Kobali

The Kobali are a humanoid Delta Quadrant species.

They are warp-capable, with a technology level comparable to that of Starfleet. Their medical knowledge is more advanced, however, as they can reanimate someone who is dead for more than two weeks. Kobali also have high regards for every life which is honored by the saying "Never harbor anger towards those who have brought you death for they gave you the chance to live again."

Kobali do not procreate to obtain offspring like other species; they salvage dead sentient lifeforms which they reanimate. Over a period of several months, the DNA of the reanimated lifeform is altered by means of a genetic pathogen that converts most of the DNA into a Kobali protein structure. These biochemical changes affect every part of the body, leaving only trace amounts of the original DNA. After this, they are given Kobali names and placed in Kobali families to help them acclimate.

Reanimating is the most important Kobali custom, which can be in conflict with other species burial customs when they occasionally meet. Reanimation causes extensive memory loss and some people remember parts of their former life, known the the Kobali as kyn'steya. There are people who remember so much that it forces them to escape in search of their former life. Those that do are searched for by other Kobali to return them home.

Kobali physiology differs from Humans. They have a six-lobed brain and a binary cardiovascular system. The Kobali form cannot be reversed because there is not enough original DNA present after the alteration to do so. It is, however, possible to change a person's appearance by inaprovaline injection, which needs to be repeated to maintain the lifeform's previous appearance. This only helps for a short period of time because the Kobali genetic pathogen undo the changes.

There is not much variety in the Kobali diet; their main food looks like gray paste. When they taste other foods like a Jibelian berry salad, it has a metallic flavor to them.

Kobali have a talent for sensing and manipulating wave phenomena. Vyk'tiote, translated as "crumpled dance," seems to be their specialty.

Kobali made first contact with Humans in 2376 via the starship USS Voyager when they were searching for a Kobali who escaped her family in search of her former life. This contact did not proceed smoothly, but fortunately hostilities ended before they escalated. This is the only recorded contact that the Kobali have had with Starfleet. (VOY: "Ashes to Ashes")