Species 8472
Encyclopedia
Species 8472 is a fictional extraterrestrial
race in the science fiction
television series Star Trek: Voyager
. They inhabit another dimension called fluidic space. These beings are rendered by animation from Foundation Imaging, Inc. The multiplayer game Star Trek Online
gives their proper name as Undine.
(the species' name referred to by Star Trek Online as the Undine, though the Hirogen
refer to them as 'Fluidians'), Species 8472 has a dense genetic structure, with each cell containing more than a hundred times the genetic material of a human cell because of their tri-helical DNA
structure. On the cellular level, Species 8472's own somatic cells can become extremely virulent 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, they are able to resist conventional treatment methods. This system also makes them entirely immune to Borg assimilation.
Species 8472 is telepathic and in Star Trek: Voyager
sends Kes
and Tuvok
telepathic messages.
feet or hooves. They have cross-shaped pupils, and communicate
exclusively through telepathy. They have tall, thin, skeletal bodies possessing 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 disproportionately large heads, giving them a generally gangly appearance. They have as many as five gender
s, each of which apparently occupies a different region of fluidic space. Species 8472 can also survive the unprotected rigors of normal space, and appear to not need to breathe an atmosphere, or even the organic fluid present in its own realm. Members of Species 8472 emit a biogenic field around their bodies which interferes with normal transporters
and renders it partially invisible to sensor
s. It 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 has prevented their assimilation by the Borg.
Species 8472 possess incredible strength and stamina as demonstrated in the episode "Prey
", when a single member of Species 8472 is attacked by a Hirogen
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 Voyagers hull, it tears a bulkhead
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.
although it is stated that it is only definitely outside our galaxy). Fluidic space is a continuum
filled with an organic fluid
. Fluidic space has no stars, planets or nebulae. However, in Star Trek: Armada II
, fluidic space has several nebulae referred to as fluidic nebulae, and are identical in nature to those produced by the massive Behemoth-class 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 the ships telepathically, though Species 8472 have been witnessed operating a console to pilot the bioship. A bioship explored by the Voyager crew had a breathable atmosphere; however, as it was attached to a Borg cube at the time, it may have simply taken on air when it penetrated the hull.
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 Star Trek: Armada II
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.
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 they invade fluidic space (as revealed 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 construct 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 Doctor
, the ship's Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH), from the Borg's own technology, 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 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 human
ity, 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. Voyager convinces 8472, led by an individual posing as Boothby, that the Federation
has no quarrel with them – it had in fact long been known that the Borg themselves started the war between the two species by invading fluidic space to assimilate the superior technology of Species 8472.
and Star Trek: Armada II
. They also make an appearance in Star Trek Online
, in which they are referred to as the Undine.
Extraterrestrial life in popular culture
In popular cultures, "extraterrestrials" are life forms — especially intelligent life forms— that are of extraterrestrial origin .-Historical ideas:-Pre-modern:...
race in the science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
television series Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe. Set in the 24th century from the year 2371 through 2378, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager, which becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant 70,000 light-years from Earth while...
. They inhabit another dimension called fluidic space. These beings are rendered by animation from Foundation Imaging, Inc. The multiplayer game Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online, often abbreviated as STO, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Cryptic Studios based on the popular Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. The game is set in the 25th century, 30 years after the events of Star Trek Nemesis...
gives their proper name as Undine.
Cellular characteristics
A designation given by the BorgBorg (Star Trek)
The Borg are a fictional pseudo-race of cybernetic organisms depicted in the Star Trek universe associated with Star Trek.Whereas cybernetics are used by other races in the science fiction world to repair bodily damage and birth defects, the Borg use enforced cybernetic enhancement as a means of...
(the species' name referred to by Star Trek Online as the Undine, though the Hirogen
Hirogen
The Hirogen are a fictional race in the Star Trek universe, a long-running plot device in the Star Trek: Voyager television series, appearing nine times in Seasons 4-7....
refer to them as 'Fluidians'), Species 8472 has a dense genetic structure, with each cell containing more than a hundred times the genetic material of a human cell because of their tri-helical DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
structure. On the cellular level, Species 8472's own somatic cells can become extremely virulent 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, they are able to resist conventional treatment methods. This system also makes them entirely immune to Borg assimilation.
