The Zyk

The Zyk are an insect-like race believed to be the oldest of the six species. Their evolution may be traced back millions of years, though specific historical data is rare due to the Zyk not maintaining a written history.

The Hive

The Zyk evolved from a hive-dwelling insect over the course of millions of years, eventually developing intelligence that could work in concert with that hive-mind. In some ways, their way of life is similar to the bees or ants of old. Individual Zyk may appear to be independent of one another, but they share the consciousness of the species as a whole. Their biological imperative is not self-preservation of the individual, but rather preservation of the species.

Individual Zyk live in a hive with a single hive leader. Unlike bees and ants, the head of the hive is not a breeding machine whose primary function is producing ovules. Breeding is provided for by hive mothers. The head of the hive is the functional leader of the hive, and it is from the leader that the hive’s common consciousness is derived. If a hive leader is killed, several grubs are set aside by the hive mother and raised in anticipation of leadership selection. Once mature, these potential leaders fight among themselves with only the final surviving organism being awarded the role of leader. The remainder of the hive enters a hibernation state during this selection process. Once the new leader has taken control of the hive, a new phase of specialized breeding occurs so that the new leader may rebuild the telepathic link that forms the basis of the hive mind. This process may require days or weeks to complete. In the event of a hive mother’s death, on the other hand, a single grub is selected and reared to become the new propagator of the hive.

…In the event of a hive mother’s death, on the other hand, a single grub is selected and reared to become the new propagator of the hive...

In terms of communication within the species, the heads of hives can coordinate with one another, thus creating a species-wide common mind. It is within this dynamic that technological development began. Although it must be noted that, in terms of technology, the Zyk are the most slowly developing species.

The Invaders

Nevertheless, the Zyk eventually developed space travel and managed to leave the confines of their home planet. An interesting phenomenon occurred during this early period of technological development. Because so many individuals of the species were focused on achieving species-wide common aims, fewer individuals were left to manage the hive’s basic needs. The result was a Zyk species focused only on consuming the resources needed to continue development without thought for sustaining their environment. Their system of checks floundered. The Zyk live under a near-constant biological drive to consume. An individual may consume up to twice its body weight per day, with their evolved mandibles and digestive system enabling them to subsist on nearly any organic matter. Without any controls to moderate this behavior, the Zyk home world emerged from this period looking similar to a farm after a locust invasion. The Zyk scoured their home planet of food and resources. Once their technological development had reached far enough to include space travel, they were forced to move on.

Strength of numbers

The Zyk strength lies in numbers. Though infighting and violence between hive mates is common, the species still reproduces rapidly enough that their population outpaces most other species. They often use chemical and biological weapons, but in general, their spacecraft and weapons are primitive. Their numerical superiority consistently outweighs these disadvantages. Their tactics usually consist of rapid, aggressive advances on enemy positions, overrunning them by force. This style of warfare results in heavy losses, but this cost is considered acceptable.

…The other species made the mistake of dismissing the Zyk as an underdeveloped race lacking in intelligence…

Although they were not the first to enter the Ascon Universe, they soon become a dominant force. The other species made the mistake of dismissing the Zyk as an underdeveloped race lacking in intelligence and did not pursue communications with them. As a result, the other species were taken by surprise when the Zyk began an aggressive campaign of war to establish their dominance in their new Universe. Their war with the Humans became particularly destructive, with weapons of mass destruction causing massive losses on either side. It took these massive losses to finally cause the Zyk to open relations with the other species and join in creating the Council of Species Supervising the Universe.