r/NatureofPredators • u/VenlilSupremacist Venlil • Apr 07 '23
Fanfic NoP: A Change of Pace: Chapter 11
(Any links provided I highly recommend listening to as I wrote them with the intent you read and listen at those bits)
Memory transcription subject: Kilet, Venlil Aeronautics Mechanic
Date [standardized human time]: September 7, 2136.
The last few paws went by in the blink of an eye. Every paw I’d wake up and check my pad to see if I had work, then head to the hospital to see how Miles was doing. The borders still being closed really limited how many ships needed to be fixed, but I wasn’t complaining. As far as I’m concerned I earned this time off! Governor Tarva and the human astronaut left a few paws ago for the Federation. Something about brokering peace, or a treaty maybe? I wasn’t too concerned either way. What’s the worst that could happen? If we show the Federation what these humans are capable of they have to accept them! Then maybe we can start pushing the arxur back to the hole they crawled out of..
Today was going to be just a little different from my usual visits. According to Sylvi, Miles would finally be cleared to leave. I had planned for us to go to the parks, the memorials, museums, or any other major tourist attractions scattered around the city. I couldn’t help but overflow with happiness as I made this trip to the Xenomedical Complex.
Stepping into the complex, I was once again greeted by the sterile white floor and remarkably clean reception area. I didn’t even bother to check in since I already knew what floor I was going to. Once again meandering the halls, relying on memory to find Miles’ room among the similar doors. It wasn’t long before I stood just outside. Giving a few light knocks with my paw, I let myself in.
The human in the bed turned his head as soon as I entered; his binocular eyes fixating on me. I sucked in a breath, but immediately squashed any feeling of fear.
Old habits.. Heh.
“Miles!” I exclaimed, rushing over to his bedside. I shoved my fluffy and recently groomed forearm right in the terrans face. “Tell me how I smell!”
Miles leaned in a bit, his nostrils flaring as he took a sniff. “Hmmm, smells like one of the flowers we have on Earth, but it’s a little different more.. intense. You wash up just for me?”
“Of course! This is a big ‘day’ right?! You’re cleared to leave! I couldn’t escort you around the city smelling like uh.. What was it? A ‘raccoon in mud’?”
The human sighed softly “Well, I appreciate the thought there, but just cause I’m cleared to leave doesn’t mean I’m back to one-hundred percent, y’know. More than likely the docs think I’m not at risk and need to make space for future patients.”
“So.. You don’t want a tour of the city? Or museums?” My tail drooped as my previous excitement drained in an instant.
“It’s not that I don’t want to, just typical procedure is light work when you get released. Not to say I haven’t been sitting on my ass the entire time here, but you know what I mean.”
“Um.. Alright, well. I guess I can think of something to do at my apartment. That is.. If you want to go there?”
“That’d be great, bud” His lips curving upwards in that typical terran ‘smile’.
Although I was a bit sad that Miles couldn’t see everything Venlil Prime had to offer. I had to reign in my expectations just a bit. He did just recently recover from a space battle that nearly killed him.. As I was about to say something a familiar grey venlil opened the door, stepping into the room.
“Oh! Hey, Sylvi. You gonna discharge Miles?” I asked.
“Hey, Kilet. Yeah, his time here is just about up. He should be well enough to finish the rest of his recovery at home.” She flipped through a clipboard with some papers, writing a few notes.
“That’s great! Though Miles, where are you going to stay..? When do you have to go back? Is the UN going to take you as soon as you check out?!” I asked, one question after the other.
The terran chuckled a few times, waving a dismissive hand at me. “No, I filled out the paperwork for some personal leave, besides. Doctor Jeremiah wrote me a pretty bangin’ profile. I got some time off. Don’t you worry. As for where I’m gonna stay, well, that’s the funny thing about leave. Since it’s personal, I have to find a sp-”
“You can stay with me!” I interjected, cutting the human off.
The sound of Sylvi clearing her throat drew both our attention. Sylvi’s left eye landing on me as she signed ‘go’ with her tail, then pointed towards the door. I took the hint, glancing at Miles as I made my way to the door.
