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xxxxxPeople often mistake Isra’s conservative mode of dress for shyness, but she is in general a very forthright person. She speaks her mind politely when she can, but will not hesitate to offend when she must. Her love of astronomy is so intense that it strikes some as a form of escapism. It is fairly apparent to anyone who with more than a passing acquaintance with her that, despite dressing like a conservative Muslima, Isra has no religious convictions of any sort.
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xxxxxBorn in Ithaca, New York, Isra al-Jazari was the only child of wealthy Lebanese-American parents. Interested in science from an early age, Isra spent endless hours in the library of her family’s estate. Her parents gave her anything she asked--books, telescopes, even her own laboratory.
xxxxxWhen she entered puberty, Isra underwent drastic and painful physical changes. Her bones became strong and light, her muscles dense and powerful, but she did not acquire the subcutaneous fat normally present in adult humans. All of the hair on her head and body fell out, and her skin took on a tough, almost reptilian texture. She grew membranous wings and a tail, and her legs deformed such that she walked on elongated, talon-like toes.
xxxxxThough shocked, her parents did their best to support her. They hired private physicians and therapists. Isra withdrew from the private school she attended, citing a chronic ailment, and completed secondary education from home. When the transformations finally completed, her appearance was nothing short of monstrous, like a gargoyle or demon from ancient legend.
xxxxxUndaunted, Isra donned hijab to conceal her mutations and attended Cornell University to study astronomy. Though she excelled at academics, she kept her classmates at arm’s length for fear of discovery. A chauffeur conducted her to and from classes, and she never lingered on campus longer than necessary. Despite her trepidation at the prospect of living in a big city, she moved to New York City after graduation and went on to earn her Master’s degree in astrophysics from Columbia University.
xxxxxThere, while working on her doctoral thesis in protostellar dynamics, Isra attended a seminar on cutting-edge genetics by guest lecturer Charles Xavier. She was subsequently offered a teaching position by Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. While initially reluctant to leave the research opportunities in the city, Isra changes her mind after visiting the school. She now teaches astronomy and physics while continuing to pursue her doctorate.
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xxxxxBirdlike bones and powerful muscles grant her extraordinary speed and strength. Even in cumbersome hijab, she can outrun most humans and deadlift her own weight. However, she rarely takes advantage of these abilities except when under duress.
xxxxxHer wings and tail would give her superior balance and perhaps even the ability to fly--if she gave them the opportunity. Instead, she keeps these, the most obvious features of her mutation, hidden beneath layers of fabric. Were she to attempt flight without first strengthening the neglected wing muscles, the result would be comical at best.
xxxxxThe least obvious feature of Isra’s mutation is also the one she values most: acute night vision.
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