FIRST | PREV | Part 1

AOOP BONUS STORIES:

-Ancestral Knowledge By: Kaleidoscope1017 

- The Spirit Of Hunters Past(Finished)

- New Exterminator On The Block

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Memory Transcription Subject : Beau Hunter - Farsul Rescue : Date : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936  

I crawled out of the couch surprisingly refreshed from that short nap and massage, the exhaustion from the day alleviated for now, but I almost immediately found myself subject to an entirely different problem.

Jezebel and Bruce were starting to become a bit too friendly. I didn’t think anything of it at first. The compliments, the pets massage, the gifts of snacks. All of it well within the standards of cured human hospitality, at least from the ones who weren’t afraid of me. But as the movie finished up and we started to get up and leave, The pair of cured humans tried to hold my hands.

The hand contact didn't last for long, I pushed my hands into my pockets when they first made the attempt. Handholding usually wasn't something I did outside of holding hands with my husband or children.

When Aiko did it, back when I first got out of my cell back on the ship, It was an innocent action, and it came off as childlike and sweet.

But when these two tried it, when they tried to get close to me, the vibes just felt way off.

There was a look in their eyes, one that I struggled to read but almost looked like… hunger. I really hoped my ancestor sensibilities were just reading to much into things, because I was really really not comfortable with the implications of my observations, but the more I thought about it, how they had both been acting….. oh god what had I allowed them to indulge!

When they couldn’t hold onto my pocketed hands, I then felt them try to wrap their arms around my own.

I immediately made up an excuse and tried to leave to go to the bathroom. I left abruptly and left no room for questioning my intent. I power walked which seemed to earn me some distance at first, but the reflection from a glossy movie poster frame showed them to be gaining on me, having to take up a light jog to keep pace.

“Hey beau, wait up a second, we can help you find the bathroom we have been here before.” shouted Jezebel.

“No it's okay, I’m good.” I shot back, refusing to make eye contact.

“It's okay! I don't mind, you're not used to our architecture, it's really no trouble.”

I began to round a corner.

“Nope nope, it's fine you don’t have to worry about me I just…..” My voice tapered off as I booked it down the hallway the second I was out of line of sight, the soft carpet and my padded shoes having the added benefit of hiding the sounds of my rapid footfalls.

I could hear the pairs chatting indicating they were still on my tail as I bounded through the building's winding halls until I managed to find a side exit and I let myself out.

After carefully and quietly closing the door behind me, I pressed myself flat against the building, as I heard them pass by the door from inside, completely oblivious.

“You scared another one off again Jezebel, I told you you're too aggressive.”

“Nonsense he's a massive predator, There's no way he would be intimidated by us, he probably went to the east restroom, common we will catch him there, lets go!”

Shit I hate being right.

I allowed myself to relax as I heard them leave, my shoulders slumping and my posture relaxing against the wall as I closed my eyes and let out a relieved sigh before.

“Psp Ancestor over here.”

“Shit!”

I jumped, surprised by the sudden mysterious voice.

I glanced around the dark alleyway between the movie theater and the next building over. There were a few loose boxes and a dumpster with a lone light shining down on it. Popping it’s head out from behind it, the hooded form of a cured human revealed itself.

“Fuck man, you scared me.” I spat out, hand to my chest.

“Shhhhhh.”

The man urged.

“Be quiet ancestor, you wouldn’t wish to be spotted here.”

“In this alley?” I questioned.

“No, with me, quick come here.”

Out of curiosity I obliged, following the man towards a pile of nondescript trash bags and boxes, which upon closer inspection revealed itself to be anything but, as the man flipped open the side of a box to reveal a hollow space, lit within via some  mysterious internal lighting.

The cured human had to crouch to get inside before turning around to gesture me to follow.

“Uh i’m not sure little guy, I don’t know what you're getting up to here but I’m not sure I want to know.”

The man wearing his hooded version of the town's herd style glanced around frantically before returning his gaze to me. “Listen ancestor, when you saw the movies in that theatre, didn’t you find them a bit… tame, don't you want something more exciting, more visceral and real?”

“I was asleep for the most part of the movie, I wouldn't know.”

“Well lets just say me and my associates, have an appreciation for more lucrative cinema.”

“Oh god, nope, im not buying any voyeur films, thank you, goodbye!” I proclaimed as I turned to leave.

“No wait! Nothing like that ancestor, just look.”

I didn't look, I didn't want to, but that didn't stop the little guy from sprinting in front of me, and pulling down the zipper on the front of his robe to reveal a collection of small rectangular images lining his garment, which appeared to me like miniature movie poster or a video box.

“This is the stuff the feds and the R.A don't want us to see ancestor. The movies too aggressive for mere prey to watch, but I've seen the data dumps, the movies you ancestors used to make, I know your kind can handle it!”

I stopped in my tracks with a sigh. “What even is all this? Is this illegal? Why go through so much trouble to sell movies like this?”

“This isn't about profit ancestor, this is about a community of artists, long oppressed and shoved into boxes, unable to make the art they really wanted to make, not without being censored or shoved into a facility.”

That statement actually got me to stop and think. The federation would have had to instill some massive censorship laws to get away with half the stuff they did. And while America the nation was long dead, I was still a red blooded american at heart, and censorship didn’t sit right with me.

“What kind of movies you got then? What are your artist friends making?"

The cured human’s eyes lit up at that, and he eagerly began to show off his wares.

“Oh we got all sorts of good stuff, we got violence films, predator horror flicks, arxur drama’s.” He stopped to make a point of pointing out one movie's picture over the others. “Oh this is a good pick, this one’s director was particularly twisted, this one is about a man who robs a convenience store, and get this.” The man took one more cautious glance around. “He, he… kills somebody.”

I had to forcibly stop my eyes from rolling.

”Wow, that sure does sound intense.”

”I know right, he tried to use a gun during the robbery, and he panicked and shot the guy, the rest of the movie is how the man deals with the consequences, and how society reacts to his particular form of predator disease.”

“These certainly sound like compelling watches.” I replied, feigning interest as my eyes glossed over looking at the rest of the man's movies.

”Honestly I'm not sure what to pick big man”. I replied diplomatically.

“You don’t have to decide right now.” He spoke as he zipped his garment back up and pulled out a sheet of paper and wrote on it before handing it to me.

“Here's my burner bleat account profile, don't share this with anyone!” He spoke ominously, as ominously as the cured human vocal register could achieve. “Use this to get a hold of me later, you can take more time to pick one you like.”

“Uh sure, yeh I’ll look into that thanks.”

I pocketed the piece of paper before hearing a familiar voice from down the alley. “Hey look there’s Beau! He took the side exit out.” Cried out Dave, who had spotted me from the alleys entranceway from the theatre's front sidewalk. “Whose your friend?”

The mysterious figure froze, and I swore he nearly bolted when Muca walked up to Dave to regard the two of us.

“Oh I just met him, we were just talking about movies, I don’t believe I got his name.” I replied.

“My… my name, oh yeah that, it's uh John.” The man answered hesitantly being called out like he was.

“You should join our herd John, we are doing all sorts of fun stuff today, it will be great, and you obviously have no problems with the ancestors!”

I don’t know what the guys was thinking, but it was obvious the factor of Muca the exterminator was messing with whatever math was going on in his head.

“Ah yeah sure, I can hang out, I'm not doing anything.”

“Hooray!” Dave cheered.

System Update : Transcription Widget Activated.
Herd Tracker : Status : Online
Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Sketchy Movie Hawker’ Acquired 

----------

As a group it was decided that we would check out the local museum next.

Not only did it have a number of art exhibits, Aiko along with a few others thought it might be interesting to see what some non Reclamation alliance historians; ones who had for the most part been backed up and funded by the farsul government; had gotten right and wrong.

As we made our way there and walked through the town, the residents were for the most part staying clear of us, with the occasional ‘brave soul’ passing near us to get to a local business or apartment we were blocking.

It stayed like this until one individual burst out from a nearby huddle of townsfolk, one that seemed a good deal shorter than the people around him.

Their gate was fast and eager, but far from steady as they tumbled twice onto their hands and knees in their rapid attempt to make it to us, but make it they did.

“Awh…. hello little guy, are you okay? You took a nasty looking little tumble there.” Anna Cooed at the small child, one who proved the rule that no matter the species, uncanny mutant or otherwise, that the babies and younglings of any animal just looked cute.

The knee height little cured human stared up at Anna in aww, his eyes having gone wide as he immediately started to babble out excitedly at the girl.

“Wow what are you? Why do you look like that?”

He eagerly asked, completely baffled at the woman's appearance.

Anna chuckled. “Well i’m a human silly, just like you!”

“Woah!” The child uttered in amazement, holding up his arms up in front of him, looking rapidly between himself and the amused german women.

Our group regarded the unattended child's innocent curiosity with fondness. Eliciting a number of coos from the human and alien members alike.

I stepped forward towards the kid, slightly concerned what someone so young was doing running around town alone.

“Uh hey kid, you wouldn’t happen to know where your parents are?” I asked softly.

“Wow! You're even bigger!” The child shouted, holding both his arms high into the air as if in emphasis at my anomalous size.

“Uh… yes I am, though I was hoping to figure out where your parent or guardian might be?”

“My momma's back with her herd. How did you get so big? My momma says that if I want to get all big I have to eat all my mushrooms and green beans, did you eat lots of mushrooms? Are you a predator? You have eyes like one, did you eat animals? How many animals did you eat?” He spoke rapidly.

I only half paid attention to the kid’s questions, as I looked around town trying to see if I could pick out a no doubt panicking parent from amongst the towns population.

“Wait so you want to know how many animals I have eaten?” I asked absently.

“Yeh?”

“I don't know what to tell you kid, I guess alot.”

I looked at the kid from the corner of my eye as I placed a hand against his back to keep track of him while I looked for his parent. His face seemed to take on a dour expression all of a sudden at my answer.

“Did you…. Did you eat beavers?” The child asked innocently, worry edging into his high pitched voice. “My favorite animals are beavers.” He looked at me, awaiting for a response, visibly distraught by the implications of his query.

I couldn't help but smile however.

“I would never eat a beaver little guy, in fact I was in charge of protecting the beavers, they were important ecosystem engineers and I had the pleasure of seeing them a lot during one of my internships.”

The child's mood immediately flipped. “You met beavers!?!?” he asked excitedly.

“Yep I sure did, I even got to observe the construction of one of their dams, saw them gnaw down some trees and everything.”

“Wow, that's so cool!”

I allowed the kids to talk with Anna and Mia for a moment, whilst I gestured over to Aiko to ask her a question.

“Hey Aiko.” I spoke quietly to her. “Whats up with the kid? Should his parents not be looking for him, no one seems to be bothered by seeing him wander around all by himself.”

Aiko cocked her head at this question.

“What do you mean Beau? He has the town herd looking out for him, and it's not like we are going to do anything to hurt him or something like that.”

I had to pause at that, the amount of blind trust these people had in their communities coming off to me as extremely odd. They still had wackos and crazy people right? I had just met a black market movie dealer? What was stopping someone from picking him up right off the street?
“Should’nt his parents or guardian be concerned he might get lost Aiko?” I asked.

“His parents are probably nearby, and even if he gets lost, not only can his parents track him, but any exterminator would be able to get him back home real quick. We are taught to go to them from a young age if we need help.”

“That's…. Certainly something Aiko.” Was all I could really say in response to that without making this a whole thing. “Ask me about it tomorrow.”

She nodded eagerly at the prospect of another historical lesson and quickly scrawled something down in her pad.

Turning back to regard the kids he was still eagerly assaulting the other two original recipe humans with questions. And I caught them in the middle of an explanation.

“.....its not so much that we are big for humans, but actually that you herbivore humans are really small, some aliens called the farsul came down a long time ago to earth and changed everyone to look like you.” Anna spoke sweetly, having to crouch on her knees to be anywhere near eye level with the kid in front of her.

”What? My aunty Mila is a farsul, I don’t think she would do something like that, she wants me to grow up real big and strong, she always says so, Momma says she’s been really sad a lot. Do you know what wood beavers like to eat?! I got a beaver back home and I like to feed him the sticks out of the…..”

”Michael!!!”

The loudest shout I have ever heard come from a cured human bellowed out from behind me. As a small black and white blur blitzed past me and scooped up the kid from out in front of us.

She didn't make it too far though as she lost her balance almost as soon as she grabbed Michael and tumbled to the ground, twisting herself to catch the fall for what I had guessed was her child.

She floundered on the ground, her brain unsure if she wanted to hold her child, rise to her feet, track the threat in front of her or get away by any means necessary.

“Please….don't hurt my baby!” She cried out, curling up into a ball around her kid after trying and failing to stand.

I reflexively moved to try and help her up but her continued pleading made me pause.

“No! Stop! Don’t! Eat me instead.”

She spoke, hyperventilating as she trembled in place, holding onto Michael for dear life.
I spread my hands wide in front of me and we all decided to take a collective step back.

“Woah, take it easy there.” I spoke.

“It's okay mam, there is no reason to be alarmed.” Muca spoke in a low but calm voice, gesturing with her trunk as she quickly circled the crowd to get a look at the mother. “These predators are safe.” The elephant exterminator assured.

“We would never hurt your little boy.” Anna spoke in a cracked and wary voice, perturbed by the desperate scene playing out in front of her, at the mothers near animalistic panic.

“See we are are taking a step back.” I assured, I took Anna by the shoulder and started to walk us both back away from the woman. “It’s alright, you're going to be fine.”

The woman at the behest of our collective assurances, managed to get her shit together enough to rise to her feat, she backed away slowly never taking her eyes off us. She trembled as she walked, looking well like she was about to bolt before……

“Easy there mam, there is no need to start a stampede… its okay… your safe,”

To my surprise Daisy of all people had seemingly materialized out of nowhere to walk behind the women to hold a hand to her back and stop her from running off.

With a practiced looking ease, she maneuvered the woman to turn away from us, and began to walk the woman through some light breathing exercises.

“It's alright mam, you have two exterminators keeping an eye on those three now, and I assure you they don't mean you any harm. Do you see this?” I struggled to see past the two, but the following statements made it obvious what Daisy was demonstrating to the mother.

“This is the remote to their collars, they can't hurt you or your boy, even if they wanted to, which I'm sure they don't."

God thanks for the reminder asshole.

“I know, I think I get it, it's just….” The mother tried to speak.

They're really nice mommy, and they like beavers too!” The child in her arms attempted to get a word in, managing to get a single tiny arm free, and attempting to run his hand through the panicked woman's hair. “They're also really big and cool.” He added before his momma tried to put an end to the madness.

“We…. We are going home Michael, and when we get there you are going to go to your room and are never going to scare your mother like this ever again you hear me!”

”But I wanna stay with their herd mommy! They say they are doing a bunch of fun things today!”

“Michael we can't just join their pred… predator herd.”

“Pweaseeeeeee, I'll be really good! I'll clean my room and pick up my toys, and I can clean your room too!”

The woman shuddered, as she turned to regard our little group.

The reminder of the collar’s function by Daisy had shut Anna up, and Mia was turned away to try and not scare the women further.

The mother was doing her own double takes now, reevaluating the situation with the new information presented to her, and the initial shock and panic of seeing her child with a bunch of strange predators wearing off.

Weighing her child's request against her panicked worries.

“It's really hard to say no to them.” I whispered towards her. “I used to tell myself every time I drove the kids past the ice cream parlor, that this was it, this was the day when I would put my foot down, and say no to the little buggers.”

“Did… did you ever do that?” The mother asked quietly, making sure to keep both me and her child in her sight lines.

