Commander Vaelor Tane
Name Vaelor Tane
Position Executive Officer
Rank Commander
Character Information
| Gender | Male | |
| Species | El Aurian | |
| Age | 474 |
Physical Appearance
| Height | 6'2" (188 cm) | |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) | |
| Hair Color | Dark brown, almost black | |
| Eye Color | Grey-green | |
| Physical Description | Vaelor is a tall, powerfully built El-Aurian with broad shoulders, a muscular frame and strong, masculine features. His dark hair is kept short with some natural texture, complemented by a thick, neatly maintained beard. Heavy-lidded, grey-green eyes dominate his appearance, lending him an intensely watchful, often intimidating expression. His movements are economical and deliberate, with a stillness that can be more imposing than any overt display of aggression. Intricate Toan’ta ritual tattoos cover his shoulders, chest, back and arms, extending across his wrists and onto the backs of his hands. Their distinctly alien glyphs are rendered in deep charcoal-black mineral ink, with subtle blue-violet undertones and slightly raised detailing. He frequently wears his uniform sleeves rolled up, exposing the markings along his forearms, while a sacred pendant remains tucked beneath his clothing. |
Family
| Spouse | Ressan Talya (44, Alive) - Educator, Starbase Mojave | |
| Children | Children with Saelanna Vareth (First Wife) - Avarin Tane (286, Alive) - Director of Operations, Tane Family Enterprise - Selira Tane (253, Alive) - Cultural Historian and Toan’ta Scholar - Kaelor Tane (224, Alive) - Independent Merchant Captain Children with Ressan Talya (Current Wife) - Veyra Tane (16, Alive) - Student, Starbase Mojave - Joren Tane (13, Alive) - Student, Starbase Mojave |
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| Father | Oraven Tane (812, Alive) - Founder and Patriarch, Tane Family Enterprise; Master Craftsman |
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| Mother | Maelira Tane (794, Alive) - Co-Founder and Director of Agricultural Operations, Tane Family Enterprise |
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| Brother(s) | Elaron Tane (536, Alive) - Managing Director, Tane Family Enterprise Rhaevan Tane (462, Alive) - Lieutenant Commander, Starfleet Operations Caloren Tane (397, Alive) - Agricultural Systems Specialist, Tane Family Enterprise |
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| Sister(s) | Ilyara Tane (508, Alive) - Trade Negotiator and Diplomatic Liaison, Tane Family Enterprise |
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| Other Family | First Wife: Saelanna Vareth (481, Alive) - Toan’ta artisan and cultural preservationist Second Wife: Narethi Dossan (76 at death, Deceased 2265) - Logistics Director, Drazanni family organisation Paternal Grandfather: Tharion Tane (1,186, Alive) - Toan’ta Elder and Keeper of Ancestral Histories Paternal Uncle: Soraven Tane (864, Alive) - Master Shipwright and Senior Advisor, Tane Family Enterprise Maternal Aunt: Vaelira Moren (837, Alive) - Toan’ta Artisan and Religious Scholar Nephew: Arven Tane (192, Alive) - Lieutenant, Starfleet Security (Elaron's son) Niece: Liraen Tane (174, Alive) - Independent Freighter Captain (Ilyara's daughter) Granddaughter: Naelyra Tane (103, Alive) - Cultural Archivist and Researcher (Avarin's daughter) Grandson: Theran Tane (78, Alive) - Engineer, Tane Family Enterprise (Selira's son) |
Personality & Traits
| General Overview | Vaelor is a formidable, deeply self-assured individual whose quiet presence can be considerably more intimidating than any overt display of aggression. He rarely raises his voice, seldom wastes words and possesses an almost unnerving ability to remain perfectly composed when those around him are losing their temper. His heavy-lidded gaze and habit of allowing uncomfortable silences to linger have earned him a reputation for being difficult to read. A low, rough voice and the occasional noncommittal grunt are often all he considers necessary to make his opinion known. He's perpetually watchful, an instinct developed through centuries of dangerous work, and rarely allows himself to become completely oblivious to his surroundings. Despite his grizzled exterior, Vaelor is far from humourless. He possesses a wickedly dry sense of humour, enjoys good company and can be surprisingly warm and affectionate with those closest to him. He's capable of an easy laugh, a well-timed insult or an amused smirk when someone has particularly entertained him. He doesn't consider himself especially mysterious or profound and has little patience for people who mistake unnecessary complexity for intelligence. His manner is generally straightforward, occasionally blunt, and he isn't above a little colourful language when circumstances warrant it. Loyalty is fundamental to Vaelor's character, sometimes to his own detriment. Once he's given his word, he considers it binding, even when honouring that commitment becomes difficult or morally questionable. His years as the mercenary fixer known as V demonstrated both the strength and danger of that conviction. He remains fiercely protective of those he considers his responsibility, particularly his family and the personnel serving beneath