Bio-mimetic gel

Bio-mimetic gel was a liquid substance used in the study of genetics that was highly regulated as contraband by Federation law. Its sale was forbidden, and it could be hazardous if not transported correctly. (DS9: "Distant Voices") Its applications included the creation of biogenic weapons and organic explosives, as well as illegal genetic and cloning experiments. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight") Even attempting to obtain the substance was a felony for civilians in the Federation. (DS9: "Distant Voices")

Due to its restricted nature, bio-mimetic gel was rare and valuable. In 2370, the Fleming was carrying this substance through the Hekaras Corridor when it was disabled. In the initial stages of the investigation by the USS Enterprise-D, Dr. Crusher hypothesized that the Fleming may have been hijacked for its cargo. (TNG: "Force of Nature")

That same year, Ro Laren lied to the Maquis, telling them that a Ferengi transport came to the Demilitarized Zone to deliver bio-mimetic gel. She also claimed the substance was legal. (TNG: "Preemptive Strike")

It is possible that it was between the events of "Preemptive Strike" and "Distant Voices" that restrictions were placed on the trade of the gel.

The infirmary on the Federation space station Deep Space 9 was stocked with limited quantities of bio-mimetic gel for medical purposes. In 2371, a Lethean named Altovar attempted to buy (and later steal) a few hundred milliliters of this gel from Dr. Bashir. (DS9: "Distant Voices")

In 2373, Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Paris of the USS Voyager had to pick up some bio-mimetic gel from a Delta Quadrant trading station. According to Paris, the proper container for bio-mimetic gel was Starfleet standard issue container L647X7. (VOY: "Fair Trade")

In 2374, Captain Sisko was working on a covert mission with Elim Garak with the aim of undermining relations between the Dominion and the Romulan Star Empire. Garak explained to Sisko that the mission could be successful if they were able to obtain an authentic Cardassiann optolythic data rod. However, Garak's only supplier would only accept 200 liters of bio-mimetic gel as payment. Sisko stated that bio-mimetic gel was a controlled substance and that there physically weren't 200 hundred liters in the entire Bajoran sector. In response, Garak suggested that the amount was negotiable. Sisko therefore authorized Garak to offer 85 liters instead, which was accepted. Sisko then ordered Dr. Bashir to prepare 85 liters of gel for interstellar transport. Due to the danger this substance posed and Sisko's opaqueness about its final destination, an angry Bashir noted the transaction in his log, and insisted on receiving the order in writing, which Sisko provided on the spot. Bashir also noted his intention to Sisko that he was going to file a formal complaint with Starfleet Medical, as was his right as the station's Chief Medical Officer.(DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight")

Though it was never confirmed on-screen, it is possible that there was never a "buyer" for the gel - just Garak himself. Garak stressed to Sisko that the buyer "presumably" wanted it for illegal genetic experimentation, but Bashir later listed off that it has a number of dangerous uses, including the manufacture of biogenic weapons - as well as undetectable organic explosives. The episode never specifies exactly how Garak managed to plant a bomb that even a high-ranking Romulan senator's shuttle couldn't detect.

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