An insectile/reptilian race known for their ability to fix high-tech devices, they were the original settlers of the Roche asteroid system. Their exact homeworld remains a mystery even to the Verpine. The Verpine have developed a high level of technology, but retain a child-like sense of wonder at the galaxy around them. The Verpine body is thin and ungainly, and has only four limbs - two long arms and two thin legs. Their large, black eyes have evolved beyond the normal ability of the multifaceted eyes of most insects, allowing the Verpine to see incredible levels of detail. They live in hives of about 100 Verpine, and reproduction is only required when the population of the hive drops below a certain level. Despite their hive mentality, each Verpine is allowed individual thoughts. Their communal consciousness precludes the need for formal government. They have a body organ in their chest that allows them to emit radio waves and thus communicate with each other across distances. There is some discussion on the necessity of the Verpine's antenna, and the fact that the most criminal Verpine have always had damaged antennae.