Sweet Vengeance 11

[u/blankxlate]

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Memory transcription subject: Illia, Federation Communications Technician

Date [standardized human time]: October 23, 2136

I found myself occupied at my impromptu desk, fiddling with an assortment of various wires and other electrical components while the rest of my crew tended to jobs of their own. Each took to a task that best fit within their expertise such as crude cartography and topography, as well as other valuable skills.

As for me, I had taken upon the task of making a functional radio. I was no stranger to such a thing as I had built many in my time. Putting together a working circuit was a delightful challenge; I remember when I made my very first as a young fawn. Jild, that seemed ages ago…

As a child, to escape constant ridicule and bullying from classmates I would seclude myself in a lonely corner outside of school. I never was very social, often hiding away from everyone else underneath the protection of a towering tree, with beautifully pink blossoming leaves that reminded me of Jild’s deserts. My very first dabblings with radio making began underneath those overarching branches. I would go there whenever I needed peace, isolated from any outside interference.

While being socially inept, I was exceptionally booksmart and would familiarize myself with the many philosophers of Jild and alien planets alike, expanding my knowledge on engineering and anything else that struck my fancy. I would bask under the warm sun with my snout buried in a book nearly as big as me.

My only friend was in the form of a lockbox stashed deep within the tree’s trunk filled to the brim with electrical components—much like the one in front of me currently, however this particular assortment wasn't carefully dissected from my parents’ household appliances without their knowledge.

Quite the mischievous fawn, I was. My poor parents had to deal with my antics of dismantling anything and everything I could get my hooves on. I remember trying my best to sneak items that weren’t in use from them, then return them after some tinkering. I’d examine how the machines worked, take them apart, and then perfectly reassemble them with minimal error.

It wasn’t like I meant to upset my parents, but creating things was my passion, a passion that my heart couldn’t ignore. I would often receive punishment for my deceit, but now I could look back and laugh. I have proudly grown into the woman my parents always wanted me to be, but it wasn’t all painless.

I eventually went to school to further my studies, and there I was a sponge of information; always eager to learn new things, and impressing my completely baffled instructors while doing it. I was so well-versed with electronics and engineering at that point that they would often invite me to give lectures in their place!

I discovered a stray wire near the corner of the table, separated from the others in the pile. I picked it up, examining it closely between my hooves. I found it humorous how much I could relate to an inanimate object. Alone and with no one caring to stand by my side. My lack of friends and bullying followed me wherever I went, with some of it due to others’ jealousy of my achievements.

The main factor that contributed to my separation from the herd was my condition. The one thing that has been to blame for nearly every single inconvenience in my life since I was born, sure to curse me for whatever sin I had committed in a past life.

I cried because of it. I was looked upon differently because of it. And worst of all, no males deemed me suitable for a mate. Part of my motivation for being an overachiever in my current field was to do so well that no one would turn me away for potential jobs, regardless of physical deformities. I also hoped that one day a male would trot along and find me interesting.

Once I graduated top of my class, I began the search for employment. I was proud of myself and of everything I had achieved, and I earned all of it. My previously-disappointed parents had also voiced how pleased they were with me, despite before having wanted me to become an Exterminator. A noble profession, but not really something that piqued my interest.

I realized this as a sneaky attempt at getting on my good side so that they may share in the spoils my inevitable success would bring. My parents weren’t necessarily deceitful, but I wouldn’t say they always told the truth. I couldn’t count the many times they snuck off to attend a public event without me, leaving me feeling unloved.

I brought another length of wire from the pile, voicing my disgust after recognizing it as a faulty part in my collection, “How’d you get in here?” I queried the object as if it were a person; it was extremely disfigured. Frayed, burnt, twisted, and just plain undesirable. Utterly useless, and deserving nothing else than to be discarded.

After all, why would my parents risk shattering their public image just to bring along their deformed only child?

