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Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 12, 2136

Just earlier this paw, I was at the hospital visiting my precious Stynek.. even if the best doctors around don't think she'll make it, I just can't give up hope. Currently, however, I was with Kam in the governor's transport, on our way to the manor while he explained what exactly was going on, since it seemed that whatever was happening must've been very urgent to interrupt me when I'd told him not to.

As it turns out, this was quite the monumental moment for us. It's already incredibly rare to find a new sapient species, but for them to instead discover us is just unheard of! To think that such a monumental event would've happened now of all times.. it's making my head spin just thinking about it! This might just be what the Venlil needed to prove ourselves, if we can make a good impression on these newcomers…

"Tarva!"

"Huh? Oh- Yes, Kam?"

"I've been trying to get your attention ever since we arrived at the manor!"

Oh, so we've already arrived.
"My apologies, Kam, let's not keep our new allies waiting!"

Quickly entering the Manor, Kam fills me in on more details for the situation. Apparently, a ship of unknown make just appeared near our planet's orbit, and after a nearby station nearly had a stampede at the sudden appearance, they managed to calm down long enough to notice the craft had transmitted a data dump for them to analyze. As of right now, the researchers at the station had only just managed to get their language translated, and they were waiting on me to initiate a proper first-contact. Once we got up to my office, I took a deep breath to steady myself before contacting the research station; as the call connected, a very excited-looking researcher picked up.

"Oh thank goodness you're here, Governor, we've been going through the data packet these newcomers have sent, and it's.. definitely very interesting."

Well that certainly got my attention.
"In what ways is it interesting?"

"Well first of all, they seem to claim to be a union of two species from their planet, which is already interesting enough. But there's something that's somewhat.. concerning to see in a new species."

"What is it? Are they.. are they already diseased?"

"No no, nothing like that, it's just.. they seem to still hold the primitive belief in magic, despite how advanced they seem to be."

"I see.. well, while that may be a slight concern, I still believe it would be worth contacting them anyways. Are we able to hail them now?"

"Just a moment, governor, we're almost done with applying the translation data… There! Alright, we will send them a hail now!"

After a brief delay that felt longer than it was, the hail was sent, and the transmission was accepted. Appearing on the screen was a brown-furred individual, sitting in some kind of pilot's chair. I'd almost begun to introduce myself before my voice died in my throat at what exactly I was looking at. Despite somewhat resembling a Venlil, the thing that my instincts caught on was their eyes: despite seemingly being closed, it was still quite clear that they were forward facing, predatory. I couldn't stop my entire body from freezing up at the realization, and it seems that everyone else watching the transmission had the same reaction, and I swear I could hear one of the off-camera researchers fainting. We've been tricked.. and by a completely new species at that, there's no telling what dreams of chronic and sustained cruelty lie behind those eyes…

"Hello! On behalf of the Allied Races Union, we come in peace!"

I immediately felt all my thoughts grind to a halt as my mind processes its words.
"Peace? What?"

The furred predator tilted its head before looking to the side.
"Yes, that's right, peace.. are our translators having issues again?"

"No no, we heard right… Why would you want that?"

It seemed to be puzzled by my words. At least if I'm reading it's movements correctly.
"Why wouldn't we? Peace has been the biggest virtue of the Allied Races Union ever since its inception."

Whatever these new predators are, they seem much more willing to talk.. maybe if I can just stall for time… I gesture with my tail as subtly as I can for Kam to send an alert to the Federation. However as I did that, a more pressing question reaches my mind.
"You say you represent an.. 'Allied Races Union'? Do you mean to say that your union has multiple species in it?"

I nearly stampede out of the room when it suddenly bares its fangs at us!
"Of course! Humans and Monsters have been living together peacefully for several generations by now, and we're so glad to find new potential friends!"

Wait.. humans? Aren't they supposed to have wiped themselves out long ago? And now they've found another predator race to work with!
Before I can speak further, Kam interjects.
"You speak so much of peace, but yet you couldn't resist snarling at us, predator!"

Once more its head tilts as it stops snarling.
"Snarl? I don't… Do you mean smiling?"
Its expression seemed to be alarmed after a moment.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean any offense by it, that's just how Humans and Monsters show happiness. I think we got off to a shaky start, could we start over? My name is Frish Dreemurr, and we've come on a mission of peaceful exploration/research."

I'm glad my earlier assumption was right.. maybe if we can keep them talking then we can be saved!
"I am Governor Tarva, welcome to Venlil Prime."

"Thank you. I will admit, we were surprised to find a space station here when we jumped in!"

"Y-You were? Why did you come here if you didn't detect signs of civilization?"

"We hail from Earth, and despite the friendship between Humans and Monsters, scientists of both races always wondered if there was life beyond the stars. This planet was just similar enough to our own that it's where we ended up going."

"So you suspected our planet had the conditions for life, then?"

"Yes, although every scientist back home figured that the biggest discovery would've been some single-celled organisms, and it probably would've been a big victory too. Little did we know we'd find so much more than that!"

"You keep on using first-person plural terms.. am I to assume you're not the only one on the ship?"

"Oh, of course! Where are my manners?"
Frish then turned the camera to the side, showing the second thing that almost made me stampede out of the room in this one interaction. I'm not sure when the scientists on the station disconnected their call, but I'm sure if they hadn't then the sight of a seemingly animated predator skeleton in some kind of robes sitting to the side, its literally bony hand holding some kind of staff.
"This here is Charon, she's our navigator, and she's logging all of this for our records."

The skull turns to look at the camera with its predator gaze, and it takes all of my effort to not faint as the hollow eyes stare seemingly through me, the only thing in the empty sockets being a pair of lights in the center.
"That's right, I'd be up there talking but I don't got the guts for diplomacy."

I jump slightly at the growl that seems to come from off-camera as the view is panned back to the furred one.
"C'mon, can't you go one mission without a bad pun?"

"Nope! Even if it was just-us then I wouldn't stop for anything."

Despite the same growl from before nearly sending me running again, I can't help but see an intelligence in these creatures as I watch them banter. Of course, it isn't long before my reasoning kicks in and the illusion disappears quickly. Predator's don't go looking for life for 'science', they're looking for prey. This is just an intergalactic hunting party.

This was the first non-predator species that the humans and these "monsters" must have found, their words clearly must be their way of searching for signs of weakness. We can't let them know that we're different from them. Maybe if we can keep up an illusion of our own and keep them here.. then maybe they'll either leave on their own, or the Federation will come to our rescue.

Despite any second thoughts, this felt like the best path forward.
"What do you say about visiting Venlil Prime firsthand? As esteemed guests of the Republic, of course."

Frish seemed to glow at my question.
"Of course! It would be an honor!"

After transmitting the coordinates of the Mansion and closing off the transmission, Kam immediately had very strong words for me.

"What are you thinking! Inviting them to the planet!? What are we to do if they smell weakness and go on a hunting rampage?!"

My tail swished in agitation as I attempt to compose myself.
"You saw as well as I did that they seem to like talking more than the Greys, either we can convince them that we're like them enough that they'll leave, or we can keep them occupied long enough for assistance to arrive. Regardless, I want a full Exterminator squad on standby just in case, but make sure they're only to intervene if absolutely necessary."

I dismissed Kam to get the Exterminators arranged before he could argue, and I had to wake up poor Cheln to come with me and greet our new visitors. Oh Great Protector, please let this plan work…

Memory Transcription Subject: Frish Dreemurr, Allied Races Union Representative
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 12, 2136

The excitement in everyone is incredibly clear as we descend towards the planet, this is a huge breakthrough after all! Both in science and in the potential relations between another race! Charon quickly put in the coordinates we were set to land at while I called in the other two crew members to the bridge to give them a brief rundown of what's going on.

Mel, our Artificer and mechanic, was ecstatic to see what kinds of technology these aliens might have. She'd always been a techie, to the point her magic extended into being able to control technology and machines. Barnabas on the other hand was equally as excited, although he was moreso excited to be one of the first people to meet real aliens. He is a brilliant scientist with a bright mind.. though his passion for alchemy sometimes results in small detonations. Thank Angel that the ship got reinforced in case of such incidents. Barnabas is honestly a lovely person to be around, but he's sometimes very explosive... Quite literally... No matter how many times I look out the window, it still sometimes feels like a dream. Back home, the scientists only really expected us to come back with maps and report on how the new Void-Drive worked out. Despite being made from years of combined research, not even the scientists who made it are sure how exactly it works, but the fact it does was enough for the Odyssey to be made. Though, I'd always felt something odd about the drive.. I never could exactly place why, but that's not import—

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Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 12, 2136

The thought of being in such close proximity to these new predators chilled more than the cold air. Despite already beginning to regret my decision, it was far too late to turn back now, the only solace I had was that Kam would be watching to make sure that, if anything happens, the Exterminators we have on standby wouldn't let these predators get away with it. Swirling through my head though were countless questions, about how the humans had survived their extinction, where these so-called "monsters" even came from, and how in Protector's name skeletal remains could be animated like that!? Breathe, Governor, we can't show even an inkling of weakness.

All I could do was watch on in fear as the foreign ship landed and powered down, followed by a landing ramp opened up. The previously seen brown-furred one and the skeleton walked out, followed by a pair of humans who- Oh Protector that one is massive! All of them are taller than federation standards, but that one?!!? He could easily overpower an Arxur in a brawl! Their predatory eyes force them to turn their heads to look at their surroundings. Probably finding the best places for their farms… Soon enough, their gazes land on the Governor's Mansion before they turn towards the city, almost as if they were admiring the architecture.. but that's just preposterous! What if this group is just a scouting party? Aside from the giant, they don't seem specifically dangerous besides being preda—

Stars what was that!? My mind raced as I suddenly heard an explosion of some sort! Did they bring explosives down to the meeting? Had they planned to take out the planet's leader first? I'm only brought from my thoughts when I hear Cheln hitting the ground next to me. Looking out towards the landing party, I'm immediately confused by what I saw: it looked as if the giant human had fallen down, and now was covered in.. soot? The other three predators didn't look particularly concerned, only sparing their fallen associate a brief glance as the other human.. helped them up? Looking back to the furred one, I'm able to immediately notice how their likely bloodthirsty gaze locks onto Cheln's unconscious form. Protector please, don't let things go so poorly so soon.

As soon as the predators attempt to come any closer, I see the bodies of the standby Exterminators putting themselves between us, Kam coming up to try and wake Cheln.

"You won't make an easy meal out of anyone today, predator!"

"H-Huh? Wait-!"

Before the predator can try any of its trickery, the Exterminators begin spewing flame to try and remove them.. only for something utterly horrifying and entirely unbelievable to happen. Before the flames can reach the predators, they suddenly begin to swirl in the air before coalescing right into the predator's hands! When the Exterminators realize what's happening, they stop firing, followed by the monster simply closing their hands and getting rid of the fire! Next to them, the skeleton's staff suddenly has a curved, glowing blade on it that definitely wasn't there before, but before the Exterminators can try anything else, purple-colored threads appear out of nowhere and grab ahold of their flamers, pulling them from their grips! Just as quickly as that happened, their shape changes and they morph to resemble some kind of small mechanical animals, and when they reach the ground they start chasing around the Exterminators!

"Mel! That wasn't necessary!"

"Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't resist toying with new technology…"

Turning my focus to these impossible predators, I see that the skeleton's weapon has returned to its inconspicuous staff, while the furred one addressed one of the humans, Mel by the sound of it. I'm not quite sure why they're admonishing their associate until I notice purple threads coming from Mel's fingers and seemingly fading away into thin air along the length. Why would they be upset about retaliating? Especially since we were the ones who struck first… These predators make absolutely no sense! Suddenly the flamers-turned-mechanical-animals all bounded towards Mel, laying down at her feet. The two monsters turn their gazes back onto me and I feel my entire body freeze.

"I'm so sorry about her.. and for Barnabas, I should have warned you about him."

"Yeah, he tends to have an explosive personality."

"Charon! Ugh, I think we got off on another bad first note.. would you mind if we went inside and tried to start over… Again. We can help your friend here inside if you'd like."

Before I could form a response, my mind reeling at what sounded like genuine concern in their voice, Kam deemed it fit to antagonize them further.
"You and your associate have already helped enough."

Trying to remedy things, I manage to will myself to step forward, albeit a small step, before speaking up for myself.
"I-It's alright! I apologize for.. how quickly things escalated, and for my advisor here. He's quite on edge."

The less-soot-covered giant predator steps up next to the other two, dusting itself off.
"I'm sorry, normally I'm much better at keeping things under control. I fear I might've ruined everything here…"

Mel walks up and places a paw(?) onto his shoulder. A gesture of comfort..?
"Barnabas here didn't mean any harm by it, his.. explosive tendencies are mostly harmless… Unless you're faint of heart, like your advisor seems to be."

If these predators are looking for weakness, they just got several displays of it, and even seemingly showed it themselves. At this point, I don't think keeping up the ruse would be productive. Maybe these predators are capable of higher thought than I gave them credit for. Taking a deep breath, I try and keep everything going.

"Could you help us carry Cheln inside? We'll give a tour afterwards."

Mel tugged on the glowing strings from her fingers, the mechanical animals seemingly combining together into a single bigger one, whereupon she picked up Cheln with surprising delicacy and placed him onto her animals' back. From there, everyone–minus the Exterminators, now lacking their flamers–entered into the mansion.

We just have to stall them until the Federation arrives… They'll likely be studied to find out what these strange glowing abilities they've demonstrated thus far. The station said their information packet mentioned magic… No, Tarva! Magic is just primitive belief.. right? There's no way.. It has to be some kind of technology. Regardless, these are predators, they survive by killing, and the humans slaughter each other all the time!

"Thank you for your hospitality despite everything, Governor Tarva, it's very kind of you. I can hope that Humans and Monsters can make the Venlil our new friends someday!"

"Yes, friends."
Why do I feel such an ache in my heart…
"I hope so as well."

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 12, 2136

As we enter the Governor's Mansion, I can't help but notice the way our 'guests' can't seem to take their eyes off of the interior. After a brief stop to place down Cheln, Frish began speaking.

"I think that, before the tour really starts, I should introduce everyone! As I'd said before landing, I'm Frish Dreemurr, and we've come on the Odyssey for research and exploration."

They then gesture to the living skeleton next to them. Ever since earlier, it seemed more on-edge around us, but even still they wave their hand.

"And I've technically already introduced Charon as well, she's the navigator for the ship."

Charon bows slightly before responding.
"Yes, I originally volunteered so I could see space, but I never could've guessed we'd meet real aliens. It means a skele-ton to be part of our first ever first contact."

Frish groans some, while the other two chuckle lightly. Turning towards the humans, Frish continues the introductions.
"And these two are Mel Machina and Barnabas Lionheart, our artificer and scientist, respectively."

Mel, the human still currently controlling the mechanical beast, gave a deeper bow.
"It is wonderful to be able to meet new potential allies, I can hope an alliance between us would Persevere through thick and thin."

Barnabas meanwhile, the towering figure, gave a wave similar to Charon did.
"I'm still amazed we get to meet actual aliens. Oh and uh, sorry for the commotion outside.. I've got a lot of magic in my SOUL and sometimes it just tends to explode out."

If I hadn't seen the impossible feats of these predators before, I'd have scoffed at the mentions of magic, but there's no other explanation for what I'd seen. With introductions done properly, I begin the tour of our manor, and answering the almost endless questions that they ask. Stars, if you didn't look at them, you wouldn't think that they were predators… I'm careful with my answers so none of them suspect anything about the Federation, the last thing we need is two new hunters to join with the Arxur; we're already barely making it by as it is.

With my brain completely on autopilot, I bring the 'tour' into my office, hoping that maybe I could stall them off here. I know the nearest fleet is quite a ways out but why is it taking so long? As I continue answering other questions, one makes my blood run cold when I hear it.

"Who are these others?"
Turning towards the voice, I find the skeleton looking at a 3D photo on my desk. A photo of myself and other Federation species' representatives.
"And now that I think about it.. there weren't any reporters or anything when we landed, and this mansion feels like a total ghost town."

This seems to get the attention of the group, and I can feel my tail stiffen while the rest of my body starts trembling, despite my attempts at holding myself together. Is this it? Is this how Venlil Prime falls? I'd hoped that at least I'd be able to do more for my people… Maybe I can finally be reuinted with— What is this? My mind clears as I feel.. an embrace? I manage to wipe the tears I didn't realize were flowing and I see what was happening. Frish, one of the monsters, had me in their arms. For a moment I feel myself flooded with fear before realizing what exactly was happening. I– I'm in a predator's arms, but.. I'm still alive? Instead of fangs or claws tearing my flesh, all I feel is.. warmth, and I can't stop myself as I return the embrace and release more pent-up emotion than I realized I was holding back, just sobbing into the arms of a predator.

As I come back to my senses, I can see Kam's completely baffled expression, meanwhile the other three.. they don't seem like this is anything out of the ordinary. In fact, as I look into those ordinarily piercing eyes, I can see a true spark of intelligence, even in the glowing dots in Charon's eye sockets. Frish is the one to break the silence first.

"I kept seeing the way the people we saw reacted to us.. you must've thought we were here to attack you. We're so, so sorry for causing so much pain."

"Y-Yes.. we did."

They release the embrace and stand back up, meanwhile I can't help the guilt that aches in my chest, remembering the distress signal we had sent.
"Kam, rescind the planetary distress signal."

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I'm afraid it's a bit late for that."

"You don't mean…"

"Yes, the Federation is already here, and they're hailing us now."

I look towards our guests, realizing what would happen if they were discovered. Before I can try and think of something, Barnabas grabs several vials of a very light gray, almost white fluid.
"I think we all see the writing on the walls here; everyone, take these and stay quiet. Tarva, you'll be fine to answer that afterwards."

I'm about to ask a question, before the words die in my throat at what I witness. All four of them drink from the vials--Charon too, somehow, despite only being a skeleton--and they completely disappear before my eyes. Shaking the shock from my system, I brush my fur with my paws slightly before turning towards Kam, telling him to accept the hail.

The person hailing us was none other than Captain Sovlin, from the Gojid Union. Initially I was surprised that he would be sent, until Kam silently showed the scans of the fleet. There were.. surprisingly few ships for a planetary distress response.

Sovlin speaks up rather quickly after the hail was accepted, relief visible in his expressions.
"Governor Tarva. We're here to assist, what seems to be the problem?"

"I see the Federation sent its finest, and the Venlil Republic expresses our thanks, however you seem to have come all this way for no reason."

This immediately soured his mood, his response almost a growl.
"The planetary distress signal is only to be used in extreme emergencies. I hope you have a good explanation for all of this."

Quick Tarva, think!
"There was a sudden solar flare that damaged our orbital scanners briefly, and it seemed a new intern panicked and misinterpreted the outage as another Arxur raid."

Sovlin scrutinized me, clearly not completely buying my story. Ordinarily, a sensor malfunction would be cleared up quite quickly, but I'd hoped that blaming a nonexistent intern would make the story more believable. He seemed very suspicious, but didn't seem to voice that.

"General Kam, you're awfully quiet. Do you have anything you'd like to add?"

"Only that I'd like to personally speak with the intern responsible for all of this panic."

"Alright, then Tarva. Why haven't you rescinded the distress signal yet?"

Right, that…
"I'm sorry for that, Captain, it took some time to clear everything up with how panicked people were; by the time we'd realized the mistake, we were already receiving your hail."
I gesture with my tail for Kam to disable the alert. Now, I have a question myself…
"Speaking of our scanners, Captain. I couldn't help but notice how few ships were brought in this response fleet. Care to explain this?"

That seemed to take him off-guard, though his ears dropped slightly with a soft sigh.
"It wasn't exactly my idea.. Piri petitioned for more ships, but were told that we should treat the alert as 'low-priority'. Something about panicking so soon after the prior raid.. and unfortunately it seems they were right."

I can't even begin to form a response to that. Respond as if it's low-priority, to a planetary distress of all signals? Fortunately, Kam seemed more than capable of responding for me.
"Low-priority? Low-priority!? What if this had been another raid? What would the Federation have done if another world was lost to the damned Grey?!"

"Kam, I'm sorry, but neither I nor Piri were able to change any minds. I'm just thankful that it was a false alarm, with how few ships we have."
Both of the military officers take a deep breath, Kam straightening back up while Sovlin continues.
"Despite the smaller fleet, we do still have to take a system scan just to be sure."

I almost felt a rush of fear before remembering how abruptly their ship appeared above the planet. If none of our sensors could pick up any signatures, then I doubt Sovlin's ships will either. Still, I feel a tension in the air as the system is scanned for anything…

"All seems clear. Again, I'm sorry for the lackluster response, and General? Make sure to give that intern a piece of your mind for me."

"Will do, Captain. Just be sure and give a piece of your mind for the low-priority response for us as well."

"Of course."

And with that, the call disconnects, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Almost as if on cue, the group of four suddenly became visible again, although none were standing somewhere that would've been in view of the camera. Good thinking, if that call had gone one any longer, it would've been bad for them to be discovered like that.

"Perfect timing, I didn't know how long the call was gonna last so I hoped the invisibility would've lasted long enough. Even still, I'm glad we stepped out of view just in case."

Frish steps forwards, a look that seems concerned.
"Thank you for protecting us.. you had no obligation to. I just hope this won't have any consequences for you with your allies."

