| RACIAL INFORMATION |
| Physiology: The crystalline Chenjesu were based on a silicon based biochemistry, a boggling concept to earth scientists sure that all life must be found in the range in which water is liquid. In order to maintain such a physiology, the Chenjesu required a far more intense star than Sol to evolve, as silicon only makes a viable substitute to carbon in energy rich situations -- such as the brilliant sun in the Procyon system. It may well be because of this rich resource that the Chenjesu were chemosynthetic, using the vast mineral deposits of their world and a radiant light source as an endless supply of medium for growth. The Chenjesu evolved alone on their world, with no predators and, as chemosynthetic organisms, no prey. They developed culture in harmony and, as far as is known, without incident. Their crystalline structure allowed them to send and receive Hyperwave transmissions without aid of a signalling apparatus, an ability which served the Chenjesu until they were sealed on their homeworld by the Ur-Quan Kzer-Za. It should be noted that the Taalo, while also silicon based, are said to have been completely unlike the Chenjesu. What they were like, however, remains a mystery. Philosophy: Vast and sage. The Chenjesu were wise and well-travelled, the undisputed leader of the Alliance of Free-Stars, and possibly known by other races out of this sector. Their patience and benign nature, no doubt lasting results from their peaceful cultural beginnings, made them perfect diplomats and an ideal first-contact for our own race. Honesty and generosity marked all dealings between the humans and the Chenjesu, and presumably this was true of all such meetings, with the possible exception of the Ur-Quan. Close harmony within their own species, however, may have led to their own cultural stagnation. The Chenjesu had achieved a stable philosophy long ago, and remained hopelessly unchangeable. This may have fueled their decision to undergo "The Process," in which all Chenjesu life was fused with the robotic Mmrnhrmm. While this inevitably forced the Chenjesu to go extinct, they believed the end product would be greater than the sum of the parts. Time will only tell if they were right. |
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