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__NOEDITSECTION__

|Image=

|Homeworld=Vissia

|Quadrant=Beta

|Affiliation= Unknown

|AgeM=18

|Age=140

[[Image:Cogenitor.jpg|thumb|A Vissian cogenitor]]

The '''Vissians''' are a three-gendered [[humanoid]] species native to the planet Vissia, in the Vissia System of the [[Beta Quadrant]].

Vissians possess thick, crescent-shaped ridges which circle their eyes at the temples, but they are otherwise physically similar to [[Human]]s.

The [[brain]] of all three Vissian genders is more advanced than that of a [[Human]] and they are able to learn and retain new information far more quickly.

== Culture ==

Despite being so uncommon and so vital to Vissian reproduction, cogenitors are not treated as important individuals in their own rights in Vissian society. Instead, they are considered to be of a lower class than males and females, existing solely to provide the necessary reproductive service they are able to perform. They are given no names and no access to education or entertainment, nor are they given opportunities to pursue hobbies or interests. The fact that there are so few cogenitors means that it is necessary for them to be kept to strict schedules as they are passed from couple to couple to assist them in reproducing.

Male and female Vissians form emotional bonds with each other but never with cogenitors. As is common in many other cultures, males and females choose their mates based on romantic love, and commit to each other through marriage. Vissian couples regard the participation of a cogenitor in reproduction as using a tool rather than a third individual entering their relationship. Vissians are more sexually open and uninhibited than many species and sleep together almost immediately in a new relationship before deciding whether it is worth pursuing. A female will only consent to dine with a male if she has enjoyed sleeping with him.

Vissians are far more interested in the aroma of food than its taste. They have exhibited a fondness for [[Earth]] cheeses.

Though they possess the intellectual capacity to swiftly progress their society, Vissians tend not to be overly ambitious. They are content to develop new technology slowly, and see no need to venture far from their homeworld, preferring instead to explore the immediate vicinity. They are, however, happy to encounter new species and are friendly and hospitable during first contact situations, even willing to share their technology.

== Technology ==

At the time of their first contact with the [[Federation]], the Vissians possessed superior [[Warp Field|warp field]] and sensory technologies. As well as starships, they use small shuttles which they call stratopods. Their ships are armed with photonic weaponry, rechargeable using sarium microcells, and are capable of withstanding temperatures higher than 1100 degrees, enabling them to enter stellar corona. The engine cores of their starships are composed of over 200 different elements, and emit omicron radiation when in use. Though this has not been confirmed, it seems likely that the Vissians provided [[Star Fleet]] with photonic weaponry technology, and it is certain that they gave them sensor technology to detect nucleosynthesis.

== History ==

The Vissians developed [[Warp Drive|warp drive]] technology at least a hundred years earlier than [[Human]]s but chose to spend little time exploring space beyond the Vissia System. In 2153, they made first contact with the [[Federation]] when a Vissian scout ship encountered the [[Enterprise, NX-01]]. They extended the hand of friendship to the [[Federation]] and soon both were viewing each other's technologies.

However, a diplomatic incident occured when a Vissian cogenitor met a member of the [[Enterprise, NX-01|Enterprise]]'s crew, who introduced it to music and art, explaining that it should have the same rights as males and females. As a consequence, the cogenitor felt it could not return to its old life and requested political asylum with the [[Federation]]. The Vissians demanded that the cogenitor should be sent back to them and, in an attempt to maintain friendly relations between the two governments, the [[Commanding Officer]] of the [[Enterprise, NX-01|Enterprise]] agreed. However, soon after returning to Vissia, the cogenitor commited suicide. This incident did not have a lasting negative impact on the relationship between the Vissians and the [[Federation]], who remained on good terms.

[[Category:Alien Species]]

[[Category:PC Rated]]

[[Category:NPC Rated]]