Tariq Ali Khan's introduction thread

Tariq Ali Khan was within the medical section of the colony. While he was busy with something, he overheard gossip that a fight just broke out amongst the new arrivals and a few of the heavy machinery technicians. They have been brought to the infirmary to recover.

What might the veterinarian be doing earlier?

(What kind of race is it? Is it a marathon? A horse race?)

Whatever it is, it is a prerecorded one. Doesn't mean it's not exciting. Transmitting live videos to the the far away station is very difficult. It is still possible, but this is only reserved for highly important scenarios. Also, the Chief Communications Officer doesn't like wasting resources for non-productive purposes, but if given enough time and begging, almost anything could be asked for in this research and exploration base.

Speaking of which, Tariq was given a special assignment of experimenting with and taking care of a non-human creature on this colony. It is recommended to keep the task a secret, as some members may have grievances with animal testing.

(What is Tariq's views on animal testing, and how far is he willing to go for cash? What is his personal feelings on the United Advancement, and how trustworthy might he be to the organisation?)

The pet animal was a species not native to the birth planet of humanity, Earth. It was believed to be discoverer during the golden age of Colonisation, but most records of it was lost during the period of the great data loss nearly a millenia ago.

It is an amphibious lizard the size of a house cat. The unique thing about it is that it has antennas that can glow when under certain stimuli, and has the ability to absorb electromagnetic waves as an energy source. Other than that, it also feeds on bugs and meats, and is mostly docile.

Tariq's girlfriend, Mehboba, called the creature a "glow-lizard." She named the creature Hamraaz.

Mehboba's glow-lizard is a family secret. Somehow, this creature was bred in secret, and Hamraaz is one of the few remaining of its kind left on the world of Darst.

The Union have mixed attitudes about preserving alien species. On one hand, they argue that the Intelligent Aliens would dislike the fact that humanity is still handling aliens, and all non-Earth fauna and flora is forbidden to deal with. But on the other hand, they believe that if they prove themselves to be responsible enough, the Aliens may give mankind mercy, and grant them the power to ascend back to glory. Due to the present circumstances, the Union have fallen behind in political control and the people's faith, especially once the UA have shown to develop technology back again.

Tariq and his lover was living in the region ruled by the Union. It was during his parents' younger days that his home town swore loyalty to the UA. This caused much conflict, as all secrets, including that of the Glow-lizard is to be handed over in the pursuit of "advancing mankind".

Now, he was given a choice when he was involved in the illegal act of possessing an alien. He chose to give his service to the UA in exchange for avoiding imprisonment. And so, all that is involved, including Mehboba, shall be given a second chance, as long as Tariq obeyed to be transported off-world for his new job.

Now, as if by fate, his job is to study Hamraaz, that is brought with him to the Merskan colony. The other veterinarians are amused by this creature, as they only got to deal with rats and plants.

Hamraaz is particularly fond of sweetened nutrient pellets, which Tariq sneaks to the lizard from time to time.

(I'll assume your entertainment device has some communication ability for convenience.)

Tariq received a message on his device while his lunch break nears its end. It is from Samantha, the Assistant Communications/Signal Officer. She says that she is looking for staff members who can afford some time away of atmost a few days to investigate with a team the coordinates that is designated to be the location of The Face. She warns that complications will not be compensated, but the reward for performing a satisfactory investigation of the site will be worth 1000 Credits.

From what Tariq know of The Face, it has caused his fellow colleagues anxiety. Some have reacted worse than others, and begun to display paranoia of being watched once they have seen the image.

She replies back. "OK, I'll check with them...

The team will be gathering at the Ground-Transport Garage. You will be taking one of the vehicles reserved for the mission."