Zara Khatri

Zara is 5′ 4″ tall and 115 pounds. She is fit and her build is toned. As a scientist, she believes she should set an example of being in good health and physical fitness.

Zara attended college on her home world, receiving a doctorate in astrophysics at age 17.

Zara is the youngest of four children, with three older brothers. Her mother stayed home to raise the children. Her father is a professor at the university in the capital city.

Zara’s first year in the academy was easy for her. Since she was from a colony world populated by many races, she already knew how to get along with people different from herself, as well as respecting cultural beliefs. Her experience was made better by her roommate, Tanya Harper, who was studying to be a nurse. Since Zara wasn’t from Earth, Tanya was her friend and guide in learning about, enjoying, and experiencing humanity’s home world. Over their academy years, they became like sisters.

Classes were almost too easy for Zara because of her intelligence and thirst for knowledge. This led to Zara seeking advanced courses when possible. In addition to studying science, she minored as a medic.

In Zara's senior year on her cadet cruise on the USS Hiddekel, she experienced something that seared a memory she would never forget. It was when she saw her first crewmate die in the line of duty.

A freighter had crashed onto a desolate planet after a pirate attack. Answering the distress call, Zara was part of the away team sent to rescue the survivors. They were attacked by pirates still pursuing the cargo and the CMO was mortally wounded by disruptor fire. As a medic, Zara used all her skills, but was unable to save him. It hit her so hard, she needed several counseling sessions.

When completing her four years at the academy, Zara majored in general science, with a minor as a medic. She was commissioned as an Ensign junior grade.

Zara has a genius IQ and eidetic memory. She can do complicated math in her head. She performs traditional Hindu dance. Zara speaks English and Hindi and has an Indian accent.

Zara enjoys camping out at night and studying the stars. Reading and learning are relaxing to her. She enjoys cricket and football (soccer). Zara studied traditional Hindu dance when she was a girl. Work and research are her favorite things to do. She often throws herself into it so deeply, she can forget to eat or sleep. She plays Tetris.

Growing up, Zara was outgoing and the alpha female in her group of friends. She was the one that would think of new games to play or decide what to do that day. The other kids looked to her to know what to do if something happened. She was generally the smartest person in the room and she knew it. Sometimes this led to her letting others know it, too, though she looked at it as being truthful and confident. Arguments rose from this and a few fistfights with other girls. Learning to work with others and to respect them for who and what they were, is still a learning process.