“No.” I answered simply, and at that I swore I saw the beginnings of a smile appear on the woman's snout, as she looked fondly at her pleading child.

She paused before turning her attention back to me.

“Are you a father?” She asked, concern evident in her voice.

“I was.” I said solemnly. Trying not to think too much about the question.
She looked back to Michael, and hugged him tight. Before looking back at Daisy.

“You will keep us safe right?”

“With my life.”

She looked her child dead in the eye.

“Ok…. we can go with them.”

“Hooray!!!” he cheered.

“Ah ah ah, but you will hold my hand the whole time, and you will stay next to this nice extermination officer the whole time as well, do you hear me?”

“Yes mommy!!!!”

“Well then we are glad you can join us miss.” Abdel piped up from within our ever growing group of new ‘friends’. ”I don't believe we got your name."

“It's Donna, and you’ve met Michael.” She spoke nodding to the little one in her arms, who was waving to us wildly with his one free hand.

“Well we are glad to have you with us Donna, now I hope you two are fans of history because we are heading off to the museum!”

Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Pocket Sized Beaver Enthusiast’ Acquired 
Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Terrified Mother’ Acquired
Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Big Meanie Exterminator’ Acquired

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Herd Tracker Widget : Herd Status Report
Herd Population : 21
Herd Occupants:
-Beau - Ancestor Human - Conservationist

-Anna - Ancestor Human - Graduated Medical student

-Mia - Ancestor Human - Old and mischievous

-Dr.Bilnen - Zurulian Doctor - Emotional Support Zurulian

-Aiko - Cured human Historian - Trying not to make it obvious

-Daisy - Cured human Exterminator - Certified big meanie

-Lucas - Cured Human Historian - Completely Oblivious

-Abdel - Cured Human U.E Military - Weary Event Planer

-Muca - Mazic Exterminator - Best Girlfriend

-Filin - Venlil U.E Military - Sneakily Licking Dave

-Dave - Cured Human U.E Military - Local Salt dispensary

-Dr.Coldwater - Sivkit Doctor U.E Military - Has two loving dads back home. 

-Arun - Cured Human U.E Military - Placeholder human

-Chandra - Gojid U.E Military - Token Gojid

-Alma - Dossur U.E Military Squad Commander - Asleep in someone's pocket

-Mrs.Rami - Cured Human Old lady - To old to give a fuck

-Jezebel - Cured Human Horny Barista - Needs a cold cup of water

-Bruce - Cured Human Fabulous Salon Worker - Mr.Steal Your Ancestor

- John - Cured Human Salesman - totally a real name.

- Michael - Cured Human Child - aspiring Beaver expert

- Donna - Cured Human Mother - Mother of the year, wants to die.

------------------------

FIRST | PREV | PART 2

AOOP BONUS STORIES:

-Ancestral Knowledge By: Kaleidoscope1017 

- The Spirit Of Hunters Past(Finished)

- New Exterminator On The Block

https://preview.redd.it/ldt7smh1gk2h1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=4abd527bf3ca50c4c63f6a72b4dcacc6b0077f61

Memory Transcription Subject : Anna Schoen - Farsul Rescue : Date : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936

Today I had been screamed at, drugged, electrocuted, and treated like a monster by almost three quarters of the town, and while I definitely wouldn't say this experience was worth it if asked. It spoke to how pleasant it was that if someone had asked me that question right now, it would have at least caused me to pause in lieu of giving an immediate answer.

A fluffy zurulian on my lap, a cured human masseuse at my back, and the most adorable movie I have ever seen playing out on the cinema screen in front of me, it was bliss.

As I sat upon the softest, plushest, and most comfortable couch I could have never even dreamed of back in my own time, I watched this odd yet charming future film play out on the screen in front of me.

It was some kind of romantic hospital drama. At the moment a beleaguered cured human doctor sat opposite to a bed ridden trauma case patient, a similarly uncanny cured human was sat there, weeping in his hospital bed, both of his hands replaced by two advanced looking robotic arms, Their advanced composite coatings making them look near indistinguishable from the real thing.

He had lost the pair in an industrial accident, resulting in a mass casualty event that the movie’s plot was largely based around.

He held his new limbs far away from his body, like he was afraid of them, his eyes filled with tears as the doctor across from him attempted to comfort him.

“They’re just not right doctor, they feel numb all the time, and they’re unsteady and shaky. I tried to groom my daughter, but they just pinched on her hair and they hurt her! I don’t know what to do.”

The cured human sobbed.

“Sir I assure you that these are the finest prosthetics available,” The doctor attempted to respond. “Your new hands come with top of the line haptic feedback systems.”

“The buzzing, the relentless buzzing across my skin, it never stops, I itch at it but it doesn't go away!!!”

“Sir I told you before, it takes time for your nervous system to adapt to…..”

“I can never hold my wife again! It will never be me holding onto her, just these machines!”

“Mr.Burkley you need to calm down, working yourself up over the issues will only exasperate the…. Wait sir, Stop!” The doctor cried out towards the diminutive man, who had just started bashing his arms against the hospital bed rails, attempting to rip at and bite at his arm’s connection ports to the prostheses.

“I NEED THEM OFF, GET THEM OFF!!! I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!”

The patient just lost it. His screams were like that of a child’s, and the pain and distress felt tangible and real even through the screen. Nurses and orderlies rushed in to restrain and sedate the patient, and after the ordeal concluded the doctor retired to the hospital’s  break room clearly exhausted, and still not done with what was and had been a very busy day at his E.R.

The whole scene was quite dour, and I struggled to think of a crueler injury for a cured human to sustain, the movie had a very particular tone it was keeping to well, but then that nurse showed up and completely shattered the vibe.

“Dr.Robby, I heard you had a rough encounter with a patient, that the PD specialist had to get involved, is everything okay?” 

The upright bunny alien nurse from behind him asked in a high pitched alien voice. Her adorable little ears flipping this way and that, in a way I had to guess signified questioning or concern.

The Doctor fidgeted with his hands, taking a moment before responding. “A patient lost his hands, and was having issues with his prosthetics haptic feedback… amongst other things, I tried to comfort him, assure him it was going to be alright, I just…. Couldn't get through to him, I couldn't help.”

The alien nurse took the doctor by his head and leaned him into her side, her fluffy arms wrapping him up in a hug.

“Awh, it's okay. I’m sure it's not your fault, human hands have some of the most sensitive nerve clusters in your bodies, you told him it would take time to get used to new ones being grafted on right?”

“Yes.”

“Well then you did everything right, sometimes you just need to let the pd specialist do their work.”

The scene should have been more sad, the acting was effective too, but i just couldn't get over the nurse, no nurses.

The nurse’s fluffiness was highlighted by their tight fitting hospital scrubs, which their fur threatened constantly to escape from. Light strands of fluff poking out from every sleeve neck and foot hole.

The well groomed alien actors were scattered throughout the movie, but this was the first time that the level of fluff was clearly shown. And oh my god.

I knew through Mia’s family a thing or two about the movie industry, how movies could act as a sort of wish fulfillment, where the audience could vicariously experience a level of satisfaction through the actions and experiences of the characters.

There were societal implications based around what form of wish fulfillment audiences flocked to. And it most certainly colored cured human society, that this is what their media companies decided to put in their films to fulfill those wishes.

I learned from Bilnen and Abdel, that the movie was filled to the brim with famous earth actors and actresses, super fluffed up venlil, Iftali, zurulians, nevoks, sivkits, you name it. All with their fur moisturized blown out and teased to perfection.

Thick and soft enough for a cured human to lose their hand in.

“Jesus Christ, I spend enough time trying to keep this little patch of hair on my head in good condition, how does one do so with their entire body?! The conditioner alone must be worth a fortune.”

“Oh it no doubt takes entire teams of stylists.” Bilnen remarked.

“There are teams dedicated to making sure the leads are kept drowning in fluffy aliens to cuddle.” Abdel followed up.

“Its a completely unrealistic standard of grooming for someone to hold themselves up to, and unfortunately not everybody understands that." Abdel's Elephant girlfriend Muca pouted. “I can’t tell you how many cases of depressive PD I have had to deal with where my patient would compare themselves to some actor like say Vikri Pufftail, and beat themselves up for coming up short of these impossible fluffiness standards."

“Skill issue.”

Spoke the sheep like alien Filin, who currently had a smaller cured human affectionately buried into his chest and belly wool, engulfing him almost as if attempting to smother the small man.

“It's more realistic when you have a personal grooming human I suppose.” Spoke Dave through a mound of soft wool.

“Shhhhhhh” Filin brayed, as he attempted to shush Dave with tail poof.

“They're going to make you cut it eventually, you won't fit into your mark two suit with all that poof.”

“Nah I can still pat it down into the undersuit."

“You're going to cook yourself in their like those actors do under the stage lights!” Abdel complained.

“Then I will die warmer, cuddlier and better than all of you!”

This got a giggle from many of the group, but we were quickly urged back into silence as the movie started to pick up again.

“We got a code blue!”

One of the nurses could be heard calling out from just outside the hospital’s break room. Dr.Robby rushed out to find an unresponsive patient being floated in on one of their impressive looking hover stretchers.

“The patient is unresponsive.”

“Pulse is flatlining!”

“I need a C.T.F.R here now!” The intense looking doctor loudly ordered his nearby nurse. I couldn't help but crack a smile at this little interaction however.

While the scene earlier with the limb loss patient was admittedly quite distressing, this current scene had me stifling laughter for the exact same reasons. The environment of the scene was almost familiar from my time as a resident, it would have been even more so if half the doctors, nurses and orderlies had not all been cured humans, whose vocal register brought into mind the image of a group of children playing pretend.

A staff member had finally got the doctor what he needed, and he quickly applied a flat metallic pad with a glowing blue interface to the top of the patient’s chest, which he immediately began to interface with, this caused the device to start loudly humming and causing the patient it was set atop to lightly jolt in place.

“Oooh Anna!” Bilnen interjected from beside me, bapping me on the arm with his paw to get my attention. “We talked about this one, answer me what the acronym stands for and what it does and I will….. buy you something nice from the concessions." He squeaked out.

I looked at the vaguely familiar device on screen, and I placed a hand to my chin in contemplation, thinking back to yesterday afternoon on Chekov’s ship when I had to wait for everyone to get their injuries treated from that brawl.

The friendly little bear alien had to have emptied out entire cabinets worth of medical gadgets to show off to me. He dedicated that afternoon to catching me up on modern medical standards as much as possible during the brief time available, the lessons also doubling as an attempt to distract me from all the turmoil that I had and still have going on.

“I believe that C.T.F.R stands for Cardiovascular Tensor Field Resuscitator if my memory serves correctly.” I guessed, trying not to think about whatever technological nonsense was going on in my brain to make that acronym work between three separate languages.

“It creates a…. sort of gravity effect? One that's supposed to directly contract the heart muscles without having to provide external physical pressure with your hands and break the patient's ribs in the process.”

That one was actually pretty easy to remember, it had a very important use case and it sounded like it could be a lifesaving first aid tool if it was as easy to use and common as Dr.Bilnen had described it to be.

“Oh that's right, you did it! Good job girl!” He cooed. “You're going to make a great doctor someday, so let me go get you your well earned prize!” I smiled at his over exaggerating, before he hopped off my lap, quickly whispered something between him and Mia before leaping off the couch and leaving the room.

Oh man, now my cuddle buddy is gone. This isn't much of a prize!

I thought to myself as I immediately felt the little guy's absence from my side. Not helped by the welling jealousy I garnered from looking at the little presence that had plopped itself onto Beau’s chest just after he had fallen asleep at the hands of Bruce.

Alma, I believe the little squirrel alien was called, had crawled up onto Beau’s chest as soon as he had fallen asleep, my guess it was because he wanted a place to sleep unmolested by those in the room who wanted to pet him. Cured human and alien alike.

I could understand that desire, I can't imagine being an adorable little squirrel alien, stuck on a planet of giants who thought I was the cutest thing in the world. The threat of being manhandled by motorcycle sized digits was tangible and real.

Bilnen had hopped off the couch a bit carelessly and the force had woken Beau, who stretched out his arms and let out a deep and well earned yawn, which had caused Alma to wake up himself and adorably mirror Beau’s actions with his little squirrel arms and snout.

I want to pet the space squirrel, but I know I shouldn't, my hands reflexively curled to squeeze the now absent Bilnen, whose constant presence I may have grown a bit too used to.

Beau takes a moment to groggily take in his surroundings, perking up a touch as he notices Alma curled up on his chest.

“Oh hey there little guy, you're… a person right?”

Beau quietly asks, as he raises his arms as if to cradle or pet the alien, before pausing, seeming deciding to just cross his hands and rest them on his stomach just below the little mammal.

“I’m a dossur." The dossur squeaked out. “And thanks for showing some god damned restraint.” he followed up with what my translator told me was a sarcastic sigh, whilst he gave a pointed look towards Filin and Dave just across the room. The pair quickly hiding themselves amongst a mound of pillows at the diminutive man's ire.

“Commander Alma right? You're the boss of this rowdy bunch?” Beau asked. Gesturing widely to the occupants of the room, many of whom were either active or former military.

“That’s correct, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr.hunter.” He spoke with a happy looking tail swish, just before reaching out a paw towards the man. One which Beau tentatively grasped between two fingers, barely hiding a grin as he gave what had to be the world's smallest Handshake. Pawshake?

“I bet you're wondering why I'm in charge of this herd of giant idiots despite my size?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything." Beau laughed.

This got a chuckle in return from the dossur.

“Well it's more of a hold over thing from the late arxur wars, back when we were still locking up people for being too brave, dossur were simply the bravest, we had to be the face the galaxy at our scale you know, even the gentlest of prey could harm us, whether they wanted to or not, as a result of being aloud to face out fears on the regular, we stood the best chance of keeping cool, and not locking up when things got even more heated in a combat scenario.”

“Damn, that makes a lot of sense I guess, from what I've heard that arxur war was fucking brutal. That being said though, you don’t seem to be to invested in today's outing, I have barely even seen you? Why stick around.”

“Well I could check into some of the local dossur housing, lots of human hobbyist like to make and post up dossur houses for free, they work with local governments and hand them out as incentives for us to get us to live in their communities.”

“Why don't you just stay at one of those houses then?”

“I’m not one of those freeloading easy life dossur.” The man snapped back feistely. “Plus I need to make sure these guys don’t kill themselves before they get back to the ship at the end of their shore leave, I can take it a bit easy for now though since Abdel and Muca seem to have it covered.”

Beau seemed to turn to regard our chaotic little group. “Sounds easier said than done.” Beau spoke with a smirk. “I hope you can enjoy your break.”

“I intend to,” the man spoke mischievously. "Before grabbing a single one of Beau’s fingers, and dragging it over to his little resting spot on Beau's chest, where he had bunched up his zebra poncho’s fabric into a little pile, making a temporary though cozy looking dossur nest.. “Use just the tip of the nail, and keep it above the waste!” he ordered, like a teeny tiny little drill instructor, before curling back up into a ball on Beau's chest.

Beau shot me an amused stair before obliging the little guy. Gently stroking at his fur with the lightest of touches.

A minute or two passed before the door to our media nook opened once again and…….

My heart lit up and my stomach did a little flutter, as I saw the little zurulian doctor waddle back into the room, standing on his hindpaws whilst holding a delicious looking chocolate cake in his forepaws, I could smell the fresh baked good from here, its chocolate syrup covered surface calling to me just as much as the sweet little bear.

“Oh that smells good.” A little bunny alien commented as Dr.bilnen walked by. “I should get one too.”

