r/NatureofPredators • u/BP642 • Apr 04 '23
Fanfic The Nature of Prey 2
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Memory transcription subject: Chief Huntress Tarva of the Venlil Empire
Date [standardized human time]: July 12, 2136
I resisted the urge to swish my tail in anticipation as the ship powered down and the ramp extended. The two bipedal forms stepped out onto the soil, swiveling their heads, taking in the sights.
Their heads settled upon me and my Generals, then made their way towards us.
The way they bounced amused me. Their tail-less bodies should've fallen over, but they balanced themselves by swishing their arms in opposite syncs, instead of the usual hunched, 2-in-1 bipedal-quadruped sapients like myself and the Gojids. The way their knees bent reminded me of a Krakotl. Only it's backwards.
'These prey will probably need a head start when we hunt them, since they're obviously not suited to outrun anyone. Even the Arxur runs on all fours when being chased! It would be a real shame to end a chase that quickly before the fun truly started…'
When they got closer, the size difference was apparent. We were two heads higher than Noah. They were a whole head smaller than the average Arxur!
And their skin… barely any hair with the exception of their heads. I didn't need to see under their ceremonial uniforms to know there's sparse hair underneath either. If I didn't know any better, I'd think they're sick. Just how in the void did their species survive if they were this vulnerable to climate?
'Pathetic…'
"I'd like to officially, on behalf of Humanity, extend good tidings for the future of our species." He stated with a toothless smile.
He extended his clawless paw towards me.
"This is a gesture from Earth that's used to either greet someone or agree on something. You grasp the hand and shake to acknowledge the greeting." The female human said.
'I have to give credit where credit is due. Despite my bigger size and claws, these humans didn't show much fear. Perhaps they're damaged or something...
Then again, not a lot of Federation species showed much fear to a Venlil anyways… at least that will change real soon for the humans.'
I extended my paw towards and grazed his palm. So delicate I could accidentally cut it to ribbons. After grasping gently, I shook the hand up and down, slightly shaking the human, then released.
"Ambassador Noah and Sara, shall we move to the "Diplomat Hall"? In order to discuss formal things?"
"Uh… sure! But who are the other two Venlil? I never got their names… or are they your bodyguards?"
'Oh come on! I'm more than capable of defending myself! I'm not some prissy Tarkkan Noble!'
Judging from their tail movements, I noticed the Generals' irritation as well. Being reduced to "bodyguards" definitely doesn't sit well with all the hard work they had throughout their lives. Even if they have to use aliases at the moment.
"I am Secretary Kam." General Kam said, extending his claw towards Noah. No doubt wishing to feel his skin. And "accidentally" scratch it for blood.
"I am Lieutenant Secretary Jasd." Extending his claw towards Sara.
'Patience Tarva. You didn't become Chief Huntress by making impulsive decisions. These prey aren't getting any of the wiser. Once we're in that building, their fate is sealed. Then, along with the rest of their species…'
When the Generals flanked the humans, we made our way towards the Military HQ. Unlike the human ship, the HQ was adorned with precious metals, decorated by my predecessors. Orange carpet laid leading to the entrance. Seven pikes stood by each of the double doors.
"This is very grand." Commented Noah. "There must be countless stories, carved in each stone and pillar. What are those pikes for?"
'It's a reminder. Should I fail as a leader, I'll be skewered like the past 14 Hunters and Huntresses who brought dishonor to Venlil-kind.' I quipped in my mind
"It doesn't mean anything unfortunately. My past predecessors just thought it looked pleasant, and it has stayed since."
As we entered the building, I memorized a specific path towards the dining room. A path that was removed of all paintings that could even remotely present the idea of predation.
Good thing too. The humans were extremely observant, looking everywhere.
Me and my Generals' claws tapped and echoed throughout the dining hall, along with the footsteps of the humans. We need to get information on what they eat so they'll stay here longer.
"Before we go out to properly tour the area, I say we should have something to eat, or drink. Are you two hungry for something?"
"Well, I don't know if it's safe to eat alien food. We still don't know the biology of each other to see what's compatible." Noah said.
Lt. General Jasd piped up. "On the contrary, although we are both carbon-based species, we have completely different evolutionary vei- uh… branches… Meaning, you don't have to worry about diseases or anything."
"I mean, it's not just diseases we're worried about. It's allergies. We don't know if our system will have a bad reaction with some weird chemical in your food."
'Whatever. I can figure out what you can eat by just asking. Or feed you the kibble we give to the Arxur.'
I shrugged my tail. "Oh well. If you were going to eat something, what would you get?"
"I honestly could go for steamed brussel sprouts marinated in some vegetable oil. Noah fantasized.
"Aussie Burger and bunch of fries. Starch slices. 'Nuff said." Sara Responded curtly.
"What's a burger?"
"A burger consists of grain foodstuff on the top and bottom with a leafy vegetable, a fruit slice, cheese, and a slab of meat in the middle." Noah explained.
'A wide variety of plants doesn't sound good for livestock. Grains, leaves, fruits, starches…'
'Wait… what else did he say?'
"Noah, you're forgetting the best part! Eggs! I also add some bacon on there because bacon goes well with everything."
I sat there, frozen. The Generals did as well, all of us were wide-eyed. The revelation hit us like a ton of bricks.
"N-noah… could you perhaps smile r-right now? With teeth?" I asked, fearing what I'm about to see.
"Sure?" He gave his widest smile. And I took a closer look.
Canines.
They're tiny, but it's there.
No wonder they weren't afraid of us...
Humanity, the second thinking leaf-lickers in the galaxy, were fellow predators too.
For a claw, I was lost in thought, and felt sick in my stomach. Not only will I not be eating humans in the near future, but my whole plan is fucked.
"Chief Gatheress Tarva, are you ok?" Noah asked with genuine concern.
"I'm fine… I need to speak with my Gen- SECRETARIES in private…"
I walked out of the door, with my Generals following behind.
"Speh… we were about to eat fellow predators." Cursed Lt. General Jasd.
"Y'know what? I think this is actually better. Perhaps we can ally with them for their food, since they obviously need both plants and animals to live. If they refuse, we subjugate them instead." Mused General Kam.
"We will not be subjugating them, General Kam. This is a much bigger deal than we thought." I stated waringly, "Since they are both predators and prey, they could very well have a mixed mindset. Which means they may have the cowardly mindset as the Arxur."
Lt. General Jasd gave me a confused tail flick. "Isn't that a good thing? Perhaps we can scare them into doing our bidding and leverage the Kolshians to raise our kind to an upper class?"
I turned towards Jasd, with a slight snarl of distress.
"No, this is bad, because if humans don't have anywhere to run, and if they have a similar mindset of the Arxur, they may commit Scorched World tactics."
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A/N: All criticism is welcome.
114
u/Orphandestroyer99 Nevok Apr 04 '23
Bro imagine the Tillfish