Post by Dr. Latus on Jan 3, 2010 0:57:43 GMT -5
Name: Doctor Roland Schweigal
Age: 35 (Six years in cryo)
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Hetero
Race: Human
Occupation: Xenobiologist, Geologist
Human Physical Description:
"To put words to him is like explaining the meaning of life to a chimpanzee. It may smile and nod but it will never really comprehend the truth beyond what it sees."
~ Herschel M. Dale, Ph. D when asked to describe Dr. Schweigal
Doctor Dale had it the closest when it comes to the good Doctor. Outwardly there is nothing about Roland that is particularly noteworthy from his graying brown hair to his average stature. At five foot eight he was considered one of the shorter male graduates in his class. Though short he is relatively lean with moderately defined shoulders, arms, and back. A well maintained diet through college resulted in very little fat on his body. His hair is only a few inches long, dark brown, and his chin is dotted with stubble of up to a maximum of a week in length. The form of his face is well defined and hard edged with tight cheeks, a stout chin, and broad forehead. Wide blue eyes, a clean white smile, and a robust nose round out his face with scruffy eyebrows and a few gray hairs for garnish. His voice is bright, lively, a high baritone which carries a heavy dose of his German heritage in the form of an accent.
His choice of clothing in the lab is simple but comfortable. Soft soled shoes, size ten wide, with beige pants, an off white shirt, lab coat, and white tie are the most common. When not working, walking the hallways of the research center, or linked with his avatar his clothis changes little. The removal of the lab coat and replacement of good shirt, tie, and pants with more relaxed garb in natural shades of brown and green with grays for rainy days.
Upon closer inspection there are several flaws to his slowly aging features. His left eye has a blob of white scar tissue covering the bulk of the Iris and all of the pupil connecting the sclera on either side. There is only a sliver of blue showing above and below misshapen white. His hands are covered with bulging varicose veins that give them the illusion of greater age. On his right hand the index and ring finger are missing below the first knuckle only a half-inch from the hand.
When busy, Dr. Schweigal moves with purpose behind his actions; focused and intense on every task that is set before him. His features seem to sharpen and his good eye widens. On downtime his face is lighter, softer, more friendly. He will never hesitate to smile at a well timed joke or humorous antic of his associates.
Avatar Physical Description: Though the avatar still towers over the conventional human, Roland's alternate body is a few inches shorter than the average Na'vi. At almost exactly nine and a half feet the difference is minor but it is there. The face in his alternate form took on the more gentler side of him and is distinguished by soft cheeks, wide lips, and broad yellow eyes. The remainder of the physical traits are similar to the Na'vi; ears, tail, hair braid. However, his skin is a dark color of cyan with lighter blue strips that curve around his body in intricate patterns. The bioluminescent dots on his skin follow the central nervous system and trace their own patterns over the body.
His choice of clothing while in his avatar are simple and utilitarian. Pants with plenty of room for storage, a light comfortable shirt and a hat to protect his head and ears. Shoes are standard issue boots for the other avatars on base. He carries a small pack that contains the bulk of his equipment for taking samples and photographing the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as a well worn leather-bound notebook. Other items include a sturdy Geologic Compass, hand lense, sample containers, and water bottle.
Personality:
"He was really nice, really helpful and supportive. At least I thought so. We never got away with late work, though. Schweigal assigned a lot but gave us the time to do it and we were expected to get it done come hell or high water. If we didn't... no grade."
~Nicole E. Prouty when asked about Dr. Schweigal's teaching style
Roland is a man of many faces, many masks that are all different in their own way. Every situation the good doctor is a part of will see him wearing a mask that matches appropriately what is going on.
In casual, Roland is very open and outgoing. When greeted by him you would receive a kind welcome, a firm handshake or a kiss on the cheek. He is fairly outspoken about simple things but keeps in himself a reservation about his work or about information regarding his research. Questions such as these asked at casual times are brushed aside, usually with a laugh or a smile. As he puts so much effort into his work, Roland takes great care that his personal life and work life be kept separate. If found during quiet times, Roland can be found reading or writing in his notbook, making last minute corrections to a theory or cleaning up a sketch.
