Rikel (Rye-KEL') (RT)

Physical Description: The Rikel are a quasi-reptilian species. The most prominent feature of a Rikel is its shell. This shell is heavy and solid, divided into a series of fused plates with a distinctive hexagonal pattern. The largest specimens of Rikel have grown a shell size of about 2 square meters. The mass of these individuals is considerable and can approach nearly one half metric ton. Below the shell protrude the Rikel's six walking legs. Each leg is thick and massive and ends in a foot with three blunt toes. Each toe has a heavy nail used for traction and digging. At the forward end, the Rikel's most unusual features occur. The head is a long flexible stalk which protrudes from the shell and carries a single eye at its end. The brain is not contained in this structure but rather under the shell where is protected. Below the head, is another stalk which divides into two manipulative organs which end in numerous fine tentacles. Finally, below this, is a beaked mouth. All the forward appendages can be drawn into the shell for protection. Rikel are believed to be herbivorous. At least they have never been known to eat anything but vegetable matter while in the presence of humans and they themselves claim to eat nothing but plant life. Although reptile-like, the Rikel are warm blooded. Each individual is hermaphroditic, containing organs of both sexes. Young are hatched from eggs which are incubated by natural or artificial heat and ultraviolet for 4 months before hatching.

History: Many years past when the Rikel first started exploring the void of space they were as prone to violence as the humans are now. One sect of religious and scientific Rikel disdained the violence of their brothers and left the faraway Rikel worlds to establish a peaceful and productive race. The voyage lasted many generations and they finally settled in the Rimgart Sector where they lived, traded, and explored for many years. Over a period of years after first contact with human society however, the Rikel once again began to increasingly revert to violence. After several wars fought in Endeavor Sector, Rikel civilization finally broke up under the strain. One faction merged with a human corporation, Minfact, to produce the short-lived Alpha-Omega allegiance. Other elements were absorbed by other allegiances.

Society: A great number of Rikel still live and work in Dark Well Space. Individuals and populations of Rikel have largely adopted the societies of their various allegiances. Many Rikel are still devoted to the religion of Riistral however. This is a type of mysticism that requires frequent meditation and also uses hallucinogenic drugs to reach a high transcendental state of consciousness. This religion is similar in some respects to the Hinduism of ancient Earth. The Rikel believe in reincarnation and the sanctity of life. After a number of lifetimes, they believe that they will reach a state of ultimate consciousness or Niirvaanaah.