The Staians are a humanoid species native to the planet Stai.
History
At some point, Staians joined the Galactic Union. In the 23rd century, the Union became more warlike, but Staians could not easily secede because certain Staian children were kept at a Union indoctrination school on neighboring planet Vrex.
In 2266, Staians held a reception and celebratory welcome for Captain James T. Kirk and a small delegation in honor of their visit. When Union soldiers attempted to bully Kirk into leaving, he saw that Stai children were effectively being kept as hostages. Disgusted by Union tactics, Kirk led a rescue mission to retrieve the children. Inspired by Kirk's bravery, the Staians quit the Galactic Union and ordered its soldiers to get off their planet. (TOS comic: "The Children of Stai")