During the busy period of the day Roland dedicates all his energy to his research. Little conversation can be gotten in edgewise unless he is typing at a computer station or walking. When he is still he is taking notes, collecting samples, doing lab work, or sketching. It is during these times that the doctor might seem cold and distant but he was raised to work efficiently.
Talents:
Quick, Logical Thinking/Resourceful: Challenges arise no matter where you are and Roland's upbringing has given him an edge at dealing with problems quickly and efficiently. This is most visible when he is forced to improvise at a critical moment. The way he is able to manage and salvage situations others may deem unlikely is a skill that he has recognized and cultivated through his years as a student and beyond.
Book Learned: From the age of eighteen to the age of twenty eight, Roland was a student of the sciences. The process of college life as well as general education requirements brought out a love of reading in him. This aided with research on his thesis and the eventual achievement of his title of doctor. He is well versed on a wide variety of subjects but mostly so in his two areas of study, xenobiology and geology.
Tech Head: When it comes to computers and their use, the Doctor is something of a master. Anyone can punch numbers, write code, and build models but Roland, having spent his entire student career in computer labs knows the workings of most mainstream programs used in the sciences. As with needing to know how to create models he also knows how to code in the programming language used by ninety percent of modern computers.
Linguist: As a student Roland had traveled allover Earth, studying at a grand total of seven different Universities in four different countries; each country with its own language. By the time he had reached his third year of graduate study he was fluent in English and German and proficient in French, Russian, and Chinese.
When selected for the scientific expedition to Pandora he shifted his study in language to that of the Na'vi which was well documented during the previous failed trip. By the time he set out for Pandora he had a grasp on the major concepts of the language but was still developing his vocabulary.
Doodler/Artist: Though this may not seem like a talent, Roland has honed the simple art of doodling down to a science all its own. If given time and a few moments of science he may recreate a very accurate representation of what he sees on paper. Though this art is best used when sketching rock outcrops or plants, static things, he has begun to sketch living things; humans, Na'vi, the local fauna.
History: Roland Heinrich Schweigal was born of Heinrich Roland Schweigal and Felice Ana Konig on November 17, 2150 in Munich Germany. As Felice and Heinrich were two of the staff doctors Heinrich insisted on delivering the baby himself. Proud to have anew son and fine prospects for the future the new family took to raising their son right. For the first five years Roland lived in comfort, having at least one parent around while the other worked the hospital.
In 2154, with the downturn of the global economy resulting from the RDA being thrown off Pandora things became harder for the once prosperous family. Though Doctors were still in very high demand both parents would have to be gone at once, wages decreased, and tensions within the home began to rise. Heinrich and Felice began to see their son as a burden and, as soon as he was old enough he was sent to a boarding school outside Hamburg.
Roland lived for ten years away from his parents. Ten years of strict discipline, unable to express emotions or talents save in the comfort of small groups and behind closed doors. The young man found life in the dormitories incredibly boring and soon did whatever he could to be creative; humming, snapping his fingers, doodling. The only one he managed to preserve through the prying ears and ruthless discipline was his drawings which he carried around in a small notebook. The only other recreational activity he managed was reading which comprised of books, pamphlets, newspapers, and anything else he was able to get his hands on. It was in this way that he began to daydream about Pandora, about a planet where it was still green and beautiful like Earth was in his books. His curiosity soon turned into a real and honest desire to learn more, however, with limited material his interest only ever developed so far.
Several months after his fifteenth birthday he received news that he was returning to life with his parents. His earliest, most cherished memories were all he could think about as he returned home; a caring family and life in comfort. What awaited him was far from his memories. A six room hovel on the edge of a bad neighborhood felt more like a punishment than a relief. With ten years lacking in the experience of parenting neither Heinrich nor Felice made the transition easy. Even though he was accustomed to it, Roland was suddenly forced to act like someone twice his age. What little had existed of Roland's childhood was gone.
As the months passed in the Schweigal household the situation became more and more desperate. The economy coupled with skyrocketing inflation and unbearable work hours saw the Doctors working nights and sleeping days. Roland had to effectively raise himself. With no knowledge of how to make friends he became a loner, living in the shadow of his parents. The termination of Heinrich clenched the situation for the family and they were forced to make a difficult decision; stay in poverty in Munich or attempt to salvage what they could in another country. As Felice was proficient in English the decision was made and the family uprooted, moving to the continent-city of America.
