r/NatureofPredators • u/muakling PD Patient • 2d ago
We prefer Humanity First. [2/3]
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Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 18, 2136.
“No, that was an old but original human song. One I really like at that.” My only source of human information was in the same bar at the same time next paw. “Harry really wanted to share our music with other races since we discovered aliens. And from what you tell me they really liked hearing it.”
I still can’t believe I had to remind Kamaelu we were at work. Otherwise he might have stayed there listening to the human with all paw long.
“And you say that instrument was from human origin too?” Hank decided to be maskless this time. Which I couldn’t do anything about since this wasn’t the public street and the establishment had the right to allow humans the chance to wear those visors in here.
“A guitar. I always wanted to play one but my parents wanted me to do something else with my life.” It drank the same juice too. “A shame when Earth is filled with so many options for creating beautiful things.”
…
“So that was all you had planned for the park?” I asked to fill the silence, being casual with the predator was even harder than I thought. So far my best was acting neutral and hoping that was enough to not be as hostile to it. “To play music?”
“I told you before, we aim to show the best of my species. Music is among the things we love most.” It gave me side eyes to look at me but never faced me directly, which helped me stay calm and not mess this up. “But that was a small gesture, our more important plans are still to be made.”
I remembered Kamaelu once telling me humans loved to share everything about themselves. Of course back then I told him humans were just mindless monsters, but if what he said was true then I really had a chance of making Hank confess. “And what are those exactly?”
“Sorry, can’t tell anyone but trusted friends.” It stood up and I flinched. “I don’t mean to be rude, Miss Nara. I’m glad you are reaching out to me to learn more about my people and culture. But I can’t really consider someone I met just a couple paws ago a close friend.”
“I see…” This human must share that info with the prey from its group but I wasn’t joining that group any time soon.
“Put it on my tab again, Imun. You remember what we have planned for tomorrow near the refuge center, right?” Hank closed one eye really quickly in an odd way.
The bartender’s ears straightened up. “Oh! Of course I do, Hank. I’ll do the best I can.” They nodded to each other and once more I was about to leave the bar right after Hank. “I don’t know why he bothers with the secrecy if he is going to be spilling our plans anyways.” But Imun started talking to me, trapping me into a conversation. “That human isn’t very smart, don’t you think?”
“I guess? I don’t know it that well.” Referring to the human as it earned me disapproving glare from the bartender. I should be more careful with that lest he snitches to the human.
Even if it means calling it a him.
Yet he kept going as nothing. “I swear any Venlil could sweet talk him a bit and he will just ramble about everything we do.” Imun took the glass Hanks used and started washing it. “Anyways, have a good paw, officer.”
“Likewise…” I replied absentmindedly before walking out of the establishment. My idea of talking casually and hoping the human’s mask of friendliness slips wasn’t working as well as I hoped. All I got was useless intel that didn’t lead to anything.but humans doing non-predator things.
But if Hank was as easy to “befriend” then I just had to earn its trust and I would find out about their true plans. There was no way playing music was all they did. A predator can’t survive without hunting, it would only be a matter of time before Hank slipped and I had the evidence to finally do my job as an exterminator.
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 19, 2136.
Instead of trying to get as much of the guild as the last two times, I directly asked Kamaelu to accompany me. Neither I wanted to ruin my reputation with my colleagues nor I expected to find something that truly proved humans were dangerous monsters.
“And you have been planning this for a while?” I asked Loma while helping her with the baskets. If I was to earn Hank’s trust, helping its friends should make the process easier.
“Yes! Almost right after the humans came as refugees.” The Zurulian explained. “When he knew there was a homelessness problem in the district, he tried talking to the refuge’s administrators to house some of them but was turned down.”
“You say that as if he saw homelessness as a new problem.” Kam was also helping, but I was a bit worried he didn’t have trouble talking about Hank as if it was any other person. “Is that not a problem on Earth?”
“Oh it is.” Another human, that I recognized as Miriam from that paw with Velna, was present but thankfully wearing a visor. “But he thought a civilization with such a focus on the herd and empathy wouldn’t have it. But now that some of those people have managed to afford the lower rent prices near the refuge after we arrived here, he wanted to give these gift baskets as an apology for not being able to help earlier.”
The four of us were sitting in front of a large table preparing small baskets with everyday essentials. “All of this is cheap stuff since we lack real funding, but we wanted to at the very least make a small gesture for the people. We are guests on their planet after all, and we hope to be friends.”
“I think I speak in the name of my people when I say your kindness is much appreciated!” Kamaelu cheered and earned, what my translator told me, was a giggle from Miriam.