"Well, we're just lucky your ship doesn't leave any FTL signatures, otherwise they would've found out you were here. If that were the case, I don't know what we'd have done.. probably something a lot worse like turn them away at missile-point."

"I'm glad things didn't turn out that way. So.. what exactly is happening with your Federation? It seems like you're in some kind of massive war."

Taking a deep breath, I steady myself as I begin to explain everything, from the Federation and its purpose, to the true monsters that are the Arxur. I even pulled up one of the videos they'd sent to torment us on my pad, handing it over for them to see. As they watch, I can't exactly make out their expressions, but in their eyes I can see.. anger, at what's happening; Frish, however, seemed more horrified than angry, their hands trembling as they hold onto the datapad. Out of the four, Charon speaks up first, her voice lower and likely suppressing some anger.

"This is how they treat their prisoners? And children at that?"

"And children at that?" Her words echo in my mind briefly, because it shows that they also see it being children makes it much worse. Kam, once again, responds before I can; his voice understandable cold, given the topic at hand.

"That's no prison, that's a farm. Hardier races get to be slaves, all end up becoming food; the unlucky ones lose their home planets."

Mel catches the tablet with her strings as Frish drops it, their entire body trembling and their breathing deep. Charon places an arm across their back, and after a moment, their expression shifts to something new.. not quite anger, but not the horror from before, a look of pure determination I'd never seen before.

"Tarva, please send us everything you have on the Arxur. There's something I think that all of Earth would like to bring down on these Arxur."

I look up at the human, unsure of what our allies would bring to this centuries-long war.
"And.. what is it exactly that you plan on doing?"

Frish looks over at Charon, the glow of her eyes seemingly a yellow now.
"We'll show them what Justice looks like."

{ERROR - Corrupted Transcription Data Detected}
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{Recovery Failed: Adjacent Transcription Data Found}
{Loading Memory Transcription . . .}

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 12, 2136

After giving everyone a chance to calm down from the excitement of dealing with Sovlin, the first thing I had in mind was questions, primarily about this magic these Terrans seem to have.

"If I may ask.. how exactly does this magic work? Every bit of science we have says that magic is just the beliefs of primitives, but seeing it all firsthand.. there's no way to argue against it anymore."

The group looks amongst themselves before Barnabas speaks up first.
"Well, the exact mechanisms aren't completely known, but I'd be more than happy to explain what we do know. But first! What do you know about SOULs?"

This is going to be an entire lecture, I can feel it already.

Memory Transcription Subject: Charon, Navigator of The Odyssey
Date [Standardized Human Time]: July 12, 2136

Man, all it takes is one question and it's like all of his knowledge just comes right off the leash. Deciding to leave Barnabas and the others can sufficiently explain Magic to these Venlil, I figure checking up on Cheln wouldn't hurt. Tracing the path we took through the mansion, I still can't believe how extravagant it is sometimes, it doesn't take very long to reach the room where Tarva's advisor was still out cold. Not too long after I take a seat, I notice Cheln starting to stir before slowly waking back up; of course, his attention almost immediately snaps to the skeleton in the room once he wakes up enough to realize I'm in here. Alright, let's break the tension before it gets too thick.

"Good morning you sleepy boy, I just came over to check up on you. Now that you're up you can join us in Tarva's office."

He still seems confused and anxious before he replies.
"What.. wait- hey! I'm not a boy anymore! I'll have you know I'm a fully grown adult!"

I can't help the giggle I let out at his reaction, guess that did the trick.
"Look at you, a good nap and now you're confident enough to pick a bone with the big scary skeleton."

His ears pin back and tail seems to stiffen.
"W-Wait.. you're not going to eat me?"

My hand reaches my face before I can stop myself, taking a quick deep breath.
"For the love of… We're not that close, fluffy, maybe take me to dinner first."

There's a moment of pause before his muzzle and ears seem to faintly glow orange.
"H-Hang on, that's not-!"

"Calm down, bud! I'm messing with you. Man, you guys are easier than Frish.. and I've known them since they were just a kid. C'mon, let's go on over to the others, I'm sure you'll wanna be caught up on what exactly is going on."

After a moment's hesitation, his tail flicks in a way I can only assume is some kind of confirmation. With that, we both get up and head on back to Tarva's office, walking in relative silence. When the door opens, I see Kam and Tarva watching something on Mel's tablet, something I recognize relatively quickly as a New Years festival in Venice. I wasn't there personally, but I'd seen the videos online, broke the world record for the best magical fireworks display. Cheln walks up to watch as well, and I decide to leave them to that and take another look around the office. No I'm not gonna snoop around.. just look around!

On Tarva's desk, I notice another picture, facing towards the seat so you couldn't see it if you were looking towards the desk. The picture looked to be Tarva with two other Venlil, one of whom seemed to be a child, is this her family? I feel my heart soften for a bit before turning towards the Governor herself.

"Hey Tarva.. forgive me for being nosy, but is this your family?"
My prior emotions take a swift 180 when I see how her expression darkens. Well shit, me and my curiosity…

She walks over to her desk and grabs the picture, holding it delicately as if it would break any moment.
"Well.. yes, they were… I lost my husband, Rellin, to the last Arxur raid, and my dear Stynek has been in a coma ever since… I- I've been sparing no expense to try and help her, but.. nothing's worked, and even the best Zurulian doctors say she'll probably never wake up again."

Great going, Charon.. way to ferry the mood to somewhere bad. Although.. this might be an opportunity… I look over to the crew, Frish was looking at me like they had the same thought, meanwhile Barnabas was clearly struggling to not smile like the madman a lot of people think he is.

"I.. I'm sorry for bringing it up, Governor, but… Maybe we could help."

She looks up at me from the picture, wiping tears from her eyes.
"R-Really? You would.. you would do that?"

Frish steps up and places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"We can't exactly promise anything.. but we can certainly try our best."

I swear I can see hope in her eyes, but before she can respond, Barnabas interjects.
"I'm sure we can get it done, Governor! After all, these two are among the best Healers that Mother Earth has to offer!"

Oh Barnabas.. you and your infections enthusiasm.
"Right, well, we're going to need a bit of help. Barnabas, you and Mel head back to the Odyssey with Kam and Cheln. If we're going to be doing healing, we need only your strongest potions."

The two nod before heading out of the room, Kam and Cheln rushing out to catch up to them.
"Once they're back, we'll head down to the hospital and see what we can do. Again, we can't make any promises, we can only promise that we'll try our best."

{Advancing Transcription Approx. 3 Minutes}

Waiting just outside the manor, we see the four leaving the Odyssey with arms filled with the familiar green of healing potions. After making sure all of the bottles and vials are secure, Frish turns towards Tarva.

"Alright, this should be everything. Tarva, could you lead the way if you don't mind?"

"Well, I mean.. it's only just now coming to mind, but you four showing up is likely to cause a stampede…"

I felt my very SOUL ache when I see how dejected she looked. Having a sudden idea, I go over and share it with Mel, and with a quick combination of magic, we make some featureless masks for each of us to wear.

"There we go, will this help? I can get some more covering robes as well if that would help."

It only took an extra minute for everything to get ready, and we all piled into the Governor's personal transport. The ride towards the hospital was tense with all kinds of emotions. Normally now is when a pun would cut the tension.. though this doesn't feel like the time for that. After another minute of travel, we pull up to the entrance and see that we've already drawn attention, eyes being drawn towards us. Ah the press is going to have a field day with this…

Once actually in the hospital room, there's a silent understanding between Frish, Barnabas, and I as we figure out what exactly is happening. Tarva told us what happened, there was a gas attack on Stynek's school, and she's been in a coma from whatever they used. Calm down, Charon, the Union can dish out more Justice down the line; they need a Kind hand right now.

Setting aside my staff, I hover my hands over her body, closing my eyes and letting my magic do the seeing for me, sensing what exactly the problem might be. I don't exactly know these people's biology, but everything here feels stable for a coma patient— Wait, there.. the brain.. it has to be some kind of neurological damage. Looking up to Frish, I see they've notice the same thing.

"Alright, this is going to be a delicate process.. Barnabas, be ready with those potions, because it's gonna use up a lot of energy to make this happen, both ours and hers… Her body's going to have to restore the damage itself, but we'll be helping it along the whole way."

After taking a moment, we get to work, me and Frish with our magic, and Barnabas with his potions. Healing the body normally isn't very hard, it's the nervous system that tends to be difficult. The body has to recover those connections on its own, so Healers can only push it in the right direction, using up more magic and energy for all parties involved. Focusing solely on the healing takes a lot of mindpower, and so by the time it's all said and done, there's no telling how much time has passed, especially since this planet doesn't seem to have a day cycle. Frish and I are both laying back in chairs too small for us, completely exhausted. Likely mustering extra energy, I see Frish hold out their hand which glowed green, probably checking if everything's done.

"Alright.. we've done all that we can for now.. you should probably have her put on some more dense nutrient IVs. Restoring damage like this used up a lot of energy."

I nod slightly, pulling myself into a proper sitting position.
"Yeah.. her brain should be as good as new. Although.. it's gonna take time to know if she'll be able to wake up.. it's on her from here. You should visit her often.. talk with her, hold her hand, that tends to be incredibly helpful with coma patients waking up."

Looking over, I see Tarva walk up to the bedside, holding her daughter's hand (paw?), tears starting to form in her eyes before she looks over to me and Frish.
"I.. I already don't know how to thank you… If- If I can get my little girl back.. consider me in your debt."

That look in her eyes, it's the same look from at the manor. The look of someone who'd almost lost all hope grasping onto it tightly again, I can only hope that the result will be just as Tarva dreamed it would be like.

{Unknown Error – Memory Transcription Data Invalid}
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M̴e̶m̴o̵r̵y̴ ̸T̸r̷a̸n̴s̴c̵r̸i̸p̴t̵i̶o̵n̷ ̴S̶u̵b̴j̸e̴c̸t̷:̶ {Ī̵̤̊N̴̛̫̱Ā̶̞̗C̸̪̺̋C̴͍̹͠E̸̼̯͂̚S̵̮̃͊S̶̯̹̓I̷̩͛͌B̸͓͒L̶̟̈́É̴̫̎}
̵D̷a̸t̶e̸ ̶[̴S̸t̷a̷n̴d̷a̵r̶d̵i̸z̸e̸d̶ ̸E̴a̶r̴t̵h̷ ̶T̷i̸m̵e̴]̶:̸ {̸̰͊Ḭ̵̈́n̶͖̑f̸͕͘ö̵̡́r̷̗̔m̴̞̌a̶̭̚t̶͇̕i̶̘̍ȯ̸̻n̵͖͊ ̶̟̎C̶̫̽o̵͠ͅř̴͓r̷̮͂u̷̫͛p̵̰̌t̵̫͘ë̵͎́ḏ̸͝}̴̤͛

Where.. is this place? How did I get here? I don't remember home having forests like this… This place feels weird, it looks weird too, grass and trees aren't this color, and the sky's never ever this dark. There's something else too.. I think it's.. music? I can barely hear it over the breeze, but I can follow it pretty easily, I wonder who's playing the music.

Walking towards it, it's slowly getting louder, but I also see even more weird things in the forest. It looks like there's mirrors floating here, but they don't show reflections, they have pictures in them! They all look like pictures someone would have in a book of family pictures, showing all kinds of parts of people's lives! Although.. the pictures here are kinda fuzzy, I can hardly make them out really well. Wait, that looks similar. Huh, it looks like a few of the pictures are all really similar.. but different somehow, kinda like twins sometimes! But.. the images feel kind of sad, how did so many people fall into the dark like that? Actually, how do you fall into the dark? Oh! Where did they go? I know they were right here, but…

Wait, the music! I'm getting closer, I gotta keep following it! Wherever this music is coming from, I bet it's not in the forest, because there aren't as many trees out here. Hmm, how was I hearing the music from so far away? It's so soft and soothing… Oh wait, there's another tree! Woah.. it's bigger than the ones in the forest. Oh! Is that a bench? I should probably rest, I've been walking for a while.. I think? Woah wait, there's someone here! Who is that.. I don't think I've even seen anyone that big…

"O̴h̷?̴ ̸I̷t̵ ̷l̴o̵o̸k̸s̷ ̷l̴i̸k̴e̷ ̵I̴ ̷h̶a̵v̵e̷ ̴s̶o̷m̴e̷ ̴c̶o̸m̶p̵a̴n̸y̸.̵ ̶I̸t̴ ̶h̶a̶s̷ ̸b̶e̵e̶n̷ ̴f̸a̴r̶ ̵t̶o̸o̸ ̵l̷o̵n̸g̶ ̷s̸i̶n̶c̷e̶ ̸I̸ ̶s̵p̵o̴k̸e̸ ̷t̸o̵ ̷a̶n̸y̶o̵n̵e̷.̴"
̴"C̴h̵i̴l̸d̷,̷ ̷y̶o̶u̴ ̶m̷a̸y̷ ̴c̵o̸m̵e̴ ̷a̵n̵d̵ ̷t̸a̸k̶e̸ ̸a̶ ̶s̶e̴a̸t̵,̴ ̶t̶h̸e̴r̷e̶ ̸i̵s̵ ̵p̵l̷e̴n̴t̸y̸ ̸o̶f̴ ̴r̸o̴o̵m̵ ̸h̴e̴r̶e̶.̸"

His voice sounds weird.. it's like when a speaker isn't working right. The bench looks pretty comfy.. I guess I can have a seat. I can get a closer look at him now! Even if he's really big and kinda scary, I don't really feel that scared. He's got an interesting outfit.. most people don't wear clothes, but some special people do! Even still though.. they never wore as much as he does, it looks really heavy. Ooh! Is he super strong? Wait, his.. paws? They look really thin, and there's holes in the middle, doesn't that hurt..? His face is strange too.. it's kinda hard to look at, but it looks.. broken, and melting? How can something break and melt at the same time? Wait, that's his face! And his eyes, they're.. they look as dark as the sky here, there's big cuts coming from them too, one going up and one down, but.. they're on the front, and there's a light in each of them.

School says eyes on the front means a predator! I should be scared but.. he feels so friendly!

"W̶o̸u̸l̵d̶ ̶y̸o̷u̷ ̵l̷i̵k̵e̷ ̸s̶o̸m̷e̶ ̵t̵e̷a̴?̶"

"Oh um, no thank you mister…"

"Y̴'̴k̷n̸o̶w̶,̶ ̵t̴h̴e̸y̸ ̴u̷s̷e̴d̵ ̷t̸o̵ ̴c̵a̴l̶l̶ ̸m̸e̵ ̷D̸o̸c̶t̶o̶r̵ ̴█̶̲̩̹͖̯̟̓̓͂͋͝͝█̸̹̥͒͂̓͝͝█̵̜̭̲̠͇̝̑̃̆̀█̷̨̞̹̹̽͒̄͛ͅ█̵̻̦̰͓͇̊̽̐̉͠█̷̝̇̉̓"

"Sorry mister but.. I didn't really hear that."

"A̵h̶,̴ ̷t̶h̸a̷t̶'̴s̷ ̴r̸i̴g̴h̷t̸.̸ ̷T̴h̶a̷t̸ ̶n̴a̵m̴e̸ ̴d̷o̸e̶s̵n̷'̴t̴ ̷r̸e̸a̷l̷l̷y̸ ̵e̴x̵i̷s̸t̵ ̵a̷n̶y̵m̷o̵r̸e̶.̸ ̵I̴n̸ ̷t̵h̶a̷t̵ ̴c̶a̶s̸e̴ ̵y̴o̵u̶ ̵j̶u̷s̴t̵ ̷c̸a̷l̷l̷ ̵m̶e̸ ̴D̸o̵c̸t̶o̷r̵"

"Mister Doctor, are you.. are you a predator?"

"H̵m̴m̴,̶ ̵y̷o̵u̵r̷ ̴s̷o̵c̷i̵e̶t̵y̶ ̸w̵o̵u̸l̵d̷ ̴s̷a̵y̷ ̴a̸s̴ ̴m̶u̵c̵h̶,̷ ̶b̵u̵t̸ ̸I̴ ̵w̶o̷u̷l̴d̶n̸'̴t̷ ̸a̸g̸r̴e̶e̵ ̴w̷i̶t̸h̴ ̴t̶h̷e̵m̸.̸"

I can't help but tilt my head at him.
"What do you mean, Mister Doctor?"

"W̴h̵e̵n̵ ̴y̷o̷u̶r̷ ̷p̵e̷o̷p̴l̶e̸ ̶s̸a̶y̶ ̸'̶p̷r̵e̶d̷a̶t̴o̷r̶'̵.̶.̶ ̴t̵h̵e̴y̴ ̸m̴e̵a̸n̷ ̶s̷o̷m̶e̷t̶h̷i̸n̶g̵ ̷t̴o̶t̵a̴l̶l̸y̸ ̸e̶v̷i̸l̴.̴ ̴A̵s̷ ̸a̴.̴.̷ ̴f̶o̷r̶m̸e̸r̵ ̶m̵a̴n̶ ̶o̶f̵ ̷s̷c̵i̸e̷n̵c̷e̷,̸ ̶I̴ ̸c̷a̶n̴'̸t̷ ̶h̵e̸l̴p̷ ̴b̷u̸t̸ ̴d̷i̷s̸a̶g̵r̵e̸e̴ ̷w̷i̶t̵h̶ ̵t̷h̸a̴t̵.̴"

"Why not? My teachers say that predators are evil! S-Sorry if that's mean to say to you, Mister…"

There's a sound that almost sounds like a whistling laugh, but it sounds.. like there's no air in it somehow.
"W̷e̴l̴l̸,̷ ̶a̶n̶i̸m̶a̴l̷s̶ ̴r̴e̵a̴l̸l̵y̷ ̴c̶a̸n̶'̷t̸ ̷b̶e̶ ̴e̶v̴i̶l̷,̷ ̷t̷h̸e̷y̸ ̷j̶u̸s̶t̵ ̵d̴o̴ ̵w̴h̴a̴t̵ ̴t̷h̵e̵y̴ ̷c̶a̶n̶ ̵t̷o̴ ̶s̴u̸r̵v̷i̷v̵e̵,̵ ̸e̵v̶e̷n̶ ̵i̶f̷ ̷u̵s̸ ̴i̴n̷t̵e̵l̶l̵i̵g̵e̷n̴t̷ ̵f̸o̸l̴k̶ ̸c̴o̸n̵s̷i̷d̸e̵r̸ ̶i̵t̴ ̶c̶r̵u̸e̷l̶.̷ ̸A̵n̸i̶m̷a̵l̴s̸ ̴d̴o̵n̸'̶t̷ ̷r̷e̸a̴l̵l̴y̵ ̶c̵h̵o̶s̵e̵ ̷w̴h̵a̵t̷ ̸t̶h̸e̶y̷ ̵d̷o̷ ̶l̵i̶k̵e̷ ̷w̷e̸ ̴d̶o̵.̶ ̴F̶o̶r̵ ̴e̷x̴a̶m̷p̴l̷e̷.̶.̶ ̸w̸o̷u̸l̶d̶ ̸y̷o̴u̷ ̷w̸a̷n̴t̴ ̸t̶o̸ ̶e̶a̷t̴ ̷j̵u̸s̷t̶ ̵a̴n̷y̵ ̴b̷u̸s̶h̴ ̴y̴o̷u̴ ̷c̴a̵m̸e̶ ̶a̸c̵r̷o̵s̵s̸?̴"

"No! Well.. maybe if it had bunt leaves. Most plants are yucky! That's why our farmers grow the good plants!"

"E̶x̴a̶c̸t̵l̴y̸,̵ ̶m̸y̸ ̶f̷l̸u̸f̴f̷y̷ ̵f̷r̵i̷e̸n̷d̵.̴ ̵Y̷o̴u̷ ̷w̶o̶u̸l̵d̶n̶'̶t̷ ̵n̴i̵b̶b̸l̷e̵ ̴o̵n̶ ̶j̷u̷s̵t̶ ̵a̴n̴y̴ ̴l̶e̷a̴f̷ ̷i̷f̸ ̵y̷o̸u̸ ̷w̷e̸r̶e̵ ̸h̷u̴n̴g̷r̸y̶,̴ ̴t̶h̷a̵t̴'̵s̶ ̸o̸n̴e̶ ̵o̶f̶ ̷t̵h̷e̸ ̴t̶h̴i̵n̸g̷s̶ ̸t̷h̵a̸t̷ ̵m̷a̵k̶e̴s̵ ̵u̶s̶ ̸d̶i̵f̵f̶e̴r̸e̶n̵t̵ ̷f̴r̴o̸m̴ ̶m̸e̷r̴e̴ ̸a̸n̸i̶m̷a̴l̵s̵.̸"

"But.. what about the Arxur? They're big, and mean, and scary! A-And they.. th-they eat people."

