Most of the alien races in the Umea Bakearen series are humanoid, but not all…
A welcoming committee was ready on the flight deck by the time the Sargazi vessel began its final approach. Before it docked, I addressed the crowd.
A Time to Gather: The Umea Bakearen, Book Four
“Please remember that showing revulsion toward the Sargazi is extremely ill-advised,” I began. “If anyone does feel overwhelmed by their presence, please leave the room silently, and without calling attention to yourself.”
All who were present agreed.
“Sargazi vessel is on approach,” came the voice over the loudspeaker. “Please stand by.”
We all tensed as the sound of the docking clamps engaging rang through the deck. The hatch opened, and Joralalamo emerged, with a young and terrified-looking Marisian man. Ben stepped forward, took him by the hand, and whispered something into his ear. He nodded, hugged Ben rather unprofessionally, and carried his duffel bag out to where my ship was docked. Once he was clear of the deck, Joralalamo went back into the ship. He emerged again with the Sargazi Ambassador close behind.
In my peripheral vision, I saw a woman shift her stance, but her face remained neutral.
As the pair came toward me, several other Sargazi filed out behind them, walking slowly and deliberately. I watched them all with great interest. They looked much like tarantulas, with long, hairy legs. Six of their legs ended in clawed feet. Their feet made no sound as they touched the floor, and though they moved slowly, there was a fluidity in their motion that made me almost certain that they could, if they so desired, move blindingly fast. Their forward appendages ended in hands that looked like bird’s talons. Their faces had two large, black eyes and two smaller eyes on either side. They had venomous fangs, but I knew that the purpose of the venom was not for defense, or even offense, but to digest their food. Not that they would have needed venom to defend themselves. I was certain that they could subdue most adversaries in close combat with their bladed arms.
I could feel my heart rate rise. I kept trying to convince myself that it was from the thrill of meeting a race that was entirely new to me.
Look for A Time to Gather in 2020.