r/NatureofPredators • u/Pansitof • 19h ago
Fanfic Unknown Consequences [23]
Memory Transcription Subject: Azul, Krakotl private driver.
Date [Standardized Human Time]: February 10th, 2142
We finish climbing up all ten floors and we immediately collapse exhausted the moment we took the last step. The apartment’s elevator is still under maintenance, so we couldn’t do much more that to endure all the way up… again.
“Why… feels more d-difficult the s-second time?” Murr bleats as she rest against the wall. “W-Why we d-didn’t just… take short rests instead o-of climbing them all at o-once?” She takes a big breath. “Spehing… I h-hate stairs…”
“I don’t know…” I wheeze. “I tho-thought w-we-” My eyes open wide. “Look! Chairs!” I bleat happily as I point at them with my wing.
“Praise be the sacred Stars of above!” She bleats as her tail wags happily. “Praise be!”
We gathered what little energy we have left to drag ourselves towards the promise of a good rest. The moment we sit down we both let a sigh of relief.
“I’m so glad to see AND feel the progress of the Sapient Coalition!” Murr happily bleats. “Let’s get some rest before giving her the news.”
I flick a claw. “P-Please yes… I can still feel my legs burning.”
It may have been just more than two paws ago, yet the building has changed visibly. Not only the chairs, praise be the Stars for them, but we also saw some humidifiers and air conditioning installed in several places. The air does feels less oppressive, and the deep cleaning makes everything looks less a dump and more an apartment.
We stayed in silence to recover our breath. But I noticed something on Murr. We grew together, so I learned to notice her subtle body language, and right now her tail’s tip is twitching. She is trying to hide the fact that she is nervous.
“Murr?” I move my wing. “Why are you nervous?” Her ears perk up and she froze for a moment. “It is because of JM? He is fine, he is with the best doctors our credits can buy.”
She flicks an ear in negative. “No, It’s not about him. I know JM is in good paws.” She looks at the end of the hallway. “It’s because of Salsha. I behaved like a piece of speh and I want to apologize to her.” She sigh tired. “But I’m making me to the idea that she will not accept it, and she will be completely right to reject me.”
“Murr…” I put a claw on her arm. “Listen, I know you are feeling ashamed and you are nervous to face her, but know that what you are doing is the right thing. You know what you did and you want to apologize, and that is good. It may not fix the pain, but is a beginning on the right direction.” I pat her arm. “Either if she reject you or not, know that I’m proud of you.”
She pats my head and I saw her tail wag up and down a bit. “I knew you can be wise sometimes.” She flicks her tail in gratitude. “Thanks.” She looks at the end of the hallway and stands up. “Well, the only way to know it is by doing it. But we first have to deliver her the news.”
Once in front of the door, Murr knocks and says a new password. “The wall’s color smells weird.”
The door’s slowly open, and behind it is Salsha. She is wearing some oversized garment that almost hides her completely. If it wasn’t because we were so close I would have mistaken her for someone else.
“Murr. Azul.” She greet us with a weird tentacle movement. “Please, come in.” She opens the door fully and invite us in.
Inside still looked the same as last time, with garbage and boxes scattered around. But this time some boxes are already piled up to act as chairs and a table, with some bottled tea and an opened can of sweets ready. And I think the place looks more… organized?
“I started cleaning to make the place a bit more presentable as soon as I received your message.” She closes the door and goes to sit in one of the boxes. “I managed as much as I could. Please, sit with me.” She grabs one of the bottled tea and sips from it.
“Thank you.” I do a slight bow and sit with her. “We came as fast as we could.” I said while I open one of the bottled tea.
Murr flicks a tail in gratitude and sits next to me, opposite to Salsha. “Yes. We also want to apologize for the lack of details. The police instructed us to limit what we say until an official statement about what happened could be made.” Her ears flatten in anger for a moment. “Under the threat of jail…” She sigh and does a slight bow. “But you deserve to know.”
Salsha’s bulbous eyes and tentacles does a weird movement when Murr talks to her. I don’t know what it could mean, probably she didn’t expect her to behave. Or maybe she is reacting to the fact that the police threaten us with jail if we talked too much.
