Canthus Elen

Canthus Elen is a Troglyte who grew up on Ardana. The Troglytes had gained more rights since the Enterprise’s visit about a century before Canthus’s birth, but were still often regarded as second class citizens and more often found in manual labor roles. However, Canthus showed an early talent with technology, and his parents were happy to capitalize on this and when Canthus finished high school at 16, he was sent to Stratos work as an intern for the Ardanan government, to help maintain Strato. He hated it and didn’t feel like he fit at all, so he enrolled in Starfleet Academy at 18 to get away.

In the academy, Canthus enjoyed his studies and decided to spend an extra 4 years on an advanced degree, in part because he was scared to be placed on a ship or Starbase. He also came out as transgender and began his transition from female to male. He joined a club for trans students and met Avak Ekos, who was pursuing their second degree after a few years on a ship.

Thaili Mekor, a professor at the academy, recommended Canthus for his brother Thaassen’s ship, so Canthus was sent there as his first assignment.