Dionae Biology

Dionae are one of the more alien races that one can find in the Orion Spur, besides the Vaurcae. Suspected of originating outside known space, they have been studied for centuries ever since contact with the Skrell, and their subsequent induction into the other societies present within the Spur. The long-lived species have several aspects of its biology that are still to be understood, such as their ability to mimic other species and ingest genetic material to gain a deep understanding of certain memories, experiences and even skills.

Biology

Physiology

Dionae have been known to develop organs to assist in adapting to environments in which they find themselves, with the most prominent being neural stratas, gas bladders, polyp segments and anchoring ligaments. A neural strata is connecting tissue between Nymphs, linking one another directly. The number of neural strata present is dependent on the size of the Gestalt, where it is believed a Titan-class Gestalt may range from hundreds of thousands to millions of neural stratas.

Gas bladders are pouches developed by during the incubation period of a Nymph Pod. Largely acting similarly to a lung, it allows for gaseous exchange to occur, allowing for large amounts of gases present to be used for biomass growth – and in some instances, by larger Gestalts such as a Colossus to manoeuvre through voidic conditions after ingesting significant amounts of material to produce gaseous byproducts to propel themselves. Polyp segments generally grow alongside gas bladders, secreting digestive enzymes to convert the material into consumable biomatter for the Gestalt – they are extremely sensitive, and allow a Dionae to essentially feel the digestive process to determine the stages of dissection for the material being metabolized.

Lastly, anchoring ligaments – also referred to as “bark” colloquially – form in Cyclops and larger Gestalts. Though initially a method of protection to the Dionae, it acts as a hard outer shell during the early period of a merging However, as a merge becomes older these anchoring ligaments begin to prevent movement and ultimately become a burden to the Gestalt. These growths are generally shaved off upon initial discovery, but ones that harden and are not treated typically become part of a Gestalt and are extremely painful if not impossible to remove. A less common, albeit more effective, treatment is a special chemical ingestion designed to slow growths rather than remove it – typically a combination of inapravoline, radium and unstable mutagen. It is not a Hail Mary and is typically considerably more expensive than simply shaving off new growths, and bi-monthly consumption is required.

Senses

Unlike other sophont species within the Orion Spur, Dionae have a notable lack of an ability to distinguish between tastes or smells – moreso focusing on the other three senses in order to discern environmental circumstances; sight, touch and hearing. Though their remaining senses are not considerably better than any other species on the interstellar stage, they place a much more pronounced emphasis on them – in particular when electing what to digest to sustain their energy levels, focusing on textures, consistencies and even appearances to derive enjoyment from foods, or even other items they may digest. Some Dionae even begin to play favourites with certain nourishments due to how they perceive it with their senses.

Dionae do not have “ears” – the species uses external vibrational frequencies against the fluid that is pumped through their bodies, in particular Nymphs, which causes the fluid to vibrate similarly to that which is in a cochlear. Certain sounds, such as music, may be particularly enjoyed depending on the vibrational frequencies that it exerts, as a byproduct it isn’t uncommon to find Dionae partaking in entertainment venues to both grow their experiences, find a pleasing tune, and converse with those around them.

Though Dionae may not have the ability to taste nor to smell, they mainly gain memories of these senses through the ingestion of DNA – sampled either through blood or through other methods, which may pass the host’s favourites onto them, which they can recall with exceptional ability. There is even a niche among Dionae to explore these senses through the ingestion of DNA, paying considerable credits to partake in these opportunities presented to them.

Metabolism

Dionae are capable of taking nearly any matter within their circumstances and being able to metabolize it into nutrition for themselves, largely being opportunistic feeders. Even the atmospheric composition of their environment can be metabolized into energy thanks to their gas bladders – however, the species' predominant form of energy comes from the electromagnetic spectrum, preferredly radiation due to its energizing elements.

While they may go without nourishment from other sources, the electromagnetic spectrum cannot be avoided and is considered a necessity for the continued survival of a Dionae. Without it, they will wither into a comatose state, and ultimately die within the span of a few hours without its presence. Means of neutralizing energy found on the electromagnetic spectrum would be disorienting to Dionae, but because they have evolved with radiation as their primary form of sustenance and must be exposed to the energy source at all times, substances that neutralize it, in particular, are toxic to the species.