Secondary School in the States was difficult as ever for Roland. His English was slow learned, classes were unevenly taught, and his father constantly railed him about his studies. "Nichts weniger als Perfektion, mein sohn. Nothing less than perfection!" Roland had few friends being closed off from the other students who generally left him alone because of the language barrier. Those who stuck with him were other foreign students who knew a fraction of the German tongue though the "friendship" was fruitless. Even after Roland learned a sufficient amount of the English language to get by he was viewed as an outcast for his heavy accent and cold attitude. Neither parent attended his graduation.
While the hours were still murderous as ever for the two Doctors, the rate of pay in the Americas was substantially more. As soon as a proper university was found for Roland he was enrolled and set down the path to a better education. Roland chose a campus far from home to be out of his parent's shadow. Before the question was even asked of him, Roland knew what he wanted to major in. As Biology was only a theoretical coarse with most plants and animals on Earth extinct, Xenobiology had come into its own as a field of study taking videos and documentation from Pandora.
When Heinrich found out what his son was going into he became livid; he wanted his son to be a Doctor. When Roland refused to budge on the subject Heinrich cut his financial support. Undaunted, Roland found work on campus and wherever he was able to cover the cost of his tuition. It was during the slivers of downtime that Roland was able to know the joy of friendship. Several of his classmates were of an understanding disposition and saw the hardships that he faced. He quickly made friends, the feeling of camaraderie more supportive than his parents ever were. It was in these times that he was able to smile, laugh, enjoy a fraction of what he had missed as a child. At the end of his first year he had a perfect 4 grade point average.
Due to his grades, and application to as many scholarships as he could, his tuition in his second year was primarily covered right from the off. With the money he made working for the University he opted into the foreign exchange program. Until the fall semester of his Senior year he studied abroad in France, Russia, and China spending a full semester in each country. While abroad he saw that someone in the field of Xenobiology had scant little in the job market of earth at that time. Seeing that humans were still drawing minerals out of the ground and the demand was always there, he chose to add more classes to his schedule and dual major in Geology.
An unfortunate accident occurred while he was in Russia. Driving with his host family in Moskow their vehicle was hit head on by a drunk driver. Roland escaped relatively unscathed but his host father and sister were killed in the crash. Roland's right eye took a piece of glass to it and they weren't able to keep it from scarring over. The only thing he can see out of it now are shadows on good days, nothing on bad. His hand was pinched in between two metal shards, the index and ring finger smashed beyond salvation. He lost both to an inch above the hand on each. Determined to not let the accident slow him down he continued his studies, overcoming the loss of his eye by therapy and diligence.
Because of the accident he decided to take a full extra year to achieve both majors, Roland graduated in 2173 with a 3.94 GPA and in the top 10% of his class. Neither parent attended his graduation. This attracted the attention of a research firm out of Germany who saw promise in Roland. Offering to pay his graduate studies Roland accepted and returned to Germany. His adviser, a high ranking chair of the research firm, expressed to the graduate how they wanted to see more scientists return to Pandora; he said, it was only a matter of time and hints that talks were in the works of sending scientists back to the moon.
For the next three years Roland studies constantly, learning the finer points of Native Pandora plants, animals, and even some of the language of the Na'vi. His thesis is published in the fall of 2175, titled "The Death of Earth, Birth of Something Greater" and receives his doctorate in Xenobiology only weeks before boarding the Green Mother. His parents attend and gifted to him a thick leather-bound notebook. It was something he recognized from his father's study, something he had not been allowed to go near as a child. It was his great grandfather's old journal with hundreds of unused pages. Stony faced Heinrich gave it to his son who had tears running down his face as he knew what it meant. It was only then that Roland felt a twinge of regret for choosing to leave.
Six years later Roland awakened aboard the Green Mother as it finally reaches Pandora. This is the first time Roland has seen his avatar. Due to his grasp on the Na'vi language he was chosen to be part of the advanced team to go down to the planet and establish contact with the tribes of the Na'vi. At first their attempts to make contact are met with violence. As time passes the scientists manage to make peace with some of the outlying tribes and an agreement is made.