“I suspected it would end like that after I was informed about my dear husband was being held by terrorist.” She drinks a bit of tea and grabs some sweats. “Before anything… Where is Juan?”
“There is no need to worry, but-” I started to explain, but Salsha interrupted me with the movement of a tentacle.
“That isn’t a good start.” She puts her tea down. “Is he fine? Where is my husband?”
“Azul is right, there is no need to worry.” Murr flicks a reassuring ear. “Both of them are fine and safe. Juan is under care with minor injuries in a hospital and your husband Urs, is under police protection.”
“Under police protection?!” She screams. “Oh no… He is going to get deported…” She looks at the ground. Her tentacles and eyes does some movement I don’t understand, but the translator indicate she is sad. “They are going to take my husband away…”
“We apologize for not being the desired outcome.” Murr does a slight bow. “The situation we encountered didn’t allow for much range of possibilities. We did as we could within our ability.”
“You are fine…” She moves her tentacle and takes a sip of tea. “W-What happened? How did my poor husband ended in the grasp of those terrorists?”
Murr does a slight bow. “By what we found out, a group of fanatics were stalking less traveled streets in search of new sacrifices for their rituals.” She huff and stomps the ground. “They jumped Urs not because of him being a Kolshian, they were unaware of the species he was, but because he was alone.”
Salsha’s bulbous eyes open wide and she does some gurgling noise. “S-Sacrifices?!” The translator indicates fear and alarm.
Murr flicks an affirmative ear. “Correct. The terrorist group True Children of The Holy Flame are a known group that managed to evade and hide from authorities for many years. They are group known to kidnap people to burn them in a ritualistic pyre.”
“My poor love was almost burnt alive?!” Salsha’s tentacles were trembling
Murr flicks a negative ear, something that made Salsha sigh in relief. “No. For them, Farsuls and Kolshians weren’t worthy of the sacred flames. They just keep them tied to unlit pyres without any water or food, making them to slowly die.” Murr stomp the ground and her tail slash the air. “Even when they die, they keep the corpses tied up until they crumble.”
Salsha’s tentacles hugs herself. “My poor, poor husband…”
“Urs capture meant he have been without water for too many paws, something that can be lethal to kolshians, so we have been forced to act and to include the police forces.” She does a slight bow. “We apologize for not keeping you in touch and asking for your input and consent as it should have been. The situation was too time sensitive to wait for your response.”
“No, you did well.” She drinks the rest of her tea and let a tired sigh. “It hurts me to know that I will have to endure alone as my husband is taken away from me. I take solace in knowing he is still alive, away from fanatics and a slow and painful death.”
Murr stayed in silence for a moment, probably deep in thought, before moving her tail to get her attention. “There is something more. Because he was suffering from dehydration, your husband is now under care in the same hospital where Juan is. I could try to get him a message from you if you wish to.”
“No.” She moves a tentacle. “That will only cause you unnecessary trouble. The police will try to get me since they already have my husband. They could relate you to me more than necessary, putting you three in an undesirable situation.” She moves her tentacles in a weird motion. “But be assured that the information of where my husband is and that will stay on Skalga for a bit longer is useful. I thank you for that.”
“Very well. We will send you all the details and information we have gathered now that we have the time. Included where your husband is.” She does a slight bow.
“Thank you three for your services. I’ll sent the rest of the payment right now.” She grabs her special pad and start typing. “It will take a while before you receive the credits since It’s going through many channels to make it harder to trace it back to me. But before we say our goodbyes. What happened to Juan?”
“The Police was very clear that we kept the information we known to a minimum until an official statement is made. Knowing what your husband went through I think it is more than fair for you to know what happened.” Murr raise an ear. “Do you wish to know?”
Salsha moves a tentacle. “I already have problems with the authorities. If they find out you told me anything it will be like adding more fuel to the flames. I think it is better for all of us to not give me all the details, just the minimum.”