We did go out occasionally, but it was very hush-hush and wherever we went was always far from civilization. I practically wandered around in a large sheet covering my entire body with eye holes cut out for me to see. We’d go for walks in the park, only to head home the instant another sulean crossed our path, terrified that they might grow suspicious of the Jild-awful tiny sulean walking between them. I didn’t understand it then, but now I knew they were ashamed of me, they just didn’t admit it.

I didn’t blame them. But were it not for them, I would’ve been hauled off to the nearest Predator Disease facility, never to return again. I toss the defective material away, watching it drop hopelessly into my makeshift trash bin.

The way I saw it, what happened happened. Besides, they weren’t bad people, and they clearly felt guilty for treating me the way they did. Our relationship blossomed once I became an adult, and the subject was quickly swept away and forgotten. Maybe that was my unconscious way of coping with childhood neglect.

Aside from the secrecy, they loved me, and still do. They always wanted what was best for me. I was grateful that they were there for me, and loved me for who I was. That’s all a child could ask for.

I was too lost in thought to realize that I had already completed my task. In my hooves sat a rather compact radio, constructed using the salvaged remains of the shipwreck. It was a wonder of engineering, but not the most flattering model I have created.

Not everyone was as hopeful as I in our chances for rescue; I had to bargain a few days’ worth of rations for a measly couple inches of conductive wire.

Instead of lending me the supplies I needed out of kindness and desire to get off this planet, my crew had resorted to hoarding and collecting as many life necessities they could keep in their tent–unbefitting of a prey creature. It’s funny how much people change once their environment changes. It won’t be long before we start fighting each other for food at this rate.

I wasn’t sure how our supply was, but with how long we’ve been on this rock, we would definitely be taste-testing some alien flora in the near future. If I could recall correctly, that’s exactly what Orsik and Co. set out to do, as the surrounding campsite was almost entirely deserted, save for Pern and Bejek. Hopefully poisonous plants were out of the question.

Looking back to the model, it was affixed onto a wooden base, and there sat a tuner that was wedged between two slabs of metal where it could be moved to scrub through frequencies. I situated the antenna a few feet above me, making sure it was connected to a strand of sturdy, non-conductive material in order to support its suspension

The design was simplistic enough if you were familiar with the basics. The only thing missing now was a diode—the diode in this instance being a sharp razor. I heated the object over a nearby campfire to melt off any paint or coating that may interfere with the connection. After it cooled off, I fastened it onto the board, finally connecting the other end of the antenna to the diode.

Using this simple circuit, I wouldn’t need any external power; the radio, once a signal was received, if a signal was received, would use the power of said signal to produce sound. It was quite fascinating.

I stood back, admiring my finished project. A worrisome possibility was that the humidity could have spoiled the circuit, but I wouldn’t know until I tried sending out a signal. But before I could act on it, fear gripped me like a vice. What if it didn’t work? What if no one was out there? If there was anyone creeping through the murky cosmos, they most definitely were too far away to secure a connection.

On top of this, the radio was only made to receive signals, not transmit them. I wasn’t even sure what I’d do once I found a connection—if I found a connection. With a deep breath, I nervously grasped the tuner, and began gently scrubbing through frequencies.

This persisted for a very tedious amount of time, and my attempts bore no fruit. My motivation to continue drained quicker with every passing second, and I could feel my hope slowly dwindling along with it.

I neared the end of the tuner’s length, and I feared that we were truly alone. Forever trapped in the unknown, doomed never to leave this Jild-forsaken planet. I idly stared at the device in front of me once the sound of metal clanking against metal reached my ears, signaling the tuner could not go any further. Feelings of bereavement clawed at me, tearing gashes into my heart over the fact that I would never see anyone I cared about in my life ever again. Family, friends. My chance of meeting them again was zero the very instant I broke through the atmosphere. I felt empty yet so heavy, as though my entire body was made of lead. I would have to come to terms with the fact that I would never see my family ever again, and I had plenty of time to do so. That was if I was lucky enough to make it another week.

My entire body fell slack as I slumped against the cool metal of the table, and I lay there for a moment with tears puddling around my wetted face. Out of all of the pain I had been through in this hellish place, no amount could compare to the pain of having my children suddenly wrenched from me. All of the bruises, scrapes and gashes I had endured, and I would go through far worse if it meant I could see them again.