In 2186 the human's compound is finally established and Dr. Roland, one of the few scientists who can speak the Na'vi language, remained behind in the compound to begin his research.
RP Sample:
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” ~Benjamin Franklin
He becomes aware of himself. Cold, sore, hazy thoughts and dulled senses he almost wishes to go back to sleep; the best one he had in ages. In truth his beauty sleep has lasted nearly six long years. Shifting on the cot he is secured to he tries to focus, seeing nothing but the gray blob of his "cabin." More like a ruddy waste bin. A click from above his head gives him pause. A line of light forms at the top of his bunk and gradually gets wider as he is pulled out from his quarters like a sock drawer, the light causing him to close his eyes against the pain. The noise of activity rises around him, shattering the blessed silence. After a moment a voice pierces the seemingly dull roar of the bunk section.
Schweigal, Doctor Roland. Roland groaned as a hand moved to his waist to undo the safety belt holding him onto the bunk. Can you hear me doc? Feeling coming back okay? He twitches as a hand opens forces one lid up then another. Barely having the rpesence of mind to speek, Roland can only mutter a weak Ja. Good, take a few minutes to catch up. You're going down as soon as they get the minute analysis in, better get a move on. He felt a warm hand on his forehead and then move on, shifting around to check his vitals.
Ich bin nach oben! Ge-get ze coffee on, black please...
*********
The planet filled his vision, green blue and stunning as he takes another sip of his drink. Though not his asked black coffee its hot enough and helps take the chill out of his joints. Before he left Earth he was twenty-nine. They tell him that you don't age while in cryosleep but at that moment he felt his true age if not a great deal older. But there, floating in front of one of the largest view screens to the planet, Roland felt himself gain that time back. It looked like the books, a green blue sphere against the backdrop of a sky blue gas giant. He could think of nothing better to be doing whilst he thawed, at this Roland gave a throaty chuckle.
Something funny, Dr. Schweigal?
Grasping the side of the view screen he spun himself about coming face to face with one of the medical crew that was already thawed out. Only zat I got icicles fallin' off me. Are zey ready for me? I didn't realize zey ver giving me a... skinsuit.
Avatar, Dr. Schweigal. And they are just showing it to you. They can't breathe in an O2 rich atmosphere. Follow me.
Pushing off from the side he followed the young nurse through a door at the back of the cavernous room and down a long narrow hallway. They passed several others, some who gave Roland an odd look upon noticing his bad eye; he returned the looks with a friendly smile and nod. Finally the pair enter into a room with holding tanks and Roland's eyes go wide. Moving to one he is amazed by the creature floating in them, an almost perfect specimen of a Na'vi. Never having seen one outside of literature Roland can only stare on in silence, eyes wide marveling at the gargantuan size, braid and tail, and flawless cyan skin.
Hey Doc, yours is over here. Hurry we don't have a lot of time. Shaking his head and smiling at the liquid bound creature he pushed off of the panel toward the nurse. Entschuldigung, sorry, sorry.
As his eyes graced the tank his breath catches. Zat's me? Moving up to the side of it he damn near presses his face to the glass like a child. To Roland the form suspended in the liquid had the same basic physical structure as the other Avatars in that room but the face, the face was undoubtedly his. It had the same basic facial structure, cheeks, wide mouth, strong chin, but the nose was different. The nose and ears had a more feline look to them, a more Na'vi look. In his mind he wondered what the caloric intake per day for the body was, he wondered if it was able to regenerate any faster than humans, he wondered if his eyes were still blue.
So... zis is what it feels like to have children. A bit of... uh, perversion zere but it is technically true.
I've heard weirder things said about a person's avatar, Doc. Cmon, the briefing for the landing group should be starting. Roland turned his head to reply. Right behind you...
Quickly turning back he put his right hand on the tank. The stumps of his two missing fingers seemed to quiver in anticipation at getting behind the controls of that blue body. Casually his eyes graced the hands and he stopped. Unlike the Na'vi four digit hands, the one he was looking at had five digits. A quick glance to the feet showed five toes as well. Sighing he placed his right hand over his bad eye realizing that, for the first time in years, he may have a chance to use them again.
