Tcharken

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch Novelizations separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Tcharken is a Chitain warrior who serves as interpreter and senior advisor to Lord Schikik, the supreme leader of the Chitain species. He plays a pivotal role in the diplomatic negotiations between the Colonial Fleet and the Chitain during the events following the fleet's discovery of Poseidon.

Physical Description

Tcharken possesses the characteristic serpentine body structure of all Chitain, standing over two metrons tall with the ability to rise even higher on his coiled lower trunk. His armored chest carapace displays a distinctive greenish tint that sets him apart from other warriors. Unlike the more elaborate scarring of higher-ranking Chitain, Tcharken bears only three jagged lines carved into his shell, supplemented by several artistic designs that suggest both rank and aesthetic purpose.

Like all Chitain, Tcharken has four arms—an upper pair ending in three sharp, talon-like digits, and a lower pair terminating in massive pincers. His face, though nearly featureless to human eyes, contains four thin, slitted eyes and a wide mouth filled with menacing teeth positioned at the bottom of his head.

Role and Abilities

Linguistic Expertise

Despite the physiological challenges posed by the Chitain vocal apparatus—which produces sounds resembling "the screech of metal against metal, the loud, chilling rasp of sandpaper"—Tcharken demonstrates remarkable proficiency in speaking Kobollian. He began studying the human language upon learning of the colony on Poseidon, preferring direct communication over the more cumbersome fundamental code typically used for inter-species dialogue.

Diplomatic Functions

As Lord Schikik's primary advisor and interpreter, Tcharken serves as the crucial intermediary between the Chitain leadership and human representatives. He initially establishes contact with Commander Cain, whom he mistakenly identifies as Apollo's superior during their first meeting.

Tcharken articulates the Chitain's official position regarding potential alliance, expressing their "fervent desire that an accord be reached between our two races that would forge an alliance we may all enjoy for generations to come." His diplomatic approach demonstrates both cultural awareness and strategic calculation, as he carefully manages the protocols of first contact between the two species.

First Contact with Humanity

During the initial diplomatic mission to the Chitain homeworld, Tcharken greets Apollo's delegation—consisting of Apollo, Starbuck, Boomer, and Gar'Tokk—at their landing site. The meeting occurs amidst a display of overwhelming Chitain military force, with thousands of warriors surrounding the Colonial vessel Starlight.

Tcharken facilitates the formal introduction between Lord Schikik and Apollo, translating the human custom of handshaking and helping navigate the delicate balance of diplomatic gestures. When Apollo extends his hand in greeting, Tcharken must explain the human custom to his lord while managing the political implications of such exchanges.

The Grand Palace Reception

Following the initial meeting, Tcharken escorts the human delegation to the Grand Palace, apologizing for the lack of ground transportation and explaining that the Chitain "simply have no need of it." The journey requires the humans to walk nearly a mile through desert conditions to reach the palace, a structure constructed from the armored carapaces of deceased Chitain in an architecturally stunning yet disturbing display.

At the Grand Palace, Tcharken oversees a banquet held in the delegation's honor, maintaining constant attendance on the human visitors. During this event, he announces the beginning of the feast, which reveals one of the most disturbing aspects of Chitain society—their use of humanoid slaves as servants.