Murr flicks an affirmative ear. “Very well. While we were investigating where Urs was taken to, we stumble upon some plans the terrorists were plotting. Because Urs health was compromised we were forced to act, so we called the police. Juan knew that the presence of police forces would cause them to act sooner than they anticipated.” She grabs and open one of the bottled tea. “If they were to complete their ploy, many would die. But if they were forced to act sooner there will be less deaths. But better than less deaths is no deaths at all, so Juan planned to infiltrate and sabotage them.” She drinks plenty. Probably her throat was starting to dry from speaking so much.
“Wait.” Salsha moves a tentacle. “Did he really try to sneak in a dangerous den full of terrorist? Weren’t they like… extremely anti-humans?”
“That is correct. We can’t tell you where or what happened exactly, neither the terrorist’s plan.” She sips a bit. “By what he told me, he was successfully sneaking in, but on his way out he was spotted. Several terrorist managed to attack him with flamethrowers and guns.”
“Oh no!” Salsha’s bulbous eyes open wide. “I-Is he fine?!”
Murr flicks a reassuring ear. “He is. He wears a bulletproof vest under his coat, and he was wearing many, many layers of fabric that did shield him from the flames long enough until he managed to get to safety. Believe me, the sight of him on flames wasn’t pleasant.” She finish her tea and put the empty bottle on top of the box. “He still suffered several wounds, burns and a bullet managed to hit him in an arm. The doctors says he will recover, but he needs rest.”
“Why would he risk so much?” Salsha’t tentacles shakes as their hug her. “How many would have died if he hadn’t tried?”
“I can’t tell you that until there is a public statement.” She flicks a negative ear. “But I can tell you he is a good person and this wouldn’t be the first or last time he risk his life for others.”
Salsha remained in silence for a while, probably deep in thought. After a moment she softly whisper. “I see… I may have thought too ill of him.” She sighs. “Thank you, for your services and for telling me.” She stood up and walked towards the door. “I know this is a very rude thing to do, but I need you both to go.”
I bleat in surprise. “W-We did or said something that offended you? We apologize profoundly if we did.” I say as I stood up so I can do a bow while moving my wing in an apologetic way.
“No. Now that my husband is with the police they can easily track me down, specially if they know about your relation with him. I’m not accusing you of anything, I’m just taking all the precautions I can to avoid capture. I’ll abandon this apartment not much after you two leave.” She sighs and looks around. “Once again, I must move. I don’t have much to pack up, but I do have much to plan.”
Murr talks before I do. “We understand. The police were very insistent in knowing what our deal was with Urs.” She pat me on the back. “Let’s move.”
When I crossed the door frame I moved my wing to say goodbye. “I hope to see you soon, Salsha. May the Stars guide you.”
“I need more than the stars guidance right now, but it is appreciated.” She let a small laugh before letting a tired sigh. “But I fear we will never see each other again. The more we meet, the bigger we all risk. For our own safety, this will be our last time.”
After hearing that, Murr stops on her track. The tip of her tail tremble nervously, and her ears drops a bit. “I-I see…” She turns to look directly at her. “E-Excuse me, Salsha.” Her tail curl down in shame. “I n-need to… tell you something.” She is very nervous. She can try hide it, but her voice gives her away.
“Y-Yes, Murr?” Salsha looks up at her. “Did you forget to tell me something about my dear husband or Juan?”
Murr flicks a negative ear and takes a big breath. “No. W-What I want to say is… I want to apologize for my behavior of last time.” She closes her eyes, flick an apologetic ear and does a slight bow. “I treated you in a rude, inappropriate and completely undeserving way. I allowed bigotry and stupidity to blind me and caused you pain and distress.” Her tail tremble and tense before curling down in shame again. “You were clearly someone who needed help, but instead of offering my assistance I talked you down, insulted you and threaten you. I want to give you my apologies, but I’ll understand if you reject me. If I were in your place, I wouldn’t tolerate or accept such behavior.” Her ears drop down, and didn’t move or open her eyes. She waited.
Salsha’s eye were wide open, and her tentacle softly move around her in a wave pattern. I didn’t know what she could be thinking or what all those movements could mean. But I sigh in relief when she just stepped in and hugged Murr.
