"Evolution pressures are funny things," Colin says, smiling. "My people originated on a world alongside humans and other bipedal races. It's not terribly difficult to imagine that our developmental paths would have been similar."

Colin turns, letting Erek decide whether he wants to follow or not. "I'm heading back to my workshop," he says then. "If you'd want to tell me more, I'm certainly happy to hear about it. And I know all about the merits of 'droid design. Made quite a few myself."