Zik-Kip

Zik-Kip

sentient species and Union Member Union member, native to Region 3 of the Andromeda galaxy. TL A (before Union Membership) AL 2, NiOx Breathers , LDLS consumers

Homeworld: Zipadee

Home system: Zieeeh

The Zip Kip were tree dwelling gliders (not true flight) living in stone age conditions. Contact with the Zip Kip has been made by the Utelle, before any Union contact. The Zip-Kip were in a loose and sporadic trade relation with the Utelle, trading simple tools for Kippik nuts. A kernel like tree fruit with a high natural fat content and coveted as a delicacy by the Utelle. Via the Utelle, a few kilos of Kippik nuts made it to their society booth during Union Week celebrations. A Holdian group of visitors, sampling the nuts went crazy and demanded to buy more. The Utelle took a delegation of Holdians to the home planet of the Zip-Kip (not exactly the First Contact procedures Union officials preferred). The Zip Kip always eager to hear stories and news of the “Beyond Sky Birds ” (their term for the Utelle) welcomed the Holdians and trade relations were established. However Holdian demand grew fast and way beyond the capability of the Zip Kip to collect and gather. But an enterprising Zip Kip travelled to Pluribus requesting assistance to built a plantation. Union officials were surprised to receive such a request from a previously unknown species. Official first contact procedures were conducted. The Zip Kip, so it turned out had learned much about the Union via the stories and tales they love so much. Some wanted to remain “primitive” while others wanted to become farmers and business people.. They all however wanted to become Union. A continent on their homeworld was set aside (by the Zip Kip) for the “Remainers ” while the rest was gently developed into a more modern Union world.

Zip Kip are not a big member and don’t usually travel much. Not many decide to serve their 22 month, but even the Remainers eagerly go to Union School. It is rare to meet a Zip Kip outside their solar system. (A second planet has been developed for Nut farming and packing) Zip Kips grow to about 180 cm but are very light and have little mass. They are herbivores and generally considered gentle and free of conflict and agressions.