u/password123-4138

What would a Krev dance look like? Shuffling around, tail swaying or maybe something else entirely. The options are limitless and probably very funny to watch an awkward Krev try to dance. In this chapter of the Krev on Earth, we get to see Edward and his father talk about what happened to them both during their time apart as plans are made for a night out.

Once again, thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the Krev and the Krev cult for continuing to be a source of inspiration

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Edward Hamilton, Human Colonist

Date [standardized human time]: February 6, 2161

 

The sun outside had set a while ago as we hurtled down country roads at a pace that didn’t sit well with Cruth. I watched as his claws wrapped around the safety handle above his head in the front seat.

“Hey, are you alright?” Breeve’s head flopped against my shoulder. The Krev and I were in the back seats of the Jeep my father was driving.

“Not sure yet. The exchange program is putting out new directives since the war declaration with the Collective.” She paused for a moment before she said in a sad tone.  “I’m worried about home.” She confided leaning over more before grimacing.

She was still hurting from the shattered scale. The back brace she wore was covered by a new coat. But she had been in a sullen mood for the past few hours after receiving the email.

She was worried for good reason. The Arxur declaring war in support of the Jaslip movement, had a lot of our exchange group on edge about what’s happening in KC space.

I wrapped my arms around the Krev as she leaned in against my chest. I squeezed her trying to reassure her, making sure to not apply pressure to her scale.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. Your family is living in a small town in the countryside, what reason would they have for attacking Saphern? Is the local supermarket a vital war target?” I joked at the end earning a little sigh from the Krev.

“I’m trying to not think of it, but what if something does happen to them. That the Arxur glass Avor or they start genociding Krev in revenge for the Jaslip?” She asked, closing her eyes. I squeezed her again, kissing the top of her head.

I wanted to say something that could help her, that would somehow make her feel better but, I couldn’t. There wasn’t anything that I could say, because I didn’t know. The Krev shuddered as the Jeep passed over a pothole making the whole car jump. When I was about to say something, my father spoke up.

“The Arxur wouldn’t do that anymore. Betterment has long since gone out of power there, their tactics of scaring the population and killing innocents went with them. Nowadays they’re looking for any allies they can for their new alliance, the Jaslips are just that for them. A potential ally.” He explained.

“But what if they aren’t? What if the Consortium puts up too much of a fight?”

“Then, the Arxur will look for more friends and attack again or give up. Besides, it’s the Consortium against a small fleet of Arxur ships. They’re main force is currently engaged with the Federation all over again and there’s not been any word of people being eaten or worlds getting glassed.”

I could see her anxiety at the situation, her tail curled inwards.

“It’s only natural to be worried about them. We’re far away and don’t have any direct communication. Breeve, they’ll be fine. Isn’t the Jaslip rebellion all about getting away from the Consortium and leaving. The best-case scenario would be the Avor government supplies them and just lets them go to start anew with the Arxur.” I hypothesised the best scenario, trying to reassure the anxious Krev.

“The worst case would be that the cage is activated, and they stay shut in for a while. Simple really.” I kept my tone as light as possible for the Krev. I didn’t want her to be worried anymore, and I just didn’t like seeing her this anxious.

Her ear flicked my chin as her head settled under my neck. I had an idea, so I turned my head down before playfully biting her ear using my lips. It got a reaction from her as she made a squeaky ‘huh’ noise and sat up looking at me.

I took the opportunity to make eye contact and offer her a proper hug. Though it was a little difficult with us being sideways to each other.

“They’ll be fine, Breeve. Your dad’s smart, just like your mother. They’ll be alright and look after Sirks.” I squeezed her.

She didn’t respond and hugged me tightly, making the familiar trill noise that rumbled through my chest.

At the speed we were travelling, it didn’t take long before we pulled up to a two-story house. It was like the old dwellings the photos in the archive vault had. A slate roof, grey sides made of some sort of brick or maybe old stone made to look old. Out front there was a nice garden and a view of the countryside. I could make out a few houses in the distance with their lights still on.

‘I wouldn’t mind living like this.’

“We’re here.” Arthur said, killing the engine and stepping out.

I helped Breeve out of the car not wanting to aggravate her injury.

“You know I can do this on my own, right?”

“I know, it’s just that I’m worried.”

“You don’t need to worry, I’ll be fine… and thanks, for earlier.” She grabbed my offered hand, pulling me close and decided to lick the side of my face.

“Oi, love birds, you coming inside or should we leave you out here?” My father spoke, opening the door to the house, followed by Cruth.

We followed them inside, stopping in the hallway to take off our coats. The house was very warm, and the décor was really nice. There was a stairwell leading up and a few doors, the one on our right led into a dining room, a table set out with silverware while the one Arthur led us through was into a living room.

A few seats were placed around an unused fireplace, a tv was set on a small table in the corner while photos adorned the walls. It all felt homely and lived in, the pictures and walls had paintings or photos of people I didn’t know.

“You guys can wait here for a moment. I’ll see if the food is ready and where the others are?” Arthur said, backing away into another door, steam emanating from the small crack left in it.

Cruth and Breeve decided to sit down on the sofa while I had a look at the photos on the mantle place. Some were my father and my step siblings, others had people I didn’t know just smiling at the camera.

One of them was on top of a mountain. Arthur was wearing mountain climbing gear, with Thepio riding on his shoulders. They both stared at the camera, standing with the countryside behind them and Pelera was there staring the other way holding my father’s hand.

They looked happy…

The other photos were the same, of them as children growing up and spending time with my father. Times that I will probably never be able to have with him.

“What are you looking at?” Cruth asked, scaring me with how close he had gotten.

“…Wondering how much I missed.” I paused, trying to calm my heart from the scare I just got.

Seeing the photos made me wonder if I had any back home. Any of mom and me being this happy or with friends? It made me feel hollow, not putting them in frames like this and losing them when my pad was destroyed in Bulik.

“I wouldn’t focus on it. If it were me and I had either of my parents back. I’d be trying to make as many memories as possible with them, not focus on what we missed.” He said, grabbing a photograph placed above the fireplace.

This one was of my mother in the hospital, a baby wrapped in a blanket cradled in her arms. I’d seen it before, she had this photo saved to her phone before we left and she looked a lot different back then. More alive, more happy…

Cruth placed it back as we went through the room, seeing the photos and little trinkets. They were a happy family, together with a bright future, and here I was. A mental wreck with no drive or ambition.

“Can I ask something?” Cruth whispered, picking up an antique clock. Looking at the hands slowly tick forward.

“What? Why are you trying to be secretive all of a sudden?”

“Shhhh, I um…” He paused, looking around before putting the clock back making sure it stayed in the same place. “I um… how do you… ask someone out?” He blurted quietly.

“…You would just ask, I guess. Like do you have someone in mind or are you just asking for the future?” I asked curious now what the Krev was getting up to.

“I umm… It’s hard to explain.” He quietly glanced toward one of the doors.

“You just talk to them and see if they’re interested. Ask them and if they say no, then that’s it, nothing else you can do about it. Just, be normal I guess.”

This conversation took a turn for the weird as he sighed, a tinge of blue surrounding his ears. I probably wasn’t the best to ask about this sort of stuff.

Before I could think anymore about what Cruth was doing, the door to the kitchen opened again. This time Ashia appeared wrapping an apron across her arm.

“Ahh, dinners ready, and it’s great to see you three again.” She spoke in a friendly manner, before turning to Breeve. “I need to thank you specifically for helping Thepio. He says that you were amazing for helping him.” She tilted her head when she finished speaking.

“Oh, it was nothing really, just in the right place and time.” Breeve put her pad away turning up to the Venlil.

“It certainly must have been something, the way that Arthur described your state.” She eyed the brace Breeve had wrapped around her.

‘Is it me or is this turning into an interrogation?’

“It wasn’t a problem, just that one of them got-“

“A knife and tried to stab you with it.” Thepio finished her sentence, after entering the room from the hallway, Pelera following after him.

I offered a greeting and had to nudge Cruth to snap him out of whatever he was thinking. Thepio seemed alright compared to back in the condo. He stared at me for a second, before he turned back to his mother.

“Look, she helped me and Thomas out of a bad situation. Why are you being hard on her?”

“I don’t agree with your father’s way of dealing with this. Opening a file with his old army connections into HF activities is good, but they should be arrested for assault.” Ashia responded.

‘Seems like they’ve had this conversation multiple times now.’

“Mom, I don’t want to deal with this anymore. Can’t we just put this behind us and move on already? I don’t want this when I’m this close to never seeing them again.” He emphasised the point by making a small gap with his paws.

“Still, what if they are out there terrorising others, what if they come after you again?”

“Then I’ll just beat them again.”

“That’s not – ack… There’s no point in arguing with you about this. If this happens again I’m going straight to the police to file a report. Your father’s military connections or not.” She said with a note of finality. It reminded me of Breeve sometimes when I would end up doing something stupid.

She saw me staring and turned a quizzical head tilt before turning back to Ashia.

“If it does, then I’ll testify as well. I’m sorry for the hassle, I just… the tension between our species means that the exchange program could fall apart. The three of us could be sent back to Tellus if it does.” Breeve spoke up.

Ashia was about to say something but stopped and exhaled, annoyed. “Fine, but if this does happen again, or if I catch a single word of you getting into another fight. You will be grounded until you graduate.” She faced Thepio, who looked like going to reply, before getting a smack on the back of the head from Pelera.

“And you.” She turned to Breeve. “If he gets hurt again or targeted by these people, then I want you to testify to the police and alert your exchange program as well. I don’t care about what happens, I don’t want my son getting hurt.” She waited for Breeve to respond. The Krev meekly nodding under the Venlil’s gaze.

“Plates are set ar- What happened?” Arthur came back through the door seeing all of us standing around.

“Nothing, honey. Just making sure everyone knows what’ll happen if my kids get hurt.” She turned around to the human.

“I see… well, dinners ready and waiting.” He looked between all of us, gauging what was said.

The food smelled fantastic and tasted even better. We were sitting around a large wooden table in a dining room, which left me feeling like it was all a bit too much. The amount of food and the décor just didn’t compute correctly in my head coming from the survival status of Tellus settlement.

A large pot of stew had something called Tofu made to taste like Beef. I had asked the others were okay eating it since it was basically something that stated like meat. Thepio and Pelera didn’t care but I did see a hint of hesitation in Ashia as she ate, but she never stopped eating it after the first few sips.

I was worried for my friends, if they could even swallow the chunks of meat and vegetables before I ate one. The tofu fell apart in my mouth and I learned that Ashia and Arthur looked into foods the Krev could eat. Both of them seemed to enjoy that the two Krev loved their cooking and I saw Ashia’s tail start swaying as Cruth complimented the flavour.

‘I guess the verbal lashing from earlier is forgotten.’

I enjoyed it immensely, feeling full after a bowl. The vegetables and seasoning they used made it all the more special since it was stuff from home I never had before. After eating whatever I could, I started talking to Thepio since I never really had the chance.

“So um-“ I offered before he cut me off immediately.

“You don’t have to do introductions; I’ve heard enough about you from Arthur already.” He sounded annoyed as he chewed on a bit of onion.

“Good things I hope?” I tried to lighten the mood between both of us, but he scoffed.

“Yeah, ‘good things’.” He sarcastically said earning a glare from Pelera of all people before she returned to talking to Breeve.

‘I guess I’ll just be upfront now.’

“You know I’m not here to replace you or anything.” I said, sipping at a glass of water as the Skalgan placed his spoon down and turned to me.

“I don’t expect you to.” He stared unblinking, making me feel a little nervous about what to say. After a moment he turned away and started eating at his stew again.

“So, you’re still in school?” I asked, changing the topic.

“I am.” He responded, sounding annoyed.

“What sort of subjects do you like?”

“Some of them.”

“Like specific ones I mean?”

‘I felt like I was playing twenty questions.’

The conversation continued as he said as little as possible to me. Just yes or no answers with a glare mixed in. I already knew that he didn’t like the fact that I was here. I already told him I wasn’t going to replace anyone, and I guess he just didn’t like me much.

“Engineering.” He replied when I asked what he wanted to do once he left high school.

“Any sort of engineering field in mind? I know a little about metallurgy if that’s any interest.”

He paused for a few seconds, staring ahead and answered.

“I don’t know.”

“General engineering then? Machines? or something that interests you. I sort of liked learning about aviation but never got the opportunity living underground my whole life.”

“…Robotics, I guess.” He added at the end. It was a little more, and I thought he was starting to talk more normally.

“Alright. So like, what sort of robotics do you think?”

“… Okay.” He paused for a moment and looked at me. “You’ve heard of a memory transcription?”

“Yeah, I had one done before.”

“There was this concept that we can use our minds to control robots. Think of it like sitting in a seat and being able to move your hands and see through the camera of a robot without actually moving your own arm or body to do so.”

“You’ve lost me.”

He sighed, taking a sip of water before starting again.

“Think of it like you're sleeping, or have you ever heard of an outer body experience?”

“Like ghosts?”

He held his head with a paw, dragging it down his snout before asking.

“Are you intentionally being annoying or do you not grasp the concept?”

“No, it’s just that… I’m not very good with neural patterns talk or robotics in general. The best I know is about programming machines to do jobs or manual handling.”

“…Okay, you’ve used a machine before or a forklift even?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, so. Imagine yourself sitting in a forklift seat. You would use your arms to manually operate it? Instead, imagine that your arms felt like they moved but in reality, they didn’t, but the forklift still responded to your actions.”

“Okay, I think I’m starting to get what you’re talking about.”

“So, imagine that, but you were able to do it from another location. You would be able to see and feel the controls of the forklift and be able to use it, just without actually touching it with your real body.”

“So, like a remote control, but instead you’re like a ghost or merge with the machine to use it?”

“The ‘ghost’ concept is the one I’m interested in. The ability to feel your arms controlling stuff that you weren’t actually touching is fascinating.” He replied enthusiastically as I nodded along, thinking of the practical applications this could yield.

My first thought was of being able to operate tools or mining equipment without the danger of a collapse or getting hurt. It made me think of that one campaign in the settlement where we had to work from home during a plague outbreak. Just that the miners couldn’t really work from home.

The only thing that saved us from being evicted those few months was the materials we had stockpiled.

He grew more animated as he opened up more to me. Telling me about what he was interested in and I tried to keep up with the concepts as best I could. Eventually the dinner was finished and the rest of us retired to the living room again and chatted.

I talked to Arthur and Ashia about some of the things that happened when I was growing up underground.

Mostly, stuff that made news there. Like a daily rationing plan or that shifts needed to be extended again to meet quota. I never talked about what happened after the reveal. I didn’t think I was ready to bring it up to them yet.

“Hey, I was wondering something.” Pelera spoke up after I had finished another story. “I had a friend with tickets to a place called ‘The Bank’ in London. They can’t go so I was wondering if you, Breeve and Cruth would like to come with me?” She asked.

“What is it? A live concert or something?” I replied.

“No, it’s a night club. A popular one for dancing and drinks.”

I was conflicted. The experiences I had back in Bulik while drunk flashed through me, while I remembered all the other fun times I had at places like that. I knew that Breeve was hurt, Cruth is alright, but was I okay to go?

“Ah -um. Yes, that would be awesome to go.” Cruth stammered, a light blue twinge around his ears again as he kept staring at Pelera.

She looked at me next. I debated it in my head for a little while before saying.

“I’m alright with going, just don’t want to drink that much.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I’ll watch out for you light weights.” Pelera smirked before Ashia spoke up.

“Pelera, don’t go around dragging people off for a night out. You remember what happened last time?”

“…Yes, I do.” The Skalgan grumbled, her ears pinning down as she looked away.

“If you’re going, I ‘m going with you.” Breeve spoke up.

“Are you sure? Your scales and stuff would hurt wouldn’t it.”

“I’m not leaving you alone again, last time won’t happen this time.”

“What does she mean ‘last time’?” Arthur joined in, making me freeze up.

“I umm. Just drank a little too much is all.” I quickly added covering for myself. He didn’t seem convinced, staring at me for a while before Pelera spoke up again.

“Great well, the tickets are for Sunday night. It won’t be as packed, but there’ll still be a good few people there. Is that alright for you guys?”

“I’m for it.” Cruth added very enthusiastically, still staring at her.

“I’m alright, though my dancing has gotten very rusty.” I joked, not wanting to think of getting knocked out again.

“I won’t be dancing, but I’ll watch the others so they can get home.” Breeve added at the end rubbing a paw over the cracked scale. Though I think I saw her eyes sparkle when I joked about dancing.

“I’ll hope you guys do. Last time Pelera did this, we didn’t hear from her, but her friend called. She said that our daughter had thrown her phone into a fountain thinking it was a coin she was throwing. Make sure she doesn’t go overboard.” Arthur said, pinching the bridge of his nose. The comment left the Skalgan stammering before Breeve responded.

“I’ll make sure we get home fine, at least back to the condo if it’s very late.”

“Please see that you do.”

We started going over the logistics of the where and when. Mostly about train schedules and pricing and if we should have pre drinks or not.

I was tapped on the shoulder by Arthur when Pelera was explaining that the Skalgans can drink anyone under the table, and he pointed a thumb at the door to the hall. I followed him, after he walked away.

I thought we’d be stopping there, but he grabbed a pair of boots and stepped outside into the frigid night air. The chatting from inside was dulled when he reached into a pocket and grabbed a cigarette box.

“Um, what are we doing?” I asked, watching my breath disappear into the dark.

He didn’t respond, he just pulled out another and offered it to me, looking ahead of us into the now blackened sky. He lit his and took a drag before offering me the lighter.

I had smoked before, not tobacco, but some of the weed a few miners were able to grow. Tobacco was a rare commodity in the settlement and most of it was used up in the first few months of arriving. Just that the militia had confiscated it, and only the settlement’s administration was allowed to smoke it.

