Takalik hatched on the Oraselk homeworld of the non-egg-laying sex (Untranslatable, he chooses the pronoun "he" when speaking English). He was part of what might be considered an upper-class family.
Oraselk culture places heavy emphasis on conformity and the social hierarchy. This also carries over to their galactic presence. They are largely isolationist and intolerant of the ideals and ideas of other species. Offspring are expected to partner with a mate by maturity, or they are essentially disowned by their parents and outcast by the community. This is especially prevalent in upper class families, where the parents have a vested interest in reaching a higher status and will sometimes even arrange partnerships.
From a young age, Takalik was considered odd. He was intensely focused on his projects he constructed in his room out of scraps. He even posed his projects online to feed his ambition. His dream was to study at the Saturn Station University in Sol. SSU Sol was one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the galactic neighborhood.
As he approached the appropriate age, his parents noticed he did not show the typical rudimentary courtship behaviors towards his peers, nor would he discuss it with anyone. His parents began to worry he would not end up pairing at all, especially if he was off to university. They forbid him from pursuing a university education until he paired with a mate.
Takalik was crushed when he heard this. However, one day one of his posts online—a model ion engine—had gained traction. Miraculously, an admissions officer at SSU sol saw his creation, and offered him a full ride scholarship.
His parents told him that if he left for SSU, never to return, and that he would not be welcome back into their home. Takalik sat with this for a long time. He decided to go.
He now works repairing ships at an outpost. He hopes he can one day create ships himself, but the job market isn't looking great. He's not 100% happy with his job, and the way his species behaves towards other species doesn't do him any favors. He's the only Oraselk on base,and doesn't feel like any less of an outcast here than on homeworld.