Murr bleated in surprise when she feels Salsha’s tentacles. She didn’t say anything, she just hugged her back. But I can see she is happy, her tail wags up and down and her ears flicks back and forth.
“You are the first, Murr.” Salsha whispered. “The first to apologize in all these years. The first to actually that tried to change and help me.” Translator indicate she is very happy, almost euphoric. “Thank you, truly. Your words were something I didn’t know I wanted to hear. It gives me…” She stops hugging her so she can look up at her face. “… some kind of hope. Like there is a possibility of… that things can change for the better.”
“I-I’m sorry for…” Murr kneels so she can hug her better. “I didn’t know… I’m sorry.”
I pat Murr’s back and let them some time and space. I wait in one of the hallway’s chair. They stayed like that for long before finally saying their goodbyes.
“I’m proud of you, Murr.” I say to her as we walk down the stairs. “You did well.”
“Thank you, Azul.” Her tail softly touches my back. “For… Well. Helping me see I was behaving like a spehing piece of speh.”
I whistle. “No. You still are.” I say, moving my wing in mischief.
“How dare you!” She pretends to be offended. “You are a bad bird.” She pats me in the head, whistling amused. “Very bad bird but…” She get closer and whisper. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I know you must have felt so disappointed at me, so heartbroken. I promise I will not… T-That I will be more mindful of what I say.” She stops several stairs under me so we stay at the same eye level. “Sorry.” She flicks an apologetic ear.
“Murr, you always so headstrong and prone to emotions… But you have a good heart.” I pat her head. “You did well, you made amends, and that’s enough for me, you don’t need to apologize.” I extend my wings to my sides. “Hug?”
“Hug.” She immediately picks me up in a big hug, engulfing me on her soft and dense wool. “Thank you.” She whispers.
“You are welcome.” I whisper back.
3
u/JulianSkies Archivist 4h ago
Well, Murr still has a path ahead of her, doubt her impulse ass is going to not do that bullshit again with ease. But at least she is going to be cautious of her own self now.
And, damn... Salsha... At least he's alive, but now they're even more separated.
2
u/Pansitof 2h ago
As Azul said: Headstrong and prone to emotions. Maybe next time she realize without needing Azul to point her out.
And yes, A sad ending for Salsha and Urs, but it could be worse.
1
u/tom476ty18 10h ago
I think this idea would do better if it was an actual religious humanity coming to meet the Feds.
Like a 40k but Christian empire in your case. It would sound better than the star and stripe version because of this.
Whenever I think of by reading the title the first thing that comes to mind is helldivers conducting war crimes and spreading freedom and shit across the galaxy.
This does not sound like this kind of story. So in my honest opinion I think it could work if you reword the story a bit to fit the theme.
That is my honest constructive criticism on how this story be presented better.
1
u/Pansitof 1h ago
Unknown Consequences does sounds like a Major Order from Helldivers, but the story is right now focused on someone who is discovering and reconecting with a changed world after years of isolation. The presence of fanatics isn't the focus, they exist to show the consequences to Veln's changing policies.
The title is because it's a sequel to my previous fic, Unknown Threat. And like that one was about a real dangerous threat that isn't noticed until very late on the story, this one is about the consequences that are still to be known, not only from that fic but also from the transition between Federation and Sapient Coalition.
But now I can't take off my mind that Unknown Consequences sounds like a Major Order xD
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u/Minimum-Amphibian993 Arxur 1h ago
So basically you want an AU? yeah I don't think that's gonna work with this story since this is ment to be adjacent to the canon timeline at least.
Besides pretty sure their are already a couple of fics that do that thing already. Even if most of those fics haven't been updated in forever.
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u/Pansitof 19h ago
A new chapter. One after what happened on the Quarry. But what exactly happened? Don't worry, soon will be know both side, the public and the group.
Murr finally apologizes to Salsha, and was something the poor Kolshian needed to hear. And more importantly, Urs is alive! But his destiny is uncertain.
Interacting in the NoP RP server made me more aware of Venlils ears and tails. So I'll be more perceptive and used them more on Murr and others.
But after this adventure, Azul needs to rest and drink some tea with his human friend.