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| {{short description|Extraterrestrial from Star Trek}} | |||
| {{in-universe}} | |||
| ⚫ | '''Species 8472''' is a ] ] |
||
| ⚫ | '''Species 8472''', formally known as '''Undine''', is a ] ] in the ] ] '']''. Species 8472 is a designation given to them by the ]. The multiplayer game '']'' gives their proper name as '''Undine'''. | ||
| ==Anatomy== | |||
| When the USS ''Voyager'' made contact with them, Species 8472 were engaged in a war with one of ''Star Trek''{{'}}s perennial antagonists, the Borg.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/star-trek-species-ranked-weakest-powerful/ | |||
| ===Cellular characteristics=== | |||
| |title=Star Trek: The 15 Strongest Species, Ranked From Weakest To Most Powerful | |||
| A designation given by the ] (the species' name referred to by ''Star Trek Online'' as the Undine, though the ] refer to them as 'Fluidians'), Species 8472 has a dense ], with each cell containing more than a hundred times the genetic material of a human cell because of their ] structure. On the cellular level, Species 8472's own somatic cells can become extremely ] when in a foreign blood-stream, duplicating themselves rapidly. When a member of Species 8472 attacks a victim with its claws, some of the former's cells are left in the wound. These stray cells multiply, spreading through the victim's entire body, consuming it from the inside out while the victim remains conscious. Since the attacking cells employ the same advanced immune response as when inside the creature{{Elucidate|date=March 2015|reason=It is written as this were already steated}}, they are able to resist conventional treatment methods. This system also makes them entirely immune to Borg assimilation. | |||
| |date=2018-03-29|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-17}}</ref> They are noted for being a tripedal and telepathic species and for their use of biotechnology.<ref name=":0" /> They originated from what is called fluidic space and fought a successful war against the Borg for a time.<ref name=":0" /> They made peace with the Federation by negotiations with Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starfleet vessel USS ''Voyager'' in the later 24th century.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| ==''Star Trek: Voyager''== | |||
| Species 8472 is ] and in '']'' sends ] and ] ] messages. | |||
| ===Physiology=== | |||
| Species 8472's anatomy is unique in that they possess three five-jointed, even-toed ] feet or hooves. They have cross-shaped pupils, and ] exclusively through ]. They have tall, thin, skeletal bodies possessing 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 disproportionately large heads, giving them a generally gangly appearance. They have as many as five ]s, each of which apparently occupies a different region of fluidic space. Species 8472 can also survive the unprotected rigors of normal space, and appears to not need to breathe an atmosphere, or even the organic fluid present in its own realm. Members of Species 8472 emit a ] field around their bodies which interferes with normal ] and renders them partially invisible to ]s. It is one of the most biologically 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 its biological superiority. Their powerful biology renders them immune to most ] scanning technology and has prevented their assimilation by the Borg. | |||
| Species 8472 possess incredible strength and stamina as demonstrated in the episode "]", when a single member of Species 8472 is attacked by a ] hunting party with heavy weapons. Thinking it dead, they take it back to their ship, only to discover otherwise after the alien injures the Alpha Hirogen and decapitates his subordinate. When the alien makes its way across'' Voyager'''s hull, it tears through a ] to gain access to the ship. Though the alien is badly injured, it eventually heals itself, regenerating wounded flesh, and appears capable of surviving and recovering from significant injury. Members of Species 8472 exclusively attack with their claws and raw strength; they never use a hand-held weapon, instead allowing their superior immune system to be used in an offensive role. | |||
| ==Native environment== | |||
| Species 8472 live in "fluidic space", an extra-dimensional realm. Fluidic space is a ] filled with an organic ]. Fluidic space has no stars, planets or nebulae. However, in'' ]'', fluidic space has several nebulae referred to as fluidic nebulae, and are identical in nature to those produced by the massive ''Behemoth''-class ]. | |||
