The Daily Dose's entry nanocurtain generally slid aside happily, giving the bartender, Alfonso Tanaka, a subtle audio clue to let him know he had new customers. When the shalk walked through it, though, Alfonso swore he could hear his little bots scream as they scrambled to get out of the way. A hush fell over the room, and all but Alfonso's eyes turned immediately toward the creature. Alfonso self-consciously stared down at the glass he was cleaning.

The shalk were small creatures, roughly a meter tall and covered in thick fur. They had big eyes, little leather noses, and mouths that rested naturally in the shape of a smile. Many humans, on meeting a shalk for the first time, made the mistake of exclaiming something to the effect of, "Oh, how cute." Sometimes the shalk allowed such people to live.

No shalk had ever before come into the Daily Dose. And Alfonso knew this one wasn't here for a drink. His name was Quixar, the head of outpost security. And he was here to see the owner of the bar. He was here for Alfonso.