Changeling (Star Trek)

Changelings are an alien race from the Star Trek universe. They are called Changelings because of their ability to shape-shift. The Changelings were introduced in the Star Trek spin-off . Constable Odo, one of the regular characters on that show, is a Changeling.

Related Topics:
Star Trek - Odo

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Their natural state is a liquid protoplasm. The Female Shapeshifter once told Odo that their race once had bodies similar to those of other species, but they had since evolved beyond those physical bodies. Changelings have the ability to meld together (in a process known as "linking") to share information and emotions in a very intimate manner. The Changeling homeworld is covered in a sea of Changelings known as the Great Link.

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Changelings can turn themselves into almost anything. They can form themselves into any solid, liquid, gas, or even chemical reactions like fire, and can flow through any gap in their gaseous or liquid state. It is speculated that their power involves sending matter and energy to (and recruiting it from) subspace, as they have often demonstrated the ability to alter their apparent mass. (For instance, when Odo assumes the form of an object much smaller than he is, his temperature does not increase as it would if he were simply compressing his volume, and he can become light enough for an ordinary person to carry.) When they assume a different shape, such as a rock, scanners will show them as a that substance. Changelings who have sufficently disciplined their shapeshifting abilities are able to turn themselves into convincing imitations of lifeforms, including both animals and other humanoids. Changelings can even survive in the vacuum of space, and can somehow propel themselves through it by some means, presumably at speeds great enough to effect interstellar travel. However, if a part of a changeling is separated from the whole, it reverts to the liquid state. In addition, a Changeling must regenerate, returning to its liquid form once every sixteen to eighteen hours. The Cardassians developed a device which, by emitting a quantum stasis field, can prevent a changeling from reverting to the liquid form, a state which Odo swifly found extremely painful.

Related Topics:
Solid - Liquid - Gas - Fire - Subspace - Humanoid - Vacuum - Cardassians - Quantum stasis field

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