Memory transcription subject: Governor Maulo of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized human time]: August 26th, 2148
[Day 19]
While the peacekeepers retook Ransu, they provided frequent reports and updates on everyone they encountered, and everything they were told. Nearly every report mentioned Humanity First. There was supposedly a very high amount of active members that took to the streets when the UN pulled out that were snuffed by the exterminators.
Refugees from most of the nearby cities were being welcomed elsewhere to keep them out of the crossfire, humans especially were leaving in droves. If Humanity First had a strong foothold in Ransu, there’s no telling if they do elsewhere. Beiton or Dayside, for all I know, could be a hotbed for terrorist activity on a scale unseen since ‘139.
“Servaen,” I called to my assistant, who was diligently cataloging his notes.
“Yes sir?” he replied.
“Do we have a rough human body count in Ransu yet?” I questioned.
“Not yet, the peacekeepers have only moved through half the city so far. The current count is well beyond 50, but it’s still growing,” he answered.
“And what are the chances members of Humanity First made it out of the city? Or worse, have been active elsewhere?”
“Well, say somewhere like Beiton had operations, humans have been flying out en masse to avoid xenophobia. It would be impossible to know how many of them could be affiliated. Worse yet, if Ransu had a branch, anywhere could really. I mean, there was a member up in Morva Falls for crying out loud,” he concluded.
I wasn’t satisfied with the vague potential, all I could do was pray we didn’t have a repeat of ‘139 on our hands.
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Emiv, venlil scientist
Date [Standardized human time]: August 26th, 2148
[Day 19]
Dr. Stat and Dr. Silvon were off-world from what I heard, which meant there was nobody to tend to the lab samples or stop me from finally getting a good look at this virus. Every time I step paw in the lab, they always have something to say about my methodology. How I’m ‘gonna cause an outbreak’, ‘gonna get sick’, ‘not wearing proper PPE’, it’s obnoxious!
I am a dignified scientist, my work does not need changes to yield results. I entered the deserted virus lab, grinning at the fact that nobody could stop me. I am gonna find a cure, something Stat and Silvon never saw coming! And then everyone is gonna know my name. Emiv! The venlil who saved Skalga!
I cackled as I popped open the sample container and pulled out the little orange vials. I started transferring them from the bulk storage into a portable carrier to keep them cold and viable. I filled the slots on the carrier and took one extra to pour out onto a microscope slide. I prepped the orange liquid and turned on the holo display to easier observe the spherical viruses.
I only spilled a little of the vial pouring it onto the slide. Oh well, it’s only really bad if I get it in my mouth or whatever. The samples were mostly blood cells, with a couple of odd, lumpy things bobbing around that didn’t resemble any virus I’d ever seen. Zesui and other common skalgan viruses are amorphous and melted cell walls to inject DNA instead of… whatever these things were.
I heard talks on the radio and TV about the Skalgan Flu being a human bioweapon cause it’s from Earth and all. These orbs with their weird little arm structures certainly looked artificial enough. Maybe that’s why Stat hasn’t found a cure for them yet… maybe he knows they’re artificial! Ah-ha! Emiv! The venlil who saved Skalga… from the deadly human plague!
I took the slide and tossed it into the trash bin. Some of the sample got on my paw so I wiped it on my labcoat, grabbed the portable carrier, and made for the exit. None of my coworkers paid any mind to what I was carrying, the benefits of being in charge of bringing people stuff all the time. I got out the door and to my car, where I safely buckled the carrier in the front passenger seat.
The vehicle sped off as fast as legally allowed home. I looked at myself in the mirror on the way back, trying to fix the cowlick that became a permanent fixture on the top of my head. I wanted to look good for the inevitable interviews and magazine photoshoots! Finally, the car slowed to a halt in my driveway. I giddily nabbed the carrier and practically skipped inside. I unlatched the front door and hopped inside
For some reason, the lights were on, which was odd because I swore I turned them off this morning. Whatever, I must’ve forgotten. I made for my living room, where I kept a little bit of lab equipment I had ‘procured’ over the years to do my own research off the clock. I put the carrier down on the counter and plopped down on my spinny chair, turning fully around-
I yelped as I noticed the tall, fairly muscular human standing behind me in the doorway to my kitchen. He cleared his throat and raised a gun, “Paws up, Xeno,” he barked.
I quickly raised my paws, and two more armed humans shuffled in from behind the first and stood on either side of me. I had a good view of all three, they all had rings on their middle fingers and sick, smug smiles on their faces. Humanity First?! Oh, stars! Now I’ve really done it! I should’ve known they were behind the virus!
