As one of the newer hatchlings, Maraht found himself longing to see more of the universe beyond his own tunnel. Although most Horta are homebodies by nature, Maraht felt he was destined for something greater than tunneling in the same old planet. His hundreds of other brothers and sisters thought he was off his rock and needed liberal doses of mica, coal and schist to rid himself of this strange malady. But Venerable Mother decided to support him in his endeavors and soon realized that he would not be content until he got out into the universe. She felt that traveling with Starfleet would help keep him amongst friends who would help look out for him. Click here for more about Maraht the Horta, on his ST: Freedom wiki page.

Education

Mining education out in the field on Janus VI. Majoring in science especially areas of geology, Metalurgy and Tactical Exploration at Starfleet Academy. Graduated with honors in all three fields.

Pre-Starfleet History

Maraht assisted the miners on Janus IV, enjoyed their stories about being off planet, and spent time listening to the communications board when recieving messages from passing ships. Venerable Mother Horta told young Maraht all about the amazing creature called a Vulcan named Spock and his fascination with exploration. She had especially liked his pointed ears. Maraht wanted to contribute in other ways other than mining. He soon felt the call to join Starfleet once he had achieved 1/2 of his growth. He began to find ways to study and could often be found outside training himself to have no fear of open sky, and toughening himself up with surface hiking before attending the Academy.

Starfleet History

Graduated from Starfleet with honors in Metalurgy, Geology, and Tactical Exploration. He got along well with all of his classmates and showed talents in counseling though he decided not to major in that at the Academy.

Medical History

Hortas, being silicon based life forms, need building plaster to heal up from phaser blasts and most types of wounds. However, their armor is so resilient that it is difficult to wound them. Type II phasers would need to be set on kill. They have no propensity for infection from carbon based viral and bacterial infections, but propensity for infection to non carbon based microbes is unknown. They are immune to their own acid secretions and can survive the cold vaccum of space as long as they have not been previously wounded. Adult Hortas consume about 20-35 pounds of rock material and minerals every 24-36 hours. Consuming refined metals are much like eating a bowl of white refined sugar for humans; not nutritionally optimal. In addition to a varied diet of metamorphic and igneous rock, Maraht needs to have some deep pressure time in an atmospheric chamber, probably 1-2 times for several hours weekly in an effort to keep his natural armor healthy. Sleep or rest is also necessary for several hours on a weekly basis.

Skills

Cheerful and psychologically sound: a real rock! Interested in science as per geology, although he has considered espionage work. Eager to explore the universe. In order to eat, Hortas secrete a molecularly disolving acid based substance from the bottom of their bodies to liquify rock and other minerals deposits before ingestion. In doing so, this creates tunnels and cave structures. Hortas end up being natural geologists and have a natural sensitivity for fault lines, impending earthquakes, and temperature due to geological disturbances. The acid secretion can be controlled and aimed carefully enough to carve pictures or messages should his voder box (vox) become damaged. Hortas are natural experts analysts and can correctly identify the composition of soil, rock, mineral deposits and other geological features. Unlike humans they do not need oxygen to survive and can exist in the cold vaccum of space if necessary. They may or may not survive the heat and freefall if caught out in space above a planet's atmosphere and pulled into the gravity well.