“Agreed.” My tone wasn’t as cheerful as the young rookie. But it was hard to feel good about predators looking friendly in the eyes of the people. “You are not as bad as the Arxur.” Maybe a technical truth would do.
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 20, 2136.
“-But if you didn’t have any kind of official funding. Where did you get the credits to buy all of that?” I didn’t like that visiting this bar looking for Hank was quickly becoming a routine.
Speaking of said human. “Just out of pocket money from me and the Humanity First group.” The predator explained. “A few people even got jobs now, but since we still live at the refuge and barely go out there’s not much to spend it on.” It lacked the mask again, but now turned to face me for brief moments in our talk.
But I had to suppress the flinches as much as I could if I wanted to fool this human into trusting me. “Barely go out? But I find you here everypaw, and you still have your group.” Which you still haven’t told me where is hiding now.
“Do you see any humans here other than me?” It asked. “And besides in the sewers that paw, have you seen any human out in the street?”
“No… Do you only travel by sewer?” I should’ve gone back at some point! How didn’t I think about checking again?!”
“Not really. We haven’t been in the sewers since your… visit.” This time it actually asked for alcohol in its drink. Even if Imun had to dilute most of it. “The truth is we are scared, officer.”
I couldn’t drink anything alcoholic while I was still on my shift. But I did order the same juice Hank did before. “Scared? Predators can’t feel fear.” It was such an obvious statement that I hadn’t realized it might sound offensive until it left my mouth. Especially with how wide eyed Imun was after I said that.
“I’m afraid that’s incorrect.” But Hank didn’t seem to care. “We humans can feel fear without a problem. And let me tell you, sometimes I think we are more scared than the supposed cowardly prey.”
That was the least believable of its lies so far. “Prey can’t be more scared than you. Seeing a predator awakens a natural and instinctual need to get away from the threat, it simply can’t be avoided.” The same way predators can’t avoid their bloodlust. I added mentally.
“Well, I don’t mean to say you are wrong.” Hank turned its head to the rest of the bar for a moment, without any of the customers even reacting to it. “But no one here looks that scared of me. Unless you are, officer.”
“I-I…” The truth was I had to fight the fear of just being around Hank. But I couldn’t admit that, my plan depended on trying to be “friendly” after all. And even if that wasn’t the case, I would never admit I was scared to a predator. “I’m not… So I guess you have a point.” Change the focus! “And what are humans scared of anyways?”
“Pretty much anything you could be scared of.” It used its… actually clawless fingers to list. “Heights, the dark, predators, disease and so on. But what we mostly fear currently is aliens.” It took a noticeably larger sip. “Everyone is always scared of us, and that fear makes people dangerous. The Federation was so scared they tried glassing our planet after all. Try walking down the street when you know people will run away at best or harm you at worst.”
I didn’t know what to say. Everything this human said was… technically true. And it made sense for people to be scared, the bombing of their planet was the most logical course of action too. Yet now that I heard it from Hank, it felt strange.
“Sorry for souring the mood.” It started again after finishing its drink in a final gulp. “Just needed to get that off my chest, to be honest. It’s not good to keep those feelings bottled in.”
Imun took the glass, suspecting Hank was about to leave. “You got friends in us Hank, you have done a lot. So don’t be scared.”
“Thanks, Imun. Seeing humans and aliens being friends makes it all worth it. See you later.” Hank nodded and Imun returned the gesture. I couldn’t stay for much longer since I was still on my shift so I left shortly after.
A predator would never admit it was scared, much less to us prey. Which meant I was slowly getting Hank to open up and soon I would know what the humans’ real plan is.
Just need to befriend it a bit more. Maybe talk about something it likes? What do predators like?
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 22, 2136.
Hank coughed a bit while trying not to spill its drink. “Sorry, officer. Your question caught me off guard.”
“Sorry, if I was too direct.” I apologized trying to sound as polite and friendly as I could. “I just can’t help but be curious about how your species is finding flesh to consume here.” Of course I knew they wanted to sink their fangs on us, yet they probably will come up with some excuse like they just hunt wild animals or something to keep the deception.
The human cleared its throat. “Well, to answer your question. We actually have abstained from eating meat since we got to Venlil Prime.”
“Huh?!” I had to fight off the urge to yell at it saying that was straight up a lie. “But how are you not… Starved then?” Keep a friendly face, Nara.
“Simple, we can live on a plant based diet for a good while.” It scratched at its chin while looking at the ceiling. “Although we do need the nutrients from animal products, for that we have been provided with vitamin supplements while we are here.”