Species 8472 is telepathic and in Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe. Set in the 24th century from the year 2371 through 2378, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager, which becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant 70,000 light-years from Earth while...
sends Kes
Kes (Star Trek)
Kes is a character in the television series Star Trek: Voyager, played by Jennifer Lien.She was a regular for the first three seasons, leaving the show in the season four episode "The Gift". She made one guest appearance two seasons later....
and Tuvok
Tuvok
Tuvok is one of the main characters on the television series Star Trek: Voyager. Tuvok is a Vulcan who serves as the ship's chief of security and its chief tactical officer. Tim Russ portrayed Tuvok throughout the show's run, from 1995 to 2001....
telepathic messages.
Physiology
Species 8472's anatomy is unique in that they possess three five-jointed, even-toed ungulateUngulate
Ungulates are several groups of mammals, most of which use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving. They make up several orders of mammals, of which six to eight survive...
feet or hooves. They have cross-shaped pupils, and communicate
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
exclusively through telepathy. They have tall, thin, skeletal bodies possessing 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 disproportionately large heads, giving them a generally gangly appearance. They have as many as five gender
Gender
Gender is a range of characteristics used to distinguish between males and females, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity...
s, each of which apparently occupies a different region of fluidic space. Species 8472 can also survive the unprotected rigors of normal space, and appear to not need to breathe an atmosphere, or even the organic fluid present in its own realm. Members of Species 8472 emit a biogenic field around their bodies which interferes with normal transporters
Transporter (Star Trek)
A transporter is a fictional teleportation machine used in the Star Trek universe. Transporters convert a person or object into an energy pattern , then "beam" it to a target, where it is reconverted into matter...
and renders it partially invisible to sensor
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
s. It 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
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
scanning technology and has prevented their assimilation by the Borg.
Species 8472 possess incredible strength and stamina as demonstrated in the episode "Prey
Prey (Star Trek: Voyager)
"Prey" is an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the 16th episode of the fourth season. The episode has an average rating of 4/5 on the official Star Trek website .-Plot:...
", when a single member of Species 8472 is attacked by a Hirogen
Hirogen
The Hirogen are a fictional race in the Star Trek universe, a long-running plot device in the Star Trek: Voyager television series, appearing nine times in Seasons 4-7....
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 Voyagers hull, it tears a bulkhead
Bulkhead (partition)
A bulkhead is an upright wall within the hull of a ship or within the fuselage of an airplane. Other kinds of partition elements within a ship are decks and deckheads.-Etymology:...
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", a different dimension (probably meant to be outside our universeUniverse
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
although it is stated that it is only definitely outside our galaxy). Fluidic space is a continuum
Spacetime
In physics, spacetime is any mathematical model that combines space and time into a single continuum. Spacetime is usually interpreted with space as being three-dimensional and time playing the role of a fourth dimension that is of a different sort from the spatial dimensions...
filled with an organic fluid
Fluid
In physics, a fluid is a substance that continually deforms under an applied shear stress. Fluids are a subset of the phases of matter and include liquids, gases, plasmas and, to some extent, plastic solids....
. Fluidic space has no stars, planets or nebulae. However, in Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II is a real time strategy computer game published by Activision in 2001, based upon the Star Trek universe. The game was developed by Mad Doc Software. It is the sequel to Star Trek: Armada. Star Trek: Armada II was released by Activision a year after they acquired the full...
, fluidic space has several nebulae referred to as fluidic nebulae, and are identical in nature to those produced by the massive Behemoth-class bioship
Bioship
A bioship is a type of spacecraft or starship described in science fiction. Bioships differ from other types of spacecraft in that they are composed, either predominantly or totally, of biological components, rather than being constructed from manufactured materials...
.
