Shard
From Memory-Zeta
Categories: Cultures | Other Cultures
Contents |
[edit] Homeworld
- Hakkar system
- Near side of Delta Triangle, an area of space where many systems failures have been reported and sensors often act erratic.
- The Shard are at a post-warp technology level.
[edit] Overview
- The Shard are insectoid lifeforms, carbon-based like humans, but sporting a silicon dioxide exoskeleton, looking somewhat like a white preying mantis covered in a film of glass. This silicon armor is very strong, but must necesarily be thin at the joints, in order to allow movement.
- They have three pair of appendages, generally using two pair for walking and the third for manipulation. They have two body sections, each approximately 3-4 feet long, and stand with their body at approximately a 60-degree angle. This places them standing 6-7 feet tall normally.
- They evolved underground. At least some of their metabolism is fueled by a type of solar photosynthesis, and too much light makes them hyper and nervous.
- The Shard have recently entered into treaty discussions with the Jorin, a long-time enemy in Cold War style.
- The Shard also have a rigid system of government, much like a Hive mantality. However, this is assisted by an advanced telepathic empathy that is shard between all Shard. This allows them to be focused on a single task or goal. However, this behavior may also effect other creatures, and in the case of humans, can cause irritability, hallucinations, or acts of barbarism. During the Federations First Contact with the Species, the Captain and crew were affected in such a way, that they even plotted the demise of the enemies of the Shard. Since first contact, the Shard have worked with several Scientists to create dampeners so that other races will not be affected by their empathic abilities.
[edit] Key Characters
- Potentate Griit- Ambassador for the Shard. Requested Federation assitance during a negotiation with the Jorrin. He could be distinguised from the other Shard by his silvery eyes(instead of the solid black), as well as a cape which he wears at all times in public.
- Intel speculated the Potentate may be blind. This was based on the fact he wass constantly surrounded by two escorts that perform most of his actions for him. Also, in Terran Insect races, the "Royalty" rarely exits the cave, meaning the loss of eyesight may be an evolutionary trait in Griit's specific caste. This has yet to be officially confirmed.
- Prime Repairer Grak- The Chief Engineer of the Shard Hive ship, he was instramental in resolving the Mirage/Shard conflict when the Potentate temporarily disappeared. He found ways to keep his people alive when they were directionless without their leader.
[edit] Technology
- Shard ships have engines capable of warp speeds.
- In 2383, the Shard attacked a Mirage orbital station after the disappearance of their Potentate. The ship in this case was a Hive colony vessel, capable of carrying hundreds of Shard. It is to date the largest Shard ship ever cataloged.
- Most other known Shard ships are the size of a personal transport, up to 10 meters long, and in appearance resemble a large geode crystal.
- The Shard have ships similar to Crystals or Geodes in designs. Theyare no joints, or ridges that can be seen from the outside. Doorways seem to be holes that appear on the outer hull. Initial sightings suggest the ships may have insectoid-like internal workings. This hypothesis was confirmed, when, in 2383, a Federation Away team visited a Shard Hive ship to help resolve a delima. They visited several areas of the ship, gaining insight into how the Shard build things.
[edit] Federation Relations
- Not a Federation member; but ameniable to assistance upon request.
- First Contact was about a half-century ago, when they politely requested the Federation leave them alone.
- Have requested a Federation Escort to negotiate a Treaty with their Cold War enemies, the Jorin.
- Have resolved a conflict with the residents of Mirage, with Federation assistance.
[edit] Notes from Real Life
Some bacteria and other forms of life, such as the protozoa radiolaria, have silicon dioxide skeletons, and the sea urchin has spines made of silicon dioxide. These forms of silicon dioxide are known as biogenic silica. Silicate bacteria use silicates in their metabolism
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