Memory transcription subject: Leksi, Human Integration Host.

Date [standardized human time]: August 30th, 2136. Late Evening

Clatter and chatter and clinking and clanging… I already missed when it was just me 'n Elva. "Guess it's time to get up." I muttered to myself, as I rolled up and out of the bed. I always liked the traditional warren style bed, the cushy bowl shape was exceptionally comfortable, but it did make getting out a pain in the tail; which'd normally be a treat with Elva here.

But she wasn't. I heard her voice and others floating up the stairs as I plodded down the hall. "...the poor driver was vibrating at the wheel! Maeve gives me the great idea to ask him to drop us off out of town." A warm, smooth taste, like fresh tilled soil after a rain, filled my mouth as I gingerly stepped down the stairs, "Apparently when I said 'two clicks out', he heard 'right brahking-" -- "Valek! Watch your language!" -- "Sorry, Mom," -- "I gave you a pass that once ‘cause of… all that. But we raised you better!"

"Yes, Mom… anyway he heard 'right bra-... right now, please'." I could see the girls giggling while I came down the last stair. "He hit the brakes and kicked us out right there! Maeve could have made the walk in an hour, if that, but we couldn't keep her pace-"

"Good waking, Dad!" Valek flicked his tail in welcome, quickly mirrored by Elva and Alvi; even the human waved their hand in a poor imitation.

"Good waking…" I grumbled, "What's got everyone all bright 'n sunny?" I stretched my back and tail where I stood, as stubborn muscles voiced their displeasure, "I ain't used to being the last one awake."

"Maeve and I only just woke up; we slept on the couch. These two woke us with fresh soup." My flower flicked an appreciative tail toward our son.

"Don't taste like any soup I've ever had. Feels like I got fresh dirt in my mouth."

"Oh, that's my doing, sorry Leksi." The human explained; they still sat with their back to the stairwell. "This is a traditional human breakfast, or as you say 'first meal', drink." She placed a handled porcelain cup on the corner of the table nearest to me. "It's called Coffee. Sam, our handler, could only get me around 300g of pre-ground, but it's the best he could do on such short notice."

I carefully stepped closer to the Predator, and inspected the cup. It was half-full of a dark brown liquid, almost black. I lifted it to my mouth to breathe the fragrant beverage, "This ain't some predator fare is it? Some bile of one of your native beasts?"

"Oh heavens no! I can't think of any human culture that uses bile in food. This drink is made from Coffee beans, which are dried in the sun, then 'roasted' or exposed to high heat, then ground to a powder. Boiling water is filtered through the grounds, et voila! Coffee. Valek already tried some and-" -- "I hated it." The four tittered at their shared memory, before she continued, "Yeah, it's an acquired taste, but at least we know it's not poisonous. We should have checked with a doctor first, but I sorely needed caffeine and Valek can't control himself."

I sipped the steaming brew, its bitterness settled into my senses, and left an acidic sting in its wake. The warm flavor felt like soft soil under my paws, while the slightly burned aftertaste set my senses alight. I was suddenly aware the kitchen was silent as they waited for my reaction.

"Well, it ain't exactly Firefruit Wine, but I quite like it!." My tail waved happily while I took a second sip.

The trio of Venlil flicked, flapped, and waved their glee and good humor, while the human laughed a happy giggle and plucked the cup from my paws.

"Finally! Someone with taste! I'd make you a cup, but we really should check with a doctor first."

I took the bowl of soup Alvi offered me.

"So what's on the list today, love?"

Elva looked warmly at Alvi, “Alvi and I are going to work in the shed. Turns out she did some work for Farmer’s Friend once upon a time, so she might have some ideas. Just ideas!” She brandished her bowl at the girl, “You’re not to come within three Tails of those grav lifts, you hear?!”

Alvi backed up playfully, “No complaints from me! I’m just glad I can help.” Another round of boisterous laughter at the exchange.

Even with the Predator here the Den was so much… Warmer. I missed having Valek around, but Alvi brought a kindness to the burrow we sorely needed. Just had to make it through this harvest.

