Hunters

The Hunters are a humanoid species from the Gamma Quadrant, from the same homeworld as the Tosk. They are characterized by pale yellow skin, a cleft upper palate, and corrugated foreheads.

In the Hunters' culture, it is socially acceptable way of life, to chase and kill a sentient species, known as Tosk. In the past, the Hunters had developed genetic engineering to make the Tosk a worthy prey – a prey they've come to respect and even admire.

Armed with energy weapons powerful enough to blast through the door to the brig on the DS9 station in one shot, the Hunters are formidable opponents in a fire-fight. They dress in a type of protective suit that shield them from the full effects of stun settings on phasers. In addition, they wear deflective devices on their left arms and specialized helmets, which are able to locate an invisible Tosk.

In 2369, a group of Hunters arrived in the Alpha Quadrant via the Bajoran wormhole, in pursuit of a Tosk. Their ship was small, but its technology was totally unknown to the Federation. Its weapon was capable of bombarding a target with an unusual type of radiation, which, when fired on Deep Space 9 space station, was effective in reversing the polarity of the shield frequencies, allowing them to transport onto the station, and attempt to locate the Tosk. (DS9: "Captive Pursuit")

The Ne'Q

The Hunter Starship Ne'Q

In 2408 the USS Rosenante encountered a Hunter ship, Ne'Q, inside The Harvester. Their first appearance was in the Mission Fields of Elysium.