Floes were an advancing civilization native to Floe I that were becoming extinct in 2266.
History and specifics
Floes were bald humanoids with pale skin who evolved in the once temperate climate of their homeworld. After they joined the Federation, their world's orbit began widening. Their scientists developed a mutation serum to help them adapt to climate change. The mutation produced a turtle-like carapace that enveloped their torso to provide warmth whenever they experienced cold conditions, but melted off when not needed.
The mutation had an unintended side-effect, turning their skin either bright red or pale blue. A minority of red-skinned Floes assumed control of the government and enforced slavery on the blue-skinned Floes, going so far as to keep troublemakers in hellish conditions. As the majority of their people were put to forced labor, their leaders presented a false front to the Federation of having a two-party representative government.
By the 2260s, planetary conditions had become glacial, and surviving Floes had relocated to one covered underground city. If they had asked, the Federation could have evacuated their civilization to a new planet, but that would have exposed their tyranny.
In 2266, the Federation sent the starship USS Enterprise to conduct a population survey of Floe I. The landing party was taken prisoner and made to dictate a false report. A slave rebellion triggered a civil war for freedom, but it was too late. The actions of their leaders combined with decreasing temperatures guaranteed the extinction of their civilization within a few days. (TOS comic: "Ice Journey")
Notable Floes
Appendices
Appearance
- TOS comic: "Ice Journey"