Finish the Science Fiction Story, Part II

Cafe Society
161

As they entered the gigantic building known as the Hall of Rites, Kathy was thinking back on the last three days. They had landed on the Planet of Eternal Peace as instructed, and were surprised when the entire landing pad sank underground. According to the instruments, they ended up several miles below the surface of the planet.

Though well taken care of, they weren’t allowed out of the immediate area of the single space dock. Cursory scans, before they were asked to stop them, showed them to be inside a complex of tunnels and large hollowed areas that extended for thousands of miles, if not throughout the entire planet.

Odd too, was the nonresposiveness of the crystals or any machinary that mimiced crystals.

Alarming was the presense of armed guards. Some of them species they could recognise, others they couldn’t.

A loud noise brought her mind back to where they were now, about to meet the Assembly.

“Summoned,” intoned a loud voice, “You will now answer for the crimes of war.”

Leaning in to whisper to Kathy, Victor said, “You mean this is some kind of trial?”

In a low growl, Tobe answered, “When peace keeping is your prime directive, all war is a crime. But, please don’t speak out of turn.”

“The Favoured One of the Xavvians speaks truth, Human Male,” the voice continued. “We are not fond of war.”

“Well, we didn’t start it!” answered Victor petulantly.

“Victor!” hissed Kathy.

“It is well that Human Male speaks, Human Female,” continued the voice. “We have questions that may not form by themselves.”

“Why do you refer us as Human Male and Female and not by our names?” asked Victor.

“We have not decided on names for you.”

“I already have a name! And so does Kathy!”

“Yes, Human Male, known as Victor Channing Jr to friends and family, but those are not names we can use in official Council business. Until we decide otherwise, you are Human Male and Human Female. Does this bother you?”

“Frell yeah it bothers me,” replide Victor. Kathy lowered her gaze, put her hand over her eyes, and shook it back and forth. Victor added, “WE have this little thing we like to call individualty. And free will. You know about those!?”

“Yes,” answered the voice, “Interesting concepts. No doubt these things played some part in your crimes. Having been a part of groups and individuals, we are well aware of how strong they are in some species. Like in your progenitor. Though he was Wayre, he was not.”

“Are you Wayre?” asked Kathy, not wanting Victor to say anything whilst upset about the mention of the elder Channing.

“No. Sometimes. Always. Perhaps. Why do you ask?”

“Because,” interjected M’Kayla, “We have only previously known Wayre as something to fear.”

“Yes,” replied the voice. “We were watching the Twisted One, your Vorpal. But, sometimes we let situations exist for a reason. Your crime spree is no different. Perhaps we should clarify one point. We are not Wayre. As you know it. We use Wayre. Wayre acts through us, sometimes for us. We guard Peace. Nothing more.”

Then there was silence. Though it was for mere moments, it felt like days were passing. The three Xavvians stood with heads slightly bowed, the two humans held hands and leaned into each other.

The voice returned as a blue green light appeared before the group.

"Summoned! We have ruled. You will pay for your crimes. A new government is to be implemented through you on your repsective worlds. q’Stant’Lit the Favoured, you are to take a wife. She will be a courrier and will be trained and altered as you did to your own self. You will assume your throne in three of your standard years, bypassing the current heir. He will be compensated.

"M’Artel! Your name has been changed, thought it remains the same. You will be appointed as Servant of the Great Mother at the time of the Favoured One’s assumption of the throne. You will bring your military’s science back into the pouch of the Great Mother. Only then can progress be made by either.

"M’Kayla! You will wed the Favoured One. Since he already has deep love for you, this will not be solely for the purpose of mating. You will educate the Royals in interspecies diplomacy. Your children will be Summoned. They will work for us, sometimes through us. Canus will remain with you. As both a protector and a link to us.

"Humans! Male known to himself as Victor. You will be known as Victor over Kel. Yes… enjoy the double meaning in your tongue. You will assist the Xavvian Royals by guiding the SKI complex into cooperation with Xavvian science and what you refer to as metaphysical endeavors.

"Human Female! You will be Lord Savior, Guardian of Peace. You are now part of us. Yet, since it is so important to you Humans, you will maintain your own individual mind.

“Now GO! The creatures of Kel will return, perhaps in your life times. Prepare for this. But know also, there are more things to worry about. You simply have yet to find them.”

the light dissapeared and a wall of darkness separated them from the rest of the Assembly. A uniformed guard of unkown species escorted them back to their ship’s conference room, instructing them to engage their engines in nine standard time units.

