Paradine

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The Paradine is a fictional race in the science fiction universe of Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda television series.

In Andromeda, the Paradines are both referred to as evolved Vedrans, as well as the first race of sentient beings in the galaxy. Trance Gemini hypothesizes that the Paradines may have had a "hand in its creation". These contradictions are not resolved during the show's run.

They are described as a race of beings who are ever present, especially at crucial times in galactic history. The Fall of the Systems Commonwealth was considered such an event. According to Vedran legend, the Fall of the Systems Commonwealth was foretold, as was the coming of the Spirit of the Abyss and its legions of Magog. A threat of this magnitude spelled doom for all sentient species in the universe, unless they united.

Another way to understand the Paradines is to take into account their ability to traverse space and time at will. They were literally just a step away from anywhere or anytime. But this ability was rarely used due to the complexities of time travel.

[edit] Plot details

At the end of the 4th season, Dylan Hunt learns that he is also one of the legendary Paradines, the most powerful sentient beings in the universe. Dylan was always a Paradine but unaware of it until four days before the Spirit of the Abyss is killed but it is apparent that he began as only a half-Paradine. He was considered to be a full Paradine by his father and fellow Paradines such as Flavin and Marlowe. The series defines Paradines as both evolved Vedrans and the first race of beings, not as humans. But in season five Dylan finds out that his father was a Paradine, when Flavin shows Dylan Hunt some of the great things a Paradine can do.

The extent of the powers of the Paradines is never truly explored, but Dylan Hunt is shown to display some special abilities like space-time travel and self teleportation.

At the end of the 5th season, Doyle receives a message from one of Hunt's fellow Paradines telling him that the Paradines are being decimated. Apparently, something is hunting them and no one is sure who -or why. The Solar Avatar Maura confirms this when she makes a pseudo-attempt to save Dylan Hunt's life by telling him he is the last of the Paradines. (Maura was later revealed to have no intention of saving Hunt, but rather "feeding" him to the Spirit of the Abyss, as she did with the other Paradines.)