“Vernon, grab the samples,” the first, who I assumed was their leader, spoke. The man to my left reached behind me to snatch the carrier case.
“Now then, we’re gonna ask you a few questions, and you’re gonna answer. How’s that sound?” the leader asked. I nodded hastily, every extremity was trembling in fear.
“Good sheep,” he growled, approaching with the gun still pointed at my face. “We know you’re one of Stat’s coworkers. Tell us where he is.”
“S-Stat?” I stammered, “I don’t- I don’t kn-” He smashed my snout with the butt of the gun.
“Bullshit!” He roared as I clutched my face and spat a bloody tooth.
“F-fuck!” I sobbed, “I don-” he bashed the gun into me again, knocking me to the floor. I felt the wind leave me as my back hit the tiles and started coughing and wheezing for air. There was a sizeable splatter of orange.
“Yes, the fuck you do!”
I put my hands up, “Wait- wait please,” I cried, “I- I don’t know where they are now,” I reasoned, trying to smile, which only shot more pain through my shattered snout. “B-but I know who d-does!”
The human put a foot on my chest, “Who?” he asked.
“Y-I-” I coughed, “I- can’t-” he put less weight on me, and I took a sharp breath. “Dr. Silvon’s parents… in Morva Falls… I-I don’t have their address but- but it’s a small town,” I prayed it would be enough for the human.
“Morva fucking Falls,” he rubbed his forehead, “FUCK!” he growled and stomped on my tail, making me howl in pain, “If that French bastard could actually kill his fucking target, we wouldn’t be needing to go on a goose-chase to bumfuck nowhere!”
“Aaron-” Vernon began.
“Shut the fuck up, god damn it!” Aaron facepalmed, and slowed his breathing, “Okay, Xeno. Morva Falls.”
He raised the foot he had planted on my chest and I curled up sobbing. “Alex, go get the car started. Vernon, get those samples secured,” Aaron ordered the other humans, who hastily retreated.
“Now then,” he said, keeping the gun trained on me, “You’ve done real good, prey,” he spat. I flinched and kept sniffling. “But unlike that wannabe assassin, I know how to get rid of people.”
“Wait! Wait no- no!” I pleaded, “Please! Please don-” The gunshot cut me off.
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Jakiv, arxur scientist
Date [Standardized human time]: August 26th, 2148
[Day 19]
Dr. Stat was a real help in explaining everything concisely. I can’t say the same for that Tinasi lady, but what can you do? I chatted enough with the other yotul to at least gain a little trust from them, but every attempt I made to talk to her just ended in a nasty scowl.
I left the lab, enjoying my walk down the street. Leirn was far more walkable than Wriss, which was built with the Dominion’s subway tunnels in mind. With the war over, the planet was all automobiles and street shuttles.
As I walked, I realized I really didn’t want to go home. I was stuck, paradoxically, between not wanting to rot in the apartment, but also really not wanting to be out and about. The racism was getting a little old. As I was debating going back to that bar, my coat pocket started buzzing. I swear to prophet if it’s Vilvit…
“Nuri?” I audibly exclaimed, getting a few glances from the local passerby. I hovered over the answer button. I hadn’t spoken to her since the bar. I was hoping she forgot about me. Finally, the dull aching feeling in my chest, whatever the fuck it was, urged me to answer.
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The red-furred yotul appeared wearing a wide grin, “Jaki! You answered!” she chirped.
“I said don’t call me that,” I replied gruffly, “What do you want?”
“Jeez,” Nuri giggled, “Can’t a gal ring a friend just to talk?” she asked.
“You… just want to talk?” I asked.
“Well, yeah, that’s how calls work, silly. Have you been drinking again?” she asked.
“No, I am not inebriated.”
“Damn,” she said, “You were so much friendlier drunk.”
I sat myself down on a bench, wrapping my tail around my waist to keep from sitting on it. “I’m not friendly ever,” I remarked.
Nuri cocked her head, “I thought predators were supposed to be good liars.”
“Har har,” I said mockingly, “I thought prey were supposed to have the sense to avoid me.”
“Touché,” Nuri answered.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“It’s a human expression,” she answered. “Did it not translate?” I shook my head, maybe the phrase was common and I just didn’t get out often enough to hear it in use.
“Well, Jaki,” she smiled, “Maybe there’s something I want out of this call.” I sighed and waited.
“You up for a drink?” she asked. “I’ll pay, it’s no problem really.”
I thought for a moment, I knew she wasn’t just calling for a chat. But buying me a drink again? What was the marsupial playing at? I guess I really don’t want to be sober right now though. “Yeah, okay,” I said finally.