I never got the opportunity to try it and was curious. I flicked the lighter, causing an orange glow as the cigarette took, burning the end of it. Without much thinking, I offered the lighter back and inhaled the stick, feeling the smoke burning my throat.

“It’s some *cough-cough* good stuff. Definitely better than what we had.” I said feeling like I was hawking up a lung.

“You don’t smoke?” Arthur asked, surprised.

“No, well, not anymore.” I said, not liking the taste and throwing the thing into the ground and grinding it with my boot.

“Shit, sorry about that. I didn’t know, I just expected-“ He apologised, rubbing the back of his head after he put the lighter back.

“It’s all good. I know everything is pretty shitty back on Tellus, and it would drive us to smoke and drink ourselves into oblivion.” I tried making light of it, but the truth was far closer than what it should have been.

“Does Ashia know you smoke?” I asked, feeling the coughing fit start to subside.

“She does, and she does sometimes as well. I was thinking with what I was about to ask, you would need one.”

“And, what are you going to ask me?” Feeling the conversation shift again.

‘Does he know?’

“It’s about something that happened to you. I know that Emelia died when you were young and I have no doubts that would have messed with anyone. Especially someone at you age when it happened.” He paused and took another drag, the embers making his face glow eerily in the dark.

“You were in the mine explosion, you explained that. But everything you tell us is before it happened. Nothing of how you met Breeve or Cruth, or why you avoid every question about what happened after you met them. It doesn’t add up son, and I know that there’s something eating at you.” He finished.

I watched as the smoke he exhaled drifted upward into the dark sky, disappearing from my view and I stayed like that for a moment. Looking up and not thinking about anything.

‘Should I say to him or, do I try and avoid it?’

“I understand if you don’t want to talk about it. There are a few things I haven’t really been truthful with you about either.” He inhaled deeply and stayed quiet. He was fidgeting with the cigarette or looking away in the opposite direction like he wanted to hide his face.

I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to share what happened, to tell him that I was scared and sorry and sad. That the only times that I felt something was by being busy, or with my friends. That when I’m alone dark thoughts would plague me. My brain not wanting me to rest and kept reliving the worst moments over and over again.

‘Just tell him, he knows how bad it can be.’

‘What if he sees me differently?’

‘He will, his opinion will change and your own will as well.’

‘What if I don’t want to?’

‘You know what almost happened? What you almost did back then when you closed off from everyone.’

I took a calming breath, gathering my thoughts as the cold air grounded me.

“After the mine explosion. I blamed myself for what happened, I needed to get away and decided to join the Krev exchange. A few things happened that led me to meeting Breeve and travelling around Avor looking for Cruth… we umm” I paused feeling my voice getting caught in my throat. “We found him and uhh… a few days after we went out to a bar and I was… I-I was kidnapped...” I had to relax my hands, I felt the nails starting to pierce my skin I was clenching my fists so tightly. The feeling of a cloth being forced against my mouth and the drowsy feeling played at the back of my mind.

‘I wish I hadn’t stomped out that cigarette.’

“I umm… I was taken and – and was going to be sold to someone. I fought back and they decided it wasn’t good behaviour.” I paused for a while, feeling my eyes start swelling as I held back tears.

‘I needed to do this; I was able to talk about it before. I needed to do it again.’

Turning away I looked around looking for something to count or focus on to distance myself from my thoughts but there wasn’t anything. Only darkness around us and the few lights in the distance of other houses.

“I was strapped down and my nails and teeth were pulled out…”

‘Come on, don’t stop now.’

 “I nearly died after breaking out, but my friends saved me. But it didn’t feel like they saved me.”

Arthur stayed quiet, he finished his first cigarette at this point and started another looking at me intensely. I fought as hard as I could to keep the emotions bottled up, not to spill everything out in front of the last family I had.

“I wanted to die for the longest time. I shut everyone out and I’m only alive because of them.” I pointed inside. “They’re the only reason why I kept going, that I’m even looking for help and not in the ground somewhere.”

‘I’m pathetic’

I took deep breaths and calmed myself. I didn’t want to cry, I slowly calmed down feeling the tightness in my throat start to fade with the wetness around my eyes. It meant I was getting better, it meant that I was getting better for them. That I was starting to be able to open up without breaking down.

I shut my eyes, taking deep measured breaths quelling the raging tornado of emotions in me.

“I can understand it.” Arthur spoke very quietly. I opened my eyes watching as he turned away to stare ahead again. “The time you and your mother left Earth, it had me torn up inside and there was no one to put me back together. I already told you about meeting Unipher, but not what happened afterward.”

I listened as hard as I could, leaning on every word so I didn’t have to focus on myself anymore.

“I was a medic, yes, but I was bloodthirsty.” He spat the words like it revolted him. “I was a very violent man, thinking that if I can’t see yous again, then there wasn’t any point to keep going anymore. I threw myself into combat engagements, every mission and every little distraction to not remember watching the ship take you and your mother away.” He grabbed his wrist and rubbed the area for a little while.

“Even after the war was over, I couldn’t stop. Stopping meant that it was done, that the fight was over, and I couldn’t accept it. Unipher was with me, trying desperately to see the good in me and it worked for a while. I transferred to active war zones on Earth, wanting for it to just be over, that I wouldn’t need to deal with it anymore.” He grimaced as he spoke, I watched him as he gripped his wrist hard before opening his tired eyes.

“I lost an arm on Earth and was medically discharged. I had nothing and was nothing. Somehow, I ended up on Skalga and met Ashia. Thepio was just born and… I just lost it. I broke down in front of her, a complete stranger watching this random Venlil walking down the street, pushing a stroller and I just broke.” He took another shaky drag of his cigarette looking away, gathering his thoughts before continuing. “She put me back together, we worked it out and eventually I was able to get back on my feet.”

“How? How do you get back on your feet?” I asked, not knowing where to even start.

“We’re similar. We kept going for the ones we loved. Marching forward so that we have a reason to keep going. Mine is Ahsia, Pelera and Thepio, yours is Breeve and Cruth. They got you through the worst of it and you’re getting better.” He turned to me, staring at me with tired eyes that reminded me of my own. “You just need that little push to keep moving forward every now and then.”

“But how? What do I do?” I pleaded with him. I thought that he found a way to overcome it, that there were some easy steps I could take to get batter.

“Focus on what makes you feel happy, things that are good for you or helping your friends. Planning with them and being honest. It took me far too long and cost me so much to figure it out.”

We stayed quiet for a while, reliving our worst times in our own ways. He kept smoking, nearly finishing this cigarette as well when he spoke up.

“Did you have any plans for the future?”

“No.”

“I can help you find something that could help you. Maybe a job to get your mind off things?”

“What would it even be? I’m not good at anything.”

“You could work with me, I know Derine is looking for extra workers. You could come with us and work part time and see how you feel about it?”

“Maybe, I just don’t know yet. I can’t even plan ahead for tomorrow, let alone what sort of job I would want.”

“What’s the first thing that comes to mind?”

“I don’t know. I know that Unipher said something about helping others and it giving people the drive to live again.”

“Charity work?”

“Yeah, I guess. I’ve been helping Breeve with her Overseer stuff and talking to Cruth about stuff.”

“I’ll see what I can do to help. The offer for working at the stables still stands.” He exhaled some smoke as he smirked a little. “Still need to see the first time you fall from a horse.” He snickered at the end.

“Heh, I’mma try and not let that happen.” I offered back, feeling a little better after the talk.

“You know that I love you son.” He said, staring up at the twinkling stars.

“I know, I… I love you as well, dad.”

He breathed deeply again, but before he could take another drag the door behind us opened. Ashia stepped out into the frigid air and glared at Arthur. Without saying a word, she reached up and grabbed the cigarette out of his hand and held it for a moment before inhaling the last remnants of it.

She never coughed as she exhaled. He stubbed the butt of the cigarette out into a barely used ashtray next to a window before turning to me.

“Pick that one up as well and put it in the ashtray. I see that you don’t smoke since it’s barely used. Good.” She ordered me. “Your friends were starting to wonder where you two wandered off to, and before you start planning some more about this night out. I want you to know. No staying in London, I want Pelera back that night or a text explaining that she is staying at the condo and will be back in the morning.” She jabbed a finger at my face.

“You can trust me, nothing will happen to her.”

“It’s not something happening to her, it’s her doing something reckless.” Ashia walked back in when my father gave me a shocked face that spoke of how much trouble I was in for if she did get in trouble.

“And Edward, I don’t want you smoking. Pelera doesn’t and Thepio doesn’t either. My kids don’t smoke and that includes you, it’s a bad habit and hard to kick.” She glanced at Arthur quickly before entering the living room again.

I felt better in a strange way. I was able to tell him what happened and I think he understands. I was exhausted, yes, but sort of excited for this night out. It had been a while, and with my two friends there, I didn’t have to worry about anything happening other than me making a fool of myself.

It sounded pretty nice.

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First / Previous / Next

Better understanding - part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done?  What have we done? Regaining Trust, Krev Sugar Mommy: A Butler's Duty - More krev stories

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Thank you for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed it. Next time we'll see what the four get up to while in London.

If you have any advice for me to improve it would be much appreciated, and again.

Thank you for reading!!!

Hello again, more Krev and all that jazz. Ohh, maybe the Krev would like Jazz? Though it could also be down to the personal music taste of that Krev but still, I think they would like a little Jazz, who knows?

Thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Edward Hamilton, Human Colonist

Date [standardized human time]: February 5, 2161

 

“I don’t understand it. You have horses that carried you into war, ferried supplies and essentially became the most used domestic animal on Earth. And dogs are still man’s best friend?” Cruth asked as we stepped off the maglev train.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders. Stretching my back in the process. “They were domesticated far before horses ever were, essentially growing with us and so on.” I offered back.

“But every image I find of humans back in the stone age, you looked completely different. More primal? I guess.”

“Over time we were, umm. It depends; we evolved or maybe domesticated ourselves as well. Our overall muscular features gradually faded over generations as well as our body hair.” I grimaced thinking that this would set of the Krev saying that we were bred for being cuddly.

‘Breeve certainly would think that.’

“I can see why, the necessities of surviving became less as you innovated leading to needing less muscles for everything. More of a brain over brawn approach would you say?”

“I’d agree, but not entirely. Some people would disagree with you, that there are still professions or people that think we should be living a more natural life. Those types need muscles and brains for doing wilderness survival or whatever.” I spoke while we finally made our way out of the station.

Castle Edinburgh was looming overhead at the top of a hill, surrounding it in all directions was the Scottish city.

“What about you, what do you think?” Cruth asked as I turned to check the directions on my pad.

“I’d say that you need both, more of either depending on what you are doing. There was a music guy somewhere that said something about, ‘if you’re going to be stupid you gotta be tough’. Me personally. I like to think that I have both, but I damn well know that I have more bronze than brains.”

“You shouldn’t insult yourself like that. It’s not good.” He said using a paw to wrap around my bicep and squeezed, emphasizing that I did not in fact have a lot of brawn.

“Hey, I’m not that weak.”

“You are when Breeves’ around you.”

“She’s hurt and can’t do much.” I explained as we crossed a street heading for the apartment complex.

“She’s not that bad, I’ve had a scale torn out before and was able to start moving around after a few days. I think she’s just enjoying having you at her every beck and call.” The Krev snickered, keeping pace next to me.

“Har, har, very funny. She was nearly stabbed and I’m worried about her.” My mind drifted back to how she was fairing on her own while me and Cruth were here. I’ve been worried about her mental health as well as my own. Keeping watch in case there was some sign that she wasn’t alright after what happened a few days ago. It was exhausting.

“I don’t know. She has you wrapped around her tail.”

“Is that supposed to be a play on ‘wrapped around your finger’?”

“Might be, but it’s an accurate description, is it not?”

‘I’m gonna regret this.’

“So, what? What if I like looking after her? It keeps my mind away from things I don’t want to think about.”

“The constant cuddling, petting and hugging is looking after her?”

“Look, I’m just... I don’t know. Worried? I guess. I just need to focus on getting better and having a routine helps that.”

“It’s routine then?”

“No, I… Ack, is this just a way to ask if you could pet me more?”

He twiddled his claws.

“Not originally, but I was just thinking that you didn’t like being treated that way?”

“You’re not wrong, I don’t like being treated that way by anyone I don’t know. That and you both ask beforehand if it’s alright. So, I don’t really mind.”

“So, I just got to ask you to comb your hair?” His eyes fluttered as he said that.

“If you want to. I don’t have that much hair to comb through.” I said as I felt through the recently cut hair on my head.

The last hair cut I had been back on the ship. Mostly getting it dyed to hide from the Reskets guards. Now the roots were growing back in, and I needed to get it cut again.

Going to a barber here wasn’t as bad back when I went with Cruth on Tellus. Maybe it was because of the human establishments or it’s because I was getting better because of my friends.

I like to think it’s the latter.

After walking for a few more blocks, we arrived at the base of a multi-story building. It was sort of like the middle ground between a skyscraper and a normal building, extending up a few dozen stories with plenty of glass windows.

“Why do they want us here?” Cruth asked as he pushed his way into the foyer.

“Don’t know. Both Yilik and David wanted either me or Breeve to come see them and didn’t want to go through the exchange channels.” I checked the message making sure I got the right apartment floor before stepping into the elevator.

“Is it safe? I know they were about on the ship, but I never really spoke with them that much.” Cruth added, leaning against a wall as the lift started moving.

“I still don’t know, if it’s something sketchy, we’ll leave, if not. I don’t know.”

“What if they’re in trouble?”

“Wouldn’t be likely, I’d assume they would be well behaved considering they have a baby to look after.”

“What if something happened to the baby?” The comment made me freeze thinking all the worst possible scenarios, before calming down and thinking rationally.

“I think they’d contact the local authority if that’s the case and not just us.”

“Fair.”

The elevator came to a stop, opening into a hallway. There were only two doors and I walked up to the correct one and pressed the buzzer taking a step back before the door swung open.

Inside was a dishevelled looking Yilik, her fur matted and unkempt in places, while her eyes spoke of sleepless nights.

“Edward! It’s good to see you again.” She stepped forward and wrapped me in a tight hug. She moved away after I started wiggling trying to get out of it. “Oh sorry, um, where’s Breeve?” She asked, looking at Cruth who just waved a claw back at her.

“She’s busy right now. Sorry about that, why did you need us to come here?” I asked, stepping inside.

The apartment was an open plan, there were stairs leading to an elevated platform above the kitchen area, where I could see a bed and a crib. The rest of the apartment was nice, say for a few rooms down a small hallway I couldn’t see.

The big thing though was the living room, it was surrounded by massive glass windows showing off the city around us. The castle, ever looming in the distance and high rises around the city centre.

David was in the kitchen, a baby carrier strapped to his chest as he was making something and packing it away. He saw both me and Cruth. He looked tired as well, the dark circles under his eyes making me feel pity for the guy, before he walked up and stood next to Ylik.

“We um…” Yilik spoke, starting to fiddle with her claws and looking away.

“We sort of wanted you to, um… babysit Griff for a little while. I know, I know it’s stupid of me not to ask you beforehand but with what Breeve said back on the ship and we-“ She rattled off before I cut her off feeling a little annoyed this was the reason we were here.

“And you wanted a break for a little while and have me and Breeve look after the baby for a little bit?” I said, answering their question with my own, before I sighed seeing how tired they were. “Fine, a promise is a promise, but aren't there babysitters or maybe some place you could take Griff for a little while?” I was thinking that there must have been some sort of day care or something similar they could take him to instead of getting us to travel all this way.

“We thought of that, but Yilik and I didn’t like the idea of leaving him with complete strangers. We thought that you and Breeve would be alright with it” David spoke, while I watched a little clawed paw lift out of the carrier he was wearing. David raised a hand and the little thing gripped onto it.

I sighed internally knowing that it’s something very stupid to agree to, but I needed to try and keep everything running smoothly for Breeve’s sake. That and the couple looked like they needed a break for a bit.

“It’s fine, me and Cruth will look after him for you. How long are you going to be?”

“Only a few hours.” Yilik perked up, getting a little more energy from the news of getting a break. “We’re just gonna go and get some food and spend some time clearing our heads.”

“That’s alright.” I said before spying the castle again and asking. “Is it alright if we have a look around the castle up there while we look after him? Is it safe to take him with us or should we just stay here?”

They both looked at each other debating it in their heads before Yilik spoke.

“I would… like you to be as careful as possible. Bundle him up warm before you go outside and make sure you take this bag with you and I don’t want him gone for too long.” She said it while staring at me. The tone of her voice was almost threatening, like she would do much worse than killing us.

“Got it. We’ll only be away for maybe an hour, spend a few minutes seeing what's up there before coming straight back.” I said as David took little Griff out of the carrier. He grew a little bit since the last time I saw him, his scales having a little more green in them.

He held him for a few moments while Yilik dug something out of the bag she was talking about and attached it to a scale on Griff’s back. The small black disc had a blinking light and I had to ask.

“What is that?”

“It’s a tracker.”

“I see, so a safety persuasion?”

“You can never be too careful, if it’s removed I get an alert on my pad here.” She pointed to her belt.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to Griff. We’ll be back before you are.”

“Make sure you do and thank you for this. Just be safe with him, alright?”

“We’ll be careful.” I added as David set Griff back into the little carrier he was using, before unclipping it and helping attach it to me. Cruth was getting a brief rundown of what was in the bag he’d be carrying, milk bottles, clothes and nappies just in case.

David gave me the pass code as I checked that Griff was wearing an adorable little onsie for when we went outside. There was even a little hat attached to the thing, and it melted my heart watching it fall over his eyes when he tried looking around.

“I think you’re all set. Now, at the first sign of anything wrong, you call us and make your way back here.” David said, as he locked the door behind us.

“We’ll be careful, just go and enjoy your break.” I reassured them, making sure the carrier was fitted properly.