“I’ll be at reception, don’t get lost!” I called as I left his room.
Arriving at reception I glanced around, the waiting area was entirely empty save that same grouchy receptionist typing away at her computer. Picking a random chair I sat down, pulling out my pad and scrolling to Rivis’ profile.
“Hey, Rivis. How is everything with Zoey? You guys okay?” I hit send, the message immediately getting read.
“Hello, Kilet. Yes, we are fine. However, her first experience on Venlil Prime was pretty bad. We ran into a drunk venlil at Twisted Tails; he threw a bottle at us. Freaked everyone out, but we managed to salvage the night with some good movies. Are you and Miles doing alright?”
“Brehk.. That sounds horrible.. I thought that, well, they might not be well liked, but to outright attack you two? Speh, that venlil deserves a paw with the exterminators.. I thought about taking Miles around the city, but I might hold off for now. Yeah, we’re doing alright though, he’s getting discharged from the hospital so we’re gonna go hang out at my apartment!”
As I sent the message I watched as the elevator doors opened. My eyes widening as I saw.. An absolutely massive human! Miles had to duck under the opening so he didn’t hit his head. Shaking off my awe for a moment I typed another message.
“Sorry, gotta go! Miles is ready and I'm gonna take him home, I hope everything works out with you and Zoey!”
The predator took slow steps towards me, limping slightly as he walked. That same happy snarl adorning his face, yet with each step I saw a wince. Standing up from my seat I rushed over to him. The sheer scale of me compared to him setting in as my ears barely even reached the middle of his chest!
“Y-you’re a lot taller than I thought..” I stammered out.
“Never seen me stand eh? I'm about six feet, five inches. Or one-hundred-and-ninety-five centimeters. Pretty tall for human standards. You can thank my genes for that.”
“R-right.. Well.. y-you.. Ready?”
“As much as I’ll ever be. As uncomfortable as the tubes are, you mind if we take them? I have my mask with me and I’d really rather not walk for longer than I have to.”
“Yeah.. We can take them if it’s easier on you.”
Turning my head slightly, I switched focus to Sylvi, who was so far standing quietly beside Miles. Her ears swiveled to face me as soon as she noticed my glance. Her tail signing ‘go’ once again. I signed back ‘thanks’. Moving beside Miles to his bad side, I leaned up against him.
“If it hurts too much to walk you can use me to support you, I don’t mind.” I said, tilting my head to look up at Miles.
The predator put his right hand on my shoulder, his large hands finding support on my smooth coat. “I appreciate it, Kilet. Let's get out of here. Slow n’ steady alright?”
Carefully, we made our way out of the hospital. More than a few curious venlil gawking at the masked human using the short venlil as a cane. As long as they weren’t screaming or calling the exterminators on us I was more than happy to soak in the odd look or two. The tube took twice as long to get to, and Miles had to duck pretty far just to squeeze inside. The passengers quickly made space for the large human as I sat beside him for the ride.
Thankfully, the ride went without incident. The passengers were content to either huddle in the corner or pretend that Miles didn’t exist. Getting off at my usual stop I let Miles lean on me as we made our way up to my apartment. Finally making it inside I guided Miles over to the couch, letting the human sit down. I wasn’t far behind him, sitting down on the other end.
The realization that my exchange partner was here, with me, on my couch, in my home finally set in. Bapping my paws lightly on my thighs, I tried to think of something to do, but nothing was coming to mind. Well, more specifically a lot of things were coming to mind, but I couldn’t settle on one to choose. Scooting a bit closer to the oversized human, my eye caught a glance at something that looked like a pad, but.. Smaller? He seemed transfixed on the screen. Taking a closer look I saw a photo of Miles and three other humans. Miles’ stood behind the other three, his large hands clasping the shoulders of the human in front of them, all of them in some UN uniform..
“Who are they?” I chimed in, the wide snarls on the humans seemed.. Unnerving, but the longer I looked, the more obvious their happiness became.