While their metabolism is an incredible feat of biology, it comes at a great cost to the species as they age. Their speed and activity decrease as they age due to a variety of factors, such as increasing weight, formation of growths along their anchoring ligaments and the increased difficulty of splitting or merging as a result of the growths of anchoring ligaments – ultimately pressurising Nymphs to root themselves within a greater gestalt, such as a Penuma, or risk slowing down younger Nymphs and sometimes even death should they find themselves isolated from other Dionae.

Splitting & Merging

Splitting is generally a painless endeavour for a Dionae, however, can lead to lost memories and experiences if one cannot remerge with the Nymph. This typically results in those in a Gestalt very rarely splitting, unless agreed upon by the consensus of whatever mindtype operates within it. It is not done lightly, due to the reasons mentioned previously, and can ultimately stunt a Gestalt considerably should one lose a significant Nymph and is unable to reabsorb it. Though, it isn’t uncommon for Gestalts to temporarily merge with one another to gain a deeper understanding of another’s perspective, or merely to grow closer to one another – before splitting again, not necessarily impacting the Gestalt nor its experiences or memories.

Ageing & Appearance

Dionae do not have a determinable lifespan. Some may live for minutes, while others can live for millennia in the care of younger Gestalts. While Dionae generally have a dark brown appearance, they are capable of having the colour of their appearance change based on various epigenetic triggers such as temperature, the radiation they were exposed to and age.

• Default: Generally grown in a pressurized space station or temperate planet, and being exposed to a mixture of stronger and weaker radiation types.

• Lighter: Generally grown on warm planets, and being primarily exposed to weaker forms of radiation such as light.

• Darker: Generally grown in space or colder planets, and being exposed to stronger forms of radiation such as cosmic rays.

• Green: Younger Diona will generally have a greenish hue to their bark, although this will fade with time.

Genetic Memory & Learning

Genetic memory is present in all species, imprinted into their DNA and believed to exist within the genetic “waste” that makes up a large portion of all known DNA. When processed by Dionae, genetic memory only provides information on repeated, strong experiences and sometimes vague, strong memories. It makes a useful tool for Dionae to get up to speed with a creature’s culture and skills - possibly even very strong memories.

Complicated skills learned through genetic learning are incredibly rough and still require schooling. The sensation is similar to having something on the tip of the tongue that one can’t quite recall. A refresher course is required to bring one back up to speed. Currently, no regions of space make concessions for Dionae, thus they still need to study the expected number of years to achieve the qualifications a job requires. Dionae can access genetic memory by processing the DNA in the biology of the ‘donor’. A side effect of this is the use of the chemical, believed to be a defence mechanism in which those bitten would be unable to respond, however, has begun to be used for nefarious reasonings - similar to narcotics. The mechanism for reading genetic memory involves a process that includes the chemical, however, due to the esoteric nature of the Dionae biology and a “missing link” the process has never been artificially replicated, though research is still ongoing.

Scientists devoted to the Eternal believe that the process is more psychological than physical and though their organism allows them to access genetic memory from any creature, it is possible for any sapient species to access these memories through “deep meditation,” and not just vague or strong memories but potentially the full memories of the creature doing the meditation and their genetic ancestors. For genetic learning to best occur, the DNA sampled must be considered novel – blood being the best medium as uncovered by Dionae as a small amount can lead to substantial learning. There have also been instances of Dionae using cerebrospinal fluid for a much more significant understanding of the memories, experiences and skills of a host. Merely eating the flesh of a creature is able to give tangible knowledge to Dionae, but is rarely done due to the intense fear that the creature may experience prior to ingestion, or when being commercially slaughtered.

Mimicry

Mimicry is one of Dionae’s most fascinating abilities; studied by many across the Spur following the introduction of the species, but namely by the Skrell. Though thought to be a biological ability to adapt against predators it has further been classified as a much more complex ability that ranges from simple visual mimicry to even advanced acoustic reproduction seen in the species’ ability to quickly pick up on languages. Though a Dionae may be able to replicate the appearance of something quite easily, such as similarities to the Skrell, it can only really begin effectively replicating behaviours after ingesting DNA samples. Those who study this ability have termed two definitions for the Dionae’s mimicry: parasitic mutualism, even though this provides a rather grim connotation largely makes reference to the species’ ability to integrate within the interstellar societies present, and competitive masquerading which has predominately only been seen in the Pests of Titan Prime – which give conclusive evidence that Dionae use mimicry as a means to compete against “predators”.

