Idrustix
Idrustix (specifically Idrustix II) is a candidate world identified as a colony by the Twentieth House of Betazed.
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It is located approximately 0.586 light years from Amity, and takes approximately 24 hours to travel to the Idrustix system at Warp 5[1].
The system’s star is approximately 2.2 billion years old. Starfleet computers detected that the star, like many others, are prone to large Coronial Mass Ejections (CME) on an infrequent basis – in the case of Idustrix, a probability of once every twenty thousand Earth years. However, a correlative analysis of Starfleet long range sensor data and the telemetry from the survey team from the Twentieth House indicated there may have been several very large CME events in the last two-hundred years - large enough to cause a major disturbance to the colony planet’s magnetosphere, potentially putting the colony at risk[2]
The planet has faint red-purple aurora across the planet’s poles[3].
The planet is known as Skraall by the Trenvonn.
Native Bacteria and Treatment
The planet contains a sentient bacteria named Geobacter lucia (or "Lucia" for short). The bacteria operate in a purely symbiotic relationship with life upon the planet. Their hosts provide shelter for the bacteria while they protect their hosts from the radiation that bombards the planet.
Lucia infects most humanoids (without copper-based blood). The bacteria gives them a natural shielding to the planet's slightly higher (but still harmful) levels of radiation. But without treatment, they also get strong influenza like symptoms as their immune systems tries to fight the bacteria. Additionally, in people with psionic abilities (such as Betazoids) it has hallucinogenic effects and causes delirium[4].
Ikaia Wong has developed an innoculation for the bacteria. It makes the host's bodies much more hospitable to the bacteria, and accounts the body's immune system fighting it. An innoculated Betazoid population should be able to live on Idrustix[5].
Species with copper-based blood (such as J'naii, Romulans and Vulcans) do not seem to be affected by the Lucia bacteria. People with those blood types must have doses of Lectrazine-hyronalyn to cater for the planet's higher radiation levels.
Due to a Klingon's higher muscle mass and immune system, the bacteria is broken down quickly in Klingon people[6]. They also require doses of Lectrazine-hyronalyn.
Proposed Colony
The Twentieth House of Betazed originally surveyed the planet and chose it as a strong candidate for colonization by the government of Betazed.
After perceived failures of the Twentieth House by the Sixth and Second Houses of Betazed, the Betazoid Government, led by mediator Tani Lekasa, brokered a deal to allow all three houses set up their own colony sites on the planet.
Twentieth House of Betazed Colony Site
The colony site on the planet chosen by the surveyors is situated near a forest with several belts of trees. Beyond the forest is rocky terrain, and a day's hike through it allows a person to get glimpses of the ocean. The weather is warm and can get up to 31 degrees Celsius, and moderately humid at sub-tropical levels.
The only life forms detected were myriad bacterial spectrum, fungal spores, plant life, and insects. Ant-like insects with bold yellow stripe patterns on their bellies live in rust-red barked trees[7]. Groups of the red-barked trees may be home to an underground hive of the ant-like insects, and they do appear to have some sort of venom, although it is not strong[8].
Second House of Betazed Colony Site
The proposed Second House colony site is at an inland river basin.
Sixth House of Betazed Colony Site
The proposed Sixth House colony site is on "Island Four", the largest of a chain of islands in the “Mid-Islands Region”.
Talaxian Settlement: Paxala
In 2401, a major diplomatic breakthrough led to the establishment of Paxala, a Talaxian colony on Idrustix II. The initiative emerged from negotiations mediated by Ambassador Niarivi Vataix and the Federation Diplomatic Corps, aimed at resolving territorial and resource conflicts between the Talaxians of New Talax and the Nedic Dreznin, a reclusive mining species operating in the same asteroid field.
The Talaxians, facing overpopulation, environmental strain, and infrastructure pressures in their asteroid settlements, sought a more sustainable, planet-based future. With support from Heliox, a hydroponics supervisor and key voice in the delegation, the Talaxians approached the Federation for alternatives. Idrustix II was proposed as a suitable location, with backing from the Twentieth House of Betazed and its colony administrator, Tri’lea Polgonz.
During a summit aboard Federation One, the Federation, New Talax, and the Nedic Dreznin reached a three-way accord. A portion of mining territory was ceded to reduce conflict, the Nedic Dreznin committed to a non-aggression pact, and the Federation agreed to support a Talaxian resettlement effort on Idrustix.
The result was Paxala, a new Talaxian colony named by its founders to reflect peace (Pax) and Talaxian heritage. It was established with support from Betazoid colonial leaders (including the Second and Sixth Houses), and has since become a symbol of post-conflict cooperation in the region.
Current Development
By early 2401, Paxala had entered its initial phase of construction. Though still developing, the colony already resembles a functioning settlement, with Talaxian cultural identity at its heart and visible touches of Betazoid and Federation design. The settlement was established with support from Betazoid colonial leaders and benefits from shared diplomatic and logistical resources.
Early on, the colony was supported by volunteers from across the Federation, including Crewman Second Class Annamae Barberra, who assisted in engineering and medical operations. Her presence—as well as her unique sense of humour—left a lasting impression on the colony’s early days.
Key facilities include the Gathering Center, a communal hall that serves as mess, meeting space, and refuge during storms. The first winter on Idrustix proved harsh, with sideways rain and cold winds battering half-built structures. Colonists braved the elements with determination—and insulated boots.
A strong community spirit emerged early, fostered by Marvoxx, a Talaxian engineer and counsellor who helped integrate new settlers and Starfleet volunteers. Social events—like bingo nights, introduced by Barberra and quickly embraced by colonists—alongside shared meals and home-brewed Leola Root Wine (described by Marvoxx as “more like paint stripper”) have become part of Paxala’s early culture.
Paxala continues to grow, guided by a shared desire for peace, stability, and cooperation. It serves as a bridge between the Talaxians, Betazoids, and the wider Federation presence in the Delta Quadrant—and stands as a hopeful model of post-crisis recovery.
References
- ↑ "Mr Milk", Lt Cmdr Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost, SD239904.28
- ↑ "Your Star Will Shine", Lt Cmdr Wil Ukinix & Lt Solak, Amity Outpost, SD239905.25
- ↑ "Seeing Red", Tri'lea Polgonz, Amity Outpost, SD239905.03
- ↑ "Backing the Bacteria", Lieutenant Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost, SD239908.25
- ↑ "Communicable Disease", Lieutenant Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost, SD239908.19
- ↑ "Q and A", Lieutenant Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost, SD239908.22
- ↑ "Novocaine for the Soul", Lt Cmdr Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost, SD239905.05
- ↑ "Can’t Fight This Feeling", Tri'lea Polgonz, Amity Outpost, SD239905.06