Jonkeereen
These natives of Jonkeer (1324 Deneb;
C4908C9-9) are the product of extensive geneering
by the Imperial Ministry of
Colonization. The project's goal was the creation
of a human subspecies perfectly suited
to
life in a hostile desert environment. Begun five centuries ago,
the project
has proven successful: over 400 million enhanced humans inhabit Jonkeer,
and millions more live on desert planets throughout the Domain
of Deneb and beyond.
The average jonkeerin is tall, thin, and dark-skinned,
much like human desert dwellers throughout space. Thorough
modifications
have moved the jonkeereen far from the human norm, however. A
combination
of genetic engineering and
adaptive
surgery aided the first jonkeereen; later generations bred true to the
Ministry's specifications.
The jonkeerin's adaptations are many. Protective membranes
shield his eyes and ears from windblown sand; changes to his metabolism
allow survival on the scant resources of arid plains. A highly
efficient
perspiration system and a large body surface area work to cool him in
temperatures
often exceeding 50 C - far above human tolerance. His dark
complexion shields him from the radiation of
Jonkeer's lurid red sun.
While the jonkeereen have changed in form, their culture
has also changed. Their lifestyle is austere, and many visitors
find the local customs harsh. Both conservatism and cooperation
are basic
traits of the jonkeereen mindset. Because they are no longer
fully human, many jonkeereen are typically aloof, emotionally distant
from their cousins.
The local scout base on Jonkeer
is engaged in long-term
observations of the jonkeerin culture and its departure from human
standards.
The biggest social step for the race, however, has occurred not on Jonkeer
but on Ianic (1924 Spinward
Marches). Integration of the jonkeereen into mainstream
Imperial culture has made great progress with the appointment of Armis
Kowrollian as the Marquis of
Ianic. He is the first jonkeerin to be awarded a landed nobility
title.
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