Thetaline is a hormone and a neurotransmitter found in Alphas. It has properties similar to adrenaline in humans and other Beta species. It increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels, dilates air passages and participates in the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.

The major physiologic triggers of adrenaline release center upon stresses, such as physical threat, excitement, noise, bright lights, and high ambient temperature. All of these stimuli are processed in the central nervous system.

Thetaline has a number of other effects that separate it from adrenaline, and make it the key to Alpha species’ physical superiority. When into the bloodstream through the stress of combat, thetaline provides a significant boost to an Alpha’s already significant strength and speed.

It also works as a pain killer and natural antibiotic. But most impressive is the effect it has on damaged cells. It accelerates cellular growth by nearly thirty times. Open wounds and broken bones heal within minutes to hours.

The pharmaceutical divisions of all twelve mega corporations are needless to say very interested in adapting a synthetic version of thetaline for use on Beta species.  But the miracle hormone has proven to be lethal to other races. Causing immediate heart attack, or cancer from the accelerated cell growth.

Such research has been officially banned. But rumored to be still under development in  secret labs around the galaxy.

Sentient lifeforms in the Nexis Galaxy are divided into two categories, Alpha and Beta class.

Beta Class beings  have a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving. This mental capability, combined with an erect body carriage that frees the hands for manipulating objects, has allowed Betas to make far greater use of tools than any other living species on Earth. Other higher-level thought processes of humans, such as self-awareness, rationality, and sapience, are considered to be defining features of what constitutes a “person”.

Betas are known for their desire to understand and influence their environment, seeking to explain and manipulate phenomena through science, philosophy, mythology, and religion. This natural curiosity has led to the development of advanced tools and skills, which are passed down culturally.

Betas make up the vast majority of the Nexis Galaxy’s sentient population. Humans are the most typical example of Beta intelligence and physiology. Many species share a similar design, with slight evolutionary modifications to suit their world of origin. However some Beta species from more extreme environments can still vary radically in appearance.

In exchange for their intelligence and ability to learn and adapt, their was a evolutionary price. Betas sacrificed strength, senses, and specialization, becoming adaptable but fragile creatures. Betas generally share feeling of mistrust and fear towards Alphas, the rare species which managed to combine intelligence with feral strength.

 
(Above) Example a human and avian, two Beta Class species.

Sentient lifeforms in the Nexis Galaxy are divided into two categories, Alpha and Beta class.

Alphas are a class of being that developed  along an entirely different evolutionary trajectory that other species like humans.

Their most notable feature is their size, and animal characteristics. The smallest adult specimens are still 6 feet tall. And larger species range between seven and eight feet tall. The only known exception is proto alphas, like the Reptilia species, Qui Quey, which is thought to be an evolutionary link between alphas and Betas.

While many Betas have a humanoid build, Alphas maintain a more specialized, animal-like design and predatory senses akin to their ancestral progenitors.

Other unique features include: preternatural strength, speed, agility, and accelerated healing. This abilities are enhanced  by hormone Alphas produce called, thetaline, which provides a major burst and is released into the body by stress.

“Being in the presence of something that could kill you so easily was simultaneously exciting
and intimidating.” – Melean Tass, “Encounter at Sakora”

Size Comparison between an Alpha (left) and Betas (right).