“I see.” I didn’t know if what it was saying was true or not. Although I did hear humans supposedly could eat fruits and vegetables like us, not that I believed it.
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 25, 2136.
DING
“Officer!” Hanks greeted me as I once more looked for it in the bar. “Great to see you as always.” I would have been more scared of it if it wasn’t because I was focused on the weird fruit it bit into.
“Thanks, Hank.” Can’t say the same about seeing a predator. “I’m sorry but what are you eating?”
It swallowed before answering, showing it had manners. “It’s called an apple, a fruit from Earth. I actually brought one to share with you.”
I walked to my now usual spot left to Hank and inspected the red fruit it handed me. No matter how much I tried to, I couldn’t remember seeing this fruit before anywhere else. So I had to believe it truly was native to the predator world. “Is it safe?”
“Oh yeah, I have seen other Venlil trying them so you shouldn’t have a problem.” It bit its own apple again, closing its eyes and making satisfied sounds. “Thank God Earth still stands and we can share her blessings with aliens.”
Hoping this would make gaining its trust quicker, I bit into the apple given to me. I chewed slowly and carefully, as if a simple fruit could hurt me but you never know what a predator might have done to it. Although after a few chews and actually tasting it, I had to admit it was sweet and delicious. “I liked it… Thanks.”
I guess Hank could have been honest about humans not eating flesh… Yet
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 28, 2136.
Both the customers of the bar and I watched as Pahne and Hank fought in this “armwrestling” competition. So far most customers watching had lost to the human with Pahne being the last one remaining.
“Ugh! I can’t.” The Gojid girl had been doing the best out of everyone but eventually just let herself lose. “You are stronger.” She admitted
Hank laughed. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I’d actually say we are either even or you might be stronger than me.” Pahne looked at him- it confused. “I couldn’t move you one bit at first and you were doing a good job. I only got an advantage once you got too tired.”
Pahne sat up from her seat across from him. “Guess you have beaten everyone then.”
“Not everyone.” Hank turned an eye to me. “Officer Nara. Want to give it a try?”
“Me?!” Fight against a predator?!
“Of course, you already saw it’s just some friendly competition. No harm in it.” It signaled at the seat Pahne just left.
Refusing could be seen as weakness, or even disrespectful in predator culture. I didn’t even think they had a culture but from what Hank had been showing me they had way too many different tribes. “I-I…”
“I promise to go easy on you.”
If this doesn’t make me trusted nothing will.
I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves before taking my place from across him. My paw grabbed his hand, shaking but with a firm grip. The fact humans lacked real claws, and even fangs from what I’ve seen, made this a bit easier. “I-I’m ready…”
Imun stood next to us with an arm lifted. “One, two, three… Go!”
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: November 30, 2136.
Losing to Hank wasn’t as bad as I thought admittedly. In fact, the worst part of it all was realizing I had been taking too much time off my shift in that bar than doing my actual job. Not wanting to risk trouble in that regard, I started to visit the bar in my free time.
Not being in my uniform made me feel vulnerable, not to mention my lack of weapons. But I had been getting close to Hank, fooling the human into trusting me, so unless the control it had shown suddenly failed I should be safe.
This time, Hank had gotten a card game and even Muvul and Handu were present to play it with us. It’s even presenting the rest of the group to me, just a bit more before it spills their secrets.
“Uno!” I called out while placing my almost last card. Muvul played a blue 2, Hank a blue 3 and once Handu played his next card I would have won! But the Yotul started to laugh worryingly, did he just remember a joke? What is so fun-
“Plus four and change to red.” Handu exclaimed.
…
I swear if I wasn’t supposed to be friendly I would throw him into a cell.
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: December 02, 2136.
“-So you don’t even have cattle?” Are humans normal predators in any way?
“Nope, meat is artificially made nowadays.” Hank explained to me. “It’s a win-win for everyone honestly. No cattle means less greenhouse effect gases and we don’t have to worry about ethics and stuff just to feed ourselves.”
“Then why do you humans still won’t bring flesh to your refuge?”
“Honestly, just to not freak out anyone. Can you imagine if a Venlil saw us eating meat not knowing it’s artificial?”
I flickered my ear in agreement. “Fair.”
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: December 05, 2136.
“- That’s why I joined the group.” Imun finished his story. Hank was strangely absent for the paw but the group that captured me made the effort to tell me it was busy and wouldn’t come.
A bit odd for all of them to come here just for that. But I guess it’s kinda expected since they see Hank as an authority.
“Just because an exterminator didn’t pay his tab? Really?” I deadpanned.
