Persistence Journalism - Acceptable_Egg - The Nature of Predators (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 11 th, 2136

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I tapped my claws on the table as I stared at the screen of my holonote. The Dawn Creek scandal was one of the biggest debacles any correctional facility had ever faced. Systematic abuse, drug testing, selling inmates as sexual favors, among many, many more atrocities. It was truly disgusting. With the confirmation of the investigation, the monsters managing everything had tried to hide everything and run, mostly disappearing and hiding in the brush. The “orderlies” were a comparative mix. Many had participated in the activities, and were arrested within the following season. But there were a few that were noble.

The paw before the investigation was due to start, the management had ordered that all information be purged. Pads destroyed, copies deleted, anything that held information was to be destroyed. But a couple of their data workers objected. They had removed the data storage from as many pads as they could, and when the inmates were all kicked out of the facility to cause chaos, the pair snuck out with them. In exchange for anonymity and a pardon for their involvement, they handed over the evidence to the Magestratta. Once the data was broken out of its encryption, their crimes were laid bare.

Yet while many orderlies were caught, the people actually in charge were not.I couldn’t let that remain.They had done so many things to innocent people. To helpless inmates.To Tarlim.

I grabbed the fur on my legs to feel it in my fingers.I need to do this.I pick up my holonote, I flick the selector to look at my previous target. Shorshen, Nevok Doctor, head of the Medical Center of the Dawn Creek Correctional Facility. They used the patients as test subjects for drugs, but instead of hoping for treatments, they focused on drugs that could be later sold on the street. Noting the lengths of the highs, how long before withdrawal set in, and thus when the customer would be most willing to pay extra for the next hit. Even noting when purity would result in deaths rather than a high.

I found them two paws ago. They had moved to a small sunward agricultural town and got a job as the school nurse. Living off the money they had saved from their drug trade. It was almost insulting how simple they were to find. They were back online after only a year from the incident. You could see them transferring their accounts to a new name!How could nobody have noticed? Did they give up the search so soon?

But I found them! Direct evidence connecting “good nurse Marsham” to really being Dr. Shorshen. Names change, people don’t.

I had notified the exterminator offices of their position and my evidence, but before I sent off the message, I decided to add one more thing. If he was corrupt, he might have paid the local office off. Possibly even to get them to vouch for knowing him. I needed a guarantee that they would be arrested.

And what better guarantee than knowing you would be watched?

And as a show of solidarity, I shall also be notifying the human side of the exchange program so that they can see the effectiveness of our law departments.

I got to see a vestcam video of exterminators raiding his office the very next paw! His hooves were scrambling along the windowsill as he tried to crawl out. To see him bawling his eyes out as they were dragged out of the school in cuffs in front of the students and staff…It felt so satisfying!

But that was only one of the heads. Someone from which Tarlim hadn’t even been victimized.It wasn’t enough.There was one target over all. The actual Brahking mastermind running the whole facility.

Malcos.

Last images I found were traffic cameras showing him driving to his house. The car never left the house, but he disappeared. Yet while he vanished, his bank accounts were emptied and transferred. But unlike Shorshen, this Venlil knew what he was doing. Any trace of where the money went just resulted in garbage. Long dead brands, shell companies that have already been foreclosed, even money laundering businesses that have since moved or otherwise shut down. He left no trace of his money outside of dead ends that got me no closer to finding him then when I had started. Yet the money went somewhere.He’s still out there. He has to-

My holonote timer rang, jolting me out of my obsession. A message appears on the screen covering my research.

Event Reminder: Report to Resocialization Herd at Hardee’s Park.

I sigh. I wish I could just keep looking. I know I could find something*. Maybe I could just…* I shook my head and removed the holonote from the charger.Tarlim wouldn’t like me skipping. Not even to help him.

I put on my belt pack and exit the hotel to catch a ride to the park. It was an uneventful journey, and when I arrived I could see my two “herdmates” at the park care supply shed. After paying my fare, I stepped from the vehicle and made my way to them. They spied me coming as I approached, waving me down to join them.

Peaton waves his tail and ears in greeting as Fasha was swiping her pad to unlock the shed.

“Good to see you again,” Peaton greets, “I hope you’re ready for a good claw of service!”

“Yep,” Fasha agrees, “the central fountain is due for its bi-rotation cleaning, so we’re going to be draining and scrubbing it down!”

I raise my ears in a faux show of joy. One of the main ideas of “resocialization” was to have the people work to benefit the greater herd. So that resulted in things like cleaning parks and streets of the trash and filth that is the inevitable result of civilization. I honestly never fully realized how much trash could be just left around for someone to clean up.I even posted an independent article about it on the third paw of my resocialization.It was hard, a full claw in the sun, but it was what was mandated.

It was more than I deserved.

“Here you go, Sharnet,” Fasha holds out a rubber jumpsuit, “the cleaning chemicals can damage fur, so you’ll need to wear this. Remember: do NOT touch your face or head while we clean! It’s easy to forget, so make sure to check yourself.”

I flicked my ears in agreement, taking the jumpsuit and beginning the struggle of putting it on. My “herdmates” were doing the same, with a moment where Fasha dumps out a couple of chitter bugs from her boots. Good thing she checked. Feeling something crawling through your fur that you can’t see is always freaky.Oh Stars, the suit is pulling on my tail fur weird! How do people handle this regularly?

“Here are your tools, Sharnet,” Peaton hands me the three buckets and scrub brushes. “How goes that personal project of yours?”

I give a short huff as I adjust the gloves to hold the buckets. One-size-fits-most just leaves me with baggy pelts.How did Jacob get his suit to fit so well? Honestly, I wish that-

“Hey, Sharnet!” Fasha waver her hand in front of my eye. “You there?”

I blink, coming back into focus. “Sorry! Sorry! I was, egh” I shake my left leg, “trying to adjust my suit. It’s pulling on my fur strangely!”

“Ah,” Peaton waved his tail in understanding, taking a couple bottles of cleaner down from the shelves, “I understand. It’s just something you have to get used to. Though you wouldn’t be the first if you didn’t!”

“I see,” I responded, placing the buckets under my arm. “Were you saying something?”

“I was asking about that personal project of yours.” Peaton said as he walked out of the shed.

“I’m curious too,” Fasha adds, walking out with the brush poles and garbage bags. “Last paw, you looked like you could walk on clouds! And we were clearing out a clogged rain drain! Did something happen?”

I let out a sigh. One of the mandates for resocialization was actually socializing. It was one of the harder parts of this.My job prepared me for speaking in an interview, not actually talking to others.Still, it was something I needed to do.He said I could do it. I can do it.

“It hit a wall in my work,” I explained as we made our way to the fountain. “Since I’m now an independent journalist, I have to do all my research myself. And what I’m after is just…” I shake my hand like I’m grabbing something. “Just out of reach.”

“Must be frustrating,” I heard Fasha sympathize. “You haven’t told us what you’re investigating, though. Maybe we could help!”

I let out a huff of frustration and set the buckets down with a clatter next to the fountain. “I would need someone skilled in data tracking through the planetary intranet. I don’t suppose that either of you have been taking classes for that on the side?”

I heard Peaton laugh on my other side. “Can’t say that I have, at least! I’m a landscaper, not a techno-thing expert!”

“Yeah, you’ll need to count me out as well,” Fasha adds as she opens the access panel and shifts the valve to drain the fountain, “the most I know about the net is looking up videos on Bleat!”

I signal acknowledgment as I peel the buckets apart.Attempt to, at least.“I could have used my old resources to find someone, but now I’m…” I tug on the buckets again.No budge. “I’m…”Okay, maybe a twist? Nope.“I’m… Speh! I’m completely failing at taking these buckets out from each other! What, did someone glue them together?”

I saw Fasha stand up with a laugh, “Nah, those things are just complete pains in the tail to seperate. Here, you grab the bottom of that one, I grab the top of this, and on the count of three, we pull apart while twisting. Ready?”