“Well see you soon.” Cruth added as we left the elevator and parted ways at the door.

I made sure to check that Griff had enough blankets to sufficiently protect him from the weather. After doing that we started making our way up to the castle.

“Are you sure this was a smart idea?” Cruth asked, sounding out of breath when we started up the steep streets.

 I stopped for him as a group of people walked past us, staring at the Krev using a lamppost to steady himself. It was fair to take a break. The street  we were walking had been climbing for a while and only seemed to get worse as it curved up and to the right. Almost making it feel like I was climbing a newly dug shaft on Tellus.

“What? They wanted us to come all the way up here to baby sit their kid for them. We may as well go and visit the main place here while we can, besides I don’t think Griff minds.” I felt the little Krev shuffle around the carrier before he popped his head out of the bundle using a small paw to grip the edge of the carrier and poked his head over it.

It was an adorable sight as I gently petted his head, feeling him nuzzle into my palm before I secured the little hat he had. It reminded me of a santa hat, just blue with no bobble on the end of it.

“You sound annoyed by it?”

“I sort of am, but I know that me and Breeve made a promise. I just didn’t think we’d need to look after him after we departed the ship.”

“When did you make this agreement?” The bigger Krev asked, seeming to have regained his breathe before we continued up the incline.

“Back on the ship before Breeve got sick, after that we spoke to them a lot and I think they trust an Overseer to baby sit. I guess they were disappointed that Breeve wasn’t with us.”

“Maybe they trust you because you were around an Overseer the most?”

“Maybe, still, I think they needed the break and we’ll make sure we’re back before them. They don’t need the extra stress.” I said looking down into the carrier seeing Griff starting to curl up into a ball again.

We started meeting more people, the crowd growing denser as we got closer to the castle. When we walked down a street, we saw a Mazic strolling by, a human was perched on their back. They were huge, from the details we had I never really expected them to be that big. The guy gave us a look before wandering off, past a massive church I hadn’t noticed before.

The stonework looked ancient, as the intricate patterns weaved all the way to the tallest point of its spire. It wasn’t the tallest building I had seen but, but it must have been far older than any of the buildings surrounding it, say for the castle that was a few streets away.

“How old do you think it is?” I asked, watching the clock hands tick another minute.

“I don’t know, maybe a few hundred years?”

“Maybe.” I looked over the old building some more, trying to figure out how we were able to construct this before I noticed Cruth garnering a few stares.

“I think we should start moving again.” I said, as someone pulled out a pad, pointing it at us.

“Please.”

Eventually the ground levelled out as we exited a street seeing the walls of the castle. A small bridge connected it to a massive, tarmacked area in front of it.

A few groups of people were meandering about as we watched them enter and exit over the bridge. I was half expecting that we would need to pay to enter when I noticed Griff had his head poked out of the carrier and was looking to my left.

I followed his gaze to see Cruth holding a pad facing me.

“Photo?”

“Yep.”

“For Breeve I guess?”

“Yep, she’d probably tear out my scales if I didn’t get at least one of you wearing that baby carrier.”

“Can I at least see it?”

Cruth turned the pad around to show me. I was looking toward the camera, having the baby carrier over my coat, the straps digging into the fabric. Griff was looking at the camera as well, the little hat he was wearing flopped to the side of his head.

‘Breeve’s probably going to be exceedingly jealous.’

“Are we gonna stand here or are we going to have a look around the place?” I asked before Cruth stopped me, checking the time.

“Yilik said it’s around now to feed Griff. Let’s go over there and sit down.” He pointed to an unoccupied bench away from the crowds.

We walked over and sat down. Cruth helped me unclip the carrier as I set it on my lap, while he then dug out a bottle and some sort of device. He inserted the bottle into the cylinder before pressing a few buttons on the side of it.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Some sort of portable bottle warmer. I never thought of these before, but I guess they exist.”

“I guess. It seems handy to have.” I never really looked into childcare and just thought you had to heat the bottles in a container of warm water.

A ding sounded from the machine after a few minutes. Cruth took it out, the bottle now steaming and handed it to me. Griff made a squeaking noise when he saw it and started moving around.

I gently held his back before bringing the bottle down to his level so he could feed and I watched as the small thing devoured the contents. He raised his paws, one clutching onto the bottle while the other flailed for a bit before settling on my hand holding the bottle.

It felt kinda nice to look after him. My feelings earlier about traveling this far dissipated as I felt my chest get all fuzzy looking after this little cute ball of scales and adorableness.

It took me a while to notice that Cruth had frozen still. We were getting stares from people passing by, some stopping to stare at the tiny Krev wearing his fabulous little hat. It was mesmerising watching his little eyes scrunched shut as he drank.

‘It makes me feel excited if Breeve and I ever had kids. I know about the whole cross species thing and not being able to have kids that way, but there could be a donor or adoption options.’

‘Ack, it’s far too early to be thinking of stuff like that. You need to get better first. When you stop having nightmares you should talk to Breeve about that sort of thing. Maybe gauge her feelings about the subject before you start talking about having a family.’

I was conflicted about the whole situation; I’d need to have a chat with her about where we would want to go with the relationship. I never really thought too deeply about it, but I have no idea how dating a Krev was supposed to work.

I noticed Cruth was facing his pad toward me again. This time not taking it away when I noticed but instead stared at the screen intently as I carefully adjusted Griff, so he didn’t fall. He moved a little toward the edge of the carrier before settling down again.

“What are you doing now?”

“Taking a video for Breeve.”

“You know, it’ll be me tearing your scales out at this rate?”

“You would never, deep down you’re just a big snuggly human.”

“I’ve been in far more fights than you have?” I tried to act tough to the Krev’s comment.

“Yeah, you project a hard exterior, but inside you’re just a gooey, adorable and cuddly  human.”

“You really make me feel like I’m human and not just some walking pillow for you and Breeve to cuddle up with.” I sarcastically said as he hit a few buttons on the pad before lowering it.

“You are a walking body pillow for Breeve though.”

“You have me there.” I took the empty bottle away from Griff. “I do like cuddling with her.” I sighed under my breath, patting Griff’s back gently causing him to burp.

“I heard that.”

“Heard what?” I handed the bottle back to Cruth and got Griff wrapped up in his blankets again as he let out a yawn and started curling up. The little content sigh he did made my chest feel fuzzy again.

“Awww”

“So, most humans do find us cute?” Cruth said, helping clip the carrier to my chest again.

“Most humans find babies cute. There’s probably not a creature out there that we wouldn’t find cute.”

“Even Arxur?”

“Probably, I know a few people that found lizards and crocodiles cute. Some of them even called them swamp puppies or something like that.”

We started making our way into the castle. I covered the top of the carrier to make sure Griff could sleep peacefully, I didn’t want to disturb the little thing. The way that David and Yilik were, I could be extremely lucky with him not wanting to cry.

My pad got a notification while we walked.

Bre: I SHOULD BE THERE!!! (╥﹏╥) IT’S TOO ADORABLE!!!

ED: Are you okay? How are you feeling?

Bre: Jealous! I want snuggles when you get back. (a little sore)

“What are you texting?” Cruth asked as we passed under the first arch way entering a big yard area.

“Breeve was saying that she wanted to be here.”

“I understand.” He said, giving me a look before marching ahead.

‘At least she’s not acting as distant now that we discussed what she found on the internet. That Krev’s seen far too much, poor Breeve.’ I shuddered imagining what sort of things my kind came up with on there. It wasn’t going to stop me teasing her though.

We passed by battlements with old cannons still in place facing toward the city. The view from the walls was breathtaking. I could see in every direction and eventually into the countryside where the snow hadn’t melted just yet, leaving it green with patches of snow here and there.

We were there for a while, looking over the city, seeing the train station we had arrived at and the apartment complex. I followed Cruth as the path led up and round to the front of a massive hall like building. The multiple levels and intricate architecture making me understand why this was a tourist spot.

A plaque outside read that it was a military barracks that was still in use to this day. It explained the reason why there was a guard in a funny tall hat, a black jacket and a kilt standing outside.

There was a group of Tilfish scuttling about and moved over to the guard. I internally was freaking out seeing what accounted as man eating bugs walking around. It didn’t seem to faze the guard at all but definitely freaked me out.

We moved on at my behest feeling a coldness running down my spine. For a moment I thought one of them had snuck up and attached themselves to my back. I made sure to have Cruth between me and them as a safety precaution.

 Eventually making it to another courtyard. We were surrounded by people and structures, the age of the massive buildings completely lost to me as I thought of how people back then were able to construct such things.

‘It must have taken lifetimes.’

Me and Cruth explored the area, seeing a sign for the great hall. There were a lot of people entering and exiting, so we decided to see what else there was. Across the yard was another old church, a plaque outside it saying that it was a war memorial. Inside a few poppy wreaths laid across and at the foot of an altar. Around it were carvings and depictions of old soldiers in World War one equipment. Above the entrance read ‘TO THE GLORY OF GOD & MEMORY OF SCOTS WHO FELL 1914 – 1918’

Inside there were carvings of soldiers and more words to honour those who fell in the service to Scotland. It was sobering to stand there, somehow it felt sacred even with the other people coming and going, it felt peaceful.

“I guess this is a memorial to people who fought in one of your world wars?”

“Yeah, it’s a weird feeling. It’s for people who fought over two hundred years ago.”

I stood for a while longer staring at the carvings and stained-glass windows before exiting and making my way across to the Great Hall to see what was inside, now that the crowd had thinned a little/

It was strange to me. Times change and so do the ways we remember people. The miners on Tellus had the city made after them, streets and places were named after people who perished in the explosion. And here is a small temple for the thousands that died in a war over two-hundred years ago.

It made me think of that monolith in London we passed by. A memorial for those that lost their lives during the battle of Earth

It left me feeling conflicted. I agonised over Daniel’s death and it still keeps me wake sometimes, taking solace that I will carry on his memory. It made me feel good that I was carrying that with me, but another part felt like it was a feeble attempt to rid myself of the guilt of it.

That it was selfish to think that I was the only one who remembered who he was. We had friends, people that knew him better than I did, and I pushed them away and closed myself off.

I needed to let go of this guilt. Everyone said that it wasn’t my fault he died and that there was nothing I could do, but I just couldn’t get rid of it. Maybe it was time to do that though, to just let go of that thought and remember the good times with him.

I just don’t know how to.

The Great Hall was enormous. Suits of shiny armour were on stands while weapons hung along the walls, ranging from swords and bows to axes and flint lock rifles. Cruth was staring excitedly at each of them, and I decided to distract my mind and focus on his glee seeing all the things.

“It’s just like in Relics and Burrows. The descriptions of armour and weapons.” He was practically prancing as he went from each item and studied it before his eyes shone at the next thing.

“Is that the novel thing you and Breeve keep talking about?”

“Yeah it is, like look at this axe. Sure, it’s described as having a power stone embedded into the handle to make it burst into flames, but the concept and design are the same, just this one doesn’t burst into flames. Or these armour sets, in the novels it said it was like our scales, just using metal and I can see a few of them like that, but these are only one shell, and the overlapping bits are for your joints. It’s way more practical. It’s exciting to see how close the author got to the real deal.” The excited Krev was moving from piece to the next, staring up at them with excited glee as his tail swayed gently.

“Exactly how old is this novel?” I asked, eyeing what looked like a spiky ball attached to a handle with a chain.

“Um, it was published maybe fifty years ago. There was a lot of other works before that, but Relics and Burrows was a commercial success, spawning multiple series and tv shows.”

I made it a point to have a look at this novel set. The description of talking Obors, waging wars using magic and medieval weapons underground sounded interesting. Both Breeve and Cruth really like them, so it must be sort of good.

We moved from room to room, Cruth gushing about everything he saw. I did feel bad for Breeve being stuck at home wearing a brace made for Gojids who had the spines broken off. The universal pain killers were alright to use according to the pharmacist and after explaining what happened they offered the protective back brace.

I checked the time and saw that Yilik and David would be going back soon. I had to drag Cruth away from an armour stand. Him talking about the chainmail being just like the Krev protagonists in the series.

“Come on, we need to start heading back.” I told him as we started making our way out of the Grand Hall.

“We need to come back with Breeve at some point or maybe find a museum with human artefacts from this time. She needs to see this.”

“I’ll make a note of it, now come one, I don’t want them to start worrying about Griff.”

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First / Previous / Next

Better understanding - part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done?  What have we done? Regaining Trust, Krev Sugar Mommy: A Butler's Duty - More krev stories

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Yay!!! Big chapter 40, never really saw myself making a story that would last 40 chapters let alone 3. I am having fun writing about Edward's, Cruth's and Breeve's exploration of Earth or well, a English town and some of the major cities.

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I had describing a old castle on top of a hill. If you have any advice for me to improve, it would be much appreciated and again thank you for reading.

(I would also be a little annoyed if I had to travel nearly 500 miles just to be asked to babysit.)

The Krev cult is a good way of getting ideas, the members are fantastic people who come up with a lot of the most ridiculous things that the Krev would find adorable about us.

Case in point. A vending machine ends up eating the money a human put into it and the item gets stuck. They then start shaking the machine when a Krev sees them and asks, what they doing? The guy then replies in a voice on the verge of crying, it ate my money, before going back to shaking the vending machine. A Krev would find this action adorable and would think that humanity makes machine that eat money to mess with other humans.

That sort of stuff. Really cool dudes, wish them the best and we need more sacrifices.

Once again thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe and the Krev.

I edited this, so good luck.

 

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Edward Hamilton, Human Colonist

Date [standardized human time]: February 3, 2161

 

The car came to stop outside the condo complex, skidding on a patch of snow in the parking lot, before stopping completely. I jumped out not caring if I slipped, before sprinting my way to the axillary stairs.

“Edward, slow down.” Cruth called out of the back door to the car.

I didn’t care, as soon as I heard that Breeve was hurt I rushed my dad to get back in the car or give me the keys to drive back myself. I didn’t know what happened and she wasn’t answering her pad. Thepio was the last person I spoke to, and he didn’t give me any details.

‘What if she’s really hurt?’

‘What if she needed me right now?’

‘Why did you leave her on her own?’

My mind was racing with outcomes the entire way back. They only got worse as time passed and I cursed myself for letting her get hurt in the first place.

I should have stayed with her.

‘She could be dead.’

‘She could have bled out from whatever happened.’

I couldn’t accept that, I drew in air trying to shirk the thoughts as I finally made it to the door. Each fumbled key stroke made my panic grow before I heard the latch unlock.

I nearly booted the door open, bursting into the hallway, looking around frantically for any sign of her. The first thing I spotted was a teenager I had never seen before, standing in the hall holding his chest staring at me frightened.

The next was the blue coat Breeve bought back at the airport. The back of it was torn apart and a darker blue had seeped into the surrounding fabric.

‘No! She isn’t!!! She can’t be!!!’

“Where is she?!” I bellowed at the kid, him raising a small hand now hyperventilating. I was probably looking like some sort of mad man, bursting in and immediately shouting ‘where is she?’ It probably wasn’t a good introduction.

I turned to the bathroom trying the doorknob. The door opened to a wall of steam and I saw her. She had a grimace on her face as she turned to look at me from the bath, her eyes looking so very tired.

“Breeve!” My voice cracked, immediately stomping over and seeing how bad the damage was.

She was lying on her side and I could see the remnants of blue blood around her snout and the water was murky with the stuff. My heart stopped when I saw the state of her back.

A scale was completely destroyed, a large gouge was at the centre. The plate having cracks emanating all over it, like shattered ice. I looked closer and watched as she shuddered making a piece fall off into the blueish water. Surrounding the scales were blue blood clots, only highlighting the abnormal way the scale was bent compared to the others on her back.

“Edward.” She said, as I crouched down next to her, grabbing her paw.

“How bad is it?” I asked, feeling a stabbing pain in my chest seeing my love like this.

“Sore, very sore.” She weakly replied, sliding down into the water more.

The pain in my chest grew even worse hearing her voice as she shuddered again, the water passing over the damaged area.

“Is there anything I can do?” I squeezed her paw again.

“Just pain killers, otherwise I’ll be fine. It's just. Ack… hurts a lot.”

“But you're bleeding, you need to go to the hospital.” I offered, not wanting to see her in pain anymore.

“Thepio said the scale wasn’t… punctured. I-It’s been torn out slightly and shattered.” She whimpered.

‘She’s in pain, I hated it.’

“What pain killers do you need?” I asked, wanting to help her.

“I don’t think you’ll be able to get them here… Our medicine isn’t exactly imported.”

“What about stuff for Gojid? You guys have the same blood after all.”

“The same colour, just not the right proteins… Please don’t leave.”

“I won’t… I’m not leaving you again.”

I stared at her as she tried to get comfortable. Her fur was soaked, making her look so fragile. I grabbed a towel nearby and brought it close to her snout wanting to get rid of the few blood stains around her nose.

“The fuck happened here?” I heard the voice of Arthur in the hallway behind me, before he got closer. “Shit, what happened?” He questioned, stepping towards us, coming to a stop just behind me.

“Thepio and Thomas were assaulted by a group. I tried to not let anyone get hurt and…” I felt her paw squeeze my hand before she spoke again. “One of them drew a knife and tried to stab me.”

My father looked at her before turning to the hallway again. A Skalgan with a similar pattern of brown and black peaked around the door with Cruth and the kid from earlier.

“Let me see.” He said, taking a knee as I helped Breeve turn over again, hearing her pained moans made me want to take the pain away, but I couldn’t.

Arthur grabbed the towel I was holding and gently prodded at the scale, drying the area and staining the white towel blue in the process. Around the scale was a blood clot that I could see was still weeping blue. The gash on the scale was deep, maybe being the width of my finger in depth and about as wide as my pinkie.

