Aquan

			Intelligent Lifeform Index

Aquan
Four Letter Code	AQUA
Federation Status	Neutral
Planet of Origin	Argo
Encountered	TAS: The Ambergris Element
T/E Rating	T0/E0
Current Tech Level	L
List of Named Aquans
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Name

• Proper Name: Aquan
• Pronunciation: Aq'uan

Home System

• Quadrant: Beta
• Location: Binos Covis Sector (coordinates B26-0001-1296)
• Proper Name: Argo Nouvius
• Pronunciation: Ar'Go Nou'Vius
• Star: It orbits a class G (Yellow) star
• Distance from Star: it's orbit is approximately 283 million km
• Companions: 5 other planets. It is the 3rd planet in the system

Home World

• Proper Name: Argo
• Pronunciation: Ar'Go
• Diameter: 13,893 km (8,683 miles)
• Gravity: 0.97 standard gravity with a density of 4.9
• Axial Tilt: 3%, no appreciable tilt and no seasons
• Orbital Period: 394 days
• Rotational Period: 31 hours
• Classification: M
  • Surface Water: 89%
  • Atmosphere: 1.13 is a standard pressure with 75% nitrogen, 24% oxygen, 1% argon
  • Climate: Warm tropical environment
  • Population: Just over 1 billion

History

The Aquan civilization was an example of forced evolution. Centuries before the 23rd century, the Aquans were air-breathers, but massive planet-wide earthquakes flooded the entire planet. They were forced to adapt to be able to breath underwater. Fortunately, their medical science technology was advanced enough to induce a necessary mutation, called a surgo-op, to ensure the survival of the entire species.

While primitive in nature it was enough so that over the years they were able to fine tune the genetic modifications to the point where they are now fully adapted to underwater living.

Much of their history from before the transition has been lost. Partly due to the speed with which they were forced to adapt to life in the water but even more so due to the total destruction of many of their cities. That and the rapid manner in which most of the land mass's slipped below the surface of the water. It is estimated that over 90% of their population was lost during this time.

Government

The Aquans were governed by a Ruling Tribunal of the Aquans, guided by the Aquan ordainments.

Description

While humanoid in appearance they have evolved light green scaly skin due to the genetic manipulation. This was to prevent skin damage due to prolonged submersion under water. Another genetic alteration was the addition of gills in their neck to enhance their ability to breathe underwater. They have medium to dark green hair.

Physiology

Due to all the genetic manipulation their physiology is basically an ideal mix of both humanoid and aquatic fish.

Psychology

They seem to be fairly well balanced as a species with the normal types of mental problems suffered by intelligent humanoids. However they do have a peculiar mental disease, phobia that affects some of them. A fear of the surface, above the water.

Religion

Their is some mystery regarding their beliefs prior to the extreme planet wide quakes that so radically altered their species. They were only able to save so much and with the loss of over 90% of the population it was only a select minority that was given the gene-therapy that was the first stage in transforming them into a new species able to survive and thrive underwater.

As for after the planet wide quakes, the survivors never really established any true form of religion.

Mythology

Their are many myths regarding the life of their ancestors that lived above the waters. This is mainly due to the fact that almost no records survived. It is due to excavation and research that they are slowly trying to learn more about their past.

However they have also created another set of myths regards the survival of their people. These mostly center around the research team that created the technique by which their people were saved. That and the many problems that had to be overcome in order for them to survive.

Society

They are a fairly peaceful and law obeying people. They live together in mutual harmony with few occurrences of unrest. Most of these have been caused by outsiders. However they do tend to stay close to where they were born and in most cases, most of the population will seldom travel more than a few hundred miles away in their lifetime.

Culture

Due to the underwater environment the only forms of art that they have are sculptures which can be found everywhere and a rather primitive music that pulses through the water in harmonic waves.

Food

• Aquan Coral Sashimi: Served in a specialised aquarium container, this

delicacy features thin slices of bioluminescent Aquan coral, which emit a soft, ambient light. It's a visually stunning and refreshing aquatic dish.

Customs

Regardless of the fact that their current underwater existence is a result of selective genetic engineering they have managed to evolve a number of unique customs that mimic certain aspects of the native aquatic life forms. These include large social gatherings that appear to be similar to groupings of fish called schooling. Another is the sport of swimming through coral reefs that have been engineered to provide an extremely difficult course.

Technology

They have been able to evolve a completely unique technology system that can function efficiently underwater. This includes thousands of different kinds of vessels, a couple different pollution free power generation systems and numerous high tech devices.

While they have been able to build ships that can travel in space, the majority of these are short range in nature. For any long range travel they have built an number of other devices for. The majority of these are like space suits but contain a water like environment instead of air.

Economy

They are completely self sufficient but have established a fairly respectable trade program with many other planets. Their main export is seafood, pearls and exotic coral. Their main imports have been waterproof cloth and technology that can function underwater.

Military

They have no formal military, but they do have an excellent police force. They have also established a number of defensive satellite's in orbit to protect their world. This includes 1 space station that was constructed by offworlders at their request. This station is the main facility for contact between them and other species.

Federation Intelligence Files

In 2269, the crew of the USS Enterprise visited Argo and discovered the underwater society. On an away mission, Spock and Captain Kirk were temporarily altered to become water-breathers. Fortunately, Doctor McCoy discovered that the venom of the sur-snake contained an antidote, and they were returned to normal.

For more data see Federation Intelligence File # TAS-2269-4196.

References

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

		SPECIES PROFILE UPDATED This profile was revised by the Species Development Committee.		REV 240110.15
		Please add any new information discovered during the course of a mission or shore leave.
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