Selenean

While not as stoic as Vulcans, Seleneans are extremely analytical, preferring reasoned action over intuitive. They are naturally polite, seeking never to offend any being- under any circumstances- if they can avoid it. This may be a cultural characteristic rather than genetically hardwired. Seleneans do not lie. This at least is more than a simple cultural trait; it is not that they have a moral aversion to falsehood but because their natural means of communication makes it impossible. The closest word they have for “false” etc. is “incorrect”. Their truthful nature makes them one of the few races the Zaldans truly respect.

Seleneans are fantastically adept at genetic manipulation with representatives, Pod Mothers, designing subsequent generations based upon the consensus of members of the current one. Selenean society is organized into extensive family groups called covens. Selene has no single ruler. All decisions are made by the Pod Mothers through group consensus. While Seleneans are, technically, a neuter species, reproducing asexually via group linking and pod generation, the current generation has been designed with humanoid, Klingonoid and Vulcanoid gender characteristics in order to facilitate easy acceptance by the dominant species of the Federation. Whether this modification is merely cosmetic or induces true genetic similarity with the mimicked species is not known. Rather than an effort to blend in with those societies- the golden metallic skin prevents this in any case- it is an attempt on behalf of the Pod Mothers to put their new neighbours at ease. However, the Mothers did not want their children to be defenceless in the wider galaxy and so allowed the primary DNA, that which accounts for a more durable and lethal form, to remain. In cases of imminent physical attack, a Selenean reverts to her feral aspect until the danger has passed. This chimeric form is extremely durable with armour-like dermal plates, prehensile jaws and fangs as well as razor sharp claws on all ten digits. In this form Seleneans are formidable hand- to- hand combatants. No matter what form they take, all Seleneans have two unvaried identifying characteristics. They all have skin that appears to be made of polished gold and a minimum of two bulbous, turquoise eyes that have been said to resemble large gemstones. Selenean brains have five lobes, and Seleneans do not cry. Nor do they blink involuntarily.

There are seventeen Seleneans in Starfleet (from various crèches) with a diaspora of 2500 more spread out among the worlds of the Federation.Selenean individuals include Y’Lira Medoxa and Y’Lira Modan. The Y’Lira crèche is coded for curiosity, durability and adaptability as well as certain uniform height and weight specifications. Once out of the crèche, however, environmental factors can create great variety even among “sisters” who began essentially identical in every way.