Doc!
Ja ja, ich komme.
Age: 35 (Six years in cryo)
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Hetero
Race: Human
Occupation: Xenobiologist, Geologist
Human Physical Description:
"To put words to him is like explaining the meaning of life to a chimpanzee. It may smile and nod but it will never really comprehend the truth beyond what it sees."
~ Herschel M. Dale, Ph. D when asked to describe Dr. Schweigal
Doctor Dale had it the closest when it comes to the good Doctor. Outwardly there is nothing about Roland that is particularly noteworthy from his graying brown hair to his average stature. At five foot eight he was considered one of the shorter male graduates in his class. Though short he is relatively lean with moderately defined shoulders, arms, and back. A well maintained diet through college resulted in very little fat on his body. His hair is only a few inches long, dark brown, and his chin is dotted with stubble of up to a maximum of a week in length. The form of his face is well defined and hard edged with tight cheeks, a stout chin, and broad forehead. Wide blue eyes, a clean white smile, and a robust nose round out his face with scruffy eyebrows and a few gray hairs for garnish. His voice is bright, lively, a high baritone which carries a heavy dose of his German heritage in the form of an accent.
His choice of clothing in the lab is simple but comfortable. Soft soled shoes, size ten wide, with beige pants, an off white shirt, lab coat, and white tie are the most common. When not working, walking the hallways of the research center, or linked with his avatar his clothis changes little. The removal of the lab coat and replacement of good shirt, tie, and pants with more relaxed garb in natural shades of brown and green with grays for rainy days.
Upon closer inspection there are several flaws to his slowly aging features. His left eye has a blob of white scar tissue covering the bulk of the Iris and all of the pupil connecting the sclera on either side. There is only a sliver of blue showing above and below misshapen white. His hands are covered with bulging varicose veins that give them the illusion of greater age. On his right hand the index and ring finger are missing below the first knuckle only a half-inch from the hand.
When busy, Dr. Schweigal moves with purpose behind his actions; focused and intense on every task that is set before him. His features seem to sharpen and his good eye widens. On downtime his face is lighter, softer, more friendly. He will never hesitate to smile at a well timed joke or humorous antic of his associates.
Avatar Physical Description: Though the avatar still towers over the conventional human, Roland's alternate body is a few inches shorter than the average Na'vi. At almost exactly nine and a half feet the difference is minor but it is there. The face in his alternate form took on the more gentler side of him and is distinguished by soft cheeks, wide lips, and broad yellow eyes. The remainder of the physical traits are similar to the Na'vi; ears, tail, hair braid. However, his skin is a dark color of cyan with lighter blue strips that curve around his body in intricate patterns. The bioluminescent dots on his skin follow the central nervous system and trace their own patterns over the body.
His choice of clothing while in his avatar are simple and utilitarian. Pants with plenty of room for storage, a light comfortable shirt and a hat to protect his head and ears. Shoes are standard issue boots for the other avatars on base. He carries a small pack that contains the bulk of his equipment for taking samples and photographing the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as a well worn leather-bound notebook. Other items include a sturdy Geologic Compass, hand lense, sample containers, and water bottle.
Personality:
"He was really nice, really helpful and supportive. At least I thought so. We never got away with late work, though. Schweigal assigned a lot but gave us the time to do it and we were expected to get it done come hell or high water. If we didn't... no grade."
~Nicole E. Prouty when asked about Dr. Schweigal's teaching style
Roland is a man of many faces, many masks that are all different in their own way. Every situation the good doctor is a part of will see him wearing a mask that matches appropriately what is going on.
In casual, Roland is very open and outgoing. When greeted by him you would receive a kind welcome, a firm handshake or a kiss on the cheek. He is fairly outspoken about simple things but keeps in himself a reservation about his work or about information regarding his research. Questions such as these asked at casual times are brushed aside, usually with a laugh or a smile. As he puts so much effort into his work, Roland takes great care that his personal life and work life be kept separate. If found during quiet times, Roland can be found reading or writing in his notbook, making last minute corrections to a theory or cleaning up a sketch.
