Epachan.
[EP-uh-chahn.] The Epachan are sentient cephalopods--invertebrate,
tentacled beings with four limbs lined by suckers which allow them to cling to
objects, flat surfaces, or even other beings. They have pink, irregular,
moist-looking skin resembling chewed bubblegum, marked by many small, round,
milky yellow apertures known as "receptors"--biological implants designed to convey information that allow Epachan to see outside of their native environment. Epachan don't have eyes in the humanoid sense; they "see" via sound, vibrations and smell. This how they identify each other; thus they lack names by human understanding. Their receptors appear as opaque, flat lenses, and work as translator devices, enabling them to understand alien languages by augmenting and transforming signals into pheromones and sound-waves which the wearer "reads". Distributed across an Epachan's torso, these devices permit omnocular vision (in all directions), tactically advantageous in some aspects, yet limited compared to those with binocular vision (who can see colors and light wavelengths which Epachan cannot). Nor can Epachan hear as those with ears do. Despite this, an Epachan's voice as rendered by most universal translators bears a rhythmic, musical
quality with a very distinct speech pattern. Epachan claim to appreciate music as a form of communication above all others. To them music bears an almost other-dimensional mystique. Physically, they are capable of quick, versatile movement in three dimensions, from clinging to nearly any surface to "cartwheeling" locomotion via their limbs.
Custom is important to Epachan, especially members
of royalty (their government is a constitutional monarchy). They treat
any new place or people they meet as a "first contact" situation, to be taken
seriously and handled with care. Part of an Epachan greeting ritual involves tongue contact: An Epachan extends its tongue from a dorsal mouth to touch the tongue (or equivalent organ) of another being; combined with a release of pheromones, this triggers a chemical reaction in one or both parties, causing endorphins to be released (in species who have them), and a euphoric state ensues, usually only lasting a few seconds. This greeting has been known to cause orgasms in some humanoids. Among Epachan (and other compatible beings), it allows instantaneous, non-verbal
communication through the transmission of biochemicals, more expedient than conventional speech. However, this "tongue contact" is reserved for the highest-ranking individuals or emergency situations, and is not used frequently, since Epachan view it with almost sexual importance.
Epachan are carnivorous. They rarely consume other sentients, yet consider it an honor to be devoured by one's friends or relatives when one dies. They are also genderless; how they procreate is, as yet, unrevealed. They typically guard their method of procreation as a cultural secret from outsiders. Special inoculations permit Epachan to survive in alien, off-world environments. They belong to the Federation and some serve in Starfleet. A former first officer of the
Arcadia hailed from this race.
(See Adia Shaar.)
The Naughton visited the planet
