J'naii

			Intelligent Lifeform Index

J'naii
Four Letter Code	JNAI
Federation Status	Neutral
Planet of Origin	J'naii
Encountered	by the USS Enterprise-D (TNG: The Outcast)
T/E Rating	T0/E0
Current Tech Level	M
List of Named J'naii
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"The universe is a confusing place, plagued with confused and mentally unstable individuals who suffer from the plague of separate genders."

a J'naii proverb.

The J'naii are an androgynous humanoid race with a single gender neither male or female. Any member of their society exhibiting male or female traits is considered to be a deviant and a criminal subject to prosecution and subject to mental psychotectic treatment to remove all gender thoughts and emotions.

Home System

• Quadrant: Alpha
• Location: Tik-Kar Sector (coordinates A23-0001-1302)
• Proper Name: Andris J’naii
• Star: It orbits a class F (Yellow/White) star
• Distance from Star: its orbit is approximately 321 million km
• Companions: It is the 4th of 11 planets in the system
• Moons: It has one moon

Home World

The USS Enterprise-D over the J'naii Homeworld

• Proper Name: J'naii
• Diameter: 14,110.7 km (8,768 miles)
• Gravity: 0.96 standard gravity with a density of 4.8
• Axial Tilt: 9.3%, with minimal seasonal changes
• Orbital Period: 384 days
• Rotational Period: 25.8 hours
• Classification: M
  • Surface Water: 58%
  • Atmosphere: 1.07% is a standard pressure with 72% nitrogen, 26% oxygen, 2% trace chemicals
  • Climate: Mainly a temperate planet with small tropical and arctic zones.
  • Terrain: A wide mix of many terrain types evenly dispersed over the planet’s surface.
  • Population: Just over 7 billion

The planet J'naii is located in a star system with a null space pocket. J'naii is 53 hours away from the Phelan system at warp 6 and it has a single moon.

The traditional name of the J'naii home world is H'naiiar which translates roughly to "a home for all J'naii". This name fell into disuse, except in evocative speech, by the 2300's, and was virtually unheard by the time of the Federation's visit to J'naii in 2368.

Locations

There are several landmasses or continents on J'naii, including J'naris - the planet's most populous continent, where Wendaii Capital City is located - and Th'orem, the continent's frigid southernmost landmass. Th'orem hosts a scientific outpost city of the same name.

Lifeforms

The falla bush is a woody plant native to the planet J'naii which produces a fragrant flower on only one day of the J'naii year.

The pella plant is a vine-like flowering plant native to the Wendaii region of J'naii. It blooms in late summer and by autumn, its blossoms turn colour from pink to orange and fall from the plant. Some fall to the soil below and decompose, while others are carried on the wind and seed elsewhere. This strategy allowed the pella to survive even in difficult terrain.

History

The 2368 trial of Soren, a J'naii accused of gendered identity.

In an early stage of their evolution, the J'naii species had two sexes - male and female. This origin is not widely known or discussed amongst the general populace. The J'naii race eventually evolved physically into a genderless, androgynous race. In more recent times, this androgynous state has been culturally determined as the more advanced (and therefore, preferable) way for J'naii to exist.

In mid-2368, the J'naii contacted the nearby USS Enterprise-D to investigate the disappearance of the J'naii shuttle Taris Murn in their star system. The crew of the shuttle was rescued from a pocket of null space. The pocket was thoroughly mapped by shuttlecraft from the Enterprise. The crew discussed plans to regulate space travel around the pocket and decided on deploying warning buoys around the null space pocket.

During this mission a difficulty emerged between the J’naii and the crew as a result of Cmdr. William T. Riker beginning a brief relationship with one of the J'naii who exhibited female physical and psychological traits. The planet's government subsequently used psychotectic treatment to remove all female thoughts and emotions from the criminal. Such a squelching of individuality ran counter to the diverse values of the Federation.

In 2392, Kivik, a J'naii scientist, published controversial research indicating that gender expression is not harmful to J'naii and is, in fact, natural - though somewhat rare. For conducting and publishing this research, which violated Government policy and widespread beliefs on gender, the scientist was shamed and left the planet to join the Federation.

