The Xyrillians were a peaceful, warp-capable species of reptilian humanoids with smooth, brown, scaly skin. They were native to the Xyrillian homeworld.
Physiology[]
Xyrillians were reptilian-appearing humanoids, shorter than a typical Human. They had scales on their faces. They also had dermal plating, which they found necessary for detecting each other's moods. Xyrillians could pass electricity via tactile contact, though this was painless and could even be pleasant. The precise effect produced through such contact varied, depending on whether they were touching a member of their own species or one of a different species.
Xyrillians were adapted to an environment significantly different to those Humans were accustomed to. Differences in pressure and composition of their atmosphere caused a hallucinogenic effect to most species, and as a result, most other humanoids needed to be weaned onto and off their atmosphere to avoid undesired effects. Xyrillians ate foods such as Dutara root. When traveling, they grew sweet-tasting edible vegetation on the bulkheads of their ships. The process of metabolising their food was assisted by a vapour released by a grass that they grew on the floors of their ships.
The reproductive process of Xyrillians differed greatly from that of Humans. Xyrillian males usually carried infants to term in a pouch on the upper chest. They served only as hosts, and the offspring only contained genetic material from the mother. Impregnation could occur with only minor physical contact and could be unintentional on the mother's part. Despite differences between Xyrillian and Human physiology, Humans were capable of being impregnated by a Xyrillian female, as Commander Tucker discovered when this occurred to him. He developed two nipples on his wrist as a result of this impregnation. (ENT: "Unexpected")
Language[]
The Xyrillians had their own language. The Xyrillian phrase "Kaja lakala royj kaiti" translated as, "We are complying with your request. We ask you not to harm us". (ENT: "Unexpected")
In the script for "Unexpected", this phrase is phonetically notated as, "KAI-uh la-CALL-uh ROYZH kai-TEE."
Technology[]
As of 2151, the Xyrillians were technologically far superior to Humans. They were able to use holographic technology to simulate any environment they could envision (see holodeck). Their ships used teraphasic warp coils, and could be concealed through advanced stealth technology. The Xyrillians also possessed various other forms of technology aboard their ships, such as tanks in which eel-like creatures swam. Their medical technology could be used to transfer an embryo of their species to a different host, but this could be done only during the early stages of a pregnancy. They had scanners that could be used to determine the sex of an embryo. There was also a Xyrillian game involving glowing granules which enabled two individuals (even if they were not the same species) to experience telepathic contact with each other. This contact was facilitated through each participant in the game placing their hands into the granules. (ENT: "Unexpected")
See also[]
People[]
- Named
- Unnamed
Background information[]
These aliens were referred to in a one-paragraph story outline for "Unexpected" that was written in a memo regarding story ideas, sent from the ENT writing staff to Brannon Braga (on 4 May 2001, when the story had the working title "Conduct Unbecoming"). The aliens were not yet named and were entirely female. They were also described as "weirdly sensual creatures."
In the script for "Unexpected", the Xyrillians were described as "exotic humanoids, glistening with moist, scaly skin."
As well as appearing in "Unexpected", Xyrillians were additionally referenced in "Cold Front", "Shuttlepod One" and "Oasis".
According to Star Trek: Star Charts ("United Federation of Planets III") and Stellar Cartography: The Starfleet Reference Library ("Federation Historical Highlights, 2161-2385"), there was a star system named Xyrillia, which might be the home system of this species, in the Alpha Quadrant. It was a binary system with a A-class star and a F-class star. In the late 24th century, it was an independent system.
StarTrek.com described the Xyrillians as an "Alpha Quadrant" species. [1](X)