English & Literature

Who is K'tha-Jon from Startide Rising and what is their importance? Startide_Rising English & Literature K'tha-Jon | Startide Rising

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An enormous male Steno neo-dolphin assigned as bosun (petty officer) aboard the exploration vessel Streaker, K'tha-Jon leads the revolt against Capt. Creideiki and turns murderous. With a blunt mouth, sharp teeth, counter-shaded body, and bulging eyes, it is easily seen that he has secretly received genes from the Orcinus orca (killer whale) from Dr. Ignazio Metz. Hearing about mutinous talk by three Stenos neo-dolphins, K'tha-Jon confronts them and rebukes Moki for his temper and racist talk. This can only harm his and Takkata-Jim's case with the humans should they find it necessary to mutiny. When Akki breaks orders and leaves the ship, Takkata-Jim orders K'tha-Jon to find him and bring him back. Arming him with a laser rifle perhaps indicates a different goal. His first shots at Akki miss and a long chase begins. K'tha-Jon assumes the role of the species at the top of the food chain, demanding his right to kill. Keepiru, who remains loyal to the captain and his legal successors, comes upon the grisly scene as K'tha-Jon devours his prey. K'tha-Jon brags of being mind and blood an Orca and chases Keepiru nearly to exhaustion, but is captured by deadly seaweed and drowned.