Spiney

The Spiney are a type of alien, formally called Spinek. Mutagens have destroyed their race's cohesiveness, so the appearance varies drastically from one Spiney to another. The only thing that remains constant is the presence of spine-like appendages on the back, head, arms, and legs. The spines sometimes look like hair or fur, but more often they appear to be a dozen thick bristles.

Society
The recorded history of the Spiney Empire begins 160,000 years ago. At the time, the Spiney's were the undisputed rulers of the central galaxy. The empire is merely a title now and the Human Federation helps defend the empire's borders.

The empire is a nexus for all sorts of activities that wouldn't be permitted anywhere else, from mutagen experimentation, to drug and weapon smuggling, and even to trade with the Triceratons. This contributes to the popular view that the Spineys aren't trustworthy.

Even on their own planets, the Spiney are outnumbered by other species by a ratio of thirty to one.

Technology
The Spineys are respected technicians and well known for their work in surveillance.