Government

The planet J'naii is governed by a Kritocracy (a panel of judges) who operate within the Civic Chambers of Wentaii Capital City. Wentaii is located on the planet's most populous landmass - J'naris.

Wendaii has been described as somewhat similar to San Francisco on Earth - as both are busy metropolises overlooking a bay. The civic center in Wendaii also boasts a substantial pella plant walking garden.

While J'naii is not a member of the United Federation of Planets they remain neutral, allowing Federation traffic and visitors into their space, so long as rule of J'naii law and custom is respected.

Description

A genderless (sometimes called 'androgynous') species, the J'naii are generally lithe-bodied and smaller than humans. Many have shapely delicate facial features which members of gendered species may interpret as looking more feminine or masculine depending on their existing biases towards beauty standards. Most J'naii do not use makeup and avoid long or elaborate hairstyles.

As with many humanoid species, the J'naii possess cranial ridges. Though less pronounced than in some other species (such as Klingons), the J'naii ridges are also highlighted by a subtle purplish-blue hue. The structure of these ridges varies by individuals.

Some J'naii do exhibit feminine or masculine traits and may also experience other gender identities. Those who do are often shunned and labelled as 'deviants'. Many are also subjected to 'psychotectic treatment' to rid them of these gendered urges.

Physiology

While they do not share a common ancestor, J'naii are believed to have followed a similar evolutionary pattern to Vulcans. Like Vulcans, J'naii have copper-based blood and are susceptible to intoxication resulting from chocolate consumption (though they are generally immune to the intoxicating effects of alcohol).

As with most intelligent humanoid species they have a very complex system with specialized organs, and unique hormones, chemicals and enzymes. They are typical humanoids with most of the physical, mental and biological medical problems that seem to plague most humanoids.

J'naii have relatively large and complex sinuses, which sit within their heads behind their cranial ridges. When affected by illnesses which cause the sinus to swell, this may put pressure on the J'naii's brain, making them speak and act unpredictably. This is more common in children and is colloquially referred to as "Trinaar fust gal’ek minaar” - the ramblings of sick children.

Another quirk of J'naii anatomy is a robust inner-ear, which protects against damage from sudden or loud noises. While this does not affect their ability to hear the same range of frequencies as other humanoids, it does make them less susceptible to hearing loss.

Gender, Sex, & Reproduction

As the differences between physical sexes has phased out through J'naii evolution, the notion of gender is offensive to many J'naii. J'naii are taught that gender was a primitive aspect of less evolved lifeforms. Consequently, it is hard for the J'naii to grasp the subtleties of differences and complex customs between sexes in other species. Although J'naii are possibly sexually compatible with other gendered races, they are never allowed to mate by assuming a gender role in the act. This is considered criminally perverse in J'naii society and a strictly taboo subject.

J'naii mating and reproduction is a long ritual, full of variety and invention, and is considered extremely pleasurable. In the last stage, a fibrous husk is inseminated by the two parents. The fetus then incubates inside the husk. This is considered by the J'naii to be a less risky and painful method of reproduction compared to other species.

Psychology

While not well known by Federation species, the J'naii are often considered to be strong-willed (perhaps stubborn). Social and individual conflicts are not uncommon, and are routinely settled through court oversight and adjudication.

J'naii are broadly susceptible to many of the same psychological ailments as Humans - though there is insufficient data regarding specific illnesses or disorders. The most well-known 'disorder' amongst J'naii is the experience of gendered feelings (feeling male, female, or non-binary rather than genderless) - however, whether or not this is a disorder requiring treatment is a controversial topic on the planet.

Religion

J'naii are predominantly atheistic and remnants of their ancient beliefs are generally regarded as misguided or ignorant explanations for scientifically-explained phenomena.

There is a sect which believes modern J'naii originated with a male and female entity that coupled, becoming a singular non-gendered being, who created the universe and the J'naii in their image. While it is not widely accepted, this belief is currently tolerated by the J'naii government as it is deemed to align with current values.

Mythology

The mythology of J'naii is not well studied or understood, even by the planet's own inhabitants. There appears to be little interest in exploring a past which is deemed largely 'obsolete' or 'irrelevant', with both government and civilian scientific pursuits generally focused on current issues.

