Jaro Taban

## Early Life

Jaro Taban was born on Hyralan Colony, Alpha Caeli in 2341. His parents were committed pacifists and merchant shippers, second-generation arrivals to a small but prosperous Bajoran enclave. From a young age Taban showed an aptitude for engineering, learning on his parents' fleet. His family were also very devout in the Bajoran faith, and thus his childhood environment was very pious.

As a young child Taban suffered from Orkett's Disease.

As a teen he began to clash with his parents; they had swore to not interfere with matters relating to the Occupation, but Taban felt that the tenets of their faith meant that if assistance could be offered, then one had a moral obligation to do so. This rift would persist until Taban enrolled in Starfleet Academy.

## Previous Starfleet Career

### Starfleet Academy

As a non-Federation citizen, Taban required sponsorship from a command-level Starfleet officer to enroll. He petitioned a family friend, Commander Corey Brookland, to sponsor him for his application to Starfleet Academy. He subsequently joined the class of 2363.

Taban struggled to make friends initially - as one of the few Bajorans in Starfleet he faced some prejudice; some of his fellow classmates felt that as a member of a race under occupation he was receiving 'preferential treatment.'

One of his few friends during his time at the Academy was Gabriela Lopez.

As an underclassman Taban was introduced to the sport of ice hockey and joined the Starfleet Academy Team.

### USS Decatur

Jaro's first posting after the Academy was as an Engineering Officer aboard the *USS Decatur*, an aging *Constellation* class ship assigned to Deep Space scientific research. Though far from what he considered 'the action', the posting allowed Jaro to gain valuable insight in maintaining Starfleet systems aboard a vessel that required regular maintenance. His diligence and skill were noted by the Chief Engineer and by 2366 he was assigned as the Crew Chief of the Delta Shift, with a commensurate promotion to Lieutenant (JG).

### Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards

With the decommissioning of the aging *Constellation* class ships, Jaro was assigned to the testing laboratories of the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards at Mars Station. While there his focus was on developing and refining prototype technologies for small Starfleet classes like the *Danube* class runabouts. Though his service was commendable and he contributed much of his previous expertise, assignment to a Starbase did not suit him overly much; as such he requested another Deep Space assignment and in 2371 was granted the position of Chief Engineer aboard the USS Arcturus.

## USS Arcturus

### Encountering the Augment Virus

The crew encountered a resurgence of the Augment Virus on the Klingon Colony of Ur'Karth in the Letou system on Stardate 48799.9. Although the Arcturus managed to create a cure, Jaro was infected by the virus. Unknown at the time, the Augment Virus forced his body to create organs capable of sensing pheromones - this was linked to the captured Incerti vessel that the Romulans (the source of the outbreak) were experimenting on.

### Kidnap by the Romulans

On Stardate 48868.8 Jaro was abducted via Baryon Transporter technology and forcibly operated on to remove the pheromone sense glands created by the modified Augment Virus. The experience left him greatly traumatised mentally and physically.

### Executive Officer

When Commander Stryker became missing in action on 48928.7, Jaro was asked to step into the position of First Officer until Stryker's status could be confirmed. In his first mission as XO, Jaro was forced to arrest his brother Emun on smuggling charges.

Though Stryker was recovered, his memory was much altered and he was demoted to Lieutenant Commander and reassigned to Tactical Operations.

Due to Stryker's demotion and having completed a course of mandatory therapy, on Stardate 49700.4 his appointment to Executive Officer was made permanent.

## Personal Relationships

### Jonathan Stryker

Since joining the USS Arcturus, Jaro has developed a close relationship with his XO. Though outwardly different personalities, the two of them lean on one another in times of spiritual or existential trouble, trying to offer the other a sympathetic ear and some helpful counsel.

### Nashaan Tariq

It is known by those close to the two that Jaro and the Orion are in a romantic relationship. Nashaan's reassignment to a Starbase coincided with Jaro's appointment to XO, but the two still remain committed to one another.