Species Spotlight

Tag Archives

Species Spotlight: Bynars

November 18, 2015by Mei'konda in Species Closeups tagged ,

The Bynars come from the planet Bynaus in the Beta Magellan star system. Beta Magellan itself began its time with at least two stars, though one went supernova in 2364. This star was distant enough that its shockwave did not significantly damage the Bynar homeworld.

One of the most unique species known to the Federation, the Bynars are an almost completely binary species, always operating in pairs. Experts at computer systems, the Bynars are highly desired and proficient in high technology scientific fields.

For all of recorded Federation history, Bynars have integrated themselves with their planetary computer systems, through the replacement of the parietal lobe in a child’s brain, in an operation performed at birth.  This operation allows extremely fast data transfer and access, and bears a resemblance to a non aggressive version of the Borg collective.

When communicating with each other, the Bynars use a high pitched and rapid language that is generally too quick for other races to process.  When speaking to non-Bynars, they are capable of speaking English as well as other common Federation tongues, though they often speak it haltingly, and it is common for Bynar individuals to finish each others’ sentences.

While their proficiency with computers has been enhanced by their parietal lobe operations and the tie in they share with their home planet’s master computer, the link comes with drawbacks, some undeniable, and some philosophical.

The Bynars have been proven to be vulnerable when there have been problems with their planetary computer, not just as individuals, but as a species, as this highly sophisticated computer system plays a part in regulating their biology.  And since the Federation encountered the Borg, some have questioned the dangers inherent in the sort of completely interconnected culture that the Bynars have developed.

Bynars often serve as temporary consultants aboard Starbases and Starships, particularly when it comes to computer systems.

Read more about this species on the Wiki or on Memory Alpha!

Species Spotlight: Caitians

September 19, 2015by Mei'konda in Species Closeups tagged , ,

“That sound… it is so pleassant. Caan you not hearr it?”

The feline Caitian species hails from the Regulan system in the Beta Quadrant, and have been prominent members of the Federation since their admittance in 2234. With a representative serving on the Federation council, colony worlds throughout Federation space and Caitians serving extensively in Starfleet, they are ubiquitous throughout Federation territories, if not quite so much so as Humans, Andorians, or Vulcans.

The origins of the Caitian race are largely a mystery, though many scientists consider that they may share a common ancestor with the Lyrans or Kzinti. Either way, their claimed homeworld of Cait (Regulus V) is one that they have occupied since members of their species began recording history.

Unlike many other Federation members, Caitians did not discover warp drive on their own. Rather, they were invaded by a warp-capable race called the Kodom during the Caitians’ late industrial development. Fighting a guerrilla war against their attackers, the Caitians drove the Kodom off, and and managed to reverse engineer the warp drives of ships left by the invading race.

Caitians are a warm and friendly people who eschew violence whenever possible. Despite their calm and open nature, which is sometimes interpreted as flirtation by non-Caitians, they tend to avoid public displays of affection with their partners, as such displays for the benefit of others are not considered productive in the maintenance of a relationship. Caitians tend to be logical and scientifically minded, and thus, very few are religious.

Caitians tend to be quicker and stronger than humans of a comparable size, with excellent balance, eyesight, and particularly hearing. Their diet is primarily carnivorous, though they do partake of grains more out of necessity than preference. And due to the shape of their muzzles, when speaking English, they often tend to trill ‘R’s, or stretch out ‘S’ or vowels.

Many Caitians in Starfleet choose to specialize in sonic sciences or communications, due to the natural advantages their hearing provides them. There are a number of Caitian characters serving throughout the Starbase 118 fleet in a variety of capacities.

Learn more about this species through their Wiki Page!