Lieutenant Commander Olan Ziva

Character Information

Gender		Male
Species		Betazoid
Birth Date		17 February 2356

Physical Appearance

Height		5'9"
Weight		159 lbs.
Hair Color		Black
Eye Color		Brown

Family

Father		Andryll Ziva
Mother		Ettalia Ziva
Sister(s)		Olisette Ziva (Twin - older)

Personality & Traits

Strengths & Weaknesses		Ziva is considered by many to be a rather strong, stable individual. He is incredibly self-disciplined. Years of training and experience growing up on Betazed have helped him to achieve high mental acuity while his service with the Starfleet Marine Corps has ensured continued physical health and wellness. This has led him to approach life, and more specifically his work, in a serious and deliberate manner. Contrary to most stereotypes about marines and security officers, however, Ziva demonstrates an immense capacity to show kindness, gentleness, and to care for others. This is perhaps a natural outgrowth of his clear ability to show empathy toward people around him. Ziva works well with others and has been cited several times by his superiors for his proven leadership abilities. He is usually able to rely on colleagues, friends, and allies without too much trouble. One of the biggest obstacles facing Ziva has been "Separation Affective Disorder". Sometime in mid-2375, it was discovered that prolonged separation from Ziva's older twin sister affected both of them mentally and emotionally. For Ziva, this has typically manifested itself as increasingly obsessive or repetitive behavior (i.e. training, cleaning, etc.) to the point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Such manifestations seem to be related to Ziva's tendency to occasionally get lost in his work. People on more than one occasion have had to counsel him against putting the needs of others so far ahead of his own. Ziva also struggles with his relationship to family. His decision to enlist in the Starfleet Marine Corps and to continue serving in Starfleet within the security division has earned him the displeasure of his parents, noted for their strong pacifist stance. This has brought him into frequent conflict, especially with his mother, and has created some distance between them. Equally distressing has been the residual conflict and frustration of having to constantly be near his sister, something which has been further exacerbated by the apparent imbalance within their relationship. She was forced to sacrifice her own dreams and career so that he could continue to serve in Starfleet knowing that, one day, he will eventually have to sacrifice his dreams and career so that she can assume her role as head of the family.
Ambitions		Inspired by Starfleet's discovery of the Progenitor race, Ziva originally traveled to Earth in 2374 with the intention of studying linguistics and anthropology, hoping to become a diplomat specializing in first contact situations. He was forced to abandon that dream shortly afterward when Betazed was invaded by the Dominion and he enlisted with the Starfleet Marine Corps. Ziva feels he can never truly go home to Betazed. The loss of innocence that comes from serving in war and experiencing combat has certainly taken its toll on him, not to mention the strain it has placed on his relationship with his family. What's more, his time in Starfleet seems to have only amplified his desire to experience more of the galaxy. Ziva has started to realize his future lies somewhere out among the stars, though he is not entirely certain what that future might be, only that he has found a way to make life work for the time being.
Hobbies & Interests		- Linguistics & Anthropology ~ Ziva deeply enjoys the study of various languages and peoples, how they interact with one another, as well as what these things can reveal about the differences and similarities between species. This has often spilled over into a strong appreciation for history and archaeology as well. - Holo-Recreation ~ Ziva has become much better about taking time away for himself. While he often prefers more recreational activities such as hiking, boating, and athletics, he is not averse to participating in the occasional holonovel for entertainment or cultural "research". - Instrumental Music ~ From an early age, Ziva's parents insisted both he and his sister have an appreciation for various artistic forms. Ziva set his sights on the violin and quickly demonstrated an aptitude that rivaled his equally vibrant passion for it. Somehow, he managed to stick with it even through his service during the Dominion War, becoming well known among his fellow marines for late night serenades. He has continued to play regularly as a therapeutic means of personal centering akin to meditation.
Languages		Federation Standard, Betazoid

Service Record

- Private ~ Starfleet Marine Corps Basic Training, MCRD San Diego (2374) - Private ~ Starfleet Marine Corps Advanced Infantry Training, Camp Pendleton (2374) - Private 1st Class ~ 7th Division Starfleet Marine Corps, Kalandra Sector (2375) - Lance Corporal ~ 7th Division Starfleet Marine Corps, Betazed (2375-2378) - Corporal ~ 7th Division Starfleet Marine Corps, Betazed (2378-2381) - Officer Candidate ~ Officer Training School, Starfleet Academy (2381-2383) - Lieutenant ~ Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Armstrong (2383-2385) - Lieutenant ~ Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Endurance (2385-2389) - Lieutenant Commander ~ Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Endurance (2389-2391) - Lieutenant Commander ~ Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Magellan (2391-Present)