Space Pirate

Zebesian
Origin	Zebes
Debut	Super Metroid

Zebesians (more commonly known as Space Pirates) are one of the staple enemies in the Metroid series. They are bipedal humanoids that are insect-like and generally host a variety of powers. Though the Space Pirate originated with Metroid, the actual members of the organization did not appear until Super Metroid.

Information

The scurge of the galaxy, this race of invertebrate aliens are more commonly associated with the dreaded Space Pirates. Although adept warriors on their own, with their speed and agility, they have made many modifcations to their genetics to improve their edge. One major alteration is the addition of claws to replace their three fingered hands. With these claws they increase their skill as melee combatants and also use them for climbing walls. Their legs also lend well to incredible jumps that outcompare humans and many other creatures. With machines and genetics, they have implanted beam weapons inside their claws, attached jet packs to their own bodies, and other technological devices. Radical changes have been made with phazon, such as the collosal creatures known as Elite Pirates.

Despite their superiority over the Galactic Federation troopers, they all greatly fear the Bounty Hunter known as Samus Aran. Although not quite as enlightened as the Chozo or the [[Luminoth], they have made great strides in stealing, reverse engineering, and developing technology to give them a deadly edge. They show little regard for life, as they will often experiment on local wildlife and theirselves to give theirselves an advantage. Such experiments have brought them closer and closer to reverse-engineering the Chozo technology powering Samus Aran's power suit. Signifigant flaws have made these advances minimally effective and technology such as the Morph Ball have only resulted in death in experiments.

Although called 'Zebesians', Zebes is not in fact their own planet. They stole it from the Chozo after their first successful Metroid collection on SR388, slaughtering the former occupants and setting up their labs underground. Prior to this, the Zebesians were simply nomads.

It is difficult to tell what their leadership is, however. Creatures such as Ridley and Kraid seem to be considered as security creatures and the exact purpose of Mother Brain is not fully explained. The pirates themselves seem to follow a vague 'High Command', which is not explained in any detail. Their prime tactics is in raiding ships and planets in their continuing quest for galactic dominance. Given the size of their forces, the title 'Space Pirate' is perhaps a misnomer. Despite their obvious pirate-like tactics, they seem a legitimate galactic force on par with the Federation.

Their quest has led to the discovery and theft of many creatures and technology. Above all they are known for attacking a Federation Ship carrying metroids for study. These metroids were taken for the distinct purpose to be used as biological weapons. They had limited success in controlling them before their base was wiped out by Samus Aran. One of their injured generals, Weavel was rebuilt into a cyborg. The resulting attack left their forces split, most of the force remaining to rebuild on Zebes and another to establish offworld on Tallon IV. Much of their enhancements were made on that planet thanks to the discovery of Phazon, including the 'Tallon Metroid' and 'Elite Pirates'. Although wiped out, such advances were not lost for good. Such advances were shown on Aether, another planet with Phazon. However, their pursuit was shortlived when the pirates became living hosts for the Ing.

With all their metroids reserves lost, Ridley was sent to Ceres Station to capture the last remaining metroid that was found on SR388. With only one metroid, their cloning efforts were only marginally successful. The last of the Space Pirates were presumably destroyed when Planet Zebes was destroyed in one planet-wide explosion. The zebesians managed to live on in a way when they were revived and infected by the X Virus on the BioLogic Station. Whether or not the Zebesians found a new home elsewhere in the cosmos is unknown, but it seems highly improbable that they are completely wiped out.

Trivia

• Only in Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion are they called the species 'Zebesian'. In other games they are known simply as Space Pirates.
• Aside from Weavel, the only Space Pirates seen in Metroid Prime Hunters is during an intro movie for Samus.
• The Space Pirate appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, based on their appearances in the first two Metroid Prime games. A sticker of a Space Pirate from Super Metroid also appears.