Tosevites

From Turtledove

Tosevite is the name for humans in the language of the Race. It is based on Tosev, their name for our sun. (They also refer to humans by the slang term Big Uglies.)

Tosevites are unique among the galaxy's four known sentient species in a number of ways. They are not reptilian but mammalian; mammals are unheard of on Home, Rabotev 2, and Halless 1. They are born and are not hatched from eggs. They are sexually active all year round. They form permanent family groups and keep track of consanguinity, even allowing familial roles to surpass the role of friendship in cultural importance. Their cultures develop very quickly, and they are comfortable with noticeable technological progress within a period of just a few years. Most importantly, they were able to resist conquest by the Race, and may even manage to conquer the Race itself some day. They are also the only alien species ever to visit Home in starships of their own making.