“The Fluffy snarg-catcher is most at home in the coniferous forests of Gnoose. Here we see a male preening his feathers, likely getting ready for a hot date. One remarkable thing about this species is that individuals, couples and groups plan their excursions, dates, swap meets, festivals, contests, conferences, skirmishes and other outings and meetings months in advance and they stick to their schedules almost no matter what. It is also odd that they keep their plans and schedules in their heads and that they never invented writing. They use a lunar calendar and they pass down to their young a rich and growing history and culture. Their myths are to die for – I almost did several times by the way climbing up to their nests! – you’ll have to hear some of them one day. But for that you’ll need to learn their language, and it’s generally considered rather difficult to learn. But it shouldn’t be too hard for you, Kolb, since your maternal grandmother was a parakeet if I remember correctly? – Yes, good… Oh, what’s that? Ah, yes, I am translating their myths into our language… so you will eventually be able to read or hear them that way too. Now let’s move on. The Graduated Lemur of Lauping, which as you’ll remember is the second planet from Beta Encephalon…”

Written March 6, 2025 by Bevan Bird