him. Although capable of considerable patience, he has a stubborn, occasionally controlling streak and doesn't always recognise when his interference is unwelcome. Vaelor is exceptionally comfortable with confrontation and possesses a confidence born from knowing precisely what he's capable of. He doesn't actively seek violence, but neither does he fear it, and there are occasions when the prospect of putting an arrogant or dangerous individual firmly in their place brings him a certain satisfaction. His restraint is learned and deliberate rather than instinctive, and beneath his composed demeanour remains a man who can become frighteningly decisive when provoked. His devotion to the Toan’ta faith is sincere and deeply personal. He observes its traditions, honours the Gods of Old and attempts to live according to their teachings without expecting others to share his convictions. He isn't particularly interested in preaching or presenting himself as a source of spiritual wisdom. Vaelor knows he's capable of hypocrisy, has made decisions he cannot comfortably defend and occasionally continues to make them. His faith provides direction, although following it isn't always easy. As an officer, Vaelor is demanding but fair, placing considerably more value on competence, honesty and reliability than rank or reputation. His long enlisted career has left him particularly attentive to the experiences of junior personnel, and he has little tolerance for officers who abuse their authority. He's willing to challenge decisions he disagrees with, although he understands the responsibilities of the chain of command and doesn't confuse personal disagreement with permission to disregard orders. His personal relationships are considerably less straightforward. Vaelor is capable of profound affection but often expresses it through practical gestures and an almost excessive concern for the safety of those he loves. He's not always comfortable discussing his feelings and can become defensive when confronted with his own shortcomings. His troubled marriage reflects some of these difficulties, particularly his tendency to retreat into work rather than address uncomfortable conversations. For all his experience, Vaelor remains a man of contradictions. He can be compassionate and ruthless, patient and impulsive, deeply spiritual yet entirely willing to get his hands dirty. He doesn't particularly care whether strangers like him, although he values the respect of those who know him. Beneath the intimidating exterior is someone who enjoys life, loves his family and still has a great deal to learn about himself, even after nearly five centuries. |
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| Strengths & Weaknesses | Vaelor possesses centuries of experience in military service, security operations and leadership, making him an exceptionally capable officer, particularly under pressure. He's a formidable combatant, skilled in both armed and unarmed combat, with an instinctive understanding of dangerous situations and the people involved in them. His calm, often intimidating presence allows him to maintain control without resorting to raised voices or unnecessary displays of authority. Fiercely loyal and protective, he takes his responsibilities seriously and will go to extraordinary lengths for those under his care. His years as an enlisted man have also given him a strong appreciation for the people serving beneath him, regardless of rank. Vaelor is observant, resourceful and difficult to deceive, possessing a dry sense of humour that occasionally surfaces beneath his grizzled exterior. His Toan’ta faith provides him with a deeply rooted moral foundation, while his considerable life experience has taught him the value of patience, resilience and knowing when to act. Vaelor's loyalty can be as much a liability as a strength. Once he's committed himself to protecting someone, he can struggle to recognise when that loyalty has become misplaced, occasionally allowing personal attachments to cloud his judgement. He's stubborn, fiercely independent and prone to taking matters into his own hands when he believes others aren't acting quickly or decisively enough. Although he exercises considerable restraint, violence remains something he's exceptionally comfortable with, and there are occasions when he enjoys the confrontation more than he should. His protective instincts can become controlling, particularly where his family is concerned, and he often mistakes ensuring someone's safety for providing what they actually need. Vaelor can also be emotionally guarded, retreating into silence or work rather than confronting uncomfortable personal matters, a habit that has placed considerable strain on his marriage. His faith remains central to his life, but he doesn't always live up to its teachings, and there are decisions from his past that he continues to justify despite knowing he crossed lines he shouldn't have. |
