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The '''microbrains''' are a species of sentient inorganic lifeforms found on the planet Velara III, which is located in the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. They are sometimes referred to as Velarans but within the [[Federation]] they are more commonly known by the name given to them by [[Star Fleet]] officers upon making first contact with them, the microbrains.

The microbrains are non-[[humanoid]] and inorganic but they are sentient nevertheless. Usually microscopic, they are crystalline lifeforms and are known to contain no organic molecules, instead being composed of silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, cadmium, selenide sulfide, water, impurities, and sodium salt crystals in various quantities. They take the form of a complex network of crystalline structures with energy patterns flowing throughout them, and give off a glow of light which is visible to the naked eye of a [[humanoid]], as well as generating a quiet humming noise on occasion. They are natural superconductors and are photoelectric, enabling them to acquire energy by absorbing light from their environment.

They appear to have a reliance upon the saline water in which they usually reside, though the nature of this dependence is unclear. It has been hypothesised that the microbrains may require the saline water to communicate with each other and form communities, raising their overall level of intelligence through a collective consciousness in the process. However, it may simply be that the microbrains need water to survive in the same way other forms of life do.

The microbrains were native inhabitants of Velara III, a [[Planetary Classification Table#M|Class M]] planet devoid of any other forms of life. This planet was scouted by the [[United Federation of Planets]], who felt it could be [[terraforming|terraformed]] and colonised. To that end, a team of [[Human]] [[Federation]] [[terraforming|terraformers]] were sent to Velara III, where they set up a small lab and began the [[terraforming]] process.