I brace myself, getting as good a grip as I could on the plastic. “Ready.”

“Okay. 1…2… 3!”

We lean back and pull as hard as we can.By the stars! It’s like we’re trying to split apart a solid brick! Why must these brahking buckets get so stuck!?I heard my boots slide against the pavement as we tried to wrestle the buckets apart.Why can’t it just-

SHLOP!

Funny thing about buckets, when they start to come apart, they do so fast. And when you’re throwing your full weight into pulling on one, the sudden release of resistancereallythrows you off balance. I was sent stumbling back, crashing into a public trash can while I heard the telltale splash of Fasha tripping into the draining fountain.

Ow.

I sat up, rubbing the back of my head.Thank the stars we have solid skulls.I saw Peaton staring at the both of us. “You two okay?”

Fasha crawls out of the fountain, shaking as much water out of her head fur as she could. “Not what I was planning, but we got the buckets apart!” She let herself fall forward over the edge, and I saw water drain from out of her jumpsuit. “I’ll certainly need a dryer after this! What about you, Sharnet?”

I brush some loose dirt from my jumpsuit. “Yeah, just a bit rattled.” I took a breath, rubbing my head again. *Yeowch. Yeah, that’s definitely going to bruise. “*Let’s get this done with, shall we?”

Peaton collected the brushes strewn across the ground. “I thought you’d never ask!”

And so, my resocialization task finally began. The fountain was a simple double basin design with a spout spraying out water into the topmost layer that then cascades over the sides into the larger ground layer. Normally the Blue Birds of the park would flock here to drink and bathe while park-goers would occasionally stop by to feed them seeds. Occasionally, a Krakotl would attempt such bathing as well, usually as a gag. It never went very far. Still, being in the park exposes the fountain to the elements. As such, grime and algae have collected, staining the tiles and marble construction.

We filled the buckets with the cleaner and got to scrubbing. I gave a huff as we began.A Galactic Federation, spanning I don’t even know how many star systems, and we still rely on muscle power for so many tasks. Gotta keep us busy somehow, I guess.

Regardless of my gripes, I still scrubbed. As the claw passed, the tiles of the fountain began to turn white once more. After we took our meal break, we set up the poles so we could reach the upper basin. It, perhaps more than the ground level, needed to be done. By the time it shone another claw later, I was panting heavily and was left completely exhausted. Yet somehow, Peaton and Fasha only looked just barely tired.How do they do stuff like this every day?

Peaton and I sat together on a nearby bench, looking over our work. The fountain positively sparkled with how white we had scrubbed it. Fasha twisted the valve in the maintenance, and water began to spew out from the spigot at the top. “That should be about it!” she announced. “Now we just need to let the water run for a bit to rinse off the cleaner, then we can finally let it fill again!”

“And that,” Peaton adds, standing from the bench with a grunt, “brings your service for this paw to a close, Sharnet. The next as well!” pulling out his holopad. “We worked two claws on this! That’s double the normal mandated shift! Just need to sign off on my pad…” He fiddles around with his pad for a moment to fill out the paperwork, slowly drifting from us as he does.

Fasha takes his place on the bench next to me, her pad out already showing a series of videos. “Perhaps while he does that, you’d like to stay and watch a video I found, Sharnet?”

“I’ll…huff,I’ll have to pass,” I wave her off. “I have to get…huff,back to my own project.”

“Well, you certainly need to rest first!” She objects, “we double-shifted!”

“I’ll be fine,” I flicked my ears to try and sell the obvious lie, manually controlling my breathing. “It’s just important to me.”

“Come on, this is the point of resocialization, after all! Besides, I think it’ll be something you’d like to waaaaatch~.”

I groaned internally at the sing-song voice she used to punctuate her last sentence, but I didn’t have the energy to refuse her any longer. With one more sigh, I tiredly flicked my tail in agreement and looked over to her pad. To my surprise, there wasn’t a video of some cute animal to greet me, but instead some kind of advertisem*nt.

It opened with a shot of Venlil Prime from space. “Our planet still remains only one of many in the universe. A small speck against the vastness of the galaxy. Yet even here lie a great many stories to be found and answers to be searched for!”

The video then cut to a moving shot of the main VRPBN broadcast center. “We at VRPBN Prime News have always desired to best show those stories and answer those questions. Now, a new opportunity has risen for you to join in this mission!”

It flashed images and videos of Venlil writing and talking into cameras, performing a line of work all too familiar to me. “We’re looking for a brave new generation of people to help us uncover the truth about the universe we live in, large and small, through the VRPBN’s brand new Investigative Journalism Division! No prior experience required, just the desire to search for the truth!”

After that grand exclamation, the voice sped up for the disclaimers. “All applicants must be made aware that they may be placed in potentially dangerous situations, VRPBN is not liable for injury, dismemberment, or death while on the job. Pay is negotiable. Inquire at the Primary Broadcast Building for more details.”

I turned to Fasha in disbelief to be met with her grinning brightly at me, ears perked and tail wagging. “I told you I could find videos on the net!”

“How…” I swallowed hesitantly, “I don’t quite understand. How can this help?”

“Well, you said you needed resources for your project. Data trackers, and stuff like that, right? Well, here you go! The resources of the Broadcast Network! Just waiting for a journalist to use them!” Fasha’s tail swayed behind her.

I stared down at the paused video for a moment.I haven’t told them the reason I’m here in the first place. Would VRPBN know? Would they even allow me to sign up?“I don’t know, Fasha…”

Fasha flicked her ears at me encouragingly. “Come on, I know that you’re not happy just cleaning fountains! This could be an opportunity for you to get back to reporting! Whatever mistakes you made, you learn from it!”

“Still,” I hesitated, “what about my resocialization? I haven’t finished my 40 paws.”

Fasha laughed a little. “Sharnet, we don’t have to be your herd for the entire time! Go, sign up! I’m sure they’ll count your coworkers as your herd!”

Would they? I hadn’t even considered that before.I swayed my ears in thought for a moment before I came to a decision.If it means I never have to look at another grimy fountain again…“Sure, I’ll do it.”

Fasha squealed and hugged me. “I’m so excited for you! Hopefully you’re happier there than you were here!” As she spoke, a small shame bubbled in my chest.Was my disdain for this job really so apparent? I hope neither of them took that personally.

Peaton leaned over and waved his pad at me. “Alright Sharnet, you’re all signed off. Just remember that until you actually get the job, you still have to report to us!”He was listening??

I lowered my ears in confusion, Peaton just swished his tail in amused response. “These ears aren’t just for show, you know! I wish you luck in the application, Sharnet.”

“Same here!” Fasha added. “For now, get yourself some rest. You deserve it!”She’s wrong.

I look at them. Just wagging their tails, showing nothing but support*. I can see why they’re a prime resocialization herd.* I stood up from the bench as I began to remove my jumpsuit. “Thank you two. You have been so kind to me!”Too kind. Much more than I’m worth.

They grin back at me in response as I leave the park, walking through the bustling streets of the Capital, merging into a herd that’s moving the same direction. As natural as the action was, I still felt wrong partaking in it.After all I’ve done, I should be given a wide berth. If only they knew.

Due to a combination of discomfort and still being exhausted, I waved down a cab to take me the rest of the way to the hotel. I simply slouched the rest of the way to my room and set myself into the same position as I started the paw in. Sitting at a table, staring at the holonote with my target. So many thoughts were going through my head. With a huff, I pull over something personal and unique.

A physical journal. I grab a pencil and begin to write my thoughts.

Malcos. If I took him down, maybe it could help balance out what I did. Just a moment of putting good into the galaxy once more. Then Tarlim would finally have true justice.One of these days, you speh-licking brahkass.

But as much as I wish it were so, I couldn’t take him down myself. Maybe VRPBN would allow a personal project if I showed what I already have, and they could assign someone who could help me. They would need to be able to get farther than me in cracking these encryptions, match my style, be willing to travel if needed, and be up for the task without my…motivations.