| ==Technology== | |||
| Species 8472 uses a type of organic spacecraft known only as a ] composed of the same organic material as their pilots and typically controlled by a single pilot. Despite Species 8472's use of telepathic communication, it is not clear whether the Bioships themselves are controlled telepathically as Species 8472 has been witnessed to operate a console to pilot a bioship. A bioship explored by members of the ''Voyager'' crew contained an atmosphere breathable by humanoids; however, as it was in direct atmospheric contact with the inside of a Borg cube at the time, it is possible the original atmosphere of the bioship had been displaced by the internal atmosphere of the Borg vessel. | |||
| Each bioship possesses an electrodynamic fluid circulatory system presumably for the distribution of power, a neurological computer core, an incredibly powerful biogenic energy weapon system, and warp capability. The hull can change shape to attach to other ships, melting through the hull, and can rapidly heal damage. The vessel can function effectively in both normal space and fluidic space. The bioship's main weapon is powerful enough to destroy a Borg cube in only a few shots. Likewise, when a Borg cube rammed a bioship to destroy it, both vessels were annihilated despite the comparatively smaller mass of the bioship. The weapons of eight bioships (referred to in '']'' as "Species 8472 battleships") can be linked with that of a larger ninth bioship of modified design (referred to in ''Armada II'' as a "Species 8472 bio-frigate"); the collective weapon thus formed can destroy an entire planet in seconds. | |||
| ==History== | |||
| Relevant episodes of '']'' in which Species 8472 appear include season 3 episode 26 (season finale) "]" and season 4 episode 1 (season premiere) "]", season 4 episode 16 "]", and season 5 episode 4 "]". | Relevant episodes of '']'' in which Species 8472 appear include season 3 episode 26 (season finale) "]" and season 4 episode 1 (season premiere) "]", season 4 episode 16 "]", and season 5 episode 4 "]". | ||
| Species 8472 are discovered by the Borg in 2373 when the Borg invade fluidic space ( |
Species 8472 are discovered by the ] in 2373 when the Borg invade fluidic space ("]") by opening a rift in space using a ]. The Borg discover Species 8472 in the ] and try to assimilate its ], which is more advanced than anything the Borg have seen. The Borg quickly realize that Species 8472 is immune to ] 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 invades the ] in retaliation for Borg aggression and begins a systematic extermination of the Borg as well as innocent species. Over the course of five months, tens of billions of drones are lost, as well as several hundred planets and ships. When the crew of ''Voyager'' realizes that it has no choice but to go through Borg space to continue home in any kind of timely manner, Captain ] hatches a plan to construct a weapon, based on a treatment that ] had created, to kill Species 8472 and use it as a bargaining chip with the Borg, in exchange for safe passage through Borg space. The Borg reluctantly accept. In conjunction with Janeway, the Borg develop a high-yield ] armed with modified ], developed by the ] from the Borg's own technology, that is effective at killing 8472 and forces them to retreat to fluidic space. In return for Janeway's help, the Borg allow ''Voyager'' safe passage through their space for the duration of their cooperative efforts. However, upon Species 8472's retreat from normal space, the Borg terminate the alliance in favor of (unsuccessfully) assimilating ''Voyager''. | ||
| A member of Species 8472 is left in the Delta Quadrant during the retreat and is relentlessly hunted by a group of ] for several months. | A member of Species 8472 is left in the Delta Quadrant during the retreat and is relentlessly hunted by a group of ] for several months. | ||
