Hodunk

Hodunk is a planet located in Federation space, and is one of two Class M worlds in the Votannis System, the other being Bensonia.

The dominant lifeform on the planet are the Selm, an intelligent race of cetaceans who inhabit Hodunk's oceans and are similiar to Terran porpoises. The Selm possess an advanced language and civilization despite not having created a single artifact. Currently a team of fifteen Federation scientists are stationed on the planet and are studyung the Selm.

Since Hodunk is already inhabited, with the Selm being protected by the Prime Directive, the colonists of neighboring Bensonia have been informed that they may not settle the planet. Regardless, settlers did arrive, and in spite of protests (by the scientists) to the Federation Council, the colonists do not appear to be affecting the Selm. The main settlement on the planet is far inland and does not rely upon the oceans for its resources.

The Selm appear unconcerned with the going-ons of the new Human inhabitants; like Terran dolphins, the Selm are playful and friendly, but seem too busy to care about the affairs of the surface-dwellers who are regarded as being only semi-intelligent. At present, the universal translator does not allow for conversation with the Selm beyond that of crude pidgin.