The Kek

Line art by the Author

Background

The Kek are the newest Star Union member species, contact having been established only 60 years ago. At that time, their civilization had progressed to the point that they had a permanent orbital presence about their world and were beginning to expand out into their star system.

Description

Kek are endothermic bipeds averaging 165cm in height, with an average mass of 55kg. Their bodies are covered with fine down, colored mottled brown at birth
and changing to gray as the individual ages. Males and females both sport prominent crests, with bright colors predominating in males and more subdued colors
in females.

A Kek's head is equipped with a strong, sharp beak, and tops a long, slender neck which can rotate more than 180 degrees. The eyes are large, and surrounded
with a fringe of fine cilia which serve as olfactory sensors, and a pair of antennae aid in maintaining balance while running over uneven terrain.

Kek shoulder joints are more flexible a human's, and the arms terminate in clawed hands with two pairs of mutually opposable digits. The legs are very strong, and
the average Kek can run at a sustained speed of 65 kilometers per hour, with sprints in excess of 80 kilometers per hour.

A Kek dressed in traditional lancer garb.
Line art by the Author