Greetings, humanoid lifeforms!
You guys were spectacularly helpful when knocking together my last series (USS Ulysses), so I thought this would be the best place on the 'net to ask again.
I'm working on a new series. Need a science officer, who will be called "Lonic" for now. I have whittled down to two options. First, after scouring Memory Alpha (and Beta) up and down every single species I did not find exactly the right one for my story needs, so put together a new lifeform. Then I decided an Arkenite would work after all for reasons unimportant here. I don't like creating entire new species when playing in the universes of others; much better to use the tools already provided. However, having gone through the process, it was rather fun, and I'm sorta liking my new guy. BUT well... you know, maybe it won't go down so well with the readers.
It's a matter of taste, an opinion call. I waver one way then the other, daily. I'd appreciate your input.
I'll introduce Lonic Option 1, my creation: A T’lli Betan (mentioned in dialogue only during a TNG episode – Picard was on his way to meet them for unknown reasons).
The T’lli Betans (they call themselves Betans, like some other peoples) are a genetically created race. NOT augmented; CREATED from scratch. The T’lli (whom they refer to as their “Alphas”) were an ancient, advanced race but could not solve their problems of being short-lived due to susceptibility to radiation, despite all their developments in genetic technology. As their overactive sun gradually killed them off, they created a “child” race to carry their legacy.
Mostly humanoid, the most distinctive feature of the Betan is a waxy, almost translucent (hairless) skin that is highly resistant to radiation. They are also engineered (the T’lli could not help themselves) to have good hearing and sight, and are highly intelligent. They are not particularly physically strong or robust; they are not created to be soldiers. Perhaps more of a side-effect than intended, they are strongly resistant to psionics, and have some empathic abilities (short of true telepathy) which they keep quiet about.
The Betans are essentially clones of one another, created literally equal. They are conditioned to be calm, non-confrontational and patient, always to put the needs of the group above themselves. They do not fear death and are not superstitious. They know and accept without resentment their unique ancestry: If challenged they reply to other species, “Do not we all have creators? It is only the manner of creation that differs. Our creators were mortal, but at least we could meet and talk with them.”
The society places a great emphasis on stability and tranquillity over individualism. The clones are conditioned to accept this. Think Brave New World. To overcome problems of inequality and social tension, they use a system of “rotation”, in which Betans choose careers from different sets (classes) for limited time periods. This is often based on age; young Betans perform service sector and/or factory/menial work, while older, more experienced clones may choose more advanced work. Combined with strict rules on minimum wage and pricing and a strong sense of mutual respect for all stratas of society, it works for them in that they have achieved stability. Individuals live long lives passing through different kinds of work/careers as they choose, gradually building on their life experience in total.
However, it has also stunted their development as a race and held back industry. They had a head-start technologically, but have developed little since then. It is reminiscent of ancient human communism and Betans readily admit, “It would never work nor be desirable for other species.”
When Picard met and studied them, he petitioned for their joining the Federation. For their part, after a period of isolation and faced with a hostile galaxy, the Betans saw the value in joining an even larger “society”. Now (TNG era) a trickle of Betans are enrolling in Starfleet; the option is attractive for those who wish to try something outside the Rotation, perhaps even specialise in a career for longer than the previously prescribed time periods. This is seen by the current controllers of the race as a potential boon for the society as a whole, but also a danger if it presents disruption to their cherished stability. A lot rests on the success of the first recruits.
* * *
I have a small crew with very intense conflicts. Lonic is a kind of passive, placid harmonizer for the group, trying to resolve confrontations with patience and consensus. Though scientific, he is not unemotional like a Vulcan or Android. His passion is collecting new experiences / information, and he knows he is representing his race – both to the Federation, and to his own people (to show they can be successful), and has a weight on his shoulders about this. His psionic and radiation resistance are to be used as plot devices in a couple of episodes, as is his empathy (which he hides, fearing distrust and prejudice until a crucial moment later in the series).
So, the waxy clone, or an Arkenite with exactly the same traits as above (without the history lol) and (fairly unusual) psionic abilities?
I find a visual always helps set it straight in my mind. I’m veering towards the Arkenite right now.
OR
Thanks for your opinions!
K
You guys were spectacularly helpful when knocking together my last series (USS Ulysses), so I thought this would be the best place on the 'net to ask again.