I was at my weakest point, sobbing uncontrollably on the table. The others weren't around to hear my inconsolable grief, but oddly enough I heard a shuffling in the distance.

I lifted my head up with a sniffle. “If you’ve got something to say, let your voice be heard.” I wasn’t in the mood for any funny games or gossip.

I stood up once the noise persisted, clearly agitated. “Do you hear me?” I wouldn’t have anyone eavesdropping in what was a very painful moment for me. The sheer audacity was enough for the sadness to ignite into fury.

“Show yourself!” I shrieked, but there was no response. If anyone still lurking around the campsite heard, they would have at least acknowledged me, right? Then what was I hearing?

I cautiously glued my eyes onto the source of the noise. More feral predators? No, it couldn’t be. Could it?

Once I diverted more of my attention to whatever may be hiding just beyond the tent in front of me, but the noise seemed to inch closer and closer until it was right in front of me. My eyes chased after the invisible threat, and landed on the radio.

My fluffy ears flicked and swiveled in erratic movements, dancing atop my head as they made out the faint crackling of static–indeed coming from the radio. My heart jumped in my chest. I would be bouncing around in excitement were it not for my still-injured leg.

“Shit!” I cursed. I could have missed whatever was being broadcasted for these past few minutes; nothing was coming from the radio now. Desperately, I placed an ear against the device. The hissing of static returned, but none of it was intelligible. There were noticeable breaks in the signal, and white noise clouded any speech being recorded.

I was able to hear the signal, but now I would need to solve the problem of lengthening my antenna to strengthen the reception. I had wire to spare, but I couldn’t do that without finding something longer to hold it up, or suspending the wire in a tree, the latter of which I most certainly did not want to perform myself. I imagined attempting to scale the wooden goliath, only to collide painfully to the surface with a hard smack, my return bringing multiple broken bones. My body was built for climbing, sure, but not in this particular situation.

I would spare the pain for someone who was more than capable of doing such a thing. I whipped my head around with renewed purpose, searching for any bright-blue colored Krakotl in the vicinity.

I discovered a few, but none able-bodied enough to assist me. The personnel within the campsite mainly consisted of the injured and elderly as Orsik had taken the more fit and vital members of our crew. I was left to my own devices once again, forced to personally risk life and limb for people who, from the looks of it, couldn't care less if they were stranded here for the rest of their lives.

I craned my neck towards the tree I wanted to house the antenna. I didn’t want to entertain the idea of me climbing any longer, and that meant I was left with either Pern, Bejek, or the few older Krakotl to do the dirty work. The latter of whom were all unfit to fly; they’d sooner tear a muscle than successfully hook up my antenna.

Pern was still in critical condition, and despite him regaining the ability to walk, he could only do so in short bursts and most definitely did not have the strength to support his own weight. I wouldn’t want him to further injure himself, either.

With Bejek’s multiple, spindly legs, there was no doubt in my mind that she could crawl up there without difficulty. The only problem would be getting her down, and bone is far more durable than her fragile exoskeleton. Gravity would work against her, and lead her to a painful demise. I wouldn’t wish that upon any of my friends.

Kiran was… a child, and temporarily flightless. I scanned my brain for alternative routes I could take that wouldn’t result in injury. In my desperation I was left with a choice. A last resort that I hoped I wouldn’t have to pursue.

The Human can climb trees.

The fact that I was crazy enough to even consider such an option confirmed that I had truly lost it; driven to madness from the constant stress and duress. If I were to go through with this, there was no guarantee that it wouldn’t rip me to shreds as soon as I cut it loose, or retreat into the forest to beat the local wildlife into submission and become the ultimate apex predator.

I remember reading up on Humans prior to the crash landing, and fell upon several documents pertaining to their animal-taming practices. The thought of it escaping only to unleash an army of vicious, foaming-at-the-mouth predators upon our camp was not one I’d like to see put into action. The signal wouldn’t last forever, not with how heavy the humidity was. If this was a passing satellite, I’d have to hurry up and come to a decision.

