Dagenham, Georgina

Georgina, George to her friends, is the Pratarian engineer and mechanic of the transport ship Haphazard. Although she is the youngest member of the crew, she is the most level-headed and dependable person on the ship.

Having grown up on a freighter, life aboard the Haphazard is just like the old days. Her parents ran a trade and transport company, and the company flagship, the Vesta, was also the family home. Being home schooled meant George had a colourful and varied education as she learnt a lot about life in the galaxy from the temps and occasional spacers that dropped by for work or trade. Taking an active role in the family business from a young age, she took over running the maintenance of the ship when she was eight. The old man that maintained the ship was killed during a pirate raid near the end of the Akiran War, though not before imparting as much of his knowledge as possible on a certain young and impressionable girl. Over the years she continued to improve, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better engineer in the galaxy, even in the highly trained and polished ranks of the Space Corps.

The war started when George was a mere kitten, and she was called on to help the family whenever possible due to the constant threat of attack by Akiran ships or pirates. They survived many raids and were paid well for managing to transport supplies through enemy lines to the outlying colonies that were under siege. Once the war ended, business continued to be profitable, that was until a particularly messy pirate raid. The pirates managed to severely damage the Vesta and caused an antimatter breach resulting in a full-evacuation of the ship. Most of the crew, including George, made it to the escape pods and found harbour on the other ships in the fleet; however her parents were killed while trying to make sure everyone else made it to safety.

Alone and not knowing any other life, George signed on with Tezic Odriro to work the recently vacated engineering position aboard his transport ship the Haphazard. She hasn't looked back since.

Spending most of her time in the engine room, George never feels more at ease than when she’s tweaking or repairing something. Sometimes, when particularly stressed, she deliberately breaks some non-vital component just so she can spend time repairing it. Unlike the rest of the crew, George doesn't have an assigned room; she chooses to live in the engine room and has a hammock hung there so she can fall asleep to the soothing hum of the engines. She’s rarely found without her favourite multi-purpose tool Tweakie, and a rather strange and pointy rod that only she knows what it’s for.

Swift, Nicholas David

Nick is the only known human to survive the galactic genocide of the human race. He is currently operating as the Captain of a small transport craft, the Haphazard.

Born in a small dales town in the north of England, Nick was raised on Earth until his father died in an accident at the Space Corps construction yards around Luna. Not long after, Nick’s mother moved to Luna City Three, and here he met Eugene Preston, an Oretan, and Reginald Maiar, an Alexan. The three of them spent their youths causing mischief around the Luna cities.

Before his sixteenth birthday, Nick’s mother committed suicide at her workplace in Luna City Four. She had been diagnosed as clinically depressed not long after the death of Nick’s father, and Nick believed that she only kept herself going for his sake. Her death led to Nick acting more irrational, taking risks where he normally wouldn't, but Eugene and Reg stood by him throughout his own bouts of depression.

Eventually, Nick managed to pull himself together before he could do himself, or anyone else, any serious harm. Years of joyriding hoppers and hoverbikes were put to good use as he took a job pulling freight across the Sol System. This lasted six months before he was noticed by the Space Corps after pulling various dangerous stunts in his cargo freighter. The Space Corps realised that he was an exceptional pilot and offered him a choice; enlist or lose his pilot licence.

After completing his formal training, his escort assignment was interrupted by the Akiran War. After three months on the front lines, Nick became the most senior member of his squadron, and with the conflict escalating, the Space Corps was desperate for experienced pilots. Promoted to Wing Commander of the Crescents, he had to rebuild the squadron from raw recruits. The 101^st Crescents went on to be the most well know fighter squadron of the entire war, defying all the odds and completing some of the most dangerous assignments. Towards the end of the war, Nick was approached to be the pilot for a special operations team called STORM.