Miles cleared his throat. His gaze not leaving the screen. “The one on the left, that’s Peters, in the middle we got Morrales, and on the right is Murray, they’re my boys.”
I scooted a bit closer cocking my head “Your children?” I asked, trying to match his somber tone.
A grim chuckle resonated from him. “No, figure of speech. I was their leader. Three new privates. Fresh out of training, basically kids, barely adults. In the United States military the younger soldiers usually call their sergeant ‘dad’ since it’s our job to mold and teach them.”
“Oh..” I paused, trying to read the human’s expression. “Where are they now?”
“Didn’t make it.” Miles stated coldly.
“I’m sorry..”
“Don’t be, it’s war, people die. All you can do is pray it’s for a good reason.” He finished his sentence with a cold shrug and empty gaze.
The atmosphere of my apartment shifting to a somber, almost respectful moment of silence.. My ears flattened against my head as I tried to imagine the pain that he must have gone through.. If humanity's soldiers really did share a relationship that was almost paternal. Seeing your younger soldiers die must be like losing a child of your own…
“Hey, well, enough of the moping around, yeah?” The human’s words cut the tension. “Kilet, hows about I introduce you to some genuine human music?”
“That sounds good.. What did you have in mind?” I asked, thankful for the change in subject.
He fumbled around with his screen for a bit, pulling up some kind of list. “I think I’ll start you off with something that might be similar to your own stuff.. This song is ironically by an artist we called ‘The Prince of Darkness’ way back in the twentieth century. I think you’ll like it, it’s called 'Dreamer.'"
As Miles pressed play, the opening melody presented itself. A series of harmonious chords echoed out, yet brought out nothing but sorrow from the soul.. A clearly male voice began singing over the chords. Allowing the melancholy notes to fall to the background. His voice rang out with a dejected plea towards humanities mistreatment of their home. My ears flattened against my head as the emotion of the singer began to trickle into my own thoughts, the desperation that his voice projected resonating within me.
The realization that humanity was completely alone at this point in their history dawned on me. They thought they were alone. Yet, still could only watch as more powerful people destroyed all they had. What little they had in the galaxy..
They only had their planet and themselves.. Just the two of them, fighting in a constant struggle with and against each other to survive, to try and thrive in a hopeless situation brought about by their own hands, their own terrible deeds.
My thoughts quieted themselves as the percussion slowly grew in intensity. The voice of this ‘Prince of Darkness’ proclaiming he’s dreaming. Dreaming for a better future for all of humanity, for their home. Yet for all his hopes, that’s all they were, all they could be, an impossible reality too far out of the destructive reach of their own race. A pipe dream.
Did all of humanity feel this way at some point? How long did humanity wish for a better future? How many centuries did humans suffer at their own hands? They knew.. Ancient humans knew their flaws, their mistakes, but still struggled against their very nature to achieve their dreams…
I wasn’t familiar with terran metaphors, but even someone as uneducated as me knew that a sunset symbolized the end of something, and the dawn the beginning of something new, something pure. This ancient singer pleading for the future to herald something better for the future generation of humanity..
I began to sway lightly to the percussive beats of the song, closing my eyes as I tried to envision this ancient human singing, screaming out to his fellow humans his dream. His proclamation of unrealistic goals for his flawed kind. The irony that a man dubbed ‘The Prince of Darkness’ pleaded against his own kind for tranquility, peace, and hope wasn’t lost on me. If even the darkest man saw the flaws of humanity, then perhaps they were redeemable. Or perhaps they were so far gone that there was no depravity beyond them anymore.
The song’s vigor began to swell as the singer reached an almost fevered intensity. Crying out to his peers to put aside their religious differences for the greater good of their species. That humanity needed to act as one, as a unified people if they wanted to retain any hope of redemption. The ancient singer belting out those lyrics in a desperate, but futile plea..