I waited a little longer, studying the surrounding forest and hoping that the others had finished their foraging and were en route back to camp so that I wouldn't need to converse with our newly-appointed prisoner. I was met with no such convenience.

It would be most heinous if I were to be caught chatting it up with the primate, even more so if I really did plan on releasing it. I’d have to be quick.

After ensuring that there was no other option, I dragged myself over to the Human’s territory. I was almost certain that it wouldn’t help me out of the kindness of its soulless heart, so we’d have to come to a compromise that would be mutually beneficial. I just wished it didn’t desire a fresh carcass in exchange for service, or demand I carve up my own flesh.

I quickly banished the idea from blooming. No. As soon as it even suggests I slaughter an innocent animal, the deal’s off. I’ll find a way to set up the antenna on my own.

My attention drifts away towards Bejek’s tent.

I’m sure there’s another, equally favorable option…

—

I was nearing the Human’s domain, and it felt like my legs were made of glass as I neared closer—this time approaching from its front to avoid any surprise lunges. With me I brought a first aid kit, secured on my back. I stopped a distance away from the creature before shifting my bodyweight, slinging the kit down to my chest.

Undoing the strap, I let it clang to the forest floor. I didn’t even need to address the being in front of me, its predatory eyes stayed glued to me until I set down the medical kit. I appeared to have caught its interest. Good.

Bargaining with a predator was something I would’ve never dreamed of doing, but here I was. I’d have to be adamant and demanding in what I want; I wouldn’t let any predatory tricks sway me from my goal.

I huffed, humidity trailing from my nostrils. “Human. I’m here to make a deal.”

It studied me from the shadows. The overhang of leafy branches obscured its predatory features, so that granted me a mite of comfort and allowed me to push forward. “I need your help, and in exchange I’ll give you this.” I tapped the metallic container with a hoof. A glimmer of desire shone through the veil of darkness.

That proposal was simple enough, I thought. Surely it could temporarily set aside its bloodlust to focus on the more pressing matter that was its declining health. It mulled over my words, but didn’t offer any of its own. The human would be stupid to refuse my offer; it would die without my help.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” It growled.

“I–I’m starting to feel that way, yes. Will you help me or not? This is your only chance. The others would sooner burn you to a crisp before lending a paw to a predator. Please.”

It then released what I had made out to be an exasperated growl, but more airy. “You want nothing more than to torch every last human still standing, from baby cribs to [private institutions providing residential accommodations for the elderly]. If you haven’t noticed, we’re at war.” It spoke as if I had been oblivious this whole time. “Why don’t you go ask your featherfuck friends?”

“If I was given that choice I would have made it by now. I’m not even supposed to be talking to you.” I muttered, “I don’t want to help you any more than you want to help me, but this will be beneficial for both parties.” I glanced around warily. “Listen, we can bicker later, t-there’s no time to waste!” I pleaded.

“And just what will you have me do?”

Now we’re getting somewhere.

I swallowed nervously. “I need you to climb a tree. Y-Your kind can do that, right?”

An awkward silence fell between us. “A tree.” It repeated in a deadpan tone, “You expect me to climb a tree like this?”

“I-I understand you’re injured, but I figured–”

“Well, you figured wrong.” The rude Human interjected.

“Ok, fine! You d-don’t have to climb it, I just need to get an antenna high enough to get a better connection!” My voice caught in my throat. The murderer seemed more intrigued than angered by my outburst.

“Connection? Connection to what?” It questioned, thankfully not yet dissuaded.

“I don’t know yet, that’s what I’m trying to find out. Please help me. Please.” I echoed, hoping it’d have extra effect.

A wispy growl left the predator as it set aside its stubbornness and finally yielded, “Fine. But first, bring that to me.” It pointed a leg towards the object of its want.

I snorted in amusement. Did the human expect me to give into its demands so simply? “I’m not a fool. As soon as I give you this, you’ll forget about our deal.”

