Kylaxians

Commerce is culture. Every interaction is a transaction. The Kylaxians have traded across the galaxy for millennia—and they intend to keep trading regardless of who’s in charge.

Physical Characteristics

Kylaxians are a reptilian species adapted for commerce rather than combat:

• Iridescent scales - Colors shift subtly with mood and light
• Keen eyes - Excellent at spotting details (and deception)
• Dexterous hands - Four-fingered, nimble with goods and credits
• Long lifespan - Centuries of business experience possible
• Patient metabolism - Can wait longer than most species for a deal

Culture

The Merchant Tradition

Commerce is central to Kylaxian identity. From childhood, Kylaxians learn negotiation, valuation, and the art of the deal. Success in trade brings status; failure brings shame.

Core values:

• Every interaction is a transaction
• Fair dealing builds reputation
• Information has value
• Patience in negotiation is virtue
• Neutrality preserves business

Community Structure

Kylaxian society organizes around trade guilds that span the galaxy. These guilds set standards, mediate disputes, and maintain the information networks that make Kylaxian commerce possible.

Family businesses pass from generation to generation, with young Kylaxians apprenticing in the family trade before striking out on their own.

Neutrality

Kylaxians sell to all sides. Political neutrality isn’t moral cowardice—it’s business strategy. Wars end; customers remain. The Kylaxian who sold weapons to both sides of a conflict will be there to sell reconstruction supplies when it’s over.

This pragmatism makes them invaluable as intermediaries. When enemies need to communicate, they often do it through Kylaxian channels.

Notable Kylaxians

• Rix - Shopkeeper at Zmetek Beta Station, reliable contact for Robert’s crew

Connections

• Trade networks - Galaxy-spanning commercial infrastructure
• Zmetek Beta Station - Significant Kylaxian presence
• Black market - Discrete participation in illegal commerce
• All factions - Kylaxians trade with everyone

Kylaxians appear as merchants and contacts throughout the Fannec Records series.