There are, however, cultural fragments from ages past which have endured. One example is a phrase which translates as "in the name of the ancient judgements," which appears to be some sort of frustrated expletive similar in meaning to "oh my god" (Galactic Standard) or "by the Four" (Betazoid).

Additionally, some artifacts remain on display in museums that seem to indicate that historical J'naii did believe in mystic practices - though what specifically they are meant to signify is largely lost to time, having not been preserved (or deliberately destroyed).

Society

The J'naii consider themselves to uphold a remarkably free and open society and to be an enlightened race. The rights and liberties that J'naii citizens enjoy gives them a great deal of self-determination and opportunity. One area in which civil liberties lag behind other civilizations, such as those within the Federation, are in their treatment of gender diversity.

J'naii do not use typical surnames. Instead, in order to differentiate between individuals with the same given name, J'naii may use their parents' names in alphabetical combination. (For example, a J'naii named Sojen with parents Wylek and Krin may refer to themselves formally as Sojen Krin-Wylek).

Gender & Subculture

Soren was a notable J'naii accused of deviant gendered behaviour in 2368.

Despite androgyny being the biological and psychological norm, some J'naii are still born experiencing male, female, or other gendered identities. This is considered by many J'naii to be a remnant from an earlier evolutionary stage and thus as a form of disability or illness. The government believes it has an obligation to 'cure' these individuals of their 'deviant' nature.

Within J'naii society, there exists a quiet minority subculture of gendered individuals who seek each other out in secret to avoid persecution. Many in this group pretend to be genderless in their daily lives to fit in, but privately exhibit gendered behaviours and interactions with one another. Many in this group live in fear of discovery and subsequent ostracism or 'treatment.' Suspected and confirmed 'deviants' were also labelled 'throwbacks,' 'misfits,' and criminals.

If an individual is found to exhibit gendered tendencies they may be taken into custody. Occasionally, this results in a closed trial - as was the case for Soren in 2368. If the individual is determined to be a gendered deviant, they may be subjected to psychotectic therapy - which is widely believed to be an effective treatment to remove gender identity. J'naii who underwent successful therapy were often re-accepted into society.

Controversial research published by J'naii scientists in 2392 suggested that psychotectic therapy is not effective at removing gender identity but rather, is more akin to a form of torture or mutilation and may only serve to diminish an individual's overall sense of self.

Culture

As a species they are capable of enjoying and appreciating most forms of artistic expression. They have a small minority of their population that produce these with it being divided almost equally between music and other more concrete forms of artist expression.

Customs

Personal Pronouns

The J'naii language includes ungendered personal pronouns for which there is no direct translation in the Galactic Basic Standard or English languages.

When communicating in these languages, many J'naii prefer the use of unique alternative pronouns - such as "Ne" or "Ze" (in place of he, she, or they). It is postulated that the use of "n" or "z" may indicate a "non"-gendered or "zero"-gender pronoun - however, this has not been confirmed.

This helps differentiate the predominantly-genderless J'naii from other species which are predominantly gendered. Of course, individual J'naii (especially those who experience gender) may have their own preferences.

	Preferred		Accepted	Not Preferred	Example Usage
Subjective	Ne	Ze	They	He or She	"Have you met Nakir? Ne / ze is a J'naii diplomat."
Possessive	Nir/s	Zer/s	Their/s	His or Her/s	"I am interested to learn nir / zer opinion on the matter."
Objective	Nem	Zem	Them	Him or Her	"I almost forgot to say goodbye to nem / zem!"

Other Customs

While J'naii do form family units, typically consisting of two parents and their offspring, living and sleeping arrangements are not always indicative of romantic connection or mating practices. For example, many J'naii live with friends for the sake of company and may share beds to stay warm and comfortable.

When two J'naii dance, the taller partner typically leads.

Technology

In the 24th century, the J'naii operated at least several shuttlecraft, incapable of venturing beyond the J'naii star system, such as the Taris Murn. A flight school trained J'naii shuttle pilots. J'naii had knowledge of warp drive technology and several other races.

J'naii Shuttle (2368)

This type of shuttlecraft was not capable of interstellar travel and was in use by the J'naii in 2368. These shuttles could carry 2 individuals and used plestorene-based backup systems.