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| Hobbies & Interests | Vaelor enjoys woodworking, traditional Toan’ta craftsmanship and cooking, particularly preparing El-Aurian dishes for family and friends. He maintains his physical fitness through strength training, sparring and unarmed combat, while also enjoying hiking and the outdoors. His faith remains important to him, with regular prayer and meditation forming part of his daily routine. He also enjoys military history, collecting unusual handmade objects, and the occasional game of cards or darts over a good drink. |
| Personal History | Vaelor Tane was born in 1928 on El Auria, within one of the secluded Toan’ta settlements of the Verdari Wilds. The third of five children born to Oraven and Maelira Tane, he grew up surrounded by an extensive family of siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and elders whose lives were deeply rooted in the traditions of their people. The Toan’ta had separated from mainstream El-Aurian civilisation thousands of years earlier, preserving their devotion to the Gods of Old and a way of life founded upon spiritual discipline, ancestral memory and respect for the natural world. His childhood was a happy one, though Vaelor was rarely the easiest child to manage. Curious, adventurous and remarkably stubborn, he frequently tested the patience of his parents, particularly his father, with whom he shared an especially close relationship. Oraven was a respected craftsman who believed that a person's strength meant little without the wisdom to use it responsibly. He taught his son woodworking, practical craftsmanship and the value of keeping one's word, lessons that would remain with Vaelor throughout his life, even during periods when he interpreted them rather differently. Vaelor embraced the Toan’ta faith from an early age, undergoing the traditional rites appropriate to his spiritual development and receiving his first sacred markings. Although deeply religious, he showed little inclination towards the shamanic orders. He preferred physical pursuits, practical work and the company of others, developing a natural aptitude for protecting those around him. As he grew older, however, he became increasingly curious about the civilisation beyond the hidden settlements. He respected his people's beliefs but questioned whether their continued isolation was truly necessary. During his early adulthood, Vaelor married Saelanna Vareth, a fellow El-Aurian with whom he would have three children: Avarin, Selira and Kaelor. Their marriage was a happy one, and Vaelor was an affectionate, involved father. Nevertheless, his desire to experience the wider galaxy eventually drew him away from the relatively peaceful existence of his upbringing. He entered military service with an El-Aurian defence organisation, beginning what would become a remarkably long association with armed service and protective work. Vaelor proved exceptionally capable as a soldier. His physical strength, patience and ability to remain composed under pressure made him particularly effective in close-quarters combat and small-unit operations. He developed considerable expertise in weapons, security procedures, defensive tactics and personnel leadership. More importantly, he discovered that he enjoyed the profession. There was something satisfying about the clarity of a dangerous situation, where decisions carried immediate consequences and hesitation could cost lives. Over the following decades, his military service increasingly took precedence over his domestic life. Eventually, Vaelor and Saelanna recognised that their lives were moving in different directions. Their separation was amicable, neither considering the conclusion of a long and meaningful relationship to be a personal failure. They remained on good terms, sharing responsibility for their children and maintaining an affection that endured long after their marriage ended. Following his departure from formal military service, Vaelor entered the world of private security and mercenary work, initially protecting commercial vessels and settlements throughout the Delta Quadrant. It was during this period that he encountered the Drazanni family, a wealthy and influential criminal dynasty whose legitimate commercial empire concealed an extensive network of smuggling, extortion, illicit trade and organised violence. Initially employed to oversee dangerous shipping operations, Vaelor's responsibilities soon expanded far beyond conventional security work. He became the family's principal fixer and enforcer, responsible for resolving disputes, recovering stolen property, protecting family members and dealing with individuals who threatened their interests. Among the Drazanni organisation and its associates, he became known simply as V, a name that eventually carried considerable weight throughout their sphere of influence. Vaelor's relationship with the Drazannis was founded upon loyalty and mutual respect, particularly with the family patriarch and his eldest son. He had given his word to protect them, and he regarded that commitment as binding. Over the years, he became intimately familiar with the family's private affairs, attending celebrations, settling internal disputes and occasionally protecting its younger members from the consequences of their own recklessness. Some regarded him as an honorary member of the family, while others resented the authority and influence granted to an outsider. The family matriarch, in particular, made little