“Great! The same bar as the other night, I’ll meet you there!” Nuri smiled and her visage vanished.
I stared at the call-ended screen for a long moment. Some kind of forlorn feeling was bubbling in my chest. I almost felt sad to see her go, but I didn’t know why. I got up quickly from the bench, startling a yotul couple out for a walk, and started marching toward the skalgan brewery. I arrived as the sun was beginning to set. It was still rather warm, but I kept the sweater on anyway. I practically lived in the thing now. Shit. When was the last time I showered?
I stepped inside, casting my doubts from my mind. There she was, arms crossed and leaning against the bar in the same seat as the other night. I dodged looks from the other patrons and sat down in my spot.
“I was starting to think you weren’t gonna show,” Nuri said as I sat down.
“I’m just here for free booze,” I replied. She giggled and raised a paw to signal one of the bartenders over. It was the same venlil, though they seemed slightly less shaken. I assume she was given a proper heads-up that I was coming back.
“What can I get you two?” She asked.
“I’ll take a virgin mai tai,” Nuri said. I scanned the menu for something new.
“I’d like a shot of skalgan whiskey,” I answered. The bartender retreated, less hastily this time, to procure our drinks.
“A virgin mai tai?” I asked finally. “You come to a bar and avoid alcohol?”
“I’m a bit of a lightweight,” Nuri answered. “I only came here the other night because I saw you in here.”
“Huh…” the venlil set down the shot glass, filled with a pale blue substance that smelled like starship exhaust, and Nuri’s yellowish-red drink, topped with a decorative umbrella. I downed the glass, it burned my throat bad enough to make my eyes water.
The marsupial just sipped her drink and giggled as I clutched my throat. “Gah! What the fuck?” I noticed the concentration of alcohol in the whiskey was well over 70%.
“Your liver must be terrified,” Nuri remarked.
“Nah,” I groaned finally, “arxur are hearty, we don’t suffer long-term from alcohol consumption,” I explained.
The yotul looked very intrigued, “Why is that exactly?” she asked.
“What’re you, studying me?” I replied.
“Something like that, I’m just fascinated by you. You’re so unlike everything people say arxur are. You seem empathetic, you’re willing to chat, even if it’s a bit dry, and as far as I know, you haven’t eaten a single person,” Nuri told me, looking me up and down. “And what’s with the coat? Are you cold? I thought arxur were warm-blooded.”
“Well, kinda,” I said, “We’re sort of in-between, we produce enough heat to keep warm enough, but we’re very reliant on our environment. We’re mesotherms,” I explained. Rarely did I get to talk about my passion for biology.
“Weird!” she exclaimed, “So what, is it too cold for you?”
“I guess.”
“You guess?”
“I’m not really cold, I guess I just like the coat,” I concluded. The bartender walked back up to collect the empty shot glass.
“Can I get you two anything else?” She asked politely.
Nuri gave me a nod. “Uh- let me get a… what’s the least alcoholic thing you’ve got?”
“That’d be wuhtroot beer, it’s got a 15% alcohol concentration,” the bartender told me.
“Alright,” I sighed, “I’d like a pint of that.” The venlil nodded and left to grab the drink. “I can cover mine,” I told Nuri, “I’d rather not let you pay.”
“It’s fine, Jaki. I offered,” she said. “Besides, learning about you is a payment of its own.”
“Really?” I asked, unsure how to really react to someone even taking a remote interest in me. I didn’t have any experience expressing myself to others or being passionate in a conversation. “I’m sorry, this is all foreign to me. I don’t talk about myself uh… ever really. Do you just interrogate any old person on the street?”
“Only the ones I think will be interesting, and you are very interesting,” Nuri smiled as the bartender set down a far bigger glass than I thought a pint was.
I took a sip of the red liquid. It had tiny purple particles floating in it and tasted sweet, with a bitter undertone.
“So, how do you drink that?” Nuri asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re an obligate carnivore, and that’s a plant-based drink. How does all that work?” she clarified. I took another swig, savoring the taste.
“Well, same way as you I suppose. In drink form, it digests just the same as any other beverage. And we technically can eat plant matter, we just don’t get much nutrition from it,” I told her. She nodded, not taking her eyes off me for even a second. I felt flush and glanced away when our gazes locked. I drank a bit faster.
“You don’t get out much, do you?” she asked. I shook my head no. “Have you been to the historic square down the main street?”
“I haven’t been anywhere but work, home, and here,” I answered.