But who could that possibly be?

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Memory transcription subject:Vekna, Venlil Civilian.Date: [Standardized human time] September 11th, 2136

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The blinds automatically fly open in my hotel room, accosting my eyes to the onslaught of the everpresent sun.Herd, you can’t get a decent sleep in the Capital!I yawn and rub the sleep from my groggy eyes. The city outside seems to be back at pre-human business, which only prompts a groan from me.Great, more people to pretend like I’m not a monster around.

I slip out of bed and remove my pad from the charger. Its cracked screen comes to life with all the vigor of an elderly Krakotl taking flight.I’m going to need to replace this old thing soon.I glance over at the yellow slip resting on my desk, a token of yet another job I’ve been fired from.Should’ve kept the birth dates closer from last time. Does it look like I was born 40 rotations ago??

I set the tea maker to run as I absently browse through videos on my tablet. One catches my eye, however.A job offering?I click it and am immediately bombarded with the most corny advertisem*nt possible. Seriously, it looks like it was made in a day. What does catche my eye, though, is the fine print in the last few seconds. Not many would notice it, but I have a keen eye for this kind of stuff.I’ve had to.

I zoom in on the text and, to my joy, find what I was looking for. “Employees eligible for personal device replacement.” If I took this job, I wouldn’t have to spend the credits to buy a new pad!Thank the Herd, inflation’s been through the roof with the humans showing up.What was the job again?I was too lost in the sheer corporateness of the video notice. I check the title again.

Investigative Journalism Division?Can’t be worse than that one dive bar I tended for. Why not? At least it will pass the time.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

Memory transcription subject:Vekna, Venlil Civilian.Date: [Standardized human time] September 12th, 2136

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I plod my way down the bustling streets of the Capital. Herds flow through and around one another, mixing and forming in their own random patterns. I never understood how people could just…be in such close proximity to one another. Most of them are physically touching! I can’t stand it when people touch me without my permission. Makes me feel…weird.Just another side effect of being a freak.Guess it’s good that there’s usually a bit of space between the herds and the street. Means I don’t have to join the cesspit that is average walking conditions.That’s what I get when I go out during prime break claws.

At least there are a few others walking in the same space, so I am not seen as suspicious.That’s the last thing I need right now.I pass the park on my way to the building, but seeing as I’ll have to cross to the other side regardless, I decide to cross through it as a shortcut. Blue Birds chirp under the tree canopies as I enter, doing little to drown out the sounds of the city pressing down around me. I try to block them out by folding my ears against my head, but it does little to alleviate things.I’m already walking alone, putting in my earbuds now would only draw unwanted attention.Even knowing as much, my paw still fidgets on my waist satchel, my pawpads brushing against the rough exterior of the old polyester. It provides some much needed sensory distraction from the world around me.

I pass by the usually grimy central fountain only to find it sparkling clean.Its cleaning period must have come recently.I casually glance in to see if the city’s put any fishes in the ground basin. Instead, I spot something small glinting below the water. I dedicate more attention to it, only to see that it’s some kind of tiny, silver medallion with something inscribed onto it. It could easily fit on my thumbpad!Maybe a Dossur dropped it in… I wonder what it is…

I reach into the clear water, soaking the short fur on my arm as I retrieve the small metal object, drying it off in my torso fur. As I’m holding it up to make sure it’s sufficiently dry, I’m surprised to be met by the sideways visage of none other than a human.What’s a Dossur doing with an engraving of a human??I turn the small item around in my digits, noting that a fire torch flanked by plants marks the other side. Furthermore, it isn’t engraved as I had thought, but rather protruded. I rub it between my fingers as unfamiliar and exciting sensations course through my paw.This is nice.

I look around for a short while for any Dossur, even though I’m almost certain this belonged to a human at some point. Seeing nary a Dossur nor human around me, I decide to keep the strange object, continuing to rub it between my fingers as I continue through the park. Its metal feels cool to the touch, though it rapidly starts to warm as my body temperature radiates into it. Still, fidgeting with it brings more comfort than rubbing my satchel raw.I might just keep it for myself.I move around the far end of a line as I walk. Looking over, I see that it comes to a head at the churro stand. It’s become quite the popular attraction since word spread about it, though it had to go out of business for a Paw when it became the center of an anti-human demonstration. Given the queue formed today, though, I doubt that they really care all that much. I had tried one before the demonstration a few Paws ago, and while it was delicious for certain, it was a bit…overwhelming for me. My tongue still burns a little from the “cinnamon” they used.

I pass the line and continue, slightly shaking my left arm so it dries quicker. I don’t go too wild with it, though, as I start to approach the other end of the park. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air of the Capital, but my heart aches looking at all the artificiality around me. I love machines, but nature pleases me in a different way. In the city, though, everything is trimmed, symmetrical. Perfect.Too perfect.Not so much as a rock lies out of place, and save for the occasional avian or rodent if you’re lucky, no living creatures make their homes here. This is nothing like the woods that I used to play in as a kid. The woods that felt alive, that breathed…that had predators.Maybe it’s for the best that most of them have since been developed. Those woods brought out the freak in me.I shake my head to get the thought of my childhood out of my head. I didn’t need to be distracted. I need to focus on being normal when I apply.

Eventually, the park runs out and I’m forced to rejoin the herd-infested walkway to have a fighting chance of making it to the VRPBN’s primary broadcast center. I can feel the furred forms of other Venlil bump and prod against me.I can’t tell if that was on purpose or not.It takes everything I have not to start hyperventilating. More bumps. More prods. Pawsteps.You can do this, it’s only for a little while. Just blend in.I close my eyes and force myself steady as the deafening noise of a thousand paws thunder around me in a disorientating rhythm. I can hear vehicles moving through the street, people talking, pawsteps, the hum of a holographic sign passing me, pawsteps, my own heartbeat, pawsteps,so many pawsteps. Too much. Too much!

I duck into a nearby alleyway. I crouch behind a dumpster and start taking deep breaths…but that familiar shallow feeling creeps up on me. I can’t get enough air! I fish around in my satchel until my fingers find what I’m looking for; my inhaler! I bring it up to my lips and squeeze the spherical capsule until the sweet-tasting medicine gets sucked into my ailing lungs. I can feel the sensation dissipate gradually as I focus on taking deep breaths.In. Out. In. Out.After a good few minutes, I find that I’m able to breathe without difficulty again.Thank the Herd!

I peek out around the dumpster, and to my relief, the walkway has mostly cleared. A couple of tiny herds pass by occasionally, but they’re only three or four populous. None as crowded as before. I shakily stand once again, swiping some loose grime from my fur.I want to look as best I can, after all.I pretend to exit from a side door as I walk back out. It’s still loud, but I can manage this. I rub the human object between my fingers again to distract me as I close the rest of the distance to the broadcast center.

I finally arrive after a while more walking, panting discretely from the corners of my mouth thanks to the warm weather of the Paw. I observe the building from a respectable distance, waiting for a slow moment. All manner of species immigrate to and fro, entering and exiting in a steady fashion, but it isn’t long before a lull in activity occurs.This is my moment.I steel my nerves and make my way through the automatic doorway, unsure of what I may find.

What I’m met with is a relatively bland lobby. Colorless furniture and hexagonal fixtures line the walls as people queue up for their respective ventures. I scan the signs in front of each receptionist, looking for where I need to go. Some of the people talking seem scared. I overhear a couple saying they have personal news or a way to expose the truth about the new predators. Going by the exaggerated downtrodden expressions of the receptionists, I can clearly tell this is neither the first nor the hundredth time they’ve heard such claims. Eventually, I find a shorter line that’s queued in front of a noticeably more professional receptionist. The sign marking them reads “Investigative Journalism Division.”That’s me! New pad, here I come!

