The Vedala or Vedalan were a species associated with the Vedala asteroid. They were, as of the mid-23rd century, the oldest surviving spacefaring race known to the Federation. Physically, they had somewhat feline characteristics, including a tail, and a mighty roar.
The Vedala tried to assist in recovering the stolen Soul of Alar, which was located in the Skorr temple on the mad planet. Although aware of the location of the Soul of the Skorr, three expeditions failed as the Vedala could not survive on the planet.
Starships converge on the Vedala asteroid
These failures led the Vedala to assemble a new team with specialists from various species, including three Humans. Participants were invited to the Vedala asteroid with the explanation that something extremely dangerous to the galaxy was developing. Once the team met at their asteroid, they revealed that the Soul of the Skorr had been stolen and the Vedala were attempting to prevent a jihad.
For this fourth expedition, which occurred in 2269, the Vedala chose the following specialists: Sord, (presumably) for his strength; Em/3/Green, an expert locksmith and thief; Lara, for her flawless directional sense; Spock, for his analytical mind and scientific expertise; and James T. Kirk, for his leadership and adaptability. Together they were to assist Tchar, hereditary prince of the Skorr, in locating the Soul of the Skorr. Although the Starfleet personnel were asked to volunteer for the expedition, Em/3/Green claimed to have been sentenced to it.
The fourth expedition team analyzes its cart
During their briefing, the Vedala utilized hologram-like technology to present known information on the "mad planet". They also utilized a long-distance transporter device that immediately transported the expedition team from the Vedala asteroid to the "mad planet". Along with the expedition team, the Vedala provided a cart to assist in their search.
Following the mission, they proved that they possessed the ability to manipulate time. They also noted that they had the ability to cure an individual of madness. They intended the incident to remain secret, and were confident that it would, claiming that in time even the specialists would lose the memory of the events. (TAS: "The Jihad")
In 2381, independent archaeologist Petra Aberdeen told Beckett Mariner that she had a lead on some ancient Vedalan mummies they could excavate. These mummies were known to dig themselves up "once or twice", but the overall odds were that they wouldn't. (LD: "Trusted Sources")