Over a period of fourteen years, STORM performed behind enemy lines, defending the GSF from those that would try to take advantage of situation with the GSF at war and during its recovery in the aftermath. This was until the incident at Callatrax VI, an incident that Nick, and Reg, are not comfortable talking about. The Space Corps officially disbanded STORM, but rather than lose the abilities of some of its best agents, the Space Corps sent them deep undercover.

After six years of near isolation, Nick decided to retire and was returning to Earth to formally hand in his notice and live out the rest of his life in peace. Unfortunately, the planet was destroyed in what is being called The Human Extinction Event, or THEE, and Nick is believed to be the last living Human in the galaxy, which has made him a target of those wishing to protect him, and those that wish to make a tidy profit from his capture.

Crayh, Rydra

Rydra Crayh is an Antaran, and the second-in-command of the Ionian transport ship Haphazard.

Rydra had a normal childhood, growing up on Antara with her younger sister, Ryal, until, at the age of fourteen, both her parents were killed in a terrorist attack while on holiday on the Antaran moon of Antrak. Centuries ago, Antara went to war with the Jakara and conquered their home world. After decades of dominance, the Antaran government returned sovereignty to the Jakaran people and withdrew from Jakaran space. This was so long ago that Jakara has been under its own rule since the occupation for much longer than it was actually under Antaran rule. The occupation left its mark on Jakaran society, and despite many reparations since, a small number of terrorist cells exist and continue to try and upset to ongoing relationships between the two peoples. It was during a suicide bombing by one of the more extreme groups that Rydra’s parents were killed. Along with Ryal she was taken in by her aunt Glyral, but she couldn’t bond with her aunt like her sister. At the age of sixteen Rydra ran away and tried to make her way in the galaxy alone. After years working across the galaxy at seemingly endless jobs with no true direction, she met up with Tezic Odriro while working as a waitress in a cocktail bar in the Baltin sector. He offered a direction, a life, and a family; things she’d not really had since the death of her parents.

For years everything was great for Rydra; she had a surrogate family on the Haphazard, a fulfilling job, and a loving relationship. When Tezic betrayed the crew, the family, she was devastated and didn't know what to do. Considering the average lifespan of the galactic community, an eleven year relationship isn't that significant, except to those who live those relationships.

Rather than take command after Tezic’s betrayal, Rydra decided to employ an independent captain. Over the years, Rydra has served under a number of captains; unfortunately she tended to hire captains that just couldn't hack the job or her attitude. This was until Nick, who was hired against her wishes. For Rydra, the jury is still out on Nick’s competence as captain, and regardless of what he’s told her, she still sees him as the scruffy, immature bum that she met on Mars.

Katyten

The Katyten originate from the planet Ugpalo, and they are famous throughout the galaxy for their culinary skills. The most popular restaurant in the GSF is the Fat Squwarma, where there is an extensive waiting list; many an affluent parent has booked a table as soon as they know that they are expecting in anticipation of an eighteenth birthday celebration.

The most popular dish at the Fat Squwarma is the Squwarma that the restaurant is named after. Every person asked says that the dish tastes different to what the next person claims. When asked, the head chef states that it is just a testament to his skill to be able to satisfy so many customers with what they most desire, which raises the question of whether the Squwarma actually tastes of anything at all. The Squwarma is on found on Ugpalo and the hunting is heavily regulated, with only Katyten licensed to hunt the beast.

Esdinti

The Esdinti originate from a planet with a distinctly different atmosphere than that which has supported life throughout the galaxy. The actual composition of the atmosphere is unknown, as very few Esdinti leave their home world, and those that do only have a cursory knowledge; from what information has been gathered it is believed to be mostly carbon dioxide and chlorine. It would be perfectly easy to scan the surface of Esdin, or to ask the Esdinti directly; however, the Esdinti maintain a minimal contact with the rest of the galaxy, and the GSF prohibits the probing of advanced civilisations without their expressed permission.

Those Esdinti that do leave they home world have to wear pressurised suits as the atmosphere on Esdin is much higher than most worlds. The suits also supply a breathable atmosphere that, due to the incompatible atmospheres of most worlds, cannot be filtered indefinitely.

