Status Updates From The Starwolves

So Meran is instantly asked to dinner by the only Union people we know, out of literally nowhere at all, for no reason. And accepts, because he has literally nothing else going on.
Oh well, at least we've established his preoccupation with whether he'll like food, as covered twice in this chapter and never previously.
This is really like a new book just started.

So the author decided to give Meran a specific interest in human arts and history to justify his earlier mirror musings... which of course only translates into Meran being the bestest at human custom and language for their port visit, and also needing to believe in himself to find the creativity humans have that his species mostly lacks. So... that's not... really... character. That's just more him being perfect.

Wait. They sell their loot to the Union they stole from, by going on shore leave ON a Union planet. What in the absolute hamsterwheel illogical nonsense is this?

Oh well thank goodness we know every female on this very female-biased ship wants to bang Velmeran and he likes to sketch dragons. The plot couldn't possibly have continued without those vital details.

Oh wow, some conflicted goals and shady business almost happened, but then didn't. Whew, what a close one, something interesting nearly occurred. Can't be having that. Welp, back to praising Velmeran for being just... so great.

Still waiting for Meran to become interesting. He's basically flawless, everyone thinks he's great, he's the youngest pack leader, slated for full command, won a big battle easily, everything handed to him on a silver platter. All he's got is a minor case of self doubt for no evident reason.
He doesn't even have a McGuffin to chase. He wants one, but that's the one thing he's been denied. Thrilling.

Okay, but why is he thinking about this now? Hell, why does he even know what a human is if he lives his entire life on this twenty thousand year old ship that's inhabited by Starwolves? Why is he preoccupied with the idea of humanity at all? This is so rushed forward and clunky. I don't even know who tf this idiot is yet.

An intriguing premise, introduced very badly.

Finally done. Sometimes sweet, sometimes frustrating, sometimes over my head... but a surprisingly good 80s sci-fi

Ah, the mistreatment of women in the 80s we all know and hate. Yup, she got stuffed in the fridge. A woman in the refrigerator is the only way to get our main character to take action. I knew it was coming...

A woman working in special tactics. An awesome pilot and commander. She's been highly capable and highly intelligent to this point. And she says "icky-poo" at the dinner table.

WHAT????

My biggest problem so far is that the names are too similar. Way too many B, T, and V names that are easy to get mixed up

There are so many competent women in leadership roles!!! So far it's following the 80s mold with its main character, but it's also turning the mold on its head with the ladies!