During the busy period of the day Roland dedicates all his energy to his research. Little conversation can be gotten in edgewise unless he is typing at a computer station or walking. When he is still he is taking notes, collecting samples, doing lab work, or sketching. It is during these times that the doctor might seem cold and distant but he was raised to work efficiently.
Talents:
Quick, Logical Thinking/Resourceful: Challenges arise no matter where you are and Roland's upbringing has given him an edge at dealing with problems quickly and efficiently. This is most visible when he is forced to improvise at a critical moment. The way he is able to manage and salvage situations others may deem unlikely is a skill that he has recognized and cultivated through his years as a student and beyond.
Book Learned: From the age of eighteen to the age of twenty eight, Roland was a student of the sciences. The process of college life as well as general education requirements brought out a love of reading in him. This aided with research on his thesis and the eventual achievement of his title of doctor. He is well versed on a wide variety of subjects but mostly so in his two areas of study, xenobiology and geology.
Tech Head: When it comes to computers and their use, the Doctor is something of a master. Anyone can punch numbers, write code, and build models but Roland, having spent his entire student career in computer labs knows the workings of most mainstream programs used in the sciences. As with needing to know how to create models he also knows how to code in the programming language used by ninety percent of modern computers.
Linguist: As a student Roland had traveled allover Earth, studying at a grand total of seven different Universities in four different countries; each country with its own language. By the time he had reached his third year of graduate study he was fluent in English and German and proficient in French, Russian, and Chinese.
When selected for the scientific expedition to Pandora he shifted his study in language to that of the Na'vi which was well documented during the previous failed trip. By the time he set out for Pandora he had a grasp on the major concepts of the language but was still developing his vocabulary.
Doodler/Artist: Though this may not seem like a talent, Roland has honed the simple art of doodling down to a science all its own. If given time and a few moments of science he may recreate a very accurate representation of what he sees on paper. Though this art is best used when sketching rock outcrops or plants, static things, he has begun to sketch living things; humans, Na'vi, the local fauna.
History: Roland Heinrich Schweigal was born of Heinrich Roland Schweigal and Felice Ana Konig on November 17, 2150 in Munich Germany. As Felice and Heinrich were two of the staff doctors Heinrich insisted on delivering the baby himself. Proud to have anew son and fine prospects for the future the new family took to raising their son right. For the first five years Roland lived in comfort, having at least one parent around while the other worked the hospital.
In 2154, with the downturn of the global economy resulting from the RDA being thrown off Pandora things became harder for the once prosperous family. Though Doctors were still in very high demand both parents would have to be gone at once, wages decreased, and tensions within the home began to rise. Heinrich and Felice began to see their son as a burden and, as soon as he was old enough he was sent to a boarding school outside Hamburg.
Roland lived for ten years away from his parents. Ten years of strict discipline, unable to express emotions or talents save in the comfort of small groups and behind closed doors. The young man found life in the dormitories incredibly boring and soon did whatever he could to be creative; humming, snapping his fingers, doodling. The only one he managed to preserve through the prying ears and ruthless discipline was his drawings which he carried around in a small notebook. The only other recreational activity he managed was reading which comprised of books, pamphlets, newspapers, and anything else he was able to get his hands on. It was in this way that he began to daydream about Pandora, about a planet where it was still green and beautiful like Earth was in his books. His curiosity soon turned into a real and honest desire to learn more, however, with limited material his interest only ever developed so far.
Several months after his fifteenth birthday he received news that he was returning to life with his parents. His earliest, most cherished memories were all he could think about as he returned home; a caring family and life in comfort. What awaited him was far from his memories. A six room hovel on the edge of a bad neighborhood felt more like a punishment than a relief. With ten years lacking in the experience of parenting neither Heinrich nor Felice made the transition easy. Even though he was accustomed to it, Roland was suddenly forced to act like someone twice his age. What little had existed of Roland's childhood was gone.
As the months passed in the Schweigal household the situation became more and more desperate. The economy coupled with skyrocketing inflation and unbearable work hours saw the Doctors working nights and sleeping days. Roland had to effectively raise himself. With no knowledge of how to make friends he became a loner, living in the shadow of his parents. The termination of Heinrich clenched the situation for the family and they were forced to make a difficult decision; stay in poverty in Munich or attempt to salvage what they could in another country. As Felice was proficient in English the decision was made and the family uprooted, moving to the continent-city of America.