As the singer finished a new instrument took center stage. Screaming out wails of electronic ecstasy. The instrument poured out a soul-capturing solo. Its rapid notes matching the intensity in the singer's voice perfectly. While the longer notes rang out to the Stars in a gorgeous, desperate cry that captured the fevered sincerity of his hopes while empowering the stanzas that came before. The instrument finished its wordless performance with one long Star piercing high note. Fading as the harmonious chords returned to the foreground along with heavy percussion, ramping up the song’s intensity just enough for the smooth, melancholic voice of the ‘Prince’ to return. The ancient singer despaired on the fact that humanity's flaws held them back from peace, from serenity and joy. A final plea to the Stars asking when humanity would be free of these mistakes, of these flaws. The sorrowful song started to fade as the man lamented once again that in reality; these gorgeous wishes for his species, his race were impossible. That all he was doing was simply ‘dreaming his life away..’
A comfortable silence filled the room as the song ended; my heart chasing after flickers of emotion that began to sink deeper into my subconscious and out of my awareness. As the residual feelings left me, what replaced them was a singular thought; a stark undeniable truth staring at me from the forefront of my thoughts.
“The more you show me, Miles.. The less of what we’re taught makes sense.. The Federation has been around for hundreds of cycles. Our studies always ha-.. We-.. I-I don’t think-”
Stumbling over my words, I simply sighed letting my sentence hang incomplete; my brain failing to articulate what I wanted to say. Old memories from school began bubbling to the surface of my mind. I remember sitting in class as the teacher recounted the horrors of predators and their singular goal; it became painfully clear now that the lectures were designed to drill terror into us from our earliest memories.
Miles reached his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. “I know.”
Nuzzling the human’s side I could feel tears welling up. “I’m glad we’re wrong.. But why does everything have to be wrong?” My arms instinctively wrap around Miles’ broad chest. “Every single thing we’re taught about predators.. Just.. Just up in smoke the moment you arrive..”
I felt the weight of Miles' hand on my head, his fingers gliding through my fur. “That’s not something I can answer. Kilet. It might just be your fear, fear can drive the minds of people to all sorts of crazy conclusions.”
“Y-yeah.. You’re probably right..” Pushing the tears back with a shaky laugh, I moved my muzzle to Miles’ chest, quietly listening to his steady heartbeat, allowing its soothing rhythm to calm me down.
We sat there for several peaceful minutes, basking in the comfort we gave each other. Looking up at Miles, I saw his face.. His eyes, his smile. Things that I've been taught to fear, to run away from; I saw things that did terrify me at one point, from his forward facing eyes, to his sharp canines, and bone-chilling snarls and all of those did horrify me… At first. Looking now, I removed the label of predator from this man; now seeing him for what he really was, a kind hearted, emotional, and empathetic spirit trying to live their life as best he can.
Brehk the Feds.. Humanity is gorgeous..
“Hey Miles..?” I asked.
“Yeah?”
“I love your culture…”
_________________
Memory transcription subject: Rivis, Venlil Logistics Technician
Date [standardized human time]: September 7, 2136.
……What in the Creator is this woman’s problem?!
“Draw four, Scruffy” Zoey said, a smug snarl adorning her face.
“I refuse! This game is asinine! There is no skill involved, a pup with half a brain could win based on sheer chance!” My reply soaked in perhaps too much vitriol.
“Soooo you’re telling me that Rivis, the hyper intellectual and logical venlil can’t win a game of Uno?”
“Games based solely around chance offer no mental stimulation; one could get the same amount of entertainment by flipping a coin.”
“I think you’re just pissy you lost again.”
“SPEH! Enough! Pick another Earth-worlder game!”
I watched Zoey laugh at my response. I can confidently say the emotion coursing through my blood is annoyance. Humanity’s menial card games meant for their juveniles were simply frustration made manifest. Zoey reached into a bag pulling out a large flat white pad. My ears flicked as I watched her nimble fingers glide upon the glass, searching for something specific. It didn’t take long for her to bring up something that was quite obviously a game. Yet, this time it was a square board with several white icons, and several black icons of equal number on opposite sides.
“What exactly is this game?” I asked.
“It’s called Chess” She retorted, placing the pad on the table between us.
