Memory transcription subject: Aaron Clemont, Humanity First rallier
Date [Standardized human time]: August 14th, 2148
[Day 7]
Beiton had a severe homeless problem as of late. Made worse yet by the tens of hundreds misplaced and stranded when the spaceport was ordered to close. It was all real unfortunate. We were gathered, a group of humans maybe 20 strong, in front of a Xeno homeless shelter. Inside were dozens of ‘unfortunate’ former feddies.
I popped open the back of a giant moving truck. It was chock full of supplies: food, water, warm blankets, everything these little guys needed to get back on their feet. I already ordered everyone to conceal their rings, best keep Humanity First’s name far away from our efforts.
We all entered, carrying boxes of the supplies around to the storage room, where the staff swooned over us big strong humans providing so much for them. The varmint. We packed all the food up, fresh fruits and vegetables we wrapped up in the blankets. Once the food was stored, we took the coverings and began handing them out to the homeless venlil.
We, of course, had to give some to the other species there, even though the flu doesn’t affect them. Can’t be looking suspicious! When all was said and done, I estimated the whole building would be completely infected by tomorrow.
“Thank you so much for everything, uh,” one of the venlil staff stammered, “I didn’t get your name.”
“Call me Frank,” I lied. It was so easy to convince the prey of anything so long as you were polite. “Just doing my due diligence, it’s the least we can do,” it was sickening sucking up to these beings. Especially after how they treated us during the war.
“Well, thanks a ton, Frank. Stars, we’re so lucky to have people like you around,” She rejoined her herd of pea-brained sheeple as the boys and I took our leave. Gathering and infecting enough blankets to hand out to these things was damn difficult, but it’ll all be worth it when they drop dead. They won’t even suspect a thing.
We drove across town, hitting up another shelter and showering them in our ‘kindness’, then headed back to our headquarters, a property well out in the woods. We left this morning with no trouble, but in the maybe 6 hours we spent handing out blankets and supplies, the UN blockaded the only road out to our neck of the woods.
I got out of the car and approached the blockade, it was a camp similar to the one I saw on the news yesterday, with a camp swarming with peacekeepers determined to keep anyone from leaving the city.
“Stop there, nobody’s allowed through,” one blue helmet’s voice boomed through a megaphone.
“We aren’t heading to another town, my house is on private property down this road,” I argued.
“Again, nobody allowed through. You’re going to have to wait for the restrictions to lighten, it’s not my call.”
I swore under my breath and looked back at the trucks. I faked a smile, “All good then, thank you for your service.”
I slammed the truck door and ordered it to find a hotel with enough empty rooms for everyone. We’ll hold our meeting in one of the rooms, I suppose.
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Governor Maulo of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized human time]: August 14th, 2148
[Day 7]
Governor Maulo, it would be an honor if you would attend the upcoming Sapient Coalition summit meeting to discuss the Skalgan Flu among other things. It’s set for August 20th, 2148 SHT at the United Nation’s headquarters in New Liberty.
Secretary General Abdul Suresh
~~~
Servaen entered my office while I was reading the invite. I was starting to get used to his unannounced entrances, knocking was a luxury of the past neither of us followed anymore.
“Governor,” he greeted, looking like he’d gotten some rest for once. He had really bad bed fur but otherwise looked healthy. “Dr. Stat has requested to join you at the summit to present his findings on the flu,” Servaen explained.
“Oh excellent, he’s the man who first reported it, correct?” I asked. Servaen flicked his tail affirmatively. “What does he have to present?”
“One of Stat’s colleagues came up with a solid hypothesis, but it has to deal with genetic modific-”
“What?” I interrupted, “What is he planning to do?” Servaen raised his paws placatingly before continuing.
“He wants to test modified human immune cells since they are well equipped to destroy the virus. No edits are being made to the venlil, but the Coalition requires a majority vote before anything involving genetic testing for public application can be undertaken,” he explained.
“Apologies for the interruption then, I assumed it was more severe,” stars I need rest. I can’t be making half-assed assumptions like that at the summit, I need a clear mind to best handle the situation.
“Well then, I’ll look into allowing Dr. Stat to make his case. For now, what is today’s statistics? I want both Ransu and Beiton if possible.”
“Yes, of course,” Servaen nodded, grabbing his holopad and opening up a set of graphs. “We estimate now that 5.8% of Ransu City is infected, with an increase of over 1% per paw. Beiton city is looking better, it has a population of 3 million but has the highest concentration of non-venlil residents, they make up only 67% of the population. There’s still a lot of them, but a considerable amount of the population isn’t at major risk, and their annual reports of xenophobia-driven attacks are far less, second lowest on the planet in fact,” he said, beaming. “We’ve gotten very few cases, the ones we know about are quarantined. We might be able to reopen soon enough.”
“Excellent news for a change! And how about the Ransu border?”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“The rioters from the attack the other day cleared out during the shooting. Most haven’t returned, and the few that did aren’t nearly as pushy against the reinforced peacekeepers,” he answered.
I flicked my tail graciously, thanking Servaen for his time. “In light of some good for a change, I’m going to bed. I want to have a decent sleep schedule for the summit. If any emails come through that are urgent, forward them to my inbox. It’ll wake me up,” I said, walking alongside Servaen out of my office.
Having my bedroom so close to my workspace was very nice during these trying times. I couldn’t imagine having to commute elsewhere after a long paw. I gave Servaen my farewells and slipped into my bed, I typed out an email for Dr. Stat before laying down my holopad and dozing off.