In 2368, a J'naii shuttle pilot was already familiar with all the technology of a Starfleet type 6 shuttlecraft - such as microfusion thrusters, the shuttles matter-antimatter reaction assembly, and the warp nacelles, navigational deflector, redundant graviton polarity source generators- before having seen one.

Economy

They have established a few long and short term trade deals with others species, including a few that are members of the Federation, however on the whole they tend to be wary of entering into such deals, especially if there is any possibility of cultural contamination as a result of the contact.

Military

They have a small military force but for the most part their ships and weapons systems are no match for any Federation vessels. This has slowly been changing as new technology has become available to them.

Federation Intelligence Files

J'naii is not a member world of the Federation and currently expresses no interest in becoming a member. The established reason for this resistance is a fundamental disagreement regarding Federation principles of tolerance and understanding, which run contrary to J'naii laws requiring strict control over gender expression.

Notable J'naii

There are a number of J'naii who may be of interest to the Federation. This list does not include J'naii who have left their home world to join Starfleet or become citizens of the Federation.

Noor

Noor was the head of J'naii government in 2368.

Noor was the head of government and the head of a panel of judges dealing with legal matters of the J'naii people in the mid-24th century. A monument to Noor was erected in the civic center, and the surrounding Plaza dubbed Nooren Plaza, in honour of Noor's resistance to Federation interference.

When the cause of the disappearance of the shuttlecraft Taris Murn was investigated in 2368, Noor promised any resource the planet could provide for the crew of the USS Enterprise-D to salvage the shuttlecraft from the null space pocket it was lost in.

When Soren, a J'naii pilot, was suspected of becoming romantically involved with Commander Riker, Noor oversaw the hearing to determine if Soren was a 'deviant.' Noor would go on to rule that Soren would require psychotectic treatment to remove her gendered identity. Despite Commander Riker suggesting offering Soren asylum, Noor maintained that this would not be possible, as the J'naii government took its commitment to curing its citizens seriously.

Krite

Krite was a J'naii pilot and colleague of Soren in 2368.

Krite was Soren's flight school instructor and worked with her as a colleague in 2368. Following the operation to recover the lost shuttle craft and its crew, Krite was present for a social gathering of USS Enterprise-D personnel and J'naii, during which Soren and Riker's relationship was discovered. Krite reported the incident to the J'naii authorities, who promptly arrested and tried Soren.

Soren

In 2368, Soren and USS Enterprise-D first officer, Commander Riker, worked together on a mission to rescue a lost J'naii shuttle from the pocket of null space located in the J'naii star system.

During this time, Soren revealed her female identity to Riker, despite a significant social taboo against gendered identity or expression. They developed romantic feelings for one another and, although they attempted to keep their relationship secret, they were discovered and reported to the J'naii authorities.

Soren was arrested and brought before a panel of judges. Riker told the tribunal that he forced himself on Soren in an attempt to protect her, but she denied his story, and stated her involvement with him was out of free will. Soren further issued an impassioned speech for acceptance of other gendered J'naii. The tribunal regarded this as an admission of perversion, and Soren was ordered to receive psychotectic therapy.

Riker offered to give Soren asylum on the Enterprise-D, and attempted an unsanctioned rescue operation, but the treatments were given ahead of schedule. The treatment had completely removed Soren's gender identity and all feelings for Riker with it. Soren was no longer interested in the offer of asylum.

Dovan

Dovan was a J'naii scientist in the 24th century. An expert in techno-organics, Dovan created the Starfly One Bioprobe, a deep-space scientific exploratory probe. Unfortunately, Starfly malfunctioned and caused significant damage to planet Damiano, in part due to shortcuts taken by Dovan, whose own DNA was used in the probe's creation. This was particularly upsetting to Dovan, who had a strong pacifist philosophy. Dovan eventually risked hir own life in order to stop the probe.

Sources

Both Memory Alpha and Memory Beta were used as references as well as the following TV episode, TNG: The Outcast.

Also used was info taken from the NF short story: Oil and Water and the Star Trek: The Next Generation Makeup FX Journal, (p. 89).

Content from this article may have
come partially, or entirely from
 Memory Alpha

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