“Is that for me?” I asked.

“It sure is, your good friend Mia suggested it.” Bilnen chirped happily.

Dr.Bilnen handed off the cake to Mia so his paws were free to climb back up onto the couch on his own, only for me to eagerly and near violently scoop him up into my arms instead. Causing him to let out a surprised squeak.

Fuck why did I do that, I’m not doing well with people leaving me recently am I.

I thought to myself, remembering how I nearly broke down earlier today when Mia left to go off with Filray just for a brief meeting.

Bilnen’s presence with me again feels way to relieving, and he wasn't even gone that long. What's happening to me?

I wrapped him up in a full body hug and affectionately dug my fingers into his soft downy belly fur.

God I hoped he really didn't mind all the attention I was giving him, I mean he lived on earth right? This was normal here. He never complained if he didn't like it. I just couldn't stop myself from showering him with affection sometimes.

Bilnen was just so sweet and caring, a constant and reassuring anchor in this strange new world. A reliable distraction to the ever present dread threatening to overwhelm me, a comforting bulwark for when the pain of loss reared its ugly head once more.

I sat there hugging Bilnen for a bit too long probably, as I felt the head massage pause, and Mia leaning into my side. I opened my eyes to notice my vision clouded with tears.

No one said anything, they didn't need to, they gave me all the comfort and support I needed, they were there for me, and that was enough for now.

I slowly released Bilnen, who without a second thought moved to gently wipe the tears from my eyes, before moving to grab the cake back from Mia.

”Bilnen… I'm sorry for…”

“Ah ah ah, now is not the time for that you've nothing to be sorry for, here, maybe your reward can help cheer you up.” Bilnen spoke, poorly mimicking a human style grin, before offering up to me a fork full of the delicious smelling fresh baked chocolate cake.

I opened my mouth and eagerly partook in the little treat, the rich moist chocolatey flavor dancing across my tongue as Bilnen tenderly shoved forkfull after forkfull into my mouth.

It was a sweet gesture for the first couple of bites but I stopped the man at one point, his actions starting to feel a bit embarrassing after a while.

“Bilnen, I can feed myself you know.” I spoke with a blush, attempting to grab his paw holding the fork. He responded by playfully hiding it behind his back.

“Oh that won't be necessary, you shouldn't have to lift a finger today, my deer.” He spoke before trying to shove another fork full of cake into my mouth, as I pursed my lips refusing to play along.

“Oh common now, no need to be fussy.”

“Give me the fork Bilnen.”

“Here comes the train!”
I playfully growled towards Bilnen, who instantly called my bluff by shoving his paw into my mouth.

“Pft pft pft, Hay!”

“Don’t bluff, you're no good at it.”

As our mid movie antics continued, and the cake slowly disappeared, I eventually got the impression that the movie was wrapping up, and our time in this cozy little safe space was coming to a close. Only time would tell if this lull in the day's chaos would grow to be a new normal, or just a temporary reprieve from the ongoing storm.

--------------PART 2------------------

FIRST | PREV

AOOP BONUS STORIES:

-Ancestral Knowledge By: Kaleidoscope1017 

- The Spirit Of Hunters Past(Finished)

- New Exterminator On The Block

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Memory Transcription subject - Daisy Gardener : United Earth Command - Exterminator : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936 

I hadn't been to church in a long time. Not since my diagnosis. Perhaps it was for the better,  being marked as I was. But before then, it was a place of comfort, familiarity, a place where hope was tangible and real in a dark and turbulent galaxy.

It was nice to believe that no matter what happened, there was someone, something, intangible, all knowing and all powerful looking out for me. A comfort that I had long since forsaken, one that I had relegated to the realm of fairy tales and naive whimsy.

But in my mindless wandering around the flaghill streets, after escorting a bawling diseased exterminator, whose trauma and disease had drawn him to hurt the vulnerable and innocent, whose plight reminded me too much of my own, I found myself here, at the doors of this place of worship.

The Church of Saint Magdalene.

The Revered Saint, immortalized in stained glass just above the building's portico, hands clasped together in reverence for her holy god. I had to question if the lady did indeed exist however, as the figure before me bore the appearance of a cured human.

I found myself regarding this ancient figure, not the image before me but the lady herself. How did she conduct herself, How did she live such a virtuous life to be revered in such a way, by a predator society at that.

No. I couldn't think like that, just look at Beau, and Anna.

Without thinking I found myself reaching out and taking the handle of the ornate wooden doors, no doubt multiple centuries older than me, pre-uplift or not.

I strode inside to find myself in the midst of an ongoing sermon. Normally they only hosted these on wednesday nights or sunday mornings, leaving the doors open for anyone in need of prayer or spiritual guidance.

It was not hard to guess why they had broken with this particular tradition for today.

The pastor walked up to the podium, sporting upon it a large bible, weathered with age, and as wide as my shoulders and as thick as my fist.

“Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ, beloved members of The eternal shepherd's holy flock, I must say, that the eternal shepherd weeps for his children on this day. For those of you who may not be aware of the purpose of this emergency call for assembly, recently certain truths have come to light. Truths the purport that the fundamental foundations of our faith have been tampered with, that an outside hand has modified our beliefs, and many claim it to be in the service of malicious aims, and done out of a desire for domination and control. It is during turbulent times like these, that I remind you of a pair of bible verses that persist both in the current and past iterations of our holy text, as spoken in the book of psalms, 89:6”

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit”

“And lets not forget Corinthians 1:20”

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

“I bring these verses to you today to remind us all that our lord is both all powerful and all knowing. HIS plans are unfathomable to our worldly minds, and HIS machinations take into account all of time and creation.”

The pastor gave the congregation a moment to think over these points.

“As many of you may know, the reclamation alliance has recently sent its forces to the Farsul’s homeworld of Talsk, and have returned with them the contents of a grand and secret archive, one which possessed within it, the unmodified records on the pre contact histories of hundreds of worlds and species. And contained within these historical vaults, were the original and unmodified descriptions and holy texts of our christian faith."

There were a series of collective gasps from the Christian congregation, likely a few who had kept their heads in the sand in regards to the archives reveal, out of ignorance or fear only they could truly know.

There were plenty of whispers coming from the crowd, I even heard a few murmurs of the word blasphemy. The pastor was quick to get his sermon back on course however.

“Now I have heard the whispers and speculations of many within our herd which is that these tails are false, mere propaganda of the Reclamation Alliance, lies spread to soften our resolve in the midst of their sinful ways, but today I find myself to be the bearer of bad news, for these texts, are real and the words they bear, troubling.”

The pastor took a moment to pause, adjusting his notes and taking a sip of water. I was curious to see where this went, I had barely glanced at the modified christian religion but from what I’d seen it was different… to say the least.

“The old texts, our ancient history, set millennia before the federation even discovered humanity. It speaks of a race of predators, warlords, killers, societies of sinners, of people who were granted a god given right to take the lives of the living breathing feeling animals around them!”

“No.”

“Blasphemy!”

“Lies.”

Multiple members of the congregation called out, but the pastor merely raised his hand to silence them, and out of what was most likely a show of respect for the man, they heeded his  next words carefully.

“It is said in the bible, that Jesus was the only man born without sin, the only one to live a flawless existence without ever wronging another or breaking from the word of god in any way. Once we believed, that said claim was simply a reference to the fact that such a feat was simply beyond a flawed and worldly humanity, but with the recent revelations of our predator past, bringing our old texts into a new light, it now all makes so much sense.”

The pastor pressed an icon on his holotab, and what appeared on the screen behind him, appeared to be an assortment of biblical figures, their clothing and the apparent age of the art pieces were a dead giveaway. The only difference from many of the murals on our walls, was that they all bore the faces of our predator ancestors.

The herd gasped as one, and many reached out to hold each other close for comfort, many prayed under their breath, to a god they were perhaps just now beginning to truly understand.

“I know this may be frightening to you, but you all must understand, this was what our holy figures looked like, our saints, our prophets, all of them. From the devout and charitable prophet Muhammad, to the abstinent and meditative holy monk Budha. All bore the face of predators, all possessed their hunger and lust for blood. Humanity as stated in the farsul’s own records, were once prey, we once ate of the fruits of the garden, but we were corrupted by the devil, we developed into predators, as stated in the Reclamation alliance's own info dump.”

“Wait?! Does this mean we can go to heaven or not? We are prey now right, surely we aren't damned like those wretched beasts!" One shouted.

“I don't want to eat meat and I never will!” Another cried out.

“Be at ease brothers and sisters, be at ease!” The pastor called out. ”For our lord has not and will never abandon those he loves, while humanity may have strayed in the past, the lord has seen to it that we are all saved, for the lord Jesus is a god of mercy. I have prayed and meditated on the reality presented before us, of the changes the farsul made, and the wars and mass death that have been conducted in the name of our god with his supposed blessings and I have come to this conclusion.”

Oh this ought to be good.

“The old believers recorded bloody rituals, animal sacrifices, in the original tails of our bible, the wicked predators killed their god in his mortal form, when all he came to do was teach, and seek forgiveness for our sins. Our gods and prophets spoke of righteous ideals in one moment and carried out horrid bloody rituals in the next! And do you want to know why that was, what has been revealed to me by the lord?”

“Why?” a few herd members mumbled out, sounding unsure .

“It is because our ancestors, they heard and understood his words, but their tainted minds misinterpreted their meanings. Look through the ancient holy texts through this lens, and it becomes obvious to anyone reading the recovered words, that they were obviously those derived from a flawed predator interpretation of the word of Jesus! The farsul, they acted as the unwitting hands of our lord. They purged us of our sinful natures, they ended our wars, and removed murder from our society. Through them, a more holy version of our faith was allowed to take form,”

“How can you know that?” A member of the herd asked.

“Easy sister in christ. I have prayed, and meditated, and read the word of god from cover to cover. I bring you two more versus, ones that feature in both the predator and prey bibles”

“Let us read from the Book Of Psalms 100:3 ‘Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture’"

“And let us next look at Ezekiel 34:31 ‘And you are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD’”

“Don’t you see? While our species may have fallen to sin, to predation, the lord always wanted us to be a part of his holy flock so he may be our divine eternal shepherd. Take heart, and do not condemn your fates to those of our predator ancestors, through god’s plans we have been brought closer to him in the end. For when our time comes to greet our heavenly father at the gates of heaven, it matters not, for at the end of the day we worship the same god, and we follow his words and scripture to live holy and righteous lives in a way that our predator ancestors were completely incapable of!"

----

I fell into meditation as the sermon ended, alone at the back of the sanctuary. My thoughts going back to the events of the past couple of days and my sickness. They were far from the concerns of the church at large, as such things were beyond me.

But it was at the behest of such concerns that I found a warm palm being placed upon my back. My eyes opening and my head turning to look up to a member of the church, their white robes speaking to their association and position within the clergy.

“Greeting Sister, I am brother hope, if I may ask, what brings you here today?”

I felt my shoulders tense up from beneath the man's palm. I had hoped that my distance from the herd would have been enough to avoid drawing anyone's attention. I took a deep breath.

“Many things, I have a lot going on and I’m not sure I have the strength to face it all.”

“May I ask what troubles you?”

“No.” I replied simply.

The man smiled gracefully, and nodded in affirmation. “Ah, our lord jesus is a powerful comforter and an ally in our times of need, I will let you keep your troubles to yourself for now, but please remember, there is strength in the herd, and sharing a burden lessens it, I will endeavor to keep you in my prayers, but if I may ask, what is your name? I don’t believe I have seen you before.”

“Daisy.” I replied, hoping he wouldn't pry further.

“Ah, well Daisy, I will keep you in my prayers, may the lord bless you.” The man replied eloquently.

My shoulders slumped, relieved for a moment that I would be left to my own devices. Only for that hope to be dashed as the man paused, appearing to consider something, hovering on the border of staying or going.

He made his choice as he turned back to me. “Sister Daisy, you…. Wouldn’t happen to be one of the exterminators brought in with the reclamation alliance?” The man questioned, his gaze falling upon my PD armband. I reflexively moved my hand to cover it up but he stopped me. I expected some kind of rebuke, but what he offered feels almost worse. “It's okay, it's alright, you can't help being the way you are, what matters is we endeavor to live a righteous and holy life, you don’t have to feel ashamed."

“I… uh… thank you, that's honestly a bit to do with why I am here.” I admitted. “Your understanding is appreciated, truly, I wasn't expecting that from here.”

“I’m sorry that the herds of other ministries have made you feel unwelcome, our god is one of forgiveness, and that should be reflected in those who consider themselves amongst the rank of his holy flock."

I sat with that for a moment, pondering a version of myself who hadn't walked away from the faith, how she might react seeing and learning what I have just in this past month.

“Thank you brother hope, and I am indeed a member of the reclamation alliance, I assume you wish to garner more insights into what I’ve seen regarding the archives findings."

What little conversational decorum the man seemed to have, shrunk upon the mention of a subject matter that no doubt filled his waking mind with endless doubts and nightmares.

He grew close to me, sitting next to me in the pew and closing to whispering distance. “I apologize if this seems insensitive of me to interrogate you in such a vulnerable moment but…. This is important to me, and the members of this congregation, no, this faith as a whole. The Reclamation Alliance, I have disagreed with your kind’s actions in the past, but I know you all only wish to do what you see as right, it's just that, I was wondering, the texts, the records, speaking believer to believer, is it all…..”

“I'm sorry,” I regretfully cut him off. “This isn't some R.A trick, I was there, at the archives, it was a massive underwater facility, holding thousands of ancestors of hundreds of different species. The facility was massive, and it was well hidden and well guarded. This is no trick, I've seen more proof than I care to imagine.” I shuddered. “Their are no doubts to be had, we used to be just like… just like the arxur.”

“Lord help us.” The man spoke with a gasp. “Since I first heard of the rumors, before the archives reveal, that our faith had been tampered with, I thought it was just blasphemous speculation, but as those rumors continued to grow, I decided that no matter what reveals itself to be true, that I would always strive to do what is right by Jesus and by his people."

“What do you make of what you have learned?” I asked.

“I… I do not share pastor Blinn’s beliefs on these revelations, I strongly suspect that the farsul are less the unwitting hands of god, and simply more snakes in the garden. These predators… no, these ancestor believers, and the faith and history they convey, they make me feel scared of what we might come to do, and uncomfortable in their implications, but worst of all sister Daisy, When I…. when I dared to look into those visual records, the paintings, murals and sculptures crafted by predatory hands…."

The man clasped his hands together, and bowed his head in defeat as tears dripped from his eyes.

“For the first time in my life, I looked into the eyes of God… and I felt afraid.”

-------------------------------

Memory Transcription subject - Imana Blinn : The Church of Saint Magdalene - Lead Pastor: May 14th, 2936 

I had just finished my brief sermon, and while many members of the flock had returned to their herds and families to spread the word, I stayed behind to lead our remaining congregation in prayer. Asking the lord for unity and wisdom is these trying times.

While the herd prayed, I internally thanked the lord for how fortunate we were that the members of our congregation who sought a more, confrontational approach to the predator ancestors kept their mouth shut during today's sermon, I had independently made it clear to them that our god was one of peace, and we should not dwell on some crusty old living relics of a barbarous past, hopefully the sermon I gave and the revelations I shared would convince them to let the lord do his work, as he always has done. And all would be alright in time.

As I contemplated this minor miracle and as the minutes passed however, I began to wonder where my co-pastor might be. I cast my eyes around in worry for a moment, only to be relieved when I spotted him at the far back of the main sanctuary, he appeared to have partaken in the responsibility of praying over one of our exterminator protectors.

