Okay, so I don’t read a lot of sci-fi. So I never thought of it as having such gorgeous imagery. I don’t generally LIKE sci-fi, but I loved this. The second paragraph is my favorite, I feel like I’m there! And I enjoy imagining what an alien bird might look like :)

I like the idea of coming full circle by reducing sci-fi characters to a primitive state. Your imagery is great, and as someday_93 said, your second paragraph is great.

I would recommend taking another look at the third paragraph, which could use some work. The repetition of “after” is awkward and interrupts the swift pace you had built up.

I love the names Roderick and Jane. To me they sound like eccentric time/space travelers.

Challenge Critique: The first line is a winner. Starting with ‘Run!’ grabbed my attention. The unique world you created is awesome as well, but I was looking for more action after the first ‘run!’ Thanks for entering this great story, Doc.