“What about you Son? Any big plans today?” I asked, sipping from my pleasantly scalding soup bowl.

"Maeve and I are going into the village. The whole purpose of The Program is to see how well Humans can live among Venlil, and we can’t test that by keeping her here. If you’re ready to go, Maeve?” The human finished their cup of ‘Coffee’, picked up a small pack from the floor, then she and Valek made for the door. Screams on the wind…

“What if…” Words left my mouth unbidden, the two turned from the door to me, as did all ears in the den. “What if… I brought Maeve into town?”

Valek’s tail was frozen, but his ears screamed confusion and worry. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, dad. The town may not be very welcoming, and I don’t want you to get caught up in it.”

“Valek’s right, Leksi. But I still think it would be a good idea.” The human spoke up behind him.

“What?” Ah Speh, what weed did I just plant?!

She continued in her gentle tone, keeping her face to her side; even with her mask on, it was clear she was avoiding looking at me.

“Leksi, the fact that you are asking me at all tells me you’re ready for this, and I am choosing to trust you. If you would like to take me into town, I would be honored.” She tilted her head down, a gesture I have seen her use in place of ‘thank you’. She placed a hand on Valek's shoulder and met his eye through her mask, the predatory nosing sent a chill down my spine. "I think it's time we try this Valek. Besides, this will give you a chance to check University readmission, and fill today's report. I'll be ok." Something about the way she looked at him…

"Ok, Leksi,” she continued, holding the door open for me, “I would like to get going, if you don't mind; it's a bit of a walk, and I know you'll need a break."

"Break?! Seems my boy turned City at school, if he can't handle that walk. I'll work that back into 'im yet." I stepped out the door and she closed it behind me. "As for us, we got a buggy to take us into the village. Might be a little tight, wasn't made for your lot's spindly legs."

A small chuckle behind me, "I'm sure I'll fit just fine."

--

Memory transcription subject: Alvi, Assistant Farm Equipment Technician.

Date [standardized human time]: August 30th, 2136. Late Evening

“What nut-knocked desk pup thought making a second hidden heatsink was a good idea?!” Elva squeaked in frustration as we came back into the den, making for the sink to wash our paws. “Were they trying to make these easy to break?! That’s what happens when you don’t have a farmer in the planning process!”

She continued her ranting while I finished cleaning up. I knew from experience people aren’t actually asking questions when they’re like this, so I let her be. One droid was already up and running, collecting what they could of the harvest. Now that we know the process, we should be able to get the other two running quickly on next waking.

Valek was at the table, pad in paw, reading something with great focus. I stepped beside him as I asked through his mother angrily doing the dishes, “Find anything promising?”

His ears fell behind him while his shoulders fell, “The University in Hidden Plains is still offering classes, but I’ve missed nearly a Night’s worth of class time. It will be hard to catch up. I think I could do it, but really… What’s the point?” He sighed in frustration. I placed my paw on his shoulder and kneaded through the wool as he continued, “Everything taught just related to being an exterminator! I did well enough in Federation History and Mathematical Engineering, but there is so much we don’t know about our world! Like there’s one big gaping hole! Why is it so hard to find anything?!”

I thought for a moment… “I don’t know how it is in Hidden Plains, but the Capital Library has basically everything! I know university is important to you, but have you tried self-teaching?”

Valek stiffened for a moment, “That… of course! How could I have missed that! Thank you Alvi!” He placed his paw on mine, and flicked his ear in thanks. What was…

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

I looked down and saw my tail brush against his, No!

I stepped back a stride, separating our hands and, thankfully, kept my tail from twining his. Valek pulled his hand away and swiveled his ears, sporadically catching me before shifting focus. “Right. Right… Thank you, Alvi. I’ll… uh… I’ll check what the Library has on their portal.”

“Yeah, and I’ll, uh, get… cleaned up…” and I bounded up the steps to the bathing room. Looking in the mirror, I was thankful to my dark velvet for hiding the bloom I knew was beneath it.