Another saint of the flame perhaps?

Had she come in from another church outside of town, she seemed to be quite distraught, no doubt in turmoil after learning about the archives reveal. This was certainly a tumultuous time for all of us.

It was upon drawing closer to the pair however that I felt a sense of bile cross my tongue, as I noticed that accursed orange armband across her bicep.

A sanctioned predator diseased officer’s armbands, a heretical distinction. The thought that a Satan’s marked could in anyway be an instrument of law and order was preposterous.
I was about to bellow out in rebuke of this predator, but I paused.

I had to calm myself, she was still an exterminator and these were tumultuous times, her intentions to protect the herd were no doubt pure, even if she had been led astray by the blasphemers of the Reclamation Alliance.

I approached her from the side opposite of brother Hope, and laid a comforting arm across the back of my waywards sister in Christ.

She flinched at first, perhaps a response to the devil’s presence within reacting to a pure servant of our lord jesus.

“Greeting sister, I am grateful to aid one of the eternal flock's valiant protectors, What brings you here today? I hope our brother has been instrumental in the seeking of wisdom and prayer. What do you make of our valiant protector’s plights brother Hope?”

I asked pointedly towards the man, who seemed to be equally caught off guard, I had heard him mumble something earlier about being afraid as I approached.

“I… I was offering encouraging words to Daisy, She… struggles with the mark.” he let out hesitantly.

“Yes, I have seen that, it is good you have come to us, tell me exterminator, what aspects of satans influence trouble you my dear, is it the call for violence, for blood, do you struggle to fit in with the herd that you so wish to protect?”

Her face grew cold at my question. “I… I worry Pastor Blinn, I worry about the predator within, I worry about it getting out, and that I won't be able to contain it again.” She admittedly solemnly. “I…I can’t even bring myself to face…. my…” She tapered off, audibly distraught and unable to continue.

“Ah, poor girl, while the proper treatment for your corruption may be outlawed in this part of the galaxy, we have something far more powerful than any medicine mere human hands can synthesize, and far superior to any therapy mortal minds can devise. We have the power of god and prayer on our side, please come with me.”

I gestured for Daisy to join us at the foot of the pulpit, and though I saw reluctance in her eyes, she wisely eventually agreed.

As I brought her to the front; brother hope comforting her as we went; I made my announcement to the congregation.

“Members of the eternal flock, brothers and sisters in Christ, please come hither, for our sister, this guardian of the herd, is in need of prayer today, may all who are willing come here and lay on hands.”

This call was not met without some understandable derision however.

“That badge, she bears the devil’s mark.”

“She’s tainted!”

“She has fallen to sin!”

“Silence!” I demanded of the congregation. “Although her mind may bear the mark of the devil, let no one here cast judgement, for none except our lord Christ himself are truly without sin, and the lord shields those who ask for it, and have faith in him. For our god is a god of grace and mercy. And we must all endeavor to become more like him, please come.. Let us lay on hands for our dutiful protector, and let us pray.”

--------------------------------------------------------

Authors Note

Hey yall, sorry for the short chapter, not only was this chapter fairly hi concept and it hurt my brain trying to wrap my head around this level of cope, and have it be coherent. Also a lot of events came up so I didn't get to touch back with the town herd this chapter, but don't worry we will see them again next time! And as a apology, have some AOOP Christianity Lore!

--------------------------------------------------------

An Ape out of place : Christianity Lore 

Christianity as the farsul saw it, was a faith that had a lot of good ideas, but was also, like many pre-contact faiths, extremely problematic and had a lot of predatory concepts that simply could not be allowed to exist in a modern prey religion.

Hence begins the blasphemy edits!

The holy trinity? What is that, it's tied into the birth, death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born of flesh, yes, but it had nothing to do with sacrificing himself for our sins; which is tied into animal sacrifice; but instead to personally convey his most valuable messages to his beloved flock. When he died he stole the keys to hell and unlocked easy sin forgiveness still, but that death was due to natural causes.

The Old testament jews still needed to sacrifice stuff for forgiveness of their sins, but as in the actual old testament, crop sacrifice offerings were allowed in place of animal sacrifices. So Crop sacrifices were considered the default until Jesus’s mortal form died a natural death after a good long life, in which case now you can just ask for forgiveness to go to heaven. UNLESS!

You have become marked by Satan!!! Or as the federation would call it, tainted with predator disease. Predator disease treatment could help suppress or remove the effects of the mark entirely. But for the ones who bear the devils mark, their body must be purified with an ordained flame after death in order to pass into heaven. Happily carried out by the branch of the exterminators known as the Saints Of The Flame.

Oh and on the topic of Satan, he is depicted in cured human Christian imagery as a snake, and you might be like, why a snake? They have side facing eyes and the federation thinks they are prey animals. And I would answer that is exactly the point! The Devil is a fallen angel, a prey who has fallen to sin, predation and its corruption. The federation sees snakes as merely an animal type that has fallen irrevocably to taint/predator disease.

Additional notes

The bible still exists, it's just much shorter and many predatory aspects to it are removed. Such as animal sacrifice, the violent death of Jesus and references to war. Many historical references are, as a result, removed as well.

The christian god goes by many new and old names. Since the faith had to be made to play nice with other faiths across the galaxy, any mentions of god being the only god, and to worship no other god but him have been axed.

Also since he is now one god out of many, while he is still referred to as god, The name Jesus has now just become his proper title.

He is also referred to as The Eternal Shepard.

And his followers are referred to as His holy Flock

----------------------

Some Notable Prophets of Christianity 

Budha - Teaches methods on avoiding desire and sin, and instructs us how to live a righteous life free of worldly desires. He preaches of suffering inherent to a worldly existence, and the way to ending suffering is through the holy eight fold path, and love and faith in Jesus.

Muhammad - A prophet who taught of donating a percentage of one's income to the poor, and told his followers that one should endeavor to pray to Jesus/god five times a day. And introduced the practice of Fasting sunrise to sunset during the Month of Ramadan(February).

Solomon - An old Leader and Prophet of Christ, espouser of great wisdoms that many still find solace in to this day.

Gandhi - A wise man who preached non violence, honesty, perseverance, and mindfulness to his students.

--------------------

FIRST | PREV | Part 1

AOOP BONUS STORIES:

-Ancestral Knowledge By: Kaleidoscope1017 

- The Spirit Of Hunters Past(Finished)

- New Exterminator On The Block

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Memory Transcription Subject : Beau Hunter - Farsul Rescue : Date : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936 
The little cured human barista and her bright blue haired friend had just joined our little party, locking hands and arms with Arun and Dr.Colwater who welcomed them in eagerly and with seemingly little question. That was odd, they must be friends or something, weird she didn't say anything before to them, but I guess it's possible that mine and the other regular humans’ presence was throwing her off balance.

It warmed my heart a little though that she had warmed up to us so fast. At least enough to want to stay in our presence for her friends.

That blue hair color was definitely something though. I shook Aiko's hand at my side as she was currently holding onto mine. Which garnered both hers and Mrs.Rami’s attention who still had her hands wrapped loosely around my bicep. Leaving just enough give for me to sip at my disappointedly watered down cured human coffee.

“Hey Aiko, you see that new guy over there, the one that just walked up?”

“Yes, What about him?”Aiko asked, tilting her head slightly and looking at me curiously with one eye.

“Well I know you were telling me back on the ship that the dog looking aliens did all sorts of weird things to humans to make them all different and prey like right? So I was just wondering, did they mess with things like, hair color and stuff?”

Aiko's eyes went wide for a moment at my question, but she quickly corrected her course, her fingers gently tapping on Lucas’s hand as she thought.. “Well Beau from what I understand of it. The farsul had to edit a relatively large portion of the human genome, Sometimes those edits could be broad and affect more than what the farsul likely intended, especially when a thousand years of genetic drift are involved, as for how this affects hair colors well……”

“.......modern humans have all sorts of hair colors!” Mrs.Rami chimed in from beside me. “While some are more rare than others, I have seen yellow, green magenta, sometimes even a super rare pink one.”

“Um…Mrs.Rami I’m not sure if……” Aiko seemed to want to try and add something to Mrs.Rami’s statement.

“Did you not have any of those colors in your time?” Mrs.Rami continued to forge onward regardless.

“Well no, but maybe I have seen some people with really yellow blondish hair sometimes. I grew up in a pretty rural area so I can't say I have had the most unique people cross my sightlines, I'm afraid."

“Oh, well that's a shame sweety.” Mrs.Rami finished.

I looked over to Aiko, who seemed flustered, and I swore I heard Anna try to suppress a giggle over the chaotic chattering of our new friends.

I think they might be trying to make fun of me.

I was about to say something scathing in reply, but was sidetracked as everyone came to an abrupt halt all at once.

Everyone who grew up walking in lockstep with way too dense crowds of people stopped on a dime almost effortlessly, likely used to maneuvering in large groups.

Everyone who was normal nearly tripped over whichever diminutive cured human or alien was unfortunate enough to be standing in front of them.

The elderly Mia was caught by an ever vigilant Muca.

Anna was caught by the rubbery pavement as she managed to fall in between the two guys in front of her, rolling as to not land on Bilnen who she was holding.

And I actually ended up being steadied out by the combined efforts of the two cured humans who had just joined our group.

They placed their hands firmly against my stomach and chest, grabbing on as best they could and pushing to prevent me from toppling over.

As soon as I was righted I was quick to thank them.

The blue haired guy was quick to respond. “No problem big guy, and I got to say you got some nice muscles on you, you must have worked hard for those.”

I laughed off the complement. “Oh it's no big deal, you tend to get that way when you spend a lot of time in the backwoods doing chores.”

“Oh nonsense, don't sell yourself short.” He encouraged. “Oh and my name's Bruce by the way, and I believe you met my girlfriend Jezebel.” He spoke in a haughty tone, as he gestured with one hand to the barista from earlier.

“Ah nice to meet you both.” I replied with two firm handshakes which they both accepted in turn.

I turned my attention back to whatever Abdel was talking to Anna and Mia about now, but not before noticing Bruce’s eye twitch.

Did he just wink at me?

No, it was probably just a hard blink, I just couldn't see the other side of his head that well.

--------

I thought getting into what I understood to be some kind of small personalized movie theatre would be a hassle given how afraid so much of the town seemed to be of us. But Abdel has already rented out a large nook to watch media in at a business appropriately called the Media Nook.

We only had to deal with a single gojid theater attendant, who despite having their quills thoroughly raised and insisting on keeping them in between him and us, just about managed to take us to our private theater with minimal fuss.

The Nook in itself was about what I expected. Large couches, beanbags, padded benches and even some lounging beds filled the room. All festooned with blankets, pillows and plushies galore.

The room was already a quarter way to its maximum capacity if you counted the sheer number of stuffed toy aliens alone.

The three oldest people in the room were offered up the seat of honor, dead center facing the wall sized tv screen was a couch that probably could have accommodated five or six cured humans, but ultimately came in at just a bit wider than a pre federation three seater couch.

Mia, Anna and I sunk into its plush cushions whilst Abdel showed us how to use the push button controls to put the leg rests up and recline the back rests.

“Damn so this is like a really fancy lazy guy sofa chair.” I commented as Abdel handed me the remote to my seat to use as I please.

“Well, Not that fancy.” The bunny Doctor Coldwater rebutted. “The real nice ones got the built-in back massagers.” She spoke with a wince. Running her tail down her spine only for a cured human nearby to quickly take the hint.

“Ahh but you see ancestors,” Mrs.Rami began to speak, appearing behind Mia who didn't notice her move in behind the sofa. “complaining about a lack of a massage function for a chair on earth is like complaining about a lack of water in the ocean.” She snickered, before placing her hands upon the backrest Mia was now leaning her head against.

“Now what do you say girlfriend about letting those old joints experience some genuine human hospitality, one dusty old crone to another.” Mrs.Rami joked.

Mia placed a hand to her chin in contemplation. “Well… normally my husband Filray back home does his best to help ease these sore joints, but from what I’ve heard back in the archives, I hear that I'm supposedly missing out on the premiere experience hmm?”

“I am nothing if not experienced." Mrs.Rami assured.

“Ahh what the hell.” Mia threw her hands up. “Might as well try it, you only live once afterall.” Mia relented as she rolled her shoulders to loosen them before leaning back and letting her new friend begin to rub the tension from her shoulders and kneed circles into the base of her skull.

As Mia settled into that we began the laborious process of picking out a movie. And the methodology involved was actually rather civilized, using our holotabs ;which Aiko had to help me and Anna with; we were able to all pick out movies and vote in a tiered bracket which one we wanted to watch. Which was probably for the best in a group of sixteen of us.

Naturally me and Anna were unable to find any movies we even knew the name of, much less the most basic of premises. But Mia actually selected a farsul film, an old historical drama allegedly about the building of a large and ancient damn, and the complex politicking and interpersonal drama that went into even getting its blueprints drawn up much less built.

It didn't end up making its way to the top three however.

It was a close race between a romance movie, some medical drama, and what Filin described as a ‘Exterminator Flick’, which I guess was the closest thing I could expect to an action movie in this society.

While the aliens and cured humans were deliberating between the final three movies, Anna looked over to Mia, whose massage had turned into just regular petting, as Mrs.Rami ran her fingers through her hair.

“So how does that feel?” Anna asked her friend.

“It feels quite nice actually.” Mia replied. “You should give it a try.” She spoke with a smirk.

Anna initially doesn't respond to that goad, but Abdel is quick to chime in from beside her. “I can groom you Anna if you want to try it!” He speaks excitedly.

“Well, thanks for the offer Abdel, it's just that, well… I don’t.. Hmmmm.”

She looks down and notices Dr.Bilnen, who she is currently snuggling into her chest, and has been absentmindedly petting as she was speaking, before she erupts into a light giggle.

“Well, I guess I have been petting actual people for the last couple days, like non stop actually.” She chuckled out. “I guess it's only fair that I receive the same treatment.”

“Petting?” Abdel asked as he began to run his fingers through Anna’s hair. Gingerly running his digits in small circles all along her scalp. Gracefully pushing her thin blond strands of hair to the side as she closed her eyes on reflex.

“Its what we called grooming back in the day, when you scratch, rub, or massage the fur of an animal, the fluffier the better, and it's kind of what you guys do to one another, though it's usually called a massage when you do it to other people.” She admitted.

“Well then I hope you like your petting then.” Abdel giggled out.

“I will reluctantly admit, this is pretty relaxing actually.” She whispered out.

I could almost feel half the eyes in the room turn to me after that interaction, all hyper aware of the unspoken question.

“Well I have pet almost no one, so I have earned no penance pets.” I spoke abruptly.

“Awh common Beau," the barista from earlier replied. “Grooming, or pets as you like to call them isn't a punishment silly, it's a nice thing you do for your herd mates.” Jezebel uttered as she also walked behind the couch as well.

I was really starting to consider just shoving the couch directly into the wall. 

“I'm not sure I feel comfortable with the idea.”

“It's not uncomfortable, it's pleasant?” She stated, genuine confusion seeming to color her voice. “Do you have antisocial PD by chance?” The woman asked.

“Listen I’m no head case, it's just that…”

“Wait! Bruce is a professional groomer.” She excitedly cut me off as the blue haired guy from earlier joined her at her side. ”He’s trained in fur grooming, hair care and massages.” She assured me.

“Yeah I even have some nice tea tree oil leave in conditioner on me, it smells really good and feels really nice and tingly on your scalp.” He says, pulling out a bottle of some green stuff from his bag.

“People pay good money for his services Beau.” Said Jezebel.

