

                    Federation Member Worlds Mini-FAQ

             Maintained by: S C Q Askew <esseecueay@aol.com>

Last modified: 11:32PM 12-4-96
Archive site (WWW): http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/1226/

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Copyright  1996, S C Q Askew. Not in the public domain. Permission to
distribute this document, unedited and including this copyright notice is
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Publication of this document in a magazine or journal (in any media format)
must be approved by the author.

Star Trek , Star Trek: The Next Generation  and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
 are trademarks of Paramount Pictures registered in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office. Star Trek: Voyager is a trademark of Paramount
Pictures.

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                      The United Federation of Planets

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The Federation at a Glance:

OFFICIAL NAME: United Federation of Planets, incorporated 2161 ("The
Outcast" [TNG])
HEAD OF STATE/GOVERNMENT: President Jaresh-Inyo ("Homefront" [DS9])
CAPITAL WORLD/CITIES: Terra (Earth); San Francisco, North America
(legislative capital); Paris, European Alliance (administrative capital)
(Star Trek IV; Star Trek VI; "The Price" [TNG]; "Future's End, Part 2"
[VOY])
AREA/STAR SYSTEMS: at least 150 star systems, stretched out over 8,000 light
years (Star Trek: First Contact)
POPULATION: less than 1 trillion (nc; "The Last Outpost" [TNG])
LANGUAGE(S): Linguacode (also Standard); (NOTE: use of universal translation
devices and software render language barriers non-effective) (nc, Star Trek
1)
MONETARY UNIT(S): Federation credit (nc; "The Trouble With Tribbles" [TOS])
GOVERNMENT: Supreme law vested in a Constitution of the United Federation of
Planets, ratified in 2161 ("The Drumhead" [TNG]). Strong democratic
tradition, consisting of a popularly-elected legislative Federation Council,
composed of representatives from the various member planets, which meets in
San Francisco, North America, and a chief executive Federation Council
President, officed in Paris, European Alliance. Personal civil liberties
protected and governed judicially by a Uniform Code of Justice ("The
Drumhead" [TNG]), as well as by precedent-setting legal documents, such as
the Acts of Cumberland ("The Measure of a Man" [TNG]) and the Statutes of
Alpha III ("Court Martial" [TOS]) in addition to the Constitution.
MILITARY STRENGTH: Starfleet armed forces (naval forces and marines),
totalling over 250 starships and some several million personnel (nc).
Federation Department of Defense based in San Francisco, North America at
Starfleet Command (Star Trek 1).
NATIONAL HOLIDAY: Federation Day, celebrated annually ("The Outcast" [TNG])
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ALPHA III
Class: M
Primary: Alpha (at least 5 planets) ("Charlie X" [TOS])
Comments: Statutes of Alpha III, landmark document in the protection of
individual civil liberties, concluded there ("Court Martial" [TOS]).
Editor's Note: Alpha III is included on the assumption that if the
Federation is using a law code made here as a basis for their judicial
system, there's a better than average chance that the world is a Federation
member.
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ANDORIA
Class: M
Native race(s): Andorian race (humanoid, of partial insectoid derivation)
Brief history/Comments: The Andorian race is known for its light blue skin
and two long antennae on their heads. Andorians characterize themselves as a
violent race ("Journey to Babel" [TOS]). Unlike the custom of other
Federation worlds, Andorian marriages require groups of four people ("Data's
Day" [TNG]).
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ANTICA
Class: M
Primary: Beta Renna
Native race(s): Antican race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: The Antican race is noted for its large size and
proliferance of fur on their bodies. The carnivorous Anticans are also
unique among Federation cultures in their preference for consuming their
meat alive. Antica maintained a long-standing feud with the planet Selay,
also in the Beta Renna star system, before diplomatic agreements reached
between the two worlds at the 2364 Parliament Conference led to the
admission of both races into the Federation ("Lonely Among Us" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: This entry, of course, assumes the applications of Antica and
Selay for Federation membership were approved & ratified. This has not been
established in an episode or movie.
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ANTOS IV
Class: M
Primary: Antos (at least 4 planets)
Native race(s): Antosian race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: The citizens of Antos IV are noted for their unusual
abilities of cellular metamorphosis, the only Federation world that exhibits
such characteristics (somewhat similar to the Chameloid Homeworld and the
Founder's Homeworld in the Gamma Quadrant). The characteristic is different
on Antos IV in that it is not a genetic trait, i.e.- it is an acquired