Breeve squeezed my hand again. I squeezed back before Arthur gently examined the area, using his phone’s light to see the damage. He clicked his tongue before turning off the light and helped Breeve settle into the water again.

“I’m not familiar with your anatomy, but your scale saved your life. I’m using my knowledge on Gojids here, but that scale is what protects your spine?” He asked, getting a feeble nod from my girlfriend.

“Well, it took the most impact and it blade didn’t make it through, though I can see that it shifted the scale and disconnected part of it from your back.” I had flashbacks of my fingernails being plucked, I closed my eyes and squeezed Breeve’s paw trying to get rid of the feeling.

“Do you guys grow them back or do we need to take you to the hospital immediately?”

“…They grow back, it’ll be a week for the process to start and maybe a few months for it to fully be replaced.” She managed to get out.

“Is there anything we can get you, pain meds or something to help the healing process?”

“Soaking in water and pain killers mostly. I know there are minerals and vitamins to boost it, but I don’t think they have them here or the pain killers.”

My father stood for a moment before thinking and getting an idea. He turned around to see Cruth standing in the doorway staring at us, Thepio behind him.

“There’s a pharmacy a block away from here. Cruth, you and I go get one of those universal pain killers.” He said to my exchange partner who fidgeted with his claws seeing the state Breeve was in.

“Are you sure?” He asked back.

“Yes, it was made so almost every mammalian species could take it.” He replied tossing the stained towel into a hamper.

“Is it safe? There’s not gonna be an allergic reaction or complication?” I asked this time.

“It was designed by the feds for their fleets. Our doctors were able to improve it and then some Zurulians were able to almost perfect the drug.” He replied, sounding confident in its capabilities.

Cruth stood there for more time staring at the ground before my father said.

“You’ll be fine with just us. Besides, I’m sure whoever it is probably running home.” He assumed my partner was worried that the gang that Breeve ran into was still out there.

Thepio walked by, a school bag thrown over his shoulder as he headed for the door. The other kid, Thomas, closed behind him.

“Hey, where’d you think you’re going?” Arthur asked, making the pair stop.

“You guys seem like you have everything going. I’m gonna walk Thomas home and then call mom for a lift.” The Skalgan replied, favouring his side leaning against the wall.

“Oh, no you’re not. You’re coming with me and explaining everything that happened.” He ordered. I watched as Thepio let his bag hit the floor behind him and grumbled.

‘Is he limping?’

“We’ll be back in a few minutes, try not to agitate the area and make it worse.” He added before following Cruth out of the condo. Thepio and Thomas close behind them, the Skalgan clearly showing that he was hiding a limp as I saw what looked like red stains on one of his arms.

The door shut leaving me and Breeve alone. I squeezed her paw, leaning my head against the side of the tub. It was dreadful watching her shuffling in pain.

It making me wish I hadn’t left her alone. I knew it wasn’t something I could control and yet, the guilt still gnawed at my chest each time I heard the pained intake of air.

Water sloshing took me out of my musing when Breeve asked. “Help me.”

I took her by the paws and slowly got her to stand up and shuffle away from the bathtub. I helped her get dried off, her hunching to about half her height while she stood there.

“Universal pain killers?” She questioned, grabbing my hand and very slowly slid her feet out of the bathroom and toward the bedroom.

“I don’t know, maybe it sounds like it works.” I answered, helping her into the bed before grabbing a few pillows and piling them around her.

She lay on her side, a pillow tucked under her front to support her. I noticed that her tail was curled up on the bed as well, the tip slowly moving closer before leaving again.

“What are you doing?”

“Flexing my back, soaking and getting blood flow to the area helps with the healing process.”

I stayed quiet watching for a while not knowing what to do. She looked so helpless and I just wanted to make everything better but knew that I couldn’t.

“Is there anything else I can get you, tea? Coffee?” I asked, not knowing what to do.

“Tea, please.”

Without another word I made my way to the kitchen and started the process, finding the kettle already boiled. My mind drifted to what happened to her as I grabbed two mugs.

I imagined the fright she probably went through, having to be in a fight by herself and ultimately getting her scales stabbed. It infuriated me that I wasn’t there for her, I hated it. I hated them, I hated that it happened and I hated myself for letting it happen.

‘If I ever see any of them, I’ll rip them limb from li-‘

I accidently stirred the cup too fast, making the boiling water spill over and land on my hand. I cursed before running it under some cold water.

‘I’ll need to watch her for a while. I know she was acting funny earlier from learning what we wanted to do with their scales and now this. I’m worried that she’s scared of us now.’

I grabbed the cups and walked back to the bedroom and placed the mugs down on the night stand feeling the steam from the bathroom start to invade the rest of the apartment.

Entering the bathroom, I drained the water before starting to clean up the condo a bit, placing the bloody torn coat away in case it was ever investigated by the police and they needed evidence.

‘Wait? Why didn’t we call the police already?’

Breeve must have had a reason for it, and I asked.

“Hey, did you call the cops?” I entered the bedroom having thrown the coat into the spare utility room.

“Cops?” She said, carefully placing the mug back down on the nightstand.

“The police or um, guards?” I explained.

“…” She stayed quiet, staring ahead for a moment.

“Breeve?”

“…Cuddle?” She tried to act all innocently.

I stood there staring at her. I wasn’t going to say no, I wanted her to feel better but I didn’t want her to avoid the question either. I walked over and crouched down with her at eye level before speaking.

“Breeve, I know you are trying to avoid the question, but you seriously need to tell me what’s going on.” I said with conviction, waiting for the reply.

“…Ok.”

She started to move the pillow she was using to support herself and I helped, placing that one and another behind her, being careful to avoid the cracked scale. I slipped into the bed, Breeve throwing a leg and arm over me to support herself and I rested my head and shoulders against the back bored.

The Krev trilled weakly before very slowly nuzzling her head into my chest. It was quiet for a few moments before she spoke slowly, taking measured words to avoid causing herself pain.

“I… I don’t want the administration to find out… I’m worried what they’ll do if they find one of us attacking humans.”

“But you were assaulted by them. I’m sure they’ll see the truth behind it.”

“I saw it happening and the program already wants to see me gone. Especially after everything that happened on the ship. Please, I just… I don’t want anything to go wrong.” She bumped her head against my shoulder.

I was worried for her as well. The way she was acting before and now this. Her mental health must not be doing well at all. Raising my arm she had trapped under her. I bent it around to pet her head before planting a small kiss on her snout.

“I know. It’ll be alright.” I whispered to her.

Inside I was conflicted. The anger I felt at the people responsible for doing this was fighting with my worry for the Krev lying on my arm. The whole thing left me feeling drained, even after the short day, I just wanted to stay here with her.

‘If I see whoever did this, I want to knock their teeth down their throat.’

“I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Ow!” She said, as she stretched out her leg, causing her to stiffen up.

“Your leg as well?”

“Yeah, one of the teens kicked it the wrong way in the fight.”

“Teens?” I asked, not realising the age of the assailants.

“The group were youths except for the guy who tried to stab me.”

The new information left me stumped and even more conflicted. They were kids attacking aliens or maybe there was some beef they had with Thepio. The thought percolated and I concluded that if we did find out who it was, I’d need to have words with the teen’s parents.

‘Knowing how their offspring acted, they were probably just as bad.’

We lay there for a while. Breeve softly breathing, her eyes shut in discomfort as she tried to bury herself in me. I tried to be as still as possible, not wanting to upset her injuries or cause her more pain.

“Wanna listen to something?” I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

“…Yes.”

I looked around, craning my head to see where my pad was. I didn’t see it anywhere and I cursed under my breath knowing I probably left it in the bathroom. The only other device was Breeve’s sitting on the table next to my head.

I grabbed it, before she unlocked it using a paw print.

“What are you looking for?” She asked, resting her head on my chest again staring at the pad in my hand.

“There’s a book I’ve been listening to, something about a postapocalyptic metro with crazy supernatural events.” I closed the contacts screen, before making my way to open the browser tab.

“That sounds intere-“ Her voice cut off as the browser opened.

The screen showed a jarring green background as the Krev next to me froze. I wondered what it was about before I realised what the device showed.

“Oh shit.” I said before slamming the pad down on my chest, seeing far too many details of what that was.

The image of a Krev with very human ‘attributes’ was kneeling, her chest and face pushed into the bed she was on. In her paw held a leash and the other gripped the sheets. A human male that wasn’t wearing anything was kneeling behind her, the leash connecting to a collar he had around his neck that the Krev was tugging on.

The ‘artwork’ had seared its way into my mind and wouldn’t leave me alone. The Krev next to me wasn’t so green anymore, her face now having a tinge of blue as she tried to bury her head under my arm making a whining noise.

I flexed every muscle I could think of to try and cause blood to go elsewhere or this would be even more awkward. My face burned and I could tell Breeve’s was as well from the amount of heat emanating from her, all while she was still trying to dig herself under me.

“I…” Hesitating to even speak, I thought maybe it would be better to avoid or maybe pretend this didn’t even happen at all. “I didn’t know that… you were… into that?” My face burned more after saying that.

“I’m not.” Breeve murmured from her spot, having dug her head under my shoulder.

“I umm…” Words weren’t coming to me to even respond. I knew that we had this sort of media, but I didn’t expect Breeve to be looking at it.

“Is this why you were acting funny?” I tentatively questioned the Krev who just made a whining noise again before slowly coming out of my shoulder.

“Ye-yes.”

“I see.” I didn’t know how to feel about it. If that was what she was like, then maybe that’s the way she wanted me to act…

‘Nope, nope, nope. Not thinking about it. She’s hurt and is embarrassed right now. Don’t make it any more humiliating for her.’

‘But she’s really cute when she’s acting all embarrassed like this.’

I thought for a moment as she settled her head on my chest again, the blue not leaving her face as she shut her eyes tightly. She had her ear close to my face, so without thinking about it for a second, I leaned in and whispered with the most sultry voice I could muster.

“I can be your human toy.” I spoke, mimicking the speech bubble the image had.

The noise Breeve made next was almost like a wail or siren as she immediately went back and buried her head under my shoulder again.

It was a great distraction from my thoughts. Making my Krev act all cute.

I chuckled at the reaction as the heat from her face almost burned a hole through my shirt, but she still clung onto me, not moving.

Eventually, my laughter died out and Breeve came out of her hiding spot. An annoyed, grumbly expression on her face as she looked away from me. It was adorable seeing her like this as well. It just made me love her even more.

I planted a kiss on top of her head as she settled it just under my chin. She took deliberate inhales of air, trying to steady her breathing. I had no idea she was this susceptible to teasing. I made a mental reminder to do it some more in the future to get that reaction again. She’s just too cute not to.

“I didn’t expect it.” She spoke, the blue tinge around her face starting to fade a little. My own face didn’t have blood rushing to it anymore so I was comfortable again.

“The image?” I asked, thinking she just left a tab open or something.

“No, the… the whole thing, there’s far too much of it. Please don’t be like the humans that make that stuff.”

‘Ahh, so that’s why she said don’t change to me yesterday.’

“I’m not gonna pick up art and start making lewd images of aliens Breeve. So don’t worry about that, I barely even know how to write my name, let alone know what shading is.” I calmed her.

“No, it’s just… the humans online talked about us at length, about what they wanted to do to us and… us to do to them.” Her breathing hitched as she tried to settle again.

“Well, I can already guess what those comments were.” I shuddered, imagining whatever we came up with. Even when underground there were some of us that would upload that sort of art or attitude on the Tellus internet. Most of the time though it was them being weird for the sake of it.

 It reminded me of seeing a guy online who was really thirsty for the Krev.

“You don’t need to worry about it. I’m not like that.” I said, reassuring her.

“At all?” Breeve quietly responded. My brain froze for a moment realising what she was asking before the opportunity to tease her more popped into my head.

“What kind of response was that?” I asked, playing up my voice a little.

“I um. I didn’t-“she stammered.

“So, you want the ‘human experience’ then?” I asked, feeling her face start heating up again before going quiet. She made that whining like noise that made my chest rumble and my heart flutter.

‘I need to stop doing that to her. It’s not fair and frankly, really immature.’

“Maybe later.” She replied with almost a whisper.

I snorted before laughing again. My chest rising and falling with the Krev joining in a little. At the end of it, I craned my head to plant another kiss on her head before speaking.

“You’re just too cute.” It earned a trill as her arm squeezed my ribs before I heard the door to the condo open again.

“Looks like they’re back.”

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First / Previous / Next

Better understanding - part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done?  What have we done? Regaining Trust, Krev Sugar Mommy: A Butler's Duty - More krev stories

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I'm now realising that the other Krev stories section is slowly growing and that I now have to write 'Krev Sugar Mommy' each time post a new chapter. if my family ever sees this and reads this section specifically, I was really enjoying writing the krev and wanted to try and make my own Krev Sugar Mommy fic alright?

I'm never gonna live this down if they find it.

Anyway, Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter, if you have any advice for me to improve it would be much appreciated.

Next chapter we go to Edinbrugh, Scotland

I have done did a thing and I’m blaming the Krev brain worm that won’t leave me alone. It has eaten through my memories so… I um…. The krev brain worm is the best thing to ever happen to me, everyone should have one installed.

Once again, tank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe and I don’t think he’ll like the sugar mommy fic I just wrote. But oh well.

Seriously though, big inspiration from orphan destroyer’s story and yeah, hopefully I can achieve something with this one.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Tellus Colonist

Date [Standardized human time]: May 11, 2160

 

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

My hand slammed down on the pad silencing the dreadful alarm ringing. Retracting back under the covers I knew I needed to get up. But I just wanted to stay there until I needed to get up.

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

The pad started again after what felt like five minutes. Without looking over, I grabbed the infernal device before answering the call.

“Hello, hi, um yes. Is this the number for Jacob Berry?” An overly enthusiastic voice came through, making me wince and sit up in the dark apartment.

“Hmm, yes.” I grumbled hoarsely.

“Fantastic, I’m calling about the cu- I mean idea that you had for working on Avor.”

“And, what happened with that?” I asked, stretching my back and plodding to open the curtains.

“We have found a… individual that is looking for a human to work and is paying about 300% extra for the average pay for the position.” I almost dopped the phone when the sun hit me. The rays in the distance bouncing off the Tellus desert as a construction drone flew by.

“Okay, what’s the job? I remember asking for something easy going and not too intensive.” I was hoping like something along the lines of a bar tender or maybe a librarian, like in those old Earth photos.

Honestly, this entire program was just to get me away from this place. I hated the desert and everything it represented. Everything here just keeps reminding me of all we lost and I just don’t care anymore what happened.

It was a convenient excuse to get away from here and find a way to support my mom.

“It’s a butler job for a rather wealthy client.”

“That’s not too bad. You said they were paying a lot for the service?”

“Yes, about 4000 credits a week. They were specifically asking for a human to take over a few of the jobs in a manor on the outskirts of Tonvos.”

“That’s the Capital, isn’t it?”

“That it is.”

“So, who is this guy, high class government or rich oil tycoon person?” I said, grabbing a pair of underwear off the floor.

“They are lady Istry. From what we can gleam she has inherited her deceased father’s estate.”

“So born into it and probably an old lady krev in the woods somewhere?” I asked, looking for a pair of socks now.

“Actually, she wouldn’t be that old. She had a sibling who perished in an accident during  pilot training exercises, leaving her the sole heir to the family fortune. From the profile she would a bit older than you, but only by a decade or so.”

“Around 40 or 50?”

“43 exactly.”

“I see, tell them I’m up for it and send me through the details of what needs to be done.”

“Can do, and please have a relaxing rest of your day.”

“You too.” I clicked the call off before receiving the job listing.

I looked over it and saw that I’d need to be on my best behaviour. The size of the manor alone was maybe half the size of the underground settlement meant to house us.  And that’s not including the garden and apparently forest reserve as well.

The listing had ‘proper discipline’ and ‘decorum’ as a requirement.

‘Yeah, I can do that easily.’ I thought finding a pair of jeans that I had worn for the last three days.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: May 13, 2160

 

The car dropped me off at the manor house’s gates before speeding away. To the side was an intercom and I pressed.  Nothing happened for a few moments before the gates opened, A massive house loomed like a small castle in the distance as a black golf cart looking thing appeared from behind a small structure and made it’s way over to me.

I noticed that it was a Krev driving the vehicle. It looked naturally designed for them, their tail being able to fit through the gap behind them comfortably. It pulled up as I shouldered my duffle bag containing my few meagre belongings.

“Mr Berry?” They asked in a funny accent.

“Yep.”

“The lady of the manor wanted me to get you sorted and a brief tour to get you settled in. If you have any questions about the duties you are required to do. I want no enterprise from you while you work here.” They spoke in a posh tone.

I got in throwing my duffle into the back.

“You’ll get none from me. I know I need to be on my best behaviour around here.”

“Good, now buckle in. There is a lot to cover.”

He drove off heading toward the manor and started rattling off names of buildings that I’ll need to know as soon as possible. That or have an eye contact installed to have a hud display the information instead.

We drove around the manor, it somehow having multiple wards and looking even bigger than the Tellus city.

“So where is the lady of the Manor?” I queried, as we passed by what looked to be a stable of some kind.

Inside I was expecting to see a horse but was grossed out when it was something else entirely. It had purple fur and far too many eyes, but it seemed that the krev do ride them around. There was one sitting or standing? I couldn’t tell, munching on a plant of some kind with a saddle on it’s back.

We circled around and I saw one of the green scaley guys riding one. The creature had six legs with the same joints a horse would but far too many eyes. I thought I was imagining it when the thing jumped five metres into the air over what I thought was supposed to be a fake wall but was a obstacle.

“She is currently engaged with social obligations, nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

“I see, so where am I bunking?”

“That’s next, be patient.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: May 20, 2160

 

A full week had passed by and I never even got to see a glimpse of the illusive Istry. Every maid and cook talks about her in hushed tones, the only guys that seemed to be normal where the ones out raising or training the beasts outside.