No! You’ve just met the guy! He hasn’t shown any interest in you, you’re just begging for something you know isn’t there!

But what if you’re wrong? He has been so kind, helping you through every moment of fear. He was the first to welcome you into his herd!

He was just being polite! This happens every time, you find a new herd and you read too much into it, then they drop you! You’re Herdless and you always will be!

But what if they’re different?

YOU’RE DIFFERENT, PREDATOR!!

Stop it! I’m not diseased! I just… I just forget the wrong things sometimes. It’s not my fault!

They will see you look at a Laysi, or a Reedshell, and they will see you for what you are! Freak!

No! I’m not a predator! I’ve never wanted to eat them… I just… they’re so pretty!

My mind twisted and turned in my conflict. Oil. My paws were stained by machine parts and the tacky feeling was driving me mad.

There was only a few minutes of the filling tub before I heard a knock on the door. “Alvi?”

Valek?

---

Memory transcription subject: Maeve, Human Integration Test Subject.

Date [standardized human time]: August 30th, 2136. Late Evening

I, in fact, did not ‘fit just fine’. But I wasn't going to let Leksi know that.

The squashed golf cart was still a welcome change over walking. Today was going to be a long day, best case scenario. Worst case… well I've already learned how dangerous Venlil Prime can be, so it can't get too much worse.

I shimmied myself out of the cart once we parked, and Leksi asked what the plan was.

“My goal is to find a public place where I can sit and allow people to approach me on their own terms.” He flicked his ears at me, apparently reproachfully given the context of his next words.

“No one’s gonna come. I don’t know why you bother.”

“You came.” I countered through a giggle, which seemed to set him off balance. “But really, I think you’re right: I doubt anyone will approach today. My first goal is for the people to get acclimated to my presence, and see that I am not here to hurt anyone. It might not happen today, tomorrow, or the next, but someday someone will be brave enough to ask their first question.”

We made it to the center of town, and I only just caught the last sight of a tail whipping around a corner; an adult judging by the height. The fountain looked like a great place to sit, but without my burka I would be bright pink by the end of the day in this sun, so I helped myself to a parasol from what looked like a nearby cafe. Leksi made himself comfortable at a nearby seat, several yards away and behind me; having something behind me set my nerves on edge, but I understood he needed his space.

With the two of us situated in our own way, I busied myself by completing my next report.

* Do you feel you are safe in your lodgings?

It took some effort, but Elva is so… nice.

Yes.

* Do you feel your nutritional needs are met?

Even after breakfast I still feel hungry…

I frequently feel hungry. I think our caloric needs are much higher than theirs.

* Have you noticed consistent and/or escalating bodily discomfort, especially among joints and spine?

I still feel pretty good, considering…

Their chairs are too small, and the ceiling too low. My back and knees are starting to complain.

* Have you noticed any unanticipated interference with your sleeping habits?

I like to believe I’ve adjusted to the Venlil sleep cycle.

Yes. With caffeine assistance.

* In your own words, how would you describe your emotional state?

I really think I’m getting through to them…

Excited, and welcomed.

* Do you feel there is anything that must be immediately addressed, or provided, for yourself or future human immigrants?

Ok, let’s do this.

I’m typing in broad daylight at what should be 2 in the morning. Very excited for my apartment. The Venlil have a beautifully deep culture, I encourage others to ask about it, both to appreciate and to build relations. The constant immovable sun makes turbocharged sunburns. Suggest sunblock or UV protective clothing be standard issue. Food is wonderful, but increasingly clear I can’t live on this. Burka was effective, reactions seem only slightly worse with full-face visor; good compromise, allows for personal decoration. They have caffeinated drinks, but nothing as strong as ours. Need soundproofing in slee

Aaand there’s that character limit.

If you have any personal needs, please tap HERE to contact your sector's handler, SAM.

Thank you, Sam, you’re a lifesaver.