“Common Beau you should try it.” Chimed in Aiko. “It’s so relaxing!"

“Try it beau!”

“It’s okay.”

“We won't judge you."

“You’ll love it.”

The crowd around me erupted in what could be considered support, but what ended up feeling more like goading or peer pressure.

“Okay! Fine! I’ll give it a try you rowdy wackos!” I finally relented.

The group gave off a collective cheer as I bent back my neck and laid my head against the top of the head rest giving the man free and easy access.

“Alright Bruce.” I sighed. “Do your worst.”

The man merely let out a laugh in reply. “Don’t worry gorgeous, you're in good hands.” He spoke in a sassy sounding tone.

Eccentric this one.

The movie trailers that had served as nothing more than white noise up until this point finally wrapped up to make way for the main event.

And after the title card dropped and the aliens characters of this foreign alien film started playing their roles on the screen in front of me, I felt the tender fingers of Bruce dance across my skull in a tingly little dance.

I had to admit, though quite reluctantly, that the massage was quite nice and relaxing, the gentle tickles scratching an itch I didn't know I had. Though I wouldn't dare voice that sentiment aloud.

Replying to the question of if I liked it or not with a simple. “It’s fine.”

As the movie went on, I slowly began to feel my eyelids begin to grow heavy despite all the commotion in the room around me, as the day's events began to finally catch up with me.

I think I'm going to need to start mixing my own coffee here. This stuff is weak… as… hell.

{Memory transcript interrupted : Cause : Subject Loss of Consciousness}
  
-----------------------------
Herd Tracker Widget : Herd Status Report
Herd Population : 16
Herd Occupants:
-Beau - Ancestor Human - Conservationist

-Anna - Ancestor Human - Graduated Medical student

-Mia - Ancestor Human - Old and mischievous

-Dr.Bilnen -Zurulian Doctor - Emotional Support Zurulian

-Aiko - Cured human Historian - Trying not to make it obvious

-Lucas - Cured Human Historian - Completely Oblivious

-Abdel - Cured Human U.E Military - Weary Event Planer

-Muca - Mazic Exterminator - Best Girlfriend

-Filin - Venlil U.E Military - Sneakily Licking Dave

-Dave - Cured Human U.E Military - Local Salt dispensary

-Dr.Coldwater - Sivkit Doctor U.E Military - Has two loving dads back home. 

-Arun - Cured Human U.E Military - Placeholder human

-Chandra - Gojid U.E Military - Token Gojid

-Mrs.Rami - Cured Human Old lady - To old to give a fuck

-Jezebel - Cured Human Horny Barista - Needs a cold cup of water

-Bruce - Cured Human Fabulous Salon Worker - Mr.Steal Your Ancestor
-----------------------------

FIRST | PREV | PART 2

AOOP BONUS STORIES:

-Ancestral Knowledge By: Kaleidoscope1017 (BRAND NEW!!!!)

- The Spirit Of Hunters Past(Finished)

- New Exterminator On The Block

https://preview.redd.it/na3xyvp11szg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=12e42cefca716c6df0e9bdd1fd03be654c2ec823

Memory Transcription Subject : Beau Hunter - Farsul Rescue : Date : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936 

The ‘Herd Bus’ as everyone insisted on calling it, pulled up autonomously to the town square. The herbivores all poured out excitedly whilst Abdel and Muca did their best to maintain order.

“Chandra, don’t wander into Traffic!”

“Mixsel, Arun don’t stray too far off, we need to stick by the ancestors, try not to look like a stampede."

“Filin! Stop licking the sweat off of Dave! I don't care if he’s okay with it, we are in public!”

“How have you not been put into a facility!?”

Aiko and Abdel were quick to offer encouragement as the original recipe humans made their way out of the bus. Anna quickly crawled out of the cramped bus, whilst I joined Muca in helping the elderly Mia climb safely down to the soft pavement.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to fetch you a wheel chair mam? I’m sure I could borrow one from the nearby herd center.” Muca asked Mia as she held her arm firmly with her trunk.

Mia only laughed. “Oh I’m not that old yet, but thank you for the concern.” She spoke warmly, politely gesturing for Muca to remove her trunk. Muca did so reluctantly, carefully removing her support from the aged german, and holding it behind her, like she was expecting her to take a stumble, Handling her as if she was as delicate as glass.

With Mia safely out of the bus and eagerly joining her friend, I took the opportunity to take in the sights of the town around me.

And I was surprised to see how almost normal it felt. Key word being almost however. Colorful brick stores, restaurants and various small businesses lined the road, broken up by sitting areas, picnic tables and the occasional play spaces for children.

It was the spitting image of small town America, just with all the edges literally rounded off and padded, by cocker spaniels from the stars.

More cured humans and aliens than I had ever seen in one place walked up and down the rubbery sidewalks, at ease and content, like they belonged exactly where they were. Like they weren't a foreign and alien presence to a space my brain struggled to accept was theirs.

A mind that struggled to accept that anything other than the humanity I had grown up with and was used to should be roaming this town instead.

It was like aliens had invaded earth, my home, but if anything I was the invader here, the foreign and lost outsider.

The town existed in a serene state. Its inhabitants contentedly huddled together. The wide and unusually extended sidewalks accommodated close knit groups, held together in odd bunches, the cured humans and aliens locking hands, arms and tails as they grouped tightly with one another. The identically dressed cured humans and their zebra print ponchos caused the individual bunches to appear at times like one homogenous mass if you weren't focusing too hard on any single individual aspect of their little… herds.

The serenity was interrupted however as they collectively grew more and more aware of the intruders into their familiar little world.

It started slowly at first, errant whispers and murmurs at the fringes of the herds closest to us, slowly grew into full on conversations and eventually the occasional startled yelp.

Muca moved to stand in between us and the rest of the town's inhabitants, taking a moment to straighten her exterminator vest and hold her badge in her trunk, in a way that it was obvious to all who might look our way.

“It's okay.” Muca assured us, looking between the three of us with one eye. The other one looking towards the town. “Just hold still for a few moments, they just need to get used to you.”

“Oh no, I hope they don't stampede.” Someone from the bus whispered loudly to the group, as if suggesting the prospect aloud could somehow will the event into being.

Dr.Bilnen’s warnings, given to me days ago on Captain Cutter’s ship popped into my mind once again, of how a simple scare could result in mass death events if the circumstances were right, and the collective fear potent enough.

I felt my body grow tense with worry, anxious as hundreds of eyes locked onto me with fear.

It was at that moment that a buzzing on my neck alerted me to something that I knew to be inevitable, but that I had wished we could have gone at least a few minutes off the bus without having to deal with. I didn't need to check my own collar, looking at Anna's and Mia’s told me all I needed to know, the indicator light had turned green. Someone had activated their herd safe beacon, it could have been anyone in the square really, but the end results were the same.

Our collars were now primed to detect a heightened emotional state, anger, aggression or something ‘biochemically similar enough’ as Dr.Bilnen had put it. 

We knew that this was going to happen eventually, at least we were prepared for it. Mia held Anna close, doing her best to calm her friend. Chandra and Dr.Coldwater were quick to join her by her side as well, Dr.Bilnen who Anna was holding buried his snout into the crook of her neck, and whispered into her ear comfortingly as the young women lightly trembled in place, her eyes beginning to glisten in the evening sun, and her body tensing as if awaiting another electrocution.

“It's okay… It's okay” He squeaked comfortingly. “This isn't your fault, you have done nothing wrong, you are no monster, you are beautiful inside and out, and they will all learn to see it with time.”

I took slow and steady breaths, trying to stay calm, trying not to take it personally.

They are scared, this is not their fault, this was done to them. We are all victims here.

Aiko took my hand and held it comfortingly, and the rest of the boys were quick to pile in around her.

“Just hang in there Beau.” Abdel assured. ”Just take it easy for a second, We just need to give the town herds a moment to collect themselves.”

“We won’t let them ruin your day out Beau, we won’t!” Aiko loudly exclaimed.

The town around us quickly grew sparse with people, cured humans crossed the street to avoid our group, and the path ahead of us was nearly empty, but not entirely so.

For as the sea of people cleared, it parted to reveal a single elderly cured human. She walked, slowly and hunched over, oddly shaped circular glasses framed her snouted head, and a wicker basket filled with flowers occupied her hands. And while her hunched stature, wrinkled flesh, and squinted eyes spoke to her age, the smile on the end of her snout could be considered nothing but youthful.

“Ah hello there! She greeted, squinting her eyes and adjusting her glasses as she turned to us. Is that a herd of new voices I hear?” She chuckled out. “You wouldn’t happen to be visitors to our historic little town now would you?”

The elderly woman, unlike most of the town, seemed suspiciously unbothered by our appearance. And I wasn’t the only one to take note of this.

“Can she see us?” I heard Dave whisper curiously from beside me.

“I think she's blind!” Filin answered loudly, and far less tactfully than his friend.

“Oh common Mrs.Rami, you haven't forgotten the sound of my voice already have you!” Abdel joked out towards the woman.

“Abdel Hope! I could have never forgotten someone as sweet as you.” She beamed. “How is our favorite war hero doing? Are you finally back from your deployment." she spoke happily as she hobbled over to Abdel and fell into him as she gave him an affectionate hug.

“I’m doing great Mrs.Rami, even better now that you're here.”

“Oh you were always such a flatterer, and you have brought so many new friends now for me to spoil, how wonderful!” the elderly cured human spoke, as she gestured enthusiastically towards our group.

“Oh them? They are mostly my crew mates and fellow passengers aboard the Spirit of the herd.” Abdel answered evasively.

“Well it's wonderful you have made so many new herdmates. And how fortuitous this all is, for I have picked so many flowers from my garden today, and have all of a sudden found that I have no one to share them with.” She chuckled out, gesturing broadly to the evacuated section of the town square around us.

She held out her basket with her shaky spindly hands. And made sure to hand out a flower to each and every one of us stopping to get an opinion on all of our individual preferences.

Aiko and Lucas pinned their flowers in their hair, Bilnen takes two for him and Anna, sniffing it contently before handing it to her. And Filin well….

“Oh Pansies my favourite!" he brays before chomping the flower clean off its stem directly from Mrs.Rami’s hand.

She approached me last, as I tried my best to hide towards the back of the group, but the woman is insistent if nothing else.

“Where do you think you're going, big fella? You didn't think you could get away from little old Mrs.Rami now would you?”

Oh boy here we go.

I did my best to speak in a high pitched tone of voice, it hurt my throat to speak that way, but the last thing I wanted to do was spook this sweetly old woman and give her a heart attack.

“Oh it's okay mam!” I spoke in a crackly almost pubescent tone of voice. “I don’t really have a place to plant it if you did give me one, it would just go to waste but thanks for the offer.” I finished speaking, backing away ever so slightly and praying she wouldn't get close enough to make out any of my facial features.

To my dismay she is not deterred. “Oh that's hardly a problem deer, flowers have plenty more uses than sitting pretty in a vase.”

She dug through her flower basket, thumbing through multiple blooms and holding them up one at a time close to her snout, squinting furiously towards them, and sniffing them repeatedly in order to differentiate them through her limited sight and smell.
She eventually found what she was looking for.

“Ah ha, please take these, while they are quite pretty, I don’t mind at all if you just take them and squish them into your pockets, flowers have plenty of other uses, and these in particular can be ground up to make a nice calming tea, and you strike me as someone who could use a bit of calm in your life.” She spoke to me, as she took my hand and faced it upright to gently set the small flower bundle in my palm before closing my fingers around them with her warm digits.

“Consider this a welcome gift from our fair town.” She beamed.

I was about to thank her for the gift, but as I was clearing my throat to speak again, I heard the distinct and familiar scream of a cured human, solely notable for how close it sounded.

“GRANDMA!!”

A young blond haired boy shouted in our direction, sprinting up to our group in a panicked dash. He barely managed to arrest his momentum before seizing his relative by the arm.

“Grandma! Grandma! What are you doing?! You're talking to a predator!”

I took a step back and raised my hands placatingly in an attempt not to startle the woman. I wasn’t sure what to say, knowing my rough voice was enough to scare some of these people.

Mrs.Rami gave off what I could only interrupt as an appalled look at her grandson's revelation, but notably that indignancy was not aimed towards me. She furrowed her brow towards him, and before anyone could decide how to respond.

“No really you dolt!” she bapped her grandson on the snout with the soft bulb on the end of her cane. ”You think I didn't notice that the young man I was talking to was two heads taller than the rest of his herd boy! I’m blind, not stupid.” she balked incredulously.

That sudden revelation caused the herd to visibly relax as the young man continued to plead with his grandmother.

“But, but, Mrs.Rami he’s a predator he could snap at any….”

“SMACK’

“....Owww” he winced as he was wacked by his grandma again.

“It’s rude to call someone a predator boy, and this young man here has been nothing but polite so you'd better apologize right now!”

“Wait what? But I don't…”

She grabbed him by the arm, and hauled him directly in front of us. “I said apologize, and don't think I don't recognize the voice of one of the teller boys. I’d hate to have a word with your momma about the sorry manners of her delinquent son.”

The young man, suitably chastised, let out an awkward “I’m sorry for calling you a predator.”

Before quickly turning and running off, leaving Mrs.Rami to her fate.

The elder for her part merely sighed. “Kids these days.”

“Huh wow, I honestly thought you didn't realize what we were.” Anna commented.

“I didn’t want to say anything in case we spooked you.” I followed up.

“Oh sweeties, there was no need for any of that nonsense, I was an arxur war veteran back in the day and I have seen much scarier things than you sorry excuses for predators in my prime.” She chuckled to herself.

“No I just heard the herd running scared, and I read the news, so I knew what it probably was that had everybody all worked up, so I just figured I ought to give you all a proper Flaghill welcome! And sometimes the best thing you can do for a newcomer, is to treat them like any other member of the herd.” She spoke with a smile.

“That is very kind and herd-like of you.“ Abdel spoke gratefully.

“I have my moments.” She quipped back.

With the situation around town starting to settle somewhat, a lingering question I’ve had on my mind since leaving the research campus, found its way back to the front of my train of thought.

“Actually mam, since you live here.” I began to ask. “I was actually feeling kinda worn out from the day, and was wondering if there were any good coffee places around, you wouldn't happen to know of any decent places to grab a cup of Joe? I asked.

“Oh, is there? Well I would have you know I have a step daughter who owns a lovely little coffee shop right down the road over there, why don't I show our dashing young guests the way over.” She spoke cheerily towards our group.

She looked on patiently, as she held up her arm towards mine, which we quickly interlocked as she began to guide me eagerly; though admittedly slowly; down the path ahead.

“Oh you're going to love this place. If I remember correctly I have a nephew manning the till right now, her name is Jezebel and she is such a sweet girl, I’m sure you'll like her.” She smiled.

System Update : Transcription Widget Activated.
Herd Tracker : Status : Online
Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Old Lady’ Acquired

-------------------------------------

Memory Transcription Subject : Jezebel Frey - Barista : Date : Reclaimed Terran Time : May 14th, 2936 

Ugh….. why are we even open this late? Who wants a coffee at 5pm?

Our last herd of regulars to stop by dipped out like twenty minutes ago. Almost no one ever comes in after five, was Fia really just going to make me stay for almost another hour, just on the off chance that some panicked prey might wander in to get a coffee before a shift that they would probably have been late to anyways.

I was thinking about pulling my holotab out and browsing MyHerd. It's not like there were any customers who could see me, and my Angren boss couldn’t see over the countertop either without a stool.

I wouldn't get a chance to slack off however as the bell on the door unexpectedly gave out a “ring ring ring.”