Secondary School in the States was difficult as ever for Roland. His English was slow learned, classes were unevenly taught, and his father constantly railed him about his studies. "Nichts weniger als Perfektion, mein sohn. Nothing less than perfection!" Roland had few friends being closed off from the other students who generally left him alone because of the language barrier. Those who stuck with him were other foreign students who knew a fraction of the German tongue though the "friendship" was fruitless. Even after Roland learned a sufficient amount of the English language to get by he was viewed as an outcast for his heavy accent and cold attitude. Neither parent attended his graduation.
While the hours were still murderous as ever for the two Doctors, the rate of pay in the Americas was substantially more. As soon as a proper university was found for Roland he was enrolled and set down the path to a better education. Roland chose a campus far from home to be out of his parent's shadow. Before the question was even asked of him, Roland knew what he wanted to major in. As Biology was only a theoretical coarse with most plants and animals on Earth extinct, Xenobiology had come into its own as a field of study taking videos and documentation from Pandora.
When Heinrich found out what his son was going into he became livid; he wanted his son to be a Doctor. When Roland refused to budge on the subject Heinrich cut his financial support. Undaunted, Roland found work on campus and wherever he was able to cover the cost of his tuition. It was during the slivers of downtime that Roland was able to know the joy of friendship. Several of his classmates were of an understanding disposition and saw the hardships that he faced. He quickly made friends, the feeling of camaraderie more supportive than his parents ever were. It was in these times that he was able to smile, laugh, enjoy a fraction of what he had missed as a child. At the end of his first year he had a perfect 4 grade point average.
Due to his grades, and application to as many scholarships as he could, his tuition in his second year was primarily covered right from the off. With the money he made working for the University he opted into the foreign exchange program. Until the fall semester of his Senior year he studied abroad in France, Russia, and China spending a full semester in each country. While abroad he saw that someone in the field of Xenobiology had scant little in the job market of earth at that time. Seeing that humans were still drawing minerals out of the ground and the demand was always there, he chose to add more classes to his schedule and dual major in Geology.
An unfortunate accident occurred while he was in Russia. Driving with his host family in Moskow their vehicle was hit head on by a drunk driver. Roland escaped relatively unscathed but his host father and sister were killed in the crash. Roland's right eye took a piece of glass to it and they weren't able to keep it from scarring over. The only thing he can see out of it now are shadows on good days, nothing on bad. His hand was pinched in between two metal shards, the index and ring finger smashed beyond salvation. He lost both to an inch above the hand on each. Determined to not let the accident slow him down he continued his studies, overcoming the loss of his eye by therapy and diligence.
Because of the accident he decided to take a full extra year to achieve both majors, Roland graduated in 2173 with a 3.94 GPA and in the top 10% of his class. Neither parent attended his graduation. This attracted the attention of a research firm out of Germany who saw promise in Roland. Offering to pay his graduate studies Roland accepted and returned to Germany. His adviser, a high ranking chair of the research firm, expressed to the graduate how they wanted to see more scientists return to Pandora; he said, it was only a matter of time and hints that talks were in the works of sending scientists back to the moon.
For the next three years Roland studies constantly, learning the finer points of Native Pandora plants, animals, and even some of the language of the Na'vi. His thesis is published in the fall of 2175, titled "The Death of Earth, Birth of Something Greater" and receives his doctorate in Xenobiology only weeks before boarding the Green Mother. His parents attend and gifted to him a thick leather-bound notebook. It was something he recognized from his father's study, something he had not been allowed to go near as a child. It was his great grandfather's old journal with hundreds of unused pages. Stony faced Heinrich gave it to his son who had tears running down his face as he knew what it meant. It was only then that Roland felt a twinge of regret for choosing to leave.
Six years later Roland awakened aboard the Green Mother as it finally reaches Pandora. This is the first time Roland has seen his avatar. Due to his grasp on the Na'vi language he was chosen to be part of the advanced team to go down to the planet and establish contact with the tribes of the Na'vi. At first their attempts to make contact are met with violence. As time passes the scientists manage to make peace with some of the outlying tribes and an agreement is made.
