- The Sheliak are a reclusive, non-humanoid
species encountered by the Federation during the 23rd Century. After negotiating
a complicated and exhaustive treaty with the Federation, the Sheliak avoided any
further contact for 111 years, until the Tau Cygna V incident forced them to
demand the removal of an illegal human colony. Federation scholars were never
able to decipher the Sheliak language, but the Sheliak easily learned several
Federation languages. They are a rigorously legalistic and exacting species that
considers human beings to be inferior lifeforms. Their species-political
organization is called the "Sheliak Corporate," suggesting a
goal-oriented cooperative structure. Ship commanders are "Directors of the
Membership," first among equals with clearly defined roles and obligations.
Physically, the Sheliak are roughly
T-shaped with a stocky central body and two ovoid projections, sort of like
stubby wings, on either side. They possess a featureless head-like projection at
the top of their torsos. They have no observable limbs or manipulatory
appendages. Their skin is grayish with sparkling highlights and has numerous
folds or creases in its surface. A pronounced rippling motion is observable when
they address humanoid beings, suggesting that at least part of their own
language is gestural.
The Sheliak inhabit only Class H
worlds, like Tau Cygna V, and have a tolerance or perhaps dependence for
hyperonic radiation of the the type that makes Tau Cygna V unsuitable for human
habitation.
- Attributes
- Fitness 2 [5]
- Vitality +1
- Coordination 1 [4]
- Intellect 3 [6]
- Presence 2 [5]
- Empathy -2
- Psi 0 [5]
- Skills
- Life Sciences (Biotechnology) 1 (2)
- Culture (Sheliak) 2 (3)
- History (Sheliak) 1 (2)
- Language
- Sheliak 2
- Law (Sheliak/UFP Treaty) 2 (3)
- World Knowledge (Sheliak Homeworld) 1 (2)
- Typical Advantages/Disadvantages
- Enhanced Vision; Enhanced Chemoreceptors; Multitasking; Eidetic Memory; Physical
Impairment (Sheliak do not possess humanoid forms, so many types of action that
are common for humanoids are impossible for the Sheliak. They do not acquire
Acrobatic or Dodge skills at all.); Intolerant (Humanoids); Code of Honor (Legal
Matters)
- The Sheliak use their prehensile outer membrane as a manipulatory organ, forming
gripping surfaces at any point necessary along their bodies. The ovoid
projections at their "shoulders" are used in reproduction, linking one
to another, often in large circles involving many partners (sometimes hundreds
or thousands!) Genetic material is passed from one partner to the next around
the circle with the individual Sheliak selecting the genetic donation most
compatible with its own out of all available pairings. The head-like appendage
atop the torso is a sensory organ cluster. The Sheliak brain is spread in loops
throughout the torso and is capable of storing far more information, which is
more readily accessible, than is normal for humanoid species. Their biomolecular
sense allows them to "see" DNA patterns without requiring
technological assistance. This has given them a unique understanding of
biotechnologies. The Sheliak have a reputation as advanced bioengineers, though
limited contact makes this hard to confirm. They may have substantial
capabilities for producing, and no ethical limitations on using, biogenic
weapons of mass destruction. To the Sheliak, with their alien senses, humanoids
appear to be skeletons covered with masses of transparent flesh, spewing out
clouds of DNA-fog from every orifice and pore, bizarre and repulsive creatures
which they cannot bear to be around. Humanoids contaminate everything they touch
with their shed DNA, leaving potentially toxic refuse on everything they touch.
- Author's Notes
- The Sheliak appeared only once, in the "Ensigns of Command" ST:TNG
episode. Very little was directly revealed about their physiology or culture.
Most of the above is purely speculative, designed to portray the Sheliak as
implacable and utterly alien creatures.
- Submitted by Kurt "Sheliak Bob" McCoy
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