secret of her dislike for him. His work was frequently violent, and Vaelor was never merely an unwilling participant. He became exceptionally skilled at intimidation, negotiation and the calculated application of force, often resolving situations through his reputation alone. There were also occasions when he enjoyed the confrontation, taking considerable satisfaction in demonstrating just how badly an opponent had underestimated him. Although he maintained a personal code of honour, his loyalty increasingly led him into morally questionable territory. He protected people whose actions he privately condemned and sometimes employed methods that went considerably further than the circumstances required. During these years, Vaelor married his second wife, Narethi Dossan, who worked within the Drazanni organisation's logistical operations. Their relationship was passionate and occasionally volatile, built upon a mutual understanding of the dangerous world they inhabited. Narethi knew precisely what her husband did for a living and was neither naive about his methods nor entirely opposed to them. For a time, they enjoyed a prosperous and fulfilling marriage. That life changed dramatically in 2265 when the Borg destroyed El Auria. The devastation shattered the surviving El-Aurian civilisation and destabilised much of the surrounding region. Narethi was among those killed during the catastrophe, a loss Vaelor struggled to accept despite his extensive experience with death and conflict. Much of the Drazanni commercial empire was also destroyed, forcing its surviving members to abandon their established territories and seek opportunities elsewhere. Although the majority of Vaelor's immediate family survived, they were scattered during the evacuation before eventually re-establishing themselves in the Beta Quadrant. His parents and siblings gradually rebuilt their lives, developing the family enterprise into a successful business while maintaining their Toan’ta traditions. Vaelor, however, remained with the Drazannis as they followed the refugee movements towards the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. The decades that followed were among the most morally complicated of his life. The Drazannis rebuilt their organisation through a combination of legitimate commerce, criminal enterprise and increasingly aggressive territorial expansion. Vaelor played a significant role in that recovery, becoming indispensable to the family's operations. He remained fiercely loyal to the patriarch and eldest son, but his considerable influence sometimes allowed him to excuse behaviour that his younger self would have found reprehensible. Throughout this period, Vaelor never entirely abandoned his Toan’ta beliefs. He continued to wear his sacred markings, maintained certain religious observances and privately prayed to the Gods of Old. However, he had become remarkably adept at reconciling his actions with whatever interpretation of his faith best suited the circumstances. Over time, the contradictions became increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly following an incident during his final years with the Drazannis in which his own decisions crossed a moral boundary he could no longer comfortably justify. The deaths of the Drazanni patriarch and his eldest son during the late 2330s finally released Vaelor from the personal obligations that had bound him to the family for well over a century. Although the surviving members expected his loyalty to transfer to the next generation, Vaelor had made no such promise. He settled his remaining responsibilities and departed, leaving behind considerable wealth, influence and a reputation that would survive his absence. His departure was not universally welcomed. Some Drazannis considered it a betrayal, while others were relieved to see the influential El-Aurian removed from their affairs. A number maintained personal connections with him, and the organisation continued operating long after he left. Vaelor himself retained complicated feelings towards the family, recognising both the genuine relationships he had formed and his own responsibility for the crimes committed during his service. He returned to his surviving relatives and spent much of the following years reconnecting with his Toan’ta heritage. His father welcomed him home, although their relationship was occasionally strained by Oraven's disapproval of his son's long association with violence. Vaelor became involved in the family enterprise, resumed traditional craftsmanship and participated more fully in the religious life of his community. He also spent time among displaced El-Aurians, helping organise transport, reconstruction and protection for settlements still recovering from the Borg catastrophe. During this period, Vaelor renewed his commitment to the Gods of Old through years of religious observance and spiritual trials. Under the guidance of Toan’ta shamans, he received additional sacred tattoos, particularly the intricate markings associated with judgement, purification and responsibility that extended along his forearms, wrists and hands. He did not enter the Circle of the Inked Flame, remaining a devoted follower rather than pursuing a religious