Vacuus

The Vacuus are a multi-system alien species classified as a hostile threat by the UPAC. While they have been encountered in several systems across the galaxy, their system of origin is unknown.

Biology
Vacuus biology has not been formally studied - but field accounts report drawn, thick skin similar to amphibian species on Earth. Their skin maintains a light film of moisture, despite (or perhaps due to) a high body temperature. Vacuus have pronounced bone structure, most visibly in extended spiky protrusions at the elbow joints and three vents in the skull at the forehead. Vacuus teeth are long, narrow, sharp, and numerous by comparison to most other humanoid species on record. Vacuus legs are digitigrade, which allow for quieter and quicker movement than most other bipedal humanoids.

Behavioral Characteristics
Vacuus are believed to be motivated by a intense need for natural resources - either due to naturally abounding need or a desire for conquest. Nomadic, scavenger-like behavior has been observed, as well as more long-term occupation of worlds which are terraformed, resulting in the extinction of indigenous species on the occupied planet. All Vacuus encountered are male and act as exploratory warriors. No domestic activity has ever been observed.

Conflict with the Salut
See Salut: Brief Star-Farring History

The UPAC Hawking Incident
On a mission surveying the Luyten 626-8 system, The UPAC Magellan Class Frigate "Hawking" encountered a ship of unknown origin orbiting around the largest planet in the system, a rocky giant with the UPAC field designation L10-3. Attempts to hail were ignored, and a seemingly unprovoked attack from the ship's weapon battery was effective enough to disable the Hawking's shields and leave it vulnerable to a Vacuus boarding party. Distress signals were muddled, and only a few disturbing seconds of video transmission were recovered, during which the Vacuus murder every crew member they encounter. Recovery of the video resulted in the hostile enemy species classification of all encountered Vacuus, and testimony from Salut Special Consultant Alien-1 led to the standing order to suspend the initiation of diplomacy toward any encountered Vacuus vessel.