I saw a fluff of grey in my periphery. I wanted to look, but I held myself as stiff as I could. They stepped lightly on the cobblestone, but their claws gave them away. I tried to distract myself by tinkering with my pad, but knowing something was behind me rattled my nerves.

It climbed onto the fountain, I could hear their claws as they shivered and scraped on the stone. It had to be just behind me, I could feel it just over my shoulder. A tiny paw pushed my shoulder, but I didn't push back. It had to be a child, an adult could have knocked me off balance.

I typed into my pad in big words and high brightness, the simple 'Hello' switched to Venlil script as I finished. I took a deep breath, letting my chest fill and fall, hoping to signal that I was about to move. The little claws scrabbled away from me. Though I hoped not too far.

I lifted the pad to my side, let it shine behind me, and hoped they could see it. I sat like that for a long while, before I heard the claws on stone again; on the ground this time, but from the same direction.

A small voice, higher than I have heard before, floated across the fountain.

"H-... Hi."

I pulled my pad back to me, quickly typed an invitation, and placed it back for them to read.

Thank you for talking to me.

I am here to answer questions.

Do you have one for me?

A silence hung over me, I was worried they had run off.

"... what are you?"

I brought my pad back. I made a sincere effort to make my movements as repetitive and predictable as I could, to avoid any possibility of surprise.

I am human.

Another long silence. I wanted so badly to see them, to see their expressions and thoughts, but I needed to wait until they were ready.

“Are… Aren’t humans… Predators?”

This wasn’t the time to stress the nuances of the circle of life.

Yes.

I could hear them hyperventilating behind me. They gulped through their next question, “You’re here to eat us… aren’t you?”

No.

Their breathing slowed, then they asked their next question in audible confusion, “Then… what are you here for?”

To answer questions. And maybe, find new friends.

The scratching came back to me on my right; they were almost at my elbow.

"And… what is a friend to… to a predator?"

To a human, a friend is someone we protect, from harm and hardship. Someone we care for.

Scratching on stone, following my arm toward my front, “Protect from wh-?”

"ILNEK YOU GET AWAY FROM THAT!"

A piercing shriek carried over the commons, painfully bouncing off of the cobblestone and stucco. I kept my head down, sad for the panicked claws that ran from me.

The following silence hung over me as I waited for them to come back, or confront me, or anything. But they just ran; which was really the most sensible option, if I was honest with myself.

After several minutes, I heard heavy paws approach me. "That could have gone better, girl. But I'll admit it could have gone way worse."

I breathed relief as I recognized Leksi's voice. I still have to be careful, but at least I can talk to him.

I forced out a giggle, feigning a better mood than I had, "Pretty great first day! I think this is going to go well!"

"You've been out here for almost half a claw, you wanna plant this now, see how it will grow?"

"Not yet. I don't want to give the impression I can be scared off. They sounded small, was it a child?" I didn't try to hide my excitement.

"That's right, how could you tell?" There was clear concern in Leksi's voice.

"Children are always the first to try kindness. It makes me very glad to see that even among the Venlil, fear is taught."

Leksi's tail slowly swayed behind him. "...Why are you trying so hard? What friendship is worth all of this?"

I laughed a little too hard at that, Leksi even jumped a hair. I thought about my time with Valek on the station, and my time with Alvi on the train. I thought of Elva teaching me my first Venlil word…

"Your friendship is worth it. And Elva's, and Alvi's, and Valek's."

That seemed to set him off balance. Not wanting him to find a retort, I offered, "I think I have taken up enough of your day, do you mind if we head back?"

He stood for a moment, unfocused. "... home. Yeah. Let's head back."

Leksi started the cart, and through the whining motor he asked, "... it's… Maeve, isn't it?"

It was my turn to be off balance, but he continued before I could answer, "I… I sounded just like that woman… didn't I."

The non-question hung in the air between us. He sighed. "... Never again."

I was quiet for the short drive; I didn't know what to say. As we stepped out of the cart, he slapped my back with his tail.

"Welcome home, Maeve."