Dimorus IV

The fourth planet of eight that orbit a pair of moderate-size orange stars, Dimorus IV is entirely covered by massive forests with dense underbrush. Fed by an intricate network of underground reservoirs, these timberlands support thousands of indigenous life forms.

The planet has a native population of sapient, rodentlike creatures. Bipedal, they stand approximately half as tall as humanoids. Dimorus was once used as a research facility and living laboratory for botanists but was placed under Federation quarantine when researchers learned that the intelligent rodent creatures were extreme xenophobes. Several early expedition members died when hit by the highly toxic "darts" thrown by the rodents, which are similar to the quills of Terran porcupines. An antidote was eventually developed, but the constant threat to landing parties and the unnecessary stress on the natives led to the cancellation of all expeditions to the planet.

Reference(s)

• Johnson, Shane. Star Trek: The Worlds of the Federation, New York: Pocket Books, 1989. ISBN: 0-671-66989-3.