Y'Kalian

The Y’Kalians share a system with the Partheans, and although they live in relative peace, there is a constant tension between the two races.

Some decades ago, the Y’Kalians and Partheans almost went to war over an arranged marriage between the two ruling royal families. Although the full story has never been revealed to the general public, rumours abound surrounding the Y’Kalian princess and her lady-in-waiting. Another take on the story is promulgated by the spacer Arn Fuss-Duo, who told the tale of how he arrived and single-handedly prevented what would have been a devastating conflict.

Parthean

The Partheans are a warrior race from the planet Boih. Although they don’t agree with a lot of what the GSF do or stand for, they are on peaceful terms. They are not, however, on such peaceful terms with their neighbours, the Y’Kalians.

The Partheans and the Y’Kalians almost went to war several decades ago over the matter of an arranged marriage between Prince Knez of the Parthean ruling royal family, and Princess Mainit of the Y’Kalian ruling royal family. Although the incident is rarely discussed with outsiders, the story goes that the Princess refused to marry the Prince stating that “He’s just not my type,” her type being her generously buxom lady-in-waiting.

Zeilick

The Zeilick are a female dominated insectoid species of mantis from the planet Zeil. To the untrained eye, the female and males of the species differ only marginally, with the females being a yellower green with larger horns and mandibles but shorter antennae.

Despite their relation to many mantis species across the galaxy, the Zeilick are not sexual cannibals, and females dominate in all areas of society.

Triark

The Triark are a giant species from the planet Akyna. Descended from a horned and carnivorous aquatic species, they tower over all other sentient species in the known galaxy with an average height of three metres. They are also incredibly strong and easily angered, and it isn’t difficult to send a Triark into an unstoppable rage.

If it weren’t for a limited reproductive cycle, the Triark could quite easily have dominated the galaxy. A female Triark is only fertile twice in her lifetime for approximately one galactic standard month at a time, and multiple births are a rarity.

Many Triark work as bodyguards and mercenaries, and even the sight of one can cause opposing combatants to flee the battlefield.

K'Ibor

The K’Ibor are firm believers in the improvement by cybernetic augmentation. Most have replaced their original biological sense with cybernetics, and all are wirelessly connected to the galactic network. While not quite ready to do away with their organic bodies entirely, many will happily use varying excuses to replace a biological limb. Broken humerus? Replace the entire arm. Shattered pelvis? Replace the entire lower body.

Cybernetic alteration is closely regulated within the GSF, which has led to a massive black market on the K’Ibor home world of Avtik.

Looien

The Looien originate from the planet Bato, and are some of the GSF’s most notable trade partners. They are currently undergoing the process of full admission into the GSF, which is currently stalled due to a recent rise in Looien pirate activity across their local sectors.

Simili

The Simili are a species of hunters from Simil, a moon in orbit around the planet Smok, and has large, dense forest regions and numerous deserts.

The initial explorers that made first contact with the Simili believed that due to their long tales and scales, they were of reptilian descent; however, the Simili are actually a mammalian species.

Gregoran

The Gregorans are a short but stocky species, akin to the dwarves of Earth fiction.

Before making first contact the Gregorans were a species of engineers and architects that held strongly onto their heritage and tradition. The influence of other cultures on their own appears to have been minimal since their admission into the GSF, and the Gregoran homeworld of Enano is one of the galaxy’s most popular historical tourist destinations. One of the most popular times on Enano is during the Cervestafest, a planet-wide festival celebrating the extensive ale brewing skills of the Gregorans; the festival runs for a month and has been responsible for both kindling and extinguishing many a relationship.

Argon

Argons originate from the planet Lohi in the alpha-quadrant. They are a reptilian species with green scales and dark yellow eyes.

Being a dextro-protein based species, Argons cannot eat the same foods as most of the rest of the galaxy.