Mister Doctor puts his hand on my head. His hand is really big, but it helps calm me down.
"L̷i̵k̷e̷ ̵I̸ ̷s̸a̷i̴d̸,̸ ̸c̸h̵i̸l̴d̴,̸ ̷u̵s̵ ̷i̶n̵t̵e̴l̵l̸i̵g̷e̵n̴t̸-̶ ̸n̵o̷,̷ ̵u̸s̷ ̶s̴a̸p̵i̶e̵n̵t̶ ̸f̸o̵l̶k̵ ̷c̸h̸o̷o̸s̵e̴ ̷w̶h̷a̶t̴ ̷w̷e̸ ̷d̵o̴,̸ ̷h̶o̸w̷ ̴w̸e̶ ̷a̷c̵t̸.̴ ̸T̷h̸e̵y̴ ̸c̵h̷o̴o̵s̵e̶ ̶t̶h̴a̶t̵ ̶p̵a̴t̴h̵,̵ ̴w̵h̷i̶c̶h̷ ̸i̵s̴ ̴s̵t̶i̸l̸l̵ ̵t̸h̸e̵i̸r̵ ̶d̷e̷c̷i̷s̵i̵o̴n̶…̵ ̶E̸v̵e̷n̷ ̴i̴f̴ ̵y̴o̵u̴ ̷m̶a̶y̶ ̷n̷o̸t̸ ̸k̸n̴o̴w̴ ̴w̸h̵y̵ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̴ ̶d̴o̶ ̵i̵t̵,̴ ̴t̸h̴e̶r̶e̴ ̷i̶s̶ ̷a̴l̸w̸a̶y̵s̵ ̷a̷ ̵r̶e̶a̷s̶o̵n̶ ̴w̸h̷y̴ ̷p̴e̷o̷p̶l̵e̴ ̶d̸o̶ ̸t̴h̷i̴n̴g̷s̴.̴ ̶P̷e̶o̷p̶l̶e̷ ̶d̸o̴n̵'̶t̴ ̸c̷h̸o̶o̴s̵e̶ ̷e̶v̵i̸l̸ ̴a̸n̸d̸ ̸d̷e̴s̴t̷r̴u̸c̵t̴i̴o̴n̶ ̷o̷u̶t̸ ̵o̵f̵ ̵n̸o̸w̷h̴e̷r̸e̴,̷ ̷f̵o̴r̶ ̷n̸o̴ ̶r̸e̶a̵s̵o̴n̵.̸"

There's always a reason..? But.. what would make someone do something so scary?
I take some time to try and think, but.. I can't even imagine why anyone would do that.

"Mister Doctor? Where.. are we? I don't think home has anywhere like this."

"A̶h̶,̷ ̷y̴e̵s̷…̴ ̸T̵o̷ ̵a̸n̷s̵w̶e̵r̷ ̴v̶e̴r̴y̵ ̸s̶i̸m̵p̷l̸y̴,̷ ̵t̶h̵i̷s̷ ̸p̶l̶a̸c̶e̵ ̷i̶s̷ ̵w̷h̴a̸t̷ ̸y̶o̸u̶r̷ ̴m̷i̶n̶d̵ ̷i̷s̸ ̶s̶e̵e̸i̵n̴g̵.̴ ̷W̶h̷e̵r̶e̵ ̴w̸e̷ ̵a̶c̵t̵u̸a̴l̶l̸y̷ ̶a̵r̷e̵ ̵i̶s̶ ̶t̷h̴e̴ ̴p̸l̶a̵c̴e̶ ̶i̴n̴-̷b̷e̴t̴w̶e̶e̵n̸,̴ ̵w̷h̸e̷r̵e̴ ̸t̸h̴e̶r̸e̶ ̸i̶s̴ ̷a̶b̷s̶o̴l̴u̸t̸e̸l̴y̴ ̵n̷o̴t̵h̵i̶n̶g̷.̸ ̵O̵f̵ ̴c̶o̸u̸r̷s̷e̸,̵ ̵y̶o̴u̶r̴ ̷m̴i̵n̴d̵ ̴c̶a̴n̵n̸o̵t̷ ̷u̶n̴d̷e̵r̵s̶t̸a̴n̸d̸ ̸p̶u̷r̸e̵ ̴n̴o̸t̴h̸i̷n̵g̶,̴ ̴s̴o̷ ̴t̶h̶i̶s̷ ̵i̵s̴ ̷w̶h̷a̷t̴ ̵y̵o̶u̶ ̵s̶e̶e̴.̶ ̷I̶t̵ ̶m̴a̶y̵ ̵n̵o̸t̵ ̸b̴e̴ ̴t̵o̶t̶a̶l̵l̴y̴ ̸r̴e̷a̴l̷,̷ ̸b̶u̴t̵ ̸i̶n̶ ̷y̷o̵u̸r̴ ̴m̴i̶n̵d̴ ̶i̵t̶ ̶i̴s̶ ̶e̴n̷t̷i̴r̷e̴l̴y̸ ̵r̸e̴a̴l̸.̸"

"Wait.. are we in my head? Does that mean I'm dead?!"

"O̴h̵ ̷n̶o̶ ̸n̸o̶ ̵n̵o̸,̵ ̶y̴o̵u̵ ̴a̴r̵e̸ ̶n̵o̷t̵ ̷d̵e̶a̵d̵ ̴y̴e̷t̴,̶ ̸d̸e̵a̸r̴.̷ ̴H̸o̷w̸ ̷s̵h̴a̶l̵l̴ ̶I̴ ̴p̶u̵t̶ ̸t̸h̴i̸s̸.̸.̴ ̷r̶e̸c̶e̸n̴t̶ ̶e̴v̸e̶n̵t̶s̷ ̴h̵a̵v̵e̷ ̶p̴u̵t̶ ̶y̸o̵u̶ ̶i̴n̴ ̷a̴ ̸d̵e̸l̷i̵c̷a̸t̶e̸ ̶p̴o̵s̷i̸t̴i̴o̵n̵.̷ ̴Y̸o̷u̴r̷ ̸l̷a̵s̸t̷ ̷t̶h̶o̷u̴g̷h̸t̷s̷ ̸w̴e̶r̸e̵ ̵c̴a̸l̵l̸i̴n̶g̴ ̷f̴o̴r̶ ̴h̶e̷l̸p̴.̷.̵ ̸b̷u̵t̷ ̸I̶'̷m̵ ̴s̷o̷r̷r̸y̵ ̸t̸o̷ ̴s̴a̶y̸ ̴t̵h̷a̸t̸ ̸n̸o̵b̴o̶d̵y̸ ̴c̶a̶m̸e̸.̶ ̴H̵o̵w̷e̵v̷e̴r̶ ̴y̴o̶u̸ ̶a̷r̵e̴ ̸s̴t̸i̷l̸l̵ ̴q̸u̸i̷t̵e̷ ̶l̷u̵c̴k̸y̴,̸ ̸s̶o̵m̸e̴o̶n̶e̶ ̵v̷e̷r̶y̵ ̷c̵l̴o̵s̷e̴ ̸t̷o̸̸ y̸o̷u̸ ̵h̶a̸s̶ ̵m̶a̶d̸e̴ ̸s̴o̵m̴e̵ ̷n̵e̶w̴ ̶f̷r̴i̶e̶n̸d̴s̷.̷ ̴I̸ ̴a̴m̸ ̴s̶u̸r̶e̴ ̷y̶o̸u̴ ̴w̷i̸l̶l̶ ̴b̷e̶ ̷a̶b̶l̴e̵ ̷t̵o̶ ̸w̶a̸k̴e̶ ̸u̸p̶ ̸v̸e̷r̴y̷ ̸s̵o̸o̸n̷.̴"

"But.. why are you here then?"

He seems.. almost sad for a moment.
"C̷h̶i̴l̵d̶.̸.̴ ̵m̸y̷ ̷s̵i̵t̷u̵a̸t̵i̵o̸n̸ ̴i̶s̷ ̴s̴o̵ ̸m̷u̸c̶h̶ ̴m̴o̶r̸e̷ ̶d̶i̴f̵f̶e̸r̸e̵n̶t̵ ̸t̸h̴a̷n̸ ̶y̷o̴u̶r̶s̸.̶ ̶I̷n̶ ̸m̸y̸ ̵a̸t̴t̶e̴m̴p̴t̶s̸ ̵t̸o̶ ̴s̷a̸v̸e̶ ̸m̷y̵ ̷p̸e̴o̵p̸l̸e̴.̶.̷ ̸I̶ ̴w̴a̷s̷ ̶s̴h̸a̶t̷t̵e̸r̸e̴d̶ ̴a̶c̴r̸o̶s̴s̸ ̶a̵l̶l̵ ̸t̷i̷m̵e̸ ̸a̷n̶d̵ ̸s̶p̵a̷c̵e̶.̴ ̵N̴o̶w̸,̵ ̴h̸o̷w̴e̵v̸e̸r̸,̶ ̵I̴ ̴a̵m̵ ̴a̸b̴l̸e̶ ̵t̸o̴ ̷w̸a̴t̴c̵h̵ ̷t̵h̴e̵m̴ ̴e̷n̸j̵o̵y̴ ̶t̷h̴e̵i̴r̴ ̴f̵r̵e̷e̸d̶o̴m̵,̷ ̸a̵n̴d̷ ̵n̴o̵w̸ ̷I̴ ̶c̷a̸n̷ ̷w̵a̶t̸c̶h̷ ̷a̶s̷ ̸t̸h̴e̷y̴ ̸m̶a̷k̸e̴ ̷n̴e̶w̸ ̴f̵r̶i̷e̸n̸d̶s̷.̸ ̴B̸u̴t̶ ̵I̴ ̴h̶a̵v̷e̴ ̷a̵ ̵f̵e̵e̸l̷i̶n̶g̶.̸.̶ ̵t̶h̶a̵t̸ ̸I̴ ̵w̸o̴n̵'̷t̸ ̸b̸e̵ ̴h̴e̴r̴e̶ ̶f̵o̵r̶ ̸m̷u̸c̷h̶ ̵l̶o̴n̶g̶e̸r̵.̷"

"I hope you can get out soon, Mister, you're very nice!"

"T̷h̷a̴n̶k̶ ̶y̶o̷u̸,̵ ̷c̷h̴i̶l̴d̴.̷ ̴A̶h̸.̷.̸ ̷i̴t̴ ̸s̷e̴e̵m̴s̸ ̷a̸s̷ ̵i̸f̶ ̴i̵t̷'̸s̷ ̴t̶i̸m̴e̷ ̸f̸o̸r̵ ̴y̶o̸u̷ ̵t̴o̸ ̶b̶e̴ ̶w̸a̸k̸i̴n̴g̸ ̷u̵p̶ ̴n̷o̶w̴.̴ ̷Y̵o̵u̸r̴ ̵m̵o̷t̸h̵e̸r̷'̴s̵ ̶n̸e̶w̷ ̷f̵r̷i̶e̶n̵d̵s̵ ̴d̴i̷d̴ ̷q̴u̴i̴t̶e̵ ̸a̶ ̵w̵o̴n̶d̵e̶r̶f̶u̴l̷ ̵j̸o̷b̸ ̶i̸n̸ ̸h̸e̵l̸p̵i̶n̸g̴ ̴y̶o̸u̵.̶"

"Mommy! I can't wait to see mommy again.. I really miss her…"

"S̵h̸e̷ ̶m̸i̵s̵s̷e̸d̸ ̷y̸o̶u̶ ̶e̵v̸e̶n̶ ̷m̴o̶r̷e̶,̸ ̴l̵i̵t̴t̷l̸e̷ ̴o̴n̵e̸.̶ ̵B̶e̶f̴o̴r̷e̴ ̸y̶o̴u̵ ̸g̴o̷.̴.̴ ̵I̷ ̷h̷a̸v̶e̷ ̴a̸ ̸g̶i̶f̶t̸ ̷f̶o̸r̷ ̷h̷e̶r̴,̷ ̶b̶e̶ ̴s̵u̷r̴e̷ ̴s̴h̶e̶ ̸g̸e̷t̴s̸ ̴i̷t̵ ̶w̶h̶e̴n̷ ̶y̵o̷u̸ ̴w̸a̵k̴e̷ ̵u̵p̶.̶ ̵I̵t̵ ̸w̴i̷l̸l̵ ̸c̵e̸r̶t̷a̶i̶n̸l̸y̶ ̸c̶o̴m̵e̶ ̸i̷n̸ ̸h̷a̷n̵d̵y̷ ̷i̴n̴ ̷t̷h̴e̷ ̷f̴u̸t̵u̸r̶e̴.̵"

He holds out a pretty-looking necklace to me. It feels warm in my paws.
"Wait. Mister, if this place.. isn't real, then.. how am I gonna take this with me?"

"D̶o̷n̵'̴t̴ ̶w̶o̵r̸r̵y̷,̸ ̶y̴o̸u̶n̴g̵ ̵o̶n̴e̴,̸ ̶I̵ ̵h̴a̵v̸e̴ ̷m̸y̴ ̸w̶a̷y̵s̸.̷ ̴N̷o̵w̷ ̵g̶o̶,̴ ̴y̴o̷u̴ ̸s̷h̵o̶u̸l̶d̷n̸'̶t̶ ̸k̸e̷e̷p̶ ̴y̷o̷u̵r̶ ̸m̴o̶t̷h̵e̴r̸ ̸w̷a̶i̸t̵i̷n̴g̸.̵"

Before I could say anything else, everything suddenly gets really bright and—


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Memory Transcription Subject: Stynek
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 15, 2136

The lights are really bright.. but I feel like I should still open my eyes.
It hurts a little bit to open my eyes through the light, but when I do open—

"M-Mom..?"

Memory Transcription Subject: Frish Dreemurr, Ambassador
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 15, 2136

These past couple of days were very tense, especially with so much happening at once. First, I'd sent an FTL transmission back to Earth letting them know what exactly had happened, which of course meant admitting that we'd used Magic to heal a new species when we had no idea how their body would react to it, especially given that the Venlil--and by extension, their entire Federation--apparently have no real concept of Magic beyond just stories. Kinda like Humans for a while, I guess. Along with that, I requested a meeting with our Secretary General ASAP, because while the Exterminators who'd seen our "true nature" were being held at the Governor's Mansion, everyone who'd seen us at the hospital were starting to talk online, and the press was starting to demand answers about us. It wasn't just the news asking for answers, though, Tarva kept getting calls from the doctors who'd been overseeing treatments for her daughter, Stynek, because according to them her condition was already too far gone, and yet somehow these new aliens show up and do what none of their brightest medical minds could figure out in an evening. According to them, her brain has been showing significantly increased activity ever since we appeared.

Of course, Tarva could hardly give answers without first knowing much about us herself, and so just about every free moment was spent explaining important history on Earth, Human and Monster biology, and the mechanisms of our Magic. Despite how.. diverse Monsterkind can be, from Monsters coming in all shapes and sizes, to Boss Monsters, Ghosts and Skeletons, Tarva, Kam, and Cheln seemed to mostly understand, however it was SOULs that really gave them trouble. Apparently, some Federation religions believe in souls of some kind, but in a vastly different way from the way Humans and Monsters can use our SOULs for our Magic. Showing off our SOULs to them was.. certainly an experience for them, and it took significantly more explanation for them to understand the intricacies; that was all before we were going to get into Aspects, although we figured it would be better to save that for later.

Currently, however, we were waiting for the transmission from the Secretary General in Tarva's office, with myself at her side by her request. If her reaction to us was intense.. she'll definitely need some help when she sees Dredd. Soon enough, the transmission comes through, revealing the form of our current Secretary General, Simon Dredd, staring right at us through the camera, and I'd be lying if I said even didn't I feel a shiver. Most people would describe General Dredd as looking like some kind of dinosaur, his scaly skin being a royal purple, and his slightly slitted eyes feeling like they're staring directly at my SOUL instead of me. Next to me, I could see Tarva begin trembling, so I gently place my hand on her shoulder, which seems to calm her down enough to speak.

"S-Secretary General! It- It is a pleasure to finally get to meet you."

"Likewise, Governor. I'm sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner, but a combination of factors prevented this meeting until now. First, however.. Dreemurr."

I can't help but flinch at the way he calls me out, and those eyes don't really help…
"Y-Yes, General?"

"While I would normally reprimand you for the stunt you pulled.. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same in your position, had I the ability to do so. Besides, it'll be a good look that one of the first things we did was heal someone without a second thought."

Was I always holding my breath?
"Thank you, General.. admittedly, I didn't think that far ahead… We just heard about the situation and.. I couldn't let myself not help."

"Of course, Ambassador. Now then, back to the topic at hand. Governor, do you have an idea for how to prevent information about us leaking to the rest of your Federation?"

I could hear Tarva taking a deep breath before responding.
"Yes I do, General. For now, I'd managed to disable Venlil Prime's public access to the FedNet, but it's getting harder to explain why, and every claw there's a risk of someone leaving Venlil space and spreading the word. However.. I've been talking with some of the Odyssey crew, and I think we have the perfect explanation."
She takes another breath, likely to center herself.
"First, I plan on announcing the First Contact later in a press conference, hopefully doing so will be able to weed out most rumors. Second will likely be the hardest.. we will be closing our borders to the rest of the Federation, and we'll be telling the people it's because of how lackluster they responded to our distress signal. We'd recorded the call with Sovlin, and I'm sure the citizens won't be happy with the Federation about it. Lastly.. I was hoping we could negotiate trade with Earth, as cutting ourselves off will hinder our recovery from the latest Arxur raid."

Dredd hummed softly, though with his voice it sounded more like a rumbling, before responding.
"That seems like as good of a plan as we can have, Governor. I would also be willing to speak at your later conference, if you would have me, and I would also like for the Odyssey crew to speak as well."

"H-Huh? But- How would you get here in time? Even at full speed, our FTL drives can only go so fast…"

"That's the great thing about the way our FTL works, governor. I may not know the nitty-gritty details about how it works, but I know that our Void Drives are functionally just about instantaneous, meaning it shouldn't take very long for the Odyssey to come and get me."

Despite myself, I can't help my confused reaction.
"Sir? The Odyssey? Are there.. no other ships on Earth that could take you?"

"Well.. yes and no. We'd only began full production of more ships after your initial transmission and the announcement on our side. Even if we can avoid fighting, it's going to be beneficial for us to have a fleet of our own."

"Right.. that's understandable. We'll make liftoff as soon as we're able."

"Of course. Are there any other matters we should discuss before we begin more preparations?"

"Well, General, I was hoping we could arrange an exchange program with my people and the people of Earth. It's going to take time for our people to get used to humans and monsters, not to mention the magic.. but this could be a great way to help!"

"Hmm, that's a wonderful idea, Tarva. We can discuss matters more in-depth in-person, if that's alright with you."

"O-Of course, General! That's perfectly fine."

"In that case, I won't keep you any longer. Have a great day, and stay determined."

After that, we began discussing our plans with Kam and Cheln, with Tarva surprisingly wanting to come with us on the Odyssey to meet the Secretary General. Cheln, for his part, didn't want Tarva going alone, so insisted on coming as well, which left Kam to hold down the fort during our brief round-trip.

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 15, 2136

Despite my instincts absolutely dreading the upcoming meeting the Terrans' Secretary General, I absolutely had to get past those thoughts if any peace between us is to be had. Unfortunately, part of that peace required keeping the Exterminators at the Governor's manor. Mel had returned their flamers after the initial craze had worn off.. albeit still shaped like the small earth animals. Though a few of them don't seem to mind as much anymore. After getting everything arranged, I wanted to do just one more thing before we left.. something I'd been doing at least once every paw for a while now; I wanted to go visit my daughter before we left. Getting into the transport, the ride to the hospital felt quicker than it did [3 days] ago.

I still can't believe just how much the mood inside the hospital was so much different than when we first arrived. Mel used her magic to make little puppets to entertain the children, meanwhile Barnabas made friends with the elderly patients who didn't have many visitors. Of course, they all wore proper masks to hide their features, but they'd become a bit of a staple around here. At least this has made most of the rumors positive. While the mood in the hospital was brighter than normal, our mood dampened when we got to the room where my Stynek was.

Charon had said that being in contact with a loved one can help someone in a coma to wake up, so I've been making a point to visit her regularly. So far, despite her brain activity improving, I hadn't seen much aside from her breathing getting a bit deeper. Sitting next to her, I held her paw in mine, silently praying to whichever god that would listen. Please, I just want my little girl back… Suddenly I felt something.. was that— There it was again! When my mind settled down, I realized what I was feeling.. Stynek was gently squeezing my paw with hers! Already I could feel tears threatening to spill over, tears which got harder to hold back when I saw my little girl stirring, and then.. her eyes opened up slowly. After a moment, probably adjusting to the light, I heard a voice I feared for so long I'd never hear again…

"*M-Mom..?"

Through the tears, I hardly noticed how Frish had already put their mask back on and had come over once they saw her moving, and the only thing in my mind was pure joy. I couldn't resist, and I pulled my Stynek into the biggest hug I could manage, and I felt her smaller arms wrap around me in return.

"Oh my little girl.. it's so good to finally have you back in my arms again."

"It's okay, mama, I'm here!"

Pulling back from the hug just enough to wipe my tears and look into her face, I'm pulled from my emotions when I notice her holding something. How did she get this? She seemed to notice my staring at what she had in her grip.

"Oh yeah! Mister Doctor said to give this to you when I wake up! He said it was a gift!"

How in stars' name did she get this? Nobody but the doctors and Odyssey crew have been in here.

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 15, 2136

"Alright, just to be sure… We checked the cameras, you all used your magic to trace the room, and Mel and Barnabas inspected the amulet."

Frish nods, sitting next to me while the doctors check up with Stynek behind us.
"Right, there wasn't anything off on the security footage, our magic didn't pick up anything strange, and as for this…"
They hold up the amulet which glimmers softly.
"Aside from--and there's really no other way to put this--its lack of presence, it's pretty ordinary otherwise. If I'm being honest.. I don't see any issues with you wearing it, and we clearly won't get anywhere fussing over how she got it."