Smiling, Victor uttered, “That was our punishment?”

Tobe answered, “You really are dense, aren’t you!?” and padded out of the room.

162

Once M’Kayla realized that q’Stant’LIt fully intended to comply with the directions of the Council it was a good thing that the furniture in her quarters was either bolted down or made of otherwise unbreakable materials. The soundproofing helped to, because the periodic fits of screaming were uncomfortable to listen to.
“How dare they! How does he dare to think I’ll just drop everything and marry him! That frelling, fastericking Council! I won’t do it!” And with a rip of her claws she shredded that last of the pillows on her bunk.

Kathy brushed away bits of stuffing that came flying towards her. “M’Kayla, you know that I sure don’t like getting pushed around, but think about it! Couldn’t this solve your, umm, boosting problems? And Tobe isn’t such a bad catch. Your children won’t even have to fight over succession, as they won’t be in line for it. And he really likes you. I know him as well as anybody. Couldn’t you learn to love him?”

“Love? Ha! The man I loved is dead! I don’t care if others thought we were odd.
Oh, sure, I like Tobe, or q’Stant’Lit, but I will not betray the memory of Kal just because of my condition!”

M’Kayla was in full boost now, and at least part of her bad temper was due to her frustration. She’d not yet acted on her compulsion. Thank heavens, thought Kathy, that we are nearly to Xavv, the Homeworld.

“M’Kayla! I know you and Kal weren’t married legally, but you certainly were a couple. I’m not sure about Xavvians, but we humans can and do remarry after the death of spouses, especially if the first marriage was happy.”

“And how long do they wait?”

“We-e-e-lll, I do admit, they usually wait a few months or so.”

“It’s been less than a month since Kal died!” Here M’Kayla sat down abruptly amid the ruins of her bunk. “Oh Mother, I miss him! We never even had that last vacation, and here I am considering other mates.”

Kathy took the word “considering” to mean that M’kayla was beginning to actually entertain the idea of going through with the marriage, so she left M’Kayla alone.

Although they had not been commanded to marry, Victor and Kathy nevertheless had decided it was a fine idea. Neither of them wanted to wait for an elaborate ceremony, and many of their closest friends or associates were on board Searcher anyway, so just before reaching Xavv, Captain Petrie officiated, M’Kayla standing with Kathy as a witness, and Tobermory(Kathy would always think of him that way) standing with Victor. Familiar words rolled out "Victor Michael Channing/Katherine Irene Swanson, I take you to be my husband/wife, “in poverty or in riches”, in good times and in bad, “forsaking all others I will keep myself faithful to you until death parts us.” M’Artel added a Xavvian touch, in his new role as a novice adept, by pronouncing a Xavvian blessing on the union.

A small party was held for the newlyweds in the ship’s dining area. They were toasted with Terran champagne, and there were a few simple items to nibble on. Tobermory kept his eye on M’Kayla, who was subdued now, having taken a tranquilizer prescribed by Skoop. She had forced a smile on her face during the ceremony, but her eyes were sad, as she thought of “What might have beens” She had come to a decision, but in spite of everything she still felt guilty.

Breaking away from a blushing Kathy she walked over the where members of the crew, and of their own group, were laughing and backslapping with Victor. Looking Tobe in the eye she said “Walk with me.”

The two of them left for the observation bubble that Victor and Kathy had found so convenient. Before M’Kayla had said anything Tobermory spoke quickly. “Look, M’Kayla, if this union will make you so unhappy I will release you. After all, you weren’t consulted on it. But it would make me happy, so now I’m asking you. Will you marry me?”

“My Lord” and here her mouth quirked in an almost smile, "that asking helps. The answer is yes. LIke Kathy and Victor said ‘I will be faithful to you’ ". Now her face went blank again. “But I will also never lie to you, so at this time I won’t say that I love you. The memory of what I had is still too fresh. But if you can take a commoner like me, I am willing, and I will do all that I can to enhance you and your career.”

Tobermory winced inside. This attitude of M’Kayla’s was what he had been referring to, when he snapped at Victor after seeing the Council. But he truly did care for M’Kayla, and Xavvians have long lives. And maybe a marriage is better when you have to work at it, he thought.

He took her slender hand, (with claws sheathed) and raised it up, turning it over to expose the wrist and gave it an intimate lick. Someone once told me they ‘always knew I was no common cat’. The same holds here. You, a commoner? I don’t think so. Shall we rejoin the others now?"

