#a fun little contrast from chitterlings imo

[ben-drabbles]

Lacretians

A stout, four-legged species of rocklike people. Hailing originally from the now-dead planet Lacron, they have since settled on a number of asteroids and small moons, from which they bring their impressive technological advancements to the rest of the galaxy. Their natural magnetic fields led to a relatively early development of electronics, even compared to the humans who had colony ships to work from. Much like the slurm and their decentralized nervous system, this magnetism also gives them a rather unique relationship with modern galactic tech - not to mention their taste for the precious metals said tech is made from. We all have to eat, I suppose.

Lacron was once a resource-rich world full of natural fuels and precious metals, but their regrettable history of exploitation and industrialization poisoned it to the point of uninhabitability. The high gravity and now-deadly atmosphere prevent true exploration, but the longevity of automated lacretian systems lead some to theorize that, despite centuries of neglect, some of their Lacron-based factories may still be running. At the very least, an entire planet's worth of culture and technology still remains, beneath the roiling toxic clouds.

While some lacretians still cling to the 'glory days' on Lacron, they are widely unpopular, even among their own people. Most lacretians have moved on, embracing cleaner energy and greener tech; some even hope to one day heal Lacron, though they know that process will take much longer than their lifespans, if it's even possible at all. Their new asteroid homes suit them just fine - after they perfected gravity generators, they were even able to stave off most of the ill effects of living in a lower-gravity environment, and subsist partially on the metals found within their new homes. Some joke lacretians always land on their feet - lacretians say they never fall at all.

Lacretian ships are, much like the the people themselves, sturdy and strong. Often built from hollowed-out asteroids directly, they sport heavy engines, metal walkways, dim lighting, and sophisticated lacretian grav generators - along with the shielding to boot, to ward off any debris caught in the gravity field. They are reliable and efficient, a real spacer's ship, but don't typically make for a comfortable living space. Though, that's starting to change - as the lacretians become more self-sufficient and find themselves with more room for leisure, it's more and more common to see small decorations, the odd cushion or two, or even lightly scented air recyclers.

Though, lacretians are much more than their industrialism and tenacity. Much like any people, they can now be found almost anywhere in the galaxy. Wandering asteroid homes or businesses might find and rescue stranded ships; mercs and scrappers can always use a durable friend. Lacretian technicians are natural experts at the repair and optimization of failing systems, often able to 'feel' where the electrical breakpoints are. Scientists, performers, artists, leaders - the lacretian people have certainly seen a comeback, and have well earned their place in the galaxy.