Balant planet

The Balant planet was an unnamed rogue planet located in the the galaxy's Alpha or Beta Quadrant.

Background
The planet was in an early stage of development. It was not class M, and no oxygen was present.

It was encased inside a large gas cloud that extended much further outward from the planet than a standard atmosphere. Its contents were poisonous to Human life. It was more dense at the surface, providing illumination and retaining heat. An amorphous black membrane would form within the cloud to surround any sources of external power, but not biological or kinetic energy sources. It could be sliced by an autoknife or penetrated by meteoroids, but gaps resealed quickly.

Lifeforms
Oxygen was deadly to native intelligent species of Balants and Kalins. There was no animal life apart from the sentient forms, although there were some insects.

Despite their resemblance to Earth-type trees and jungles, the foliage did not produce oxygen. Plants absorbed nutrients directly from the atmosphere and produced a type of energy that could be harnessed.

History
In 2266, Captain James T. Kirk and Spock explored the surface after the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) was caught within the gas cloud. David Bailey and Hikaru Sulu piloted the Galileo to the surface and used the shuttlecraft's phasers to clear meteor debris away from a Kalin city. A contingent of Balants also attempted to commandeer the Enterprise. 

Points of interest

 * Kalin city

Notable residents

 * Lutian