I nod with a soft sigh as Frish hands over the amulet. Despite so very clearly seeing it in my paw, I can almost barely feel it, and if I didn't know any better I'd say it felt too light. Lifting it up over my head, I put on the necklace, finding it fits almost unsettlingly well, but.. it feels nice otherwise.

After the doctors finished their examinations, they were nothing short of entirely astonished that Stynek had gone from being a lost cause to a full recovery in the matter of just [three days]. Of course, while they wanted nothing more than to question the Odyssey crew about how they'd done it, I informed them that they were needed while we went to pick up Secretary General Dredd. While I wanted nothing more than to take my daughter with us, the doctors said she would need a little physical therapy in order to help her body recover from being completely idle for as long as it was. With everything else settled, we made our way out from the hospital and went back to the Governor's Manor to pick up Cheln, who was just as surprised as the doctors when he heard the news.

"She woke up? That's great! I'm so happy for you Governor."

My tail wags some at the thought, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to having her back in my life.
"Thank you, Cheln, and as much as I'd love to stay here some more, we need to go to the Odyssey so we can pick up General Dredd."

"Of course, Governor.. let's not let the General wait any longer."

We make our way to the ship, and- hang on one stars-damned moment… I can't help myself as I step back out of the ship for just a scratch before going right back in. First untraceable FTL, then magic.. and now this. Are these Terrans ever going to stop surprising me? There were a few pre-flight checks to be made, but after that we got up off the ground and began to exit the atmosphere. Once we'd reached a certain distance from Venlil Prime, I heard the pilots getting ready to use their Void Drive to jump to Earth. As the drive was charging up, I felt a strange energy that made my wool start to stand on end, but just as soon as the energy reached its peak it all dissipated, leaving.. some kind of fuzzy sensation behind. Odd.. but I suppose it's just a side-effect of the Void Drive? Moving to the viewports at the front of the ship, there I can see it, Earth, and.. it honestly looks quite beautiful.

"Wow.. I didn't expect it to look like this. It's.. really beautiful, even from up here."
Seems that Cheln shares the sentiment.

"Of course we do! Mother Earth provided for us Humans and the Monsters for so many years while we were developing. The least we can do for her is take care of her now that we can take care of ourselves"

"Wow, Barnabas that's.. a really beautiful sentiment. Maybe you could help us with some issues on Venlil Prime…"

"Now now, let's wait for official talks before we bring up that kind of stuff. I mean, it's just nature-al that we'd trade information with our allies."

Charon's joke got a few laughs from everyone.. except Frish, as per usual, with the ambassador playfully griping about it.

Soon enough, we began to descend towards the planet, the full view of the planet through the viewport began to approach one of the green landmasses; as we pass through the clouds, the cities below came into view. What I saw wasn't some bloody war-torn swath of land like the Federation might preach about.. but instead it was just a regular city, albeit with vastly different architecture policies. Specifically, it seems as if we were landing near a more secure location, which makes sense given the nature of this temporary visit. Once we touched down, we made our way to the rear of the ship where we descended the landing ramp. Waiting for us at the landing pad was a pair of guards in what looked like solid metal armor; if I was being honest, I can't imagine a man as intimidating as General Dredd needing bodyguards… Upon seeing us, they walked over, stating that we were just waiting for the General to arrive, as he'd been caught up with something last-minute. It only took [a minute] before the silence started to get a little awkward.. and it seemed Cheln thought the same as he tried to make smalltalk with the guards.

"Uhm.. how- how does it feel? Going to another planet to protect your leader."

One of the guards--who had a pair of Sivkit-like ears coming from his helmet--looked down toward Cheln.
"Well.. if I'm being completely honest, we're pretty much just tagging along for this."

The second guard doesn't even look as he adds on to the last statement.
"The General himself is more than capable of holding his own.. even now in his senior years."

"Yeah… The ARU just wouldn't let him go off-planet without some Royal Guards assigned to protect him, just in case."

As if he wasn't scary enough! Seems his reputation is incredibly well-known among the Terrans… Unfortunately, the guards' statements did little for our nerves, however it did break the tension enough that some brief smalltalk was able to start before the General walked out onto the landing pad.

"My apologies for my lateness, everyone, the press were exceptionally stubborn today… Thankfully, it seems everyone is already prepared for the trip."

Oh stars he's even more intimidating in-person…
"O-Of course, it's n-no problem at all, General. S-Stars knows that the n-news can be.. a bit much at times."

I flinch as I hear a deep rumbling that my translator has the gall to say is laughter.
"Must be that persistent journalists are a constant of the universe.. just another thing we have in common, it seems. Now, while I'd love to talk some more, it'd be best if we loaded up and started back to your planet, Governor. We can discuss more in the ship and on-planet."

Despite my instincts screaming at me louder than anything when I turned my back to the General, we all get back into the Odyssey and begin the trip back to Venlil Prime. On the way back, General Dredd and I discussed some details about the upcoming press conference, and of course after congratulating me on my daughter's recovery, he agreed that showing photographs of her having woken up would do wonders for the Terrans' reputation; along with that, the Federation's lacking support after we recently suffered an Arxur raid would do wonders in soothing concerns about our separation from them. Once we made planetfall back on Venlil Prime, we sifted out the finer details of what will and won't be said in the conference, and expanded on opening up an Exchange Program. Initially, we would only open up the program to military members, and later down the line we can open things up to the general public. Along with this, it was considered to make contact with the Zurulians, although we decided we would harvest that crop after the conference.

Eventually, the talks had stopped, the time had arrived.. and the conference was just about to being. Deep breaths, Tarva.. you can do this!

Memory Transcription Subject: Cairo, Venlil Space Corps
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 15, 2136

It hadn't been more than [a couple days] since Tarva began to isolate us from the rest of the Federation, and everyone regardless of their political beliefs wanted to know why. That's why most of the planet was watching the press conference she was holding today, and her reason shocked everyone. Recently, there was apparently some kind of incident that caused her to send the Planetary Distress signal, and to everyone's horror, it seemed the Federation deemed the signal low-priority, much to the outcry of our people, and General Kam as well. Watching the recording of the call, many were at least grateful that the Fleet Commander Sovlin and Governor Piri tried to get more of a response, but.. the Federation's disregard of what could have been an invasion was more than enough for people to not be completely against the idea, but our Governor's next announcement immediately draws the attention of everyone.

The reason Tarva had sent the highest level of distress signal is because there was an invasion that came to the planet.. at least she believed so initially, and I would be lying if the idea of two new predator species didn't terrify me, but when they came out onto the stage, the press present were clearly on the verge of stampede, even despite the masks they wore to shield us from their predatory gaze. One of them, with a brown fur coat steps up to the mic, and I can only wonder what sorts of threats it will spew…

"On behalf of the Allied Races Union, and all of the people of Earth, I look forward to collaboration between our peoples. I'm sure that we can come to be great friends some day!"

Well that.. is not expected whatsoever. Preaching about collaboration? What is their angle… It seemed that the journalists were just as stunned, but they seemed to be recovering quite a bit, even moreso when Tarva claimed that these predators would be pledging aid to make up for our cutting contact with the Federation. To speak more on that, she had the predators' Secretary General there to speak on it. Stepping up to the podium, it clears its throat before speaking and– oh my stars why is its voice so deep??

"I will keep this brief, as I'm well aware that you may find my voice frightening… We regret that for diplomatic relations to form between our peoples means you will have to cut contact with the rest of your allies. However, just as Governor Tarva said, the Allied Races Union will do whatever we can in order to support you in this time of need.. including military support as soon as we possibly can."

After that, Tarva began explaining everything about these new predators, the Humans and Monsters of all things. A little on the snout, no? What made things immediately confusing is that these Monsters, despite being just as--if not more--diverse than the entire Federation, they're somehow just one species, meaning that the brown-furred Ambassador standing next to Tarva is somehow the same kind of life as the purple-scaled Secretary General, which was.. admittedly not as hard to believe as their claims of magic. One of the journalists, seemingly forgetting their fear, immediately questioned just how advanced they could be if they still believed in primitive things like that, and when the Secretary General stepped forward, I expected the poor journalist to be punished for questioning them.. but instead, they reached out their arms and– and did actual magic! Above the entire crowd, there was a strange rippling before the air itself seemed to open up into a starry sky like you'd only see near the planet's Nightside.. and the stars formed into shapes and danced around!

There's no way this performance could be real, but.. it's all happening right in front of my eyes! The stars seemed to react to the crowd, making even the shape of a Venlil at one point! After the mesmerizing light show, the Secretary General simply stepped back to their position on the stage as if what they'd done was just a simple party trick. Breaking the stunned silence, Tarva continued to elaborate on this magic, including an insane revelation: these predators had managed to heal her daughter! Behind her were projected several images of Tarva with her daughter in the hospital.. the pup looking almost as lively as before the raid that day… And it was these predators that did this? Maybe.. maybe they're telling the truth about wanting collaboration?

After all of that, there was one final announcement, that there would be an Exchange Program between our military and the terrans' militaries as well in order to foster relations further… Despite the panic of the journalists, each of them bleating about the safety of the Venlil, Tarva assured that joining is purely voluntary.. and that there would be some significant compensation for joining. Oh brahk, that's quite a lot.. I could support gran even more with those kind of credits!

Memory Transcription Subject: Cairo, Conflicted Venlil
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 16, 2136

"…and I'm still not completely sure if I really want to join up for the program."

Across from her table, my gran sipped on her tea, thinking over all I'd told her. After that press conference [yesterday], I didn't know what to think.. I'd checked earlier this paw and saw that the application site was now up. It continuously reassured that we'd be safe, and even said that it would only be a text chat until the time came where we'd be brought up to the Exchange Station. My thoughts were still swarming like flowerbirds if you feed them too much, and so this paw I came to visit my gran and talk with her.

"Well dear, it sounds to me like those Monsters and Humans are trying their best to help us feel comfortable. I won't tell you what to do, but you know what I say.. you miss every fruit you don't first plant."

I sighed softly, sipping my own cup of tea.
"I guess you're right, gran… It's just- In basic, they told us all these things about predators, and now.. everything's getting turned on its head. Plus that compensation package is really nice too…"

I feel myself bloom as Gran whistles in amusement.
"Ahh, so that's what this is about? You're a good kid, Cairo.. I say the world needs more kind souls like you."

"Come on Gran, you do a lot too! If this were a contest I'd say you're more kind. Besides.. after all you've done for me, the least I can do is support you."

"Oh you.. you're the spitting image of your parents sometimes, y'know that? Well.. I won't convince you to go or try and talk you out of it. You're your own person.. follow your heart, and I'm sure you'll be fine."

Follow my heart, huh…? I set down my tea cup and pick up my pad from the table, navigating back to the exchange program signup… With a deep breath, I start filling out my information, simple stuff like likes, dislikes, hobbies.. there was even a section to tell a little about myself, almost reminds me of school as a pup. When everything was filled out, I got a message that I would be notified when I got paired up with my exchange partner.

"Seems you've made up your mind already, have you?"

"Y-Yeah.. it says they'll notify me when I get paired up with someone."

"Well then, it seems you have some time to spare, no? Come, I'm sure there's some herbs that need harvesting in the meanwhile."

I suppose helping out is one way to pass the time…

{Advancing Transcription – Approx. 15 min.}

"And make sure you clean out all the dirt from your wool before you get it on my furniture!"

"I know gran! This isn't my first harvest."

I can't help but whistle in amusement as I head to the bathroom to clean up. Looking in the mirror, there's a moment where I think about everything that lead up to this.. but I shake off those thoughts for now and get myself cleaned and dried up.

Making my way back to the table, I turn my pad on and see two new messages, one from the exchange, saying I'd been paired up, and the second one being a message from them… I take several moments before.. opening up their profile. Even if I'm not completely terrified, I'm still super nervous! Looking over their- no wait, her profile, I see some.. pretty standard stuff. According to her profile, her name is Shakra Boom, and she's a Monster that resembles a Terran animal called a tortoise. At the top of her profile, there was also a blurred out profile image, and when I tap on it there's a disclaimer about how there won't be a mask in the image. Thank you for the warning, but.. I want to get a picture of who I'm talking to.. literally, in this case. Confirming that I did, in fact, want to see, the image is unblurred to reveal.. not a predatory, forward-facing gaze, like I expected; instead, the image seems to be taken at a slight angle, showing the somewhat reptilian face with almost a beak-like snout, and only one eye in view. Her body looked quite dark.. almost stone-like, and if I didn't know any better I'd say that her eye almost glowed. Going back to the rest of her profile and reading more, I find out that she's a Hero, which is apparently a separate role from their military and law enforcement. Interesting… She also says that she's really into fitness, and loves working out when she's not on a patrol; along with that she loves reading, writing, and even stone carving. Did I get paired with someone wealthy? Stonework is really expensive…

Alright! I've stalled enough. Going back to the messenger part of the app, I read her first message.

>> Hey there! It's so cool that I get to talk to an actual alien!

She definitely seems energetic. Tapping away, I type out a response.

<< Hello, it's nice to meet you.

>> Nice to meet you too, bud! I know we just started talking, but what's it like in your military?

<< Well.. I don't exactly have a point to compare it against. They put us through the basic training, then extra training for each of the ships we could be assigned to.

Shakra was surprisingly easy to talk to, and I'd honestly quickly forgotten my earlier worries. According to her, her grandfather was something of a Hero himself in his day, and she aspires to be just like him. Apparently, anyone can become a Hero, but they have to both be strong and swear a sacred oath in order to be considered; despite all that, she'd become a Hero at just twenty-one! I couldn't imagine getting up to my rank that young… As our back and forth continued, I can't help but find her energy infectious, and I wind up rather quickly looking forward to the in-person meeting in just a few herds of paws.

Memory Transcription Subject: Cairo, Venlil Exchange Program Participant
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 16, 2136

It had been only just over [several weeks] before the Exchange Program went fully into its final steps: in-person meeting with our partners. Of course before this we'd had more and more exposure to our partners as well, first there was the addition of letting images be sent, and not even [a couple weeks] ago they added audio only calls. When Shakra first asked if I would be willing to do a call, I was incredibly nervous, but it turns out she's not very different than over text.. okay well, there is one difference, that being it's a lot easier to take in her energy over text. Stars, she could probably power a small station with how much energy she has!

Currently, we were en route to the new Exchange Station, which was made much faster thanks to volunteer workers from the ARU. If it weren't for their help, I feel like this would take several more paws at the least… Looking around, the shuttle I was in mostly had other Venlil, with a few other species dotted about, which makes sense I suppose, given that Venlil Prime's population is mostly Venli, who would've thought? Looking down at my pad, I reread the last thing she sent just before I got called to the shuttle.

>> We're meant to be heading to the spaceport soon. I'll give you another call once I'm able to!

I can't help but whistle softly as I remember what our first call was like… Her voice sounded so much more rough than I'd expected, I swear it was more rough than that General Dredd's voice! Though unlike him, Shakra's voice carried an almost unrestrained energy that I couldn't deny was a little infectious. I'm pulled back to the present as the ship shudders slightly as it docks with the station, followed by a voice coming over the intercom.

"Attention all passengers, we have arrived at the Exchange Station. Please make your way off the ship in an orderly fashion, and ensure you have all of your belongings together beforehand.."

Everyone then began to gather what items they'd brought with them before starting to shuffle onto the station, all of us forming a temporary herd as we board the station proper… Oh my stars, this station, it- it's magnificent! I expected it to seem a bit.. behind Federation standards, for lack of a better description, but yet it seems so much more advanced! Not to mention the occasional non-Venlil staff walking around in various types of masks. Stars, I can hardly believe these Monsters are all technically the same species.. you'd never guess just by looking at how absurdly diverse they are! A Venlil member of the staff briefs us on the rules before dismissing us to our rooms, at which point the impromptu herd mostly disperses as everyone goes their own mostly separate ways to our rooms.

Entering the room itself, I find that it's definitely bigger in scale than even Federation-Standard housing, and just like the rest of the station it's so luxurious! It almost looks like something I'd imagine diplomats or some other high-status persons to be in, not just an exch—

I can't help my bleat of surprise as my pad rings suddenly, and I nearly drop it while fumbling to answer. Before I can even get a word in, a very familiar--and admittedly somewhat loud--voice rings out.

"Hey there soldier boy! We're finally taking off, took a while to get everyone settled in, but I'm on my way to meet ya!"

"Glad to hear it. I admit.. even if I'm nervous to be meeting in-person, I'm still really excited! Oh yeah, um- speaking of that…"

"Yeah? What's on your mind, soldier boy? Don't tell me you're getting cold paws on me! Gyah gyah gyah!"

"No no, nothing like that! I was actually gonna ask.. could you not wear the mask or visor when you come in? I- I want the full experience!"

"Hah! Look at you, bud, sounds to me like you're one Brave guy. Sure! I can do that for ya, just don't have a heart attack on me, alright?"

"I'll certainly do my best—"

"Oh shoot! We're already here! Man, I forget how quick and seamless these Void-Drive-things are. Gotta go, but I'll be right there soon enough, soldier boy!"

Wait, they're already here!? But just a pawful of scratches ago they were barely taking off.. is the Terrans' Void Drive really that fast?? Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I quickly head into the room and place what little I'd brought onto a table, and not too long after that I heard all kinds of steps coming down the hallway.. and a very heavy-sounding set of steps stopping right outside the door, just before there was a knocking coming from it. Oh stars.. alright, this is it, Cairo! Walking up to the door, I take a deep breath before reaching up and opening the door, and on the other side.. looks like a wall of stone and scales, wait no, a wall doesn't wear clothes. Looking up, I see a familiar gaze staring back down at me. My brain takes [a moment] to register what I'm looking at: my exchange partner, Shakra Boom, in her massive glory– wait is that her pack? It's twice her size!! Once again my brain struggles to process, but Shakra is the first one to break the silence.

"You… You are so absolutely adorable in-person!"

For the second time since I've stepped in this room, I bleat in surprise as Shakra puts her bag down and picks me up in massive hug! I can almost feel my instincts start to scream at me, before I feel just how warm her body is… Stars, is this how some lizards feel when they bask on a rock? My tail stars swaying and I feel my ears droop in contentment right as I get set back down, and I step out of the way as Shakra walks in and places her massive pack out of the way.

"Sorry about that, soldier boy, I just couldn't help myself! So? How's it feel to be in the presence of Monsterkind's youngest Hero?"

This time, I'm able to form a proper thought in a reasonable time.
"I'll admit.. at first I was really intimidated, but that hug- it definitely snapped me out of it all… I guess I gotta thank you for that as well. And.. I've gotta say, your body looks about as armored as those guards at the press conference!"

She chuckles softly, pounding her stone-like scales with her hand.
"Oh yeah! My dad's a Turtle Monster like pops, but ma was more like a Golem! Normally when I'm out doing patrols, I wear some extra armor just to be safe.. but even in training, the only one's who've gotten through these scales have had Patience as their Aspect, their magic's real good at finding weakspots."

Right.. the Terran magic, souls, even the Aspects… It still makes my head spin.
"I- I see.. I bet it comes in real handy as a Hero. Anyways…"

After that, discussion seemed to flow between us just as naturally as it had over text. I guess the slow exposure did wonders. While talking, Shakra reaches into her pack and grabs a few bags and lays them out on the table.

"Oh yeah, I also packed some snacks! I got potato chips and some popped-corn, go ahead and take your pick if you're feeling peckish. Oh also- potatoes and corn are both vegetables, by the way."

Shakra herself grabbed for the bag of chips, and I decided to grab one as well. Prying the bag open, I take a closer look at the snack before popping one into my mouth. Mmm.. salty and crispy.. it's really good. My tail must've started wagging while I ate, because I could see one of those Terran grins on Shakra's face.

"You like it? I made these ones myself. Gotta make sure to make good food if I wanna get strong, after all!"

"Yeah- I guess it was pretty obvious… Say, I'm a bit curious, why exactly did you decide to be a Hero in the first place? I know you'd said before that it's something you've always wanted to do, but I don't think I ever got your story about that."

After a moment, she looks upward slightly as she answers.
"The truth is, ever since I was a kid, pops would always tell me stories about all the cool things he'd done. He's the coolest! And I'd always wanted to be just like him.. and then, after he'd been training me for a while.. he said he could tell that I'd be stronger than he was, and how proud he was… I'll admit, part of me was determined to keep going to continue making him proud. Now, dad, heh, he figured I could be a priest like he was, but I guess he saw the same fire pops saw. When I swore my oath to become a Hero, I knew that I could do so much good, and every day I strive to honor my family's name."

Wow, that's…
"That's- That's such a noble goal.. I'm sure that you'll continue to make your grandfather proud, you've not only come this far, but you're clearly determined enough to keep it going."

She looks over, and I swear I could see her eyes glowing a bit more brightly.
"Heck yeah! I'll make sure that anyone who hurts anyone will learn what it means to deal with a Boom! What about you, soldier boy? You didn't tell your story about why you joined the military, it's only fair that we trade stories, yeah?"