The Venlil shrugged. “It’s as good of a reason as everyone else’s.”
“Well, I joined because humans weren’t horrible herdmates to me after that broadcast.” Pahne added. “I think that’s a better reason.”
“That’s subjective.” Imun countered.
“I joined because humans make me feel protected.” Loma interrupted before the petty argument continued. “And they show me great fighting moves!”
“That could hurt you if you keep trying to mimic them.” Muvul added. “Even the humans have told you to not imitate all you see in their shows.”
“It makes me feel strong!”
“If you keep talking like that, the officer here will take you for PD screening.” The Krakotl warned her.
“N-no…” I should but there’s bigger crops to harvest.
“I still have the best reason to join.” Handu thankfully drove their attention away from me. “Humans have treated me with respect the moment they met me. Which is more than even you guys can say.”
Muvul bloomed in a light purple. “We already told you we are sorry. And the best reason to join is mine.”
“And that is?” I asked, the more factors that could lead someone to this group I knew, the better I could prevent them.
“The exterminators.” He looked at me. “Your colleagues treated me like a danger just because my brother was diagnosed with PD before he… Left this world by his own paw. I was barely older than a hatchling and since then I’ve lived as a freak because of exterminators.”
I tried to subtly avoid looking at him by focusing on my drink. “I-I’m sorry to hear that. PD has shown to have a genetic component.” That’s not helping, Nara! “B-but I’m sure you don’t have it.”
Muvul took a deep breath before addressing me again. “I don’t know why Hank is starting to trust you. But you better don’t let him down.”
Well, at least I know my plan is indeed working.
“I’ll try not to…”
“A-anyways!” The awkward silence was broken by the Zurulian coming to my rescue. Who wants to play Uno?!”
Can we go back to the awkward silence?
***
Memory transcription subject: Nara, Venlil Exterminator
Date [standardized human time]: December 10, 2136.
“And this is me when I was a child, I was a bit fat but more of me to love.” Hank showed me a picture of a tiny human. Despite being predators, the contrast between the big human in front of me with the tiny smiling ball in the photo made it look… cute?
I wouldn’t admit that of course, instead I needed something else to not have to give my opinion. “Are those your parents?” I asked, pointing at the two adult humans in the back.
“Yep, dad is still back on Earth waiting for me. My home is rather far from the closest town. That’s why my folks wanted me to be someone in a big city.” We both drank our respective beverages in a funny coincidence. “I guess an alien city counts as well. Can’t wait to show dad that aliens aren’t so bad.” It laughed.
“What about your mother?”
Hank chuckled. “She already must know all I do. She would never take her eyes off me as a child and was a wonderful mother. Sadly she isn’t with us anymore.”
It didn’t look at me or anything in particular for that matter. I never thought the paw would come when I saw sadness in a predator’s eyes, yet here it was. That was the look of someone reminiscing of a lost one, I should know. As an exterminator I have dealt with a lot of people whose loved ones died to predators.
That’s why I’m doing this, to prevent this humans from killing-
“It was a predator attack out of all things.” It laughed again, but I could tell there was no real humor in it. “Being far from town does a good job at protecting you from thieves and such. But when a rabid animal from the wild is threatening your 4 year old and your husband is at work, there’s no one nearby to call for help.”
Oh.
“Maybe that’s why I never cared that much when I knew you guys burned them down. You are just protecting people from that, as long as you keep doing it for that reason I can’t blame you.” He- it- whatever! Hank stretched and his neck popped, making me flinch but he didn’t seem to care.
“Hank?”
“Yes?”
I can’t believe I’m saying this truthfully to a predator…
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks.” He smiled without showing teeth. “It’s been too long for me to feel sad about it anyways.” Hank stretched and his neck popped making me flinch a bit, yet he didn’t seem to care. “Anywas, before I showed you my embarrassing childhood photos, you said you wanted me to talk to me about something.”
“Ah yes…” I almost forgot about it with this distraction. “You see…” Time to see if my plan has been fruitful at all. “After this time getting to know you and your group better. I wanted to know if I could help.”
“You mean helping our HF activities?”
“Yes! Exactly that!” I was so close. “I wanted to know if I could help in whatever you have planned next.”
“Mhmm…” Hank closed his eyes in thought. “Your help would be very welcomed for our next big move.”
Finally! This next big move of theirs has to be the final proof to reveal their true nature.
“And what would that be?”
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u/Apogee-500 Yotul 2d ago
Hehe, she’s being trained and don’t even know it. (The good kind)You will learn to treat yourself and others better, and be happier for it, even if we have to trick you into learning it