Nuri flagged down the bartender, “Hey, we’d like to pay now if that’s fine,” she told the venlil, who retrieved a credit reader.
“All together or separate?” she asked.
“All together,” she answered. “I’ll pay,” we both spoke.
“Uh- I’ll-” I reached into my pocket for my credit chip but was too slow. Nuri was already processing the transaction.
“Too slow, Jaki. Finish your drink, I’ve got something great to show you!” she chirped. I downed the last of the beer and stood, my legs were more stable than the other night, but not by a whole lot. I recoiled as the marsupial tried to take my claws in her paw, but gave in as I began to stumble.
“C’mon you drunk, walk with me,” she said.
We exited the bar together, walking down the sidewalk for a little while. The sun was gone, and the night sky was incredibly clear, the yotul had very little light pollution to drown out the stars, and the light of their planet’s satellite was enough to see where we were going.
More people steered clear of me, probably because of the glow my eyes gave off in the dark. I dwarfed Nuri while standing, which I didn’t really notice before. I wasn’t exactly tall for an arxur, only 6’5, but she was rather diminutive. We turned a corner and up ahead I spied an elaborately decorated town square, with brilliant bioluminescent trees planted in rows leading up to a giant water fountain, topped with a statue of a yotul in a suit of medieval armor, flanked by two large hensa.
“This is the oldest part of town, the stone walkway anyway. During the uplift, the feds tore it all down. This is a reconstruction of how it was,” Nuri informed me. My claws clacked against the cobblestones on the floor as we strode along low-hanging glowing branches. There were LED lights in the fountain that formed the patterns of fish swimming down the falls, popping up from the top and disappearing at the bottom. It was beautiful.
The sky above was filled with brilliant pink and blue nebulous clouds dotted with stars shimmering like jewels.
“What do you think?” Nuri asked as I stared up at the wondrous beauty I’d failed to notice before my eyes.
“It’s… it’s incredible,” I breathed, a shooting star streaked across the sky.
“Jakiv?” a familiar voice called out from beside me.
I turned my attention away from the stars to see Dr. Stat, hand in hand with some venlil.
“Doctor,” I bowed respectfully, “I did not expect to see you here.”
“Can’t say I expected to see you either,” he replied.
“Danny?” the venlil’s voice was trembling, “Who is this?”
“Oh, that’s Jakiv, he’s our coworker at the lab. Jakiv, this is my fianceé Silvon.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” I said, walking over and extending my hand. She was pale, and I couldn’t tell if that was her natural fur color or not. I awkwardly retracted my hand and jammed it in my coat pocket.
“I should’ve known you were a scientist,” Nuri said, standing at my side. “You definitely seem the nerdy type,” she giggled.
“Who’s this?” Daniel asked.
“This is- my friend, her name is Nuri.” The marsupial extended a paw, which Dr. Stat took.
“A pleasure to meet ya,” he said. The venlil was very clearly uncomfortable with me around.
“Well uh, I wouldn’t want to keep you two from your uh- your date,” I mumbled. “Apologies for any discomfort,” I said, mostly to the venlil, who was glaring daggers at me. I felt hot in the coat all of a sudden.
“Nonsense, Jakiv, you’re totally fine,” Dr. Stat reassured me.
“Danny!” the venlil hissed. The human leaned in to whisper something in her ear. She sighed and nodded reluctantly. He planted a kiss on the side of her snout and straightened himself back up.
“We’d love to get to know you both better sometime, why don’t you swing by our place after work, we’ll whip up some dinner,” he invited. Me and Nuri looked at each other, then back at the couple.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude…” I mumbled, “I- uh, yeah, okay. We’ll see you then,” I tried to smile, then quickly stopped when Dr. Silvon took an involuntary step closer to Stat. I took Nuri’s paw, “We’ll uh, leave you to it!” Hastily excusing ourselves and trodding to the other side of the fountain.
“They seemed nice,” Nuri said finally as I made sure we were out of sight.
“I guess,” I replied.
“Hey,” the marsupial tried to put a paw on my shoulder, only really reaching my bicep. “You were trying not to scare that poor venlil, weren’t you?” she asked. I nodded slowly. “That’s adorable, Jaki. You’ve got a good heart underneath that rough, scaly exterior,”
“It doesn’t feel like it sometimes,” I grumbled.
“Of course not, you don’t ever show it. And did you call me your friend back there?” she grinned.
“I- uh- just did that for introductions sake-” I lied.
“Sure, Jaki. Sure,” Nuri smiled. I noticed I was too, the expression was unnatural but felt so right in the moment. She’s my friend.