First encountered by the crew of U.S.S. Voyager in 2374, the Benthans are a species with advanced warp capabilities from Benthos. Little is known about their culture, and for some time even the Benthans’ appearance was in doubt, because this first contact also involved a conflict with a shapechanging identity thief on the run from justice.

The Benthans’ enforcement arm, the Benthan Guard, is fanatically dedicated to the rule of law, and its members see themselves as a force for order in the Delta Quadrant. It is in this capacity that you are most likely to encounter Benthans. According to Voyager’s logs, no Benthan civilian ships have ever been sighted, and it is possible that the Benthans strictly restrict all interactions with alien species, although it is unclear whether this is an attempt to protect the population from negative outside influences or to control their movements.

Do not, however, assume their guarded civilization makes them backward. Benthan Guard ships can be a match for Alpha Quadrant technology, and cooperating with them when possible may be a far safer course of action than opposing them. As far as we know, the Benthans dedication to law does not spill into tyranny. 

Watch “Vis a Vis” to learn more about the Benthans.