Locussoporat

**Locossoporat** (from the Latin *locus* 'space' and *soporatus* 'sleeper'), often referred to as *Space Jellies*, are a unique species of semi-sapient invertebrates that bear some similarities to coelentrata. They are most notable for their ability to survive in the vacuum of space, incredible digestive abilities, unusual hibernation cycle, and high degree of neuroplasticity. Incredibly rare in the galaxy, only a few hundred have ever been discovered, though it is hypothesized that there may be many more colonies of them in the universe.

## Biology

### Anatomy & Physiology

The Locussoporat is a highly peculiar, malleable organism that has baffled scientists of different federations for many years. It typically takes the form of a small, semitransparent, purplish blob of amorphous structure that is anywhere between one and ten liters in volume. Rather than traditional skin, it possesses something more akin to a large and flexible plasma membrane. The Locossoporat also possesses the longest DNA string of any known organism and is able to mimic other species it encounters, up to and including growing crude versions of their organ structure. Particularly, in the presence of intelligent creatures and after being fed the correct minerals, the Locussoporat's typically scattered neuronal structure over time compounds and multiplies to form a sort of 'brain', whereby the organism gains, debatably, enough qualities to consider it a sentient organism.

The typical form of a Locussoporat is colloquially referred to as a 'space jelly' or 'space amoeba', the latter being not entirely incorrect as some scientists have taken to dubbing them 'superamoeba'. Either due to coincidence or some unknown pressure, the Locussoporat is capable of surviving without the presence of an atmosphere. They are most commonly found clustered on asteroids and spacejunk, though some are found free-floating in space.

In their typical form, the Locussoporat moves through the use of pseudopodia. It is capable of consciously molding its shape to some degree, though more developed Locussoporat usually resort to inhabiting exosuits or other 'molds' to make the formation and retention of limbs and ligaments easier.

#### Senses & Communication

Intra-Locussoporat communication is poorly understood, even as some rudimentary coordination amongst colony members in the vacuum of space has been observed. Though they lack an observable language of their own, Locussoporat have been shown to be capable of learning and textually reproducing the languages of other species. In space Locussoporat usually lack conventional sensory apparatus other than haptic and visual ones, though they can form olfactory and auditory systems in other contexts.

### Diet, Life Cycle & Hibernation

The Locussoporat is capable of digesting many mineral structures within its body, including nickel, iron and silicate matter, as well as more traditional organic matters. It has occasionally been found clinging to spaceships, slowly digesting their hull. Though observed in the wild only rarely, the Locussoporat is thought to have a peculiar life cycle, whereby in the presence of a mineral-rich environment it will asexually reproduce, scatter, slowly digest what materials are available to it, and then eventually congregate to the site of its common ancestor, whereby the offspring will be cannibalized and the creature will go into a state of extended hibernation. Sometimes additional 'parent-bodies' are left over if enough food was found.

Once a food source has been exhausted, the Locussoporat enters a state of extreme dormancy whereby everything except its digestion and basic tactile sensitivities become completely inert. Depending on the amount of food it has stored, the Locussoporat is thought to be able to survive for up to five hundred years in this dormant state. The potential lifespan of a Locussoporat in captivity is unknown.

## Origin

Almost uniquely amongst recognized species, the Locussoporat's planet of origin is unknown. First discovered in space in the Kruschev-2 Sector, some have speculated that they originate on a planet that has since been destroyed by asteroid impact due to their presence on space debris in the sector. Others speculate that they may be an artificial organism, though their creator remains equally elusive.

The DNA structure of the Locussoporat is unlike any other known organism, and no analog to it exists anywhere else.

## In Society

So few Locussoporat individuals exist in galactic society that a breakdown by allegiance has never been conducted. They are one of only a few organisms where their status as sentient beings exists on a spectrum between individuals. Most, such as the ones being studied in laboratories or exhibited as curios, are what Universal Federation term 'dormant', and afforded no greater rights than non-sapient animals. 'Realized' Locussoporat are those that have actively been taught sapient behavior, and some have been afforded sapient rights as a result.

Most people have never personally encountered a Locussoporat, and even those that have may not recognize it, for even realized Locussoporat often inhabit exosuits to give themselves the appearance of other organisms. Seemingly lacking the ability to form an analog to vocal chords, Locussoporat usually communicate exclusively in written form.

Largely an imprint of the individuals or group that realized them, everything from the sociopolitical beliefs to sense of empathy in a Locussoporat is seemingly almost entirely determined by its teachers.