I feel a familiar, yet faded sensation wash over me for a moment.
"Yeah, that sounds fair… Well, when I was young, my- both my parents died at a fire while at work.. they both had to work to keep us supported, and I'd often spend my time not at school but with Yzma, my Gran. Technically, we're not related, she and my parents were just really close.. but I still see her as my own grandma. Anyways, after my parents were gone.. Gran took me in and raised me herself. I didn't have the newest things at school, but we were pretty well off; when I grew up, I realized just how much Gran did for me, and I wanted to be able to support her as thanks for everything she did.. so I joined the Space Force. It took a while to climb up the ranks, but eventually I was able to sit pretty comfortably.. in between training and the occasional raid, obviously. I can't ever thank Gran enough for being there for me.. but being able to support her financially feels like a step towards that."

Looking back over, I can't exactly read Shakra's expression.. but her response speaks volumes.
"I'm sorry to hear about your folks, but I'm glad ya had someone to keep ya afloat all that time. And you! You went all in to help out your grandma, that's amazing! To go the whole nine yards to support her, you've got a strong SOUL in ya, I can tell."

I can't help my slight bloom at the compliment.
"Thanks.. I'm just doing whatever I can—"
My ears perk up suddenly as I remember something.
"Oh brahk! I almost forgot, our scientists wanted to do some tests on the Terran Exchange participants.. something about gathering more evidence to present to the Federation."

"Oh yeah, I remember them mentioning some kinda testing.. think we should go and get it outta the way now?"

"Yeah, that's probably for the best, so it won't come up suddenly later."

"Alright! Lead the way, soldier boy!"

I can't help but swish my tail at the nickname before getting up and heading out through the station, following the map we'd been sent to our pads, soon enough reaching the lab wing of the exchange station, with several Venlil and Terran scientists about, including one I somewhat recognized from a TV interview, Mel Machina from the Odyssey!

"Hello there, you must be here for the empathy testing, yes?"

"That's right.. this is the place, right?"

"Yes, this is the right place. I must say.. your mental reading technologies are intriguingly similar to what we have on Earth! Anyways, Shakra Boom.. first, I feel I have to say that it's quite an honor, you've done so much for Humans and Monsters alike."

"Gyah gyah gyah! I guess I should've expected this, my reputation does tend to precede me!"

"That it does. Now then.. please take a seat here and we'll get you hooked up for the testing shortly."

With that, she gets settled into a chair that was probably prepared for Monsters who were bigger, and a Venlil scientist came over and hooked up several electrodes to her head and chest, alongside some restraints that.. while I believe are a bit excessive, probably wouldn't be able to hold Shakra if something did happen. While I was offered to leave the room, a part of me didn't want to leave, so I just stood where I wouldn't be able to see the videos that would be shown.. I haven't been screened before, but I hear they're horrifying to witness. After the videos started, I could feel the atmosphere around Shakra shifting.. and I swear I could see her start glowing slightly. Stars, was this room always this hot– wait a minute, is the chair getting burned!? Looking closer at the Monster I'd gotten to know, I could see heatwaves around her, and the armrests of the chair were broken in her grip. Pretty quickly, the test had to be cut preemptively before the equipment got too damaged, and Shakra--through gritted teeth--asked for a large pitcher of water, which she poured onto herself only for it to fizzle out on her body! She went to another room to literally cool off, meanwhile the scientists were partly concerned but also fascinated by the results. They said that, while her anger was clear in the scans, they spiked in ways that wouldn't be too out of place for one of the Federation's protector races like the Gojid or Krakotl, especially for one in a Military or Exterminator role.

After hearing the results, I follow the slightly-scorched prints back to our room, where I see Shakra sat down on the floor, the air in the room warmer than before, but not as hot as it was in the testing room. Tentatively, I step closer towards her, noticing how she was sitting with her eyes closed, and her breathing being deep and measured. Curiously, I watch this strange ritual and feel as the heat seems to fully dissipate, the glow that seemed to come from her body having fully dimmed out. With a deep sigh, she opens up her eyes, which lock onto me.

"Oh! Hey soldier boy, sorry about that back there.. pops says that the flame he sees in me has a really strong sense of Justice, but unfortunately that translated into a bit of a temper. Thankfully he and dad taught me how to keep it under control, but when it gets bad.. pops taught me how to meditate so I can literally cool off if it gets too bad."

"I see.. well, the scientists said that your results were interesting, but not bad per se. I'm just glad to see you're doing alright after those videos… Back home, you could hear some horror stories about how bad those empathy test videos are."

"Don't get me started on it, man.. if I were just there instead of watching it on a screen, those lizards wouldn't be able to figure out what hit 'em…"

Protector's mercy.. if even half of the Terrans are like this, I'm more than glad they're on our side.

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 16, 2136

I couldn't help but pace around the landing pad, according to General Dredd, there was a Monster-owned company that was more than happy to pounce on the opportunity to help with the aid package--his wording, not mine. Of course, I'm not the only person here, because just a ways away from the landing pad was tons of press and journalists, waiting to get a look at the first aid shipment we would be getting from our new allies. Looking up to the sky, I see a ship about twice as big as the Odyssey coming down to the landing pad, and just as it's about to land, I see a trio of figures descending on some kind of ropes! As they touch down on the landing pad, I'm able to better make out their appearances.. each of them has a pale purple skin color, but most eye-catching are their three pairs of arms and five eyes.. and synchronized outfits? Before I could even begin to say anything, they all speak first in turn.

"When the world is in need of salvation!"
"And darkness threatens a peaceful nation!"
"With no chance of survival!"
"We are hope's grand revival!"
"You won't be facing evil alone!"
The two with the more.. extravagant outfits then speak together.
"Together we will face the unknown!"
Next was what I can only assume to be their introductions.
"Mara!"
"Tara!"
"And Tex!"
And to finish off, they all spoke completely in sync.
"Muffet Enterprises heads first into danger!"
"To help shield the weak from the chaos' anger!"

I was completely stunned by the entrance of these three, and the journalists seem equally as surprised by the display. Looking up at the side of the now landed ship, I see a hastily-applied decal that read: Muffet Enterprises, with an elegant pattern on it. The one with the least extravagant outfit--and even still, it was very elaborate--who had introduced himself as Tex walks forward with a paper and clipboard before handing it to me.

"Muffet Enterprises is more than happy to provide aid to our new allies.. and we hope to be able to do business with you in the future."

Looking down at the clipboard, I felt as if my tail would snap from how suddenly it went stiff. This-This is how much supplies?! I could hardly believe as my visual translator told me just how much 100 tons was, but I continued to be shocked by what all was being supplied: from food, raw materials, and medicinal supplies, to luxury items like art supplies! There were even children's toys and tools to help the disabled. Looking back up at the Monster in front of me, he adjusts the glasses for his five eyes.

"H-How can you.. possibly afford all this? Not to mention these art supplies, th-these must be so incredibly expensive!"

I may not be able to read Terran expressions well.. but the look Tex gives me sends chills through my body. Oh stars.. he looks like a Nevok or Fissan staring down a new business opportunity… My surprise is amplified as the cargo door on the ship opens up, revealing mountains of huge containers, each likely filled with crates upon crates of the aid supplies.. and if the various sounds of shock from the press was anything to go by, they were just as shocked as I was.

"Well, Muffet Enterprises.. among other companies, were more than happy to sponsor the relief efforts the Allied Races Union was wanting to provide to our new allies. I'm sure that we can one day come to more.. long-term agreements down the line as well, ahuhuhu~"

My instincts may be right for once.. except that this predator is out hunting for a deal!

Memory Transcription Subject: Lena, Yulpa Nurse
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: July 29, 2136

I take a deep breath as I walk out of the hospital, finishing my shift for the claw. Stars, things aren't usually this taxing! Walking back through town, I let my thoughts wander a bit.. especially about those new predators that Tarva seems so fond of. Could they really be all that good..? With a sigh, I take a bit of a detour from my usual route home to visit.. pretty much the only real friend I have in Dusk Meadow. Arriving at the familiar home, I go up to the door and give it a light knock, and not too long after I see the familiar face of Yzma. She's like a medicine woman from some Yotul stories I've seen before, and she's the sweetest Venlil I know.

"Lena! What a pleasant suprise! Come inside, dear, I'll put on a pot of that tea you like."

My ears flick in agreement and my tail swishes as I go inside, the exhaustion seeming to leave my body as I settle down in her living room. Despite trying my best to be friendly.. there aren't many Yulpa here in town, so I never could make many friends.. I guess that's part of why I'm such an anxious person. I can feel my body relaxing some more as I smell the fresh tea that Yzma brings over, the kettle still steaming as she pours a couple cups for the two of us before sitting down in her usual chair.

"So, mind telling me what's on your mind, dearie?"

I can't help the chuckle I let out while blowing on the tea to cool it slightly.
"Was it really that obvious?"

"Of course dear, I've known you since you were a pup, just about. I can read you and my grandson like an open book."

Taking a sip from the tea helps to calm down the thoughts I'm having.
"Ahh.. you always make this tea the best, Yzma. And, yeah.. on my way back from work I started thinking.. about- about those new predators."

"Really? And what do you think about them so far?"

I gaze into my teacup before taking another sip, thinking back to everything I'd seen on them so far.
"Well.. first there were those viral posts several paws before Tarva's press conference.. they raised the mood of that hospital so much. They had almost every chance to do something before the whole planet completely knew everything, but they didn't… Now they're pledging aid and doing some kind of.. exchange program? If I'm being honest, I don't really know what to think…"

She paused for a moment, seemingly mulling over my words.
"This is just my opinion, dear, but I don't think they're as bad as some.. less-than-progressive types might say. Besides, my grandson seems to be getting along nicely with his Exchange Partner! Oh he can't stop recounting his conversations with her to me ever since he joined!"

We both share a soft laugh, but her words quickly get me thinking again.
Maybe I should see if I could join the exchange..? But what if I get too nervous, or- or what if they don't like me? They're still predators after all what if—

"Dearie, you're getting your tail in a twist over there, drink some more of your tea."

Snapping out from my thoughts, I drink up the rest of my tea, setting the cup down.
"Sorry, I got lost in thought there for a second… Do you know if they're still taking applications for the Exchange?"

Yzma's tail swishes behind her in amusement.
"I do believe they still are! In fact, just [yesterday] it was announced that, because of how well the Exchange Program with the militaries have been going, they would be opening applications to everyone."

My ears perk up at that. Maybe.. I could sign up? Could I meet a- a predator who would like me?
"I see.. I'll- I'll think about it. Thank you just for talking with me, Yzma, it's like you always know what to say."

We continued talking for a while before I felt my pad ring, suddenly remembering that I didn't tell my parents that I would be taking a detour on my way home. After assuring mom that I'm fine, I decided that I'd head home for the rest of the paw. I thanked Yzma for the tea and conversation before leaving, and the whole way home I couldn't stop thinking about the Exchange Program… It scares the heck out of me to consider.. but I think I should at least try. I mean, Cairo seemed to find someone he got along with well, maybe I could too..? And hey, at least if the predator doesn't like me, then m-maybe it'll be a quick death… I shook my head at the thought because why did I have to think about that?

Once I got back home, ma hugged me a little tighter than normal, of course followed by her fussing over how I should let her or pa know when I'm stopping by somewhere before they start worrying. After that, we all sat down for last meal--just a simple bunt leaf salad with some firefruit dressing--and talked about our days. After moving, mom and dad managed to get teaching jobs here in town, and with all of our salaries together, we were able to live pretty comfortably.

Heading up to my room after eating, I look at my pad as I lay in bed, my mind still contemplating whether or not I should sign up for the Exchange Program… Maybe I should just do it before I get too nervous. Sitting up, I grab my pad and start filling out my information for my profile, even taking a picture of myself even though it said it was optional. Right before I press to confirm, I think back on what lead up to us moving here…

When I was very young, we still lived on Grenelka, and my parents were relatively successful scientists. They don't really tell me much about what exactly happened, but.. they almost did something that got them accused of Predator Disease, so they decided we should leave to get away from that… They seemed more receptive of the new predators than most in our town probably would be. Like a lot of the more residential areas, opinions here tend to be a bit more on the.. conservative side, to say the least.

Bringing myself from my thoughts, I press to confirm my information- did the site glitch? I must be seeing things… Wait, I've already been matched up with someone!? That was.. really fast… I blink at my pad before checking my notifications. Alongside the typical "you have been accepted" type message, the other one was.. my Exchange Partner's message. In my hesitation to check it, I first open up their bio to maybe get to know them before speaking with them. Yeah, that's definitely not how that works… Opening up their bio, I notice that they don't have an image attached.. but I try and ignore that as I read up on them.

Their name is Arlecchino, they're one of these Monsters, and they're.. I think that says 25 of their years old? I'm not really sure… It says they work as an actor and entertainer.. I wonder what kind of entertainment predators like? Speaking of likes, they seem to like doing.. different kinds of arts, writing, painting, music.. even primitive theater too. Did I get paired with someone wealthy..? Shaking my head, I continue to their likes and dislikes, which.. were also surprising, for a predator at least. Their likes include: honesty, good food, and starry nights, while their dislikes were lies and cramped areas. Okay, that all seems.. pretty normal, all things considered. Taking a deep breath, I calm my nerves and open up their message before I can talk myself out of it.

>> Hello there, mademoiselle, it is quite wonderful to meet you!

Huh.. a bit strange, but still pretty normal… I try and type up a response without

<< It's nice to meet you too.

C'mon Lena! You could've done more than that- Oh, they messaged back already?

>> Are you having the shyness, my dear? That is quite alright! If you would prefer, I can do the talking while you can be asking of the questions.

That's.. honestly thoughtful of them. After thinking of what to ask first, we began chatting. Well.. at least if you call what was basically a Q&A "chatting", but they were surprisingly easy to talk to! Even if they talked quite a bit.. and seemed a little weird at times, but even still, I wound up staying up later than I realized by the time we bid each other farewell and I decided to head to sleep. Stars.. I wonder what it'll be like when we have to meet up in-person…

Memory Transcription Subject: Lena, Anxious Yulpa
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 21, 2136

There were plenty of people on the transport heading up to the Exchange Station, and I can't help but think back to the past several paws that lead up to this… At first, my parents were a bit surprised that I joined the program without telling them, but aside from general parental worrying, they were fine with it, but wanted me to update them regularly when this paw finally came. Meanwhile, Arlecchino was incredibly fun to talk with! He seems to know so much, and honestly.. it feels nice finally making a proper friend after so long. Although, I'm still a bit nervous too.. even after the Exchange Program app allowed images to be sent, they never sent pictures of themselves, only landmarks, cityscapes, and sceneries. When I asked about it, they said they wanted to keep themselves a surprise for when we got to meet, which is why they didn't make any calls when that was allowed either. Although, the pictures were all really nice.. hells, I've got them all saved and I'm looking at them now! Just before we're about to dock, the Exchange App pings with a message from Arlecchino.

>> Soon is when we will be meeting, mademoiselle.

The transport docks and everyone starts to shuffle onto the station. Speaking of the station, it looks almost luxurious! It's so much more advanced than I could have expected! Aside from that, there's Venlil soldiers milling about with Humans and Monsters of all shapes and sizes--probably other Exchange pairs--one of the Monsters even looked like some kind of volcano! Shaking my head, I see the list of rules for the station had been sent to our pads, along with a map of the station with our rooms marked. Following the map, I make my way to the room I would be meeting my partner, and once I get inside I sit down on the bed, setting my things down next to me. Stars.. even the rooms are really beautiful. Although.. I don't think it should be this dark, right? Suddenly I get another message from Arlecchino, and it's the first message from them that makes me freeze up.

>> I'm here, here!

Before I can even think more about it, I hear.. some kind of sound in the air. It sounds like some kind of instrument, but the notes sound very airy. I can't stop myself from shaking as I speak.

"Wh-Who's there?"

"I thought you would never ask, ask!"

The voice seems to come from the shadows, but before I can scream, I notice that the shadows in the corners seem to grow before.. stars appear? I watch as the shadows dance and the stars twirl about. Watching it all.. it's so mesmerizing that I can feel my earlier fear and anxiety washed away… Until a pair of glowing, forward-facing eyes appear in the now-normal-sized shadows! This time I barely hold myself together, as I instinctively grab a pillow to hide behind. Shortly after the eyes appear, I see.. a pretty tall but very skinny figure walking out of the darkness, walking with a poise I'd expect from someone of high status. With them now in the light, I can make out their appearance.. they're dressed is red and black, looking like the jesters Arlecchino had spoken about, with shiny golden accents and ornaments, especially the hat, which seems to jingle faintly with their movements. Then there's their body.. their hands seem segmented, almost like a puppet, but they look almost like bone.. the key word being "almost", because it only sorta reminds me of bones. Shuddering at the thought, I finally look up to their face.. which looks like some kind of mask, a similar but slightly smoother material than their hands, and with one of those Terran 'smiles' on it, although without the teeth. I'm not sure if that makes it worse or not…

I'm brought out of my thoughts when I hear their voice speak.
"Did my light show ease you, mademoiselle? I did not wish to frighten you with my entrance."

"A-Arlecchino? Is that you? H-How did you get here?! I'm sure there wasn't anyone inside when I got here! And- And you just came from those shadows…"

"Ah yes, I am having apologies, mademoiselle.. a force of habit, that is. I did not mean to startle you dear, I simply love surprises, surprises!"

I sigh softly, putting the pillow I'd been clutching back where it belongs.
"Well.. you definitely surprised me, all right. Also.. what was that music? Where did it come from?"

"Ah-uh, more apologies I am having.. I consider that a trade secret, dear. Although.. I'm sure if you listen close enough, in the right places.. then maybe you can hear its melody."

With the scare over, we got to talking, and pretty quickly I asked more about what they do back on Earth. They seem to pause for a bit before responding.
"What it is I do.. not the grandest of stories. Ever since I am remembering, I have loved performance! Drama! Romance! Musicals! I was loving it all! And so.. I decided to become an actor! All across the world would be my performances, from the stage I could bare my SOUL! There was even one movie I was in as well… Anyways, the winds soon called, called! And it was me that was being called to, and so I travelled all across the world! Never settled down, I was.. a free spirit, let's say. But! Performances I would bring! And when not on the stage.. I would be at libraries, and sometimes would perform for the kiddies on the street."

"Wow.. it sounds like you do a lot back on Earth.. if you're such a well-traveled performer, is it really okay for you to leave so suddenly?"

They look at me, tilting their head.
"Hmm? Oh, do not have the worries, dear, I was sure to spread the word I would be going to the stars, stars! Besides.. no theatre could ever predict where the winds would carry me next! Hee hee!"

"I see.. Say, I think I remember reading that they brought Terran food to the Station this time… Do you wanna go to the cafeteria and get something to eat? I'm really curious what kind of foods you have."

"Of course! I am admitting, I am also curious about the fruits of S- Venlil Prime! Let us be off, mademoiselle!"

With that, he stands up off the chair--though it almost looked like a puppet being pulled up--and we headed to the cafeteria.

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 22, 2136

Currently sat across from me was General Kam, with the report of how things went after the recent attempted Arxur Raid on the Exchange Station. I'm just glad that things seem to have gone well.. first the Terrans helped to make this entire station for us, I can't imagine how bad it'd be if the attack took any lives…

"Alright.. well, I'll start off by saying that things went very well, Governor. The fighters that were modified with the Terrans' Void Drive were a massive success, even despite the Terrans deciding on.. unorthodox methods. We didn't lose any fighters, no lives were lost, and even the Terran staff managed to help prevent any stampedes on the station."

"That's good to hear, General, it's a relief that things went so well on our first run."

"Of course, though.. not everything is good news, unfortunately. Some of the Arxur Bombers split from their group when the fighting got too intense, and wound up attacking a Federation ship just within our border."

My ears flattened at the news.
"Who was it? How many casualties were there?"

"Well, the good news there is that they suffered no losses and minimal injuries.. but that's because one of the Terran exchange participants received the distress call and immediately flew in to help. By the time they got there, the Arxur had already boarded."

"I see.. I'm guessing this means that now we have less of a handle on the secret?"

"You're unfortunately very right, Governor. Possibly making this worse is whose ship it was.. it was Sovlin."

I can't help but feel my tail stiffen at the news. Sovlin's hatred for predators isn't exactly a secret, especially after what happened…
"What plans do we have to deal with this situation, General?"

"Well, despite the unfortunate circumstance, Sovlin's ship was brought to the station because the captain himself passed out after the whole ordeal. Currently we have him and his crew in an isolated ward of the station's medical wing. Cheln's quick thinking gave us the cover story that our cutting of contact was due to us dealing with the unprecedented First Contact situation, but we're going to have to break the news eventually…"

I sit in silence while I mull over our options.
We can't just keep him here.. even if he was injured from falling, some rest would be able to help that.. unless he hit his head on a corner of something. But.. if we can win him over on the Terrans, it would do wonders with convincing Piri, and we're going to need all the help we can get to convince as much of the Federation as we can.

"Alright.. we're going to have to adjust him and his crew to Terrans. First and foremost.. be sure that only Monsters without forward-facing eyes are to enter the section the crew are held in, along with our staff as well."

"Of course, Governor, we already had it limited to Venlil staff only, but that sounds like a good idea."

Suddenly, from the entrance to the room, Frish added:
"Um, sorry to listen in Governor.. but, if I may suggest something? Maybe it might be best if it's just you and Kam who break the news to him. If he's as.. averse to us as I'm imagining, he might take it better if he doesn't think that, like- we're intimidating you into saying nice things about us."

"That.. might be for the best, Frish, thank you for the idea."

General Kam interjected suddenly.
"We can also hold them for a bit longer after Sovlin wakes up for crossing our borders after we closed them off.. though that probably won't last very long."