M’Kayla took his own wrist and returned the caress. “Perhaps we can wait a bit.”

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I am so sorry I wasn’t able to post. Work got in the way.

I think you guys did a magnificent job. Congratulations!

164

Grav had attended the wedding of Victor and Kathy then returned to his office to catch up on his bureaucratic duties. The droid problem had left a big mess in Sector 7, and then there was the matter of exactly what to do with Vonaxiav. Plus what seemed like another hundred other matters. Grav lost all track of time.

It was late when a knock came at his door. “Come,” he beckoned and a shapely figure entered his office.

“Darling? Coming home soon?”

“What? Oh, dear me, look at the time!” Grav stood up. “I guess the rest of this can wait until tomorrow.” The pair walked out the door, arm in arm, sharing a passionate kiss as the passed through the doorway. “Oh, Lissie…” Grav hadn’t finished catching up with her, either.

THE END

165

Jeff, I’, glad to see Grav finally went back and got Lissie, after all that time. He worked out a few things too, didn’t he?

166

In an email to NoClueBoy I mentioned I wished I was an artist, as I have clear images in my head of what most of the major characters look like. NCB thought it would be interesting to post our ideas, some of which might be at variance with each others. And those who were reading, and not writing, might have still different character descriptions they were willing to share.

Kathy Swanson-Red hair, barely shoulder length, wavy or naturally curly. Blue eyes, pale skin. Medium height, or just below medium height.

Victor Channing Jr. Tall( well over six feet), but not brawny, but fit. Dark brown hair, dark eyes. Works out, but not a jock type.

Victor Channing Sr. Shorter than his son(maybe Jr.s height came from his mom’s side?). Very short hair that was going gray. A little stockier than his son

M’Kayla-Xavvian females are, in general, shorter than males, and somewhat slighter in build. But they are still, on average, above medium height for human woman, being in the neighborhood of 5’9" to 5’10". M’Kayla is about 5’8", below average for a Xavvian woman, has longer hair on her head than Xavvian males, and its’ a pale, greenish blonde in color, worn slicked back. Her skin is darker than her hair, having much the same texture as the skin of humans. Hre fingertips, as with Xavvian males.are slightly spatulate, concealing retractable claws. Her face is thin, and her bonestructure is not heavy.

Kal Trontiann-dark brown skin, very short dark hair going gray at the temples. Shorter that the average human male, about 5’8", the same height as M’Kayla. Except that his bone structure was heavier, I envisioned him as looking something like Avery Brooks.

Tobermory-Xavvian males like Tobe are on the average taller tha humans, with Tobermory standing about 6’6", around two meters when he stands completely erect. But slightly round shouldered in appearance, as Xavvian males bone structure is configured differently than females, they can jump higher and twist their arms an legs into attitudes that females can’t. Darker green color than M’Kayla(are there racial differences between Xavvians?) Very little short hair on his head, with tufts growing on his face at the points of the cheekbones, and some down the jawline. As do Xavvian females Tobe has a tail, It’s long and flexible, he generally keeps is looped up out of sight, under clothing.

I have a few other ideas, but I’m going to wait and see what others may or may not have to say about the character’s looks.

167

Granthiaxav - taller than Tobermory, heavier too from speding too much time seated. Sort of a felonid Brad Garret with aquamarine hair.

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I wouldn’t have thought of that, Jeff but that sounds good. Of course my images are not necessarily how othersenvision the characters, except maybe for Victor and Tobe’s height, and Kathy’s hair color. It would be intriguing to see if others have a really different image than I do.

I see Kathy’s face being pale, as I said before, with the features rather thin. The kind of face that just escapes being plain in repose, but turns beautiful when she smiles. I don’t see her as a clothe’s horse, having a fairly pedestrian wardrobe, with one or two “dressup” outfits’. Still dressing like a schoolteacher, she needs a fashion advisor.

M’Kayla I see as being stylish. Because of musculature thats differs from the human, I never saw Xavvians as having long sleeves. Sleeveless, or at the most short sleeved clothing. I would say she dresses in striking colors. Some outfits would allow the tail to be exposed, as opposed to males, whose ordinary clothing would conceal the tail. Males in general having more heavy jobs, it would get in the way. M’Kayla wouldn’t wear a lot of frills or flounces, but simple cuts. Heavy jewelry at times.