In 2186 the human's compound is finally established and Dr. Roland, one of the few scientists who can speak the Na'vi language, remained behind in the compound to begin his research.
RP Sample:
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” ~Benjamin Franklin
He becomes aware of himself. Cold, sore, hazy thoughts and dulled senses he almost wishes to go back to sleep; the best one he had in ages. In truth his beauty sleep has lasted nearly six long years. Shifting on the cot he is secured to he tries to focus, seeing nothing but the gray blob of his "cabin." More like a ruddy waste bin. A click from above his head gives him pause. A line of light forms at the top of his bunk and gradually gets wider as he is pulled out from his quarters like a sock drawer, the light causing him to close his eyes against the pain. The noise of activity rises around him, shattering the blessed silence. After a moment a voice pierces the seemingly dull roar of the bunk section.
Schweigal, Doctor Roland. Roland groaned as a hand moved to his waist to undo the safety belt holding him onto the bunk. Can you hear me doc? Feeling coming back okay? He twitches as a hand opens forces one lid up then another. Barely having the rpesence of mind to speek, Roland can only mutter a weak Ja. Good, take a few minutes to catch up. You're going down as soon as they get the minute analysis in, better get a move on. He felt a warm hand on his forehead and then move on, shifting around to check his vitals.
Ich bin nach oben! Ge-get ze coffee on, black please...
*********
The planet filled his vision, green blue and stunning as he takes another sip of his drink. Though not his asked black coffee its hot enough and helps take the chill out of his joints. Before he left Earth he was twenty-nine. They tell him that you don't age while in cryosleep but at that moment he felt his true age if not a great deal older. But there, floating in front of one of the largest view screens to the planet, Roland felt himself gain that time back. It looked like the books, a green blue sphere against the backdrop of a sky blue gas giant. He could think of nothing better to be doing whilst he thawed, at this Roland gave a throaty chuckle.
Something funny, Dr. Schweigal?
Grasping the side of the view screen he spun himself about coming face to face with one of the medical crew that was already thawed out. Only zat I got icicles fallin' off me. Are zey ready for me? I didn't realize zey ver giving me a... skinsuit.
Avatar, Dr. Schweigal. And they are just showing it to you. They can't breathe in an O2 rich atmosphere. Follow me.
Pushing off from the side he followed the young nurse through a door at the back of the cavernous room and down a long narrow hallway. They passed several others, some who gave Roland an odd look upon noticing his bad eye; he returned the looks with a friendly smile and nod. Finally the pair enter into a room with holding tanks and Roland's eyes go wide. Moving to one he is amazed by the creature floating in them, an almost perfect specimen of a Na'vi. Never having seen one outside of literature Roland can only stare on in silence, eyes wide marveling at the gargantuan size, braid and tail, and flawless cyan skin.
Hey Doc, yours is over here. Hurry we don't have a lot of time. Shaking his head and smiling at the liquid bound creature he pushed off of the panel toward the nurse. Entschuldigung, sorry, sorry.
As his eyes graced the tank his breath catches. Zat's me? Moving up to the side of it he damn near presses his face to the glass like a child. To Roland the form suspended in the liquid had the same basic physical structure as the other Avatars in that room but the face, the face was undoubtedly his. It had the same basic facial structure, cheeks, wide mouth, strong chin, but the nose was different. The nose and ears had a more feline look to them, a more Na'vi look. In his mind he wondered what the caloric intake per day for the body was, he wondered if it was able to regenerate any faster than humans, he wondered if his eyes were still blue.
So... zis is what it feels like to have children. A bit of... uh, perversion zere but it is technically true.
I've heard weirder things said about a person's avatar, Doc. Cmon, the briefing for the landing group should be starting. Roland turned his head to reply. Right behind you...
Quickly turning back he put his right hand on the tank. The stumps of his two missing fingers seemed to quiver in anticipation at getting behind the controls of that blue body. Casually his eyes graced the hands and he stopped. Unlike the Na'vi four digit hands, the one he was looking at had five digits. A quick glance to the feet showed five toes as well. Sighing he placed his right hand over his bad eye realizing that, for the first time in years, he may have a chance to use them again.
Doc!
Ja ja, ich komme.