Oh great another straggler woo hoo, another excuse to justify to my boss to keep the store open for another….. What is that!!!!

My eyes bulged and I nearly threw my holotab across the room as HE entered my shop.

The first thing I saw was those eyes, those deep dark brown eyes, framed by a sculpted jaw and fluffy beard. I felt myself being drawn into their bottomless dark abysses, I should have been scared, but instead I felt allured.

I felt my cheeks go flush and I think I stopped breathing, Only realizing when the prey accompanying them tried to get my attention.

“Hello, Hello! Earth to Jezebel are you there?”

Oh god, why did it get so hot in here all of a sudden.

I tried to respond, but instead just gasped as my lungs unexpectedly filled with the air that they were greedily missing. I tried desperately to compose myself but was floundering in the presence of this titanic hunk of an ancestor. I began to sputter out a response.

“Oh.. um… sorry Mrs.Rami I, I was just…..”

“Jesus girl take a breath.” Mrs.Rami bellowed out. I did my best to heed her advice, and placed both of my hands on the counter whilst I coughed heavily and did my best to catch the breath that had been taken from me.

“Oh uh sorry for startling you.” The ancestor apologized sweetly, whilst Mrs.Rami gave me a knowing look, smiling from the man's side, her arm wrapped around the mazic of a human’s muscular appendage.

God those biceps are as round as my head.

“Oh no, it's okay.” I uttered out as I shook my head in a bid to compose myself.

A small herd was quick to wander in after the man. And to my utter shock two more ancestors followed him through the entrance way. The younger female had an alluring majesty to her, and the elder possessed a wizened appearance that all just seemed…. right somehow.

”Do you guys all know what you want?” The stud of a human asked his herd. “I think I'll order last, I don't want to stress her out too much, I figure I’ll let her get used to my presence.”

He rumbled out enticingly towards his herd. I had to brace myself as my trembling knees nearly gave out beneath me. Oh Jesus, it's a good thing I was already bracing myself. I need to get my shit together, I need him to know I am not only capable but worthy of being in his presence.

The Herd he came with, boring and average as they were compared to the demigod they strolled in with, were pleasant enough, but I couldn't help but find their presence infuriating, as they stood as a barrier between me and the ancestor’s presence. I grew frustrated as they drowned me in mediocrity, when perfection stood mere meters away.

Eventually the ordinaries' orders were taken care of, most getting hot cocoas and sugary smoothies, and I felt my excitement grow and my heart beat rapidly in my chest as one of the prettiest humans I had ever seen approached my counter. 

“Oh hi there, you wouldn't happen to serve Latte machiatos?” She asked smoothly, mature and gracious in a way I couldn't put into words.

“Of course we do gorgeous, and would you like extra, regular or light foam.” I asked happily in reply.

“Mia, do you still order the same thing?”

“Anna, I have not had coffee for decades.”

“Oh yeah right sorry, we will take two cups and extra foam for each of us.”

“Coming right up!” I beamed sweetly.

Doing my best to put on my cutest expressions and demeanor with the ancestors now focused on me intently.

I skipped over to the nut juice frother and began to do my thing. “Do you want Almonds or Soy juice Foam?”

“What is that?” The younger one asked.

“Almond juice is fine.” the older one replied without answering.

I quickly prepared their beverages which they received happily before the main event finally arrived at my counter.

I tossed my hair to the side, and cupped my hands together at my waste, rocking alluringly back and forth as my arms framed my…. assets.

“Hey there handsome, what can little ole me get for you today.” I asked.

“Oh uh thanks for the compliment I guess.” He rubbed his hand to the back of his head, if this were some measly prey human, I would have assumed this was out of nervousness, but no, this was an example of humanity in their predatory prime, and I saw it for what it had to be, an excuse to show off his arms, raising them skyward for his fellow hunter to see, he was showing off! I had earned his attention.

”Also I don’t need anything fancy to drink, a simple black coffee will do. I just need to get a bit of caffeine in my system.”

Such effortless confidence, and what a bold choice of beverage.

“Coming right up.” I announced with a smile. “And can I get a name for that order?”

“Beau, spelled B E A U.”

Beau….. What a beautiful name.

“Coming right up then Beau!” I cheered. 

And while I got to work preparing his drink, I couldn't help but overhear the inane rambling of a herd who knew not what they had with them, who took for granted the prime specimen they hosted in their presence. 

Perhaps I should join them, and help them understand.

“Black coffee? Blegh!” One of the regular humans in their herd called out.

“Seriously Beau, we are trying to help you fit in with the herd, you're not making it easy with such a gross choice!”

I heard a venlil wretch in disgust, and casting a glance over to him I saw him place a lone paw to the forehead of Beau.

“He must be sick! Maybe running a fever? No sane person would order a black coffee.”

“Its just a drink guys.” Beau shot back defensively. “And I like the taste of just the raw beans.”

“What are you talking about? They taste like dirt with nothing in it!”

“I like black coffee.” A timid sounding human could be heard mumbling from out beneath the verbal stampede.

”Yeah and some people like gargling rocks Arun.” The gojid exclaimed emphatically . ”That doesn't make it acceptable behavior!”

This got a giggle out of the bickering herd.

“Hey you should be nicer to your brother.” The adonis of a man defended his fellow human, his instinctive urge to protect his pack manifesting before me. “It’s not his fault he has good taste”.

As he finished speaking, I held my arms out towards Beau, holding the coffee cup up high for him to take.

”Here you go ancestor, One black coffee, warm and fresh! I hope you enjoy it, and please don't hesitate to come back at any time.” I spoke the habitual customer service script with genuine enthusiasm for once in my life, as Beau graciously took his drink from my hands.

“Thank you very much, now how much is this going to set me back?” Beau asked.

“Oh don't worry about that. It's on the house, your girl Jezebel has you covered,” I exclaimed with a wink. Tapping my own holotab to the price scanner, clearing the herds total from the payment screen.

“It wouldn't be very herdlike of me to not help out a newcomer. Especially someone who has been through as much as you all have.”

”Oh um, okay, thanks.” He spoke directly to me again. “That is very kind of you.”

Jesus what a heavenly voice. Is this what I have been missing all my life, had all this time have I foolishly been going after mere prey, when what my body really craved was a huge strong muscular hunter of a man.

As the herd all thanked me before they left, there was only one thought that occupied my mind as the ancestor left my presence.

I needed more.

I took another glance at the work clock. Only 15 minutes left.

I think I overheard the herd talk about going to hang out somewhere, I wasn't paying attention though. I knew now however I needed to get in on that.

I returned my attention to back behind the counter, and excitedly approached my angren manager, who was currently a shivering whimpering mess in the corner.

“Hey Fia, is it okay if I leave a few minutes early today? Something important came up!” I quickly asked.

She didn't respond. Hmmm this could be a problem, actually, wait a minute I have an idea!

“Hey fia if you don't want me to leave early today say literally anything.”

No response.

Perfect!

“Thank you so much! You're the best boss!” I gave my boss an affectionate scritch between her ears before casting off my work apron and sprinting into the bathroom.

I quickly fixed up my makeup, straightened out my hair, and touched up my lipstick as I ran out the door.

As I took off down the street, I saw a welcome and familiar sight, my boyfriend Bruce had just walked out of the grooming salon he worked at, his work bag in hand, as he had just gotten off his shift, just like me. This was wonderful!

 I all but tackled him as I wrapped him up in a hug from behind, He yelped out in surprise, 

“Jezebel! What’s going on? You just about gave me a heart attack!”

“No time to explain, super hot ancestor, you need to see, follow me quick!”

I grabbed Bruce by the hand and hauled him down the street after me. I was glad I was able to grab him. We had similar interests in many things, and we were not shy about sharing. 

“Jezebel? What has gotten into you, did you see an ancestor?”

Annoyingly the blue haired and fabulously accessorized human managed to plant his feet and bring us both to a stop.

“I did Bruce and it was amazing. He was literally breathtaking I swear, Biceps as round as my head, Pecks I could lose myself in, his face was so angular and defined, and it was alluring like nothing I had ever seen."

As I recalled the ancestor I couldn't help but fantasize about that brief smile of his. The idea of those sharp fangs affectionately grazing my throat, oh my god why did that sound so hot.

I shook my head in an effort to snap myself back into reality.

“Please, they're just ahead, come and see.”

I eased Bruce ahead further down the town sidewalks, following the yelps and screams of the tasteless to guide us to our target.

“There! Do you see them?”

Bruce's eyes went wide, just like mine did less than an hour ago.

“Oh wow you're right he’s hot.” he said in awe before chuckling out. “You know,  I wouldn't mind if that predator in particular devoured me.” He spoke with a smirk.

“I know right! Now come on, let's go meet him.”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“Oh please, between the prettiest human in town and the hottest guy.” I ruffled his dazzling blue hair. “He's bound to love at least one of us!” I beamed.

Bruce took my hand this time, and we both booked it towards the ancestors’ herd.

As we finally caught up to them I tugged on the poncho of one of the humans on the edge of the ancestors' herd.

“Hi there!” I greeted my newest herd member. “Where are we going?”

The human smiled excitedly at my presence. “Oh there's a lot of debate, but I think we are going to stop by the media nook first.”

“That's so cool! It will be so much fun to show the ancestors some modern movies! Oh and I'm jezebel by the way, and this is Bruce.”

“I’m Arun!” They replied excitedly, before taking both me and Bruce by the arm and embracing us into the herd.

We quickly assimilated into the herd, taking in its energy and adapting to its flow.

I then turned my head to admire Beau, so majestic he was in the evening sun, so effortlessly did he project confidence and strength, just being in his presence set my heart a flutter. I just knew that this day was going to be great!

Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Horny Barista’ Acquired
Herd Tracker : Update : +1 ‘Fabulous Salon Worker’ Acquired

----------------Part 2--------------------

The following in a response to a writing prompt posted by u/Frostedscales. I had a flash of inspiration and pretty much brainstormed the idea, wrote and edited it in like two and a half hours, so apologies if its a bit rushed, please point out any typos or grammatical errors in the comments below. Please enjoy!

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Falek - Concerned father.

Oh dear, oh my, oh Sogalick please hurry little Oliver.

I glanced frantically around the park, eyes wide looking for exterminators or even other venlil.

The park was mostly empty during these claws, but I couldn't take any chances, not with the safety of my precious pup. 

I looked to my son, a wonderful little human boy named Oliver.

He was a predator, a being that needed to kill to survive, but he couldn't help that, and it made him no less worthy of life and happiness, which I would do my damnedest to provide.

I knew he couldn't survive forever off of formula. Like any mammal he needed to learn to, ‘acquire’ food on his own.

And while I couldn't bring myself to hunt for him, it wasn't my place as prey.

I did my best to teach him every skill he might need to do the deed himself.

I dressed up like a human, using an odd plastic secretary general Myer mask I found on Bleat marketplace. I wore it when I was instructing him, to best emulate a proper human parent teaching him how to hunt.

Sadly I was no predator, but I did all the predator research I could to make up for this fact.

I trained him to lunge like a predator, using a flower bird plushie I had tied a string to in order to emulate a fleeing prey.

We practiced stalking in the back yard, partaking in a human hunting game I heard of called tag.

Being a responsible parent, I also did my best to help show him what was and was not acceptable food. I had to modify my personal values somewhat to accommodate the new love of my life, but I would not break them outright by suggesting to him that sapients might be on the menu.

I showed him pictures of local prey animals when he was sipping from his bottle so he would associate them with food. And I coated my paw with bitter wood tree bark, and goaded him into licking it, so that he would know that venlil doesn't taste good and we make bad food.

Some days I spent hours with him trying to make sure these lessons stuck.

Unfortunately all this training seemed to be for not however.

I had conditioned a bunch of flower birds to congregate in a secluded area of the park, I left stryu crumbs every day to attract them.

They weren't that smart as a species, to the point that they didn't even try to run away when I had set an actual predator pup among them. It was therefore very easy for Oliver to get close to them, but I couldn't get him to go after them. No matter how many of the birds crossed his sightlines, he wouldn't try to lunge at them. He just sat there! Innocently just giggling and flopping his hands towards them.

“Oliver.” I whisper shouted towards the boy, doing my best imitation of the action of yanking at the string like I had often done with the flower bird during our practice hunts. “Catch the bird Oliver, catch!”

This finally seemed to get his attention, and with a gasp of shock from me, I finally saw my boy Oliver locking in, he had just wandered up to a flower bird, he was no longer giggling, his eyes were locked onto his prey, and determination had crossed his face. The flower bird was looking entirely the wrong way.

This was going to be it, wasn't it. His first hunt. Excitement and dread roiled in my chest, my tail and ears couldn't decide if they were supposed to shake in excitement or tense up and lie flat in fear. I had done everything in my power to make sure Oliver could be the best hunter he could be, so that whatever world he decided he wanted to embrace, he would be as well equipped for it as possible.

I nearly yelped as he lunged with the full force of his stubby little legs and arms. Eagerly wrapping his hands around the oblivious flower bird.

This was it! He had done it. He sat upright, the bird firmly in his paw. His other free paw rose high above the bird. His fingers curling up, readying for a clawed strike to finish his kill. I didn't teach him how to kill, but I presumed that his predator instinct would help guide his paw the rest of the way.
 
I felt a tear roll down my snout, pride swelling in my chest as he took his paw, wrapped it around the bird's skull and…. He started petting it?!

Dread filled me again. Oh no! Why hadn't he killed it, a vulnerable prey was in his hands and he couldn't bring himself to fulfill his instincts?!

Was I a bad father? Had I not trained him well enough?

By Sogalick, oh no, DID I INFECT HIM WITH PREY DISEASE!! Had I made him… defective somehow?

No no no no no this couldn't be the case.

I ran to my boy in the center of the tucked away section of the park, free from exterminator eyes, and gently took the flower bird from my human child's hands.

He looked on at me with curiosity and with affection in his eyes. I couldn't help but wave my tail and wiggle my ears happily in the presence of his adoration. I would do anything for him, including…. Doing what a prey should never do. 

I held the flower bird up for the boy to see.

“Hey there Oliver, do you see this?”

“Bweh?”

He seemed to babble curiously.

“Yes, do you remember what it is called?”

“Bow… er Birf” He managed out. 

“Yes very good, that was really close!”

I ruffled the little tuft of fur on his head affectionately.

“Now listen carefully little one, this is very important.”

I held the flower bird up for the boy to see. “You see this little one, this is a prey bird, this is food, do you understand fooooood.”

This got a reaction from the boy, but not the one I had hoped for.

“Fwood.” he spoke, stopping to think for a second. “Stir berry star burry!!!”

Oh no this isn't what I wanted.

“I'm sorry Oliver but there will be no star berries for you today, your predator body can’t survive on star berries alone you need.” I did my best to hide a shudder. “Flesh.” I spoke as cheerily as I could make myself sound.

It was then I did the unthinkable, I grabbed the flower bird firmly with both paws, one still around the body the other around the head and. 

*SNAP*

It was done. I opened my paws to reveal the twitching bleeding corpse of a flower bird.

“Here you go Oliver, food!” I spoke encouragingly.

Oliver froze.

His eyes dilated on the morsel of a flower bird.

Yes this is it, the bloodlust is activating, his first carcass, maybe not his first kill but still his first capture, his first successful hunt, the rewards were finally about to be his!

Oliver finally collected himself, his predator brain finally fully realized what was present before him, he opened his mouth wide, as if to take a massive bite of his prey before. 

“Bwaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh”

He started crying. And not just the occasional little whimper, or dossur tears, but a full on blood curdling wale.