~~~
Dr. Stat, I’ve been informed of your desire to present the latest findings regarding the Skalgan Flu at the Sapient Coalition summit in New Liberty on the 20th. I am willing to arrange transport for you and give you time to convince the other members to vote on the genetics work.
Governor Maulo
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Daniel Stat, human virologist
Date [Standardized human time]: August 14th, 2148
[Day 7]
“Holy shit!” I exclaimed, accidentally waking Silvon in the process.
“Huugh?” she groaned.
“Silvvy! Look!” I said excitedly, pushing the holopad toward her. She squinted and I turned down the brightness to a comfortable level, then watched her immediately wake up.
“Danny! Oh, my stars! Th- the governor himself?! Congratulations!” She threw her arms around me. “This is great! Oh! You’ve got to get a case ready!”
“Shit, you’re right! I’ve got the entire Coalition to convince,” I rubbed my chin, it was getting kind of scruffy, I’ll have to shave before I go. Or maybe I grow it out? It won’t be a full beard, but it’ll be nice stubble by the time the summit rolls around… Hmmm…
“I’ll whip up something nice tonight to celebrate,” Silvon said, then got out of bed to get ready for the day with a parting kiss. I threw on some clothes, made breakfast, and turned on the news for any updates.
I recognized one of the people they were reporting on, that Sadie woman from my meeting with the SHO. She was shot by some psycho venlil that started an outbreak in Beiton. Nasty business, glad she survived.
I finished up my cereal-vitamin-pills-mix and waited for Silvon to get out of the shower before we hit the road.
“You think I should shave?” I asked when she stepped out of the bathroom, extra poofy from the blow dryer.
“I mean, if you want. I like a little scruff,” she rubbed the fuzz under my chin.
“Well, if you like it, surely the Coalition won’t mind.”
We got into the car and I had it drive us out to the lab where I clocked in and kissed Silvon goodbye.
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Silvon, venlil biologist
Date [Standardized human time]: August 14th, 2148
[Day 7]
“Dr. Silvon,” Tinasi greeted me, “Anything new?”
“Oh, stars yes!” I cheered, “Danny’s gonna be at the upcoming Coalition summit! He’s going to present your modified white blood cell plan!” I grinned.
The yotul pumped her fists excitedly, “Hell yeah!”
I was unbelievably happy. Everything was going great! And who else but my Danny leading the charge and saving the world? I ordered some champagne that should arrive by tonight, stars I was excited!
“Soooo,” Tinasi said, pulling me from my thoughts, “Are you and Dr. Stat like, married?” she blurted, catching me completely off guard.
I blushed but didn’t immediately answer. “Well- I mean… That’s a bit- y’know,” I chuckled awkwardly. I didn’t even think she knew we were together! I guess we aren’t very subtle, but we at least try to keep our relationship outside of work… Whoops.
“Sorry if that was out of the blue- I’ve just been wondering for a while cause you guys live together, and like, kiss a whole bunch in the car,” Tinasi said, awkwardly fidgeting with her paws.
“We’re not,” I answered finally. Huh, we’d been together for cycles now, at least since college, why aren’t we yet? Was I waiting for him? Is he waiting for me? Stars, I’ve never thought about it. I can’t imagine my life without my Danny, I’d easily want to spend the rest of my paws with him. Yeah, maybe…
“Dr. Silvon, what's with that look?"
I was smiling, probably carrot-orange thinking about him. "Yes," I said simply. "Yes, we will be."
~~~
Memory transcription subject: Daniel Stat, human virologist
Date [Standardized human time]: August 14th, 2148
[Day 7]
I clocked out after hanging up my lab coat. Nothing significant today, but that's alright. We're really close to finally making some serious strides!
Silvon was waiting in the car. She seemed happier than usual, practically jumping on me as soon as I got in the car.
"Silvvy, hey- what's up?"
"Oh nothin," she chirped.
I punched in our address and let the car drive us home. The entire car ride, she kept checking her holopad, almost anxiously.
"What's that?" I asked, promptly for her to blush and quickly tuck the pad away.
"Nothing! It's a surprise," she said quickly. I suppose this is whatever plans she made for tonight.
We arrived home, there were a couple of packages on our doorstep.
"Let me bring them in," Silvon insisted. I obliged and held the door for her. She brought the packages to the living room and set them on the table.
"Do we have a box opener?" I asked.
She tutted, "Silly human," and cut the tape with her claws. She popped open the box, and inside were a couple of bottles of some nice champagne.
"Woah! I get why you were so worried about these getting here!" I said. I retrieved a pair of our nice glasses and set them down on the table. Silvon lit a couple of candles to make the mood more romantic.
I popped the cork on one bottle over the kitchen sink, foam puffed out, and went down the drain, then I carried the bottle over and poured some out for both of us.
"So, what's in that other box?" I asked, motioning to the smaller package. Silvon grabbed it and jammed it under the table quickly.
"Y-you'll see!" She said. There was an ounce of nervousness in her voice.
I heard her claw open the box, and smile at the contents, looking back and forth between us. She took whatever was inside out, and held it in one paw behind her back.
"Silvvy?"
"Danny," she said. "I've been thinking a bit, and I realized something, I can't fathom a life without you, we've been through thick and thin, and I think it's finally time," she held out a paw, it was an intricate silver ring that shimmered in the candlelight. "I want to get married."
I was stunned, but it soon gave way to the most elated feeling of my entire life. "Married?" I asked, she nodded smiling. I pulled her in, clutching her tight, "Yes! Oh god yes!" I cried.
We held each other a long time, then slipped on matching rings and kissed.
"I love you so much."