I set myself at the rear of the single-file line, waiting patiently as person after person is helped. I can hear a set of discussions take place between each person and the receptionist, but it’s drowned out by the echoey sounds of activity around me. Carts getting wheeled across the lobby, elevators chiming to admit new passengers, the deranged ramblings of someone shouting across the room. It’s a challenge to keep my ears at least somewhat perked as I wait. I continue fidgeting with the human item I found as I grow more and more thankful for its recovery each passing minute.

Eventually, I find myself face to face with the receptionist. They’re a soot-black Venlil with stunning blue eyes. Their fur is cut shorter than even mine, and they show no signs of fatigue.Most likely a former Exterminator. I gotta be careful.They speak in a flat, yet gruff, tone once they take a sip of some nearby soda. “Are you here for the initiative?”

I flick my tail affirmatively, swaying my ears in mostly forced enthusiasm. “Yes! What do I have to do?”

He reaches under the desk and pulls out a data pad.A Commercial variant for businesses. Definitely not for me.“Please read the terms and conditions, and scan your paw for the waiver at the bottom.”

Speh, a paw scan?! They’ll know my identity immediately! But…the advertisem*nt did say no questions asked. Maybe…?I hesitantly scroll to the bottom, looking over the terms. Pay period. Liabilities. The duties of the job. The whole “you are a representative of VRPBN” claim. But most importantly, nothing about a background check. It’s still a risk, but that does give me a little confidence that things might go smoothly.

“Hey, lady, accept or decline already. There’s a line, you know.”Well excuse me for actually reading the terms and conditions, brahkass.I scroll to the end and press my paw against the screen. After a moment, it chimes and I retract my paw a bit too quickly. The receptionist eyes me for a second before turning his gaze to the monitor facing him.

“Alright…Vekna? Vekna…okay, you’re registered. Please proceed to floor 7 for selection.” He holds out a plastic access card for the elevators with a bored look in his eyes. I take it from his paw and swish my tail in reluctant thanks. I step out of line and make my way across the lobby to the elevators. As I’m approaching, though, I see some herds waiting for their chance to escalate themselves. I lean back against a nearby wall and once again wait for a lull in activity. I pull out the metal medallion and fiddle with it in my fingers.I don’t feel like sharing an enclosed space with a ton of strangers right now.

After a while, the herd clears and I press the button to hail the lift. It soon arrives and I step on board. I look at the console and find a slot for a card to be inserted. I do so, and a button for floor seven lights up on the display. I press it as the doors close and I ascend upwards. As I do, I look out of the windowed back wall of the elevator. It looks out into the building’s courtyard, filled with people of all species. Some were eating, some talking, and others simply taking a break from their work.They look happy. I wish I could be like that.

The elevator slows as it reaches the seventh floor. I steel myself again, expecting a similar onslaught like the lobby, but when the doors open, I’m met with the sounds of mild chatter and miscellaneous work. I step out, looking around for any indicators about where I need to go for “selection.” On the wall, I see a simplified paw pointing towards the left with the words “Initiative Selection - Meeting Room 792” written underneath.At least it leaves nothing to the imagination.I follow the direction it said to go, dodging the occasional office worker as I make my way.785, 789, 791…aha, 792!I can hear conversation from the other side of the door, so I conclude that this must be the place. Still steeled from the elevator, I open it and walk inside.

Within waits a small group of people, no more than 20, sitting around the large meeting table. Most are Venlil, but I spot a couple of Gojid, and even a Farsul, sitting around the table, all conversing amongst themselves. I feel multiple eyes flick onto me from the sounds of my entrance, but many disregard me just as quickly as they acknowledged me.Thank the Herd for that.I spot a currently unoccupied section of seating and make my place in the middle of it, keeping a buffer seat between me and the closest person. I sigh in relief as my legs finally get a break from all the walking.What I’d give for some physical credit chips. I miss being able to call a transit.

I fiddle with my satchel as I wait, having since stowed away the human item to avoid suspicion.I can feel eyes on me.As I glance around the room to find what’s tingling my latent instincts, my gaze lands on a black Venlil with little white dots on her head and shoulders. One eye turned fully towards me, the other pointed at her holonote. I quickly look away to avoid suspicion, as she’s obviously some sort of journalist judging by her specialized device.I can still feel her eye on me.

After a few minutes longer, the door opens once more, and a well-groomed, official looking, gray-furred Venlil walks in. “Attention everyone!” He stops at the head of the table in front of a screen. “You are all here to apply for the Investigative Journalism Initiative, correct?” Everyone in the room gives their own affirmative body language to him. “Fantastic, but before we get to interviews, we must first make sure you all have the mental fortitude for this program.”

Mental fortitude? What does-

The terrifying visage of Arxur appears on the screen at the head of the room, conveniently out of his line of sight. Its dagger-toothed jaw hangs open, as if the image was captured mid-lunge. I jolt back in surprise, hearing screams and the scramble of paws as people bolt for the doors. When I look around, there are only 11 people left sitting, the office door slowly sliding shut as the gray Venlil sighs resignedly.

“This job will require you to go into dangerous situations,” he explains. “While you will not be facing down one of these,” he waves at the screen, “some of your targets may be just as vicious. We cannot have you starting a stampede the first moment you get worried. There will be times you will be in danger, and if you can’t handle that, you are free to leave now.”

Before he even finishes his sentence, more people get up and leave. Only seven of the original twenty remain. Myself, the stockier of the two Gojid, and five other Venlil. To my dismay, the one with the spots is still here as well, her right eye meeting my left for a moment. I can feel my heart race in my chest as I quickly turn my attention back to the gray Venlil. He looks around for a moment, and sways his ears. “Excellent. Now for the interviews. I am Director Valorec. I shall be meeting with each of you individually to discuss your methods and what you believe is relevant to earning a position in the initiative. You,” he pointed at the Gojid. “Come with me. We shall start right away.”

The pair shuffles out of the room, leaving us Venlil to ourselves. The four on the opposite side of the table move their chairs together to talk, but the black spotted one just begins typing on her holonote. Her ears are pressed against her head as she stares at the device.At least she isn’t staring at me anymore. This is too much work for a new pa-

“What about you?” Someone calls out. “Do you have a story already?”

My ears perk up.Was that directed at me?I look over at the group, only to see that they’re looking right back at me.Speh. It was.“S-sorry. I was a bit caught in my nerves. W-what was that?”

“I understand,” the marble-white Venlil speaks to me. “This is a big leap for all of us! We were just talking about what we want our stories to be. For example, despite the embargo, the drug trade continues on. While they’ve had to rely on stockpiles, the lifting of the blockade means the dealers will be eager to restore their supply! It’s the perfect time to track one down!”

“That’s easy stuff,” the light gray Venlil comments. “You can find a dealer just by going to a bar and saying ‘the booze doesn’t have enough kick.’”

“Which means I will have no end of jobs to investigate!” White justifies. “Easy money!”

I hear a light huff come from the spotted Venlil staring at her holonote. The others don’t seem to notice. Before Light Gray can retort, Director Valorec and the Gojid re-enter the room. While still standing, she looks like she’s seen something horrible. Their reintroduction into the room silences everyone for a moment as the Gojid takes her seat and Valorec clears his throat. “Thank you for your time. You, marble fur. Come with me please.”

She gulps and stands, meeting up with Valorec as the two leave the room, and by proxy, us to our own devices once again.It’s quiet. Too quiet.

“Well for my story,” the dirty-white Venlil says to break the tension, “I am going to get my paws dirty! The funds diverted for the sanitation departments don’t match with the equipment used and Paws worked! Something is happening to those funds, and even if few people realize it, it deserves to be exposed! And I will be the one to find out where the funds went!”

“The Head of Sanitation is using illicit female pheromones to compensate for his failing sex life.”