“No! Oliver! You're not supposed to feel empathy for your prey, here try smelling this, maybe this can activate your bloodlust.”

I dug a claw into the flower birds flank, getting it to spill more blood, and I wafted it towards Oliver's flat snout. Which only seemed to make him cry more when he saw the bird now bleeding too.

Oh no, this can't be happening! My boy Oliver is a defective predator, I really have tainted him.

I couldn't help but start bawling too. I had failed my boy, I am the worst parent.

I collapsed to the ground, my fur stained with the orange evidence of my failure.

I don't know how long I laid there, wallowing in my defeat, in my failure.

That was when I heard the distinctive sound of leaves being parted and branches cracking as someone forced their way through the park’s brush.

Oh no! Was it an exterminator? They would never accept my boy Oliver hunting on venlil prime. I quickly turned and scooped up Oliver and held him tightly against my scruff, I searched for escape routes. Maybe I could run to the local shelter, I might be arrested for predator disease, but so long as I could get my boy to somewhere safe, that was all that mattered.

I was relieved however when instead I was greeted to the sight of… what was this? A human female emerging from the bushes.

She looked over to me, covered in the remains of my defeat.

I was fortunate actually, no wait I was Sogalick blessed, this was a hope not just for me but for Oliver.

“You! Human! I need your help please.” I begged.

I ran up to the human woman, and while part of me worried that the blood on my person might set off her own bloodlust, I didn't care anymore, I had failed a child already, I wouldn't fail this one.

“Please savage human, relieve me of this gift, I have failed them, I have failed to raise them properly and nurture the bloodlust within, I am unworthy to parent such a wonderful child.”

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Sarah Smith - grieving widow

I looked down at the scruffy blood covered excuse for a venlil. His wool was in tatters and the fur around his eyes stained with tears. And he was holding a… human toddler.

What the fuck was going on.

“Holy shit slow the fuck down, are you okay little guy?”

I asked, gesturing for calm and looking the little boy dead in the eyes.

“He’s fine, please take him to someone who can raise him right.”

The venlil pushed the child unexpectedly into my arms.

The child himself was relatively free of blood, and to my relief unharmed.

“I'm sorry sir but where did you get this child, and what happened? Why are you covered in blood?”

The venlil clutched his arms to his side and tugged anxiously at his arm wool.

“I.. I adopted Oliver from the human refugee program, his parents perished in the battle over the cradle and during the raid on earth. I have always sympathized with you humans, capable of caring and empathy but shunned by the galaxy regardless. It was a daunting prospect to adopt a predator child, but I knew there was unlikely to be many takers on venlil prime. But I have already failed a child, I lost her in a colony raid to the arxur, I was to much of a coward to protect her, but I swore I would make up for it with this child. But instead I just failed in a different way this time. I was trying to teach him to hunt, like any good predator parent, but… but… when he finally caught his prey.. He wouldn't kill it, and when I did the act myself, and When he had the blood scent flowing into his nostrils, nothing happened, he refused to eat it, I think I've tainted him, gave him prey disease or something, please tell me you kind and empathetic humans can fix him! That you have cures available for the defectives in your ranks.” he pleaded out.

“Woah man slow down, that's a lot to take in at once.” I pleaded with the man, pausing to take a moment to comprehend properly what he just said.

“So let me get this straight, you were trying to teach this kid to hunt?”

“Yes and he wouldn't eat the flesh in front of him, I know you humans require it to survive, but if I can't get him to eat it, I knew he would eventually just…”

I cut the ven off.

“I’m sorry, but have you been giving him B12 supplements?”

“B12? He asked incredulously. Is that the baby formula they gave me with him? I have made sure he has taken all of that, Yes. I'm only out here because I eventually ran out of it.”

I sighed, and stopped for a moment to look over the human boy. He was clean, his hair well combed, his shirt near spotless and well ironed. He looked healthy and happy despite the disheveled state of his father.

“B12 is a special vitamin supplement that humans can take to survive without meat, you don't need to worry about teaching your child how to hunt sir.”

“Wait! What?” He bleated out in shock. “So he doesn't need to….. But…. but what happens if he wants to go to earth at some point, to interact and be with his people. Won't he be isolated if he can't hunt as well as his fellow humans, won't they hate him for being too prey like.” he whimpered out.

“How many times do we need to tell you fluff balls, we don't hunt anymore!!!” I spat out irritably.

The ven man for his part bowed apologetically, his ears going flat.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry. I… I just assumed… oh speh me. I should have known.”

He slumped down in defeat. “I’m just an ignorant bigot of a venlil. Unsuited to be a father.”

Aw man, don't be like that little guy.

I approached the prone man, with a grimace on my face, regretful of my outburst.

“Hey there, it's okay. I'm sorry I yelled. I've just had a really bad couple of days.”

“I’m sorry too for pushing all of this off on you all of a sudden, I'm sure you were just trying to enjoy your paw in the park before you heard me crying like a pup.”

Oliver in my arms started to get restless. Making concerned sounding babbles and reaching his stubby little arms out toward his father.

As I handed the boy back I asked a very prudent question.

“Listen sir? I don't believe I got your name.”

“It's Falek.”

“Well Falek, answer me this, do you love Oliver.” I asked him gently.

“More than the world.” He replied earnestly.

I smiled toothlessly in return.

“Then I think you will do just fine as a dad.” I assured him. “Though you really ought to go to whatever adoption center you picked him up from and start demanding some answers yesterday. This is stuff they should have informed you about upfront.”

The venlil did a pitiful little gasp for air, his voice hoarse from crying.

“I will, thank you.”

“No problem.” I replied.

“Actually Mrs….”

“Sarah.”

“Mrs.Sarah, do you think that umm… if you're not too busy, that maybe you could help me wipe this blood off, I have some baby wipes in my bag over there, and I could help you get clean too.”

He gestured to the stains on my blouse that must have gotten on me from Oliver, the marks that I hadn't noticed in all the commotion.

“And maybe when we are cleaned up, you can take a look at Oliver's arrangements back at my home. It would be invaluable to get the opinions of a genuine human in regards to human childcare. You never know what little things can matter to different species.”

I looked at the cute little kid, happily playing with his father's wool and smiled.

“I think I would love to tag along.” I replied.

--------

We got ourselves mostly cleaned up and made our way back to the man's apartment, but not before he graciously stopped to buy me some food for my troubles.

Star berries are what he called them. He said Oliver really likes them, so he assumed correctly that they would suit my pallet as well.

The man was very charming, and considerate as well. He had a wonderfully decorated bedroom set up for the boy, well stocked with toys and earth craft supplies too, and loads of colorful clothes for the child as well.

Not all of them were boys' clothes, but Falek insisted that he let Oliver pick them out, so I waved off the concern. My only real critique was that Oliver would be getting much better sleep if he got higher quality blackout curtains for his bedroom window, as the current ones didn't make the room pitch black enough.

Falek said he was worried when he originally installed the curtains, since Oliver revealed himself to be scared of the dark, but it was then I introduced him to the concept of a night light.

All in all, it was a pleasant evening and we exchanged contacts at one point so we could get a hold of each other again should it be necessary. Falek even asked if I could come back for a play date, since Oliver had seemed to take a liking to me.

As I finally waved goodbye and began to walk towards the door, Falek turned to give his fussy child some love. And taking one last glance at him now, looking at him in his element as a father, happily interacting with his sweet little son Oliver. I realized something. He looked kind of cute actually.

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Strength in Secrecy - A Past Less Taken - Finale

Big Craig - LATF Agent

The kid's father had delivered me two blocks short of the farsul exterminators checkpoint, he dropped me off with my new clothes and a blanket to throw over my head for concealment. The man had gone above and beyond, when he risked himself by complaining at the exterminators in order to distract them just long enough so I could get away without being spotted.

The checkpoint he had helped me sneak past led to an abandoned industrial park. Lifeless factories and chemical plants sat in shambles and rusted over with neglect. It wasn't much, but it was all I had, and at least I wouldn’t have to worry about attracting too much attention from the mutilated locals.

After a bit of exploring, I tucked myself away into the crevices of some old concrete plant, as I settled in for the night, I felt my stomach grumble. Damn I should have asked for some food from that family, but I was too adrenaline high to think straight at the moment, and I think so was the father too.

For some reason Ice cream seemed pretty good right now, weird.

I thought about going out to forage for food and water, maybe go see if I could steal some. But eventually I decided that for now I just needed to get some rest, I was too worn out from a day of running and hiding. And needed to recuperate before I attempted any risky heists.

From the top of the plant, with my blanket wrapped around myself and my head nestled into a rolled up sack I found, I actually had a decent view over the neighborhood I had just come from and the city beyond it. God this situation was so fucked, was this really what earth would have looked like if the farsul got their hands on us and they wern’t complete morons and figured out our B12 deficiency issue? Fuck me.

What would history even look like if humanity had never joined the picture how and when we did, I pondered.

The arxur war is still probably going, fuck I wonder if any humans have been throw into the farms yet. God.

But would those be better than the predator disease facilities no doubt littering earth by this point.

I shuddered at all the terrifying implications that had always seemed so distant in the past, someone else's problem, but now that they were happening to my people. It felt far too real.

The galaxy would never learn the truth of its founders and origin, humanity would just join the suckers.

While It was always maddening to hear what the feds did to cultures they uplifted, it was certainly a whole new type of horror seeing what it looked like when it was your own species on the chopping block. Fuck I really really hope that this is just an alternate dimension and not some altered timeline that the mirror had sent me to.

Oh god that mirror thing was probably meant for Konsa wasn't it, he would be sent to this dimension’s version of Leirn if my dumbass hadn't activated it. Shit what does Leirn look like right now? The yotul would probably be fully fed-ified by now, and Konsa with his temper? He wouldn't last a day there. Actually scratch that, he would probably last longer than I would here. He could at least superficially blend in on Leirn, while I most certainly could not do the same here.

I felt my eyes get heavy as the call of sleep began to take me, and I did my best to purge the stress inducing realizations from my mind, and I was about to doze off entirety when I heard a faint buzzing noise, I thought it was a bug at first but after a second glance I saw a floating light at the edge of my vision. I opened my eyes and saw.

Shit a drone! Probably of the intel variety. They knew where I was!

I rose to my feet and wrapped a blanket around myself again, tired and with my adrenaline spent, but began to run again in spite of it all.

I could make out the noise of loud vans closing in on me from below as I slid down a concrete mixing shoot to the ground floor to try and lose the drone. I attempted to throw some rocks at it but it was to no avail. It was too high.

“Shit shit shit shit shit I am totally fucked!”

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Solti - Super Venlil Villain

The Sovlin statue was working perfectly, its yotul racism inducing powers were laying waste to the psyche of the two mighty LATF agents! I could feel the hatred burning in my bones as well, but it was more a simmering warmth instead of the flame of hatred that burned within my heart., for my hatred of the dratted yotul was already far in excess of anything this anomalous bauble could conjure!

I looked on as the two punched and kicked at their former ally, wonderfully casting aside their weapons in order to make the impending beat down all the more drawn out and satisfying.

You should have just looked into the mirror Konsa, you might have actually lived in the alternate reality the mirror would have sent you to. Oh well.

The farsul and krakotl thanks to being hateful enough to attempt to pummel Konsa to death manually were putting on such a wonderful show, what an honor it was to see Konsa fighting for his life for my amusement.

And since he was putting on such a great performance, I might as well get off a good monologue so he may die in further agony at my villainous revelations!

“Oh how delightful it is to see my nemesis finally come to suffer after so much time. How positively stimulating!”

“What did I do to you…. Ooof” Konsa cried out, as he demanded an answer just as Soap had pecked him in the head.

“You ruined me! That's what you did,  back on that day. That wretched life changing day on the playground where YOU beat me up, and for being on the receiving end of your barbarity I myself somehow got suspended! Well guess what, before that I was regarded back home as mommy and daddies good little Solti. The wonderful perfect little boy, but when you got me suspended, that flipped my parents opinion of me on its head.”

“That seems like a you problem… Oww my balls” He tried a snide comeback but Reqi was quick to punish him with a decisive kick.

“Anyways as I was saying, my father outraged by my disgraced status disowned me, and left me with my impoverished and disabled mother, I had to give up my dreams of going to college just to support her, but she later died anyways of an undiagnosed brain tumor that took her unexpectedly in the night. Do you know what it's like to wake up, cuddled up next to the corpse of your dead mother because you could only afford one bed!"

“Okay that's pretty bad.” Konsa admitted mid dodge. “But I fail to see how all of that is my…”

“Crack.”

Soap had pecked Konsa in the head again.

“Why do you keep hitting me in the head!”

“Its not like there's anything in there.” Soap retorted.

“You ruined me Konsa!” I brayed loudly. “So on the night of my mothers death I endeavored to make it my life's goal to get revenge on you! I searched the galaxy far and wide to find the instruments of my revenge and eventually I discovered anomalies, and began to collect them , and now I will show you the one that would spell the beginning of the end for you!”

I ran off to my storage chest and began to root around for the anomaly that started this whole revenge quest off.

I listened to the songs of Konsa’s beat down as I scrounged for it.

“Ooof”

“go build a train and cry into the water tank!”

“Hey I had like one model set when I was little I would hardly call that a ……. Ahhhh watch the claws.”

“Attavist.”

Thump.

“Gah”

“Tashana”

Smack.

“Ouchy.”

“Never pouched primitive"

Rip.

“Not the claws!”

“Ah ha I found it!”

I excitedly ran up the glass, and stood in front of a section that wasn't riddled with bullet holes.

“Hey you two, stop beating him up for a second, trust me he's going to hate this.”

The two LATF agents whilst near incoherent with racist rage were able to arrest themselves for just long enough to let Konsa get a look at what I was holding.

“Behold, the anomaly that allowed me to enact my devious plans. By chipping off salt from this anomaly, salt from earth's oceans, and scattering the grains on foreign planets, I was able to infect the galaxy with anomalies!"

“What the fuck? Why is it a salt rock?”

”I don't fucking know?” I replied, before giving the anomaly a casual lick. “It tastes good though.”

“Wait, anomalies existed on other planets besides earth before you got suspended and your life supposedly ruined, so you couldn't have brought anomalies to the galaxy.”

“Ah buts thats the true genius of my plan, I discovered a time travel anomaly, and brought anomalies to space in the past, and then all I had to do was wait, wait for the galaxies lingering belief in predator disease to manifest a genuine predator diseased anomaly, a shadow stalker roaming in the woods outside our childhood town conveniently enough, I captured it, isolated the PD strain, and you know what I did with it Konsa.”
“I don’t know dammit!?”

“I gave it to your sister when I slammed her into that locker on that fateful day.”

“Wait? What!”

“That’s right Konsa, It was me, all along! ME! The best bully in the entire galaxy, the one who killed the sister mom and dad of the stupid dum dum Konsa!!!! Moo ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!”

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Konsa - LATF Agent

“You WHAT!!!!” I roared, a swell of adrenaline overwhelming me, all sense of restraint left my body, I reared up on my tail doing a powerful double kick against Soap and Reqi, who had been pummeling and scratching me senseless up until that point, and were currently standing between me and that worthless fluffball!

I ran straight at that bastard, my blood roiling with rage as I headbutted my way through the glass in one violent motion.

“What the FUCK?!” The pipsqueak bleated.

‘SLAM’

He wasn't able to bleat anything else out as I dive tackled him to the floor, then grabbed the Sovlin figure in one hand, neutralized it with my abilities and then slammed it hard into Solti’s face.

All coherent thought had left my mind, this man.. No this thing hurt my sister, killed my family, ruined my life.

