NAME: Taejun Lor RANK: Exotrooper ASSIGNMENT: Delta Squad BASE OF OPERATIONS: Exocarrier Resolute III DESIGNATION: Delta 7 E-FRAME TYPE: VF-11 Thunderbolt SPECIES: Mephitican GENDER: Male BIRTH PLANET: Mephitica HEIGHT: 6 ft (183 cm) WEIGHT: 210 lbs (95.5 kg) MARITAL STATUS: Single SPECIAL ABILITIES: Adaptable physiology allows survival in almost any gaseous environment; can communicate in several alien dialects; expert hand-to-hand combatant. HISTORY:     Taejun Lor is a Mephitican, a race of peaceful explorers that have traveled most of the known universe in search of intelligent life. Generally speaking, Mephiticans are regarded as one of the more benevolent species in the known universe. This is a fact that ironically contrasts with their physical make-up. For while Mephiticans tend to rely on a policy of "do no harm", they themselves are considered harmful.     The homeworld of the species, Mephitica, is a harsh planet by almost all alien standards. Most of the gases in the atmosphere are toxic, water is present but considered too acidic to drink, and the level of radiation that permeates the surface is dangerous to most organic life. Because they developed in such a harsh environment, the Mephitican species is remarkable for its ability to survive and thrive in practically any environment. However, a Mephitican's natural biological processes tend to be dangerous to other species. Their metabolism produces carbon monoxide (as opposed to carbon dioxide) as their primary respiratory waste product. Though they can use oxygen, they biology also permits using nitrogen or helium to sustain their metabolism. Their sweat and saliva are extremely acidic and capable of burning through many common alloys. Their blood is equally acidic, creating a hazard to those around them whenever they are injured. Thus it is not unusual for many species to refer to Mephiticans by the slang term "Toxies".     It should be no great surprise to discover that Mephiticans are always clad in armored suits when not on their homeworld. Many alien species have mistakenly assumed such armor was for the Mephitican's protection. The reality is that the armor is designed to protect everyone around the Mephitican. The alloys that compose it are resistant to the Mephitican's natural secretions. The helmet allows the occupant to communicate with those around him and take in air from the environment while avoiding the release of noxious gas. This is accomplished by a complex series of filters that "scrub" exhaled air to eliminate any potentially dangerous vapors. Typically each suit has a limited supply of breathable air built into it. Controls mounted on one of the forearms serve to seal the suit's headpiece and switch on the internal air supply as needed (Mephitican's cannot survive in the vacuum of space).     Due to the logistics associated with alien interactions, a Mephitican's environment suit is of great personal importance. It represents not only a safe way to interact with other species, but also the way that they are recognized by other species. Since their true face is never seen, they must rely on the configuration of their armor to be identified correctly. It is for this reason that no two Mephitican's have the same armor. Each suit is individually tailored for the wearer, with the helmet made as unique as possible.     Taejun Lor, like most of his species, is an explorer. Unlike most of his species, however, he also happens to be a trained fighter. While not something he is particularly proud of, it is none-the-less an aptitude he possesses. He learned to fight for the sake of his mother, who insisted he learn to defend himself prior to initiating his "Noltar" (Mephitican for "The Wandering"). Noltar is a customary voyage made by all young Mephiticans. It is essentially a rite of passage. Upon its completion the individual is seen as an adult in the eyes of Mephitican society. It is a custom that is looked upon with great anticipation and is intended to last several years. Like many before him, Taejun set out to see the galaxy as part of his Noltar. Thus far he as visited Ungularia, Virgothar, Zeta Reticuli Major and Minor, Earth, Venus, Mars, Kultoria, and Eltoria. At his last stop, Eltoria, Taejun ran into a fairly common problem that befalls his people. He ran out of money. Looking for a way to continue his wanderings, he inquired with the Eltorian Guard - thinking he might be able to combine his need for money with his need for travel. Unfortunately he was not a citizen of the empire and so Taejun was turned down by the Eltorian Guard. However, they did make him aware of the Exofleet's Extraterrestrial Diversification Program (EDP). Thinking it was a suitable substitute, Taejun enrolled. He underwent basic training in Mulfa-Ne and is now awaiting deployment on the Exofleet flagship, The Resolute III.