The ozone layer around Lohi is slightly thicker than the galactic average, which has resulted in the Argons having a higher sensitivity to ultra-violet radiation than most species.

Koalan

The Koalans are a nomadic, fox-like species that originated from the planet Roka.

Roka was made uninhabitable not long after the Koalans made their way out into the wider galaxy. The facts have been lost to the mists of time, but the descendants of those first pioneers hold the belief that the discovery of life outside their own solar system drove a number of radical fundamentalist religious groups to start an all-out nuclear war. Those that survived fled the planet and have been travelling the galaxy ever since, never settling down on a new world and only ever leaving their ships to trade.

The Koalans are a short-statured species, with the tallest on record being just shy of one metre tall.

Cantan

The Cantan are a feline species from the planet Macska. They are the most cat-like species in the known galaxy, retaining their tail, lacking in additional head hair, and give birth to large litters of kittens.

Although they give birth to large litters of kittens, they have not suffered overpopulation issues as not all Cantan choose to have kittens due to not wanting to lose their slender figures out of vanity. Those that do choose to have kittens rarely give birth to more than a single litter, especially if that litter was particularly large.

Because of their generally vain and selfish nature, they are only associate members of the GSF, and rarely interact with other feline species.

Tellurian

Very little is known about the current state of the Tellurian Empire at present. They were originally introduced to the galactic community during the time of the GTU, but left GSF space some hundred years ago and entered into a period of state-imposed isolation.

When they first entered the wider galaxy, most Tellurians could not understand why the rest of the galactic community wouldn’t do things as they wanted, or thought was best. This never led to all-out war, mainly due to the minimal size of the Tellurian fleet compared to many other space-faring races, especially the combined might of the GTU or GSF. It did, however, fuel the already growing xenophobic tendencies developing amongst the Tellurians.

The vast majority of Tellurians never leave their own space, but various rebellious teenagers, and those that think things can’t quite be as bad as the state and the older generations proclaim, will venture forth in what they believe is a defiant act of rebellion against the status quo. The empire do nothing to dissuade those wishing to leave as they are so confident that any leaving Tellurian space will soon realise that they were right all along and return home in disgust. Any non­-Tellurian ship attempting to enter Tellurian space is sent a brief automatic message ordering the offending ship to transmit an authorisation code; all ships unable to enter the code are destroyed by an array of automated drones.

Some within the GSF believe that the Tellurians are simply building up their military might for a full-scale invasion to remove the stain of all other sentient species from the galactic map. To sway these fears, the Space Corps maintains a surveillance net around Tellurian space to monitor any unusual activity. They also send the occasional unmanned stealth drones deep into Tellurian space and have yet to see any evidence of military build-up. Recent galactic events have only reinforced this belief, and that the destruction of humanity was merely a precursor to full-scale invasion.

Ruzzoin

The Ruzzoin are descended from a species of bird on their home world of Ruzzo, a moon in orbit of the planet Rezin. While shedding their feathers and losing their ability to fly, the species has retained a beak-like nose, excellent eyesight, and agile nature.

Historically a hunting race, some of the galaxy’s most notorious bounty hunters are Ruzzoin. Most are raised to track and hunt the Haxilan, a most elusive prey native to Ruzzo. Not all are successful in hunting down the Haxilan, and failure to do so does not necessarily suggest that a hunter is unworthy of the title. Only the most skilled hunters are known to have caught the Haxilan, and only one has managed to bring one in alive.

Before the formation of the GSF, the Ruzzoin were represented in the GTU by the Ruzzoin Flock.

Qaran

The Qaran were one of the founding members of the GTU and what eventually became the GSF; before this they were united under the Qaran Collective. They originate from Utari, a planet covered in large, colourfully trees and flowers.

Qarans don’t ‘eat’ food; they consume plant extract and nectar provided by the many plant species that cover the surface of Utari.

Their scientists were the first species to perfect the slipstream drive that allows galactic travel at far greater speeds than standard FTL drives.

