The sloping tunnel was carpeted and rather ornate, lined with colorful statuary and display cases containing a mélange of artifacts that no-doubt held cultural significance to the locals. Some items looked like ancient archaeological relics, while others resembled emblems or trophies As for the waxy, humanoid effigies, no doubt they were historical characters, from early, violent phases of civilization on this planet – a suspicion that seemed confirmed as I headed briskly up the long ramp. Many of them bore ancient-looking weapons, portrayed in a variety of valiant poses.

While other new arrivals hurried past me – heading up the ramp toward the Golden Palace – I slowed down, increasingly fascinated by the exhibits, wishing I had a full-scan quadcorder and could share all of this with experts aboard the Gamble. Evidently, these displays were laid out as a journey forward in time; as I moved ahead, the heroic figures carried increasingly sophisticated utensils, generally for dealing out death. Crude swords and spears gradually gave way to firearms, as technology advanced toward ever-more powerful means of destruction.

Then, abruptly, the series of martial figures gave way to a completely different class of heroes, bearing implements of another sort – tools that seemed designed for either making noise or for pounding the heck out of innocent-looking balls.

Musicians and athletes. I’m witnessing a classic shift in the heroic image, from warriors to entertainers. Typical for a civilization passing through adolescent stages sixteen and seventeen. A common sign of racial puberty.

Sure enough, in addition to music-makers and sportsmen, I passed other figures who seemed to have no other purpose than posing in as little clothing as possible. Cinema stars, fashion models, sex-symbols. Or the equivalent, here on Oxytocin 41, during their transition age.

All very illuminating. Only, something bothered me. And all at once, I realized what it was.

There are only Standard-looking humanoids! I’ve seen no undead creatures or mutant varieties on display – no werewolves or trolls or zombies. Were they purposely excluded?

Or could it be that they did not exist, during these earlier eras?

That suggests… there might have occurred some kind of sudden change—

My suspicion seemed to be confirmed, just as the technology on display tipped toward Level Eighteen. The crisis level, that so many promising species never survive. Suddenly, I confronted a figure dressed in what seemed to be a competition track suit, carrying some kind of baton. The mannequin stood frozen – though apparently mid-stride – in a pose of frenetic speed. Instantly you could tell that this specimen was far hairier than any of the earlier heroes. And from his hirsute jaw, there sprouted an impressive array of tusks.

Lycan-Thorpe the nanos in my left eye translated a caption, below. Champion of the 5732 Games. Hero of the Movement for NonStandard Rights.