ability that can be taught to non-Antosians. However, by Antosian law, such
techniques are no longer taught to non-Antosians, as doing so usually
induces dangerous insanity in the subject, as demostrated by the example of
Captain Garth of Izar in the 2260s ("Whom Gods Destroy" [TOS]). Antos IV is
also noted for its species of giant energy-generating worms ("Who Mourns For
Adonis" [TOS]).
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ARBAZAN
Class: M
Native race(s): Arbazan race (humanoid) ("The Forsaken" [DS9])
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ARDANA
Class: M
Capital: Stratos ("The Cloud Miners" [TOS])
Native race(s): Ardanan race and Troglyte subrace (both humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Capital city is Stratos, unique among other
Federation world capitals in that it is located in the Ardanan atmosphere.
Ardana has large deposits of zenite, which has given the world a role in
fighting several notable botanical plagues (e.g., the Merak II plague of
2269). Ardana underwent major social reforms in 2269 after segregation of
wealthy Ardanans who lived in Stratos and workers who lived on the surface
below (called Troglytes) was ended ("The Cloud Miners" [TOS]). After a
series of punitive sanctions placed on Ardana by the Federation Council
because of their caste system, Ardana suffered economically and
technologically but is currently well on its way back to developed world
status.
Editor's Note: In "The Cloud Miners" [TOS], Ardana is mentioned to be a
Federation member, despite its caste system.
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ARGELIUS II
Class: M
Primary: Argelius (at least 2 planets)
Native race(s): Argelian race (humanoid)
Comments: The Argelian race is known for its hedonistic, peace-loving
nature, which was acquired after undergoing a period in Argelian history
known as the Great Awakening in 2067, which reformed their society from
violent to placid. This pleasure-loving cultural trait makes it necessary to
import administrative officials from other worlds to maintain order. This
pacifist philosophy resulted in a planetary judicial crisis when in 2266 and
2267, several murders forced the Argelians to revert to ancient Draconian
statutes for punishment of the accused offender ("Wolf in the Fold" [TOS]).
Once a popular resort location, Argelius II has consistently lost tourism
credits over the past few decades to newer resort worlds, such as Risa.
Editor's Note: In "Wolf in the Fold" [TOS], Argelius II is mentioned to be a
Federation member. Their loss of tourism credits is of course an assumption
based on the fact that we have not seen Argelius II since "Wolf...", but
have seen Risa as the chief tourism world.
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BENZAR
Class: M
Native race(s): Benzite race (humanoid)
Comments: Benzar has an atmosphere similar to class M norms, but Benzites in
class M environments need a respiration device to provide supplemental gases
for proper respiration. All Benzites from the same geostructure are
identical in appearance. A recently admitted Federation member, Benzar
citizen Mordock became first the Benzite in Starfleet, winning appointment
to Starfleet Academy in 2364 ("Coming of Age" [TNG]).
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BETAZED
Class: M
Native race(s): Betazoid race (humanoid)
Comments: Betazoids are known for their telepathic and empathic abilities
(with the exception of the Ferengi, Breen, and Doptherians)("Menage a Troi"
[TNG];"The Forsaken" [TNG]). All Betazoids have dark black eyes and the
normal Betazed gestation period is ten months ("The Child" [TNG]). Betazed
hosted the biennial Trade Agreements Conference in 2366 ("Menage a Troi"
[TNG]). Current Betazed Federation ambassador is Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of
the Fifth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, Heir to the Holy
Rings of Betazed ("Haven" [TNG]). The University of Betazed ("Tin Man"
[TNG]), an educational institution of higher learning, is quite obviously
galactically renown for studies in psychology.
Editor's Note: The University of Betazed being galactically renown for
psychology studies is an assumption, but one that the editor thinks is very
safe :).
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BOLARUS IX
Class: M
Primary: Bolarus (at least 9 planets)
Native race(s): Bolian race (humanoid)
Comments: The Bolian race is known for their light blue skin color and
bifurcated ridge running down the center of their bodies.
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CYGNET XII
Class: M
Primary: Cygnet (at least 12 planets)
Comments: Unlike the custom of other Federation worlds, Cygnet society is
dominated by women. Cygnet XII has been the site of a Starfleet ship repair
and maintenance facility since at least 2267 ("Tomorrow is Yesterday"
[TOS]).
Editor's Note: Cygnet XII is included as a member under the assumption that
Starfleet (especially in its militaristic heyday in the 2260s) wouldn't let
a non-Federation world do an overhaul on a Starfleet vessel, much less the
flagship Enterprise.
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CORIDAN
Class: M
Native race(s): Coridanian race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Large deposits of natural dilithium crystals made
