Interphasic organism
Interphasic organisms are small, non-sentient lifeforms which exist out of phase with the universe.
Though they have been found on Thanatos VII in either the Alpha or Beta Quadrant, their native planet remains unknown, as does their native dimension.
Physiology
Physically, interphasic organisms are roughly the size and shape of large Earth leeches. They possess a pair of antennae at one end of their bodies and a pair of small pincers at the opposite end. Along the length of their bodies are several long, spindly limbs, some of which end in hooks which enable them to cling to the flesh of a humanoid, while others terminate in suction pads used to feed on the humanoid. Their bodies are rough and bumpy, with evidence of tubular structures beneath their hides. Their colors appear to vary but their bodies are most often a dark brown or red hue, while their limbs are typically white or grey.
As their name suggests, interphasic organisms exist out of phase with the normal space/time continuum. This means that it is extremely difficult to detect or interact with them. They are functionally invisible, intangible and soundless since they cannot be detected by a humanoid's natural senses, and they also cannot be detected by standard sensor technology. Only an interphasic scanner is known to be capable of revealing their presence, though Soong-type androids also appear to be able to partially detect them. While it is problematic for humanoids to interact with them, interphasic organisms are able to interact with their environment enough to feed.
Interphasic organisms require sustenance to survive, which they receive from the consumption of cellular peptides. They are able to draw these peptides from humanoids and do this by attaching themselves to the flesh of the humanoid and slowly leeching the peptides from their cells. This process gradually causes infections to spread at the leeching point, and eventually results in the cells of the humanoid disintegrating, killing that humanoid. Species which contain cellular peptides compatible with interphasic organisms are known to include Humans, Betazoids and Klingons.
Though the interphasic nature of this species makes them extremely difficult to harm, they can be destroyed with the use of an interphasic pulse, which is a high frequency whine able to pass out of phase and eradicate interphasic organisms.
History
An encounter with interphasic organisms has only been recorded once, though it is likely that they have simply gone unnoticed on other occasions. They were discovered by the crew of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-D after they attempted to install a new warp core which had been manufactured on the Federation planet Thanatos VII. The warp core utilised a newly developed interphasic fusion process which had, unknown to the manufacturers and the crew, attracted an infestation of interphasic organisms.
The presence of the interphasic organisms caused a disturbance within the warp core, preventing the Engineering team from initializing it. While they worked on the problem, the undetected interphasic organisms attached themselves to every humanoid on board and began to slowly feed on their cellular peptides. The only member of the crew who remained free of the interphasic organisms was Lieutenant Commander Data, a Soong-type android with no peptides for the creatures to consume. He was able to partially detect the interphasic organisms but was unable to interpret what he was sensing. Instead of becoming conscious of the presence of the creatures, Data only became aware of the sensor findings he was receiving when they were processed abstractly through his dreaming program.
While Data struggled to interpret his dreams, which had taken the form of nightmares, the crew of the Enterprise discovered the presence of the interphasic organisms. However, they could find no way to rid themselves of the infestation until Data found the solution within his dream. After making modifications to his positronic brain, he was able to emit a high-frequency interphasic pulse, which destroyed the interphasic organisms throughout the ship. The crew suffered no permanent damage and the now organism-free warp core was quickly repaired.