Schaali

The Schaali originate from the planet Miqyas, an Earth-like planet in the beta-quadrant and are members of the GSF.

In appearance, they are very similar to Humans; however, they have a series of scale-like patches on the elbows, knees and ankles, and small horns protruding from the elbow.

Tatuatgen

Most Tatuatgen that enter service in the Space Corps end up as marines. They have an extensive military tradition, but their history is not littered with as much conflict as many other species. Historians believe that this is due to the relatively early development of thermonuclear weapons that essentially introduced a stalemate between the major powers of the time

Originating from the planet Tatu in the beta-quadrant, the Tatuatgen have been members of the GSF for only fifty years. Although jewellery is generally forbidden by those serving in the Space Corps, the Tatuatgen are permitted to wear their earrings that link from the earlobe to a lock of hair behind the ear

Biologically, they are similar to humans, but their eyes lack a distinct iris, and their pupils are speckled, made up of a number of small parts. They also have blue to purple coloured spots that run down from the temple to the ankles.

Tweeshach

Some generations ago, Tweeshach evolution did away with distinct genders. Fossil records suggest that at one point, the proportion of males greatly exceeded that of females, and it is strongly believed that the removal of gender requirements for reproduction was to counter the ever decreasing population of a Tweeshach ancestor; this has yet to be proved, but is the widely accepted theory.

The Tweeshach specialise in xenohistory and xenobiology, they not only have a significant interest in their own history, genetic or otherwise, they have significantly interested in how most other species in the galaxy continue to exhibit dual genders. This has led to Tweeshach being responsible for the creation of the main GSF galactic archives. They also make some of the best doctors due to their extensive knowledge of other species’ biology.

Kord

The Kord originate from the industrial planet of Gemi and are the most prolific ship builders in the GSF; they are responsible for the design of most Space Corps ships.

Although relative latecomers to interstellar community, their engineering skill and extensive ship yards saw them fast tracked into the GSF not long after its formation and within a decade they had standardised ship design throughout the GSF and Space Corps. The Kord have the second highest proportion of engineers within the Space Corps; second only to Humans.

Most Kord prefer to spend their time in overalls or jump suits, modifying something that was perfectly fine the way it was; really, who really needs a sonic spoon or a hydro fork?

ADDENDUM: The Kord now have the most engineers within the Space Corps since the Human Extinction Event.

Allcson

The Allcson are a reptilian species from the planet Narrasti, a planet covered in equal wetland and desert regions across the surface, and approximately 50% water.

Not the first reptilian species encountered by humanity, they had already become trade partners with a number of future GTU and GSF species. As a result the Allcson were one of the original species to be involved in the GTU and the GSF.

One of the most notable Allcson in recent history was Admiral Kuula, who was in command of the 6^th Fleet during the Akiran War. The 6^th Fleet were one of the front line offensive fleets and were instrumental in a number of major campaigns that helped turn the tide of the war. During the war Kuula lost his left arm, leg and eye when his command ship, the SCS Ben Nevis, was disabled during the Urodela campaign. Although Kuula accepted the cybernetic replacement limbs, he outright refused a replacement eye and opted to wear an eye-patch. This led his crew to believe that the Admiral had a sixth sense because he appeared to be able to “see” on his blind-side, which a number of cadets found to their chagrin.

Eomian

When first contact with the Eomians was made by humanity, there was a lot of initial excitement. Other than the Eomians being one of the first species Humans made contact with, the media led with the story that humanity had finally discovered elves; to great disappointment, they were wrong.

Originating from Eomi, the Eomians do somewhat resemble certain depictions of the mythical elves, but in every other way they are relatively unremarkable. Following a similar evolutionary path that Humans followed, Eomians evolved from a long eared primate and they just never lost the ears. Much of Human history is mirrored, in one way or another, in the history of the Eomians, with ancient civilisations constructing colossal burial tombs in the desert, through the dark ages and their own crusades, into a renaissance and industrial evolution, the age of the atom and microchip, and finally into the modern age of  anti-matter and interstellar exploration. This has led to the formation of some cults made up from both Humans and Eomians that believe an external force intervened set both species off on the evolutionary path together. These cultists neglect to consider that many humanoid species across the galaxy followed similar evolutionary paths.

