orn to a world of swirling, fractal chaos, who learned the art of civilization. Their government was forged in fire, ruled only by the objective truth of all things, with no room for incompetence, mercy, or even morality. Their city, 'The Underbirth', holds within it the greatest collection of animal minds, born of mechanical systems designed to test everything: natural, cultural, industrial selection. Their art is beguiling, their science boundless, their bodies strong and lean and perfect.

And yet, amidst the beauty of a culture ruled by absolute competence, some begin to ask: what is the cost of civilization? When do animals stop being animals? Is there another way?

-Illustrated by Sam Fennah & Carmen K. Jones