earliest years of our species are lost to time

Quixzil's translation algorithms were too focused on deciphering human speech to switch quickly enough to make out what the large aliens had said, but he had an unsettling feeling it was nothing good, and it was directed at him. 'Well-' Whatever he was going to say next was interrupted by the harsh bark of three Thanwulz as they made their way out of the bar. 'But there are a, ah, distinct lack of subjects to study in this sector.' 'I'd love to!' Quixzil said, a little too quickly. Quixzil nodded while he performed some quick mental calculations. 'You're a young one, aren't you? Not too far removed from your Brood Nest, but- the Academy?' He studied Quixzil for a moment before continuing. 'Pleasure to make your acquaintance,' Nate replied. How foolish of him to introduce himself so formally! Humans were notoriously bad with names. Is there a short version of-' he waved a hand in Quixzil's direction. Or, at least the best approximation he could make with such limited neck movement. He proffered his hand in the traditional human greeting, but the human instead opted for the Aveneed greeting custom of a bent, bowed head. 'I am Quixzil'valende'fonshez'sureensolfend'maklee'oboren of Roschz City.'

Was that a sign of annoyance? A threat? A mating display? Human body language was so confusing! Remaining seated, the human slowly extended one leg to push an empty seat in Quixzil's direction.Īh! An invitation! Of course! Feeling foolish, the young Aveneed quickly closed the distance to the bar and settled into the seat. How long had he been staring? Panic rose in his gorge as the human's head twitched backwards. Prolonged eye contact was known as a sign of aggression among humans. Quixzil froze, his breathing slowing and his feathers instinctively flattening. Kelzqond would regret her insistence that it was too cold for civilized Aveneed to be out tonight! The human's head turned a bit further and caught his gaze. And yet here one was, sitting a mere few meters away.

Humans were well known across the galaxy, of course, but this far from the Human worlds, Quixzil had thought he might live his whole life without seeing one in the flesh. The mysterious being turned it's head to say something to the bartender, and Quixzil let out a startled hiss. It's head was turned the other way, and it's clothing was too bulky to make out it's shape properly, but something about the lone figure held Quixzil's gaze and refused to let it go. There were at least three papers to be written about the interactions between the tableful of Arkzeni and their Pelusian server alone! But Quixzil's large eyes were instead drawn to a the occupant of a single seat at the bar. Kelzqond has been right, The Great Wheel indeed contained a treasure trove of interspecies interactions for an aspiring xenoanthropologist. His powerful nose informed him that the darkness held a variety of alien species, including a clutch of Takrii, a pair of Vuunduy, and even a Morkrkot. True to it's name, the interior contained a large circular hub in the centre that served as the brightly lit bar, with tables and seating of varying configurations stretching outwards like spokes, the lighting becoming dimmer the further they were from the centre until even Quixzil's keen eyes couldn't make out the far walls of the establishment. At least, not without the sort of protective equipment that was shunned by most able-bodied Aveneed.įor now though, it was still warm enough for an adult Aveneed to travel unhindered throughout the city, but Quixzil nevertheless ruffled his feathers gratefully to let the warm air circulate through his plumage as he stepped into The Great Wheel bar & restaurant. There had even been reports that meteorologists were predicting it would be dangerous to spend more than a few hours outdoors without both suns high in Aveneeus Prime's purple sky. The Swarming Season was coming to close, and it would soon become impossible to spend any time outside without either the Hunter or the Prey to provide their golden warmth. The nights in Perezch City had become bitterly cold as of late.

Earliest years of our species are lost to time