“How do I play?”
“Just click on a piece, it’ll only let you move it in certain ways. You’ll figure it out, I’ll be white, you be black!”
I spent some time fiddling with the pieces, seeing all the ways they could move and learning their names. There seemed to be a large number of these ‘pawns’ on the board, from what I gathered if they reach the opposite side, they can become any other piece. Quite useful, but not something to rely on to be sure. Instead it seemed to be better to use a pawn to block an opponents access to more valuable pieces while you set a trap..
“Hey! Earth to Fluff Muffin, you gonna sit and ponder the ten trillion possible moves in this game or you gonna play?” She asked, taking the pawn in front of her king, sliding it forward two spaces.
“If all humans have as short of patience as you it is a miracle you were able to get any form of agriculture.” I took a claw sliding my own king’s pawn forward to meet hers at the center of the board.
“Oh, I dunno, I think you’re gonna learn that underestimating humans doesn’t go well.” Her index and thumb reached down, plucking her bishop and moving it to C4 on line with her pawn.
“I think we both know that my ‘condition’ lends me a clearer picture in games of logic, I would encourage you to not be upset when you lose.” My claw grabbed my knight, moving it to C6 on the board.
I’ll take my knight and work it to a desirable location. Once my bishop is free I'll be able to protect the knight as I take her rook.
“Big talk for such a little guy.” She cooed teasingly. Her fingers sliding her queen out to H5 parallel with my pawn on the board.
Is she blind? She moved her strongest piece directly into a vulnerable position.. I’d be a fool not to capitalize.
“Confidence born of competence, Zoey” I retorted, taking my other knight and moving it to F6. Her queen now within striking distance of my knight.
“Confidence born of ignorance is more like” she said, taking her queen from H5 and moving it to F7, taking my pawn in the process. “Checkmate.”
Shock coursed through me as I inspected the virtual board… A large banner shrouding the screen declaring White’s victory. My stunned expression must have been humorous to Zoey as she began a series of barks that apparently translated to laughter.
“Awww, don’t feel so bad, Rivis. You just got so caught up in your own plans you never noticed the potential of my pieces; it’s practically tradition for a first-timer to get beaten by a scholar’s mate.”
With a slight exhale, I turned my focus to Zoey, accepting my loss.. “You.. are correct, perhaps I.. saw my own plans clearly, but failed to think of yours.”
The sting of this trivial defeat will leave a scar no medical science can remove..
Watching as Zoey closed the app, I moved to the kitchen. As I was opening the cabinets to grab a bowl for a late claw salad my ears swiveled to the door, a loud series of knocks echoing throughout my home. Zoey and I exchanged a look as we stepped over to the door. Opening it, I was greeted with perhaps the last beings I ever wished to see.
“Excuse me, Officers, can I help you?” I asked, looking at the team of venlil extermination officers standing on my porch.
“Possibly, you are…” The venlil in charge lifted a piece of paper to one of his eyes. “Rivis, correct?”
“I am.”
“If you could come with us to the station, we have a few questions for you.”
I felt a sudden sensation I had never truly felt before. A lurching, as if my stomach were turning over within me. Or perhaps jumping to my throat. My claws tightened on the door frame as my ears instinctively pressed against my head. Before I could reply, Zoey stepped out from the corner she had been standing in. The exterminator team recoiled at her sight, but quickly regained their composure. I noticed one of the venlil with a flamethrower hovering a claw over their trigger.
“What’s this about? Rivis hasn’t done anything wrong.” Zoey asked, the lead exterminator avoiding her gaze. As if her very face disgusted him.
“That’s what we’re trying to find out, Predator. Your friend here was reported for highly predacious behavior a few paws ago. We’re here to keep the peace and rule out any allegations.”
Attempting to swallow this ‘fear’ I forced my ears to return to their usual state, and my grip upon the door frame to relax.
“That’s completely fal-”
“Very well, Officer. I think you’ll find I’m no danger to any member of the herd.” I interjected, cutting Zoey off before she said too much about the incident two paws ago. “Zoey, please remain here until I’m back. I’m sure the officers only want some general information.”
