Starsa Taran was an Oppalassan female who served in Starfleet in the 24th century. She grew up in Hohonoran on Oppalassa, one of the most densely populated places in the galaxy.
Biography[]
Taran attended Starfleet Academy from 2368 to 2372 with a focus on engineering. During her first year, her roommate was a third-year cadet named T'Rees. The other members of her quad were Elma, Nev Reoh, Moll Enor, Bobbie Ray Jefferson, Jayme Miranda, and Hammon Titus.
During her third year, Taran was assigned field duty at Jupiter Station alongside her friend Miranda, where they worked with Reginald Barclay and Lewis Zimmerman.
Her species experienced puberty later than most humanoids, and when she entered the Academy she was still a pre-adolescent. In 2371 she began to go through puberty; however, her body reacted abnormally and she had to return to Oppalassa for treatment. She was accompanied by Nev, then an assistant professor of geophysics. While on Oppalassa their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.
In 2372 Taran finished her studies at Starfleet Academy, and she and Nev were posted to Deep Space 9. (TNG novel: The Best and the Brightest)