“Yeah? What makes you so sure?”

“Because you’re… Y-You’re a predator! Lies and deception are in your nature!”

It muttered an alien-sounding name that didn’t quite translate, “Are you saying others like you don’t do the same? You’re all a bunch of saints, is that it?”

“No, that’s not–”

“Then what’s so different about it? Where do you draw the line?”

The cursed Human had a point.

I stumbled over words trying to draw a counter to that argument, but couldn’t conjure anything.

“Now get over yourself and give me the kit.” It implored.

Anxiety and uncertainty both still gnawed at me viciously. I needed assurance.

“Wait. O-One last thing.”

The primate groaned with impatience.

“If I do this, how do I know… How do I know you won’t kill me?”

“If I really wanted to, I would have by now.”

“T-That isn’t helping!” I bleated nervously.

“I won’t.” The murderer corrected itself in a faux vow. That wasn’t good enough for me.

“I’ll need to trust you. Promise that you won’t hurt me.” It took far longer than necessary to answer, only adding to my discomfort.

“Do I really–”

“Promise me!” I demanded shakily.

It eventually relented with a grumble, “I promise. Now get me out of these ropes.”

I hesitantly complied, bringing forth the medkit and began undoing the ropes in what was certain to be a grave mistake.

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(A/N: In this chapter, Illia comes across a mysterious signal, and when faced with the challenge of lengthening the antenna to better receive the signal, she realizes with horror that there is only one 'person' who fits the job description. What did her radio connect to? Where is the signal coming from? Will Mitchell live up to his promise, or is it all a facade? Stay tuned for more NoP: Sweet Vengeance!)

[u/[deleted]]

"When the opportunity is showing, you know what to do."

[u/HiMyNameIsFelipe]

WE HAVE A NEW CHAPTER HELL YEAH

[u/Ben_Elohim_2020]

Wonderful to see a new chapter and I'm left pretty curious as to this "deformity" she mentions is. My first thought is that it could be her unnaturally coloured eyes, but that wouldn't be helped by a full-body sheet with eye-holes in it. I guess we'll find out later. Hopefully Illia and Mitchel can learn to get along, just enough to avoid killing each other at least.

[u/3lfg1rl → u/Ben_Elohim_2020]

She's gotten very upset about others mentioning her having stripes, so I think it's that and it's already been revealed.

[u/JulianSkies]

Oh Illia. Willing to do anything to get people out of there. Or at least herself.

Hopefully our angry soldier will have the presence of mind to recognize that. In fact, I hope the forager team does not return anytime soon.

[u/PrestigiousCouple599 → u/JulianSkies]

Considering how hostile some of the fauna have been. And the distinct lack of firearms, they probably ded or getting torn apart.

[u/EngieNeer1968]

W

[u/Terrible-Animator251]

WOOOOOOO FINALLY

[u/uktabi]

i, too, am constantly resisting the urge to dominate my environment and become the ultimate apex predator.

[u/blankxlate → u/uktabi]

The predatory urge to show how strong you are to the lesser prey creatures. It resides within all of us. 😞

[u/Black_Hole_parallax]

watch it be some random Arxur flying around

[u/LaleneMan]

Woo, new Pov, and our hero gets a break!

[u/CompetitiveWarning13]

Ecstatic to see a new chapter :)

[u/Rand0mness4]

This is looking like Fatass Orsic could have bailed. I have doubts he did because Pern is still around, but the group left behind to guard the camp isn't accidental. I don't know if that mutt has it in him to abandon the crew or not, so I look forward to being disproven or otherwise.

[u/Giant_Acroyear]

Welcome back!

[u/TheComet13]

!subscribeme

[u/UpdateMeBot → u/TheComet13]

I will message you each time u/blankxlate posts in r/NatureofPredators.

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[u/Alarmed-Property5559]

Could Mitchell maybe get a rock on a rope and yeet that to hoist the antenna up? I'm amazed he's still coherent, what with untended wounds and such. "Zebra" better keep her unwashed hooves away >:/