What is confusing me that the nubs that are coming out are longish and stringy and there are about 4 of them
Could easily be the tips of the new sepals. Some Aerangis have flower buds that are not a perfectly round bud. You will just have to be a little patient
The other posibility is that this one eye is growing several flower buds, which would be unusual but not unheard of.
You all are right! Looking at pictures of the closeups it looks like it might be petals!!! The top of the spike is also getting little nubs. I am amazing that the sepals are just emerging like that without protection of a bud, and I was expecting something cascading like Aerangis articulata. But it looks like the cross will be more like Aerangis fastuosa. I am exhilarated either way!