Editing Photonic Lifeforms (section)

==Photonic life in [[Delta Quadrant]] cultures==

A variety of cultures in the Delta Quadrant used holograms, or their version of holograms, as laborers, and treated them as second-class citizens with no rights. Sometimes, these artificial photonics would rise up against their creators and demand freedom and equality, though it occasionally degenerated into a fight for vengeance.

Dejaren, an unstable isomorphic projection used by the Serosians for hazardous tasks, experienced malfunctions in his personality subroutines and killed his crew in 2374. He later attacked two Voyager crewmembers and was forcibly taken offline. Dejaren kept a holographic fish, Spectrum, as a pet, though it is unlikely the animal was sentient. (VOY: "Revulsion")

The Lokirrim also used self-aware holograms as servants or caretakers for their children. However, by the 2370s, a brutal civil war between the Lokirrim and the photonic insurgents had broken out, costing many lives and often dividing friends such as Jaryn and Emmik. (VOY: "Body and Soul")

The Hirogen used holographic technology from Voyager to create simulated prey, which they could hunt again and again. These holograms were reprogrammed to experience pain and death, as well as to learn and adapt, becoming more challenging targets. Eventually, the leader of these holograms, Iden, slew his hunter and began liberating other holograms from the Hirogen and other sources. He initially wanted to settle his people on Ha'Dara and form a unique culture that rejected the influence of organics, but soon sought retribution on the Hirogen. Iden was ultimately destroyed, and the other holograms were reprogrammed by Donik and Kejal. (VOY: "Flesh and Blood") 

[[Category: Science]]