u/GrungleberryMuncher

Memory transcript subject Targan, [Error] Location, [Error]

Date [Standardised human time]: [Error]

*Where...?*

It was dark, so dark I couldnt make out my surroundings...though I could almost see...shapes in that darkness. I took a step forward and immediately found myself staring at what must have been a hundred-thousand different copies of myself. The blackness lifting to reveal a sea of grey shapes, scales and open maws. I was stunned, terrified even but-

"Where is she..?" I almost didn't recognise it but the voice belonged to Wes, the human seemed to materialise as he pushed his way forth from the crowd. He seemed somewhat frustrated but... I wasn't sure why. "Targan, come on, he's waiting for you!"

*Who? Who would be-?*

"Ah there you are!" Leara called out, flapping her way toward me and landing just beside the human. When I looked back, I was now in some sort of a dressing room. My duplicates had vanished leaving a mirror in their place, as if they had never been present in the first place. I didn't recognise the reflection though, what I saw in the mirror wasn't *me*. I saw a short, well-groomed, fluffy Venlil with heavily stylised, pearl white wool.

"That's-" I faltered and found myself speechless as the Venlil woman's mouth moved to match my words. The paws moved up and felt at her fur-collar, sinking into the cloud-like wool. The tail waved behind me and it moved just how a Venlil's was supposed to, carefully and with grace. I looked down at...my paws, clawless and soft. This...this was-

"Is she ready yet? It's almost time!" That voice...it was one of Nivar's sisters wasn't it? I remember now, it was Anvar, the one who- "You look perfect!"

"I...I do?" The voice...it wasn't my own but...a Venlil's, I-

Within moments I felt myself pulled forward, looking down to see my feet matched my hands and yet, they moved how an Arxur would. Slow, lumbering steps that, despite being notably shorter now, still covered the typical distance in each stride. Then...then I looked up...

I was in a vast hall, the whole room filled with seating and walking down a gap that ran its length. The seats were filled with...Venlil, most I didn't recognise, who simply watched as I walked. At my side, Leara was holding my arm with her wing as she matched my pace, Anvar holding the other arm in a similar manner.

"What-what's happening?" I bleated out in confusion, trying to understand the situation I had be thrust into. This whole thing seemed like...a ceremony of some form, one I was certain I had seen before...

*It almost seemed like-*

The thought was cut off as I began to feel excruciating pain running through my abdomen, causing me to collapse to the floor. Nobody reacted to my fall but...everyone had frozen in place, as if in a 3d picture. The pain began to spread, now my chest and muzzle stung, as if to spite me for having dared to question my surroundings.

The mirror was back now, though instead of a reflection I could see the countless duplicate Arxur through it. They copied my actions but...as I moved I could see their skin errupt in horrific wounds, great gashes across their skin, blood dripping to the floor. I looked down and...the fur covered paws had been replaced with grey scales and claws. It...it wasn't real, this...this was just a bad dream like before! I-

"Targan, it's OK. I'm here-" For a brief moment I heard his voice. Then there was silence...

Memory transcript subject Targan, Arxur deserter. Location, Skalga, medical rehabilitation centre in the capital.

Date [Standardised human time]: 15 May, 2138.

The pain wasn't from the dream...my whole body ached and stung, in spite of the numbness my drowsiness provided. But there was more, the feeling of soft blankets, the sound of a regular beeping and...the gentle pressure of something laying against my leg. It was a monumental effort to force my eyelids open, artificial light causing me to squint a little as I roused back into reality.

That's all it was...a dream. My eyes wandered from the ceiling and scanned my surroundings, slowly, given the excruciating headache that had started to set in. I let out a groan, finally turning my attention to the mass that seemed to be using my leg as a pillow.

"N-Niv...ar..." It was agony forcing the air out from my lungs to make the sound but it was more than worth it. The Venlil immediately lifted his head and...he had this look on his face that I could never describe, such an expression of surprised joy. Though after a pause, he began babbling out trying to say so much at once that it all just merged into a cacophony that pounded against my head like a drum, almost spoiling the moment. I managed to raise a hand, which thankfully caused Nivar to stop his...incoherent rambling.

"I...I didn't know if you'd wake up..." He was trying very poorly not to cry, tears were already running down his cheeks and he was visibly trembling. It was difficult to focus, I think I heard someone else speaking followed by some movement but I couldn't tell where or who it was. It didn't matter anyway... "H-how are you feeling?"

"I'm...not dead...that's...some...thing..." Nivar smiled at that, though it faded when I started coughing and my ribs made their displeasure known. He rested a paw on my shoulder to comfort me, I...I'd forgotten how soft his hands were. "How...how long?"

"Two weeks, your exchange partner here never left your side for even a moment." Another voice said, this one I didn't recognise but the speaker soon came into view. A human female wearing a long white coat stood just behind Nivar, a clipboard in her hands and a look of relief on her face. I think it was relief at least... "If I might jump in and just check a couple of things?"