vocation. His return to faith did little to diminish his formidable capabilities or willingness to employ force when necessary. He continued defending vulnerable communities and occasionally found himself involved in violent confrontations. What changed was his willingness to examine his own motivations, although he remained imperfect in that regard. His instinct to protect others, sometimes regardless of their wishes or culpability, remained deeply ingrained. By the early 2350s, Vaelor had become increasingly restless. Although he valued his renewed connection with his family and faith, he missed the structure and purpose of organised service. His encounters with Starfleet personnel during humanitarian and security operations gradually encouraged him to consider a different future. The Federation's principles appealed to him, particularly the idea of serving an organisation whose responsibilities extended beyond the interests of any individual or powerful family. In 2357, aged 429, Vaelor enlisted in Starfleet Security. His unusual background and extensive mercenary history required considerable scrutiny, but he entered the service with a determination to establish himself through professional conduct rather than reputation. Following enlisted training on Earth, he was assigned to the USS Ardent during the ongoing Federation-Cardassian border conflict. Vaelor quickly distinguished himself through his combat experience, practical judgement and ability to remain composed under extreme pressure. During an engagement involving the defence of an isolated Federation communications outpost, he assumed responsibility for surviving personnel after the security complement suffered significant losses, organising their defence and eventual evacuation. His actions earned recognition and established the beginnings of a reputation within Starfleet Security. During the early 2360s, Vaelor also became acquainted with Miles O'Brien of the USS Rutledge during a joint operation along the Cardassian border. The two enlisted men developed an easy friendship founded upon shared professional experience, practical attitudes towards service and a mutual appreciation for understated humour. Although their careers subsequently took them in different directions, they maintained occasional contact. Further assignments aboard the Ardent and USS Harrier saw Vaelor participate in security operations connected with the Tzenkethi conflict, anti-piracy patrols, colonial evacuations and the increasingly complicated political situation along the Cardassian border. By the early 2370s, he had risen to Chief Petty Officer, serving as Assistant Security Chief aboard the Harrier. His considerable operational experience made him a respected senior enlisted leader, although his tendency to act independently occasionally placed him at odds with superior officers. With the outbreak of the Dominion War in 2373, Vaelor was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer and assumed command of a security detachment aboard the Harrier. His wartime service became one of the most distinguished periods of his Starfleet career, earning him considerable recognition for his leadership during several engagements. During the Defence of Ilaris Outpost in 2373, Vaelor helped coordinate the evacuation of Starfleet personnel and civilians while Dominion forces overwhelmed the installation's defences. The following year, during the Kestral Reach Engagement, his vessel sustained severe damage and was boarded by Jem'Hadar troops. Vaelor was seriously injured while defending wounded personnel, surviving a brutal hand-to-hand confrontation with a Jem'Hadar soldier after losing his weapon. The incident became widely discussed among fellow security personnel, with subsequent accounts becoming increasingly exaggerated. In 2375, Vaelor distinguished himself again during the evacuation of Pellis IV, coordinating security operations as Dominion forces advanced upon the colony. His efforts helped ensure that the majority of its civilian population escaped before the settlement was overrun. By the war's conclusion, Senior Chief Tane had earned a reputation as an exceptionally capable and dependable leader, particularly among personnel who had served beside him under fire. Following the conflict, Vaelor transferred to Starbase 187, where he served as a senior security non-commissioned officer for seven years. The assignment broadened his experience beyond starship security, involving civilian populations, diplomatic visitors, commercial disputes and the administrative responsibilities of a major Starfleet installation. His commanding officers increasingly recognised his aptitude for broader leadership, eventually encouraging him to pursue a commission. In 2382, after twenty-five years of enlisted service, Vaelor completed the necessary officer qualification programme and received his commission as an Ensign. He was assigned to the USS Halcyon, initially serving as a Security Officer before advancing to Security Operations Officer. During this period, he met Ressan Talya, a Bajoran educator whose intelligence, independence and strong religious convictions attracted him. Despite their considerable difference in age and cultural backgrounds, the