Star Trek’s Kreetassans, Explained

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Key Takeaways

  • Kreetassans are a rare alien species in Star Trek.
  • Kreetassans have distinctive anatomy and a formal culture.
  • Violations of the Kreetassans’ strict code of etiquette led to multiple diplomatic incidents.

As a dedicated Star Trek enthusiast, I’ve been following this universe for decades, and let me tell you, my dear reader, there are some alien species that even the most seasoned fans might forget about, and Kreetassans are one of them! These fascinating beings have made their appearances in two different series, yet they left such an impressionable mark on me that I still remember their peculiar cultural norms.

Star Trek introduces a multitude of extraterrestrial beings, some of which, such as Vulcans, Klingons, and Borg, recur frequently throughout the series to the point that even those unfamiliar with Star Trek might recognize them as alien characters from this franchise. On the other hand, there are numerous species that only make rare appearances, making it challenging for even devoted Star Trek fans to recall their names, given the vast array of over 300 alien species within the Star Trek universe.

The Kreetassans are among those species that might not be familiar to most dedicated fans, given their limited appearances throughout the franchise – they’ve only shown up in four episodes in total, three of which were on Enterprise, and one in the fifth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. However, devoted fans who do remember them may recall that they possess some unique and unusual cultural practices, leading to a significant diplomatic incident during their initial encounter with humans.

Kreetassan Anatomy & Culture

Hailing from another world, Kreetassans are bi-pedal, humanoid beings characterized by unique facial structures. The most conspicuous aspect of their visage is the expanses of violet-hued skin gracing their foreheads and chins. Moreover, they possess several elevated ridges on their faces, with the most prominent ones adorning their foreheads, cheeks, and orbiting their eyes. Long hair, often styled in braids, cascades down the Kreetassans’ backs.

The culture of the Kreetassans is highly formalized and can be seen in their attire, which consists of long, intricately designed robes embellished with beads. They possess a comprehensive set of guidelines for proper conduct in almost any imaginable circumstance, and they take great offense when these guidelines are transgressed, even by outsiders. When such rules are violated, the Kreetassans have a specific series of rituals that the offender must carry out as an act of apology. Regrettably, numerous human actions contravene the etiquette regulations of the Kreetassans, a fact discovered by the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 during their initial encounter with this species.

First Contact With the Kreetassans

As Commander Trip Tucker put it, First Contact with the Kreetassans was:

…One for the books. Briefest first contact.

After arriving, the Kreetassans stormed off the ship, leaving the bridge team puzzled as to why they were enraged. Despite their efforts to decipher the reason behind their anger, the universal translators malfunctioned, and Ensign Hoshi Sato found it challenging to grasp the intricacies of their language.

Later on, the Starship Enterprise received a call from the home planet of the Kreetassans. The captain who they had previously interacted with addressed Ensign Mayweather in English, pointing out that their language was relatively simple to grasp. Following this interaction, the Kreetassan captain confided in Mayweather about the earlier First Contact encounter, explaining that their departure was due to the crew from the Enterprise eating during the meeting, a practice they find disrespectful within their cultural norms.

In a puzzled state, Mayweather sought clarification. The Kreetassan leader then revealed that sharing food or drink in their society is considered an intensely personal act, similar to sexual intimacy. Upon hearing this, Mayweather felt awkward and explained that eating together is a routine and ordinary practice in human societies. He offered a heartfelt apology on behalf of the crew, which the Kreetassan leader graciously accepted.

Second Contact With the Kreetassans

Approximately a year since their last visit, an emissary group from the Enterprise revisited Kreetassa with the aim of mending interspecies ties. The early interactions between our species and the Kreetassans were cordial, but unexpectedly, during these meetings, the Kreetassan delegation became enraged without apparent provocation, a behavior they had shown earlier on the Enterprise. They forcefully demanded that we humans leave their presence immediately.

Following a conversation with the Kreetassans, T’Pol shared with Captain Jonathan Archer that their dog, Porthos, whom the Kreetassans had invited to the surface, had soiled on a tree sacred to the Kreetassans. Given that the Enterprise’s crew desperately needed equipment they were expecting from the Kreetassans, Archer vowed to take whatever steps necessary to rectify Porthos’ unfortunate mistake. He carried out an intricate apology ritual for the Kreetassans, who found his efforts acceptable.

The Kreetassan Incident in Lower Decks

In the fifth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the episode titled “The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel” marked the return of the Kreetassans. During this adventure, crew members Bradward Boimler, Jack Ransom, and Andy Billups were tasked with a secret mission to recover an absent admiral who was suffering from a severe case of vacation-induced lethargy. To locate him, they ventured to a resort on a planet renowned as a holiday destination. This resort attracted various alien species, including the Gallamites and Kreetassans, whom the Starfleet officers met during their mission.

To gather information about the admiral, Ransom instructed Boimler to converse with the Kreetassans. Regrettably, Boimler was so preoccupied that he neglected everything he knew about their culture. While speaking with them, he continued sipping his drink and paid no attention, even as the Kreetassans began shouting. One of the aliens grew agitated towards Boimler, prompting Ransom to intervene before they attacked him. As the Kreetassans departed, they conversed amongst themselves about how distasteful and unprofessional Boimler’s behavior was.

After departing, Ransom cautioned Boimler on overlooking the core aspect of Kreetassan customs – they regard eating as an intimate act akin to sexual intercourse. Yet, no plans were made to carry out a fitting apology ceremony in accordance with Kreetassan etiquette. As a result, it’s uncertain where the diplomatic ties between humans and Kreetassans currently stand following that event. It remains to be discovered if this matter will be addressed further in future episodes or if the species will reappear again, upholding their formal culture.

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2024-11-07 05:05