Story 

Cosmicon is the largest galactic convention on this side of the asteroid belt!

It’s focused on showing off the newest advancements in entertainment and technology to hoards of excited visitors. It's hosted in a different space station or observatory every time, chosen for its view of a specific planetary or stellar body, or events like passing meteor showers. The ceiling and walls of the station shine black with the vastness of space, only separated by a few inches of glass as a holographic membrane lights up invisible radiation to show the glow of an otherwise invisible cascade of solar radiation-- an aurora in the blackness of space, with a view of a local gas giant.

A Xero of your stature is considered small compared to the sea of aliens that seems to sprawl across the lobby. Even the local airspace above you, through the innermost layer of glass, is bustling with small personal crafts, as others rush to and fro from panel to events. You are on your way into the marketplace. Holograms on every corner have been advertising a very special V-Pet that you are determined to get! It’s said it’s only available during the convention and that stock is limited!

There's a line, of course, what else could you expect? It’s not too bad; this time is spent admiring others booths from your position in line, listening to conversations of others and occasionally a snack vendor will walk by, selling snacks, hydration and fidget toys for the species that thrive in different conditions than simply standing and waiting. You can tell you’re getting close! The snaking line has made its last turn and instead of seeing people shuffling in the opposite direction as you, you're butted against tables shut down for the duration of the giveaway. But it’s hard to see around the Korso in front of you, and shuffling to either side doesn't help much, as several species of comparable stature are in front of them as well. The Korso seems to be furrowing their brow, counting those ahead on their hooves… and sags backwards after a moment, clearly satisfied with the results of their summation. However many options are left, there's enough for the Korso… and since you're directly behind them, there's a decent chance there's at least one more for you!

Finally, you can see the end of the line. You can see someone dressed in a Fuzzlet costume, but the character is unfamiliar. This one is white and has a halo and wings. Your eyes sparkle as you bounce up on your tip-toes and cane to the side. You're seeing the new -OOF!

“Oh my stars!??” A nasally voice seems shocked. “I barely even noticed you there- if I had a tail you would practically be standing on it!”

Your eyes focus enough to see your assailant is the Korso! They offer a hoof to help you up. You accept, only to realize the person behind you is now at the front of the booth. They are feverishly grabbing a blister pack from the booth attendants hands. Your feet move faster than you can think to claim your own. You don’t even thank the Korso for their help. The booth attendant fishes through the box as you step up, moving what sounds like packing material to one side, then looks at you with a shrug.

“Sorry, kid. That was my last one.”

You’re demoralized. That can’t be true!! All the waiting in line? All so you could get elbowed out of line and onto the ground?? The attendant nonchalantly points in the direction of the last alien he helped, but it’s no use. You’re too short and they have disappeared into the crowd. As the booth closes up you drag your feet back towards the main lobby when someone calls

“Wait- you- the Xero! Wait!” It’s the Korso that barreled you over, great. Their long legs make quick work of the distance between you two.

“I heard that was the last Star V-Pet… I’m so very sorry. I was lost in excitment recieving mine I didn’t see you- but if you want I might be willing to make a trade…”You can feel your tail and ears perk up- are they serious? You give an eager nod for them to continue.

“I see you have the entire V-Pet collection. I’d take one of each for the Star V-Pet. Don’t worry, I’ll treat them well!” You try to school your expression as your face falls. Seriously? A full set of your V-Pets? Your friends? For the Cosmicon-exclusive, Limited-run Star V-Pet… guaranteed, with no need to fight to get one on the secondary market.