Summary
Pyrao was raised within a specialized breeding program overseen by the Andorian Imperial Guard. She was selected for her intelligence, agility, and stable temperament. Pyrao entered Starfleet Academy’s Service Animal Training Program at barely a year old. She completed a rigorous twelve-month regimen that included scent work, physical apprehension, tactical stealth, and systems interaction. The proud Grayth is certified as a Level III Starfleet Support Animal.
Pyrao was assigned to the USS Brawley upon graduation.
Grayth are a remarkable semi-domesticated species native to the frozen tundras and underground colonies of Andoria. They exhibit a unique blend of feline and canine traits. Grayth are known for being beloved companions and faithful service animals.
Pyrao accesses her quarters via a low, curved tunnel that only she can easily utilize. Visitors must ring a door chime. The selective Grayth can choose if she wants to admit them. A sharp, musical “Grruth” vocalization triggers a connected door to whisk open. She retreats to her room when she needs a break from the constant attention.
A specially calibrated replicator located within her cavernous quarters provides her with a carefully maintained diet. She uses this with remarkable discipline. Despite her natural instincts, she shows restraint when selecting meals. Pyrao also understands the rules aboard the Brawley. Hunting is forbidden unless expressly allowed. She’s trained to identify over 57 varieties of invasive, space-fairing pests. Her roles include contraband detection, defense and apprehension, search and rescue and integrating socially with the crew.
Appearance
Grayth typically range between 2 to 5 feet in length from snout to hindquarters. Their body is athletic and densely muscled. Grayth combinine the sturdy gait of terrestrial canines with the agile prowess of felines. Grayth tails are long and supple. It grants Grayth extraordinary balance. They poses the uncanny ability to twist midair, landing on their soft paw pads. Grayth can survive falls that would maim lesser creatures.
Their coats evolved to survive Andoria’s extreme cold. Blue short-haired Grayth have adapted to live within the warmer subterranean cities and homes of Andorian society. Coat colors span pale icy blue, deep navy, rich teal, crisp white, and onyx black. Some individuals bear dark, oval-shaped spotting. Eye colors range from vivid green and azure to radiant gold and violet.
Their claws are permanently extended unlike those of felines. Grayth skeletal structure is exceptionally dense and durable. This also helps their ability to withstand tumbles.
Personality
Grayth are highly intelligent and socially driven. These pack-oriented lifeforms form deep bonds with families and communities and are always seeking a role to fulfill. On Andoria, it is considered irresponsible to own a Grayth without giving it meaningful work. Tasks include work as a messenger, emotional support lifeform, or even as a trained security or medical assistant.
Female Grayth naturally assume leadership roles within packs. They tend to be more nurturing and attuned to emotional needs.
Grayth communication is distinct and charming. Their soft-spoken vocalizations feature a range of sounds. A low “gruth” expresses content. A drawn-out “grrrr” of warning expresses agitatation. An endearing “ufff” or prolonged syllable is called when seeking attention or expressing excitement. Grayth vocal patterns are so expressive that many owners swear their Grayth can hold conversations. Specially adapted universal translators are installed in many collars.
A Grayth’s sense of smell is legendary. They can track prey by scent over distances exceeding 120 miles across open tundra. Their eyesight surpasses that of Earth’s most powerful raptors. Powerful vision grants them astonishing long-range clarity even under low-light conditions.
Their speed matches that of Earth’s swiftest dogs. Grayth agility and climbing ability truly sets them apart. One can scale icy cliffs with shocking ease. Prehensile tails maintain balance in treacherous environments.
History
Pyrao is one of Starfleet’s first and most highly trained service Grayth. Her first year of life was spent training on Andoria. A year of classes at Starfleet Academy followed. Pyrao continued her training during a 6-month rotation aboard Starbase 611. Her success means more Grayth will likely be admitted to Starfleet in the coming years.
She has completed more classes than any other Grayth in the Fleet. Petty Officer Pyrao possesses a wide array of skills, making her useful for almost any away mission.