Katric ark

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference

A katric ark is a polycrystalline vessel said to have been used by the ancient Vulcans to preserve a katra after death. (ENT: "Awakening")

A set of katric arks were discovered at P'Jem monastery, but efforts by the Vulcan Science Academy to determine whether they contained katras (including a Vulcan mind meld) failed.

Syrran, leader of the Syrrannite movement, discovered Surak's katra inside a katric ark on Vulcan in 2137. (ENT: "The Forge")

The arks serve a similar purpose and may be in some way similar to the receptacles used by Sargon's people.

[edit] Alternate reality

In 2258 of an alternate reality, the katric ark was also a facility in which the Vulcan High Council was to retreat in case of planetary emergency so as to preserve the Vulcan heritage and culture. This seemed to be an ancient structure, with few or no technological systems, only accessible via a passageway high up a steep cliff. It was, however, impenetrable to communication or transporter signals.

Shortly before the destruction of Vulcan by the Narada, the katric ark was also destroyed by seismic activity caused by the black hole that was created in the planet's core. With help from the crew of the USS Enterprise, some of the Council members were saved. Several of them perished, however, including Amanda Grayson. (Star Trek)

[edit] Apocrypha

In several Star Trek novels, such as The Lost Years, the katrik ark facility is a chamber within Mount Seleya known as the "Hall of Ancient Thought". In the Hall are thousands of receptacles (vre'katra) containing the katras of the greatest and most powerful Vulcan masters throughout history. Vulcan scholars, philosophers, and mystics could petition to be permitted to meld with these katras for research or enlightenment.

[edit] External link

• Katric ark at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works