The complete Asterite, art by Steve White.
The Asterite is a major protagonist in the Ecco the Dolphin series, being the only character other than Ecco to appear in both stories. Comprising of little more than a double-helix of Black Pearls that each provide the alien with specific powers, The Asterite came to Planet Earth long ago to learn of the planet's secrets. On arrival, it sent out all of its body parts to every part of the world, learning everything there is to know about Earth. Unfortunately, the pearl that would enable it to return home was stolen by a Many-Fins.
Whilst waiting for a chance to retrieve its missing body part, The Asterite came across a device belonging to alien race The Vortex. The Asterite waited until the machine attracted Ecco the Dolphin and protected the fellow alien from Ecco's sonar blast. The two quickly argued, with The Asterite threatening to destroy both races to end all talk of battle and emnity. After being subjected to an Ecco attack, The Asterite decided that Ecco was the one who was capable of retrieving the Black Pearl and promised to gift him with the ability to understand Vortex langauge should he succeed. Ecco did manage to brave the deep water, but was subjected to poisonous radiation in the process. Thankful for his sacrifice, The Asterite absorbed Ecco's near-fatal contamination once it was complete again (now resembling a star made from three hoops) and bestowed the foreign language on Ecco. Furthermore, it granted Ecco the ability to boost his way into space and survive in the "sea of stars".
Ecco's journeys took him to the world of The Vortex. With his friends gathered and the gateway disabled, The Asterite launched a tractor beam that enabled Ecco's friends to return home. After everyone is saved, The Asterite guides Ecco on how to destroy the gateway and cooly advises him when he seems to have no way home; by boosting the power of a Vortex ship, The Asterite is able to bring Ecco home by unconvential means. Once Ecco is home, The Asterite imparts one more word of warning, stating that The Vortex aren't likely to pass on a good meal and says farewell to its new friend.