Regardless of the facts, Humans and Eomians still see each other as sister races and they have incredibly close ties, especially as both species can interbreed with a 99.9% success-rate without the aid of drugs. Many Human-Eomians were lost in the recent events that led to the extinction of the human race, as anyone with even partial human DNA was killed. A week of mourning was held on Eomi while the rest of the galaxy appeared to make no attempt to recover from the event.

Algol

Originating from the wetland planet of Damci, the Algol are the only sentient and truly amorphous species in the known galaxy.

When interacting with the wider galactic community, the Algol will assume an appropriate shape, be it humanoid or otherwise, in an effort to blend in. The most popular shape the Algol assume is that of the Alexans as the Alexan Science Foundation were the first species to encounter the Algol when they first set forth from their native system. The Algol can morph into any shape with the same volume, which has led to some amusing incidents, such as the time an Algol attempted to morph into the shape of a Jark during a diplomatic function; the Algol in question managed to morph perfectly, only they were half the size of the average Jark child. Although the Algol try their best to blend in with non-amorphous species, this is only partially achieved as they cannot alter their colour. Green is the most common Algol colour, but they do come in a variety of colours and hues.

Algol reproduction is a form of self-sacrifice as during mating, a pair of Algol will merge and gradually separate parts of their bodies to form a third. The resulting will grow as it matures, but the parents are never able to replace their lost mass. This has led to instances where rather sexually active Algol parents are significantly smaller than their many off-spring, as a result, most Algol only reproduce twice. An Algol can have intimate relations with other species, but they cannot reproduce. Although an entirely asexual species, they will assume the form and nature, of the most compatible gender for their non-Algol partner.

Tori

The Tori are a species of sentient humanoid plants from the planet of Landare, a planet home to few animals, all of which are species of insect. This allowed the Tori to evolve without any major interference from predators; although most the insect species are herbivores, their populations never increased to such an extent that this hindered the natural development of the Tori.

Due to their plant origins, Tori do not exhibit body hair; however many do have leaves, flowers or vines growing from their scalps. These hair equivalents vary greatly depending on the particular genus that a Tori is descended from. Regardless, all Tori are covered in chloroplasts, and produce most of their energy from photosynthesis. Although they can extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this is insufficient to sustain a Tori and allow them to perform most day-to-day tasks, as a result they can digest normal food stuffs to supplement their carbon requirements.

As with all sentient plant species in the galaxy, the Tori have a very close connection to nature, and a large number serve as botanists aboard science vessels. Starship Captains are always happy to have Tori on board due to the positive effect they have on their non-plant crew members. As Tori photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from atmosphere and expels oxygen, this reduces the demand on ships life support systems. It also improves the performance of many crew members when working within close proximity to a Tori crew member due to the reduced carbon dioxide and increased oxygen present in the vicinity.

Zuhaitzan

The Zuhaitzan, native to the forest planet Pyll, are often considered one of the most wise and respected species in the known galaxy. This is partly due their extremely long lifespans, running into several thousand years, and their deep connection to nature.

An arboreal species, the Zuhaitzan evolved from the forests in the northern hemisphere of Pyll; however, they are now spread throughout the various regions of the planet. They are especially drawn to the equatorial forests as these tend to have the largest trees, some growing in excess of 150 metres. Their towns and cities start at ground level, but extend high up into the trees, with most trees housing a number of Zuhaitzan tree houses; entire families are known to live on one tree.

