Kaelon

The Kaelons were an intelligent humanoid civilization native to the planet Kaelon II. 
== History ==
Sometime between the 4th century and the 9th century, the Kaelons typically attempted to care for their elderly by housing them in deathwatch facilities. Severe overcrowding led to unfavorable conditions and it was decided that ritual suicide would alleviate stress but also present an opportunity to celebrate the lives of the individuals when they were not burdened by the effects of old age. They called the event the Resolution, and it would become a critical part of their society.
In the 24th century, the Science Ministry discovered that their sun was dying and would destroy or sterilize Kaelon II by the 2390s. They dedicated a team to try to revitalize it. The scientist Doctor Timicin was the leading specialist in this effort, spending forty years designing a torpedo which would appropriately re-stimulate the sun. They still needed help, however, and, because time was running out, they turned to the in 2364. For the next three years, the Federation located a suitable test system for Timicin's method. The came in 2367 to assist in the experiment. Dr. Timicin, who haf made modified some of the Enterprises photon torpedoes to help revive the dying sun of the planet. 
After arriving on the Enterprise, Dr. Timicin told the assembled officers that he has spent 40 years of his life trying to find a way to save his people's sun. He is grateful for their assistance and his only wish is to revive their sun before he died. Lwaxana Troi bothered Worf on the bridge and interrupted the preparations for the photon torpedoes test in Engineering. Later that night, Lwaxana spent time with Dr. Timicin and they headed for her quarters. In the turbolift, he told her that his wife died a long time ago and that he has been dedicated to revitalizing their sun because his species cherishes their home planet. When they arrived at her quarters, she invited him in for a nightcap, but he declined.
The experiment to revive the sun is launched into an empty star system, and the Enterprise monitored the results. Initially, the experiment appears to be successful as the system's star heated up according to plan, but the heating process failed to stop, and the star exploded. Timicin was crushed by the failure of the experiment and revealed that he was approaching the age of 60 and thus was to undergo the "Resolution," a ritual suicide. Lwaxana became livid with protest, but he explained that it was the custom of his people. Despite the Enterprises willingness to stay and assist, Science Minister B'Tardat informed Picard in the ready room that they would not be allowed to intervene in Kaelon culture. Dr. Timicin began to make preparations for his Resolution, and Lwaxana decided to accompany him to Kaelon II. On the way to Kaelon II, Dr. Timicin told Lwaxana that he was grateful for her companionship, and they shared a tender moment.
Dr. Timicin went to the surface of Kaelon II, and Lwaxana, Picard, and Deanna were beamed down to see him off. Dr. Timicin said goodbye to Lwaxana and then thanked Picard for everything he had done to help him. The Enterprise then departed the Kaelon system, leaving Dr. Timicin to complete his Resolution. ()
By 2380, Kaelons were present in the Little Qo'noS quarter on Tulgana IV. () That same year, a Kaelon Starfleet officer was serving aboard the . () A second Kaelon Starfleet officer appeared at Captain Carol Freeman's trial. ()
==Physiology==
The Kaelon species, much like Humans from Earth, possess humanoid characteristics, with the exception of dark lines located on the sides of their heads and hands. Kaelons also possessed immunity to Betazoid telepathy. ()
== Society and culture ==
The Kaelons maintained an isolationist society that was shrouded in mystery. Little was known about their culture beyond the confines of their planet, which only served to intensify interest in their way of life.
The most notable aspect of Kaelon society was the practice of ritual suicide at the age of 60, known as the Resolution. This practice was considered an essential rite of passage and was strictly enforced through social taboo. Any Kaelon who dared to refuse Resolution risked not only ostracism for themselves but also for their entire family. The reasons for this practice remain unclear, but it is believed to have been an expression of the Kaelon's deep-seated belief in the importance of personal responsibility and sacrifice. The ceremony itself was a somber and solemn affair, attended by family members and other members of the community. The Kaelon undergoing Resolution would be clad in ceremonial robes and escorted to a special chamber, where they would ingest a lethal poison and await their inevitable demise. The body would then be cremated, and the ashes scattered into space.
Despite the severity of the practice, there was no evidence of coercion or force in the decision to undergo Resolution. Instead, it was a voluntary choice that was considered an integral part of Kaelon culture. However, it was not uncommon for Kaelons to experience some trepidation and anxiety leading up to the ceremony, given its finality.
While the practice of Resolution was a defining feature of Kaelon society, little else was known about their culture. Their isolationist tendencies made it difficult for outsiders to gain a more in-depth understanding of their way of life. Nonetheless, it is believed that they placed a great emphasis on science and technology, given the inclusion of the Science Ministry in their government. The Kaelon government was led by a Minister, with Minister B'Tardat serving in this role in 2367. The Science Ministry played a crucial role in shaping the Kaelon society, with a focus on advancing their technological capabilities. It is believed that the Kaelons were at the forefront of many scientific advancements, with their rigorous dedication to research and development.
Despite their isolationist tendencies, the Kaelons did engage in diplomatic relations with other species, albeit on a limited basis. In 2367, a Kaelon delegation visited the Federation Starship Enterprise-D to participate in a cultural exchange program. ()
== Technology ==
The Kaelons were a technologically advanced warp capable species in the 24th century, with a focus on energy generation and scientific research. Their most notable technological achievement was the development of a method to revitalize their dying sun.
In 2327, Kaelon scientist Timicin devoted his life to finding a way to save his dying star. His research led to the development of torpedoes that could stimulate the sun in various ways, including helium fusion enhancement. This breakthrough technology allowed the Kaelons to replenish the energy of their star and avoid the fate of other civilizations whose stars had gone nova.
In terms of space travel, the Kaelons were known to possess warp-capable Kaelon warships that were capable of traveling at high speeds. These ships were equipped with advanced navigation systems and energy shields that could protect them from space debris and hostile forces.
== People ==
;Named
* B'Tardat
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* Timicin
;Unnamed
* Unnamed Kaelons
==Appendices==
===Appearances===
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=== Background information ===
According to an internal reference document, listing all the aliens seen in , which was circulated around the time of the production of TNG Season 5, this species was identified as "Kaelonians". They were further given the description of "a humanoid race, ornately painting the rear neck from ear to ear, the sides of their foreheads and their hands. Betazed variety."
===External link===
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de:Kaelonianer
nl:Kaelon
Category:Species