They were called Phlatters. Some of the Krev had them as pets or ride the beasts for fun or relaxation. The ones that were kept here were pure breads meant to be trained for races by my employer’s late father.

For some reason every time I would take a break and wander out that way, one of the giant things would come marching over to me at the end of their paddock and yell at me. They would only stop if I went over to pet them. One of the trainers had to show me how to pet them. I think I poked them in the eye before that.

It had some fancy name that I couldn’t even pronounce so I just called them Love Muffin on the account I usually shared my lunch with them.

“Jacob, stop daydreaming and bring this to the master office.” I was taken out of my musings when a cook shoved a platter of wine and some berries into my hands.

“Where is that again?” I asked, tugging at the shirt and vest they had me wearing.

“Oh for fu- Just follow the directions on your hud.” They shouted before shoving me out of the kitchen.

Alright, just follow the arrows.

As I walked down a ward, I still couldn’t get over the décor of the place. Wooden floors with carpets, the ceiling being tall enough to let one of the Phlatters jump its full height and the amount of wall decorations was ludicrous. I still haven’t been able to find a painting that was the same as another one.

Eventually, I found the room I was looking for after a five-minute walk. I tugged at the fitted shirt and vest again. It was made to be as annoying as possible. It matched the old butler attire from our media, because my employer thought it was adorable.

With a deep breathe I steadied myself before opening the door, finally coming face to face with Istry. She was sat at a table, behind her was a massive window facing toward Tonvos, showing the mega habitation pyramids in all their splendour.

Without speaking at all, I entered and placed the platter on the desk and turned around. My heart almost stopped when Istry called out. I could only guess since it was a rich boss who could fire me at the earliest moment.

“Ahh, it’s you. Sorry, about everything at the moment. A lot has been happening recently, I’m Istry and you’re the new hire?” She asked, standing up and plodding over to me.

I noticed the lines around her eyes as she started inspecting me, like I was an Obor up for sale.

“Um, yes mam. I am Mr Berry, the new human hire you requested.”

“Aww even your name is adorable in person. I thought I was having my tail pulled when I read that surname. Tell me do you get to choose it or is it an inheritance thing?”

I was taken aback at the question, that they were taking a such an open interest in me.

“It is a family name, I wouldn’t know how long it has been in my family for, but I would assume that it would be hundreds of years.” I answered as the krev circled me.

I heard her stop behind me before walking around and poked me in the cheek, a trill noise emanating from her chest when she made contact.

“I see, it’s fascinating that you have that tradition. How many other Berries are there?”

“Just me and my adoptive mother. She doesn’t have the same surname, but she is for all intent and purposes, my mother. My father died and she looked after me when I was still young.”

“You have my condolences. I’m sorry if it is a sore subject.”

“Do not be mam, I wanted to earn money for my mother to relax. I must thank you for allowing me this opportunity to accomplish that.” I didn’t know what to do, so I stood there staring blankly a head before a paw cupped the side of my face turning my head to look down at her.

“The pleasure is all mine, and please, my name is Istry.” Her paw lingered before squeezing the side of my face leaving my cheek feeling warm.

My coworkers were very handsy when we were off time. A few times I would have a few of them over to play poker or just chill, one of them usually liked to comb through my hair and I didn’t really mind the comradery.

It was sort of lonely knowing I was the only human on the premises, I honestly needed  the company. Though, leaving the room I let out a massive breath I had been holding in.

The interaction with Istry just showed me that the ‘cute human’ thing most of the Krev had going on still affects her as well. It sort of made my mind change a little bit, that she’s just another Krev, that was just my employer.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: May 30, 2160

 

“Yeah mom, I’m fine.”

“Jacob, I’m just worried what you’re getting yourself into.”

“Don’t be, the amount if money I’m making here will see that you won’t have to work again.”

“I know, but I’m more worried about you. Are you sure you’ll be safe there? I’ve heard stories of some of the humans that went to Avor being changed when they got back.”

“Well, I don’t really feel any different.” I answered before I felt my body seize up at the next noise from the Krev sitting behind me made.

“Oh, Jacob! Right there!” The krev I called my friend was making moaning noises as loud as he could with the few others in the room joining in making my face flush red.

“I um… I see I caught you at a bad moment, I can ca-call back-“

“No don’t, Terok fuck off with that.” I pushed the snickering krev behind me away as the toppled onto their side cackling. “It’s some of the friends I made here trying to mess with me.”

“Hi, Mrs Ferrence, your son is a cuddle magnet.” Gaurns shouted, making Terok start hysterically laughing on the bed behind me. The comb he had left to the side as he giggled.

“I see, I’ll call you back later and let you get back to your… Friends.”

“It’s not like that mom, I’ll call you later.”

“Okay sweety, love you.”

“Love you too, bye bye.” I hung up the phone before directing a glare at the friends I had.

“Arseholes, the lot of ya.” I said, picking up my cards to start playing again.

“Don’t worry Jacob, you’ll get your revenge the next time any of us call home.”

“If you guys ever call home.” I murmured before the door was almost beaten down by the head of the manor.

“Berry, you’ve been summoned by Istry.” They said frantically, looking at us sitting on the floor of the bunk room.

“What happened?” I asked, getting to my feet feeling my legs having fallen asleep.

“She has guests over and has asked for your presence immediately, get your uniform on and follow me.” He looked down at the discarded comb and then at my hair. “I see that you already have your looks prepared.”

I waved him off, grabbing my shirt and vest, donning them before grabbing my tie and shoes. The trousers I usually wore for the workday were comfortable so I just wore them casually as well. Meant that when I was called I only needed to get my top half ready.

‘What, I like the cotton they used, they’re comfortable.’

I followed after the lead Butler, we came to one of the many wards before he stopped and turned to me.

“Istry has guests, high class guests. You need to know, anything that you do will reflect back on her and the Manor itself.”

“Gotcha, best behaviour only. How do I look?” I asked straightening my tie.

“Like a no-good human waiting to cause mischief.”

“The usual then?”

“Pretty much, now deep breath.”

He moved to open the door revealing three Krev gathered near a fireplace. A table in front of them had a wine bottle opened and glasses half full as they peered towards me. Istry was settled into a single plush chair, relaxing back with a wine glass in her claws while the other two guests were on a couch.

“Lady Istry. Mr Jacob Berry.” The Krev butler introduced both of us as we bowed deeply.

“Thank you Powel, you may leave us.” She said, waving off the Krev before shutting the door behind me.

I stood there not knowing what to do, before one of the guests, an older Krev raised an empty glass. Knowing that I at least had something to do, I walked over, trying to remain as steady as possible and poured her a serving before stepping back again.

“I see you have him well trained.” The old Krev said, before sniffing at the wine.

“That you do, though I can see you haven’t tagged him yet. Are you not worried he could go off and run away?” The other krev asked as I immediately knew what these people’s stance was regarding me.

“Mr Berry-“

“Oh, you even gave him a cute little title. Tell me does he also speak?”

I wanted to say something but decided to swallow my pride and keep quiet standing off the side as they looked at me.

“As I was saying, Mr Berry is a human. They are fully sapient and can decide for themselves whether they want to be treated that way.” Istry said, placing her wine glass down.

“I know that, but aren’t you worried that he could leave forever, why not tag him and keep him as your personal pet forever?” The old Krev spoke again, disregarding Istry’s comment.

“Humans are fully protected from such acts. Besides, I am sure that Jacob is rather annoyed by such comments.” Istry said, reiterating her stance on such matters before one of the older Krev tapped a wine glass meaning I needed to fill it again.

As I went to grab the bottle, my wrist was grabbed by a green scaled paw before being yanked towards them. I caught myself before my face collided with the table as the Krev started looking at my palm and fingernails.

“I see you keep him doing the easy chores, not even a single callous here.” I ripped my hand away from the grabby old witch as they suddenly made an offended face not getting their way.

“Oh you little- Istry, I’m sorry, but your pet needs to be taught a lesson.” They raised a clawed paw and before they could strike me with it Istry shouted.

“Enough!!! I brought you here in good will and show you my newest employee. Only for you to try and strike them, treating them as some object. I am sorry, but my patience only extends so far. Powel!” She shouted.

The Krev opening the door again and stepping inside.

“Powel, see to it that our guests reach their vehicles and transported home.”

“With haste mam.” He bowed.

The older Krev stared at me with hatred before grabbing a bag and following their compatriot out of the room led by Powel. I stood there in shock as Istry deflated once the door shut.

“…What are your orders mam?” I asked, not knowing if I was off the clock again or not.

She sighed sounding defeated before standing up and sitting down on the couch.

“Come and sit.” She patted the couch next to her. I slowly walked over and sat down next to the Krev. She reached up and grabbed me by the shoulder and slowly tugged me over until my head up on her lap.

‘I knew I didn’t mind the contact, but this seemed like a little much.’

She started running her claws through my hair as I stared into the fire in front of us. Her paws glided over my head, caressing around my jaw and pinching my cheeks.

“I’m sorry about what happened.” She spoke, all pretence of grandeur forgotten as she let the accent slip.

“You don’t have to apologise for their behaviour.”

“But I do, if I had known they would act in such a way, I would never have summoned you.” She spoke while cradling my head.

We were there for a long time, the fire almost extinguishing as she combed through my hair with her claws humming to herself. It was soothing as I nearly fell asleep a few times, waking myself up to make sure I did my job.

It earned a little giggle from the Istry as she kept petting me before speaking.

“I know that you let some of your friends and some others you work with to pet or hug you.” She spoke low, keeping here voice steady.

“Um, yes?”

“I… I want this as well.” She hesitated before finishing.

“I see.” I responded.

“There will be time in the future I may summon you to relieve stress like this if that is alright with you. I know that it is not included in your duties. I will pay you handsomely if you agree, but I understand if you are not comfortable with this arrangement.” She spoke like a faucet, the most I ever heard her say before.

‘She must have been nervous to ask.’

“I’m alright with this arrangement…” I puased before asking. “Is it alright that the extra pay be sent to my mother back on Tellus?” She tapped around my eye brows, running a claw to tap my nose, obscuring my vision for a moment.

“I can arrange that.”

 

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: June 9, 2160

 

The past few weeks saw my duties expanded from cleaning and being at hand to offer aid, to becoming the personal petting human for Istry. Word starting getting around with the amount of time I was spending with her wasn’t purely just for petting.

I brought it up with Istry one late night as I sat next to her while she worked at a computer at some sort of spread sheet. One paw on the computer, the other tugging at my ear lobe.

I don’t know why but I was like playdough to that Krev, and I can’t believe it but I liked being that for her. It made me think about what my employment here was actually for or maybe it was me just growing far too attached to her.

“So, what? Half of the things the maids talk about is usually scandalous.” Is all she replied with when I asked her.

“Jacob watch the disc.” My coworker shouted, as he pushed the button to send the orange disc high into the air before using the antique shot gun to blast the small thing into bits.

“Good shot sir.” I added as I readied myself for my turn.

Slowing my breathing I pushed the button and lined up my sights before missing my first shot and without thinking. I realigned my barrel and blew the disc apart, ejecting the spent shells.

“You’ll get there yet.” Powel patted me on the back reloading his own shells.

I looked around to see what the droning noise was when I spotted a black car driving away from the manor’s entrance. I pointed toward it and poked Powel grabbing his attention.

“What’s going on there? I thought Istry doesn’t have any meetings today.”

“She doesn’t, there’s something being planned. I think it’s a party being thrown for an aristocrat’s birthday or something. I think it might be her uncle, but I’m not entirely sure yet.” He clicked his gun closed before stepping up to the firing position, the car slowly drifting away from my view as he shot.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: June 19, 2160

 

“You can’t be serious?” I said, holding up the attire I was designated for the night. Powel was right about the party being planned but didn’t tell me there was a dress code for servants, especially the human ones.

“I think it looks cute.” Terok spoke over my shoulder snickering at my luck.

“No, it can’t be.” I held up a black collar a metal ring with my name on a tag hanging from it. Terok started laughing hysterically again as I looked around the box for a shirt or something.

I had trousers, elegant cuffs with a little pin securing the fitting, shoes and a collar.

No shirt or vest.

“I mean, like the fuck?” I held up what looked like a bow tie that seemed to be secured to the collar. “What sort of party is this going to be?”

“Only the best for our resident human.” Terok sarcastically giggled as he patted my shoulder.

“Oh go lick a power socket. I’ll need to ask Powel about this. Maybe they want me to use the normal shirt and vest?”

“Knowing your luck, probably not.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: June 20, 2160

 

I felt very exposed like this, apparently Istry okayed the idea of this because her uncle asked for all humans could dress like this. Something about seeing it in our media.

‘I didn’t even know there would be other humans here tonight.’

“Jacob, you are to stay with Istry the entire night and to not leave her side.” Powel briefed me looking like he was holding back a snicker as he adjusted my bowtie.

“Again, who thought it was funny that I needed to attend the party without a shirt?” I asked feeling a chill at my back as a door opened somewhere in the manor.

“Julek, Isrty’s last blood relative still alive. Just be glad you’re not attending one of those types of parties.” He shuddered before continuing “If you have any doubts about this, remember who your employer is and the bonus pay for the night.”

“Yeah, how can I forget.” I tugged at the collar around my neck.

I had just gotten used to the shirt collar and then they make me wear something like this. Without many other words I was apparently ready. Yeah, like a sacrifice being led to an altar.

The door opened to Istry talking to another Krev in the hall. Both of them stopping to look at the new intruders. I could already tell the memories tonight are gonna be keeping me up in years to come.

‘Come on Jacob, the payout is almost a year’s worth of work. All you have to do is one night.’

Istry slowly trudged over looking entranced, her mouth hanging agape as her eyes dilated. She stopped a hair shy of me and looked me up and down, my upper body on display for the krev.

I was in no way built like Herculese, but I wasn’t fat either, just normal. I like the way I looked, but with my employer staring at me the way she was, made me self-conscious. I felt a paw against my chest before moving toward my arm as Istry looked me over.

I tugged at the collar making her snap out of whatever she was doing, taking a step back. The feeling of being a slab of meat for the taking passed through my mind before she wiped away something around her mouth.

‘Must have been a drink.’

The krev she was talking to had disappeared leaving me and her alone as Powel closed the door behind me.

“Are you ready?” She asked, staring up at me with wide eyes.

“Probably not, are you sure I can’t wear a shirt or something?”

“No! I wanna see th- Sorry. No, there are other humans here that are dressed… similarly and the guests expect them to be dressed the same.” She wiped at her mouth again, composing herself at the little outburst earlier.

She grabbing my hand, leading me toward where all the noise was happening. The main atrium was the designated party room, with adjacent rooms being either smoking or drinking lounges. Most of the guests were congregating into the main hall though.

She let go of my hand and composed herself and I followed after her keeping quiet and earning a lot of stares from the gathered Krev. Some of them stared and others didn’t care much at all.

Time passed with Istry going to multiple of the guests and talking. While I watched out, holding the wine glasses or food for her as she worked her way through the crowd.

I only noticed one or two other humans wearing similar outfits, though one had black bunny ears connected to a head band and the other was wearing an actual leash thrown over his shoulder.

‘I guess things could be worse.’

I didn’t recognise them, but Istry stared at them, for a while and then at me. I shook my head slowly, having at least a miniscule amount of self-worth not to accept being leashed.

The party continued into the night, most of the guests at least staying away from me and not getting handsy. I never expect this to be what I would have looked forward to while on Tellus, but I thought of the money and powered through.

I gave my pity to the guy wearing the leash though. Some of the guests took it that since he had it, they were allowed to drag him off to dear knows where in the crowd. Every time it happened I saw his demeaner change. Slowly becoming more and more annoyed before he disappeared entirely and was now wearing a t-shirt.

“Wait, I could do that at anytime?” I asked, Istry when we were standing off to the side.

“…” She stayed quiet as I got a little annoyed with them.

“Seriously, can I go and get a shirt?” I asked her, seeing her fidget with her claws.

“He can do that since that human has quit.” I looked over as the guy marched up a Krev wearing a top hat and handed them a small paper before heading for the door.

“…I thought it was normal for you to walk around like this? Your movies showed that it was fine.” She said looking down at the floor.

“Movies and media sure, but we need clothes for a reason.” I whispered back, as a Krev couple marched by.

“I understand if you want to leave, I just… I don’t want to lose someone like you. You can go and get a shirt if you want. I’ll give you the bonus as well.” She said looking away before wrapping me in a tight hug, rubbing her face into my chest.

I looked around at the other guests still remaining and then the time in my hud. The party wouldn’t be lasting much longer anyway, and since I came this far. Might as well see it through.

‘Totally normal thought process, definitely not that you like that attention at all?’

‘No not really.’

‘Then you want to stay in good graces of Istry?’

‘Brain, shut up’

‘No, I don’t think I will.’

“Alright, it’s not much longer, but as soon as it turns two, I’m grabbing a shirt and vest again.”

She unwrapped my torso, making my front feel cold not having her warmth. She looked up at me with wide eyes and I returned a thumbs up and a smile. I knew it was unprofessional, but If I was wearing this stuff I was gonna at least have some fun and make the most of it. I undid the bowtie and collar and shoved them into my pocket. Finally having the ability to move my neck again, stretching it out and garnering a few stares before I had an idea.

Once again, Istry started going through the crowd again, being greeted and thanked for the party being thrown. I in the meantime started being a little goofy. I may as well be if I had to endure theses pompous people any longer than I had to.

As she started making her way through the people, I started trying to imitate old statues back on Earth I’d seen in pictures. Flexing muscles and posing with different meaning that were totally lost on the guests and myself.

I was starting to have a little fun myself and I guess the other remaining human saw and started doing the same thing. Ditching the bunny ears and collar, before seeming to be challenging me.