Zuhaitzan have a tough, bark-like skin that sprouts various leaves, and in the spring, female Zuhaitzan blossom a variety of colours, depending on which specific genus they are descended from. Females that have taken posts on starships, where there is no sense of the seasons, can go for a number of years without blossoming; however, this has been shown to have a negative impact on the women in question. During a blossoming is the only time at which a female Zuhaitzan is fertile and able to conceive; the impact of not blossoming on an annual basis appears to affect body chemistry and, in extreme cases, can result infertility. As a result, extensive research has been undertaken to artificially induce a blossoming for those working for prolonged periods in space, though most prefer to take positions planet side, or at least in orbit, rather than on ships destined for prolonged deep space exploration.

Most Zuhaitzan refuse to serve directly on the GSF Council, but many councillors employ Zuhaitzan advisers. It has been said that only a fool ignores the council of a Zuhaitzan elder.

Argalian

Argalians are native to the planet Argalia, a planet not unlike Earth, with approximately 75% of the surface covered in water.

Although Argalians are mammals, the more politically incorrect regions of the galaxy, and children, tend to refer to them as the jellyfish heads. Their skulls are translucent, showing the brain and top of the spinal cord; the rest of the body is semi-translucent, showing visible transparency when the skin is stretched, such as during pregnancy. Argalian skin comes in various shades of pink, and has a general sheen to it, although the skin is not oily or rubbery in any way. Rather than a skeleton made from bone, Argalians have a cartilage skeleton which also accounts for their great flexibility.

In the place of head hair, the Argalians have flexible tentacles that wrap around the skull. These can be moved independently by the Argalian, and were once used as a defence mechanism during the species early development; many Argalian children have been known to use their head tentacles in this manner when being raised in mixed-species environments.

Iasci

The Iasci are an aquatic species that originate from the planet Iasc which lies within the Carina-Sagittarius Arm of the galaxy. Iasc is a wetland planet, where large pools, lakes and rivers are surrounded by dense forests, and large areas of the planet are covered in a light mist.

Iasci are able to survive for a limited time out of the climate of their home world but if they are away from the dampness for too long, their scales begin to dry out and they have difficulty breathing. To enable prolonged interaction with the galactic community, the Iasci wear ‘wet’ suits to keep their bodies moist, and they wear water collars around their necks and gills. The collars constantly filter the water via a small pump, removing carbon dioxide and continually replenishing the dissolved oxygen content. The suits and collars are not worn at home, where the atmosphere is kept as damp as their wetland home world, and where there is a swimming pool or waterbed within diving distance. Visitors to an Iasci household will tend to wear more water-resistant clothing, and an Iasci host will always have a supply of mini-rebreathers on hand should the guest find breathing difficult in the damp atmosphere.

Indrogeno

From the ocean planet Aigua, the Indrogeno are an eel-like species that cannot survive outside of water like some aquatics.

Indrogeno males are slimmer and longer than the females, with darker skin and a significantly longer illicium. Historically, the illicium were used to lure smaller sea-dwelling creatures, much like the Earth anglerfish. Over the last few hundred years, as the Indrogeno developed more efficient methods of food production, the luring of prey has gradually ceased to be part of the species’ day-to-day lifestyle.

All Indrogeno starships have to be filled with water, which initially led to very few of their kind venturing out into the wider galaxy. The difficulty in building and launching such a ship from the ocean was such a mammoth engineering challenge that very few ships were built. In more recent times, contact with other galactic species, and eventual admission into the GSF, has allowed to Indrogeno to contract out the construction of their ships.

Some Indrogeno interact with the greater galaxy in mechanised bubbles, but most find this an undignified and awkward way to conduct oneself and therefore very few are seen to do so. The only known Indrogeno to use the bubbles serve on the SCS Galileo as members of the science team. There are only 3 entirely Indrogeno crews in the Space Corps aboard the SCS Ura, Voda, and Akvo; each ship has a relatively small ‘dry deck’ to cater for non-Indrogeno visitors.

