Zerach is one of the Embryon's snipers and works in two-man deployments used by the military. His primary purpose is as his team's spotter (likely that of Argilla's). During missions he'll wear a hooded cloak to protect himself against the elements.
PERSONALITY - Zerach is a calm, patient man with steady nerves and a sharp eye. Incredibly loyal to his tribe, he follows Serph's orders to the letter and would sacrifice himself without hesitation if it meant saving a comrade. He is decisive and not given to self-doubt. He holds true to his promises.
The only thing that inspires Zerach's rage is betrayal. It doesn't matter from what angle - a soldier betraying their leader or a leader betraying his tribe, all are treated with equal hatred. Strangers find that they cannot force his respect. They must earn it...but once they do, they've gained an ally for life. He acts as a patient older brother to his comrades.
Zerach is aggitated by Heat's growing emotional instability. On devouring, he feels it is a necessary evil and does so as needed; he refuses to state his opinions beyond that.
Besides razor-sharp claws, Mitra has a blade concealed within its tongue. Its jaws dislocate like a snake's; its primary attack is to latch onto an enemy with its jaws, either tearing a huge chunk out or driving its tongue-blade into a vulnerable point. If unable to attack as such, Mitra will simply wear an opponent down with rapid claw assaults.
The Mitra referenced here is Hindu/Vedic. He is not to be confused with the Zoroastrian Mithra, even though they are essentially the same. Mitra is a diety of oaths, loyalty, and friendship; he is also associated with the dawn. With Varuna (who is considered his twin) he is part of the Adityas, solar dieties that were the keepers of law and order. They are often invoked together as twinned gods of the oath. (Source info from Wikipedia - article linked here.)
While not amongst the Embryon's elite, Zerach has proven himself a capable sniper. Prior to his awakening he was a cold and merciless man, never questioning orders and performing duties with ruthless efficiency.
With Atma came emotion. Shortly after the appearance of Sera, Zerach began feeling strong urges to protect - specifically those he saw as 'comrades'. Only when his emotions fully awakened did he understand that strange word. This occurred when a berserk Gale attacked Cielo; Zerach and some tribemates tried to intervene but were unsuccessful (and were lucky to have survived relatively unscathed).
Sera's introduction to the Embryon brought further change to Zerach. Like Gale, he began having strange visions...frequently of a child that would call him 'brother'. As time progressed the images became worse, spotted by other scenes - a blazing hallway, the sounds of battle, and the boy in a pool of blood, his arms shattered like stone. These images conjured feelings of regret, as if he had failed to do something important...
Zerach Berkovic was originally a man of jewish descent. As a Karma Society scientist, he worked as a subordinate to Jenna Angel, searching for a cure to the Cuvier Syndrome. His hope was to help his much younger brother, Amos, who was initially a candidate for the Cyber Shaman project. Amos was Zerach's only remaining family. As such, he was extremely protective of him.
Zerach's work commonly had him collaborating with David, whom he held great respect for. As he was so caught up with his Syndrome research, he had little contact with the scientists involved with the Cyber Shaman project (except for Angel).
However, Zerach's research was cut short due to the terrorist attack on the Syndrome medical ward. He lost his life trying to protect his little brother when both were cut down by gunfire; Amos died in Zerach's arms, leaving regret as the older's last thoughts before he also died.
Zerach remained single all his life, being too devoted to his brother and research. He would frequently fall asleep either pulling overtime at the Society labs or at the ward where Amos stayed. There was a woman he was interested in, however...but he never made it obvious. As such, Amos was the only one to know who it was Zerach harbored feelings for.
NOTE: This love interest is currently being debated; I might be introducing a cameo character to fill in that role, if allowed.