I didn’t particularly care anymore for decorum and just wanted to have a bit of fun. I grabbed the nearest glass of wine and downed it before flexing in response to the other humans pose.

The night continued and as the guests started to leave, me and the other guy, a fella named Jon sat at the bar, our employers long forgotten about in our drunken stupor. Eventually, the guests left and the maids and other staff started cleaning up the place. I was still sat at the bar downing an imported scotch made from a human recipe as Istry joined me at the counter.

She looked around sheepishly, her mouth opening and closing as I finished the rest of my glass, feeling the burning in my chest. I completely forgot I was missing my shirt since I was warm enough now that the doors were shut.

“You ummm….” She tried speaking before sighing. “You did great tonight and I’m sorry for everything that happened.” Her eyes slowly drifted down to my exposed torso before going back to my eyes.

“Can I ask a favour?” She hesitated.

“Depends, mam.”

She twiddled her claws for a while before asking “I don’t think you should sleep alone in this state.”

“What, I got Terok to watch me and probably laugh if I choke on my own vomit.” I drunkenly slurred. Istry winced before grabbing my arm and saying.

“I really think I should watch you just in case.” She pulled at my arm as I stumbled forward, the krev having to support me.

I didn’t even realise where I was until I felt myself being helped lay down on a bed, a glass of water being pushed in my face by Isrty. I drank it completely before asking.

“This isn’t my room, where’s Terok gonna sleep?”

“He’ll be fine in his quarters. You just rest up and sleep, okay?”

“Okay, mam. I can’t believe it, being tasked to sleep, I must be dreaming.” I said, lying back down and pulling the covers over myself. This bed far surpassing my own with my body feeling like it’s being engulfed in the mattress.

I felt something crawling in under the covers next to me, before wrapping arms around me tightly. It was comfortable, especially with the trill noise emanating from whatever it was dragging me to sleep.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Jacob Berry, Human Butler

Date [Standardized human time]: August 21, 2160

My duties had expanded once again. Now I had to worry about cleanliness, tasks and now with being a personal petting human, I was now a living body pillow for Istry when she slept.

I’d be called on my pad in the middle of the night by her and told I was needed. It was maybe once every few nights but recently it was every night. She joked that I should just move everything I own into the master bedroom at this point but I reminded her that it wasn’t a good idea.

Right now, I was still awake, staring up at the ceiling as the Krev snuggled into me. I toying with the idea of what I was actually doing with my life. Wondering if should I make a move on her or do I keep it professional?

I think I grew attached to her a long time ago, but right now I was debating risking a very easy job that paid a lot for the small chance that she liked me back.

“Mhmm.” she mumbled next to me, she rubbed an eye before nuzzling her head into my shoulder.

“Sorry, I’ll try to keep still.” I said, thinking that I woke her.

It was silent for a while, she wasn’t making a trilling noise or trying to pet my head and I thought that she fell asleep before she spoke.

“I’m so lonely, Jacob. There’s no one left of my family except for my distant uncle. My family has long since been dead and I never had a relationship last longer than a year. I’m so alone.” I was fully awake now, hearing her whisper that in my ear.

“I’m sorry.”

“I… I don’t know what to do. All of the friends that I have are old bureaucrats and maids that hang on my every word. Nothing is normal… Please tell me everything is going to be alright.” She pleaded, her voice on the edge of cracking.

I turned over to face her, the position being very intimate for just snuggles. I was still conflicted, feeling like my heart was being torn apart inside. I raised a hand to cup the side of her face feeling a wet streak.

‘She was crying.’

Without thinking I leaned forward and pressed my lips against hers, feeling in my heart that this was the action I needed to take. I broke it off, leaving her silent before speaking.

“You’re not alone Istry. You’ll always have me at your beckon call” I spoke lowly going for another kiss. The krev wrapped her arms around me again leaned in as well. Losing ourselves in the passion as she moved me to be on top of her. She broke off the kiss breathing heavily as the passion overtook us.

“I love you, I need you.” Her eyes fluttering seductively.

“I love you too.” I said kissing her deeply again wanting this just as much as her. My doubts earlier lost and taken over by passion as the night continued.

I knew in the morning that my list of duties would grow longer and I didn’t mind in the slightest.

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

Better understanding - part 1

Homeward Bound - Part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done?  What have we done? Regaining Trust - More krev stories

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Oh boy...

I'm not entirely sure I should have free will anymore on account of the stuff I just wrote or spent the time writing. I wanted this to be short but ended up at over 6000 words so yeah. I had a blast writing this and I hope you enjoyed it, the Krev cult has suggested that I write a Krev Sugar Daddy fic as well.

Hello again, wanted to do another chapter for that once shot I did a while back. Just got that Krev brain worm in my head that doesn’t stop eating bits and pieces until I forget who I am and what I was doing and instead just thinking of Krev all day and all night.

He-he - he… (Help me)

Anyway, Thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe and you for reading.

 

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Riccin, Krev Delegate

Date [standardized human time]: October 23, 2160

 

“The joint missions for rescuing the human population was astronomically high and evidently posed a risk to the Consortium’s main goal. How did you expect this to go?” My financial advisor spoke with a vindictiveness that would only get worse the more this meeting went on.

“I know about the cost, both in manpower, materials and public relations.” I calmly responded, leaning forward at the other krev sitting at the table.

The room was full of yes krev and sycophants. Every one of them, except for the financial advisor, was born into high class society and were guaranteed a government level job no matter their capabilities.

“I still think that the human island needs a more claws on approach. The remaining humans should be cared for by us considering it’s our planet and it is our responsibility to help them get better.” Carth added, the public relations advisor not realising how stupid of an idea that was.

“No, we shouldn’t. The amount of backlash from the other Consortium members could create mistrust.” My political advisor shouted back.

“After what happened with the heavy handed approach and forcing the humans, the first time. Forcing them again to accept help would result in more mistrust and possibly even more distain for our kind. We need time and let them get to grips with what’s been happening.” The industrials group leader added, her attendant pouring wine for her.

“That is rich coming from the Krev who used their labour to fill her coffers.” The public relations advisor spat.

“You snot licking fu-“

“ENOUGH!” I bellowed over the argument.

These were supposed to be the best of the best to lead the krev population. And they couldn’t even control themselves in a meeting. My predecessor made it a point to only hire people he could trust to do the job and I’m seeing why.

‘It must be why Gress has been able to stay in his position for so long.’

“Alright, I hate saying this but we need to expand our efforts.” I explained.

“Exactly, humans need to be cared for and guided with a claw to better themselves.” My public advisor added without my input, I lashed my tail in annoyance.

“No, not that. I’m talking about expanding the Consortium.” The faces of the gathered meeting stopped, even the industrialist had stopped mind gulp. “The few tidbits of information we received from the humans gave us insight to the Federation.”

“We are woefully outnumbered, out gunned and in a war of attrition, they will win.” The military advisor spoke up from the corner seeing that it was his turn to speak.

I had been planning this for the past few weeks. I was confident that I would be able to bring most of the members to heel and go along with it. Though, that doesn’t count for the members here that had their own interests at heart.

We needed resources and shipyards. Curling up in fear of the ever-present danger was no longer an option.

The Sivkits making it to Tellus was enough proof, our only solace was that they decided to leave again after finding nothing. I signalled my attendants to start giving out booklets with the revised numbers and economic gains this expansion would give us.

“You cannot be serious?”

“No way, this is against everything the Consortium stands for.”

It also included the military figures, and I could see that they didn’t like it. The only people here that seemed pleased were the industrialists.

“Think about it for a second instead of curling your tails over your heads. We need resources, we need to be able to expand to match the Federation in military capabilities. Right now, we don’t have that option. We are a small collection of systems to them and you saw what happened to the humans.” I stated clearly, reminding them of Earth’s destruction.

“What we have now is decent, going for the ability to strike at their hearts is good, but what happens when the horde comes for us afterward?”

“I agree, we need to expand.” The military advisor agreed.

“Those in favour of the new bill, raise your claw.” I waited for the vote to occur.

A few raised their claws while my political advisor hesitated.

“The other members won’t stand for this.” He added raising his own hand.

“There was a quote from a human’s history book, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick.’ We need to make our presence known and overwhelming to deter the Feds.” The military advisor nodded emphatically.

“Brief the public on what we are doing and hold a referendum to get the Krev attitude. After the riots that happened because of the humans. I can see that they will agree. We need to take a stance to protect the remaining population.” I finished leaning back in my chair as the industrialist group started going over the details with the military.

“Riccin, the other members won’t stand for this expansion. The consortium was created to keep hidden from the Federation.” The political advisor had walked up next to me.

“Lerks, the Consortium is dying. The system our forefathers built led to the destruction of Esquo, to us hiding ourselves and letting the federation grow. It led to us standing by as the humans and countless others were slaughtered for an idea that isn’t based in reality.” I leaned forward again staring up at the Krev.

“I hope you’re right, Riccin. If you aren’t, then it’s condemning us to death.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Riccin, Krev Delegate

Date [standardized human time]: November 4, 2160

 

“Are you insane?!” Evela started at me as soon as I entered the room. Her and the other delegates staring with hate filled eyes towards me. Her bioluminescent shell glowed brighter than her non-biological eye did.

“I did what must be done. We are dying the way we were going, prolonging a system that doesn’t work anymore.” I spoke back flatly.

The public vote for the new direction was resoundingly in favour with only 3% deciding to stay with the old ways. We already had mining stations and construction drone fleets making constructs in the opposite direction of Federation space.

“That doesn’t give you the right to bring us all down with you. It should have been you being removed for insinuating such an idea in the first place.” The other species delegates gathered nodded along except for the Resket general, and Jaslip who was standing the furthest away.

Radai spoke next “You should have been removed or called this meeting later. Those primates caused Avor’s population to go mad, they should have been settled back on Tellus and given room to grow.”

The comment earned a glare from Frenelda. I met her gaze and nodded before replying.

“And do what exactly, let them be alone with their numbers so critically low? That there aren’t even enough of them to repopulate without complications? What then general because I’m all ears for answers to what we could have done better?” I pointed my tail up at the Resket threatening to spray him.

“Could we calm down for a moment and talk like normal people?” The Smilgi delegate slithered between us. “It is a shame what happened to the humans, and it seems that their plight has only compounded the Krev’s guilt. The actions taken have been cautious. The number of shipyards created in the past week alone has almost doubled our manufacturing capability. You should thank the Trombil for creating the programs for those. The military numbers are up and that should please you Radai.”

The Resket huffed, turning and stomping away.

“Thanks.” I offered the Smigli before Frenelda walked over.

“You are turning things around considerably. Are you sure this is the best route of action to take? One wrong step and it’s over.”

“I know what I’m doing, the Krev people want change and to make up for our part in torturing the humans.”

“What about the Jaslip cause? Our people had been genocided by yours and yet you had done nothing to help us.” I froze hearing the words again.

It is true that what we did to the Jaslips was horrendous, even in the name of helping them. Now the humans had this done to them and we… I decided that there needed to be change. More cooperation between species and grievances left at the door or in the past.

‘One scale at a time. We’ll get through this’

“With the new expansion, I have made it a priority to allow the Jaslip people their own home world. It’s not something the Underscales are going to like, but they can eat dirt for all I care anymore. What we did to your people was horrendous and I hope saying this will start a path to recovery.”

I waited for the Jaslip’s reaction, her ears pinning down to her head, before she looked around. Unsure what she just heard was true.

“I… I see. I will inform my people about what the plan is and start looking for a suitable planet to make a home.”

“You will have the full backing of Avor in your endeavours, as well as our construction fleets to get you started.”

“What’s that catch? You didn’t treat us as equals before.”

“…The humans and what we did to them changed us- changed me. Seeing what we did to them made me reflect and… there needs to be change to reflect that. We can’t keep going like we are.”

“Okay.” Her tail fronds swished before she asked. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just back me up when the negotiator arrives. I need all the support to get the humans to agree to the ectogenesis program, they won’t survive if they don’t.”

“I see. I take it that Avor would be sent down the war path if that were to happen?”

“I can only see war if the humans die out. There was already a mass call to arms when we were building their isolated settlements. This’ll be the first time a human is seen outside of the Kirn Isles.” I spoke.

“I understand. I want it made known that you agreed to these terms.”

“You will have it in writing and a public address by tomorrow.”

It was then that the klaxon sounded the arrival of the human party. We turned around to see the negotiator Gress walk into the room followed by a single human male. His hair cut short and he was missing an arm.

As always Gress looked nervous to even be standing in the room with us, and I approached him trying to put him at ease.

“Gress, the miracle worker of a generation. You came through for us once again, I hope your travels wasn’t too troublesome?” I went for a quick hug, knowing the Krev saved my life more than once at this point. His eyes flickered toward the other delegates before he sighed out of his nose and returned the hug.

“Not particularly bad. I was able to bring a human representative to see what we need to do to help.” He finished not wanting to say another word.

“Um…” The human stumbled staring at us and lost track of what to say.

“Come out with it.” Radai grumbled, pointing his beak at the scared human, making the man splutter a moment before they regained their composure. “My name is Taylor Trench and we need help.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Riccin, Krev Delegate

Date [standardized human time]: November 5, 2160

 

The speech is set in stone. The podium was ready and journalists from all over the Consortium were gathered in the large square. Overhead, drones flew by catching videos or taking photographs of this historic moment for the Krev and Jaslip relations. I had agreed to set the full support for a Jaslip world in motion, and this was it.

“The Consortium has been plagued with deceit, corruption and false narratives for generations.” I leaned toward the microphone and gripped either side of the podium. “I wish for a time that we did not have to fear the dangers outside of our borders. I wish for a time that we did not have to have defences that block us from viewing our own stars. I wish for a time that the Consortium did not have to hide.” The crowd started murmuring among themselves, each species looked conflicted on what I was saying.

“That is why, we must strive to prove ourselves capable of standing up to the tyranny of this Galaxy. That we are able to overcome challenges as a society and to hold strong together. I am proud to announce that the Consortium will no longer be held back by the restrictions of the past, of hiding away from our true purpose of this universe.” The crowd started growing in intensity as they stared at me. I looked back and nodded toward the Jaslip delegate standing to the side.

“To become a Bulwark against the Federation and those with similar ideologies. We will no longer stand idly, waiting for them to find us, we will make preparations in order for the inevitable. And if the inevitable does not come, then we shall avenge the races lost to their barbarism when the time is right.” The Krev in the crowd started cheering, throwing claws into the air above them signalling agreement while other species looked at the sea of green scales with hesitation.

“We must come together with our members. We must not segregate or hold back other members from what their species needs or wants. That is why I am announcing the beginning of the Jaslip home initiative. A program to relocate and help build up a new world for the Jaslip people to call home.”

A crack sounded as I felt something hit me, knocking me backwards down the steps to the podium.

I felt warm, searing pain emanating from my right arm as the shock made everything seem distant. I heard screams but couldn’t recognise anything as my guards stood in front of me.

Blue blood coated the ground as the pain gave way to coldness as it overtook my nerves. Looking around I could see people staring at me, the drone above peering down taking photos and videos of my body.

“Sir?! Sir!!” I heard an attendant shout into my ear, but it was like my mind was moving through syrup.

I was hauled to my feet, the coldness spread into my chest and I felt lighter on my right side. I peered back through blurry eyes as the pool of blood left a trail leading towards me, a green scaled arm left in the middle of it as I was rushed off, losing consciousness seconds later.

‘I didn’t even… get to the humans yet…’

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Herith, Krev medical officer

Date [standardized human time]: November 7, 2160

 

Rushing down the empty street to the address we nearly collided with a pillar as we wheeled a gurney toward the elevator. My team of four was rushing to an emergency that one of the human’s implants called in about an accident.

Rushing out of the elevator again, my heart thumped rapidly trying to make sense of everything that was happening recently. The ectogenesis program announcement should have boosted the humans’ moods but this was the third call in two days.

“This way hurry!” I led my team, knowing that if we didn’t get to them fast enough there would be another dead human.

We reached the door, on training alone, the breacher tried the pad, it was not working before he used a hydraulic ram to break the door down. We didn’t have time to call any techs to open the door. We needed to get in and get the human stable.

Some of the old mine striker humans even barricade the insides of their apartments to keep us out and then commit the act. It always hurts just entering one of these dwellings. From the trash and general untidiness of the place to the state some of the humans were in made me want to scream every time.

As soon as the door came down, the hydraulic ram was removed and forgotten as we piled in. The room was dark as someone hit the blinds, the light showing the mess of dirt and debris everywhere.

“Medical emergency team! We are here to help.” I shouted, not getting a response.

I sniffed the air smelling a coppery scent knowing what had happened. I stumbled over bags and discarded clothes heading toward the bathroom as my team started grabbing blood bags and equipment. I threw a shoulder into the door needing to get in fast and not caring what happened to me later.

The smell was even worse than before as my stomach plummeted. A lone female human was in the bath. The water having turned red from gashes she had caused with a knife.

“Quickly!! Blood and Plasma.” I knelt and found a small pulse in her neck. In a flash we started to work hauling the woman out of the freezing water and started mending her wounds and pumping her full of blood and fluids again trying to save her life.

I tended to the gashes and added as much packing to stop the blood gushing out of her as possible. It took maybe three minutes before she was stable again and ready for transport. I sighed and leaned back as the others started moving the human. I didn’t follow them wanting to be alone for a moment to compose myself.

‘Why?! Why did it always have to be like this? Why did we fuck it up so badly?’

I started to tear up seeing the trail of blood droplets in the apartment. We tried, we really tried and everything just keeps getting worse. No matter what we do, there is no hope, nothing at the end of all of this. Tears started streaming down my face as I looked out of the window. The Highrise overlooking most of the settlement.

We did this to them. We were the ones to force them out. We were the ones to make them kill each other. We caused their species suffering.

We did this.

“Why do we even try to help? We just make it worse.” I whispered wiping at my eyes.