Victor Jr would have a rather more extensive wardrobe, for many occasions, social and business, but I figure he lets a tailor do a lot of the work of building it. He’d need the variety in the business world. If left to himself I think of him as being happy with jeans and a sweatshirt, but he’s sophisticated enough to know that they don’t always do.

Granthiaxav would be mostly in uniform type styles. As Jeff said, and as I now visualize him, he’s heavier. For whatever reason I don’t visulaize him with the facial hair that Tobermory has, I see a clean jawline. Job requirement, or personal style?

Now that I think about it I have never envisioned a Xavvian in any kind of hat or headgear, except for the ritual items the priest wore. In place of a uniform cap indicating rank, Grav would have a badge, or neck pendant.

I wonder if Xavvians tattoo? Because I see them as having a fine, rippled down over much of their body, giving an almost velvety look. Facial features have a cast that humans see as “felinoid”, although they are NOT related to Terran cats.

Tobermory I see as dressing much as does Grav, up to now. Now he’s going to have to dress fancier, or in more ritual garb, as he assumes imperial functions. M’Kayla, or a staff, would force him into it.

Skoop was described as being “reptiloid” Of course she isn’t related to Terran reptiles anymore than Xavvians are related to cats, but the label comes from superficial resemblances. I saw her as having a very fine covering of scales, dark golden brown, with an almost metallic sheen. About the same size as humans, no tail, sharp, pointy teeth in front. Scales a darker brown where human lips would be., but with a mouth structure and tongue that allows for clear speech. Dark brown eyes, no hair, small inset ears, slanted eyes, small nose where a human has one. Long flexible fingers with one more joint than humans, it aids her in medical work.

169

Kal would have continued to dress similar to while he was on active duty. He likely did the majority of his shopping in military surplus centers. He would have dressed up when necessary, in clothes bought with the help of M’Kayla, but preferred not to.

170

First, some general points. Some of it already canon, some of it merely my own impressions…
Xavvians - Bipedal, erect life form of mostly humanoid shape. They have tails. Some Xavvians tails are rather prehensil, most are not. Kind of like the odds of us being ambidexterous.

Males are tall, over 6’ generally. Males also tend to stand kind of hunched over, a byproduct of their unique leg musculature (which females Xavvians don’t have). Males can run quite rapidly using all fours in a very cat like (to us) gait. They will stand completely erect (adding some 6-12" of height) during formal functions, to impress (as in mating rituals), and to intimidate. Their fur is short all over except their heads, spinal ridge, and sometimes shoulders and tails.

Female Xavvians are much smaller, averaging 5’6" or so. They always stand fully erect and are incapable of runing on all fours. Their faces are distinctive in that all females have ear tufts, in addition to the other long fur as the males. Reproduction is sexual, gestation is short but they resemble marsupials in having “birthing” pouches.

Xavvians are well suited to crystal implantation. Some “adepts” are capable of near trans crystal effects, such as shape shifting. Vestigal organs are easily modified for even more trans crystal capabilities, like non space jumping over short distances (jaunting) but never over interstellar distances.

Highly advanced technologically, they are also extremely religious, seeing no discrepancies with using both science and religion. Xavvvian culture is many mellenia old, perhaps dating back many scores of thousands of years. They have had periodic setbacks, including at least one near genocide which had set them back and fractured their society. Extremely visious in combat, they equally at ease using ultra high tech military systems, high and low tech hand weapons, or bare claw. They seem to instinctively know which weapon use is best for any given situation.

Kel - a transdimensional life form, vaguely humanoid in shape, in their natural state, resembling more closely ancient Earth religious depictions of demons. Capable of virtually any trans crystal manipulations, though they do not need to have crystals implanted. Their organs act as a sort of natural crystal. Capable of nearly seamless shape shifting and interstellar jaunting. They are extremely resilient physically and are so intelligent there is no scale that can do them justice.

They have no technology, other than what they borrow, take, or purchase from other species. Perhaps their ‘buitl in’ abilities caused them to never evolve a technological society.

Extremely xenophobic. They seem to have no sence of what other sapients view as justice, equality, peace, etc… Extremely secretive, most live within their own transdimensional realm, never impacting on ‘real’ space. Others, for reasons as yet unknown, actively manipulate real space sapients to their own ends. Selfish and indulgent to a superlative degree, these Kel in real space delight in mayhem and torture.

Closely related physically to Xavvians, their origins are shrouded in mystery and superstition. Though almost always living solitary lives, all Kel are born as twins. Geneticly capable of linking ‘energy’ of some sort with other Kel, increasing their individual capabilities exponentially.