The cuts, the bruises, the aching testacles, they were all disregarded as I rained blow after blow after blow upon this oversized future sherpa rug.

Eventually my vision filled with orange as I struck the venlil without relent. Only to be eventually stopped, as the pleads of Reqi slowly began to penetrate by bloodlusted haze as the adrenaline and emotions of the moment began to wear off.

“Konsa! please stop, we need him alive to save Craig.”

Reqi and Soap had grabbed ahold of my arms, as I let up just enough for them to stop my assault.

I looked down onto the bloody mess that was now Solti, both of his eyes were swollen shut, and he was missing three quarters of the teeth in his mouth.

“Fwease Swop Hurfing Mwee”

He just about gurgled out through broken teeth and a dislocated jaw.

“Awwgh Wain Wurtzs”

I look between Solti and my bloodsoak paws, as anger at what the man had done is slowly replaced by grief.

I collapse into Reqi's arms, Tears filling my eyes, as the culmination of my entire story arc is suddenly and unexpectedly wrapped up in like a busy afternoon out of literally nowhere.

Which is a weird way to think about it, but at least now I know why my family is dead now, and looking at Soap, handcuffing Solti’s arms securely behind his back, I know now it is all over, all there is left to do is mourn my loss with their now being closure for my worried mind.

I cried more into Reqi’s arms as she gently pats my head a bit more to comfort me, she even helps groom some of the blood out of my fur with her tongue.

She is such a nice friend.

Our cuddling is momentarily interrupted however by the sound of Soap yelling something at a now struggling Solti.

“Oh no you don’t! No more anomalous shenanigans for you today jackass!”

I quickly stood at attention, as I saw what looked like an old earth pocket watch get kicked across the floor by SOAP, who is currently dealing with a struggling Solti.

I snatch it up to take a closer look at it and keep it away from Solti.

“That must be how Solti time traveled.” Reqi commented. “But now that I think about it, his time travel story makes no sense. Konsa you told me that story on the way here how you squared off right? Well you were squaring off because he hurt your sister in the past before he got suspended, but he only hurt your sister because you got him suspended in the first place.”

“I recognize that artifact actually." Soap answered Reqi, as he examined the watch with a sideways glance. “It was another one of the rumored artifacts that kept escaping our organization's grasp. That watch is the conceptual embodiment of cinematic time travel, it doesn't have to make any sense.”

“Oooohhhh” Me and Reqi both said in unison.

“We need to hurry up and get this guy back to base.” I spoke up, remembering why we were here to begin with after the emotions of anger and loss racking my psyche abated some more.

“Our Craig is still trapped in another dimension! We have to get him back quickly. And Solti is the only one who may know how to get him back.”

“I would never help my arch nemesis!" Solti spoke defiantly, cuffed and held securely by Soaps wings claws.

“Well it's too bad your compliance won't be necessary!”

Spoke a familiar voice triumphantly from behind us.

Turning around I saw Loril, safe and sound, and holding a dossur in her hand? And Dragging Kenra behind her, who was making out with Jalu?

“Loril, you're safe!” I exclaimed in relief, having completely forgotten the gunfire I had heard earlier before the whole Solti encounter.

“And you have a new friend, and your brother is making out with Jalu?” Reqi uttered with confusion.

“Yeh i dont really have a lot of time to explain, but this weirdo dossur knows how to undo the mirror effects and Konsa I’m going to need you to neutralize an anomaly on our way out, the reason should be self explanatory” She spoke gesturing towards her romancing squad mates behind her with her tail.

“Sounds good” Soap squawked out with haste. ”Let's get back to base quick and save Craig!"

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Gebi - Exterminator - Shadow Farsul

I watched through the camera feed, intently analyzing the distressing sight I had seen before me. A human predator, a sight no one had seen on this planet for multiple generations, or at least that's what I thought had been the case.

But here, right before my very eyes was something that should have been impossible. Our uplifting teams had been meticulous, the ones in orbit making sure the mutagenic gas hit every population center on the planet far and wide. Every food shipment was dosed with the cure, entire water tables laced with our gift to humanity. 

Exterminators patrolled far and wide for any new supposed sightings of the sub sapient predator humans.

It was sad really, seeing such a social species being forced to live separate from their society. That's why we were so thorough with making sure every last human was gifted the cure in some way shape or form, so not a single uncured human had to live apart from the herd.

I would feel sad that we had failed this human, allowing him to be born into the world tainted as he was. But… there was no sympathy to be found in my heart.

I looked down at the torn silvery scraps of an exterminator uniform.

Craigs Exterminator uniform.

I struggled to keep the tears at bay, to look professional in front of my men. But I couldn't help but watch as a single drop escaped my eyelids, and rolled down onto and off the shiny fabric to the floor.

I squeezed my paws hard.

It was wise for an exterminator; one tasked with uplifting at that; to not get too emotionally invested in his work. But this was Craig! And I was pissed.

And judging from all the tense jaws and rigid tails in the room, I was not the only one that was utterly livid.

Everyone liked Craig. He was one of the first human exterminators to be admitted to our precinct, the first of the human recruits to be properly raised and trained to guild standards in this historically turbulent and resistant region of earth.

He was a ray of sunshine, eager and devoted to do a good job, and he gave the best scritches.

Officer Feik was devastated when he lost him.

I remember the words of the officer who had not too long ago barged into my office, face covered in tears, frantically and rapidly stammering out explanations and apologies.

“I'm so sorry! He… he wanted so badly to prove himself, to take in a PD suspect all by himself. I.. I only let him out of my sight for a second. I don't know what happened?! Oh by the elders this is all my fault!”

That predator bastard had hurt Craig! There was no trace of him but these scraps, That means he could have only been eaten! I didn't want to think about it, to let that horrid image haunt my mind.

I glanced around the command room, at the rows of blue holoscreens being diligently  monitored by my men. Controllers in their paws manning the intel drones they were commanding.

“Don’t worry sir,” My second in command spoke confidently from beside me. “This predator won’t take a single unmonitored breath so long as our men are onto him.” He rubbed my back comfortingly.

But not as comfortingly as Craig could.

FUCK!

“We will have him contained soon, he won't be able to compromise our uplift efforts any further.”

Damn, I had almost nearly forgotten about the uplift.

“I wasn't thinking about the uplift.” I admitted. “But you bring up a good point.”

The humans at this point had nearly forgotten about their predator passed. Our history cleansing efforts were going well, and the general public had all but relegated the existence of predator humans to the stuff of predator diseased urban legends.

“It will take some time to round up everyone who has seen the beast.” I spoke. “We must be careful with handling the predator. If he had exposed himself to someplace more populated, it could have set back our uplift efforts by years in this region alone. I don't want people to start comparing us to the east europe and west asia sectors.”

“Well fortunately for us it didn’t.” he replied. “Now where do you think we should send this man when we capture him.”

“Capture him? No. he is too dangerous  to be taken in, he has already killed an armed exterminator. Let him burn.”

My second looked at me shocked for a second, but his expression soon turned to one of understanding.

“I.. understand.” He nodded before leaning in close to my ears and whispering out. “For Craig,”

Taking a second from watching the pursuit, I quickly made an email to the uplift emergency response center to request a redosing of the local water table with the cure. I don't know if this predator human was a one off, but we couldn't take any chances.

As i finished that off I looked again back at the main intel drone feed, only to witness the comforting sight of multiple extermination officers honing in on the predator, they had begun to torch any potential escape roots for the predator with long lasting sticky fuel.

The predator was now cornered.

And as I looked at a singular feed showing the predator with his back literally against the wall, surrounded on all sides by walls of flame. The flesh eater was now cornered like prey.

I could only imagine how afraid he must be, being slowly cooked alive by the heat, as multiple fire suit laden exterminators simply walked through the infernoes with ease, flamethrowers bared ahead of them.

The thing I begrudgingly thought of as a human looked on in terror. He would die afraid, and never again would he harm his prey brothers.

“Let him cook!” One of the exterminators could be heard roaring over the radio. “FOR CRAIG!!!!!!”

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Vahni - LATF Receptionist

I led Craig through the hallway of the LATF, moving rapidly towards the hangar bay.

I had just received a call from Soap telling me he was coming in on the shuttle and fast. The call had actually interrupted Craig who was fruitlessly trying to warm me with a hug, utilizing his so-called ‘infamously warm human body heat’. He had misunderstood me when I was describing myself and I had made the mistake of referring to myself as a cold person.

It was a fruitless endeavor but cute and endearing in its own way so I allowed it.

As we entered the hangar bay and I made my way towards pad 6-7, I felt Craig slip his hand from my paw and run towards a figure out of the corner of my vision, and it was Helif?

While Craig ran towards him excitedly at first, His gait grew less excited and more tepid as he grew closer to the arxur.

“Ah small Craig? What brings you here?” Relif asked with genuine confusion. Glancing towards Craig, who was doing his hardest to stand firm under Relid’s curious gaze.

“I… I..  wanted to give you this!” Craig let out meekly, holding out a singular tundra flower, that I never noticed him actually picking.

“I wanted you to have it, I know it's not much but I wanted to apologize for… for being scared of you!”

“Ah, no offense is taken.” Relif spoke as he took the flower.

“Thats not all!” Craig spoke slowly starting to find his confidence.

“I have learned a lot through you. You and Vahni and I just want you to know that because of you, I understand what the federation has done to my home, and when I get back, I'm going to do everything in my power to help fix it!”

Overhearing this I placed a hand on Craig's shoulder with concern.

“That’s a very honorable sentiment Craig, but you should know the federation at its prime were experts on suppressing the efforts of those trying to openly do exactly what you are claiming to want to try."

“I know!” He fired back excitedly. “I will be careful, my actions will be subtle, I will use my position within the guild to subtly help those who would fight against the federation, and also quietly spread the truth about their misdeeds. I have this all planned out."

I and Relif did our best to temper Craig's expectations and inform him of all the potential ways his plans could go awry, our attention however was soon drawn away from our discussion as the landing jets of Soap’s transport could be heard burning away as it touched down on the pad.

The ship quickly powered down and we were soon met with the sight of the familiar squad, who were already arguing amongst themselves as they jogged hastily towards us.

“Where are Jalu and Kenra?! You were supposed to check on them Konsa!” shouted Soap.

“They are still on the ship making out.” Konsa replied.

“I thought I told you to neutralize that artifact.”

“I did!”

“I think maybe there were some unresolved feelings before the brush.” Reqi speculated aloud.

Soap side, before skidding to a halt in front of us.

“Vahni, do you have the artifact!”

“Yes!”

“Quick hand it to small Craig. And Small Craig, I need you to carefully unbox the mirror, and hold it in front of you and point it at your face.”

Craig quickly did so, carefully pulling the protective wrapping from the mirror.

“Ok! Now what?”

“All you have to do now is look into the mirror with intent, and flip the mirror over so it's looking away from you. Do that, and you're home free kid.”

“Wow! just like that.” Craig spoke with aww. Before looking up to everyone here.

“Is it okay if I say something before I go?”

Craig asked.

Soap herumfed. “Sure just make it quick we don't know what kind of state Our bigger Craig is in.” Small Craig nodded in understanding. 

“Thats fine, I just wanted to say, I am glad to have met you all, this was a paradigm shifting encounter, well it is for me at least. I want you all to know that I have learned my lesson, and with the knowledge you guys have given me.” Craig looked warmly at me with a smile. “I will endeavor to make my world a better place, so that one day we might live like you, so that some day predator and prey will live together in harmony!”

“Goodbye Craig.”

I spoke warmly.

“It has been… interesting meeting you.” Halif added.

“Goodbye little guy!” Reqi cheered.

“Goodbye to you all as well, It has been an honor.” Craig spoke with finality before he looked intently at the mirror, and with a smile, he flipped it over.

“AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Big Craig screamed, as he suddenly winked into existence, violently exploding from his flexible airtight suit, which we had clearly underestimated the flexiness of.

“Get if off Get it off!” He roared, his voice much more deep compared to his herbivore counterpart. 

He violently patted himself down, his skin red from what looked like first degree burns and maybe a few spots with some second and third degree charring, I think he was missing his eyebrows as well.

While Craig often looked like he was perpetually sunburnt, this was a whole other level.

 Oh shit! Little Craig!

“Craig calm down!”

“It's okay Craig you're alright you're safe.”

“Oh shit guys. Fuck ME Fuck ME.” Craig winced as he slowly realized he was no longer in danger.

“Medic!” Soap yelled into his radio, “Medics to landing pad… “ He sighed with reluctance. “Six Seven.”

“Hay!!!”

Craig Jered before. “Oww Oww Oww” he followed up with, as raising his arm to cheer at the far too outdated and overused earth meme stretched some of his burnt skin uncomfortably.

“What happened to you Craig?” I asked with concern. ”I mean what was happening?” I followed. “Why were you screaming? Why are you so burnt up?”

“I was sent to some fucked up alternate dimension? Timeline? One where earth had been uplifted by the federations and their bodies and biology mutilated to resemble these ugly and disgusting skin dinosaur things."

“It was an alternate dimension” Spoke Reqi. “But we are glad to have you back!”

“And maybe you have learned a lesson about going through other people's mail.” Konsa complained.

As the dossur medics ran in with their medical mechas and placed him on a stretcher and began to treat his wounds. We all discussed our days and experiences on what happened.

“Wow Konsa.” I spoke in awe. “I can't believe you just resolved all your personal issues and the mystery of your troubled past in one day like that. Not everyone can be so lucky.”

“Yeh, I'm still coming to terms with all this honestly. But it's…. It's nice to have this weight off my back. Even if I'm still feeling kind of down about it.”

“Oh come here.” Reqi whined, before grabbing onto Konsa and hugging him tight, burrying his snout in her chest in an attempt to comfort the young man.

“This whole experience all just goes to show how dangerous these anomalies can be when they find their way into the wrong paws.” Soap spoke towards the assembled squad, using his typical teaching voice. ”It goes to show why it is so important to not only keep them contained where they can't hurt anyone, and to not let the public gain knowledge of them, and encourage people to seek them out.”

Konsa managed to unbury his head from Reqi's chest fluff to add on to Soap’s little lecture.

“I guess it just goes to show guys that there really is Strength in secrecy.”
 
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Authors Note

And there we go, the conclusion to my 'little' Strength in secrecy Ficnap. Thanks to BigFella4054 for allowing me to play around with his world and characters. Even if I play a bit rough with them sometimes.

I had a lot of fun putting this together, and uplifting this slept on villain to the heights he truly deserved! I myself look forward to seeing where the actual story really goes and seeing if I somehow guessed anything right lol.

Anyways, thank you all for reading this far.

Oh and before I forget, lets just make this all nice and cannon compliant real quick!

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Konsa - Sweepy LATF Agent

One second I was being hugged by Reqi in the hangar bay having a relieving moment as I figured out what happened to my sister and resolved all my personal issues. However I ran into the issue that Reqi started to squeeze me too hard.

It was then that I struggled breathing and eventually opened my eyes.

And I was… in bed?

Oh it was just a dream.

The pressure on my neck let off as Reqi’s nocturnal strangling abated.

Oh dang, that was a nice dream! I think?

It was weird that it was from multiple perspectives and it hurt a lot.

But judging from all my teeth being still in my mouth, I guess it was just one of those weird LATF things.

I looked over the end table and flipped my phone up with a paw.

Hmmm, fifteen minutes before the alarm went off, I guess I didn't sleep in.

I thought about maybe getting up and getting a head start on my day, but that notion was cast to the side as Reqi started nuzzling me in her sleep.

Okay, maybe a few more minutes.

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