Coridan subject to several illegal mining deals with other, more powerful
worlds. Coridan was admitted to Federation in 2267 through efforts of Vulcan
ambassador Sarek at the Babel Conference, despite opposition from other
Federation worlds profitting from those illegal mining deals ("Journey to
Babel" [TOS]). Coridan's political influence has lessened as techniques to
synthetically produce dilithium in areas such as nuclear epitaxy and
antieutectics were developed.
Editor's Note: Coridan's loss of political power is conjectural, but
plausible in that that's how things often occur.
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DELTA IV
Class: M
Primary: Delta (at least 4 planets)
Native race(s): Deltan race (humanoid)
Comments: The Deltan race is hairless except for eyebrows and eyelashes.
Deltans exhibit the most advanced sexuality of any Federation race,
requiring them to take oaths of celibacy before serving on Starfleet vessels
(Star Trek 1). Deltan pheromones are the most powerful of any Federation
race, though they seem not to affect other Deltans. Deltans also display
telelpathic abilities, which have proved especially valuable in Starfleet
vessel sickbays as a "mind-meld anesthesia", in which they absorb and share
pain felt by injured patients (Star Trek 1).
Editor's Note: This is another of those "safe assumptions" on the subject of
membership.
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  EARTH (also known as TERRA to non-natives)
        Class: M
Primary: Sol (yellow, middle-aged, medium-sized star with 9 planets)
Satellites: one, Luna, with population of 50 million (major cities
Copernicus City, New Berlin, Tycho City)("Conundrum" [TNG]; Star Trek: First
Contact)
Native race(s): human/Terran race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Located in Sector 001 ("The Best of Both Worlds,
Part 1" [TNG]), Earth is a founding world of the United Federation of
Planets. Earth is the capital world of the Federation, as it is the location
of the Federation President's office (in Paris, European Alliance) (Star
Trek VI; "The Price" [TNG]; "Homefront" [DS9]) as well as the chambers of
the Federation Council (in San Francisco, North America) (Star Trek IV;
"Future's End, Part 2" [VOY]). Starfleet Command is also located in San
Francisco, as well as Starfleet Academy, founded in 2161 for the training of
the majority of Starfleet officers ("The First Duty" [TNG]). Despite its
numerous past troubles and an attempted coup in 2372 ("Paradise Lost"
[DS9]), Earth is a peaceful paradise and has been the Orion Arm's superpower
since defeating the Romulan Star Empire in the Romulan Wars (2156-2160)
("Balance of Terror" [TOS]).
Editor's Note: The part about Earth being the superpower of the Orion Arm is
another "safe assumption", based on the fact that it is the Federation
capital world and that everyone in the 24th century seems to stand in awe (a
little :) of Earth.
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KLAESTRON IV
Class: M
Primary: Klaestron (at least 4 planets)
Native race(s): Klaestron race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Klaestron IV is one of the more independent worlds
of the Federation. Similar historically to the province of Quebec in the
ancient Earth nation-state of Canada, its separatist-minded policies have
led to several conflicts with the rest of the United Federation. Prior the
ratification of the 2367 Cardassian peace treaty, Klaestron IV had formed an
alliance with the Cardassian Union, even though that political entity was
involved in a drawn-out, bitter conflict with the Federation. Internal
conflicts resulted in a civil war on Klaestron IV around 2339. General
Ardelon Tandro, statesman and soldier murdered during the civil war, became
the national martyr of the Klaestron people ("Dax" [DS9]). Klaestron natives
are noted for the heightened ridge encircling the rear of their heads from
ear to ear. Doctors from Klaestron IV recently developed new technology for
the treatment of severe burns ("Second Skin" [DS9]).
Editor's Note: The fact that Klaestron IV had a separate alliance with the
Cardassian Union is odd in addition to the aggressive tone they took towards
Dax in "Dax" [DS9]. Yet they were mentioned as members.
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PELIAR ZEL
Class: M
Satellites: two, Alpha Moon and Beta Moon ("The Host" [TNG])
Native race(s): Peliar race (humanoid)
Comments: The Peliar are noted physiologically by a midline nasal outgrowth
on their humanoid norm. In the late AD 1860's, the Peliar colonized the two
moons of their world, designated Alpha Moon and Beta Moon. Historically, the
governments of each moon have been rivals, even requiring mediation from the
Federation in 2337. Alpha Moon scientists developed magnetospheric energy
taps which allowed their moon to use the magnetic field of Peliar Zel as an
energy source. The power taps, however, crossed the orbit of Beta Moon,
resulting in severe environmental damage to Beta Moon and reigniting
problems between the satellites. Federation intervention in 2367 resulted in
a cessation of hostilities ("The Host" [TNG]).
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PENTHARA IV
Class: M