| Concerned about the threat posed by ], Species 8472 builds 13 "terraspheres" in the Delta Quadrant and recreates ] within as a staging ground for an intelligence gathering mission on Earth. The plan is uncovered by Voyager and peace talks commence. Janeway convinces 8472, led by an individual posing as ], that the ] has no quarrel with them – in fact, the Federation is not even aware of the existence of Species 8472, except for the Voyager crew, and the crew is well aware that the Borg themselves started the war between the two species by invading fluidic space to assimilate the superior technology of Species 8472. | Concerned about the threat posed by ], Species 8472 builds 13 "terraspheres" in the Delta Quadrant and recreates ] within, as a staging ground for an intelligence gathering mission on Earth. The plan is uncovered by ''Voyager'' and peace talks commence. Janeway convinces 8472, led by an individual posing as ], that the ] has no quarrel with them – in fact, the Federation is not even aware of the existence of Species 8472, except for the ''Voyager'' crew, and the crew is well aware that the Borg themselves started the war between the two species by invading fluidic space to assimilate the superior technology of Species 8472. | ||
| ==Video games== | ==Video games== | ||
| Species 8472 appear as villains in the video games '']'' and '']''. They also make an appearance in '']'', in which they are referred to as the Undine. |
Species 8472 appear as villains in the video games '']'' and '']''. They also make an appearance in '']'', in which they are referred to as the Undine. In '']'', they are the primary antagonists. | ||
| ==Reception== | |||
| In 2017, '']'' ranked the Species 8472 the eleventh most bizarre aliens in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/38243-wildest-aliens-of-star-trek/2.html|title=15 of the Most Bizarre Alien Species Featured in 'Star Trek'|last=Entertainment|first=Elizabeth Howell 2017-09-22T21:44:47Z|website=Space.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref> '']''{{'}}s Vera Rule said that their design reminded them "of ] bio-nastiness but with ] animation".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rule|first=Vera|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37870807/review_of_star_trek_voyagers_season/|title=Dish of the day|date=1997-09-22|work=]|access-date=2019-10-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025205827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37870807/review_of_star_trek_voyagers_season/|archive-date=2019-10-25|page=56|via=]}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| ;Notes | |||
| {{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
| ;Bibliography | |||
| * {{cite book |title=Star Trek Voyager Companion |last=Ruditis |first=P. |authorlink=Paul Ruditis |year=2003 |publisher=Pocket |location= |isbn= |page= |pages= |url=https://books.google.com/books?ei=JBqUTsjiBZDrOdrX9MkH&ct=result&id=NQQ2axgGZO4C&dq=species+8472&q=8472#search_anchor |accessdate=}} | |||
| * {{cite book |title=Star Trek |
* {{cite book |title=Star Trek Voyager Companion |last=Ruditis |first=P. |author-link=Paul Ruditis |year=2003 |publisher=Pocket |isbn= 9780743417518|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NQQ2axgGZO4C&q=8472 }} | ||
| * {{cite book |title= |
* {{cite book |title=Star Trek 101: A Practical Guide to Who, What, Where, and Why |last=Erdmann |first=T. J. |author-link=Terry J. Erdmann |author2=Paula M. Block |year=2008 |publisher=Pocket Books |location=New York |isbn= 9781439117873|page=171 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yi0xvGuzVC0C&q=species+8472&pg=PA192 }} | ||
| * {{cite book |title= |
* {{cite book |title=The Science of Aliens |last=Pickover |first=C. A. |author-link=Clifford A. Pickover |year=1998 |publisher=Basic Books |location=New York |isbn=0-465-07315-8 |page=171 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wBfXVtjzkEMC&q=species+8472&pg=PA171 }} | ||
| * {{cite book |title=Drones, clones, and alpha babes: retrofitting Star Trek's humanism, post-9/11 |last=Relke |first=D. M. A. |author-link=Diana M. A. Relke |year=2006 |publisher=University of Calgary Press |location=Calgary |isbn=978-1-55238-164-9 |pages=–109 |url=https://archive.org/details/Dronesclones2006 |quote=species 8472. }} | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{Memory Alpha|Species 8472}} | {{Memory Alpha|Species 8472}} | ||
| ⚫ | {{Star Trek: Voyager}} | ||
| {{Star Trek}} | {{Star Trek}} | ||
| ⚫ | {{Star Trek |
||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:11, 16 November 2024
Extraterrestrial from Star TrekSpecies 8472, formally known as Undine, is a fictional extraterrestrial species in the science fiction television series Star Trek: Voyager. Species 8472 is a designation given to them by the Borg. The multiplayer game Star Trek Online gives their proper name as Undine.
