Harbourmaster 034-022

I get the impression that already, Tal is  better with the Entomorphs than he is with people. I'm thinking along the lines of how some humans just get along better with dogs and cats and horses but struggle socially with other humans.  Entomorphs are not animals, being sentient and communicative, but somehow I think having an inhuman face allows Tal to drop his guard easier. I mean, he's just looking over his shoulder at her. He doesn't immediately whip around and face the person he's talking to, which he would if he were truly nervous. He still blushes, but he somehow seems more at ease.

Plus that "oh" in Panel 3 seems like a more excited "oh" than a nervous oh. I suspect Tal was excited to meet the Entomorphs (though perhaps he's not yet willing to admit it). Hopefully they are not a species that judges by first appearance and he'll have another chance to form an impression.