I'm working on a new series. Need a science officer, who will be called "Lonic" for now. I have whittled down to two options. First, after scouring Memory Alpha (and Beta) up and down every single species I did not find exactly the right one for my story needs, so put together a new lifeform. Then I decided an Arkenite would work after all for reasons unimportant here. I don't like creating entire new species when playing in the universes of others; much better to use the tools already provided. However, having gone through the process, it was rather fun, and I'm sorta liking my new guy. BUT well... you know, maybe it won't go down so well with the readers.
It's a matter of taste, an opinion call. I waver one way then the other, daily. I'd appreciate your input.
I'll introduce Lonic Option 1, my creation: A T’lli Betan (mentioned in dialogue only during a TNG episode – Picard was on his way to meet them for unknown reasons).
The T’lli Betans (they call themselves Betans, like some other peoples) are a genetically created race. NOT augmented; CREATED from scratch. The T’lli (whom they refer to as their “Alphas”) were an ancient, advanced race but could not solve their problems of being short-lived due to susceptibility to radiation, despite all their developments in genetic technology. As their overactive sun gradually killed them off, they created a “child” race to carry their legacy.
Mostly humanoid, the most distinctive feature of the Betan is a waxy, almost translucent (hairless) skin that is highly resistant to radiation. They are also engineered (the T’lli could not help themselves) to have good hearing and sight, and are highly intelligent. They are not particularly physically strong or robust; they are not created to be soldiers. Perhaps more of a side-effect than intended, they are strongly resistant to psionics, and have some empathic abilities (short of true telepathy) which they keep quiet about.
The Betans are essentially clones of one another, created literally equal. They are conditioned to be calm, non-confrontational and patient, always to put the needs of the group above themselves. They do not fear death and are not superstitious. They know and accept without resentment their unique ancestry: If challenged they reply to other species, “Do not we all have creators? It is only the manner of creation that differs. Our creators were mortal, but at least we could meet and talk with them.”
The society places a great emphasis on stability and tranquillity over individualism. The clones are conditioned to accept this. Think Brave New World. To overcome problems of inequality and social tension, they use a system of “rotation”, in which Betans choose careers from different sets (classes) for limited time periods. This is often based on age; young Betans perform service sector and/or factory/menial work, while older, more experienced clones may choose more advanced work. Combined with strict rules on minimum wage and pricing and a strong sense of mutual respect for all stratas of society, it works for them in that they have achieved stability. Individuals live long lives passing through different kinds of work/careers as they choose, gradually building on their life experience in total.
However, it has also stunted their development as a race and held back industry. They had a head-start technologically, but have developed little since then. It is reminiscent of ancient human communism and Betans readily admit, “It would never work nor be desirable for other species.”
When Picard met and studied them, he petitioned for their joining the Federation. For their part, after a period of isolation and faced with a hostile galaxy, the Betans saw the value in joining an even larger “society”. Now (TNG era) a trickle of Betans are enrolling in Starfleet; the option is attractive for those who wish to try something outside the Rotation, perhaps even specialise in a career for longer than the previously prescribed time periods. This is seen by the current controllers of the race as a potential boon for the society as a whole, but also a danger if it presents disruption to their cherished stability. A lot rests on the success of the first recruits.
* * *
I have a small crew with very intense conflicts. Lonic is a kind of passive, placid harmonizer for the group, trying to resolve confrontations with patience and consensus. Though scientific, he is not unemotional like a Vulcan or Android. His passion is collecting new experiences / information, and he knows he is representing his race – both to the Federation, and to his own people (to show they can be successful), and has a weight on his shoulders about this. His psionic and radiation resistance are to be used as plot devices in a couple of episodes, as is his empathy (which he hides, fearing distrust and prejudice until a crucial moment later in the series).
So, the waxy clone, or an Arkenite with exactly the same traits as above (without the history lol) and (fairly unusual) psionic abilities?
I find a visual always helps set it straight in my mind. I’m veering towards the Arkenite right now.
OR
Thanks for your opinions!
K
. Iora or Parula or as yet unknown third option then. I've scribbled in my notes that "Sparrow" has been used twice before in Mem Beta but that still might be possible. Thanks again buddy!
