Epachan

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The Epachan^[1] (ɛpˈəchân) were a Federation member race of sentient cephalopods. Invertebrate beings, with four sucker-lined tentacles which could cling to nearly any object or surface (including other beings), they were physically quick and versatile, and moved via "cartwheeling" locomotion of their limbs in three dimensions.

Epachan lacked eyes, ears and names in the traditional humanoid sense. They detected external objects through vibrations and smell. Their bodies were covered in pink, moist-looking skin resembling chewed bubblegum, marked by several small, round, milky-yellow "receptors", biological implants sporting plano-convex, opaque lenses. These receptors conveyed audiovisual information by augmenting and transforming light/sound signals into pheromones and sound-waves which the wearer could "read", allowing them to see/hear and identify others outside of their native environment. The receptors functioned as universal translators. Distributed across an Epachan's torso, these devices permitted panocular vision (in all directions), tactically advantageous yet limited compared to binocular vision (involving light wavelengths Epachan could not detect). Despite their limited "hearing", an Epachan's voice, rendered by the universal translator, possessed a rhythmic, musical quality with a distinct linguistic pattern. Epachan appreciated music as a form of communication above all others. To them, music had an almost other-dimensional mystique.

Custom was important to Epachan, especially members of royalty. Their government was a constitutional monarchy. They treated any new place or people as a first contact situation, to be taken seriously and handled with care. Part of an Epachan greeting ritual involved tongue contact: An Epachan extended its tongue from a dorsal mouth to touch the tongue or equivalent organ of another being; combined with a release of pheromones, this triggered a chemical reaction in one or both parties, causing endorphins to be released (in species who had them), and a euphoric state ensued, usually lasting a few seconds. This greeting was known to cause orgasms in some humanoids. Among Epachan (and other compatible beings) it allowed instantaneous, non-verbal communication through the transmission of biochemicals, more expedient than conventional speech. This "tongue contact" was reserved for the highest-ranking individuals or emergency situations, and was used infrequently, since Epachan viewed it with almost sexual importance.

Epachan were carnivorous. They rarely consumed other sentients, yet considered it an honor to be devoured by one's friends or relatives upon death. They were also genderless; how they procreated is, as yet, unrevealed. They typically guarded their method of procreation as a cultural secret from outsiders. Special inoculations allowed Epachan to survive in alien, off-world environments. They had their own navy, yet some served in Starfleet. A former UFS Arcadia first officer hailed from this race (see Epachan (character)).

See also: Adia Shaar.