What? Who…?I look over to where the voice came from. My eye lands on the spotted Venlil. We all stare at her as she looks up from her holonote and speaks with a disinterested tone. “He’s embezzling the funds for his own personal supply of female pheromones. The street and park cleaners know all about it. Have you even tried to talk to one of them? They’ve been complaining for ages.”

Dirty White opens his mouth as if to retort, but no sound comes out. It seems that whatever bravado he held deflated with those words. The spotted Venlil simply huffs and turns back to her holonote. “You don’t need major resources for that task. Just bring the evidence and this place will pay you a high price for the honor of broadcasting the story.” She types something more. “Just remember to send several copies to the legal departments of the broadcaster and government. Eliminates the chance of a cover-up.”Yeah, she’s definitely experienced. I’m way out of my league here.

The door opens again. Director Valorec walks into the room…but the marble-furred Venlil isn’t with him this time.Six left.“Thank you all for your continued patience. You, gray fur, please come with me.”

Light Gray leaves behind the director.I guess I won’t be hearing his story.However, there is still one Venlil left who hasn’t spoken yet. Their fur is a solid black, their tail swaying rather smugly behind them. “I, for one, am aiming higher! Those humans are hiding their predatory actions, and I intend t-“

“You’ll find nothing.”Spots.

Our collective attention is once again drawn to the apparently veteran journalist. Black’s ear flick strongly in frustration at being interrupted. “You might know a couple of street cleaners, but that doesn’t mean you’re omniscient! Think about it! Sapient predators that are ‘friendly?’” His tail whips behind him. “That’s a load of speh! Can you imagine the violence that’s happening in that ‘exchange program’ of theirs?”

The woman sets down her holonote and begins counting on her fingers. Despite my lacking social skills, I can certainly tell she’s rather upset. “Scratching, kicking, a head smashed against stairs, concussive tripping, and stabbing with intent to murder. Tell me, Mr. Human Expert, did I miss anything?”

We all stare at her in horror. “Th… the humans are d-doing all that?” The black-furred Venlil gaped.

She bursts out into a whistling, slightly manic laugh. “Humans? No! That was all theirPartners!No, there hasn’t been a single incident of a human doing anything to their partners.Not a single spehking thing.”She punctuates each word with a pointed tap of her claws. “Every incident was caused by a Venlil! What peaceful, caring,empatheticcreatures we must be! In fact,” she points her holonote to the front of the room, “it appears that one human even got a proper exterminator greeting!”

She projects the content onto the main screen for us all to see. It’s a video. A blue-suited biped stands separate from twenty fully kitted-out exterminators. Their arms are spread wide, but they don't move closer. A Venlil marches forward, and after only a moment's pause, pulls their flare gun and fires upon the human. They fall to the ground, now shrouded in a blinding white light. The spotted Venlil pauses the video there and sets her holonote back on the table. “By all means, though, keep investigating! I’m certain that at leastsomeof the Venlil were able to hide their crimes! You might be able to get somereal spehking justice done.”

Her voice drips with venomous sarcasm as she lays into Black. The previously confident Venlil is left shaking in his seat from her beration. The door opens once again and both Valorec and Light Gray enter back into the room. Light Gray, however, looks just as frightened as the Gojid, and now Black, is. “Thank you for your cooperation. You, black boy. You’re next.”

“I’m..” Black swallows. “I’m afraid I must withdraw my application.”

“Right then,” Valorec bows, “be on your way. Spots, your turn. Follow me, please.”

The feisty woman rises and files out with the Director. The black Venlil ashamedly slinks out behind them, letting the door close behind him.Five.I usually don’t like conversation, but the looks on the faces of the two who returned pique my curiosity. “You two,” I pointed at them, “what happened? What’s got you so wall-eyed?”

The Gojid is first to respond, biting her claws as she speaks. “I-It’s awful! Y-You remember earlier, right? Where the p-picture of the Arxur was flashed on the sc-screen?” I flick my ears in confirmation. “T-They do that again! Multiple times! With videos!”

The rest of us are taken aback, looking to Grey to verify her claims. The poor guy just flicks the end of his otherwise drooped tail in agreement with her. With that confirmed, the Gojid continues. “They h-had us do simple things. M-Math, matching, stuff like that! With the videos playing in our vision! Kay-ut above, though, I could barely think! I-I’m honestly somewhat surprised that I made it through.”Arxur in my periphery?! What the brahk does a girl have to do for a decent replacement pad around here??

“What?!” Dirty White exclaims. “I-I…I can’t do this!” With that, he bolts out of the room, leaving me alone with only the applicants who completed…no,survivedthe “interview.”Four.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, the door slides open once more. I turn to look at the newly horrified Venlil. At least…that’s what I expected to land my gaze upon. Technically, that’s what I got. The woman with the white spots marches over to her seat and plops down with a huff. Director Valorec, however, stands in the doorway looking like he’s been pulled out of the way of a speeding train. I feel my stomach knot as I realize that the one administering the interview was the one who ended up terrified.What in the name of the Herd was this woman made of?! And why does she still look upset??

Valorec stands in the doorway, stammering. “Yes. Certainly. Absolutely. Yes. Positively. E-Er, Stripes? You’re up.”

Stripes? Not many people notice my fur pattern. He must still be shaken from…whatever the spotted Venlil put him through.I stand from my seat, eyeing Spots as I leave with the Director. I’m taken down a short hallway until we reach a room. On opposite sides of the room, two holoscreens sit inactive. Between them is a table with a single chair. Another commercial pad lies on the table, ready to be accessed.

Director Valorec clears his throat and goes to the other side of the table, out of view of the screens.Lucky brahkass.“This interview will evaluate your abilities to operate coherently under severe psychological stimuli. Failure to complete the tasks in a timely manner or departure from the room will disqualify you from this job opportunity. When you are ready to begin, please sit down and activate the pad. You will have 5 minutes to complete the problems assigned. Do you understand?”

I look between him, the screens, and the pad. I take another deep breath, wishing I had brought my inhaler with me.Alright, this is fine. You can do this. Just focus on the pad. Nothing else.I flick my ears in acknowledgement and sit down at the table. My tail goes stiff as I activate the pad, the screens activating in turn. As expected, videos of the Arxur gorging on pups and shooting civilians start to play in my periphery. I can feel bile at the back of my throat, but thanks to the Gojid’s loose lips, I had enough time to steel myself.And there isn’t any sound either. That makes things easier.I do the simple problems as fast as I can, not even pausing to breathe as fear chemicals start to leak into my brain.Damn disease, just a bit longer!

After a grueling couple minutes, I finally finish the last question, slamming the back of the pad on the table and letting out a breath I had barely realized I was holding. Valorec looks at me impressed, standing from his seat. “Impressive…Vekna, was it? That’s the fastest anyone has completed their assignments. Do you feel okay?”

Absolutely not!!Of course, I can’t say that, so I just wave my stick-straight tail behind me. “N-Never B-Better!”I might as well have just puked.

Valorec, however, seems at least satisfied by my response. “Good. It’s nice to know that we’ll at least have two partner groups for the first wave.”

My heart just about stops in my chest.Partner…groups?

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 12th, 2136

I may have gone too hard with my presentation. It was supposed to test how we work under stress. I already knew. Gripping fur. Fast thoughts. Tense muscles. A desire to act.

Murderous in the face of fear.

It let me press forward before. Finding the cattle farm spy satellites. The Arxur autopsies. We NEED information to spread. And I was able to do that. Look outward and see what others might have hidden.

And yet I had missed so much under my nose.

I can handle the sight of Arxur. I didn’t need that test. When Valorec wanted me to sit next to those screens, I pushed him into it and connected those same screens to my holonote.

I got loud.Angry.Pulling up the recordings and evidence of the Dawn Creek Facility scandal and forcefully declaring that the monsters who ran it must be found. I even showed how I had already tracked down Dr. Shorshen. The Director had begun going wall-eyed at that point. In the end, working here with their resources wasn’t an application.

It was a demand.

