Sheliak

The **Sheliak** were a classification R3 non-humanoid species that originated from the Shelia system in the Alpha Quadrant, far beyond the borders of the United Federation of Planets. They were reclusive, xenophobic, and highly legalistic. Their governing body was known as the Sheliak Corporate. (TNG: "The Ensigns of Command"; *Star Trek: Star Charts*)

They were first encountered by the Federation during the 23rd Century. After negotiating the Treaty of Armens, a complicated and exhaustive document, with the Federation, the Sheliak avoided any further contact for 111 years, until the Tau Cygna V incident forced them to demand the removal of an illegal human colony. (TNG: "The Ensigns of Command")

Federation scholars were never able to decipher the Sheliak language, but the Sheliak easily learned several Federation languages. They were a rigorously legalistic and exacting species that considered humanoids, to be inferior lifeforms. Their species-political organization was called the "Sheliak Corporate," suggesting a goal-oriented cooperative structure. Ship commanders were called "Directors of the Membership," first among equals with clearly defined roles and obligations.

Physically, the Sheliak were roughly T-shaped with a stocky central body and two ovoid projections, similar to stubby wings, on either side. They possessed a featureless head-like projection at the top of their torsos. They had no observable limbs or manipulatory appendages. Their skin was grayish or inky black with sparkling highlights and had numerous folds or creases in its surface. A pronounced rippling motion was observable when they addressed humanoid beings, suggesting that at least part of their own language was gestural.

The Sheliak were only known to inhabit only Class H worlds, like Tau Cygna V, and had a tolerance or perhaps dependence for hyperonic radiation of the the type that maked Tau Cygna V unsuitable for human habitation.

The Sheliak usd their prehensile outer membrane as a manipulatory organ, forming gripping surfaces at any point necessary along their bodies. The ovoid projections at their "shoulders" were used in reproduction, linking one to another, often in large circles involving many partners (sometimes hundreds or thousands) Genetic material was passed from one partner to the next around the circle with the individual Sheliak selecting the genetic donation most compatible with its own out of all available pairings. The head-like appendage atop the torso was a sensory organ cluster. The Sheliak brain was spread in loops throughout the torso and was capable of storing far more information, which was more readily accessible than was normal for humanoid species. Their biomolecular sense allowed them to "see" DNA patterns without requiring technological assistance. This gave them a unique understanding of biotechnologies. The Sheliak had a reputation as advanced bioengineers, though limited contact with outsiders made this hard to confirm. They were thought to have substantial capabilities for producing, and no ethical limitations on using, biogenic weapons of mass destruction.

To the Sheliak, with their alien senses, humanoids appeared to be skeletons covered with masses of transparent flesh, spewing out clouds of DNA-fog from every orifice and pore, bizarre and repulsive creatures which they could bear to be around. Humanoids contaminated everything they touched with their shed DNA, leaving potentially toxic refuse on every surface. (LUG: *Memory Icon*)

## Background

* *The Sheliak appeared only once, in TNG: "The Ensigns of Command". Very little was directly revealed about their physiology or culture. Most of the above is purely speculative, designed to portray the Sheliak as implacable and utterly alien creatures.* - Kurt "Sheliak Bob" McCoy

## External links

* Sheliak article at ***Memory Alpha***, the canon *Star Trek* wiki.
* Sheliak article at ***Memory Beta***, the non-canon *Star Trek* wiki.
* Sheliak article at ***Star Trek Expanded Universe***, the fanon and fanworks *Star Trek* wiki.
* Sheliak at *Memory Icon*