NAME: Newton (real name unpronounceable) RANK: Exotrooper ASSIGNMENT: Delta Squad BASE OF OPERATIONS: Exocarrier Resolute III DESIGNATION: Delta 8 E-FRAME TYPE: VA-3 Invader SPECIES: Reticulan GENDER: Male BIRTH PLANET: Zeta Reticuli Major HEIGHT: 4 ft (122 cm) WEIGHT: 70 lbs (32 kg) MARITAL STATUS: Single SPECIAL ABILITIES: Highly adept at deciphering and learning alien languages; capable of imitating various sounds and voices. HISTORY:     Newton is a member of an alien species called the Reticulans. They hail from a binary star system about 39 light years from Sol called Zeta Reticuli. Zeta 1 and Zeta 2 are yellow-orange stars similar to Sol. This particular species is known for being one the first to achieve interstellar travel. They also represent the first true alien race known to Humans, having been responsible for a series of alien encounters and abduction stories in the mid to late twentieth century. The best known of these incidents is likely the infamous crash landing that occurred in 1947 at Roswell, New Mexico.     Reticulans tend to be short, averaging 3-5 ft (91-152 cm) in height. They possess a slender build with large, black eyes and grey skin. It is for this reason they are also called "Grays" by Terrans. In general, Reticulans are known for their intellectual prowess and their ability to phonate. The Reticulan larynx, or voicebox, is far more intricate in design than other species. Its unusual anatomy allows Reticulans to generate and shape sound into speech without using their mouth or tongue. It is for this reason that it was initially assumed that Reticulans communicated telepathically - since they speak without moving lips or opening their mouths.     Due to their unique anatomy, the Reticulan language is incredibly intricate and complex. When heard by other species it is said to resemble a series of clicks and pops with a smattering of gibberish. The simple truth is that no species other than the Reticulans can manufacture or understand it. As a result they will often learn the language of the species they wish to communicate with. They have also adopted the name "Reticulan" for use when dealing with other species, as no one can pronounce their true name. This is also the reason that when an individual Reticulan enters an alien society, they will adopt a nickname for the convenience of relating to its members.     Newton acquired his nickname during basic training with the Exofleet. During his first run on the obstacle course, Newton had a rather embarrassing fall that landed him on his head. When his Drill Sergeant asked what had happened, he stated that he was unfamiliar with Terran gravity. Since the Drill Sergeant thought his head looked kind of like an apple, he was christened "Newton" on the spot. The name stuck.     Newton joined the Exofleet like many aliens did, through the Extraterrestrial Diversification Program (EDP). In preparation for his arrival in Sol, he took the liberty to learn every language used in the system. He is also familiar with several alien dialects. Being relatively young, he has learned to use his species' natural phonation ability to imitate sounds and even the voices of other individuals. This is a practice that is generally considered juvenile amongst his species. It also happens to one Newton enjoys, particularly because it helped him make friends during basic training (he played a key role in several pranks). A competent pilot, Newton trained on the VA-3 Invader and finished basic with very high marks. He was greatly pleased to be assigned to the fleet's flagship and hopes to have continued success within Exofleet.