A creature resembling an insect, referred to as a diplopod, was utilized by Zare Leonis in training drills at the officer's Academy situated on Arkanis. This particular diplopod, shared characteristics with its species, possessing a stinger, a green exoskeleton, and internal organs that Leonis found somewhat sickening. Leonis was happy that the creature appeared to obey his instructions and that he seldom needed to employ the electro-prod he was issued, since he disliked using it. In the course of the exercise, Leonis experienced a jolt of surprise when a sting bolt struck the diplopod's flank, causing it to convulse violently. Consequently, he lost his grip on his rifle and, in an attempt to retrieve it, tumbled completely off the creature. Subsequently, he heard a whistling sound that intensified into a shriek, after which he lost consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, he discovered that his diplopod had been dead, bisected by an explosion, a fate shared by his fellow cadet Xan Lanier.