Star Trek continues to miss an opportunity by not revisiting one of The Next Generation’s most underappreciated species: the Ullians. Throughout the franchise, several telepathic and psychic races have made their mark, including the well-known Betazoids. However, it was during the fifth season of The Next Generation that audiences were introduced to the Ullians. Despite their intriguing abilities, they have not made a subsequent on-screen appearance. Their full potential, however, was partially explored in the 1998 comic series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine #15.
This narrative, set against the backdrop of the Bajoran occupation, reveals that the Obsidian Order — a shadowy espionage organization within Cardassia — utilized Ullians as covert operatives. One particular Ullian was tasked with the assassination of Garak, a cunning ex-spy of the same regime. This Ullian cunningly implanted a “mind virus”in Garak’s subconscious, where it remained dormant for eight long years.
Eventually, this virus reawoke, putting Garak’s life in peril. Fortunately, another Ullian intervened, sacrificing her own life to save him, showcasing both their altruistic and perilous capabilities.
The Ullians: A Fascinating Species with Untapped Potential
Exploring the Ullians’ Unique Abilities
While the Star Trek universe is rich with diverse alien species, many, like the Ullians, make only a fleeting appearance. The Ullians were introduced in the fifth season’s episode “Violations”of The Next Generation. They possess striking psychic abilities akin to those of the Betazoids, distinguishable by unique bulges on their heads. As members of the Federation, they contributed to the construction of an extensive “memory archive,”which led to their presence aboard the USS Enterprise. In an unethical twist, one Ullian exploitatively utilized his powers, highlighting the darker dimensions of their psychic capabilities.
Interestingly, the episode notes that Betazoids experience difficulty reading Ullian minds, underscoring the complexity and nuance of their abilities.
Despite the episode’s climax revealing the nefarious plans of the rogue Ullian, the species faded into obscurity immediately afterward. What glimpses fans saw were merely tantalizing hints of their potential. Existing alongside telepathic aliens, the Ullians managed to carve out a unique identity with their distinct appearances and hinted at a power level that rivaled even the renowned Betazoids.
The Ullians: A Reflection of Star Trek’s Broader Issues
A Masterful Trick: Outwitting Garak
The Ullians illustrate a recurring challenge within Star Trek: The Next Generation: the introduction of compelling alien species without further exploration of their narratives. Species like the Bynars and Esoqq made brief appearances, enriching the franchise’s narrative tapestry and hinting at the diversity of the galaxy. While humanoids dominate Federation narratives, the Milky Way is believed to host billions of life forms, suggesting that Star Trek has only begun to tap into its potential.
Though not the most exotic species featured, the Ullians offered a refreshing take on the telepathic alien trope. Fans were already familiar with Counselor Troi and the Betazoids; the introduction of the Ullians provided a counterpoint worth exploring further.
In a remarkable twist, the Ullian tasked with eliminating Garak was able to infect him in such a way that he remained unaware of his own illness for years. Deep Space Nine firmly established Garak as a master manipulator, making the Ullian’s success all the more impressive. The mind virus was crafted so cleverly that it lay dormant in Garak, reinforcing the themes of morality and consent through the eventual altruistic actions of another Ullian.
The Case for a Ullian Comeback
Time for the Ullians to Shine Again
While the possibility of reintroducing the Ullians in the Star Trek universe seems remote, recent series have shown a willingness to explore forgotten races. Unfortunately, it appears that fan interest may not prioritize the Ullians on many wish lists. Nevertheless, the havoc wrought by one rogue Ullian provides a compelling argument for their return. Throughout its history, Star Trek has highlighted numerous species, and the Ullians, among the most underrated, deserve another chance to engage with the franchise.