Queen had been much loved – and so, any potential nefarious acts went unnoticed. That is, until the newly crowned King Kadan also mysteriously died – a hunt gone wrong. While it was not uncommon for Avalians to die on a hunt, it was still strange – for him to die so soon after his parents.

At least, that’s what Lyra concluded. Especially with Eldaya’s reaction to such events; of which there wasn’t much of one. A public speech, moving in her farewell to her dead family, and a promise of being a just and fair ruler, but in private, there was nothing. No words of comfort or assurance to Lyra or her younger siblings, as Kadan had done when their parents had died; just a stony, almost smug ascension to Queen-hood. And as Lyra turned 17, she knew something was truly wrong, as an engagement came up. [i]Her[/i] engagement, arranged by Eldaya without her knowing.

It was to a Prince from the third, smallest continent on their planet, known as Y’diin. Being far less powerful and further away from the two main continents, Y’dinn had never been involved in the fighting between Aldaan and Ielsyaa, never creating alliances with either of them, even after peace was found. However, in the past decades, the smaller continent had excelled in their technology; building a stronger and bigger army than was ever expected. And Lyra knew what her sister planned with this alliance – the two continents would join forces, to wipe out Ielsyaa for good. Eldaya had always scorned the peace treaties, saying that they could never be allies with a people they had been at war with for so long. However, Lyra would not allow such a thing to occur.

Rebelling in the only way she could, Lyra stole a small star ship from their docks in the dead of night, fleeing the planet and galaxy as fast as the ship could manage. Without her, the marriage could not go ahead – The Queen herself could not marry someone from another realm, and her younger siblings – being all boys additionally – were far too young for such arrangements. While a treaty could still occur without her present, it would be shakier without a marriage cementing it.

With nowhere else to go, Lyra directed her shuttlecraft towards the thing that would help her achieve her dreams since being a little girl; Starbase 82, located in Federation space. Upon arriving, she claimed asylum, and askance to enter Starfleet. From there, she was given transport to the closest Federation Planet, being Betazed. After living out a year there on the planet; her situation being processed by those “on top” in Starfleet, she was finally allowed to enter the Academy, under one condition; she was to forego her title on Avalia, and not bring any of the politics into Starfleet. Her loyalty was to be to them, and not her planet – which she was only too happy to give. Not only had she defied and denied her traitorous sister of what she wanted most, but Lyra was finally achieving her dream, to see the Universe and meet new races and cultures.

She entered the Academy down the security route, deciding that her mind and body borne from years of strategic and tactical hunting would make her perfect for the job, and she certainly did well in the field. After three years, she excelled her peers in training, only failing when it came to certain rules and norms that she hadn’t yet grown used to. By her fourth year, she was serving on starships; by her fifth, she had received the rank of Ensign. It took another four years of hard work – and swapping between several ships – for her to receive the role of Lieutenant, a rank she is very proud of herself for receiving. However, she was still surprised to become Chief Security Officer onboard the [i]USS Orion[/i], having assumed someone older, and with more experience, would have been taken on.[/indent]



[b][u]Skills:[/u][/b] 
[indent]While Lyra considers that others may have been better suited for her role aboard the [i]Orion[/i], she diminishes her own talents. Not only has she plenty of experience in high-tension, fighting situations – from hunting on Avalia (While the prey there is easy enough to kill, the forests of her world are teeming with other predators anxious for a meal – she’s fought them off more than once.) – but she has received extra training in fighting styles through her time at Starfleet. Martial arts, both from Earth and other Federation Planets, have been taught to her in almost record time, as she has picked the skills up extremely quickly. 

In addition to this, one should consider her strategic mind. The hunting on her planet is not only a necessity; it is a sport, a skill, even an art. Some forms of prey are so illusive, it is considered a great honour to be able to hunt and kill such magnificent beasts. Lyra is lucky enough to count herself among those lucky few – not from her speed and strength, but from her tactical mind. She is shrewd in thinking up a quick plan to gain the advantage in a situation; often using her enemies’ attributes and personality against them, or utilising her environment. Also, she knows when would be the best time to use force. Although Chief Security Officer, she does not always fall back on the offensive when it comes to giving advice to her Captain – her mind is good enough to offer up more peaceful ways, if she believes it would prove advantageous.[/indent]



[b][u]Other:[/u][/b]
[indent]Firmly insists to those who ask that she does not purr like a cat – but if you hit the right spot beneath her ears or on her back, she’ll be going like a little tabby-cat in no time.

Can’t eat much in the way of vegetables or fruit – not through preference, but because of her digestive system. It simply prefers proteins over fibres – a damn shame, in her eyes, because she freakin’ loves strawberries and cherries. Over-consumption of such things will give her terrible stomach cramps.

She went on a night out with a group of friends as a cadet once; it was themed bar, meant to emulate a Earth one from the very early 21st century, playing their music. Since then, she’s been obsessed with that particular era of music, even branching her interests into the late 20th century era.

Although fluent in English, she still retains a slight accent from Avalia – the best similarity would be one of Italian, on Earth.

Has a sweet singing voice, but doesn’t particularly show it off much in public. Stage fright, and all that. However, get a few pints of Romulan ale in her and she might just give you a bout of crooning.[/indent]



[b][u]Sample Post:[/u][/b]
[indent]Lyra inhaled the sweet scent of the tree’s leaves deeply, closing her eyes as the wind brushed against her face. The air circled through the towering fauna, branches and leaves rustling out a melody for her alone to enjoy.

This was the feel of home, only without everything else – no responsibilities, no arranged marriages, and no family; dead, traitorous, or otherwise. Just her, the land and the sky.

Except, it wasn’t home. It was the holodeck, emulating as best it could what Avalia was like. And she had to admit, it had nailed it pretty well. Even the unique, spicy scent of the Balderan trees, seemingly unknown to other species unless they had visited her home planet – and that hadn’t happened very often. The Avalians were not known to be overly fond of outsiders; it was a miracle they had accepted a human to organise peace talks all those years ago.

Shaking her head ever so slightly, Lyra removed those thoughts from her mind. She was not at home; nor was she among Avalians. This was the Starship Orion, and nostalgic thoughts of home would not help her fit in among her fellow officers.

“Exit.” She ordered, turning around as the doors of the holodeck appeared in the middle of the forest she stood in; opening to reveal the corridors beyond. Stepping outside of the simulation, she brought an end to the programme, and began making her way to her quarters. She would need an early start tomorrow; her first day on the bridge among the other senior officers, and of course, her new Captain. It brought two thrilling sensations through her; one of excitement, the other of nervousness. Lyra had no idea what these people would be like, but she only hoped they would be the decent sort. 
[/indent]