Parasitic Mutualism

Referring to the close relationship between a Dionae and the elected host of which is mimics, parasitic mutualism is the term used for the integration of a species within interstellar societies. Seen in the Conglomerate Choir of Nralakk in which the Dionae took on the appearance and acoustic elements of the Skrell to better harmonize with the species and the values that they stood for, in addition to the Dionae present across the Izweski Hegemony that oftentimes replicate elements of Unathi. Though the name conveys a rather pessimistic connotation, it is largely seen as a benefit, where the Dionae do not need to undergo the process of extended assimilation as seen in other species that may be introduced to another alien society – speeding the process up quite significantly too, which many across the Spur see as a boon rather than the typical disadvantage of a parasite.

Competitive Masquerading

Competitive masquerading is a more defensive approach to mimicry seen in Dionae; with the only known example being Pests of Titan Prime. In contrast to parasitic mutualism, it typically does not have any benefit to the host of the Dionae, but rather the contrary. The Pests of Titan Prime often have to replicate the behaviour of its captors in order for their continued survival, making it protective elements, not designed for integration as opposed to parasitic mutualism. It is still undergoing substantial study to better understand its nature, with it being led by the Zo’rane as they offer reparations for the damage done to the Dionae that they had mistakenly carried with them for over half a millennia.

Reproduction

Dionae follow an asexual reproduction cycle, similarly seen in flora across the Orion Spur. They will typically release a plume of seeds that will eventually go on to root and bloom into Nynph Pods approximately once a decade. It is common across Dionae to return to their place of origin in order for their seeds to take root, mostly cited as a biological instinct within the species as to ensure a safe hosting ground for the newly disgorged Nymphs. If it is impossible to return to one’s origin, Dionae will elect to instead find an environment optimal for pod growth.

It has been noted among studies done in regard to Voidic Dionae, that these seeds are capable of being spread via solar winds – travelling far and wide from their place of dissemination before eventually taking root, in preferably optimal conditions, and germinating. The seeds are considerably difficult to destroy, coated in a concentrated form of biomass that allows them to even survive atmospheric entry, which then becomes nourishment for the Nymph Pod after it germinates.

The pod, after germinating, will attempt to absorb as much of the nutrients present in its surroundings. In good conditions, these pods can grow relatively quickly, however, should required nutrients not be available it can enter into a state of hibernation until such is available. It has been noted that it can take centuries for these pods to fully develop, without the necessary nutrients, but will eventually disgorge a Nymph – whether it be within a few hours, or a few millennia. Dionae Reproduction has become a topic of interest among the xenobiological community, many citing it as evidence that the species could very well exist in every corner of the Milky Way – however, no conclusive evidence has been presented which would confirm such a hypothesis.

Dionae Aggression & Self Preservation

Dionae manifest behavioural aggression significantly differently compared to other species. Contrary to popular conception, Dionae are not exclusively pacifistic, nor incapable of violence. After all, the interstellar medium is a hostile and unforgiving place loaded with dangerous fauna.

Aggression in Dionae is a mechanism controlled by their Neural Strata. When a Dionae is sufficiently provoked, electrical activity in the strata skyrockets, and the mind type of the Dionae accelerates into something approximating a unified consciousness that is able to think fast and make snappier kinesthetic decisions. In layman’s terms, they overclock their nervous systems. Unlike other species, whose aggression is often influenced by involuntary processes, aggression is exclusively a deliberate, voluntary process for Dionae. According to scientific consensus, impulsivity in an aggressive context is assumed to have been bred out of the population, as the hostile and resource-scarce nature of space demands every action must be deliberate, and un-wasted. All this means that violent impulsivity, or “crimes of passion”, are impossible with Dionae, and every act of aggression is usually internally deliberated upon in some way. Dionae carefully dwell on committing acts of violence, weighing their options and considering if it’s the best course of action.

From the Dionean perspective, violence is a last resort and usually has to meet many conditions before it can be deemed necessary. It is a cost-to-benefit analysis where the repercussions of the action are taken into account just as much as the undertaking of the act itself, and the closer one operates within the major interstellar societies, the more constraints and deterrents there naturally are. Even if a Dionae is acquainted with violence or self-defence, and did much of it for a significant part of its existence, it will lack any inherent taste for bloodshed. One last thing, the actual neurological process for aggression can be disorienting for many mindtypes. For more unified/organized mindtypes, aggression is less invasive and can be interpreted as a discipline to be honed. For more pluralistic mindtypes, it can be a very rapid and disorienting process, if they weren’t sufficiently exposed to situations that necessitated violence in their lifetime.