“Herith, ready for transport.”

“You go ahead, I… I just need a moment.” The young paramedic left me alone and I heard the wheels squeak down the hallway toward the elevator.

The settlement was isolated from the Krev population with good reason. The amount of us on the internet wanting to help the humans was astronomical, but if they were to move here then it wouldn’t work out.

I spoke to a few of the Tellus settlers and they don’t trust us.

And I couldn’t blame them, everything we did was to hurt them.

How can they trust us after everything that happened?

The view outside of the window showed the settlement, high rises and plenty of amenities that the humans barely use. The board walk along a seaside that maybe only two or three of them use in a day.

All of them stay shut inside, the only ones that have gotten slightly better have stated that they have nightmares and contestant thoughts of ending it all. We were lucky that the medical implant alerted us that it was removed, a clear sign of a human about to attempt.

‘I was fed up, I was tired. I just wanted to help these primates. To try and turn this nightmare into something sensible.’

I let out the sobs. I wanted to go home, I just wanted to make sure that everything was alright and I couldn’t do it.

I just can’t do this anymore.

“Oh god. No!” A voice behind me shouted, making me turn around.

“Jess? She didn’t- no she couldn’t.” A single human male stood there, my eye contacts bringing up the information on my hud that it was a man called David Miles. He was dishevelled staring at me in either rage or grief.

“She’s fine, we… We were able to get here in time and save her. My team is taking her to the hospital as we speak.” I said, failing to hide the hitching in my voice.

“I- I understand. Wh-which one?”

“Harpers general.”

The human stood for a while, staring at me. I needed to be strong, to show that the Krev wouldn’t break in the face of adversity, but I couldn’t. I turned away from them and started crying again staring at a warship patrolling the water outside of the isolation zone.

Something sat down next to me as I held my head in my paws, not able to stop the flow of tears. David was sitting next to me, staring out of the window as well. His hair was unkempt and eyes sunken. The image from the profile showed that he was a young man, full of life and hope. Now he looked ancient.

“Thank you.” He said before a tear started leaking out of his eye. “For helping her, I should have known, she’s my sister, she could’ve talked to me about it.”

“I don’t know anymore.” I said back.

We sat for a long time, watching as the warship patrolled across the water and a drone was launched from its deck by a few pink avians. I didn’t know why, I just don’t care anymore.

“I’m sorry…” I said staring ahead, feeling my soul tearing itself apart.

“What for?”

“Everything, it’s our fault. It’s all our fault for letting this happen for making you stay underground all of those years. It shouldn’t have happened and I don’t want anymore people to die, I’m lost and sick and tired of everything going wrong. I just want to sleep.” I let everything out. My mouth stumbling over words as I let myself purge my inner feelings not knowing what to do anymore.

‘I have seen so many of them die on my watch, I don’t want to let that happen anymore.’

The human sighed before speaking quietly. “I’m like that as well… sick of everything and wanting it to be over.”

“I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Everything just seems to be that way for us. Earth is gone and there’s not even enough of us left to repopulate. I know about the ectogenesis, but what will we have by then? We lost everything about ourselves.”

“I know. It feels like everything I do fails. I try to be better, try to get better. But, everything is so hopeless.”

...

“…I read about your leader getting shot, is it true that he wants to get revenge for us?”

“I don’t know, I just want to help people. I’m sick of death.”

“He was shot, wasn’t he?”

“Yes, he was. Though I think he’ll be fine.”

“Why’s that, he lost his arm?”

“The medical tech in Tonvos is state of the art, it’s like here, the newer equipment being put in the places it’s most needed…” I stayed quiet, starting to get control of myself again. “I think we should go after your sister, make sure she’ll be alright and that you’ll be there when she wakes.” I spoke slowly, shifting to my feet.

“…I don’t want to go alone.” David said, still looking ahead.

“I’ll go with you. I don’t want to be alone either”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Herith, Krev medical officer

Date [standardized human time]: February 12, 2161

 

“So, that’s what it was like back on Earth?”

“Pretty much.” David walked, looking off toward the sun.

“It sounds better than Tellus.”

“Definitely better than literally living in a hole most of your life.”

“I see. Let’s get some food, you’re bound to be hungry?”

We found a small restaurant along the boardwalk run by a Krev couple. The old pair greeted us warmly as they passed us a menu.

The last few months were a blur of activity. The medical team saw that I was not coping well with everything going on and suggested that a new program should be started with Krev partners being assigned to the humans in order to check up on them.

It became mandatory for those at risk humans to have a social worker check up on them every so often. I signed up for the work instead of responding to emergencies. I was slowly losing my mind with that work.

Steadily, the program had helped some humans, others were completely against it, but were turned around due to the program managers assigning Krev that showed extreme diligence in caring for them.

‘I was thinking that those humans started getting better and going out to avoid their social worker.’

At some point the humans got organised again and a leader was voted in to represent them and it was sort of a turning point for both our species.

They had a purpose again, to strive and be the best as historians of our species as well as their own. It allowed for humans to get out and start working again. The change was awesome compared to what they once were.

A small exchange program was started and travel for certain Krev was allowed into the isle. It was an exceedingly small percentage of Krev , but our optimism around the humans made them feel better. The species that had to hide themselves and now being treated like they were the most special little things certainly did help as well.

“What are you thinking of having?” I asked, wondering if stew was alright to have this early.

“Maybe some porridge. What were those berries from last night again?”

“Polur berries.”

“Yeah, those. Think they have them here?”

“Probably, I might just stick with sugar though.”

“It must be nice not having teeth that can rot out of your head because of sugar.”

“Skill issue.” I relied, earning a coy smile from David.

The moment was short lived though, as I heard a siren starting to wail. I jumped up and stared out of the window up at the cage as the shell started to close plunging the world into darkness.

“Herith, what’s happening?” David asked, staring up with me.

“I don’t know, the cage is closing but the artificial lights aren’t coming on.” A pit grew in my stomach realising that something was very, very wrong. The ships patrolling in the sea turned on their lights as the settlements came online as well.

A PA system drowned out the noise of the wailing alarms.

“This is General Radai of the Consortium military. I advise all civilians to shelter in place and stay indoors. The Underscales organisation has shown their true colours and intend on bringing an end to the Consortium. We are working to take down these traitorous criminals.”

The PA ended as the feeling in my gut grew into a chasm.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Riccin, Krev Delegate

Date [standardized human time]: February 12, 2161

 

“How much longer is this gonna take?” I asked the general as my guards escorted us into the bunker.

“I have multiple squadrons tasked with combing through Underscales facilities. The Resket training  fleet is also occupied with taking on the automated drone fleets.” He said as he frantically shouted orders down at his pad.

At least it was fortunate that the Fleet was doing close orbit exercises in the system. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened?

“That doesn’t answer the question, I need to know if people will start freezing to death out there?”

The cage closed but the artificial heating systems had failed or were turned off completely. We only had a few hours to rectify the problem and gain control again or we’d have a mass casualty event on our paws.

I twitched my fake arm, the synthetic nervous tingling as my mind whirred through a list of who could have been responsible for this mess. Ever since I was shot, I distrusted the Underscales. Their proclamation of the JIB being the shooter didn’t sit right with me.

After what I said at the podium that day, they wouldn’t have a reason to. Gress brought to my attention the hostage situation as well, that the Underscales had intentionally made false evidence about the gun men, so we couldn’t tell who was actually who.

As soon as I was able, I made a small group to investigate the organisation and their deceit. The most damning of evidence was them working with the fucking Federation at one point.

It went against everything the Consortium stood for, but not only did they work with them. They knew that the Federation had collapsed. As soon as the word was passed to me, the cage closed and my pad had completely bricked itself.

“What do you mean Robots?!”

“What’s going on?”

“Move second and third reserve to push through the onslaught and assault the command centre.” He spoke before changing to another line “Keep the drones under fire and crash into them if you have to. If they have antimatter on board, they need to be taken out immediately.”

“Radai, the fucks happening?”

“The Underscales are trying to throw us back into the stone age. I think someone in my command was working with them, they were able to arm the antimatter bombs from the patrol drones. The Fleet is working in orbit to try and intercept.”

“This- this can’t happen! What do we do, how do we stop this?!” I frantically asked the Resket plodding down the hallway.

“First reserve found a command centre controlling both the cage, drone and apparently robots with memory transcriptions. They are trying to get the situation under control but need help, I’m going to the assault and issue commands there.”

“I’m going with you, this needs everyone working on it right? I don’t want people to unnecessarily die.”

“I think it would be best if you stay here.”

“Fuck that, they knew that humanity was alive!!! I want fucking revenge for them making us do that to them for two decades.”

“I cannot guarantee your survival.”

“I don’t care, fuck those guys. I have training, I did my stint in the army when I was younger.”

“Fine but stay close.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Pherinc, Consortium Coalition Trooper

Date [standardized human time]: February 12, 2161

 

My leg hurt, my chest and torso were leaking blue blood from cuts and scrapes as I led the General’s men through the complex. Half my team dead from the first assault and many more were injured. I was surprised the Delegate was even here in the first place, but I didn’t care anymore.

I wanted to scatter the marrow of whoever was behind this with explosives. This whole ordeal was started because of me, finding that body in the Tellus settlement and it should be dealt with by me. A way for me to atone for my sins that day.

“Pherinc slow down!” Terin shouted chasing after me.

The young private was still somehow under my command after all this time. He’d grown confident in his role and was accepted into the exchange program before this all kicked off.

‘I’ll make sure it’s me who catches a bullet and not him.’

When I rounded a corner, shining a flashlight down it. I saw synthetic bodies targeted by my hud. Without thinking for a second, I pulled the trigger, letting the exoskeleton help adjust my aim to land the shots.

In a flash I was already sprinting down the hallway seeing more of them. Terin and Schola close behind me. We needed to end this madness before anymore people died to these scum. I’d heard the delegates talking about the human race being alive and I knew I needed to get this over with.

If there was a chance to better this universe, I would gladly sacrifice my life for it. Flashes of the human slumped over, a pickaxe sticking out of his chest played through my mind as I felt something bite my arm.

Diving for cover, I saw that I was hit, blue blood gushing from a small entrance wound. With my good arm, I grabbed a syringe of compression gel and injected it straight in after the bullet, sealing the wound with a hiss.

Looking back I saw the negotiator and a human along with the general. Terin stooped down next to me, and helped me to my feet saying something about stopping because I was hurt.

‘Hurt or not, as long as I breathe, I’ll fix what I did.’

The human tossed a grenade at the emplacement keeping us stalled. As soon as it exploded, I was on my feet again, my side arm drawn and rifle forgotten. The others right behind me.

“The fleets are holding strong, but are running low on munitions, we need to hurry.” Radai shouted, catching up to us and passing me.

The hallway ended in a large room, a single robotic Resket stood at a console, servers surrounding them in all directions. I heaved moving forward but stopped seeing a small Krev in their metal wing with a knife pressed against her neck.

“Lecca!!!” The negotiator shouted falling to his knees

“That’s right, Gress. If I can’t bring ruin to the false Consortium, then I will at least end your life here and now.”

“Mafani, put down the knife and end this madness already.” General Radai shouted, still keeping a wing in front of me.

I felt the adrenaline keeping me up straight waned and I collapsed to the floor, the pain becoming unbearable. From this angle I turned my head toward the robot, seeing them slowly push the knife closer, a thin trickle of blue blood dripped from the knife's tip as the young child screamed.

‘I need to move, I have to do something!’

A message appeared on my hud, telling my squad to [wait] as I noticed something near the roof. I couldn’t make sense of what it was before it started coming down the walls. Long strands of slithering shapes that I couldn’t get a proper look at.

I watched as one stopped next to the centre console right behind the robot Mafani before the screen flashed red before powering off. Mafani turned around, the knife pressed against Lecca’s throat withdrew. Before I knew what was happening, the automaton toppled over crashing to the screen leaving a giant crack.

Gress rushed over to scoop up his daughter as the techs following behind us started to get to work fixing this mess and getting the cage open. The slithering shapes had stopped and one by one de cloaked revealing them to be covert Smigli troopers with concealment gear.

I found a spot to sit down and rest while Terin opened a pouch and started tending to my arm.

“Fleet reporting the drones are down and returning to idling in place.” Radai spoke, listening to his ear piece.

“What’s the damage to the infrastructure?” Riccin asked, staring at the robot lying on the ground.

“Mild, no antimatter detonations, and the orbitals rings suffered minimal damage. The military training assets helped with defending populations centres. The fleet is taking down the last of the antimatter drones as we speak.”

“That’s good, what about the cage?”

“We’ll have it open in a few minutes, the system was counting down to detonate the orbital rings.” The tech said before returning to the screen.

“Did we win?” Terin asked, having finished applying a wrapping to the compression gel.

“I think so.” I replied by taking another injector of pain killers and using it.

He looked around the room, at the Krev father and daughter, then at the delegates and techies before looking at me.

“What now?”

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Again huge thank you to you guys for reading whatever this madness was above this line. Lots of Krev, I just like Krev, do you like Krev? Cause I like Krev?

That brain worm is gonna kill me soon.

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Better understanding - part 1

Homeward Bound - Part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done? - More krev stories

We got Krev being Krev. The Krev cult has been hard at work coming up with new concepts that are a bit… Checks notes… um… yeah, definitely something… They continue to be a great source of inspiration and keep the sacrifices coming lads, the Krev gods aren’t gonna make that rent themselves.

Once again thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe and Loc for proofreading my previous chapters. You can check out his new story here

I edited this and proofed it, so good luck on trying to make heads or tails of the writing and bad grammar.

And again.

Thank you for reading.

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Breeve, Krev Tourism Expert

Date [standardized human time]: ~~~#####~~####~~~~~

The day was pleasant, the snow crunching under my footfalls sounded satisfying in a way that was odd to describe. The other feeling of satisfaction came from the adorable human walking next to me. Him in his adorable Obor shirt as he held my paw, making my heart flutter.

“Wanna get some food?” I asked, feeling my stomach grumbling, making me blush a little in embarrassment.

“Sure, anything in mind?” Edward asked, giving the side of my face a small kiss, making my face burn.

“Not sure yet, I guess we’ll find something.” I replied, my voice feeling like it was squeaking.

I heard a few birds chirping in a nearby tree, a few of them swooping between branches as we both watched.

I thought we were walking in the town? I must have lost track of time as we neared, seeing a little brown thing on the ground chirping up at us. Edward let go of my hand and crouched down next to the tiny avian.

“It must have fallen out of the tree, I think I should climb up and put it back.” He said, scooping up the critter before using a single hand climbing up the trunk.

I lost track of him before I heard more chirping, finding that I was actually holding the small thing. But it didn’t look like a bird. the blob of fluff and stuff I couldn’t make out was chirping from somewhere that I couldn’t figure out.

 Without my input, my body moved on its own bringing it closer. The mass of feathers had blurred into something that I couldn’t focus on, like it was some sort of censor or cognito hazard I’ve read about.

My body didn’t stop, I couldn’t make it move the headache inducing mass away. Instead, my mouth opened and I devoured the small blob.

‘What the fuck was that?’

I felt my actions not being headed by my body as it slowly turned, the sky above became a red hue almost like human blood as I watched Edward take steps back from me.

“I ate the bird.” I spoke through the mouth full of feathers and blood.

‘Those weren’t my words, I didn’t do anything. Edward, please you have to believe me.’

“The fuck?” Is all he said, backing away as his face grew pale in an instant.

I looked around, everything not feeling right, some sort of disconnect between everything and my mind. I noticed that I was dressed in something. Looking down, I saw that I was dressed in the same outfit I saw on the internet before.

I felt exposed, my body not moving to cover up and stood there as Edward back away tripping over himself holding up a hand to protect himself.

“No, don’t.”

It was then that I felt something in my paws, the whip from that image of the human Krev, now being held by me. I looked up, my body making me watch as my human’s fear vanished, instead crawling toward me as a collar appeared around his neck before I spoke.

“I can be your mommy.”

 

Memory Transcription Subject: Breeve, Krev Tourism Expert

Date [standardized human time]: February 3, 2161

With a jerk I woke from my sleep, my head hitting the lamp on the desk. The pain emanating from the spot making me forget what I was dreaming about. The pieces scattering like puzzle pieces into the recess of my mind. Yet my heartbeat was crazy fast.

‘Must have been a nightmare.’

I looked around the room, seeing Edward’s clothes lying on the bed behind me. The outside world was bathed in a bright light, only being intensified by the melting snow on the ground.

I wondered what Edward and Cruth were doing when my stomach growled at me. Checking the time showed that I had slept for a little too long, and it was about four in the afternoon. I shoved out the chair I was using and trudged to the kitchen to see what we had, grabbing my pad as I went.

The apartment was oddly silent. The others not being here made the place feel lonely. My heart started calming down when I  looked through the fridge seeing what would be nice to eat.

Only seeing a few slabs of bacon that Edward wanted to get, more of those potatoes. I almost gave up when I saw a can of little green balls at the back of the fridge. Grabbing it I let the translator work, the can reading green peas. The little vegetables looked a lot like what we would have as a starter at a fancy restaurant back on Avor. Just these are a lot smaller.

Looking at the packaging made me want to try Pulor berries again. I've been able to try them a few times, but they are really expensive. I hoped that maybe these little ones tasted like them.

Without thinking about it, I cracked open the tin, having to try the pull tab multiple times just to get my claws underneath. Once I peeled back the lid, the water mess inside almost spilled when I did it.

Finally, after draining the water, the small little things were just there. I knew they were edible, but I was hesitant to try them. After taking a breath and finding a spoon, I tried a few, mushing them up liking the taste.

‘This is good. Not Pulor berry good, but still good.’

I started eating through the can to sate my hunger letting my mind wander again.

The meeting earlier was exceedingly boring, even more than the call centre stuff I had to do over the human’s holidays. Apparently, some of the Overseers had been slack in their duties. Being late with reports or not having the right information categorised.