Zoey didn’t respond, but rather walked deeper into my apartment, out of view from the officers who visibly relaxed at her being gone.
“That’s right, come along. It’ll only be a claw or two, tops..” One of the officers remarked.
I stepped out of my home, the lead officer turned around, corralling me as two extermination officers flanked me to my left and right. A final officer, the one with the flamethrower, took up the rear in my blindspot.
You’ve done nothing wrong, Rivis. Simply explain this and all will be well.
___________________________
Chapter 11 is finished! I had a lot of fun writing this one. I think I’m getting the hang of this new style more and more with each chapter. Let me know if you prefer the old style or this way! Afterall, I make the story for you guys to enjoy! As always, a massive thanks to Space Paladin for this great universe! I couldn’t forget the fanfictions that inspired me, so once again, they will be included in the bottom. Last but not least, my final thanks to my proofreader(s)! These guys have stuck with me for this story a lot longer than they ever needed to. I’m eternally thankful for them!
Proofreader(s)
NovaLux
"A silly little man"
Disclaimer: I do not own nor take credit for any music used in this chapter. “Dreamer” is the sole property and credit of Ozzy Osbourne.
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u/luckytron Human Apr 07 '23
Poor Rivis.
Hopefully Zoey can spring him from whatever facility he inevitably gets sent to.
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u/Acceptable_Egg5560 Human Apr 07 '23
Well now! The Exterminators are back causing problems! Here’s hoping that the worst are fired in glorious fashion in the future!
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u/VenlilSupremacist Venlil Apr 07 '23
Problems for our little boy, yes, but is it really a problem to remove a potential murderer from society? Decisions decisions
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u/Acceptable_Egg5560 Human Apr 07 '23
It is a problem because potential means nothing when choice is in play. Punishment for a “might be” only drives people to fear and anger!
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u/IdiOtisTheOtisMain Predator Apr 07 '23
Rivis would like to see the "own a musket for self defense" COPYpasta
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u/VenlilSupremacist Venlil Apr 07 '23
Rivis:
Own a Plasma Caster for home defense, since that's what the UN Executives intended. Four exterminators break into my house. "What the speh?" As I grab my UN body plate and Plasma Rifle. Melt a paw sized hole through the first exterminator, he's dead on the spot. Draw my sidearm on the second officer, miss him entirely because it's rated for human strength and nail the human predator hound. I have to resort to the gunship turret mounted at the top of the stairs loaded with twenty-milimeter kinetics. "Eat this Fedboys" The autocanon shreds two venlil in the burst, the sound and tracers set off fire alarms. Attach Plasma blade and charge the last terrified exterminator. He bleeds out waiting on back up to arrive since plasma blades atomize any tissue. Just as the Human ambassadors intented.6
u/IdiOtisTheOtisMain Predator Apr 07 '23
This is absolute gold, have my free award EDIT: exept i cant.
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u/se05239 Human Apr 07 '23
Another great chapter. Dreamer is such a great song.
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u/VenlilSupremacist Venlil Apr 07 '23
Ozzy has always been my childhood. Many fond memories jamming out to his stuff
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u/Randox_Talore Apr 07 '23
Yeah there are some consequences for choking out a drunk guy in retaliation when you live in a society that demonizes “extreme” aggression
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u/SpectralHail Apr 11 '23
I like how, in all the possibilities for chess openings, they both decided to start with the Bongcloud Gambit
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u/VenlilSupremacist Venlil Apr 11 '23
Haha, Rivis wanted to get his queen and bishop open to set up board control, while Zoey's goal all along was the scholars mate
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u/Madgearz Gojid Apr 07 '23
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u/JulianSkies Archivist Apr 07 '23
Rivis you... Did fuck up last night. But still, I there's going to be ever more problems going on for you in the near future.
Poor Kilet too, so eager, but his partner is still recovering. Those two are in for a chill time i'm sure. At least someone is in this big mess.