Back with more impressions in a little while. Pick and choose which features you like, btw. We’ll be compiling a writer’s guide of sorts from these descriptions and impressions, in addition to the recap of canon.

This is almost as fun as the story!

171

Politcal situation

As some of you have no doubt noticed, I took bits and peices from Niven’s Known Space, Dune, Star Trek, Gort and Klaatu, and Doc Smith, with a little bit of the Bible thrown in.

The Confederation of Known Worlds is a very loosely organised political entitity. With no military of its own, contributing members supply protection and security a la a NATO type of arrangement. Xavvians, Skoop’s species (what shall we call it?), and an as yet not met by us species are the major players, though it consists of some 30 species and hundreds of planetary systems. Earth is a relative newcomer to the Confederation, but Humans have been a part of it for centuries. Kal is one of the not of Earth Humans in my book.

Forsetti, the Planet of Eternal Peace, holds immense power over this confederation in addition to other worlds beyond known space. Like the Pope during the Holy Roman Empire, the Council determines who rules what planets/species. Though never in history (that we know of) having to use its own military (if you can call it that) might to enforce its rulings, no one ever disobeys. Period. The council is a body of mixed species, some from known space, some from beyond, which rule at any given time. Often given a specific name for watershed events, like the Council of Nith. An Assembly is a meeting of the Council.

Wayre. This is a tough one. Both a group consciousness and a grouping of individuals. Wayre can be manifested as a type of possession, or as an individual’s linking to the group. Wayre can also manifest itself in a corporeal body, seemingly an individual, but acting as and for the group. Closely linked with superstitions of Forsetti and Xavvian religion. Seemingly benevolent, but capable of hideous action when it suits their (unknown) ends. Enigmatic and confusing, Wayre is both good and bad, group and individual, active and passive. Origins unknown.

172

**NoClueBoy, ** the description of some part of Wayre being a group consciousness reminds me of a thing I introduced into the first story, very near the end, when a Wayre inhabited Elia M’Hall just long enough to talk to Kathy, saying that it/they wanted to see with real eyes for once.

The Wayre in Elia’s body said “some of us have behaved badly at times, the temptation to use the power of a collective mind can be irresistable” Kathy was dismayed and asked “there are more of you?” to which the reply was “We are Legion, actually.” Kathy didn’t understand his statement, and the Wayre apologized. “sorry, a bad joke from a long time ago.” So maybe Wayre has been involved on Earth too, at least a couple of collectives. Hmmmm.

173

Yes, I forgot about that. So, we add Earth religions to the “closely linked to superstitions of…”

As for the physical descriptions of characters:

Kal Trontiann - Human, but not of Earth. Part of a clan (origins not yet stated) of Humans long associated with The Confederation. This is how he is so closely associated to Xavvian military leaders. Benjamin Sisco all the way! Except a litle bit grayed in the hair.

Victor Channing Jr - Hugh Jackman? Got to be tall. And devastatingly handsome. But dorky in a Jeff Goldbloom way.

Victor Channing Sr - I envision him as a Harrison Ford type of guy.

Kathy - Yes, a tiny little red head girl. Petite and very curvy. Pale? Nah… she has a very light skin tone, tho. And a few freckles (all over). No celebrity to compare to, she looks like an ex gf of mine from a few years back. Prettiest smile and heavenly green eyes! (Too bad the real life girl was such a bitch, tho :wink: )

Granthiaxav and q’Stant’Lit the Favoured - good descriptions already. Nothing to add. Except voices. Grav is rough and gravelly, perhaps because of an accident early in his military carreer? Tobe is one smooth cat.

M’Artel (nee Martel) - Not quite the same size as Tobe and Grav. Has an odd swishy affectation, as tho he is constantly drunk or confused. (PotC, anyone?)

Can Skoop’s race be called Renallian? We’ve already called some others Renaillians.

M’Kayla - almost new age-ish in her dress and manners. Face and apparant figure make her quite fetching by human standards, tho she is often slighted by Xavvians.

Kathy’s parents are kind of like Hart to Hart. Maybe not…

Vickie Channing - Kate Blanchett. Yeah, baby!
Just ideas. I like everyone’s descriptions. Maybe we can meld 'em all together.

174

Her people are called “Thosti” but that doesn’t mean she can’t be Renaillian.