Tintahal

The Tintahal originate from the planet Grinthal in the α-quadrant and evolved from one of the planets numerous cephalopod species. There is no direct comparison to any Earth-based species but visually they are a cross between a squid and an octopus; they are physically more squid-like with elongated bodies; however they have 8 tentacles and their heads lack the spear-like protrusions of a squid.

The four lower tentacles are incredibly strong as these are the primary swimming appendages, and are used by the Tintahal to ‘walk’ when out of water. Their preference is to remain naked but choose to wear a minimal and modest style of clothing when interacting with the wider galactic community, regardless of the fact that they do not have outwardly visible genitalia and lack of mammary glands.

Grinthal is 90% water, including the two frozen polar regions, with thousands of small equatorial islands. making up the remaining 10%. The equatorial islands are home to a number of crab and tortoise-like species as well as a multitude of plant and insect species. Mammals are not native to Grinthal and their introduction is kept to a minimal number of closely regulated and licensed species that are kept as pets by the Tintahal.

All native Tintahal technology is organic based powered by bioelectrogenesis, and they use a variety of coral species to grow their towns and cities.

Ionians

The Ionians are a calm and genteel people; at least they are once they’ve reached adulthood. Like most species throughout the galaxy, their children are enthusiastic, energetic, and very excitable. As their body chemistry begins to change, so does their disposition. Once they have passed through the sullen and moody teenage phase they come out the other end as a well-adjusted individual and after completing the rite of accession, they have complete control over their emotions.

Due to their calm nature, Ionians make excellent traders and negotiators as they do not allow their emotions to interfere with proceedings. The slight whistle in every Ionians speech also appears to help calm even the most excitable species, even the notoriously boisterous Gregorans. As a result, the Diplomatic Corps has the highest proportion of Ionians than any other section of the GSF.

The gravity on Ionia is approximately 75% that of Earth, which has resulted in Ionians being one of the tallest species in the galaxy. Consequentially, their buildings and spacecraft have high ceilings, and many of the ship controls are overhead. This has led to there being very few Ionian craft outside Ionian ownership and those that are have been heavily retrofitted to accommodate the average galactic citizen.

Ionians serve meals in the form of a small ceremony which traces its origin back to when most believed in some form of deity. Like many species, the Ionians no longer hold on to these out-dated beliefs, but continue the tradition as a way of thanking the animal or plant for giving up its life to sustain the Ionian; even if the meal was produced from an EnMat Convertor.

Calaxians

Calaxians are cold-blooded, or poikilotherms to be more precise, once of the few known mammals in the galaxy to be poikilothermic. This is not generally a problem on their home world of Calax, which has a relatively stable climate and a higher than average surface temperature  On other worlds, this has led to mixed misconceptions about Calaxians. On colder worlds, Calaxians tend to wear numerous layers of clothing covering almost every accessible surface of their skin, which leads the locals to believe that they are very introverted. On worlds where the temperature is warmer than their native Calax the opposite is true. Calaxians will wander the streets in as little clothing as they feel they can get away with, which leaves the locals believing they are unashamed exhibitionists. This combined with their forked tongues has also led to the further misconception that Calaxians evolved from serpent-like creatures; however, the evidence strongly indicates that they evolved from a small, hairless and cold-blooded primate originating from what is now the largest equatorial continent on Calax. Regardless, a forked tongue definitely males for an interesting French kiss.

All Calaxians are born with white hair, which changes colour during puberty. The colour of a Calaxians hair will match the colour of their eyes, which suggest that the eye colour dictates the hair colour; however, research indicates that the opposite is true. Regardless, a, Calaxians will know what colour hair they are going to have long before they reach puberty and therefore can't prevent the teasing of lilac-haired children, even before the colour change takes effect. Their pupils are asterisk shaped with an out-ward-slanting slash through the centre.

Though not one of the founding members of the GSF, Calaxians were instrumental in the independent mediation during the drawing up of the original GSF charter, and were the third non-GTU species to be admitted into the GSF.