"Of course!" Nivar excitedly answered for me, taking a step back to allow the doctor to work. She performed what I now knew to be some standard tests, flashing a light in my eye and so on. "Y-You're crying, she's not hurting you is she?"

I...I didn't mind the tests of course, I just felt...a little overwhelmed...

*I'm...home...*

Memory transcript subject Nivar, ex-military Venlil. Location, aboard the UNSS: J.Gangl, United nations heavy patrol vessel.

Date [Standardised human time]: 30 April, 2138.

"Prisoners secured, continuing to Bridge..." Wes' voice came through the comms network, he seemed to be out of breath though I wasn't surprised.

There were more intermittent gunfights as the various human soldiers continued taking control of the Arxur vessel, as always their efficiency was something to behold. Their tenacity had started showing results too, more and more of the Arxur began surrendering, seemingly realising the futility of further resistance. I was just about to speak to the captain when the comm lit up once more.

"Approaching the bridge now...locked, we got a breaching charge or something?" There were a few more voices before an audible *clunk* could be heard as a device was fitted to the bridge doors. After a brief pause, a loud searing sound came through the comm followed by a loud crack as the metal was melted from its place, much like how the pod had breached the hull. "Entering now...fuck...fuck, get a medic!"

I could feel my heartrate spiking as I watched one of the human's helmet-camera feeds. The bridge was a mess, various stations were completely destroyed, screens were shattered with distinctly Arxur coloured blood covering most of them. But that wasn't the worst of it...there on the far side, laying in a grey heap, was a pair of Arxur one atop the other with red stains marbling their skin. Neither moved as the feed rapidly approached, Wes could be seen crouching over the pair and gently trying to pull the top Arxur from the other. As soon as the camera panned over her face, my heart sank to the very bottom of my chest. My head felt light as I fell back into the chair I'd been given, the room spinning around me.

"It's...her..." I managed to murmer, though I doubt anyone heard me. I could hear Wes giving out commands but...I wasn't paying attention to that, I couldn't stop looking at her... "It's...her..."

"Extensive lacerations, bruising, looks like the left arm is broken...blunt force damage to the head too. Pulse is weak, we need to get her back to the ship..."

Memory transcript subject Rithe, rogue Arxur officer. Location, aboard the UNSS: J.Gangl, United nations heavy patrol vessel, interrogation room A.

Date [Standardised human time]: 1 May, 2138.

It is...over, then. The last of the Dominion, wiped out or imprisoned...the last of Betterment, dead...

"The remaining members of your crew have all surrendered, thirty-two prisoners, still counting the dead. We're bringing you back to Skalga." The human infront of me was calm and monotone, he wasn't shouting or bellowing. No insults, no berating, just the truth.

"Why are you telling me this? You have won, you could just get rid of us..."

"Because we have laws for how we treat you, how we treat all intelligent life. There will likely be Venlil calling for the executions of your entire crew but as UN prisoners, that won't happen. Despite how much you deserve it." He then placed a holopad on the table, displaying an image I recognised immediately. It was of the scout, Targan, she appeared lifeless and covered in wounds in the image. "Do you know who this is?"

"Morlan's offspring, the scout Targan. The traitor..." Looking over the image I felt a certain level of pity, though it was stifled as my interrogator took back the holopad. "Again I ask, why tell me any of this? I do not understand how I could be of any more use."

"That's not for you to know." He sighed quite loudly before presenting yet another image on the holopad, this time it was a technical document for the Slaughter. The image showed various details, with annotations about the modifications it possessed compared to more standard Dominion vessels. "Now, about your ship..."

Memory transcript subject Athis, former chief hunter of the Arxur Dominion.

Location, Dayward penitentiary facility, Skalga.

Date [Standardised human time]: 5 May, 2138.

"-after a combined effort from both UN and Venlil space corps forces, were able to neutralise the rogue vessel. Reports indicate that amongst the Arxur killed in the raid were the escaped S.C. prisoner and former Betterment officer Morlan. Given the impact of this incident, Governor Veln has provided the following statement regarding the matter-"

They did it then...they actually managed to stop him. I watched as the screen then showed a media post from the governor, which I only chose to listen to out of morbid curiosity.

"It was through the great effort of the V.S.C. that such a terrible threat to the people of Skalga was brought to an end, it is a tragedy that these horrific monsters couldn't be brought to justice sooner. The loss of life is nothing short of heartbreaking."

With that, I turned away and left the entertainment block. I didn't care about the politician's self-aggrandising, no doubt he would make some claim about being involved in some way. He would make a remarkably good predator...

"In light of this incident, I have come to the decision that we cannot contain these monsters and so have signed an executive order, ensuring all outstanding Arxur prisoners will be returned to Wriss-"

Memory transcript subject Targan, Arxur deserter. Location, aboard Dominion aligned vessel "Prey's slaughter", Skalga system.