Primary: Penthara (at least 4 planets)
Native race(s): human race (humanoid)
Population: 20 million ("A Matter of Time" [TNG])
Comments: Penthara IV was a former Earth colony now independent, as
evidenced by its population of 20 million humans. Penthara IV was struck by
a type-C asteroid in 2368, resulting in an enormous dust cloud that blocked
out most sunlight from its primary, dropping planetary temperatures below
class M norms. The USS Enterprise attempted to induce a warming greenhouse
effect to reverse the problem, releasing underground carbon dioxide deposits
with its phasers, but compounded the problem by activating volcanoes which
poured more dust into the air. Penthara IV was saved when the dust was
vaporized and drawn into space by the Enterprise's navigational deflector
dish ("A Matter of Time" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: Penthara IV is assumed a "former Earth colony now
independent" because it's inhabitants were referred to as human in the
episode.
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RAMATIS III
Class: M
Primary: Ramatis (at least 3 planets)
Native race(s): Ramatian race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: It has been noted in the genii of many planets that
a single species may lack the genetic structure necessary to perform the
simplest of faculties, e.g.-the basenji, a subspecies of the Terran canis
domesticus, lacks the ability to bark, a characteristic well attributed to
canis domesticus. In a very similar fashion, the ruling family of Ramatis
III lacks the gene required for hearing. The family communicated through the
use of a Chrous, a team of interpretive aides telepathically linked to their
assigned family member, each representing a different part of the family
members' personality. Descendants of the Chrous carried on the tradition of
their ancestors, providing interpretive services for their assigned ruling
family member. Perhaps the best known Ramatian is the famed Federation
ambassador Riva, member of the ruling Ramatian family, who along with Curzon
Dax, negotiated a number of treaties between the Federation and its former
enemies, the Klingon Empire in the early-to-mid 24th century. So signifigant
were his actions that the Klingon language developed a word for "peacemaker"
due to his efforts ("Loud as a Whisper" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: Another "safe assumption". The fact that Riva was mentioned
as a "famed Federation mediator" and that he negotiated UFP-Klingon treaties
makes Ramatis III a good guess IMHO.
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  RIGEL V (also known as ORION to non-natives)
        Class: M
Primary: Beta Orionis (also known as Rigel, red supergiant star with at
least 12 planets)
Native race(s): Rigellian race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: The Rigel system has historically been a galactic
hotbed for criminal activity and shadier pursuits. Rigel II was a resort
world noted for its casinos and gambling facilities ("Shore Leave" [TOS]),
Rigel IV was the site of serial killings of women in 2266 ("Wolf in the
Fold" [TOS]), and Rigel VII was the site of a violent altercation between
crewmembers of the USS Enterprise and natives in 2254 ("The Cage" [TOS]). In
addition to being the origin of some the galaxy's deadliest diseases such as
Rigelian fever ("Requiem for Methuselah" [TOS]) and Kassaba fever ("By Any
Other Name" [TOS]), Rigel was source and center of one of the galaxy's
greatest crimes against sentient life-forms in history, the Orion animal
woman slave trade. Orion smugglers also attempted a violent prevention of
the 2267 Babel Conference, hoping to protect their secret illegal dilithium
crystal mining deals in the Coridan system ("Journey to Babel" [TOS]). After
such a tumultuous history, the Rigellians, a race physiologically similar to
the Vulcan race, began to follow the lead of technologically advanced Rigel
V ("Journey to Babel" [TOS]) and have since become productive members of the
United Federation. A favorite diversion is the annual Rigel Cup flight
formation competition, which draws the premier flight teams from the Alpha
and Beta Quadrants ("The First Duty" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: Since a lot of things have happended in the Trek universe at
or from Rigel (not to mention it's relative proximity to Earth), it's safe
to think of the Rigel system as a member with Rigel V leading the pack.
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RISA
Class: M
Primary: (two yellow, middle-aged, medium-sized stars)
Native race(s): Risian race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Risa is a tropical rain forest world most noted as
being the chief vacation and resort world of the Federation. Risa exhibits
the most controlled ecology in the Federation, as weather modification nets
and seismic regulators tightly control both the weather patterns and the
seismic activity, both of which are normally unpredictable and uncontained
("Let he who is Without Sin..." [DS9]). Risa is most noted for the frank and
open sexuality of its native population. Identified by a decorative emblem
on their foreheads between the eyes, Risians often initiate or respond to
