--- From the desk of Prof. Jackson, Xenologist
Regarding Literatus alvus ---
Initial discovery of the species commonly referred to as Chimeras or Mutts was limited to the outermost-operating members of the species, initially dubbed Literatus vagus by the Terran scientific community. These were in most cases found riding space-borne debris while some were simply floating aimlessly through the vacuum.
Detailed accounts of first contact and subsequent encounters with these organisms suggest that the were performing a role similar to the exploratory vessels encountering them. Reported encounters have without fail ended peacefully enough--excepting cases where the vagus was fired upon by belligerent parties. It it worth noting that the first few individuals discovered -when thorough study was attempted- broke containment through either through exploitation of seams in machinery or by boring through walls.
Long after their discovery, it was learned through interviews with certain Vagus that the individuals roving through space are part of a communal system none too dissimilar to Earth beehives, serving the role of a foraging worker. Little more has been shared, leading some scholars believe the claim to be a falsity manufactured in the interest self preservation. Regardless of the truth of the claim, it was decided to change the label for the species to 'Literatus alvus'.
All vagus encountered to date have exhibited a distinct interest in data storage devices, be they shipboard computers or crew members' personal devices. This contributes to the theory that their primary reason for coming into contact with explorers in the first place was for information gathering. To further reinforce this belief nearly all trading with vagus have used information as a medium of value.
Vagus are extremely quick learners, grasping the concept of language with ease. However it is worth mentioning that, despite the supposition that vagus are part of a hive-like structure, most individuals encountered have needed to learn English from scratch. Yes, they learn quickly enough, but more than a negligible few wonder why they haven't been pre-educated since first contact.
In cases where the plotted paths of explorers have coincided with the direction in which a vagus was found to be traveling, they individual has either offered its service aboard the vessel or simply attached itself to the hull of the ship. When the former has occurred, crews have noted their utility, though these hitchhikers have rarely stayed with their chosen transport for long.
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