The administration was having a hard time trying to keep everything organised, because it seemed that a lot of the Krev staff had pretty much shirked their duties. After having the workload of another Overseer fall into my lap made me want to curl up next to my human and just exist.

Maybe watch a movie tonight? or cuddle while listening to a story or we could…

Flashes of the human’s art played through my mind, making me look at my pad coldly.

‘Maybe I should research a little to see if that’s what they really liked about us…’

“Nope, nope, nope. Not doing that.” I said, imagining a few of the scenes with me and Edward causing me to feel my face flush.

‘I see why order fifty-six was enacted when they learned there were aliens.’

I paced around toying with the idea, before deciding that I needed to clear my head of these thoughts. I didn’t want to bring it up to Edward at all, but I knew I’d have too sooner or later.

He thought I was avoiding him yesterday when I was just worried about if he was the same way. This morning told me that maybe he wasn’t, maybe it was only a certain amount of humans that do that.

Yeah, a very large amount, but it seems to stay behind closed doors anyway.

I shuddered remembering what we were like when the humans were revealed. Every Krev clambering for the human’s attention and… trying to get it in the worst possible ways. I think the Smiglis were all for it, being the entertainment centre of the Consortium.

I remember making it a deliberate choice not to follow any human to Onmol. I remember their internet asking for human and Krev actors. I didn’t read any further, already imagining what they would make them do.

Shaking my head free of these, I deposited the can of green peas in the bin before hesitating grabbing my pad. I didn’t know if I wanted to take it with me, feeling like it was dirty.

‘Come one Breeve, wisen up already.’

I grabbed the pad and clipped it to my belt, before finding my jacket and headed out the door. Thinking that some fresh air would clear my head.

The last few days were just shopping and not really exploring our surroundings. From a few maps I’d seen there was a marina around here somewhere.

I may as well start looking at the sights of Kingsbridge.

The cold wasn’t as bad as before, being somewhat manageable. I trudged my way down the flight of stairs, receiving a stare from a human as I walked past them out onto the street.

The city? Town? I wasn’t entirely sure what to describe it as. I know that it was similar enough in size to my home, Saphern. The humans called it differently though.

I guess it’s just up to personal preference.

A car whizzed by as I turned into the park, wanting to cut through it and see where it led to. I watched as a few humans were out and about, some were sitting on benches in heavy coats.

Couples were pushing strollers in front of them making me think of Edward and my future.

‘Stop it, too early to think about that.’

There was a human throwing a plate that flew a far distance. I watched as it landed on the ground, the orange disc not breaking apart. Were they practicing for something? Or maybe this was something humans had in common with our Obors, just wanting to throw stuff as far as they can.

I stood for a moment wondering why the human hadn’t gone after it before a four-legged creature bolted across the park to where the plate lay. Picking it up in its mouth and returning to the human who offered it a pat and repeated the process.

These were dogs, I knew that much. What I didn’t expect was for it to be so adorable. The humans domesticated them to catch stuff and bring it back for them? It was ingenious.

It was probably the reason why humans domesticated the dog in the first place, just so they could throw things and not have to chase after them.

Watching for a moment longer, I noticed a few of the primates staring at me, I pulled up my collar before heading toward where the map said that harbour was.

Plodding along, I came to a set of pedestrian lights with a few other humans, a child was holding their parents’ hand and was staring at me for a while. I tried not to notice, but decided to wave a friendly claw at them, making them smile.

It filled my heart with warmth when they tugged at their father’s hand and pointed at me, the taller human staring at me much like his son did. The lights turned green before we headed across.

It was still strange, even after living in Tellus City for so long, the human infrastructure was unfamiliar. A walkable city and such were very easy to produce, in Tonvos alone, the giant mega habs allowed for commerce, night life as well as dwellings within a few hundred [metres] or levels.

Seeing what the humans do, made it feel a little sparser. It’s weird, I knew that there was still the same number of amenities, just not altogether. I guess it could be from a desire to preserve the architecture.

Passing around a corner, the street opened into a giant walkway. A few shops selling clothes, trinkets and other things were scattered around the area. From where I was, I could see to the harbour, the masts of primitive boats sticking out over everything.

That was until I noticed some flashing colours to my left. Across the plaza from me, there was some sort of three-story building, the ground floor had some sort of painted glass depicting a human riding a horse as well as a few other things I didn’t know. There was some sort of card with a heart on it and a round thing with a ball rotating around it.

I looked around and saw that the other people weren’t paying any attention to the flashing lights. Looking closer, a few humans decided to avoid the place entirely. I was curious about what that was about.

 I waddled over to enter the building to figure out why some were avoiding the place. The sign above the entrance said ‘The Emperor’s Palace’ in squiggly lines.

Stepping through the set of double doors, I was immediately hit with the smell of alcohol and dim lights. There was a mixture of electric sounds as I ventured further trying to figure out if it was a bar or not.

‘I didn’t expect there to be a bar open this early?’

The walls, floor and roof seemed to be made of dark marble like material, all while the floor had a red carpet and the walls had statues of humans. The arms of them being removed as they depicted them in strange outfits of just cloth.

There were rows upon rows of machines with handles, a few humans sat around them pulling it over and over again. A screen on the front showed five symbols spinning before each came to a stop. Some were the same, while others weren’t, and it seemed that you needed to match the symbols.

It was exciting to see that they were trying to match up fruit and shiny objects. It must have been something they liked doing since the human doing it was so engrossed, they never saw me staring at them.

Finally noticing the noise of people shouting, I walked free of the rows seeing a few screens coming from the shouting humans. They were at a slightly lower level, the room opening more to have tables with green trim on the top of them.

The shouting humans were staring at a screen with humans wearing very tight, colourful clothes riding on top of horses. A leaderboard of the fastest lap appeared, and I couldn’t figure out whether or not it was some sort of event they were having.

There was a Gojid mixed among them. They tore up a piece of paper before pocketing it in a belt pocket and sulked towards a bar area.

I heard a human say ‘hit me’ somewhere, I froze on the spot, turning round to see if there was a fight about to break out. Only to witness a trio of them sitting at a table, a fourth human standing behind it had flipped a card onto the table in front of them.

I watched closely as each said something before the standing one, wearing a red shirt and a black vest flipped his own cards on the table. The humans either held their heads or literally jumped for joy shouting that they had won, while the standing human remained calm.

“Are you buying in?” They turned and asked me.

“I um, sorry I don’t understand.” I replied to them.

“Well, you can get your chips over there.” They pointed out an alcove as they started dealing again, the humans having returned to their seats. A waiter passed by me, carrying a glass of brown liquid to the table as I headed toward where the red shirted human pointed.

There was another human wearing similar clothes sitting behind a pane of glass, a bunch of colourful coins in front of them. I seemed to have caught them while they were counting them.

“Um, hi. What is this place?” They looked up when I asked. Their eyes going wide seeing me before their expression regained its professionalism.

“This is a casino ma’am.”

Ohhh, that makes a lot more sense now.

“So, this is where you guys bet with money?”

“That would be an approximation, yes.”

“And you do it with those coins you’re counting?” I pointed a claw toward the desk.

“Yes, we use these chips in place of money. You can buy a few now and enter some of the card games or place bets on horse races over at that machine there.” They pointed to a large screen, a Thaftki standing in front of it as they selected a horse to bet on.

“Um, maybe later.” I said unsurely.

“Suit yourself.”

I looked around again, taking in the sight before heading for the exit. We had gambling games back home and it seemed that every species had a version of it. All I knew was that it never ended well when you played games of chance.

Though it was absolutely adorable the way the human said hit me, when they wanted a card dealt. The mixture of aggression and the situation blended the lines of cute and weird for me.

‘Sure, it’s cute, but watching it happen and knowing the result was terrible.’

My eyes had to adjust again when I stepped back outside, the sun making me blink a few times to orientate myself again.

‘The harbour, yes that way.’

Regaining my direction, I was about to start off when I noticed two figures. Each of them was wearing black blazers and had bags, but what stood out was that one was a Skalgan.

They had the same coat that Pelera and Ashia did, though this one had a much richer brown to it. They walked for a while chatting to each other like it was nothing before a group of humans wearing similar clothes but with hoods covering their heads approached them.

They’d been sitting around a few benches before the six approached the pair. If it was Thepio, would it be alright to meet him here? Or would that be annoying?

I stepped away from the casino and sat down on a bench and made it seem like I was taking a break. The Skalgan and someone that wasn’t wearing the uniform started talking, this human was taller than the rest and seemed to be an adult among the teens.

They got up in the Skalgan’s face before shoving them, the group of teens had surrounded them. Before I knew it, they were being dragged down an alleyway. Looking around, no one had seemed to care what had just happened.

I followed after them, peaking around the corner of the dark alley. Seeing the silhouettes of the group. I knew it must have been Thepio when the friend with him called his name out after being slammed into a dumpster. The alien struggled against two of the other teens and earned a punch to the gut, doubling him over.

The group of attackers pounced on the two, raining kicks and blows down on them as they curled inwardly on themselves. I ducked around the corner keeping my back against the wall, not knowing what to do.

‘Get in there and help them!’

‘What if the administration finds out?’

‘That’s Edward’s family in there. What’ll he think when he finds out you could have helped and didn’t?’

My claws trembled as flashes of what I did to the bar keeper in Bulik when Edward was kidnapped. The surge of wrath filled my chest remembering what had happened to my human that night and before I knew it I was racing down the alley.

I threw my body full force into the crowd, basically jumping at them trying to topple as many over as possible. I didn’t want to hurt anyone, but the cries of the human on the ground made my hate swell.

“What the hell?”

“It’s another Xeno, fucking kill them.” Two of them spouted coming to their senses.

The opening I created allowed Thepio to get to his feet and charge the first attacker headbutting him to the ground again. It made me wince when their head slammed against a brick wall.

I couldn’t dwell on it for too long, as another human had started toward me. I held up my arms as they threw a punch at me.

“Ahhh, fucker!!!” They screamed, cradling their hand after they tried to hit me. I thought I heard a snap when they contacted my scales. Thepio had been headbutting another guy over and over again, the red blood coating his snout and fur making him look feral. The first attacker that he had slammed, stumbled toward him, and planted a boot in his side.

I couldn’t do anything with two of the assailants facing me. I couldn’t even call out when the human that was with Thepio earlier had jumped the guy from behind and wrapped his arms around the teen’s neck and squeezed.

One of the humans coming at me swung high, I tried to dodge below the swing, it bounced off the tip of my nose, rocketing pain up my skull as the other humans struck lower, catching me below the ribs.

I staggered back, not wanting to hurt the teens. I could curl up and they wouldn’t be able to do anything about it, but I thought of Thepio and his friend.

Before I was able to catch my breath the first human struck again. This time I turned my head down, seeing blue blood trickle from my snout as I did so, and a scream from them as I heard a snap when they’re hand connected with the scales.

Looking up, I watched as the hooded figure stumbled, holding his arm and I cringed when it flopped to the side clearly broken.

The attackers started to crawl or run out of the alley, that was until I heard a scream behind me from the tallest of the humans I had bowled over.

“Oh, yer in fer it nai ya bitch.” The man shouted, pulling a small folding knife.

I looked around, frantically searching for something I could use to defend myself. One of the attackers had gotten to their feet and kicked my leg sideways at the knee. The pain almost blinding me as I felt the joint strain as I fell backwards.

They ran off out of the alley as the tallest of them stalked forward, the knife poised to come down at my exposed front.

In a flash, they brought it down as I tried to roll away.

I felt pressure, then the tearing of something as I shut my eyes. The pain started as a dull ache as the tip of the knife struck on of my scales protecting my spine. The dull pain flared up as it felt like I had a piece gouged out of me, causing me to scream in pain and without thinking I rolled over and kicked as hard as I could with my good leg.

I saw the handle of the folding knife still in his hand, the clean blade lying next to me.

The man stumbled before a brown blur shoved him down, Thepio jumping on top of him and started raining down punches. My existence became muffled by pain, the noises and feelings in my extremities going fuzzy as I worried that my spine had been stabbed.

I could feel wetness starting to soak my coat and flood my mouth from the nosebleed.

“Hey, hey are you okay lady?” The young boy with Thepio asked, coming over to help me.

“M-my back, is… Is it stabbed through?” I asked, having to spit a glob of blood out.

“Um, uh, No.” He tore at the coat, looking at the scales. “I think it’s just cracked, there’s a little blood trickling out of it though.” He looked concerned as I let my head fall to the ground.

Sighing deeply realising that it wasn’t stabbed through, just cracked. Though it feels like it was shattered.

‘It’s gonna be a few days recovering, and a few weeks of misery.’

I heard the muffled cries of the man as Thepio had finally stopped pummelling him coming over to me, his paws and face covered in a mix of red and orange blood splatters.

“Hey, are you alright?” He asked as the friend helped me sit up right, the blue blood staining the front of my coat.

“Y-yeah, just… gonna be a while before I’m better again.” I stated, starting to gain my bearings on my surroundings. The dull ache on my back is starting to become a searing pain.

He looked at me, before helping me stand, his own leg seeming to have taken a hit as well.

“I’m Thomas and that’s Thepio, lady. Thanks for helping us, what’s your name?” Thomas asked as we finally started slowly trudging our way out of the alley, getting looks from a few bystanders.

“I…” I breathed heavily wanting to get back to the condo as fast as possible. “I’m Breeve, I’m here with your stepbrother.” I turned my head to the Skalgan who gave me a conflicted look before facing forward again.

“I could guess, is he around now?” He asked.

“No, he’s away with Cruth and your father at his work learning how to ride horses.”

The Skalgan sighed through his nose, hefting his bag over his shoulder.

“Figures, which way to your condo?” Thepio asked.

“What do you mean Condo? We need to go to the hospital?” Thomas said, angling a head to stare at the blood trickling down my back scales.

“Breeve, do you need to go to the hospital? We’re not sure what to do here considering your species?” Thepio asked, as we neared the traffic lights, the Condo building just across the park from us now.

“I’ll be fine, the knife didn’t penetrate the skin and cracked the scale… I just, ow. Need to rest as it starts to heal.” I explained.

I had cracked scales before when I was younger, even losing a few when I was a kid falling down the stairs. Each time a doctor saw me, they’d give me pain killers and said that I should avoid unnecessary pressure to the region to let the new scale start healing to replace the old one.

There were a few things I could do to help the process but it would take a while to heal properly.

‘I’ll have to see about getting some pain killers, right now I needed a bath to try and get some of the blood off me. A shower felt too painful sounding to me.’

“Here, I need you to call Edward and get him and Cruth back.” I unclipped my pad, noticing the cracked corner before handing it to the Skalgan who looked like I had just pushed a rotten fruit into his face.

“Why me?” Thepio asked.

“Just do it will you. I’m sorry lady, but you’re extremely heavy.” Thomas said, sounding out of breath, having to help me walk.

I should be offended, but right now I just wanted to get home.

“I’m not that heavy.” I murmured back at him.

“Yeah, sure, sure. Just hurry up if you can.”

“We’re almost there.”

I went to the contacts as Thepio took the pad and I hung my head, the pain starting to become a migraine as I struggled to keep my head level. It called for a few moments before it seemed that my human picked up.

“Um, no.” Thepio looked like he was regretting talking.

“I’m Thepio, your Krev friend is hurt and wants you and…” He stared for a moment.

“Cruth.” I struggled to get out.

“Cruth, to get back to the Condo.”

“Mhmm, yep… Alright, I don’t know if we’ll be here then, goodbye.” He said before hanging up the call and I fumbled clipping the pad back to my belt.

The urge to curl up into a ball was ever present, but it was only the stairs to climb up now. I was about to turn for them when the two directed me into the building interior at the ground floor.

“Where’s the elevator?” Thomas asked.

“Elevator?”

“Yeah, this building should have one, my brother used to live here.”

“Over there.” Thepio said, pointing to a small door stuck around a corner. The blue frame had the logo I’d seen before on Tellus.

We shuffled in the white out pain emanating from my leg, nose and back as the door shut.

“Who was that back there?” I asked, feeling the elevator start to rise.

Thomas sighed before speaking. “Some kids from our high school. They think they’re hot shit for having parents who were HF. They think that everything alien is bad.”

“What’s a HF?” I asked the doors opening to my floor.

“Humanity First, they are guys who lost people in the bombing of Earth and believe that aliens are causing humanities extinction and that the government leaders are doing nothing about it. Those guys were products of that vicious cycle of generational hate.” Thepio stated as I unlocked the door.

“You sound like you’ve run into them before.” I almost whispered, the headache starting to get worse as the lights became too bright.

I had to ask Thomas to help take my coat off, my arms refusing to bend that far as the pain flared as they flexed.

“I’ve studied it before. Those jerks back there are just blowhards trying to act tough. Do you mind if I clean up using your bathroom? I’ll only be five minutes and then we’ll leave.”

“Are you sure that’s a wise idea? Maybe just wait for your father to take you back.” I said falling to the floor and waving off Thomas to leave me there.

Not moving was less painful than standing.

“… I know, but…” Thepio started, before Thomas cut him off.

“We’ll wait, it’s safer in a car in case those guys are still about.”

“Fine.” Thepio said, shutting the door to the bathroom as Thomas stood there not knowing what to do.

I could already guess he wanted to leave because Edward was going to be here. I wanted them to meet under better circumstances than this. But right now, I just wanted my human to hold me and make the pain go away.

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Better understanding - part 1

Raising Primates, Krevpocalypse , What have we done? - More krev stories

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Hello again, and thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the chapter as much as I did writing it.

Breeve isn't doing too well by the end of this chapter and probably doesn't want the administration to find out she'd been getting into fights on Earth with humans.

Once again, thank you for reading and if you have any advice for me to improve it would be much appreciated.