the desire for sexual relations through the use of a small statuette called
a Horga'hn, the Risian symbol of sexuality. Display of a Horga'hn announces
that the owner wishes to participate in jamaharon, a Risan sexual rite
("Captain's Holiday" [TNG]). Risa's comparatively lax morality was
challenged in 2373 by a fringe Federation political activist group called
the Essentialists, who engaged in ecological terrorist activities against
the planet until apprehended by Starfleet authorities ("Let he who is
Without Sin..." [DS9]).
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SELAY
Class: M
Primary: Beta Renna
Native race(s): Selay race (reptillian)
Brief history/Comments: The reptillian Selay maintained a long-standing feud
with the planet Antica, also in the Beta Renna star system, before
diplomatic agreements reached between the two worlds at the 2364 Parliament
Conference led to the admission of both races into the Federation ("Lonely
Among Us" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: This entry, of course, assumes the applications of Antica and
Selay for Federation membership were approved & ratified. This has not been
established in an episode or movie.
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TELLAR
Class: M
Native race(s): Tellarite race (humanoid, of porcine derivation)
Comments: The Tellarite race is known for its distinguished snouts, being
that the race is of porcine derivation, the only humanoids in the known
galaxy that is so. Tellarites are well known for propensity towards conflict
and debate, one such notable example being their opposition in 2267 to the
admission of Coridan into Federation because of secret dilithium crystal
mining deals they had made ("Journey to Babel" [TOS]). Tellarite speech is
rough and guttural and most softer languages (such as Terran English) are
difficult for Tellarites.
Editor's Note: The part of Tellarites having trouble with English is
conjectural from their physiological makeup and from Shane Johson's
otherwise very non-canon work "Worlds of the Federation".
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TRILL
Class: M
Native race(s): Trill host humanoids; Trill vermiform symbionts
Brief history/Comments: The Trill are a joint species consisting of a
humanoid host and a vermiform symbiont that lives in the abdominal region of
the host. The life-forms share experiences and memories and each contribute
to the personality of the individual. They become interdependent and do not
survive without the other ninety-three hours after joining. When hosts die,
the symbionts can be transferred to another host. The symbiosis is totally
voluntary and in fact it is a great honor to be chosen by the Trill
Symbiosis Comission to be a host after intensive training and
apprenticeship. Nearly 50% of Trill are biologically compatible with the
symbionts [note: there aren't enough hosts, however, a closely guarded
Commission secret]. Unjoined symbionts live in warm milky underground pools,
tended by dedicated Trill known as Custodians. They swim and communicate via
electrochemical discharge through the water ("The Host" [TNG]; DS9 series).
A Trill's hands are naturally cold ("A Man Alone" [DS9]). Unmarried Trill
often reject romantic or sexual feelings of their host component, but Trill
often marry and sometimes succumb to sexual advances [note: it is a
violation of Trill law to continue romantic relations with a symbiont in a
host different than the one married] ("A Man Alone" [DS9]; "Rejoined" [DS9];
"Looking for par'Mach in All the Wrong Places" [DS9]).
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  VULCAN (also known as VULCANIS)
        Class: M
Primary: 40 Eridani A (at least 2 planets) (nc; Star Trek I)
Satellites: none ("The Man Trap" [TOS])
Capital/Major cities: ShirKahr (nc; "Yesteryear" [TAS]); Vulcana Regar
("Coming of Age" [TNG])
Native race(s): Vulcan race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Vulcan is a founding world of the United Federation
of Planets ("Gambit, Part II" [TNG]) and due to its close promximity to
Earth (15.9 light years) and similar history, is that planet's greatest
political ally [note: Vulcan was the first extraterrestrial civilization to
come in contact with Terran humans, on Earth, doing so on 5 April 2063 (Star
Trek: First Conatct)]. Possibly descendants of humanoids who lived on
Sargon's planet over 500,000 years ago ("Return to Tomorrow" [TOS]), Vulcan
was a world of violent and incredibly passionate people until the
philosophers Surak (c. AD 360s) and T'plana-Hath ("The Savage Curtain"
[TOS]; Star Trek IV) led Vulcan to reject their overpowering emotions in
favor of a philosophy of logical thinking in a period called the Time of
Awakening ("Gambit, Part II" [TNG]). Vulcan is now noted for its total
reliance upon logic and its famous rejection and supression of all emotional
states, summed in their philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite
Combinations ("Is There in Truth no Beauty?" [TOS]) [note: one rebel Vulcan
group rejected the logic philosophy and emigrated to several planets in the
Romulan star system, forming the warrior Romulan Star Empire ("Unification,
Part I" [TNG])]. Vulcan supreme law is vested in the Vulcan Bill of Rights
("The Maquis, Part I" [DS9]).

