A Tosk (2369)
The Tosk are a race of reptilian-humanoids from the Gamma Quadrant. They are bred and trained to become the quarry in a ritual hunt for another race, known as the Hunters. Tosk are only sentient because the Hunters made them this way (this implys a degree of genetic engineering on their part). The meaning of life for a Tosk is to outsmart the Hunters for another day. The only greater dishonour for a Tosk than being captured and returned to their home planet alive is to seek protection from another race. They take a vow of silence regarding the hunt preventing them from even talking about it with anyone else. The Tosk are treated with respect and admiration by the Hunters.
Tosk are well equipped to outsmart their hunters, presumably to make the hunt as exciting and interesting for the Hunters as possible. Tosk can make themselves invisible to the naked eye (although, sensors can still locate them, and the Hunters have a device in their helmets that can scan for them). They also have great agility and only require 17 minutes of rest per rotation. They do not require food or drink at all - all the nutrients a Tosk requires are stored in plasmic fibers throughout their bodies.
In 2369, a Tosk became the first visitor to the Alpha Quadrant through the Bajoran wormhole. He was convinced to dock at Starbase Deep Space 9 for repairs. The Tosk's ship was a one-person vessel, with standard systems, which enabled Chief O'Brien to repair his ship easily. O'Brien later helped the Tosk evade the Hunters, to retain his honour, rather than be captured alive. (DS9: "Captive Pursuit")
Memorable Quotes
- Tosk: I am Tosk.
- O'Brien: That's your name, or your species?
- Tosk: I am Tosk.
- O'Brien: How about you... are you an explorer, or scientist?
- Tosk: I am Tosk.
- Tosk: I am Tosk.
- Odo: I'm sure you are.