Qox'cotel Protectorate

## General Overview

The *Qox'cotel Protectorate* are an aeriform species from the Lambda Quadrant of the Black Eye Galaxy. Reminiscent of a *Terran Pavo* species, more commonly known as a "*Peacock"* or *"Peafowl"*, the *Qox'cotel* are known in the Lambda Quadrant for their controversal *"Directive"* which morally compels them to prevent the misuse of scientific research and new technologies in order to preserve that natural harmony of the Black Eye Galaxy.

Qox'cotel are almost six foot in length, with similar features to most *avian* species encountered by the United Commonwealth of Planets, displaying agile, sleek frames and a large array of immaculate feathers, which they seem to use as a natural cloak, hiding their arms underneath. It is believed that this *"fashion"* is considered a symbol of modesty by most Qox'cotel, a highly desirable character trait amongst their society.

Possessing a number of technological advancements greater then the Commonwealth, the Qox'cotel have considerably powerful vessels, despite only possessing smaller ship designs and spending a lot of the resources of their empire on finding better miniaturisation technology, somewhat connected to their belief about modesty and humility.

The *Qox'cotel Protectorate* maintains a small democratic society which oversees the protection of several worlds in the Lambda Quadrant but allows each individual world to maintain their own affairs. However if a planet under their protection develops any of the *"Banned Sciences"*, which members are required to agree to before joining the Protectorate, then the *Qox'cotel Protectorate* will intervene to cease it, citing a *"moral duty"* to prevent their members from destroying themselves.

These *"Banned Sciences"* include;

* *Genetic Engineering*
* *Void Technology*
* *Negative Energy Research*
* *Cloning*
* *Cosmetic Alteration Technology* *(Cybernetics, Nanotechnology)*
* *Omega Technology*
* *Dark Matter Technology*
* *Weapons of Mass Destruction*
* *Biological and Chemical Weapon Development*

This philosophy has led the *Qox'cotel Protectorate* to direct conflict with the Raysillian Empire, who they consider to be reckless with their scientific and technological development. This conflict has persisted from the early 2000's onwards as the Raysillians have refused to limit their technological and scientific development.

Due to their own moral philosophy, the *Qox'cotel Protectorate* have not advanced technologically as quickly as the Raysillian's have, leaving the Qox'cotel unable to oppose the Raysillians in direct military conflict, insteading chosing to employ both diplomatic, economic sanctions and arranging raiders from the Gol Anocracy to steal Raysillian technology for study.

As a result of their actions, this has led to many species within the Lambda Quadrant to look on the *Qox'cotel Protectorate* as an arrogant and restrictive power, far more concerned with their image then adherance to their own moral philosophy.

Qox'cotel vessels are built from a process known as *"Particle Synthesis"*. With hulls consisting of *"Programmable Matter"*, allowing their vessels to rapidly change configuration or even to disguise themselves as an allied vessel for the purposes of information gathering.

The Qox'cotel made first contact with the United Commonwealth of Planets in April 2421, by attacking a convoy group protected by the U.S.S. Normandy (NCC-61944-A). The Normandy was in awe of the powerful Qox'cotel Humility Class which used its *Particle Synthesis* to disguise themselves as a planet. The Qox'cotel demanded that the Commonwealth give up their *"banned sciences"* in exchange for their assistance against the Umojan Empire.