175

Ooh! A subclassification of an alien race! Me likey. ;j

176

Jeff, my description of Skoop was not from anything given in the story, except that “scales” and “reptilian” seemed to go together. My description of Skoop was incomplete. I also meant to say that the scales were also very small and thin, not thick or course. She has a round jaw and is about the height of a medium sized human. Seconday sex characteristics not considered.

177

Congratulations, all, to a fun story!

I hadn’t gotten around to forming visual impressions, but your descriptions fit well. Descriptions of the ships, planets, and special venues are needed as well.

178

FYI, Baker and I have been discussing some other points of interest, including more impressions (like planets and machines).

For everyone who wrote in either thread, please post some ideas. Backstory, description, impressions…

After we get enough of them, we will compile the ideas and check them against each other and the recaps. Any conflicts will get ironed out. Then, we will post a writer’s guide that can be referred to for future stories. Why? Because we’ve created quite a dynamic, layered system of places, people, and concepts. So, we need to make sure we can keep it straight and maintain some sort of canonical consistancy.

yeah, much like Heilein’s Expanded Universe, Niven’s Known Space, and Asimov’s Robots and Empire. It’s become a fascinating place and parts of the stories seem to write themselves. I blame Doper talent. :slight_smile:

So, get your points in! Even if you didn’t write, but noticed some important bits or trends, put 'em here.

The FTSFS Writer’s Guide (when complete) will be a separate thread so it can be bookmarked…

179

I’ve already posted some of my ideas on what certain characters look like, will do a few more later.

But as for ships, I took my mental images from John Maddox Robert’s Space Angel books. I’m no engineer, and would find it hard to judge the designs of others, but those seemed workable/plausible, for humans at least.

For planets already mentioned, or yet to be, I see species seeking out and settling worlds that are not all that different from the place they evolved. Gravity would be important, temperature and weather could differ. Although some folks deride ID4, Brent Spiner’s scientist made an interesting observation about the aliens. “They aren’t all that different from us, similar strength, tolerances to heat and cold, probably why they are interested in out planet.”

Jeff Olsen described Sevastol as a “Paradise Planet”, and in his OP to this thread M’Kayla and Kal were headed there for a vacation. So a resort type world, easy climate with just enough extremes for pleasant variety. Settled by Xavvians, I envisioned it as having slightly lower gravity than Earth. Xavvian males are taller on average than human males, (although some of the latter approach Xavvian average). If their homeworld was heavier gravity seems to me they wouldn’t have had that much height, plus the leaping abilities. And lower grav(90%) would be pleasant for the elderly, handicapped of species from heavier worlds. Specialty resorts? A pregnat human female, if she was well enough off, might enjoy lesser weight on her arches too! Sevastol has the beaches, the warm water, the sports, and so on. Wildlife preserves? Not overdeveloped though, as the OP said permanent structures were fairly recent. I suppose recent could mean in the last couple centuries or so.

Got to go to work, will be back later.

180

Some more thoughts and impressions:

Sevastol would probably work best as a small world, a water planet, with
thousands of islands and one large continent. It would need to be temperate,
except for mountain peaks on the large continent. Being smaller, it would have
less gravity, explaining certain feats of physical (non crystal) prowess.
Perhaps borderline hot for many Humans? Sevastol would need to have military importance too, maybe proximity to a non Confederation culture?

Xavv I think would work well as a jungle world.

Akakslag (I’ll have to look up how I spelled it) is the 7th level of hell. It
would have to seem seriously wierd to Humans, but close enough to Xavv to
justify the Kel/Xavvian relationship.

Valis. I picture the area we used as very close to Western Europe. With some
semi-arid veldts available on another continent.

Forsetti looks unihabitable on the surface, but is like Trantor or the Krell machine underground. The entire (geologically dead) planet is used. Maybe even a bit of Puppeteer in that it doesn’t need to be part of any solar system.

Thost - a terraformed world for the Thosti Renallians. Renallians are an extremely adaptable species, geneticly. The Thosti branch evolved into bipeds with humanoid characteristics. Other Renellians are four footed, flyers, etc… Think Xindi, but all reptilian (to us) in appearance.

The machines: I have a very bauhaus feel about them…

Future story idea:

For #3, I vote for expanding on some minor characters. M’Artel (nee Martel) would make a good protagonist. Bring back Robert, his Human pal.

Forsetti’s history needs to be almost imprenetrably vague, I think. Maybe in #3,
M’Artel could penetrate some of the myth. And we would deal with some of the other happenings and consequences concerning the Council’s ruling.

If it’s okay with everyone else, I’d like to start #3. When we’re all ready.