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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