"Right.. we'll just have to figure out how to move forward with this in the meantime. Frish, please go get Cheln, I think we need all paws on deck here,"
Protector help us.. this is going to be one heck of a gamble…

Memory Transcription Subject: Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 23, 2136

The glow of artificial lighting was the first thing that met my eyes as I look around at unfamiliar surroundings. By Mother Protector, where in the stars am I? My thoughts are interrupted by a somewhat tight hug by a familiar set of tentacles.

"Captain! You're up! The doctors said the shock, stress, and exhaustion must've put you out.. you've been out almost [24 hours] by now."

Wow.. I really must've been out of it.
"Thank you Recel, but.. where are we?"

Recel then began to explain that, after I passed out, the mountain of armor that singlehandedly took down an entire Arxur hunting party collected up all of our injured crew before gathering up the Arxur back into their own ship, followed their copilot sending a message to Venlil space about what happened. Apparently, the Venlil were in the middle of First Contact from an Allied Races Union that had not only managed to invent FTL all on their own, but had their own version of FTL at that. The reason they cut themselves off from the entire Federation was to make sure that they could integrate into the greater herd properly.

"Wait wait, you said they were contacted by a completely different group of races?"

"Yeah! Two races, apparently, though we've only met people from one of them so far. Weirdly enough, they call themselves Monsters…"

Huh, that is strange…
"It must be some kind of translation error or cultural thing."

"Maybe, but that's not even the strangest part! Somehow, these Monsters can come in so many different appearances that I still can't believe they're all just one species. Here, take a look!"

He hands over a pad, and I'm immediately confused at what seems to be countless different races, and yet I'm supposed to believe that they're all the same species?
"Recel, are you sure they said this Union was just two species? These images alone look like more species than I can count on both my paws!"

"I'm still not sure, Captain, but they insist that they're all the same."

I let out a sigh, figuring that I'll have to ask one of them directly.
"What about the other species? Did they not mention anything about them?"

"Well that's another thing.. they haven't said anything about them. The only staff we've seen so far are either Venlil or one of these Monsters."

"Either way, we definitely need to report this back to Prime Minister Piri, another species reaching FTL on their own would be the biggest thing to report back!"

"That's the issue, Captain.. we were technically trespassing in Venlil territory when those Arxur got us, and Cheln said we're going to have to stay here for a while."

Ah, that's right.. I'd almost forgotten that we were technically spying in their space…
"B-But it's not all bad sir! Just look around.. this station is luxurious!"

Being drawn from my thoughts, I take a look around the medical room.. stars he's right, this room looks like somewhere a species' representative would stay!
"You're right.. I almost feel like I'm dreaming. Are we staying in some sort of VIP area to make our detainment more comfortable?"

"That's the most fascinating part, apparently this is ordinary for this Allied Races Union, and they apparently played a big part in building this station."

"Wow… If this is regular accommodations, I can't even begin to wonder what luxury looks like to them."

"Oh, just wait until you try some of their food.. apparently this station is primarily for some kind of cultural exchange, and the couple of meals we've had so far have been almost divine!"

As if on cue, someone of a species I don't recognize enters the room. They're clearly some kind of bird, given their feathers, and one of their side-facing eyes is turned towards us. My translator seems to register the voice as feminine, with a bit of an accent as she speaks.
"Ah! It's great t'see you're awake! Ah'm Nurse Jasmine Huckleberry, but most folks just call me Berry. Here, ah brought ya both some stew to enjoy, ya must be hankerin' for somethin' to eat after sleepin' as long as ya were. 'Sides, the Governor don't want'cha meetin' with her tomorra on an empty stomach!"

She walks over and hands each of us a tray with bowls of stew which was still steaming. Protector bless me, is this actually just the afterlife? Because the smell of this is already divine.
"Recel.. if I'm just dreaming, I want to say that this smell is the best thing my mind has come up with in a long time."

"Just try it before you go saying something like that, sir."

Looking down at the bowl, I try some of it.. I was lying, this is divine, the food is divine and it must've been made by the Mother Protector herself. My body language was most definitely giving away my thoughts, because I could hear Recel chuckling.
"Told you.. the food is just about as luxurious as the rooms are… You should finish that up, the crew's been worried about you since we docked here."

Right! My crew! I start to eat more of the soup so I can see them.. but I'm sure they'll be fine while I savor this heavenly food.

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Memory Transcription Subject: Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 24, 2136

I jolt up suddenly, breathing heavy and quills flared out, a chill in my veins. Stars.. what in Protector's name was that nightmare? Unfortunately as I try and recall the horrid dream.. the details very quickly escape me. Trying to calm myself down, I take deep breaths and smooth down my quills, putting the fear behind me.

Getting up out from the makeshift shared quarters set up for me and my crew on the station, seeing that just about everyone was still asleep, with Recel seemingly waking up shortly after I did. Looking around the room, he noticed that I was awake as well.

"Good morning, Captain, or well- is it 'good waking' since we're over Venlil Prime?"

I can't help but chuckle softly, any remaining tension leaving my body.
"Maybe it should be. I would ask if you slept well, but if all of these beds are the same then I'm sure you did."

"Most definitely, Captain.. I still can't fathom how comfortable everything here is."

Before we could continue, the door opened up, and the same Nurse from before quietly peeked in, her gaze landing on the two of us. She gestured for the two of us to come with her, and so we left the comfort of the beds and stepped out of the room, while I took the chance to also stretch my still-tired limbs. Once out of the room, she quietly shuts the door behind us.

"Alright y'all two, since Cap'n over here went an' woke up, Tarva's wantin' to give you a talkin' to 'bout everythin'. She also said t' bring Recel here as well, so c'mon! Best not t' leave the lady waitin' too much longer!"

Right.. I knew this talk was coming, but I can't say I'm looking forward to it.
Look on the bright side, at the very least we could maybe ask more questions about this First Contact that was worth cutting off the Federation.

Nurse Huckleberry lead the two of us through the station into what looked like a meeting room of some sorts, with Governor Tarva and General Kam sitting on the opposite end of the room. After entering the room, Kam instructed us to each take a seat, and with just a brief silence, Tarva speaks up first.

"First of all, I completely understand your wanting to learn what was going on. We're willing to forgive the snooping in our territory.. especially with Piri giving you the go-ahead."
Ah, so they either went through our ship logs or questioned my crew.. or both.

"Secondly.. I think you deserve to know what's going on with our First Contact, but I need you both to promise me that you'll at least let us finish our explanations before saying anything."

What kind of situation would warrant this? Well.. if it's the only way to learn anything concrete…
"Of course, Governor, I don't see what would warrant this reaction of yours.. but I suspect we'll get these answers soon enough."

With Recel also agreeing, Tarva and Kam began their explanation from the beginning: the incident with their distress signal nearly [a month] ago now. Apparently, the issue was actually because of an unknown craft in orbit of their planet. Initially, I was confused as to what would cause them to hit the distress signal if their first action was a data dump and proclamation of peace.. then Kam projected the recording of the call with the crew of the unknown ship, and while it took me a moment to realize it, I felt my quills flare out at the forward-facing gaze staring back from the ship. Wait a Protector-damned [second].. if the predators over the planet were why they sent the distress signal…

"Governor! You mean to tell me you lied to hide predators? Not just that, but hiding them on your planet? Seeing as there was no ship in orbit, that's what I can assume."

Taken aback from my outburst, Tarva stops her spiel. Fortunately for her, Kam doesn't seem to be as surprised as her.
"Captain, I understand your feelings, because I was feeling like Tarva had lost her mind just as much as you probably are right now. But from one military man to another.. let us finish?"

Even Kam is in on this..? Protector help me.. this is probably going to be the best way to learn anything right now, so I should just go with it.

Taking my prolonged silence as a sign to continue, Tarva's explanation rather quickly devolved even further than I had expected. First, the Exterminators brought as emergency backup attacked the predators, but not only were their flamers ineffective, the brown-furred one allegedly controlled the flames and snuffed them out. If that wasn't unbelievable enough, their flamers were suddenly morphed into the shapes of animals and then made to chase the Exterminators! Despite the clear aggression shown towards them, these new predators somehow didn't respond by slaughtering everyone present, as evident by Tarva and Kam being in the room right now. Apparently, these predators were willing to put the attack behind them, and when presented by signs of weakness, they didn't respond by pouncing on it.. but instead they showed an apparently very convincing imitation of empathy.

What followed was an explanation of the new species: Humans and Monsters--apparently the name wasn't some strange cultural mistranslation. According to them, their Allied Races Union had formed roughly [a century] ago, with Monsters returning to the surface of the planet after being trapped underground for many generations. The most curious part about Monsters is that, just as we'd already known, they can come in such a variety of appearances that I still can hardly believe that they're all the same species. What was least believable of all this--even less so than predators with empathy, somehow--was that these Humans and Monsters claimed to have magic, which was how they were able to retaliate in the way they did when attacked by the Exterminators. Obviously, I was immensely skeptical about this claim.. but that was before I saw the next images that Tarva had prepared, which showed her daughter, Stynek, awake and seemingly fully healthy in her hospital bed, the brown-furred predator next to her.. looking as if it was playing with the pup.

How.. no, not just that, why would predators do something like this? I may not have ever asked directly, but I'd heard that Stynek's condition was so dire that even Colia's best doctors couldn't figure out how to help here, and yet… These- these predators did what our greatest doctors couldn't, and without being asked?

Despite my better judgement.. I found myself being unable to completely dismiss these new predators like I should. Tarva's explanation then came to the present, with the current station being made by the Allied Races Union for an Exchange Program, initially between members of the military, and shortly opened to the general public. After being brought to the station, each of the Terran members of the Exchange were put through empathy tests, which were within shockingly normal parameters for any regular prey. If I didn't know ahead of time that these results came from these new predators, I would think that the people being tested just needed some light herd reintegration training.

"And well.. that just leads up to now. The Allied Races Union has already decided that they want to help take down the Arxur, and would be more than willing to do the fighting alongside us. Right now, we're in talks with Ambassador Chauson to get their backing for the upcoming Federation Summit. While I understand if you don't want to.. it would mean so much if you would be willing to help convince Piri to support us as well."

After the entirety of Tarva's explanation, I didn't know what to think… First, not one but two predator species, then they heal Tarva's daughter without being asked to, and that's before getting into actual magic! Thinking back to everything I'd seen so far.. that Shakra was a Monster, and despite how unimaginably effortless that fight was.. she didn't take the opportunity to attack any of us, the only injuries my crew had were from our holdout against the Arxur. On top of that, with how many Humans and Monsters must've been on this station, the fact that there wasn't a single reported attack from any Terran spoke volumes.

"Excuse us for a moment, Governor…"

I gently place an arm around Recel and we turn away from Tarva and Kam, keeping our voices low.
"Recel.. I may be your Captain, but I value your input… What do you think about this?"

"W-Well, Captain.. that Monster, Shakra, she helped our injured crew, without a second thought or any hesitation. Not to mention.. none of the staff on the station have done anything to us the whole time. Don't get me wrong, I- I'm still nervous, but.. maybe we should give them a chance?"

That's.. just about my thoughts as well.
"I feel the same, but.. I still think we should be a little careful, just in case."

"Of course, Captain.. even if I trust them, they're still predators."

With the two of us on the same page, we turn back around and face Tarva and Kam.
"Governor.. we're willing to hear you out on these new species. What exactly are your plans here?"

I could see a tension release from Tarva at my words, and she signaled something to Kam who sent some kind of message on a communicator.
"That's such a relief to hear, Sovlin. Although.. we figured you would have more objections."

"Don't get me mistaken, Governor, I still don't completely trust these new predators.. but I'm willing to give them a chance."

"Right, well.. if we're going to be moving forward with this, I think you should meet the Allied Races Union's ambassador."

As if on cue, there was a knock on the opposite door which opened up, revealing the brown-furred Monster from the footage of the first video call.
"Hello Governor, I got Kam's message, and.. hello there, Captain Sovlin, it's nice to be meeting you properly, especially on friendlier terms."

After taking [a moment] to smooth out my quills, I look over at the trio opposite from me and Recel.
"So.. how exactly do you plan on convincing Prime Minister Piri with this?"

Memory Transcription Subject: Sovlin, Federation Fleet Captain
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 24, 2136

After Recel and I were informed of the Terrans' true natures, the next step was to inform the rest of the crew.. and after the initial waves of shock, they were surprisingly okay with the news. I suspect the luxurious treatment they consider to be standard played some part in that. Once everyone was told of how we were expected to behave, we were given a more full access to the rest of the station. Given that the station was meant for a cultural exchange with the Terrans, it wasn't much of a surprise just how many of the Humans and Monsters were here.. and of course there were plenty residents of Venlil Prime as well, mostly Venlil of course.

Walking around the station, it's still surprising to see prey mingling with these "omnivores" as they call themselves. Not a single person seems to show any notable signs of distress, they trust these Terrans like they would any other prey… There's a not insignificant part of me that still can't fathom this all.. it goes against everything we know! Looking around the room I'd managed to wander into, it looks to be a mostly-standard Empathy Test lab, except that the chair and area around it seems to be melted! Protector help me, what happened there…? From one of the rooms, I hear a pair of voices seemingly in some kind of heated discussion, and one of them was incredibly familiar.

Making my way to the side room, I peer in and can't help but freeze as I see a towering human, sitting across the table from Zarn, my ship's medical officer. I knew that other voice sounded familiar. Staying mostly at the doorway, I start to listen in on their discussion.. with how heated they sound, I can't tell if it's an argument or just an intense debate.

"Listen, I understand how important these tests are in your society, but in no way do these gore-fest videos test empathy of all things!"

"Clearly you do not! Our technology for such things—"

"That is another point there, too. The systems you have in place could absolutely detect empathetic and sympathetic responses, but the way your doctors analyze the data clearly isn't looking for that if your videos are anything to go by."

"And how would you know that? You've admitted already that you're not a doctor, so how would you know what is and isn't the right way to inspect test results?"

"Oh brother- I don't have to be a brain scientist to know the difference between empathy and fear! The scientists here just seemed to be looking for strong emotions! If you wanted to find empathetic responses then you could just show videos of regular grief instead of full-on torture!"

There was a beat of silence, and I could tell that Zarn was considering the humans' words.
"Alright then human, how exactly would you go about making one of these tests to your standards?"

I should probably leave them for a while. Zarn tends to be.. passionate about his beliefs, but even with that in mind, at the end of the day.. the doctor is somewhat a man of science, himself. Making my way out from that wing of the station, wandering somewhat aimlessly again.. watching as the Terran staff seem to bustle through the hallways with a.. contradictorily orderly chaos in the way they move about. On one of the walls in the hallway was a map showing the entirety of the station, with one area in particular catching my interest, a garden.

Mentally keeping track of the path from where I currently was to there, I turn down the hall and— Despite tripping, I don't fall flat onto my snout, instead I feel.. oddly weightless as I prop myself back up on my paws, my body engulfed in a faint glow in an unsettling shade of blue. It doesn't take a full inspection of the hall before I see a human standing nearby, their hand glowing a similarly uncomfortable shade of blue. The brown fur on their head barely reaches the back of their neck, and the color of their false pelts is varying shades of pink. It takes a moment for Tarva's borderline lecture on Terran magic for me to realize that this human is the one who must've caught me; of course, her words confirm that even more.

"There you go, glad I was able to catch you. You alright there?"

I shake myself from my slight stupor.
"Y-Yes, thank you, human."

"It's no problem! I'd say to try and be careful.. but even a smooth floor can trip you up sometimes. Take care, and stay determined!"

With that, she continues her path through the station, and after a moment I resume my intended route towards the garden, still passing by the bustling Terrans as I make my way through the nearly winding halls. Eventually, I manage to make my way to the garden before the long walk starts to get too exhausting. Stars.. how much energy do these Terrans have?! Walking into the garden, I'm surprised by the sight of it: all sorts of plants have been organized around the room, with a pressure-glass dome on the top to allow a view of the stars. Noticing a bench under a tree, I walk over and take a seat, feeling my tiredness starting to wash away. Taking another look around the room– Sweet Protector when did that get there!? Standing next to a small patch of golden flowers was what seemed to be a Terran-model mannequin of some kind.. it almost looked shaped like a human, but the arms and legs seemed a bit long, and did it just move!? Turning to face me, the Monster's smooth mask-like face seems to stare through me.

"Why, it is the wonderful time to be meeting such a person who is having much fame, fame! Captain Sovlin, no?"

I try and subtly smooth my quills back down as I respond.
"Y-Yes, that would be me.. and, who might you be?"

"Ahh how rude it is of me! You may be referring to me as Arlecchino, at your service, service!"
They bow in an exaggerated fashion before straightening back up.
"What is it you are thinking of our lovely station so far?"

"I mean.. it's massive, and it all just seems so extravagant for what you all consider to be ordinary."

"Yes yes yes.. those who were doing of the building wanted to be making quite the wonderous impression on our new friends, friends! In truth, this is not quite that much more luxurious that most places back on Earth."
Stars they have such an odd way of speaking…

"I see… Sorry if this is an odd question, but.. I could've sworn that there wasn't anyone else here when I walked in, so.. where did you come from exactly?"

"Hee hee! The Captain is very observant, observant! I would like to tell you, but a jester must be having of his own secrets. If I may be asking of my own questions.. knowing what I do of you, it is quite the surprise how accepting you are of our.. nature, as it were. Did you perhaps have any.. encouragement in some way?"

What? What do they mean by 'encouragement'? My confusion must have been evident, because they speak up again before I can respond.
"Ahh never thee mind, Captain! Just the odd wonderings of a jester, that is all. Well, I should be making my exit stage left now, I believe my exchange partner will be waking up from her slumber quite soon. It was quite the wonderful conversation to be having with you, Captain, Captain!"

"Oh, alright then, have a great day, Arlecchino."

They bow again before walking behind the tree, but when I turn to my right.. they don't appear again, nor did I hear more footsteps when I lost sight of them. Alright, these Terrans and their magic are going to drive me mad, I should take a look around at the plants they have here.. these glowing flowers look quite interesting.


Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 24, 2136

After making sure Sovlin's crew wouldn't do anything rash, I made my way back down to Venlil Prime to check back up on Stynek. Shortly after the station was put in place, there were medical volunteers from Earth who came planetside to learn from our doctors and provide their own insights. Recently, a Monster doctor had begun helping Stynek with her physical therapy, and the reports I was getting from the hospital suggested she was making an incredibly swift recovery! And to think.. if I'd never have invited these Terrans to our planet in the first place, then I wouldn't have my little girl back.

Shaking myself from those thoughts, the transport ship lands shortly after, with my ground transport ready to take me to the hospital, with Frish tagging along as usual. Looking outside the window, I can tell just how uncertain everyone is feeling about our new allies.. I can only hope that they'll start to warm up to them sooner, rather than later. Once at the hospital, we get out of the car and make our way inside, with some people shying away from us. The sight when we reach Stynek's room fills my heart with joy, seeing her walking around on her own without support. Standing alongside the other doctors was.. what I could only describe as some kind of green mass with eyes wearing a white coat. Entering the room, everyone looks towards us, including Stynek who joyfully runs over as fast as her little legs can carry, hugging me tight.

"Mama! The doctors say I get to go home soon!"

Before I respond, the slime Monster speaks up first.
"Ah, Governor, it's great to see you. As you can see.. she's made quite the swift recovery already. Just as she's said, we believe she's recovered enough to be discharged home."

My eyes get misty for a second before I'm able to compose myself.
"Thank you, doctors, for everything you've done to help."

"We're just doing our job, ma'am, and it's an honor to help such a little bundle of joy with a speedy recovery. You two take care, and stay determined."

After just a bit more procedure, Frish, Stynek, and I make our way back to the car and start the ride back to the manor. On the ride back, Stynek speaks up.

"Mama.. where's papa?"

Oh stars.. after everything she's already gone through…

{ERR – Corrupted Transcription Data Detected}
{Attempting Data Recovery . . .}

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Memory Transcription Subject: Secretary General Dredd of the Allied Races Union
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 27, 2136

It wasn't a few hours ago when we got word that the Gojid's homeworld was suddenly under attack by the Arxur, and while our soldiers out at the Exchange Program would be able to slow them down, we needed a proper plan of attack, which leads us to the present. Aside from myself, the others at the table were General Vespa, chief of the Allied Races Union's armed forces, and every Royal Guard captain that was available to attend.

"So.. I believe the first order of business would be our own ships. General Vespa, how far along is production?"

She looks over towards me, pulling out her personal pad.
"As of right now, Secretary General.. within a few days we should have enough ships ready for an initial wave of reinforcements. However, our hive ships will take longer to have enough to completely retake the Gojid Cradle."

I nod at her response, looking over at Intelligence Officer Morozov.
"What do we know about the Arxur? How they fight, how they think, as one of your ancient Human generals once said: If you know your enemy, and you know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

He steps up to the table fully, his cold gaze sending a chill through some in attendance.
"They fight like wild Mongol Hordes. Burn and destroy what they get their claws on. This so-called war has made both sides complacent.. none have likely had proper strategy since it began. The Arxur will likely not know how to deal with an opponent that does not flee at the first shot."

Before I can form a reply, the man completely vanishes from where he stood. Angel help me.. I don't think I'll ever get used to him doing that. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I look over towards the Royal Guard Captains.
"Captains.. how many soldiers do you think you could gather up by then?"