Valorec was just repeating words of affirmation at the end, looking like he had seen an Arxur in person. He just stood and walked me back to the room. Saying nothing but those repeated affirmations as he took Vekna into the interview.

Oh, Stars. I Brahked it up, didn’t I? He only brought me in here to be polite! When he’s done with Vekna he’s going to have calmed down and tell me to leave and-

I set my holonote on the table, reaching down to grip the fur on my legs. I tried to control my breathing and focus on the feeling of my fur between my fingers. The tug of the hairs have always given me some to center myself upon when I get stressed. After a couple seconds of this, I felt, while not fully calm, stable enough to not freak out. I looked back up at the two other people in the room and had to do a double take.

Two?I shook my head and perked up my ears. “What happened to the other White Venlil?”

The Gray Venlil lowered their ears. “They heard what the interview entailed. They… they said they couldn’t take it.”

“Really?” I tilted my head quizzically. “But what about the embezzlement? Is that something you two could take over and find direct evidence for?”

The Gojid shook her head. “Iwasgoing to do a story regarding the pre-emptive strikes on Gojid Outposts, but after Sovlin and…uh,what happened, I’m starting to think there might’ve been a reason for that. More than just… the actions of one person.”

The Gray Venlil flicked his tail sympathetically. “I was actually going to work with Virga with the drug trade story, but uh…well, you can see she’s not here anymore.” Upon us both looking at him inquisitively, he clarified. “She had the white fur. I really should check on her once this is all through with.”

I was about to offer some condolences for Virga when the door clicked open. Valorec and Vekna strode in, the former making his way to the head of the table while the latter brisked to her seat.That was faster than even my pitch!She obviously had some juice left from the interview process, but more than anything, she looked dreadful of something.

Valorec cleared his throat, prompting our attention to fall to him. “If you’re still in this room, then congratulations! You’re officially admitted into the Investigative Journalism Initiative.”Oh thank the Stars! I didn’t Brahk it up!“All of your relevant information was recorded with the paw scans earlier, so you don’t need to worry about your credits being maligned. As for each of you, you’ll be paired up with someone else in the room, so long as both parties consent. You may take some time for that now.”

This is it!I slid out of my chair and walked over to Vekna. She seems nervous to see me approach. Valorec, of course, skitters away. “Excuse me,” I waved my tail and ears in greeting. “I believe I know you. You’re Vekna, right?”

Her eyes became the size of satellite dishes at my recognition of her.Fearful. Witness protection, maybe?“Y-Yes, th-that’s me. Do I, er, kn-know you from somewhere?”

I pulled out my holonote and tapped to open a saved page. “A while back, the Correctional Facility of Dawn Creek was shut down due to corruption and the management there had cut and run after trying to destroy all the evidence.” I held out my note to show a picture of her working on a computer. “After some orderlies snuck out some data drives, the information needed to be broken out and decrypted. You were the one who finally did so.”

She seemed to visibly relax at that, for a moment at least. That seeming relief quickly gave way to confusion. “W-Wait, that? But that was… over three rotations ago! Is that why you were looking at me earlier?”

I sighed softly. It would be hard to mistake that striped coat for anyone other than the one who managed to help decrypt everything from the Dawn Creek Facility! But I had to be certain. “Yes, but please, youareVekna, correct?”

She flicked her tail affirmatively. “Yes, that’s me. I’m sorry, it’s just…well, I’m not really used to being recognized like that.”

“It’s similar for most journalists,” I encouraged. “I believe I could use your expertise to help with a project of mine. Please, come here.” I waved her over to the table and sat in one of the chairs. “I need to show you what I have.”

She looked around the room for a moment before taking a seat next to me. I heard the sound of rubbing coming from her, and I noticed that she was massaging her waist satchel.

I pointed my holonote to her as I spoke. “Due to the information on those data drives, warrants were able to be sent out. But while many of the orderlies and guards were found and arrested, the management, the people actually running that torture chamber, were not.” I swiped through the pictures. “Nevok Dr. Shorshen. Head of Medical and pharmaceutical research. Harchen Doctors Shoolay and Halvone. Heads of psychological “treatment”. Takkan Head Security Officer Perl. And running everything, Director Malcos.”

I looked at her to study her reaction.Had she already heard about Shorshen?She was studying the faces of all the convicts. She soon perked up, pointing to the Nevok’s picture. “Wait, I recognize him! He was on the news…recently…” She trailed off, looking at me astonished. “Wait, was that you??”

I let my tail wag. “I found them a few paws ago. I traced their money. It was so obvious! They should have been found if anyone was still looking.” I huffed. “They used their facilities to test new drugs to sell on the street. But I found them.” I reached down and gripped the fur on my leg. “I found them…”

“Using a backtraced account, right?” I sat there with my mouth primed to speak, but she had gotten it right on the money. I waved my ears to signal yes as she continued. “If they’re drug pedalers, I doubt they’d want to lose their money. They’d change everything but their bank accounts because moving that much money would draw attention, so they’d settle on renaming it. Leaves you open for MTDID tracing, but very few know how to do that.”It would seem that two of those “very few” are in the room right now.

“But when I tried that with Malcos, it didn’t work. He had already transferred his accounts through shells, laundries, and so many other paths that led to nowhere.” I sighed. “I have thought maybe the group could still be in contact, but I haven’t been able to access any messages yet.”

“I doubt you’ll find anything there. If this Malcos person has any brains, he’s already switched to encrypted channels. I’d know, I’ve us-” She stopped, coughing a little before continuing. “Er, I-I’ve seen them on the captured pads. Only devices with a specific ISN key can access them, it’ll just look like white noise to anything else.”

“And that’s why I need your help.” I pulled up the target list again. “Of the three others, it would be the Harchen who would be most likely to be in contact with Malcos. They were able to have “special therapeutic devices” to be altered under his watch, while also testing what effects drugs may have or countered through electrical stimulation. And they were sad*stic. Pushing the voltage levels far beyond the limit of what was recommended. If anyone would need a ‘hit’, it would be these two.” I sighed. “You are skilled in managing and tracking data. I am not going to try and force you into this. Do you think you can help?”

She looked lost in thought as she processed my offer. I could hear more sounds of chafing polyester until she flicked her tail. “I’m in. Though, I can’t do much with my current pad.” She pulled out an ancient-looking pad from her satchel, its screen more crack than glass. “That’s, uh, one of the main reasons I applied here. Free device replacement and all that.” Her tone was somewhat embarrassed at this admission.Was she not paid for her participation in the case? Or is

I waved my tail to assure her. “That should be easy enough to fix.” I leaned back in my seat. “Excuse me! Director Valorec!”

The director jolted a bit at my voice. He had been talking to the Gojid and Venlil. He quickly excused himself for the situation and made his way over to me. “Y-Yes? What is it?”

“My partner here is in need of a proper data pad.” I pointed to the cracked mess of a device. “Hers is a little…worn out from use.”

He flicks his tail in agreement. “Yes, I can, uh, see that. Don’t worry, everyone who signs up will receive a replacement holonote free of charge with reception service covered.”

Vekna seemed to take issue with that, sitting up in her seat. “What? The terms said free device replacement! I didn’t go through getting flanked by virtual Arxur for just a holonote!”

Valorec looked at Vekna, confused. “I…did you just come here for a replacement device??”Speh, not good!

“It is what the terms said,” I interrupted. “Replacement of a personal device. Legally, that’s an equivalent or better. Besides, she has been discussing with me about my own project! That’s proof enough she is here for the job!”

His eyes dashed between me and Vekna before he finally balked under the pressure. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do. But if this pad gets damaged, I don’t think I can negotiate for anything other than a holonote next time. Just…try to be careful with it? Please?”

Vekna flicks her tail assuredly and sways her ears in gratitude. “As careful as I can be!”

