Benzite
The Benzites are a species of humanoids native to Benzar, a Federation planet.
Physiology
Benzites are characterized by smooth, hairless, blue skin. A thick protrusion of the Benzite skull extends down over the face, displaying a prominent nasal lobe and brow. Two facial tendrils droop down from above the upper lip. They are unable to breathe a standard oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere, and as of the 2360s, were required to wear a respiration device in those environments, the use of which was evidently overcome by the early 2370s. (TNG: "Coming of Age"; DS9: "The Ship")
Benzites have two opposable thumbs on each hand. (TNG: "Coming of Age", "A Matter Of Honor")
This fact is mentioned in Michael Westmore's non-canon work Star Trek: Aliens and Artifacts and can be seen in close-ups of Mendon's hands in the cited episodes. Benzites are known to develop from a series of large geostructures; those from the same geostructure naturally look identical. Benzites within these geostructures have the inherent ability to distinguish each other, all of whom would otherwise appear identical to outsiders. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor")
History and society[edit]
Benzite contact with the Federation was limited prior to the 24th century, but by 2364, contact had widened and Mordock, creator of the Mordock Strategy, became the first Benzite to join Starfleet Academy, edging out several Federation candidates, including Wesley Crusher. (TNG: "Coming of Age")
Relations and cooperation between the Benzites and the Federation continued to expand during this time, possibly as a prelude toward Benzar joining the Federation. Officer exchange programs were initiated, allowing Starfleet officers to serve on Benzite ships, and vice versa, in order to promote better understanding of the different cultures, regulations, and behaviors. Following in Mordock's footsteps, other Benzites enrolled in the Academy, including Hoya. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor"; DS9: "The Ship")
One Benzite regulation states that no officer on a Benzite ship is to report any unexplained occurrence without providing a full analysis and solution. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor")
In 2374, during the Dominion War, Benzar was captured by Dominion and Cardassian forces. It was later liberated by Romulans, acting in part of the Federation Alliance. (DS9: "The Reckoning")