When the USS Voyager made contact with them, Species 8472 were engaged in a war with one of Star Trek's perennial antagonists, the Borg. They are noted for being a tripedal and telepathic species and for their use of biotechnology. They originated from what is called fluidic space and fought a successful war against the Borg for a time. They made peace with the Federation by negotiations with Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager in the later 24th century.
Star Trek: Voyager
Relevant episodes of Star Trek: Voyager in which Species 8472 appear include season 3 episode 26 (season finale) "Scorpion: Part 1" and season 4 episode 1 (season premiere) "Scorpion: Part 2", season 4 episode 16 "Prey", and season 5 episode 4 "In the Flesh".
Species 8472 are discovered by the Borg in 2373 when the Borg invade fluidic space ("Scorpion: Part 2") 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 Species 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 invades the Delta Quadrant in retaliation for Borg aggression and begins a systematic extermination of the Borg as well as innocent species. Over the course of five months, tens of billions of drones are lost, as well as several hundred planets and ships. When the crew of Voyager realizes that it has no choice but to go through Borg space to continue home in any kind of timely manner, Captain Kathryn Janeway hatches a plan to construct a weapon, based on a treatment that the Doctor had created, to kill Species 8472 and use it as a bargaining chip with the Borg, in exchange for safe passage through Borg space. The Borg reluctantly accept. In conjunction with Janeway, the Borg develop a high-yield warhead armed with modified nanoprobes, developed by the Doctor from the Borg's own technology, that is effective at killing 8472 and forces them to retreat to fluidic space. In return for Janeway's help, the Borg allow Voyager safe passage through their space for the duration of their cooperative efforts. However, upon Species 8472's retreat from normal space, the Borg terminate the alliance in favor of (unsuccessfully) assimilating Voyager.
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 an intelligence gathering mission on Earth. The plan is uncovered by Voyager and peace talks commence. Janeway convinces 8472, led by an individual posing as Boothby, that the United Federation of Planets has no quarrel with them – in fact, the Federation is not even aware of the existence of Species 8472, except for the Voyager crew, and the crew is well aware that the Borg themselves started the war between the two species by invading fluidic space to assimilate the superior technology of Species 8472.
Video games
Species 8472 appear as villains in the video games Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force and Star Trek: Armada II. They also make an appearance in Star Trek Online, in which they are referred to as the Undine. In Star Trek: Alien Domain, they are the primary antagonists.
Reception
In 2017, Screen Rant ranked the Species 8472 the eleventh most bizarre aliens in Star Trek. The Guardian's Vera Rule said that their design reminded them "of HR Gigerish bio-nastiness but with Ray Harryhausen animation".
References
- Notes
- ^ "Star Trek: The 15 Strongest Species, Ranked From Weakest To Most Powerful". ScreenRant. 2018-03-29. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
- Entertainment, Elizabeth Howell 2017-09-22T21:44:47Z. "15 of the Most Bizarre Alien Species Featured in 'Star Trek'". Space.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - Rule, Vera (1997-09-22). "Dish of the day". The Guardian. p. 56. Archived from the original on 2019-10-25. Retrieved 2019-10-25 – via Newspapers.com.
- Bibliography
- Ruditis, P. (2003). Star Trek Voyager Companion. Pocket. ISBN 9780743417518.
- Erdmann, T. J.; Paula M. Block (2008). Star Trek 101: A Practical Guide to Who, What, Where, and Why. New York: Pocket Books. p. 171. ISBN 9781439117873.
- Pickover, C. A. (1998). The Science of Aliens. New York: Basic Books. p. 171. ISBN 0-465-07315-8.
- Relke, D. M. A. (2006). Drones, clones, and alpha babes: retrofitting Star Trek's humanism, post-9/11. Calgary: University of Calgary Press. pp. 103–109. ISBN 978-1-55238-164-9.
species 8472.
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