two developed a close relationship founded upon genuine affection and mutual respect. They eventually married and welcomed two children, Veyra in 2386 and Joren in 2389. Vaelor embraced fatherhood again, although his increasingly demanding career would gradually complicate his ability to remain as involved in their upbringing as he had been with his eldest children. Both parents maintained their respective religious traditions, with Vaelor continuing his Toan’ta observances while Ressan followed the Bajoran Prophets. Although they respected one another's beliefs, questions surrounding their children's religious upbringing occasionally produced disagreements. In 2390, Vaelor transferred to the USS Vanguard as Chief of Security, having attained the rank of Lieutenant. His assignment involved operations along politically unstable borders and humanitarian missions following the destruction of Romulus. His experience among the El-Aurian Diaspora proved particularly valuable when dealing with displaced populations, although his uncompromising approach towards those exploiting vulnerable civilians occasionally created friction with his superiors. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 2395, Vaelor transferred to Starbase 214 as Second Officer and Chief of Security. The assignment represented a significant expansion of his command responsibilities, placing him in direct contact with the station's civilian administration, visiting representatives and numerous Starfleet departments. His effectiveness in managing complex security and operational matters eventually led to his promotion to Commander in 2400 and appointment as the station's Executive Officer. During these later years, however, his marriage to Ressan became increasingly strained. Vaelor's tendency to immerse himself in his duties, coupled with his fiercely protective and sometimes controlling nature, placed considerable pressure upon their relationship. Although he remained devoted to his wife and children, he frequently struggled to recognise when they needed his attention rather than his protection. Their daughter, increasingly fascinated by stories of her father's former life as V, also began displaying some of the stubbornness and appetite for risk that Vaelor recognised all too well. By 2402, their marriage had been troubled for several years. Despite the lingering affection between them, both Vaelor and Ressan had become uncertain about its future. His appointment as First Officer of Starbase Mojave presented an opportunity for a fresh professional challenge, and the family agreed to accompany him to the frontier installation. Whether the move would improve their personal circumstances remained uncertain. Vaelor arrived at Mojave carrying an extensive record of military service, criminal associations, personal losses, family responsibilities and professional achievements. His appointment placed him beneath the considerably younger Captain Cassandra Hawk, a situation he accepted without particular concern. Having spent centuries serving under individuals of varying ages, ranks and abilities, he had little interest in measuring authority through seniority alone. At 474 years old, Vaelor remains relatively young by El-Aurian standards, with much of his life still ahead of him. His Toan’ta faith remains central to his identity, expressed through daily observance, sacred markings and a deeply personal understanding of honour and responsibility. He continues to maintain close relationships with his surviving parents, siblings and children, while his former association with the Drazanni family remains a complicated chapter of his past. Despite his reputation and formidable professional demeanour, Vaelor retains a dry sense of humour, an appreciation for good company and the occasional satisfaction of a confrontation. His loyalty remains both his greatest virtue and one of his most persistent weaknesses. Although he has spent decades attempting to become a more measured man, the instincts that once made V such an effective fixer have never entirely disappeared. For the moment, Commander Vaelor Tane has a station to help run, a family whose future remains uncertain and a new frontier waiting beyond Mojave's walls. |
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| Service Record | 2357 -> 2358: Crewman Recruit, Security Trainee, Starfleet Enlisted Training Centre, Earth 2358 -> 2362: Crewman, Security Specialist, USS Ardent 2362 -> 2366: Petty Officer Third Class, Security Team Leader, USS Ardent 2366 -> 2370: Petty Officer Second Class, Security Specialist, USS Harrier 2370 -> 2373: Chief Petty Officer, Assistant Security Chief, USS Harrier 2373 -> 2375: Senior Chief Petty Officer, Security Detachment Commander, USS Harrier (Dominion War) 2375 -> 2382: Senior Chief Petty Officer, Senior Security NCO, Starbase 187 2382 -> 2386: Ensign, Security Officer, USS Halcyon 2386 -> 2390: Lieutenant Junior Grade, Security Operations Officer, USS Halcyon 2390 -> 2395: Lieutenant, Chief of Security, USS Vanguard 2395 -> 2400: Lieutenant Commander, Second Officer/Chief of Security, Starbase 214 2400 -> 2402: Commander, Executive Officer, Starbase 214 2402 -> Present: Commander, First Officer, Starbase Mojave |