Though Vulcans attempt to repress all emotions and feelings through such
rigorous exercises such as the Kohlinar discipline (Star Trek 1), the
incredibly strong passions legendary to their ancestors still escape under
certain circumstances. Vulcans are telepathically betrothed at age seven and
marry when compelled to reunite in later life. Vulcan males undergo a mating
cycle, accompanied by ancient rituals, every seven years called pon farr
("Amok Time" [TOS]; Star Trek III), which is most commonly characterized by
loss of all emotional control. Some Vulcans over the age of 200 also
experience a rare illness called Bendii Syndrome, which results in the loss
of all emotional control and in some instances the projection of these
emotional outbursts onto others ("Sarek" [TNG]). Vulcans also retain (yet
contain) their ancestors capacity for savagery in fighting, as evidenced in
such techniques as the Vulcan neck pinch ("The Enemy Within" [TOS]) and use
of such deadly weapons as the lirpa ("Amok Time" [TOS]). Vulcan
physiological makeup also contributes to these abilities. Vulcan, being an
arid world with higher surface gravity and thinner atmosphere than most
class M worlds, endows greater physical strength and endurance to
native-born and reared Vulcans in comparison to other humanoids.

In keeping with their devotion to logic, Vulcans are some of the greatest
academicians in the galaxy, especially in the areas of the natural and
physical sciences. The Vulcan Science Academy, an educational institution of
higher learning, is galactically renown for studies in all branches of
scientific study and was the only school Vulcan science students attended
until the admission in 2249 of Spock to Starfleet Academy ("Journey to
Babel" [TOS]). Vulcan science has made several notable discoveries, among
the most recent contact with the Wadi, the first Gamma Quadrant species
introduced to the Alpha Quadrant ("Move Along Home" [DS9]), in 2369.
Editor's Note: Isn't it odd that we know so much more about Vulcan's history
and culture than 24th century Earth?
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ZAKDORN
Class: M
Native race(s): Zakdorn race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Through a developmental process still not
understood, the brains of Zakdorn humanoids developed strategic abilities
far greater than the average Federation member world humanoid. Reputed to be
formidable warriors, they hold the untested 9,000 year-old reputation of
being the greatest warriors and strategic minds in the Milky Way galaxy.
Many Zakdorn work with Starfleet Tactical, using their abilities in planning
areas from devising spacecraft combat manuvers (SCMs) to full Federational
defense ("Peak Performance" [TNG]). A certain attitude of superiority and
condescention usually accompany the Zakdorn strategic mind, which has been
found to be an irritation to other Federation citizens working with them.
Editor's Note: Yet another "safe assumption". This is justified in that
Starfleet wouldn't have a citizen of a non-member world running strategic
simulations on fleet vessels, much less the flagship. The irritation Sirna
Kolrami caused in the Enterprise was evident enough to warrant placement
here.
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ZALDA
Class: M and N (nc)
Native race(s): Zalda race (humanoid)
Brief history/Comments: Some regions of Zalda classify as Class N, making
Zalda unique among Federation worlds in that it officially classifies under
two planetary classification categories (nc). It is the class N nature of
Zalda that is thought to have contributed to the development of the
characteristic webbed hands and feet of the humanoid population. Curiously,
Zaldan cultural values reject Terran humanoid courtesy as a form of
dishonesty and hiding of true feelings and emotions. Therefore other
Federation citizens have learned to address and deal with Zaldans in what
would ordinarily be considered rude manners (actually considered proper
manners to the Zaldans). Zaldans are on average greater in height and
overall body weight at full adult size than most Federation humanoids
("Coming of Age" [TNG]).
Editor's Note: Another reasonable assumption. We saw a Zaldan in uniform at
Relva VII. Explanation for webbed hands is purely conjecture.
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REFERENCES

