Strong language present
Excerpt from “Earth's Allies: History and Culture of the Major Alien Races”
by Dr. Maribelle Fredricks:
“Despite the long-standing and productive collaboration between our peoples, both political and cultural, many Humans remain uncomfortable interacting with the Eos (Their human name is derived from our mythology, their name for themselves would take up about a paragraph in human language). Despite many differing explanations offered for this problem, it's clear to the observant that the discomfort arises mainly from the difference in reproductive practices.
It's common knowledge that only one out of every thousand Eos reproduce, but what is not commonly known is why. Eos, despite their remarkable surface resemblance to the human race (they differ mostly in hue, looking somewhat pale and being on average a bit shorter), Differ greatly in their biology. One Eos couple is capable of producing hundreds of children in the space of about five earth years. This renders it impractical for every Eos to parent children. Humans typically accept the logic of this situation, but secretly lament the deprivation they believe most of our allies must feel.
However, this is highly offensive to most Eos. One of their most fascinating traits is their common lack of sexual impulses. The majority of the Eos are, as we would say, Asexual; although they do not have an equivalent term, since it is for most their natural state of being. Most are also Aromatinc, meaning that they are incapable of romantic feelings. Many Humans have trouble accepting this, and flatly reject it as impossible. This has lead to many embarrassing criticisms of the Eos culture from parties unhappy with their “coldness” or “forced sterility”. Most Eos receive this criticism much like an artist would receive and assumption of alcoholism or promiscuity. The criticism displays much ignorance and lack of imagination; fortunately, very few people involved in diplomatic relations with the Eos espouse these erroneous beliefs.
The fact is that Eos culture is typically very affirming and warm. They from strong community and filial bonds, and most pursue a fairly hedonistic lifestyle. Not that they are incapable of serious thought or self-sacrifice, as any human privileged to serve with the Eos in the U.E.S.I.* can attest."
*Universal Exploration and Scientific Initiative
“Listen up!”
The crowded transport suddenly fell silent as Dr. Harris barked out his orders. He'd left the military years ago, and for all accounts was a respected physicist, but the aura of Captain had never fully left him. The buzz cut and icy blue eyes contributed to his militaristic bearing, leading all of the students to snap to attention as if preparing for battle.
“In about five minutes, we'll be docking at the Jupiter space station. For many of you, this will be the first time you've met an Eos, or any alien, for that matter. I expect you all to behave yourselves and be respectful of their culture. I don't want to see any evangelizing or flirting or stupid questions about their body temperature. And if any of you even mention the Human Supremacy movement, I will personally throw you out the airlock.”
There was some nervous laughter at the back of the transport. Dr. Harris glared at the offending party, who stopped and turned a deep crimson.
“I also don't want to see any showboating. Remember that all of you are still students, and that you are applying to the initiative. Decisions won't be in until next year, and you comportment matters just as much as your academic accomplishments, so don't get ahead of yourselves and start picking out names for your own ship.”
The intercom on the wall crackled and a robotic voice slithered out:
“Docking protocols commencing, please sit an fasten your seat belts.”
“You herd the android.” Dr. Harris muttered, “Hop to it.”
The students quickly scrambled to their seats and strapped themselves in.
“Oh, one more thing,” Dr. Harris stated, his face softening at last into a smile. “Do try to have fun, you are in fucking outer space for god's sake.”
The Students laughed, and the jets kicked in as the transport reached it's destination. A few moments later, Dr. Harris lead the students down the loading ramp and into the hanger. A young Eos man was waiting for them at the landing.
“Doctor Captain Harris!” He exclaimed, and to the student's shock threw his arms around the old man in an a bear hug. They tensed, expecting an outburst of anger at the familiarity, but Dr. Harris just laughed and slapped the man on the back.
“Onna, how are you my friend?”
“Wonderful! We've expanded the living quarters 30% to make room for the Kerns; so happy they've signed the treaty by the way, we're throwing a party for them when they arrive. And our terraforming project has hit a few bumps, but we have new addition to the team thats-”
“One thing as a time, Onna,” Dr. Harris laughed “We'll be here all day.”
“Oh! Sorry.” Onna exclaimed, blushing slightly. “I forgot I was speaking English, it takes so long to say anything in English.”
“We can discuss xeno-linguistics later. For now, we-”
“Yes!” Onna interrupted, and clapped his hands together. “The delightful new students!” He turned towards the crowd and waved enthusiastically. “Hello! I'm so happy to meet all of you; tell me everything about yourselves!”
“Later, Onna, they can't do that in two words like you.”
“Of course. Sorry students, I get carried away when I meet knew people. But, Doctor Captain Harris, you said there was one in particular you wanted me to know?”
“Yes, I did.” Dr. Harris hesitated slightly. He never would have admitted it, but he'd put off this decision till the last moment. There were two students who were significantly more qualified than their peers, but only one could fill Onna's request for for his personal team. He pulled out his clipboard, feigning to not remember the name. In reality, he knew both of them were standing in the front row.
There was Lillian Verens, an accomplished linguist with the remarkable ability to read the Eos language. She had an impeccable academic record, a long list of extra-curricular contributions, and glowing recommendations from her professors. The only thing that gave the Initiative pause, was the fact that her grandparents were known members of the Human Supremacy movement. Lillian was adamant about her distance from the group, and had no record of any crime, but the movement had used sleeper agents before, and this made the Initiative nervous.
Next, there was David Chamberlain. He'd had patents on revolutionary computer technology even before he'd enrolled. He'd restructured his university's entire network, making it twice as efficient and completely secure from hacking. No one was exactly sure how he'd done it, even his professors didn't always know what he was talking about. The only issue was his history with mental health. He'd tried to harm himself twice in the past three years, and he'd refused medical help until he'd been told doing so would exclude him from the Initiative. He was begrudgingly seeing a therapist at the moment, but his progress was ambiguous at best.
Dr. Harris glanced at the two students, who stared back at him innocently. Neither of them had been told that they were a candidate for Onna's a team, an almost guarantee of a sparkling career with the Initiative.
“Yes,” he said at last, clearing his throat, “Onna, I'd like you to meet one of our most promising students:”
(Here's your first choice folks, select your hero!)