DOLPHINS
_Tursus truncatus_ and _Tursus truncatus gilli_, Atlantic and Pacific bottlenose
Dolphins, respectively, are one of the truly rare Federation races which developed
to a very high degree of sentience and sophistication as a fully aquatic race
with no fine manipulators of any kind. Their story has resulted in considerable
embarrassment for the Federation.
By the time Terran Cetacean
Protection Acts were enacted in the late 21st century, most of the larger breeds
of cetacean were extinct. Surviving cetaceans, such as dolphins, were officially
protected, and while some in the scientific community believed they were intelligent,
all attempts at communication with them had failed. Eventually, Terrans discovered
space travel, and devoted their energies to communication with extraterrestrial
humanoids.
This situation changed
drastically in 2286 when an alien Probe of unknown origin came to Earth and began
broadcasting a signal to its target race, the by-then extinct humpback whale.
When no answer was forthcoming, the Probe boosted its signal to such a degree
that planetary destruction was imminent. Thanks to the timely intervention of
the crew of the Enterprise-A aboard a commandeered Klingon vessel, a breeding
pair of humpback whales, "George" and "Gracie", were rescued
out of time from extinction, and the Earth was saved from the Probe.
The origins and message
of the Probe remain a mystery to this day, but careful analysis of some of its
signals proved to be the key to opening communication with some of the cetaceans
of Terra. Contact had been previously elusive before due to the great sophistication
and highly alien nature of the cetacean mind. Meaningful communication with the
now-refurbished race of humpback whales still eludes Federation scientists, but
it has been established with Dolphins, who are now full members of the Federation.
The fact that the Federation had made contact with hundreds of intelligent species,
while overlooking several on its own capital world, has proved a severe embarrassment,
and a source of much ridicule and propaganda from the Cardassian Union and the
Romulan Star Empire, among other places.
Dolphins neither have
nor desire the capacity to manufacture advanced technological items, but they
are very keen to work with the Federation and the voice-activated, water-resistant
equipment it can provide. Because they are highly sophisticated and live in a
three-dimensional environment, Dolphins have proven to be some of the galaxy's
most accomplished navigators, surpassed only by the Medusa. However, the practical
difficulties of working with Dolphins are only slightly less great than those
of working with Medusa, so they do not serve in Starfleet to a degree commiserate
with their ability. Nevertheless, an elite group of twelve dolphins comprises
the Guidance and Navigation research team for the Galaxy-class starship project.
Other Dolphins may be found working for Starfleet in other capacities.