The Majalans were a spacefaring humanoid species native to the planet Majalis in the Majalan system, located on the edge of Federation space. (SNW: "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach")
History[]
In ancient times, the founders of Majalan society developed technology that would allow them to build a civilization on levitating platforms high above the hostile surface of their homeworld. However, this machinery required the neural network of a child to function, and once connected that child would be irreversibly condemned to a slow, painful death. The reasons for this design, and the exact workings of the machine, were eventually forgotten.
A First Servant connected to the founders' machine
Despite centuries of searching, the Majalans were unable to find an alternative to using a child to sustain their society. Believing nevertheless that the suffering of one was worth the benefits to the rest of their people, they decided it best to face this bargain openly. The sacrifice of the child was elevated to religious significance: a sacred "ascension" to be carried out willingly by the "First Servant", a holy figure to whom all Majalans were devoted and grateful.
Those Majalans who rejected the practice of sacrificing the First Servant established a colony on the neighboring planet of Prospect VII. Many Majalans regarded the colonists as traitors who sought to destroy their way of life, though there were also some who sympathized with their cause.
In 2249, the Federation made first contact with the Majalans when Lieutenant Christopher Pike saved the future Minister Alora from a near-fatal encounter with a pulsar. This incident led to an invitation of Federation membership, which the Majalans declined.
Ten years later, on the occasion of a new First Servant's ascension, the Prospect VII colonists attempted to save the child by using a neural dampening device to render him unsuitable for the machine. Though they were aided by the boy's father, Elder Gamal, they were ultimately thwarted by the crew of the USS Enterprise, who were conducting a cartographic survey in the system.
Upon later witnessing what the ascension process actually entailed, Captain Pike threatened to report the matter to Starfleet. However, Minister Alora reminded him that the Federation had no jurisdiction on Majalis. (SNW: "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach")
Biology[]
Medical scan of a Majalan boy, showing quantum bio-implants
The Majalans were externally characterized by several thin ridges and spots on the outside of their eyes. Their blood was black in color. (SNW: "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach")
Society and culture[]
Majalan culture centered on their maxim of "Science, service, sacrifice." This was embodied by the First Servant whose self-sacrifice made their advanced civilization possible, hence another Majalan saying: "Let the tree that grows from the roots of sacrifice lift us where suffering cannot reach."
The First Servant was chosen by lottery at birth; they forswore their biological family, as all Majalans were considered their family, and were sequestered in an ancient retreat on a moon for training. The First Servant was protected by the Linnarean Guard, who wore oath coins as a symbol of their sacred vow.
The procession of a First Servant on the way to his ascension
An oath coin of the Linnarean Guard, with Majalan writing on the rim
The ascension of a new First Servant was an event of great pomp and circumstance. On the day before, an opening ceremony was held, followed by a tree planting at the Sky Garden, and finally a Festival of Gratitude in the evening. On the day of, there was a procession in which the First Servant was escorted to the Sacred Chamber and, after their final consent was obtained, connected to the founders' machine.
The Majalan government was headed by a Ruling Council. They were isolationist and generally unwelcoming of outsiders, though it was possible for an alien to join their society.
Majalan law forbade the sharing of technology with non-affiliated races. As of the 23rd century, Majalan medical technology was far more advanced than that of the Federation. They utilized quantum bio-implants that could repair biological functions on a subatomic level. As a result, they never suffered from disease.
The Majalans also had the means to generate an electromagnetic pulse that could block all communications and transporters to the surface of their planet. They used shuttles for interstellar travel.
The Majalan colony on Prospect VII was much less developed, existing at barely above a subsistence level. They employed combat cruisers with limited capabilities. Due to centuries of separation, the colonists' dialect had diverged from that spoken on Majalis. (SNW: "Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach")
Individuals[]
- Named
- Unnamed
- Unnamed Majalans