Rethica

Very little is known about the Rethica so far. The Rethica are among the oldest known civilizations inhabiting the unexplored frontier beyond Federation space. To outside observers they are often regarded as monsters, however to themselves they are simply survivors. Unlike most intelligent species, the Rethica evolved around a biological dependence unlike anything documented within Federation records. Their bodies cannot naturally synthesize several neurochemical catalysts required to halt progressive cellular degeneration. These compounds occur only within sufficiently advanced sentient organisms. Consequently, every Rethica lives beneath a biological imperative few outsiders can fully comprehend: That they must feed.

The ethical implications of this necessity have shaped every aspect of their civilization. Where most species built societies around agriculture, commerce, or industry, the Rethica organized themselves around access to living prey, the regulation of feeding, and the search for alternatives to their evolutionary burden. Unfortunately, the Rethica as a species are fractured. Numerous independent Hives exists that are governed by powerful Matrons and Sovereigns. Differing views of the future of their species has created factions, which differs almost entirely from Hive to Hive. Some Hives have become almost civilized while others remain utterly monstrous.

The Rethica possess specialized neural tendrils located beneath the fingertips and along the palms. When contact is made, microscopic biofilaments penetrate the skin. These filaments extract neurochemical energy, hormonal compounds, and other proteins unique to complex nervous systems. Victims of feeding experience accelerated aging, extreme fatigue, neurological trauma, and extreme pain. A full feeding can be fatal.