Species 8472
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In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Species 8472 is an advanced alien race that lives in the realm of fluidic space. "Species 8472" (which is always separated, as "eight four seven two") is the numeric designation given to the aliens by the Borg; the actual name of the race is unknown.
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[edit] Anatomy
[edit] Cellular characteristics
Species 8472 has a dense genetic structure, with each cell containing more than a hundred times the genetic material contained in the nucleus of an average human one, due to a triple-helix DNA structure. On the cellular level, Species 8472's own bodily cells can become extremely virulent when in a foreign blood-stream and a single one can function both as immunity and a normal body-cell. However, Species 8472's own cells can also duplicate themselves rapidly (and presumably flawlessly, without any mutations) and congregate around the contaminant cells with a powerful immune system. For example, when Species 8472 wounds a victim with their claws, those stray cells contaminate the wound, multiply and consume the victim's whole body from the inside out. The victim is still conscious during this because the stray cells employ the same immune response as the creature, allowing them to destroy any treatment that is administered.
[edit] Physiology
Species 8472's anatomy is unique in that they possess three five-jointed, even-toed Ungulate feet. They have cross shaped pupils, and can communicate exclusively through telepathy. They have a tall, thin, skeletal body that possess very little soft-tissue, and appendages appear to be supported by sinuous strands of muscle. Their outward appearance is marked mainly by bony crests located on their chest and disproportionally large heads. They have as many as five genders, each of which apparently occupies a different region of Fluidic Space. Species 8472 can also survive the unprotected rigors of normal space, and appears not to need to breathe atmosphere, or even the organic fluid present in its own realm. Species 8472 also emits a biogenic field around their bodies which interferes with normal transporters and renders it partially invisible to sensors. Species 8472 is one of the most evolutionarily advanced species encountered in the Star Trek universe. However, while species like the Borg have reached the pinnacle of technological achievement through assimilation, Species 8472 has established dominance based on their biological superiority. Their powerful biology renders them immune to most Federation scanning technology and they are the only species the Borg have ever been unable to physically assimilate. Species 8472 possess incredible strength and stamina as demonstrated in the episode Prey, when a single Species 8472 was attacked by a Hirogen hunting party with heavy weapons and taken back to their ship thinking it dead. They soon found out otherwise as the alien badly injured the Alpha Hirogen and tore the head off of his subordinate. When the alien made its way across Voyager's hull, it tore open a bulkhead to gain access to the ship. Though the alien was badly injured, it eventually regenerated its wounds, and it appears to be capable of surviving and recovering from significant, even near-fatal injury. Species 8472 exclusively attacks with their claws and raw strength and never use a handheld weapon allowing their superior immune system to be used in an offensive role.
[edit] Native environment
Species 8472 live in fluidic space, a different dimension (possibly outside of our universe although it is stated that it is only definitely outside of our galaxy). Fluidic space is a continuum filled with an organic fluid. Fluidic space has no stars, no planets and no nebulae.
[edit] Technology
Species 8472 use a type of organic spacecraft known only as a bioship, controlled by a single pilot (or at least capable of being flown by a single crew member). Because Bioships are made of the same organic material as their pilots, it is possible that Species 8472 control their ships to a certain degree via telepathy, although Species 8472 have been witnessed operating a console to pilot the bioship. Each bioship possesses an electrodynamic fluid circulatory system presumably for the distribution of power, a neurological computer core and an incredibly powerful biogenic energy weapon system; it is warp capable, can melt through various surfaces (such as that of a Borg vessel or a starship) and is also capable of rapidly regenerating damaged systems. The vessel can function effectively in both normal space and Fluidic space. The weapons of eight bioships can be linked with that of a larger ninth bioship of modified design; the collective weapon thus formed can destroy an entire planet in seconds. One peculiar aspect about the bioship is the presence of a breathable atmosphere inside, considering Species 8472's completely organic, fluid-filled space. However, the bioships may in fact be atmosphereless, and the bioship explored by the Voyager crew simply had taken on air after linking with a Borg vessel.
[edit] History
Relevant episodes: Star Trek: Voyager, season 3 episode 26 (season finale) "Scorpion: part 1" and season 4 episode 1 (season premiere) "Scorpion: part 2", season 4 episode 16 "Prey", season 5 episode 04 "In the Flesh".
Species 8472 is discovered by the Borg in 2373 when they invade fluidic space in the episode Scorpion, Part II by opening a rift in space using a deflector dish. The Borg discover Species 8472 in the Delta Quadrant and try to assimilate its biotechnology which is more advanced than anything the Borg have seen. The Borg quickly realize that 8472 is immune to assimilation, and that contemporary Borg technology is no match for it. In fact, 8472 is one of the few species so advanced that its ships are able to destroy Borg cubes in seconds. Species 8472 then invades the Delta Quadrant in retaliation to Borg aggression and begins a systematic extermination of the Borg and innocent species as well. Over the course of five months, tens of billions of drones are lost, as well as several hundred planets. When the crew of Voyager realizes that it has no choice but to go through Borg space in order to continue home in any kind of timely manner, Captain Janeway hatches a plan to create a weapon to kill Species 8472 and use it as a bargaining chip with the Borg in exchange for safe passage through Borg space. The Borg accept. In conjunction with Janeway, the Borg develop a high-yield warhead armed with modified nanoprobes, developed by the Emergency Medical Hologram, that is extremely effective at killing 8472 and forces it to retreat to fluidic space. In return for Janeway's help, the Borg allow Voyager safe passage through their space for a limited time.
A member of Species 8472 is left in the Delta Quadrant during the retreat and is relentlessly hunted by a group of Hirogen for several months.
Concerned about the threat posed by humanity, Species 8472 builds 13 "terraspheres" in the Delta Quadrant and recreates Starfleet Academy within as a staging ground for potential infiltration. The plan is uncovered and stopped by the crew of Voyager who convince 8472 that the Federation has no quarrel with them.
[edit] Other Appearances
Species 8472 may have been the creators of the alien parasites featured in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Conspiracy". This would explain how the 8472s obtained sufficient intelligence on humanity to recreate Starfleet Academy. Species 8472 appear as villains in two games namely Star Trek: Elite Force and Star Trek: Armada II with the latter being a playable race however both accounts are not considered canon within the Star Trek timeline.
[edit] External links
- Species 8472 article at Memory Alpha, a Star Trek wiki.