There was a brief pause, before a familiar voice cuts through the silence.
"I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GATHER MY BEST WARRIORS FOR THE FIGHT! AND I'M SURE MY FELLOW CAPTAINS OF THE GUARD CAN DO THE SAME!"

Just like that.. his energy is always so infectious, especially with the other Captains.
"Thank you, everyone, I'm sure we can count on your soldiers. Especially yours, Papyrus, your experience makes for great training, or so I've heard."

"NYEHEHEH! OF COURSE! A ROYAL GUARD HAS TO BE STRONG TO PROTECT PEOPLE! AND WE WON'T STOP JUST BECAUSE THE PEOPLE NEEDING PROTECTION ARE BEYOND THE STARS!"
With one of his signature poses, the energy in the room is lifted further.

Of course.. winning the fight is only half the battle…
I then look over to Anna Powers, the head of the ARU's Humanitarian Aid sector.
"Miss Powers, how are we looking for aid? The Gojid will need more help than just pushing back the Arxur, especially when all is said and done."

She sighs in an all too familiar way, pulling out her pad. Let me guess…
"Well.. multiple companies have pledged aid in various ways, the Dreemurr Foundation is, as always, willing to chip in whatever they have, MTT Inc. is able to supply extra food, and UnderWorks Construction is already preparing materials to ship out for rebuilding…"
There's another, more exhausted sigh before she continues.
"And then there's Muffet Enterprises, somehow coming in with twice what the other three are offering combined."

There's several groans from around the table, and I myself can barely suppress a huff.
"They've already completely taken over the aid for the Venlil.. how do they still have more resources?"

"I'm not sure, but.. the Gojid will really need this aid when the fighting's over…"

"I know that…"
I take in a deep breath before continuing.
"We can't afford to turn them down.. but, be sure that everyone else gets their time to help first, understood?"

"Yes sir, I'll be sure to arrange things properly."

"Good.. I think this meeting is finished, you are all dismissed."
I need to go have a chat with the old hag…

Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Gojid Extermintator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 27, 2136

Protector have mercy, of all the times for the Arxur to come hunting! It was barely even [a month] since Piri had to stand down our forces after arguing for a proper response fleet to the Venlil's distress call, and suddenly a raiding party comes across our precious Cradle, alone and unprotected at the moment. Our planet-bound defenses were nowhere near enough to keep the damned greys off the planet, and now we have to deal with these monsters in our streets and their bombers no doubt itching to purge our cities.

Currently, we had hunkered down in our Exterminator offices while our superiors figure out what our next course of action is. Suddenly, there's a flash in the sky, and after cautiously looking out towards a window, I can see.. for lack of any better description, what looks to be distant pockets of darkness appearing, but what follows after that is more clear: there's ships fighting off the Arxur! Some of my fellow Exterminators seem to see the battle as well, but before any gossip or rumors can start, the office's intercom crackles to life.

"Attention all personnel, we've just gotten word from one of the sensor stations still in-tact that these ships apparently have both Venlil pilots, but also new species who have come to our aid. We've also received a message from the Prime Minister's Manor, from Piri herself: the new species are allied with the Venlil and are to be aided under any circumstance."

Venlil ships? But that's impossible.. there's no way any FTL capable craft that can hold any amount of people could make it out this far!

Everyone's thoughts are interrupted by one of the office's Prestige Exterminators giving out orders for a few groups of us to go out and meet up with these troops, as they apparently are coming down planetside to try and slow down the Arxur forces. Normally I'd be concerned about Predator Disease if anyone wanted to try and challenge the Arxur directly.. but right now I'm thankful more than anything. Of course, I wind up being one of the people selected to go out, and after gearing up, we load up into one of our vans so we can get to our saviors' drop points sooner.

Not very long after we head out, conversation begins stirring, primarily about something our chief said, the new species. There were all kinds of speculation, but the only things we could really confirm as of right now were that they must somehow be related to why the Venlil cut off the Federation, and that they must have some kind of advanced FTL, given how quickly these ships are able to arrive. Without anything else to go off of.. we're completely in the dark, so I guess we just have to wait until we meet them to find out anything more.

The ride took quite a bit, and the relative silence began to feel unsettling.. but fortunately, we arrived at the spot without any issue, and so we all unloaded from the van, that way we could be ready if any Arxur came around. Unfortunately, our good luck didn't last that long, as we saw an Arxur hunting party approaching us. Resisting the urge to break rank and flee, we all stood our ground, waiting for those monsters to get close enough for our flamers.. but before we got that chance, they started firing their own weapons at us, forcing us to duck behind and inside the van. Protector help us.. where are the new soldiers!?

As if answering my prayer, two visibly modified Venlil ships land surprisingly quickly nearby, their hatches opening up as a pair of figures leaves each ship. Of course a Venlil stepped out from each, but the other passengers were more surprising. One of them had black feathers but yet wore armor that almost looked too heavy for their wings to carry, while the other.. I can only describe them as a walking mountain of armor, carrying an almost as massive hammer like it weighed nothing! The four quickly ran over, with a startlingly deep voice coming from the mass of armor.

"Worry not! We are here! And it looks like we came just in the nick of time…"

The other unknown species is the one to speak next.
"Right.. we're guessing you need some help with those ones, yeah?"

Finally bringing myself to speak, I give them a response.
"Y-Yes! We were told to bring you back to the Exterminator's Office so we can co-ordinate a-a plan of attack–"

"Oh I've got a plan of attack all right… Attack!"

Before anyone can say anything, the figure just disappears in a gust of wind! The other soldier simply just sighs before cautiously peeking around toward the party of Arxur.
"I should've expected that.. Shakra's one of our strongest, but also headstrong as well."

Taking a glance myself, I see.. what in stars' name is happening?! By the time I get a good look at what's happening, there isn't a single Arxur left standing! Very quickly, everyone else has their own moments of shock before we load back up in the van.. except for this Shakra person, claiming it'd be faster if she ran alongside the van. Of course, under any other circumstance, that would've sounded like crazy talk, but seeing her speed first-hand made that a lot easier to believe.. besides, I don't think the van would've liked carrying all that armor. So, without further fanfare, we start the drive back to the office, and unfortunately our feathery guest didn't seem like giving us much information about his species, but was much more interested in telling us about who they were. Apparently, they're some kind of specially trained force called Royal Guards, though they claim that Shakra is somewhat of a prodigy when it comes to strength. Even still.. if these Royal Guards are even half as strong as her, we might just stand a chance!

Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Gojid Exterminator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 29, 2136

Predators.. if I'd have been told that new predators would be coming to the planet not [two days] ago then I would've considered things having gone from terrible to worse somehow, and yet… Not long after we got back to the office, another group of "reinforcements" had arrived.. and it was predators, not just that but Humans. Only our Chief knew about them, and despite everyone wanting to torch anything not in the Federation, he stood on the orders we'd gotten from Piri.. how these predators had convinced our Prime Minister may forever be a mystery. Everyone was wary of the Humans and Monsters as they call themselves, all except the Venlil who came with them. Stars.. is Venlil Prime too far gone? That's what I'd thought at first, but.. these predators seem determined to disprove everything we know about them.

Firstly, the two that my group were sent for, Shakra Boom and Howl Jenkins, both with perfectly side-facing eyes, both claiming to be of this Monster race. Second, despite being in the presence of the injured, none of them took the chance to pounce on the weakened, not even a hint of bloodlust we could torch them over. Either they have a scary level of control over it, or… Thirdly, and arguably the most baffling, was the base they'd set up just outside the walls of the office, a forward operating base they'd called it, and they'd helped the injured and patched them up as well! I'd thought that predator medicine couldn't possibly compare to the Federation's standard, and yet.. our wounded seem to be recovering faster than anyone expected, anyone except these "Terrans", of course.

Right now, Shakra had been called out to deal with some Arxur parties, and a group of Terrans had just come back from scavenging our stores for extra supplies. Don't get me started on how these predators can somehow eat our food just fine.. something about being "all-eaters" that our translators didn't seem to catch. Looking out over the makeshift base out of our office.. there's a decent portion of me that can't help but feel hope, hope that maybe these Terrans are different… What's he doing over there? Most of the other Terrans were mingling with themselves, their Venlil companions, and the rare brave Gojid, but Howl was sitting aside from the others, with what looked to be a small book in his feathered hands. What kind of Protector-damned writings would predators read? Despite myself, my curiosity won out, and I slowly made my way over towards him, trying to keep my quills from flaring out. As I get closer, I can just barely make out the cover of the book, and it has.. some kind of cross on it?

"Well now.. didn't think I'd be getting a curious guest."

Dammit! It noticed me staring!
"U-Um.. what- what are you reading?"

Stellar job keeping your emotions under control.
Quiet you!

He looks up at me fully with one eye, with what I can only assume is surprise.
"Oh? Well.. this is my pocket Bible, it's the holy text of my religion."

Predator religion…
"I see.. what's your- your religion about?"

I see his mouth on the edges of his beak curl up in one of those 'smiles' we'd been told about.
"Well.. a good deal of people have their own specific beliefs, but the main one is forgiveness, and doing right by God."

Before I can ask more questions, our office's alarm blaring cuts through the air, and I feel a chill course through me as I hear the Chief's voice over the loudspeakers.
"Multiple Arxur raiding parties are on approach! Get as many people and supplies inside as you can! We're closing the gate as soon as possible!"

In the midst of my fear-induced stupor, I don't notice Howl getting up until I feel his hand grab onto mine, the two of us running inside the relative-safety of the office's outer walls. The sounds of panic is thick in the air as we secure as many people as possible.. but not everyone manages to get inside before we shut the gates. Making my way inside, I find the Chief in his office, his quills flared and fur unkempt. Stars.. this raid is taking its toll on everyone.

"Sir, there's still people out there! We have to try and get them back!"
Since when was Howl following me!?

Chief looks up, a tired sigh leaving him before he responds.
"I'm sorry, but.. the Arxur just appeared out of nowhere, by the time we noticed them we were completely surrounded. Believe me.. it's not what I'd have wanted either, but.. it's far too risky to send anyone out there, especially with the Arxur prowling just outside those walls."

There's a mournful silence, and I notice Howl standing up straighter before speaking again.
"Then I'll be the one to go out there. I can fly, and I'm positive I can carry anyone who's out there back here to safety."

Is he insane?! That's a reckless idea! Nobody would risk fighting off the Greys like that!
But this isn't an ordinary person.. this is another predator.

Chief seems just as shocked as I am, and who could blame him?
"What you're suggesting is crazy, that's a suicide mission. You'd barely get over the walls before getting riddled with gunfire."

Howl, seemingly undeterred, carries the same determination in his voice with his response.
"Maybe it is, but.. I can't just sit around, not when I can do something to help these people. I'm not asking for your blessing.. I'm not asking for permission, Chief, but I'd like it if you could have your people on standby to help when I get people back."

Another silence, before…
"Fine.. but if you get killed out there then we're not taking responsibility for your recklessness."

He stands up straighter, posturing in what I can only assume is a salute.
"Thank you, sir, I promise to you I'll bring back as many alive as I can."

With that, he leaves, and I can't help but follow him outside as he walks towards the outer wall, drawing a few eyes. He grabs something hanging around his neck, seemingly uttering something before his wings expand for flight and he takes off over the wall. Instead of the expected outcome of his body falling to the ground, riddled with wounds, a glowing pair of wings fold around him and seem to block the shots! And just as quickly as he leapt up, he fell back down to the other side, leaving only the noises of weapon fire and enraged Arxur as any sign of what could possibly be happening… Everyone inside the walls is completely stunned, and I can't blame them, but personally, I can't help but feel.. admiration at how willing this predator is to throw away its life to try and save our people.

Even for a predator.. deception can only go so far.
B-But this just has to be a trick! Some kind of long ruse so we lower our guard!
And how would that one benefit from this ruse? Predators are supposed to be selfish, right?
. . .

Before I can get further lost in my thoughts, I'm drawn out of them as one of my fellow Exterminator points above the wall, and there he is! Glowing wings sprouting from his back, an injured Gojid in his arms, lowered gently to the nearest desk, stretcher, anything that isn't the ground; without a second's hesitation, he takes off again, not even letting his people check him for injuries.

Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Conflicted Exterminator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 30, 2136

The previous [day] had been.. interesting, that's for sure. Putting aside how I nearly had a breakdown in the middle of the yard, Howl continued to bring people to safety, occasionally covered in some more Arxur blood than before, but despite seeming to get tired, that didn't stop him. I was nearby one of the times he'd brought someone back, and what I'd heard him mutter stuck with me on top of everything else. "Please Lord.. let me get one more…" He only ever took just enough time to catch his breath before going right back out. When everyone had been recovered, he started hauling back supplies. Only when there was nothing else to get.. when our sun was nearing the horizon, did he finally stop, slumped against the wall, chest heaving in exhaustion.

Everyone was surprised, even the Venlil, and I could tell a few of my fellow Exterminators were starting to think like I had then. Meanwhile, the Terrans seemed to hold him in higher regard after this, calling Howl a hero, despite his humility, "I'd just done what's right", is what he'd say… These predators.. they seem so- so normal! How could the Federation have missed such a thing? Late in the night, when most everyone else was asleep, I found myself wandering the grounds.. and stumbling across Howl, also still awake, reading his Bible. Walking over, I sat down nearby, and I felt so conflicted about.. well, everything, everything the Federation had taught us as fact of nature. He must've been able to tell something was bothering me, because he broke the silence between us.

"Something on your mind?"

"Y-Yeah.. I just- I don't understand you Terrans… I thought I'd known everything I'd need to know, but.. but then you all come along, and now I don't know what to think… I feel so.. so lost right now."

There's [a few moments] of silence, and Howl seems contemplating before he spoke up.
"Y'know.. I know what that feels like. It's how I found my faith in the end… I may not be a pastor, but I can read some passages to you, if you'd like."

I look down at the book in his hands, and after agreeing, I spend the night listening to his scripture. Predator scripture… Hearing the words, and having some of them explained to me, I feel.. some kind of peace that finally lets me fall asleep.

{Transcription Paused – Sleep Patterns Detected}
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Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Gojid Exterminator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 31, 2136

Thankfully, I woke up to no signs of the Arxur having broken down our walls, and yet.. things felt far too quiet compared to the previous day. Nobody really wanted to check out if the Arxur were still there, but it almost sounded like they'd left, but Chief still wanted us to remain inside, and everyone was okay with that. Speaking of everyone else, the others seemed a lot less wary around the Terrans after yesterday's display from Howl, with several Gojid thanking him profusely, being met with his previously displayed humility. Eventually, around midday, one of the Terrans' radios crackled to life, and after a moment they looked up, a grin on their face that threatened to show teeth was visible.

"Hey everyone, we're getting reinforcements in today! And we've got word that the real big guns are coming soon!"

That news seemed to inspire everyone, and as if on cue, the familiar holes in the sky popped up, again followed by flashes of ship-to-ship combat. When the Chief heard the news, he had every able-bodied person ready to fight so we can meet our reinforcements and help out as much as we can. It took [several minutes] for the ship to descend on an open patch of road nearby.. and I swear I could hear a peculiar melody filling the air. We heard the ship open up, and when the sounds of fighting started up, the gate opened and–! Stars, what in Mother Protector's name happened out here?! Our support had only just arrived, and yet it seemed as if the Arxur had already taken more casualties than yesterday.. giant gashes were visible across the corpses, almost like something or some one had cleaved them apart.

Wait a minute, focus dammit! Quickly diverting my attention to the matter at hand, we burst forth from the walls, a move the Arxur clearly weren't expecting as they seemed wholly unprepared for us. Making our way towards the landed ship, the previously heard song seemed to get louder.. almost radiating from the fight. Heading over to provide help, we see a pawful of soldiers dealing with the Greys, a few of the Terrans seemingly capturing them for some reason. After the fighting settled down, the one in more formal-looking armor steps forward, the music that was somehow radiating from them fading out as the fighting settles down.

"NYEHEHEH! THE GREAT PAPYRUS AND HIS EQUALLY-GREAT SOLDIERS HAVE COME TO SAVE THE DAY!"

Just when I thought things couldn't get stranger, this Papyrus person takes off his helmet and reveals– Stars help me is that a living skeleton!?!?

Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Gojid Exterminator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 31, 2136

There's a completely stunned silence in the air, I'm not sure why, though maybe it's the seemingly fully live skeleton talking to us right now! Out of everything we've seen from these Terrans.. I think this might just be the most insane. Fortunately for us, one of the Venlil who'd come with the first group of support walked up to it, seemingly not startled at all.

"Sir, it's amazing to meet you.. my Exchange Partner, she'd told me plenty of stories about you."

"NYEHEHEH! IT SEEMS MY GREATNESS PRECEDES ME!"

"That it does. How are things going elsewhere? We haven't really had much contact with the others."

"WITH WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM OTHER GROUPS, OUR GREAT SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN KEEPING THESE EVIL LIZARDS AT BAY! OF COURSE.. THINGS HAVEN'T BEEN PERFECT, AND MANY GOOD SOLDIERS HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO KEEP THESE PEOPLE SAFE."

Papyrus gestures towards us with his last statement, and it takes a scratch before his words properly set in. The Terrans have been giving their lives for us? What for? It wouldn't cost them anything to leave us to our fate. No.. remember what Howl said? "I'd just done what's right"… Are they all like this?

"I see.. do we have any new orders?"

"WELL, WE WERE TOLD TO PREVENT THE ARXUR FROM SPREADING FURTHER, AND SAVE AS MANY CIVILIANS AS WE CAN. ALONG WITH THAT, THERE ARE BUNKERS AROUND THE CITIES FILLED WITH PEOPLE, AND WE NEED TO GET TO THEM FIRST."

Suddenly, there's a heavy sound approaching.. what is that? Looking towards the horizon, I feel my quills pressing against the inside of my suit slightly as I see a cloud in the distance, and something approaching rapidly.What in Mother Protector's name is that fast? Wait, no.. it couldn't be, could it? Before anyone can react, a familiar large figure clad in armor lunging forward, directly hitting Papyrus! But instead of being knocked down, the dust clears and reveals Shakra holding him in a massive hug while he supports her in the air with just one arm. Just how strong is this skeleton!?

"Uncle Papyrus! I didn't think they'd assign you here! I haven't seen you in ages!"

"AHH, I SHOULD'VE KNOWN IT WAS YOU, LITTLE BOOM. IT SEEMS YOU'VE MISSED THE GREAT PAPYRUS! NYEHEHEH! YOU'VE GOTTEN MUCH STRONGER SINCE I LAST SAW YOU! I REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE THE SIZE OF A RIPE WATERMELON, AND I CAN HEAR THAT YOU STILL WEAR THAT VOICE CHANGER."

Shakra removes her helmet, a literally glowing blush on her face.
"C'mon! Not in front of everyone…"

"NYEHEHEH! WHAT KIND OF UNCLE WOULD I BE IF I DIDN'T EMBARASS YOU FROM TIME TO TIME? WITH HOW LONG I'VE KNOWN YOU, IT'S A REQUIREMENT."
Their embrace ends, but the conversation continues.
"TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, ME AND MY GREAT SQUAD WERE ASKED TO STRENGTHEN THIS AREA. DESPITE YOU BEING HERE, MANY OTHER PLACES SUFFERED FROM LACKING STRONG WARRIORS. YOU CAN'T BE EVERYWHERE, SHAKRA DEAR."

"I suppose you're right.. when I'd heard that the outpost here was under attack, I came back as soon and fast as I could. I'm so glad you got here in time to help out."

After that, Shakra goes over to the Venlil who she originally came here with, picking him up in a big hug as well. Stars.. and to think we'd doubted the Terrans to begin with. Looking back over to Papyrus, I notice that he seems tense all of a sudden, and before I can wonder what's happening, he reaches out his arm towards some bushes, an unsettlingly familiar shade of blue glowing from his hand as a yelp can be heard from the bushes. From the bushes, there's a smaller Arxur floating towards Papyrus, that same blue glow surrounding its body. Is it.. trembling? Maybe it understands that the Terrans are stronger than it?

{Advance Transcript – Approx 45 min}

With more people, and the Terrans' actual magic--because of course they have real magic and not primitive faery tales--the base we'd had set up around the office was very quickly rebuilt, but what shocked us the most is that the Terrans insisted on taking the surviving Arxur as prisoners. Despite our protests, our Chief let them repurpose the nearby PD Facility for the purpose. Why the Facility is so empty is a problem for later…

Apparently, Papyrus wanted to question the Arxur he'd found, and against my better judgement I'd decided to accompany him. Fortunately, the Facilities had rooms with one-way glass, and one of those was quickly repurposed for questioning. The small Arxur was lead into the room, and Papyrus sat across the table from it. Despite his voice carrying its usual amount of energy, he somehow managed to make it sound softer.

"NOW THEN, WHAT'S YOUR NAME, LITTLE ONE?"

There's brief silence before there's a response.
"They- They called me 21IG1Z…"

Stars, they don't even name their young? I almost feel bad.. almost, of course.
"WELL THAT JUST WON'T DO! HMM… HOW ABOUT THIS, FROM NOW ON, YOU WILL BE KNOWN AS IGNIS! CARRY THAT NAME WITH PRIDE, FOR IT WAS GIVEN TO YOU BY THE GREAT PAPYRUS! NYEHEHEH!"