Valorec gave a forced smile as he backed away to resume his conversation with the other pair. Beside me, I saw Vekna slump back into her chair as she rubs her eyelids. “Uuugh,that was a mess. Thank you for backing me up, uh…”

“Sharnet.” I waved my ears in greeting again. “I wrote articles for ShineX. Heard of them? My articles were some of the most viewed on the site.”

She flicked a quick yes. “I did, yeah. I was always more preferenced to Gilem’s articles, but yours were pretty good too! You kind of disappeared off the face of the galaxy after you said you’d be enlisting in the Exchange Program, though. By the looks of things, you’re here jobless and human-less. What happened?” Her tone betrayed a genuine curiosity, but…no, not yet.

“Let’s… let’s just say it didn’t go well and was my fault.” I lowered my ears to my head.Bad memories.

She lowered hers in turn, reaching out to pat me on the shoulder. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it. Not many people can stand to be around…predators.”Her phrasing took an odd turn on her last word.Strange.

“They still deserved better. You heard what I said about the incidents.” I breathed a deep breath due to the memory and clenched my fingers around my leg fur. “But for now, do you think you can help me sort through the information I have? There could be things I might have missed.”

She released my shoulder and sat back in her own chair. “Sure thing. I owe you that much at least.” She turned to her broken pad and started to mess with the controls, only for the screen to remain black. She tried a few more times before hissing to herself. “Brahk,thing’s dead.”

“Here,” I passed her my holonote. “Hold this for a second.” As requested, Vekna took my device into her paws without complaint. I opened the zipper of my belt pack and pulled out my secret weapon.

Vekna stares at me as I place the small book of bound papers and ink pen onto the desk. Even the other three in the room fall silent at the sight.It may be strange, but it works for me.Vekna, however, was the first to comment. “What…isthat??”

“A physical journal,” I explained. “Notes and pads are fine and all, but there are times when I need to do more than just make a recording or type something out to organize my thoughts.” I opened up specifically to the fifth and sixth pages.Not the first two page spreads.“This one I bought specifically for this project.”

Even I could see it was a small mess. It was a crudely drawn map of the Correctional Facility with a simple drawing of the heads where their offices were. Lines were drawn between them, with notes on how they would be connected. Shoolay spread to everyone with the drug tests. Perl to Malcos for the best inmates for sexual favors. Shoolay and Halvone to Malcos for extra torture sessions and supplying tools. Shoolay and Halvone to Perl for the more deviant clients. Connections, trades, and notes. Scribbles, corrections, and the natural doodles on the edges.The Harchen in the shock chair was a bit off. Made their head lumpy.“I have three pages each set aside for these managers. Would you like to see what I have?”

Vekna turned her head to look at my journal. She scanned it with a curious interest.I really hope this partnership goes well.“Who…are all these people? I recognize that Nevok guy, obviously, but not the others. This is some serious stuff…”

“They are all the heads.” I explained, my ears perked with intent. “If they are still in contact, these connections are what can lead us to the others. So please, if you can find anything I missed, let me know.”

Vekna stared at my journal, looking between it and what I had saved in my holonote. I could see something behind her eyes as they swiveled. She wanted to do this. She was focused on it.

I have a partner in this.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 13th, 2136

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.

I sip on some malley-infused tea as I comb through the evidence provided by Sharnet. My new pad glows brightly in the relative darkness of my room. I had toyed with the idea of pulling my blackout curtains shut, but my instincts had said otherwise.Can’t fall asleep yet.

After I had met Sharnet at the interview yesterday, we had exchanged contact information. Turns out, we’re actually staying not too far from one another. We agreed that we should meet up at least once every paw in the park to discuss details, and that deadline sits only a Claw from now.I have to come back to her with something!

I pour over the contact records Sharnet managed to acquire from the Meadow’s Edge District Exterminators Office after Shorshen’s arrest.Everything seemed in order here…wait.As I take one last scan of them, I spot something off.A contact log with no receiving ISN?I almost spill my tea from tapping the screen so quickly.

Sure enough, the log records are blank aside from one field: data transfer type. I read what it says.Combined Data Transfer. Aha!This is the breakthrough I’ve been looking for! I save the page I’m on and set my new pad gently into my waist satchel. I seal it and start to brush my fur back into a presentable coat. My eye is drawn to a reflective glint on the table.The object.

My free paw reaches down to grab it without conscious instruction. The rough metal has cooled on the stone tabletop, similar to when I had found it in the fountain. I rub it between my fingers as I finish grooming myself, taking a gander at my reflection. In the lowered light, my stripes fade into one another seamlessly.I look…normal. This feels … unfitting.

I shake my head, trying to put myself in a good mind space.I have to be normal, I need to be normal. Sharnet cannot find out at any cost. She can’t know about my Disease.I know that the second she knows, any chance of friendliness will dissipate faster than a failed fusion chain. I’m not looking to let that happen.

I exit my room, descending down in an empty elevator. I skirt my way through the lobby, giving polite tail flicks to anyone who looks at me.How exhausting, why can’t we just walk by each other?I exit the building and make my way to the park. Thankfully, Sharnet and I chose a work claw to meet, meaning that the walkways are a far sight less crowded. I hover loosely around a small herd walking the same way I am to avoid suspicion.

It’s not long until I reach Hardee’s Park. Nobody takes any notice of me, which I’m definitely thankful for.I’m already pushing my limits here.I start walking down a well-kept path, mentally going through the plan. We were due to meet at a bench near the fountain at the dawn of second Claw.It should be…here.I look around for a moment but I realize that I’m probably early. A quick check of my pad confirms that.At least that means I can take a moment to rest.I sit upon the right side of the bench, watching as all manner of assorted people stroll past. Somewhere along the edge of the park, I can even spot a human with their partner. If my cover hadn’t been blown all those rotations ago, I might’ve been able to sign up for the Exchange Program.I’d be more at home with the predators, anyways.

I’m broken from my thoughts by the approach of a familiar, if dirtier, spotted Venlil.Alright, showtime.I perk my ears up and wag my tail in greeting. “Sharnet! You’re early!”

“Early?” She pants. “I thought I was late! Peaton and Fasha needed help pushing down the leaf bags into the mulch bin.” She flopped onto the bench next to me. “IReallyhope the herd transfer is approved.”

Herd transfer?I co*ck my head at her. “What? Herd transfer? Like, for resocialization? I didn’t know you were in resocialization.”I remember doing that a few times as a pup, usually on the behest of the other families in the neighborhood.I can’t fathom what Sharnet could’ve done to end up in resocialization. Was being scared of a predator really that heinous an act?Oh, if only everyone else in my life were told the same.

“I am.” She rubs her legs and begins to grip their fur as she did. “ It's the ‘better the greater herd’ kind, so I’m doing a lot of cleaning and repair of the city and parks.” She continues to clench the wool on her legs as we sit.That looks like it hurts. Why does she do that?

“I see. I didn’t know wussing out of the Exchange Program was grounds for resocialization sentencing.” I meant what I had said, but a thought festers in the back of my mind.How did she know so much about what happened between all those humans and their partners?

She whistles a short laugh. “Wussing.If only.”What was that supposed to mean??It’s only a mumble, but before I can react, she sits up straight and turns an eye toward me. “Okay, down to business. You’ve seen my physical journal and all the information I got from the Shoolay arrest. Did you find anything I missed or overlooked?”

I sway my ears in affirmation. “I think so. It’s innocent enough on the surface, but I think it could lead to something more.” I pull out my pad, the screen displaying the contact logs. “These are the contact logs, right? You told me you already looked them over, but couldn’t find anything. After all, the monetary transaction software is what you’re trying to crack for clues. But look here,” I tap on the log I had isolated earlier. “This one right here doesn’t have a receiving ISN number listed.”

“I saw those. Those are some of the dead ends I’ve been running into.” She leans over to look at my pad.Yet she doesn’t make contact.“Wait. That one’s isolated. You think that’s important?”