Date [Standardised human time]: 30 April, 2138

*46 hours since capture.*

Father lunged forward, his claws piercing into my forearms as I attempted to block the attack before being kicked in the abdomen, the force of the blow sending me reeling back into one one of the consoles. I had just enough time to spring out of the way as he slammed into the station behind me, his fists denting the metal and sending electrical flares from the point of impact. Seizing the opportunity, I lashed out with my own claws at his midsection. I felt warm liquid on my hands as another swipe sliced just below his rib, only to be swatted away as he back-handed me across the face.

Once again I pulled back, putting some distance between us. He had far more reach than I did so it made it extremely difficult to land any sort of attack, especially one that would actually hurt him. As I continued my cautious retreat, I made note of anything I could put between him and me, though besides the captain's chair and console, there was very little...

Though just as I pulled my attention back to him, Father had closed the gap and already managed to catch my arm with his claws once again. The searing pain made me instinctively grab hold of the wound, consequently I was unable to avoid another strike as Father slammed his full weight into me, knocking me back further and into-

Memory transcript subject Targan, Arxur deserter. Location, [unidentified Venlil-meat processing facility].

Date [Standardised human time]: 14 June, 2132.

[Transcript error, numerous inconsistencies with log *NIVAR-MORLAN-INCIDENT-18* detected, compensating...complete.]

"Kill him!" Father snarled, his words filling the air like a piercing wind. Once again I was faced with Nivar, bound and chained, his expression totally calm.

I felt tears welling up, the desire to fall to my knees and cry was overwhelming. But I couldn't do that, if I did Nivar would be hurt...Father would hurt him...I couldn't let that happen, I *wouldn't* let that happen.

My maw parted in a wide snarl as I swiped at the air all around me, wildly slashing and screaming, desperate to find the source of that droning command. I was surrounded by a dark haze of shadow that seemed to twist and slow my every movement, like moving through water or cutting through something with a blunted blade. The antagonistic voice seemed to eminate from the fog itself rather than any specific point, taunting me, knowing that there was nothing I could do to make it stop.

"It's ok Targan...just breathe." The image of Nivar said once again, it's warm smile and comforting demeanor never faltering in the slightest. I looked down at my claws, a fresh coat of orange blood staining my fingers. "It's ok...just...breathe"

[Memory transcript error resolved, returning to transcript.]

My head throbbed as I opened my eyes, finding myself laying face down on the floor. Father stood over me, his expression filled with wrath and malice and hatred. He had his claws raised, ready to strike once again. I was quicker this time...

I propelled myself upward, lunging straight for his throat with my maw wide open. He tried to pull back but I was too close now, though instead of his neck I ended up latching onto his lower jaw. My teeth pierced into his flesh with ease as I wrapped my arms around him in a horrific mockery of a hug, claws tearing at his shoulders and back. I bit down hard, using the newfound grip to rise up to my feet, agonising pain coming from all over as Father mimicked my hold on him.

Now that I was in a better position, I allowed my jaws to open before biting down hard on his clavicle resulting in the audible cracking of bone. I began pushing against Father with all my might, trying desperately to gain any sort of control over the struggle. Though it wasn't long before Father regained the upper hand, grabbing hold then using his weight to turn and hurl me through the air. I felt the wind knocked out of me as I crashed into one of the consoles, crumbling to the floor and spitting out a clump of blood. My side was bruised and now had shards of glass from the broken screen slicing into my skin. Everything hurt...

My breathing was shallow, my vision blurred and my muscles sore. I tried once more to stand but my legs buckled underneath my weight, dropping me back down to my knees. I felt powerless, spent and ultimately, weak...I really am just...weak...

"I am almost impressed..." I couldn't focus fully on the words, I could barely even hear Father as he continued. My ears were still ringing from a second ago... "You may be my flesh and blood after all...fighting like this, like a wild beast? For that, I will give you a quick death."

At that, I slumped somewhat. I had nothing left to give, no more strength to bare against him. It was over... And yet, as I looked down, a particularly large and sharp looking shard of glass lay just underneath my right claw. My fingers carefully wrapped around it, hiding the makeshift weapon from view as I did my best to pull myself back up to look at Father. He once more stood over me, this time rather than wind up a swing, he grabbed hold of my neck and lifted me up to his level.

"I'm...sorry...Father..." I croaked out, looking him right in the eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but with the very last of my strength, I brought the glass shard up and plunged it deep into his throat. I pressed and pressed it further in, severing flesh and embedding it so deep it broke upon reaching his spine. I watched as his eyes grew panicked, his grip faltering and he stumbled backward.

The sound of gurgling blood was all that escaped his maw as he began convulsing, choking on his own life-fluid and desperately trying to put pressure on the wound. He writhed and struggled and clawed, then...he stopped. I watched the whole thing, my gaze never once faltering...and once he was still, I knelt beside him. I paused for a brief moment, unsure of myself, before gently resting my muzzle against his chest. I felt his warmth and his smell, for the first time in my life, I felt comforted by it...

"I'm...I'm..." *I'm...sorry...Father, I didn't...I didn't want this...I didn't want any of this...*