For a moment, I swear I saw a glimpse of.. awe in the Arxur's eyes.
"NOW THEN.. BY THE TIME WE ARRIVED, WE SAW MANY OF YOUR FELLOWS WERE ALREADY.. DEALT WITH. BUT THERE'S SOMETHING THAT I NOTICED.. SEE, SOME OF THEM HAD SHORT CUTS AND WOUNDS LIKE SOME KIND OF BLADE, MAYBE THE CROW MONSTER'S FEATHER ATTACKS, BUT THE OTHERS… THOSE ATTACKS WERE A LOT BIGGER THAN THAT, DID YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENED?"

They seem to tremble more, taking [several moments] before answering.
"It- It attacked us during the night… N-Nobody could even t-touch that- that thing!"

"AND WHAT WAS THIS THING THAT ATTACKED?"

"I- I'm not sure.. it used s-some kind of r-really big blade, b-but… Those eyes… Th-They glowed through the darkness.. those t-two colors, like- like Sulean a-and Tilfish blood… It- It looked r-right at me, b-but.. it just- just walked right along…"

Their gaze seems to grow distant as they speak. Someting about what it said seemingly means something to Papyrus, though, as he gets an odd look on his face
"I SEE… YOU GO ON BACK TO YOUR ROOM, I THINK I HAVE A CALL TO MAKE…"

He then just leaves the room, and not wanting to be in the same building, I quickly leave the building and head back to the office, only stopping to admire how much better things are going now.

"AHH, IT'S GREAT TO SEE PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER LIKE THIS."

I nearly leap back at his voice, craning my neck to look up at him, seeing him look out over the little base we have set up.
"FOR RIGHT NOW, WE'VE BEEN TOLD TO HOLD OFF UNTIL THE HIVE SHIPS CAN COME."

"Hive ships? I've never heard of anything like that before.. what are they?"

"THEY ARE QUITE THE GIFT FROM OUR FRIENDS THE ULR, AND THEY HAVE ENOUGH FORCE WITH THEM TO PUSH BACK THOSE SHIPS AND FREE THIS PLANET!"

I guess I'll just have to wait and see for myself, then.

Memory Transcription Subject: Sans, Not-So Lazybones
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 31, 2136

man, when Pap got sent out to help those aliens, i didn't expect to be getting a call from him so soon. of course, when i actually picked up the call and heard what he'd heard from one of those crazy crocs, you'd think that i was the cold-blooded one. guess i should pay them a visit, because if it is them, then that's an easier situation to deal with.

picking myself off the couch, i swap my usual coat for my more science-y one before taking a quick shortcut. luckily for me, helping out when this station got built helped with memorizing the place, especially the nice and isolated broom closets where i wouldn't be seen. of course, the convenient thing to do would be to go right to their room, except for the fact i don't know which room that is, and if their Exchange partner is there, then that'd be an explanation that i'd rather not deal with, especially when i'm bone-dry on social energy for today. which is why this isn't a social call, it's business, there's a difference. after asking around--and showing my ARU-issued ID when necessary--i made my way over to a room pouring with a familiar energy.

knocking on the door, i see an unfamiliar face, probably the Exchange partner.
"O-Oh um, hello there.. is there something going on?"

"nah, don't worry yourself too much kid, i just got something i need to ask your roommate. this is where Arlecchino is, yeah?"

"Oh! Well, he's not here right now.. but I can tell him someone's here to see him!"

"i'd appreciate that, tell them to meet me in the garden as soon as is convenient."

she flicks her ear, presumably her version of a nod, before shutting the door. of course, before heading to the garden, i take a good minute to memorize this patch of hallway, and after making sure there's nobody watching, the garden's just another shortcut away. y'know, i'm glad we put this tree in, makes a convenient albeit cliche spot. who am i to judge though, if i had to come up with something better i'd probably draw a plank. heh. taking a seat on the bench, it doesn't take long before the jester of the hour appears, also coming from around the tree.

"Why hello there doctor! It is the wonderful times to see you! May I be asking, what is bringing you here, here?"

from my spot on the bench, i look up at their mask of a face.
"either you already know why i'm here, or we've got bigger problems on our hands."

they seem to consider something for a sec before answering.
"Oh alright, I admit it! I just wanted to join in on the fun, fun! It's not every day I get to feel out a new challenge."

and there it is.. honestly, i'm glad they don't have it in them to cause real trouble.
"i see.. just be careful next time, you know that we gotta keep things under wraps, bud."

"Of course, of course! I only slip away when I know it's a good time."

"right, well i'll stop twisting your hat now."
with a chuckle, i get up from the bench and--oh yeah, that--quickly turn back towards the jester.
"oh just one more thing.. what'd you see in the kid? i might not have seen what went down, but the way the kid described things… small details, y'know how i am."

"Oh of course, 'detective'. There was.. an innocence in his SOUL that I'm sure few of his kind would share. Perhaps from youth, but.. I also saw potential, and I wished for him to see a brighter future for his people."

"right.. that 'potential' didn't happen to have anything to do with my brother, did it?"

"Ohhh you know me! A good jester—"

"never gives away their secrets.. yeah, got it. you take care, then."

"And you as well! Be sure and give my greetings to your brother when you get the chance, chance!"

with an over-dramatic bow and flair, they completely blink away right in front of me. well, that's good news i suppose.. better than that being something that isn't exclusive to Humans and Monsters…

Memory Transcription Subject: Prime Minister Piri
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: August 31, 2136

It had been [four days] since the alert came that the Arxur were attacking my homeworld, but if the reports that were coming back were anything to go by… At first, I had plenty of skepticism about these Monsters and Humans, I'd imagine many would be skeptical about them, and yet.. they so eagerly jumped in to help us, and apparently they were actually holding them off. There weren't many reports coming in, because the Cradle's comms were taken out by the Arxur and that only few of the higher ranking Terran soldiers had any form of FTL communication.

According to Kam, today was when the reinforcement soldiers were to arrive in order to help further push back the Arxur on the ground, and already things were.. well, they were far beyond anything I could've hoped for. The first wave of troops had managed to put together makeshift safehouses for people, and some of the second wave Captains were apparently planning to scout out nearby bunkers to ensure that the Arxur hadn't gotten to them, and clear them out if they had. I almost couldn't believe what was happening.. and yet, I had these new "predators" to thank for the rescue of my home.

Sitting in with Tarva and Kam, listening to the updates on things, it had given me hope for a brighter future.. hope that maybe, just maybe, we might be able to put this entire war behind us.

"According to Secretary General Dredd, they should have their Hive Ships finished by their next planetary rotation.. and if these specs aren't being exaggerated, then they should be able to retake the Cradle handily."

"What.. exactly are these 'Hive Ships'? They don't sound like anything the Federation has ever thought of."

"In all honesty.. they seem to be massive Carriers, packed entirely with Fighters, and the rest of the non-vital space being various facilities for upkeep and repair of the Fighters."

"I see.. I'm sure they'll still somehow surprise us, with everything so far…"

This time, it's Tarva who grabs out her pad to check something.
"As for our other plans.. we've sent Cheln with the Odyssey crew to make contact with Prime Minister Braylen. I'll have to take a call from my office to be able to confirm the Terrans' intentions.. Piri, would you be willing to join in as well? It would be a big help in convincing Braylen, and the Terrans are going to need as much support as they can get."

I flick my ear in confirmation, more than willing to repay the Terrans' kindness as much as possible.

"Great, and while I'll bring this up to Braylen, I feel I should let you know now: I plan on bringing up the Terrans at the upcoming Federation Summit, and I'll see about bringing one of them along to try and convince as many other Representatives as we can."

"Honestly.. I'm not sure how well they'll take them, but… They won't be able to deny the support they're providing, at the very least they should see how willing they are to help us fight the Arxur."

"That's my hope as well, Piri…"

It didn't take much longer before the hail came in through, and after quickly composing ourselves, Tarva answers, showing a video call with Braylen and Frish, with the three of us appearing in the call. Braylen, for his part, seemed to be as calm as someone would be with a predator ship hovering over their homeworld.

"Tarva! Thank goodness you picked up.. these- these predators are claiming you're in some kind of alliance with them. Not to mention their claims that they were behind the medical miracle that brought your daughter back!"

Why am I not surprised that he seems slightly more focused on one of those claims…
"Believe me, Braylen, I was having those same thoughts just [four days] ago, and on top of all that.. they willingly jumped at the chance to help when they learned my Cradle was being attacked by the Arxur."

"Prime Minister Piri! While I'm glad to hear you're safe during such an event.. why are you at Governor Tarva's Manor?"

"Tarva here invited me over in order to inform me about her new allies.. along with why she'd suddenly cut off the rest of the Federation. As you can see…"
I gesture with a paw towards Frish's section on the vid-screen. Stars I hope that's right on his side.
"There was plenty of reason for Tarva to be worried for these new allies, all things considered."

"I- I see… Well, I suppose I'll take your word for now. Now.. I just must know how they managed to help the situation with your daughter!"

Stars, time for this conversation again.. except now I'm on the other side…

Memory Transcription Subject: Rekker, Gojid Exterminator
Date [Standardized Earth Time]: September 1, 2136

After spending just about all day working on securing our office again, Papyrus informed us that he had plans to go out with troops to ensure any bunkers were still safe. Of course, he'd need multiple locals to help with finding them, and of course enough to calm civilians in case the situation came to that. That lead us to today, half of Papyrus' team had stayed at the base, while a pawful of other soldiers and Exterminators came along. As of right now, we were going through the abandoned town, almost at the nearest bunker. Mother Protector, please.. let the bunker be still sealed, at the very least.

Coming up on the bunker, my fellow Exterminators and I froze as we saw Arxur milling about outside the bunker. Please, don't tell use we're too late… Out of everyone, Howl volunteered to try and get a closer look, so the rest of us slipped into an empty convenience store a few buildings away while he flew to the rooftops. Cautiously peering out, I can see his silhouette getting very close by, and I heard one of the Terran soldiers receiving short-range communications from him. As he gets closer to where the bunker is, I hold my breath.. and unfortunately, it seems the Arxur must've picked up on his scent, because they opened fire at him on the rooftop. Just like that day, there's a glow that surrounds him, shielding him from their fire before he retreats away from the ledge.

"OKAY THEN.. MR. JENKINS HAS THEM DISTRACTED, AND HE SAYS HE WILL KEEP THEIR ATTENTION SO WE CAN MOVE IN ON THEM."

With the straightforward plan in mind, the group of us make our way forwards, with the more heavily armored Terrans taking the lead, all while trying to keep our group's silhouette as small as possible for the approach. It's so nerve-wracking to be waiting for the sounds of a fight to start like this… Just have to stay focused! The sounds of the Arxur's gunfire can be heard getting closer.. before eventually I hear the sound of it directed towards us. Before too many shots can reach our group, one of the Royal Guards with strange, hooked weapons that glowed green stepped forward and reached a hand forward, and then suddenly the weapons reform into a transparent barrier!

"WELL THEN, SINCE WE'VE LOST THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE, WE'LL JUST HAVE TO KEEP A STEADY APPROACH! HUMANS! TO THE FRONT, AND KEEP THAT SHIELD UP! ANYONE WITH RANGED WEAPONS AND MAGIC, YOU'RE CLEAR TO FIRE!"

Despite only having our sidearms for this fight, my fellows and I were all carefully aiming while the Terran soldiers fired off with a much faster accuracy. Several Arxur fell in the approach, and when they realized the shield in front of us wasn't going down any time soon, they began to charge, and it took everything to not run at the sight. If they get close then they can just go around.. we can't let that happen! I started firing faster, more shots going wide but just as many hitting a mark as the targets closed in, fangs and claws bared… And then they reached us, but it was too little to late, because by then, the armored Terrans were able to easily take down the Greys.. taking them alive whenever possible. Stars I still can't believe their leaders want to try and get any information from these monsters. …That word feels different now–

I'm pulled from my thoughts as I notice several people looking up into the sky, and looking up myself.. I see it, more of those voids that signal Terran FTL drives. Except this time, there's fewer.. but they're larger than the previous ships.. stars above, they're huge! Are- Are those the Hive Ships? Suddenly, the flashes of ship to ship combat completely light up the sky as what I can only presume are countless smaller fighters.

"NYEHEHEH! LOOKS LIKE OUR BACKUP IS FINALLY HERE! LET'S GET THESE LIZARDS LOCKED UP WHILE OUR FRIENDS CLEAN UP THOSE SHIPS. THEY'LL BE DOWN SOON ENOUGH TO HELP US GET YOUR PEOPLE TO SAFETY."

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic
Date [Standardized Human Time]: September 10, 2136

Thankfully, with how instant the Terran Void Drives are, we were able to make it to the Summit with enough time to pick up someone who Frish felt would be able to speak on the history of Humans and Monsters the best. Of course, we couldn't arrive to the Summit with an unfamiliar ship model, so my usual transport was fitted with a Void Drive, and we made sure our destination would be just far enough that Aafa's scanners wouldn't be able to detect it. Currently, however, we were waiting to hear back from the planet.

Starting to get slightly impatient, I sent another hail.
"This is Governor Tarva, I am reiterating my request to speak with Chief Nikonus immediately. This is an urgent matter!"

The plan was to hail them over the media channels, meaning that if something went wrong, the public would be in the know. Piri was sat right next to me in order to appear on the video feed. Meanwhile, Frish was busy rechecking the data cache we'd prepared, while our other two guests were busy elsewhere for the moment. Frish, for their part, looked like a bundle of nerves, I can't exactly blame them.. there's a lot of pressure riding on the Summit right now.

Breaking the silence, a monotone reply came across our comms.
"He's signing on now, please be patient… Your favor is already strained, Governor."

Of course, tensions were heightened by the fact that our ship was currently target-locked. Not exactly procedure for visiting diplomats, even with the large security force in place to ward off any Arxur who get a whiff of these meetings. The Federation couldn't afford for every leader to be killed in one single strike. Are we even still a member of the Federation? The Venlil certainly haven't gained any favors with the stunt I had to pull… I've actually considered withdrawing today.. at least, if we don't get kicked out first.

Frish looked up from their pad, speaking quietly just in case.
"It's ready, Tarva.. send it whenever you're ready."

I tapped a few buttons on my holopad, sending the data cache to the local internet. In it was records of history, explanations on Human and Monster biology, magic, and everything that had happened after first contact. Of course, we included the empathy tests, and the Terrans' lack of hesitation to rescue the Cradle. I'd shared the information wherever I thought would get the most attention, hoping that some public figures and media outlets would pick it up and get people talking.

"You!"
I fail to suppress a bleat as Nikonus suddenly connects. Relief seemed to cover his features as his attention was on Piri.
"Prime Minister, it is a blessing to see you safe, and we are all glad that your homeworld seems to be safe as well."

Shaking off the shock, I manage to form a response.
"We're all definitely glad for that. The reason I requested you directly, Chief, was because we have.. let's say a unique request."

Piri flicked an agreement, with Nikonus seeming intrigued.
"Well then.. we have some guests who would like an audience at the Summit."

Turning the camera towards Frish, without a mask, I can see Nikonus' eyes bulge.
"That.. is- is that—!?"

"Just one of our guests, but they represent their Allied Races Union, and we even have a speaker on board as well."

"You brought predators here? Do you intend to set them loose on us!?"

This time it was Piri who responds.
"All we want is for the Federation to hear them out. We know the Federation wouldn't hesitate to glass their planet, so shouldn't you at least hear from a so-called evil species first? Do they not have a right to defend themselves?"

"Absolutely not! If the two of you were not on that vessel, I would order it shot down!"
There was a disheartening lack of hesitation in his voice. Are we even going to be allowed to land?

I couldn't help but slightly lash my tail with my response.
"You let us in this far before you knew about this, don't the Venlil have a right to address the galaxy?"

The Chief's nostrils flared.
"You have a right to speak, and give us your version of events for the record. You are still a member of the Federation.. for now, at least."

"Then I would like to give our speaker to address the Summit in my stead, and be treated the same as any Venlil citizen. Look into our eyes, the two of us already consider them part of our herd."

"You have gone mad, Tarva! There are millions on this planet who do not want those things stepping foot on our capital. Some of us still value our lives."

Piri briefly tapped at her pad before looking back up at the Chief. Faintly, I could hear our other passengers approaching.
"Would you reconsider if you first saw who it is the ARU ambassador has chosen to speak on their behalf?"

Before Nikonus could retort, an elderly figure was wheeled into frame, a faintly glowing IV line attached to the back of his chair. Thankfully, his intimidating granddaughter thought it best to stand just out of frame. Just as expected, the more 'prey-like' eye placement of the Monster immediately seemed to catch Nikonus off-guard.

"This is your speaker? For the predator union? But…"
I could practically hear his mind trying to parse out what he's seeing.

Maybe…
"We've all been on this one ship for the trip from Venlil Prime to here, and look at us, do we look like we have so much as a tuft of fur out of place? Besides, you could easily outnumber them on your own planet."

"I won't let any beasts into the governing chamber. What is to stop them from eating the nearest leader, live on television?"

Exasperated, Piri responded in time as I did.
"They won't."

"And if they do?"

"Then you'll have proof of what they're like, when future generations ask why the Federation chose the actions they did."

"Please, Nikonus.. at the very least give the stand to the people who saved my Cradle and my people."

That seemed to stun him slightly.
"Urgh, fine. I will allow [five minutes] for it to speak, and no more. If they so much as look at someone the wrong way, they will be shot. Nor will I pledge for their safety after the face, no matter how well they comply. Understood?"

Five minutes is barely enough time to open a conversation, much less elaborate on much of anything. This feels like a farce just to appease us.. what's to stop them from rushing a judgement immediately? Looking over, I see our guests silently agreeing.

"We accept these terms, and if you want more objectivity, we've left a data dump. The same goes for anyone listening, I've uploaded it to various platforms under my credentials."

"You are pressing your luck, Tarva. I have preparations to make.. do not disembark until you are given the clearance to."
Without any room for response, he cuts the feed.

That certainly could've gone better.. but it also could've gone far worse as well. Frish slumped over in their seat, and Piri had to smooth down her quills, meanwhile I piloted the ship down to port. The ship easily settled down into the docking port, a thud emanating throughout the entire ship. Of course, getting onto the planet was only half the challenge.

The terminal was adjoined with the governance hall, similar to the reception lawn on Venlil Prime. Looking outside, I was glad to see the presence of media and reporters, all of whom I imagine were wanting the first scoop on these new predator diplomats. The more eyes on us, the better.

Frish cautiously glanced out through one of the windows, seemingly anxious about the large crowd. A red dot appeared on their forehead, and I shouted for them to get down. They did incredibly quickly, forming some kind of red, transparent field around themselves as well. The ambassador removed their mask, breathing heavily, with their gaze seeming unfocused.

Piri looked towards and spoke to them.
"What's on your mind?"

Frish looks over at us, breathing more steady.
"W-Well.. first it was how big that crowd is… But now I wonder how the Arxur even got uplifted, given how thoroughly the Federation seems to hate predators so much."

"I'm sure things would've been different if we found Earth first. The Federation uplifted dozens of species before them without any issue. We want to accept all sentients."

"But all the research you have seems to suggest the Arxur were different. Did prey species not fight wars, Piri?"

"Well.. the only real wars the Federation has on record were from species' pre-uplift times. Even then, it was only over limited resources. None of it was about.. power, or ideology, or bloodshed, that's why we thought we could fix the Greys."

My ears pinned back.
"We were naive then.. but a part of me misses what we were. Maybe we deserved what happened because of our weakness."

This time, the response came from Shakra, who'd been keeping quiet so far. Her outburst causing us three to jump.
"Of course you don't! The weak should never have to fear the strong, that's the way animals govern themselves. But also.. how have they been taking you on all at once? Even with what help they got from you, there's no way they should be steamrolling through the galaxy like they are."

Piri sighs softly.
"We had no real defenses then.. and the only survivors from that sector are those who ran. Nobody really knew what was happening."

"Why didn't you have any defenses? Nobody ever considered the possibility of getting attacked? No preparation or anything?"

"You don't understand, because you've never known real peace. Why do we need defense when, as a rule, all sapients just get along? Why have war machines if you'll never use them?"

I mostly blocked out the remainder of their conversation. The last thing I wanted on my mind before the Summit was a topic like war. Before I knew it, we'd received a message from Nikonus that we were allowed to leave the ship.

When we stepped out onto the terminal, we were suddenly blinded by bright floodlamps, presumably to disorient the "predators". Frish lifted up a hand in front of their face, with Shakra using her hand to shield her grandfather's eyes.

A Kolshian officer spoke over a megaphone.
"Step forward slowly, and walk until we instruct you to turn."

Our small herd slowly shuffled forward, Frish seemingly incredibly nervous. I gently curled my tail around their wrist, and I could feel their racing heartbeat. Multiple cameras focused on our group, some on how willing I was to be in contact with a predator, while others focused on Gerson. No doubt shocked about why these supposed predators haven't culled the weak. Of course, there were also several cameras focusing on the hulking figure of Shakra, though she didn't seem bothered whatsoever by the situation.

I wondered how the leaders would react when we reached the governing chamber. The announcement that predators would be arriving would definitely have come as a shock; nobody planned on this when they came to visit. Well, almost nobody. It was one thing to talk about predators in the abstract, but it was another to see the stuff of nightmares for most in-person.

I just hope the speec Gerson has prepared would be able to sway the Federation… After all, the Terrans aren't exactly being invited with open arms.