Theogiorickan

The Theogiorickan is an unknown species of ammonia-based life first encountered in the ruined city of Theogiorick (hence its name). A carcass of a seemingly dead one has been taken to Harthago for examination. As it is ammonia-based, all investigations on it have to be conducted in temperatures lower than -33 degrees Celsius. The following is a field note description by Professor Robyna Markbell-Howells, from rudimentary examination (she is no xenobiologist, and is more specialised in unique biochemistry than descriptions):

Description

Does not look too different from primates in silhouette. Bipedal with two arms, 0.95 rics long, weight 1.35 rics. Arms extend about to the knees. Head has two eyes (each about twice as big as a human eye), two noses (or nostrils on the face?), two antennae (which might act as ears?, about 15 cm long). Colour of skin is brown-to-black, with some golden rashes along the face.

Ammonia-based and silicon-based lifeform. Most likely not indigenous to Micras. Smelly. Smells like old urine. Otherwise carbon-based. Skeletal structure is surprisingly similar to humans (like with safir, suggesting convergent evolution), with a rib cage protecting what are believed to be the vital organs (though this is where similarities end). Based on this one example, unable to determine sex (indeed whether this species has more than one sex, and if so, how many) or age. The brain–body ratio suggests sentience (but unknown if the brain actually is the brain) and intelligence. How did it get here? By spaceship? But how?

The specimen was found with what was initially thought of as an exoskeleton, but now has been determined to be an organic suit (including helmet) that would help the specimen adapt/function in the Micran Antarctic region. The suit is not pressured, but rather seems to be control temperature with cooling (no heating, curiously) and aid in breathing. The examination suggests that the lifeform breathes hydrogen.

Reaction

News of the discovery prompted the dispatch of officers from the Cohort XX to the scene under orders to investigate the specimen, make preparations for its dissection under controlled laboratory conditions, and to evaluate the need for an extermination action in the area around the site of the discovery.