See the Reading List Mini-FAQ for full details on the volumes mentioned
above and below. More recently presented information is considered to
supercede old information, unless the weight of the evidence supports the
original data. Greatest faith is placed on aired live-action material
(canon) and documents produced by or quoting the production crews for Star
Trek (quasi-canon). Other materials are not considered reliable sources of
information, and anything gleaned from these is of questionable relevance.
Items in this Mini-FAQ marked nc (non-canon) means that the preceeding has
not been firmly established in any episode or movie, but is a reasonable
assumption under information available at that point. All links to outside
sources on individual member worlds are meant for supplementary purposes
only. Those sites may or may not live by the strict rules of canon that this
mini-FAQ does.

Canonical material:

   * Star Trek: Voyager [VOY]
   * Star Trek: Deep Space Nine [DS9]
   * Star Trek: The Next Generation [TNG]
   * Star Trek feature films [TFS]
   * Classic Star Trek [TOS]

Quasi-canonical material:

   * The Star Trek Encyclopedia: A Reference Guide to the Future (Encyc)
   * Star Trek Chronology: The History of the Future, Second Edition (Chron)
   * Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual (TM)
   * Star Trek: 30 Years (A Special Collector's Edition) (T30)

Questionable (but useful) materials:

   * The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion
     - contains some behind-the-scenes notes of interest
   * Other episode guides (Compendium, Concordance, etc)
     - useful, esp. for spellings and details
   * The Making of Star Trek
     - contains Roddenberry-approved TOS ship systems info
   * Episode scripts
     - spellings and fiddly details, except where they say [TECH]
   * Trading and playing cards (esp. Skybox)
     - technical stuff often prepared by production staff

Material that is ignored (other than where it reproduces material from the
above, e.g. photographs, descriptions, etc.):

   * Star Trek: The Animated Series [TAS]
   * Worlds of the Federation (WoF)
   * Other "reference" guides
   * Novels, incl. novelizations of films and episodes
   * Blueprints, drawings, photographs, models, etc.

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S C Q Askew <esseecueay@aol.com>
