Bolian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bolians | |
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| Homeworld: | Bolarus IX |
| Affiliation: | United Federation of Planets |
The Bolians are a fictional alien race in the Star Trek universe. They possess blue skin and a small central ridge running from the back of their heads to their noses, discontinuing somewhat around the mouth and then continuing on the chin. Whether they tend to be naturally bald or shave their heads for cultural reasons is unknown. Bolian blood is blue in color and their physiology allows them to eat foods higher in acid than most humans. The race was named after a regular Star Trek director, Cliff Bole and their home planet is named Bolarus IX (as an in-joke there have been references to the "Cliffs of Bole" on their planet). The first chronological appearance of a Bolian was in The Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Conspiracy.
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[edit] Politics, Economics and Culture
In 2366, the Bolian government was maintaining an uneasy truce with the Moropa, recounted in the Star Trek: the Next Generation episode Allegiance. While members of the United Federation of Planets, the Bolians have few representatives in Starfleet and only a limited number have been seen on the crews. However, they are active in other Federation functions and can be found throughout Federation space. During the Dominion War as portrayed in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, an early front was established in Behind the Lines near Bolarus and outlying colonies, indicating proximity to Cardassian space.
The Bolians seem to be active in commercial and financial operations, with numerous mentions of the Bolian Credit Exchange. They also operate the Bank of Bolias, an institution that invested in a new security system some time prior to 2373. At that time, the Bolian government authorized the Ferengi Gaming Commission to manage their gambling emporiums. See DS9 episode Ferengi Love Songs.
During the Bolian Middle Ages the Bolians developed the medical philosophy known as the "Double Effect Principle" about euthanasia. This form of assisted suicide has the effect of relieving suffering it also has the effect of causing death as related in the Voyager episode Death Wish. Bolian marriages often involve more than two members. Any additional spouse is referred to as a "co-husband" or "co-wife", respectively (recounted in the Deep Space Nine episode "Field of Fire").
A traditional feature of Bolian cuisine is the use of meat that has been allowed to partially decay. Bolian tonic water is a refreshing, nerve-calming beverage. They also have a variety of tomato soup.
[edit] Trivia
- In the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Bride of Chaotica!", crew member Neelix remarks that malfunctioning toilets will hit the Bolians especially hard, although there is no specific explanation provided.
- In the Voyager episode "Life Line", canon established that during medical examinations 24th century doctors commonly ask if a human patient has had sexual relations with a Bolian. Again, this is recounted without specific explanation.
- Although Bolians are blue-skinned and have a central bifurcated ridge running down the centre of the face, some have lighter blue skin than others and some have multiple blue lines radiating on the sides of their heads. There has been no indication of the significance of these different shadings or additional markings or whether there is more than one race of Bolians.
[edit] Character appearances in Star Trek
- Mot was the barber on the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) and was portrayed by two different actors.
- Captain Rixx was the commanding officer on the USS Thomas Paine
- Ambassador Vadosia was a Bolian diplomat.
- Chell was a member of the Maquis crew that relocated to Voyager.
- Lysia Arlin ran the Jumja kiosk on Deep Space Nine.
- A Bolian Admiral was the Commandant of Starfleet Academy in 2373.
[edit] External links
- Bolian article at Memory Alpha, a Star Trek wiki.
- "Rogues Gallery" of Bolians
[edit] References
- Michael Okuda (1999). Star Trek Encyclopedia: A Reference Guide to the Future. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group. ISBN 0-671-53609-5.
- Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda (1996). Star Trek Chronology: A History of the Future. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group. ISBN 0-671-53610-9.