Technology
Species 8472 uses a type of organic spacecraft known only as a bioshipBioship
A bioship is a type of spacecraft or starship described in science fiction. Bioships differ from other types of spacecraft in that they are composed, either predominantly or totally, of biological components, rather than being constructed from manufactured materials...
, 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 the ships telepathically, though Species 8472 have been witnessed operating a console to pilot the bioship. A bioship explored by the Voyager crew had a breathable atmosphere; however, as it was attached to a Borg cube at the time, it may have simply taken on air when it penetrated the hull.
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 Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II is a real time strategy computer game published by Activision in 2001, based upon the Star Trek universe. The game was developed by Mad Doc Software. It is the sequel to Star Trek: Armada. Star Trek: Armada II was released by Activision a year after they acquired the full...
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 Star Trek: VoyagerStar Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe. Set in the 24th century from the year 2371 through 2378, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager, which becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant 70,000 light-years from Earth while...
in which Species 8472 appear include season 3 episode 26 (season finale) "Scorpion: Part 1
Scorpion (Star Trek: Voyager)
"Scorpion" is a two-part episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the cliffhanger between the third and fourth seasons composed of the 26th episode of the third season and the first episode of the fourth. It introduced Seven of Nine and Species 8472 to the series, and is generally regarded as the two most...
" and season 4 episode 1 (season premiere) "Scorpion: Part 2
Scorpion (Star Trek: Voyager)
"Scorpion" is a two-part episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the cliffhanger between the third and fourth seasons composed of the 26th episode of the third season and the first episode of the fourth. It introduced Seven of Nine and Species 8472 to the series, and is generally regarded as the two most...
", season 4 episode 16 "Prey
Prey (Star Trek: Voyager)
"Prey" is an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the 16th episode of the fourth season. The episode has an average rating of 4/5 on the official Star Trek website .-Plot:...
", and season 5 episode 4 "In the Flesh".
Species 8472 are discovered by the Borg in 2373 when they invade fluidic space (as revealed in the episode Scorpion, Part II
Scorpion (Star Trek: Voyager)
"Scorpion" is a two-part episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the cliffhanger between the third and fourth seasons composed of the 26th episode of the third season and the first episode of the fourth. It introduced Seven of Nine and Species 8472 to the series, and is generally regarded as the two most...
) 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
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
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 construct 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
Warhead
The term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...
armed with modified nanoprobes, developed by the Doctor
Doctor (Star Trek)
The Doctor, an Emergency Medical Hologram Mark I , is a fictional character from the television series Star Trek: Voyager, played by actor Robert Picardo...
, the ship's Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH), from the Borg's own technology, 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 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
Hirogen
The Hirogen are a fictional race in the Star Trek universe, a long-running plot device in the Star Trek: Voyager television series, appearing nine times in Seasons 4-7....
for several months.
Concerned about the threat posed by human
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
ity, Species 8472 builds 13 "terraspheres" in the Delta Quadrant and recreates Starfleet Academy
Starfleet Academy
In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Starfleet Academy is where the future's recruits to Starfleet will be trained. It was created in the year 2161, when the United Federation of Planets was founded...
within as a staging ground for an intelligence gathering mission on Earth. The plan is uncovered by Voyager and peace talks commence. Voyager convinces 8472, led by an individual posing as Boothby, that the Federation
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
has no quarrel with them – it had in fact long been known 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 ForceStar Trek: Voyager – Elite Force
Star Trek: Voyager – Elite Force is a first-person shooter video game developed by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was initially released on September 20, 2000 for Windows and Mac OS personal computers. Aspyr Media was responsible for porting the game to the Mac OS platform...
and Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II
Star Trek: Armada II is a real time strategy computer game published by Activision in 2001, based upon the Star Trek universe. The game was developed by Mad Doc Software. It is the sequel to Star Trek: Armada. Star Trek: Armada II was released by Activision a year after they acquired the full...
. They also make an appearance in Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online, often abbreviated as STO, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Cryptic Studios based on the popular Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. The game is set in the 25th century, 30 years after the events of Star Trek Nemesis...
, in which they are referred to as the Undine.