I flick my tail ‘yes.’ “I know it’s important. If you’re just paying attention to the ISN numbers, you’re going to be led through many dead ends. But look a little deeper into the source code and…” I fiddle around with my pad until it shows the transmission type. “Combined Data Transfer. Not a .fml format, not a .pt5 file, a ‘Combined Data Transfer.’ Do you know what that means?”

She sits up straight, her hand clutching her fur again. “Communication!”

“Not only that, but something else. You can communicate just fine through a SCL chatroom. It’d be more secure, honestly. No, Shorsen sent something else to whoever this went to, and if you’re right about the drug scandal, I think it’s the money trail you’re pruning the wrong tree for!” I pull up the VPRBN Employee app. “Through the VPRBN, we can access the Planetary Direct Communication subnet, cross reference the time this was sent with the transmission type, and…” It loads for a moment before a singular transmission is displayed. I tap my claw on the receiving device. “Boom. We have our bogey.”

I tilt the pad to show Sharnet what I found.I honestly didn’t expect that to work!It was a long shot, but I pulled it off!I hope Sharnet’s pleased.I look over to gauge her reaction, but she’s just…staring at the pad with a blank expression.Ok, that’s kinda creepy.I slowly duck my head into her field of vision and speak. “Sharnet?”

She slowly begins to let out a small squeal. She even bats her legs with her paws. “Vekna!! Do you know what this is?? What you have here!?”

I lower my ears. “Uh…not particularly? It’s just the location of another device.”

“Exactly!” She giggles again. “An active location from after they disappeared! That’s all I needed to find Shorshen! And the only ones they would likely be in contact with to go through all this would be one of the other heads who are trying to hide! You have literally just found one of the management, no matter who it is!”

It starts to dawn on me what that could mean. “I…did. Hah, I did!”Another idea!“Wait! If I can get a hold of that device before the Exterminator Office, I might be able to decrypt their communications!”

Sharnet folds her ears and throws her head back, baring her teeth in frustration. “Why didn’t I think of that with Shorshen? Dang it!”

I pat her shoulder consolingly. “Chances are you wouldn’t have been able to do much with it before now, anyways. You could’ve ended up the victim of a Predator Trap.”

“He was a Nevok,” she waves me off. “I would have only needed to type some variation of ‘Suck it Fissan!’ to gain access to their pad. For all their pride in computing, they aren’t that creative with passwords. Almost as bad as the Krakotl. I found the Arxur dissection just by typing out ‘1ntala’ in ones account.”

I flick my ears negatively. “That isn’t what I mean. The Nevok might not have been that smart, but you have to remember that they were, or possibly still are, under the thumb of that head honcho guy…what did you say his name was again?”

“Malcos.” She spits out the name. “As much as I wish, I doubt that whoever is using the device we located was him. He would have used an intermediary.”

“I’m inclined to agree with you. Besides, if these are his pads, Malcos would probably have them keylocked. If you fail a key check, the Predator Trap will kick in. It bricks the device, wipes the hard drive, and burns the circuits to a crisp. I’ve seen it happen before.” I think back to when I had set my first pad to do that. I narrowly avoided getting thrown into a facility thanks to that.For the best, it would now seem.

“I understand. Still, now that we have a location we can cross reference with government records to find how many of a certain species live there, narrow it down by distinctive markings, then launch an active investigation into whoever’s left.” She pulls out her holonote. “The Harchen pair seems like a good place to start.”

“Yeah, but, uh…” I look back at my pad and wince at the distance.That’s a long way away.“I’m, heh, not very financially fluid at the moment. How are we going to get there without causing a racket amongst the public, or worse, the Exterminators?”

Sharnet looks at me in confusion. “We… we would just go. Why would… why would a pair of travelers cause a racket?”

I co*ck my head at her. “Because of all our equipment?”Wait.“We…are bringing equipment, right? I mean, that’s what all the reporters on TV do.” The more I think about it, the more I realize how unwieldy all those reporters always looked.Oh Herd, I’m buying into a stereotype, aren’t I?

Sharnet’s ears twitch in amusem*nt. “I see you had some preconceived notions coming in here. Those people with the bulky equipment are those coming in to talk about a story that has already been exposed. For us,these”she reaches into her belt pack and pulls out her holonote, wiggling it in the air for emphasis, “are all we will need. Good audio and video recordings, quality pictures, and great for taking notes without being obvious.” She laughs a bit as she stares at the device. “There was this Harchen reporter, Cilany, who was able to expose the nepotism and corruption in the Krakotl fleet with equipment like this. I… I always wanted to be like them.”

I remember hearing about that story rotations ago. I didn’t believe it at the time, but information since has proven it true. Unlike Sharnet, though, I never really put much thought into what went into that piece. As I think about that, I realize I haven’t made much of an effort to connect to Sharnet personally. Maybe she just views me as a resocialization herd, someone dispensable, but I suppose that also means I have a public duty to ask.To say nothing of my growing curiosity.“I remember reading about that a long time ago. Have you wanted to be a journalist for a while ?”

“Yes.” She sighs and puts her holonote back away. “I stared about… let’s see… seven rotations [5 human years] ago. I had always been a bit of a, uh, busybody. It was good to find something to channel that energy. My par… my mother supported me through the class.”She’s clenching her fur again. She omitted her dad.

“That’s good. It’s nice to have parents who support you. My mom died in childbirth, so Dad was just about the only person in my life to support me.” I resist the urge to break out the metal item.Why am I saying this?? She could use it against me!“What about your dad?”

Sharnet doesn’t say. She just clenches her fur and stares forward. “In the data trace, what was the name of the location it found?”Touchy subject, got it.

I reopen my pad to get more information. “It’s not precise, unfortunately. Whoever this is had enough sense to bounce the signal around a bunch of places before it got to them. I can, however, narrow it down to within about five klicks. It’s not great, but it’s a start. Good news though, looks like we won’t have to worry about scouring multiple districts. The entirety of the search radius falls within the Sidestar District at the north pole.”

“Then that’s where we’re headed.” She rises from her seat. “We will be able to head out once my resocialization is transferred and a reimbursem*nt plan is set up. Do you prefer to travel by air or land?”

Oh, now that’s an easy one.I stand to meet her on eye level. “Air, definitely. It’s so much more convenient! Er, as long as it’s within your budget, that is. I don’t want to mooch too hard, haha.” I laugh nervously to try and distract from my pathetic lack of money.Who am I distracting? Yes.

“VRPBN will pay for travel expenses,” she explains, calming my worries. “I’ll work on getting my resocialization move finalized and then start cross-referencing Sidestar for Harchen. I hope we can get this done quickly. You got anything you need to take care of before then?”

I should say goodbye first.“Yeah, just one thing, shouldn’t take long. I’ll be ready to get going by the end of the paw.” I sway my ears enthusiastically. “When should we meet up at the Capitol Intraplanetary Travel Center?”

She pulls out her holonote again to check the time. “I need at least one full paw. That should let me work on my paperwork and get everything approved, but I will contact you tomorrow with news. Does that sound good?”

I flick my ears affirmatively. “Yep! See you tomorrow!” With that, we part ways. Sharnet is likely going back to her hotel room, but my day is far from over. I retrieve the metal object from my satchel and start fidgeting as I walk over to the bus stop to wait for the right bus to arrive. People flock around it as well, similarly waiting for their ride. Usually, I would be entirely socially exhausted from a one-on-one conversation like that, but I was feeling far better than I thought I would.Sharnet’s far from the worst partner to be assigned.

After a while of waiting, the bus going to where I need to go arrives. Unlike in public settings, the bus is far too noisy and unstable to host large-scale conversations.Finally, a chance for some music.I pull out my worn earbuds and insert them, meditating on my favorite song as I, along with many others, are whisked across the city.

The ride gives me crucial time to think about all that’s happened, from yesterday to rotations past. For the first time in a long time, I'm actually look forward to interacting with someone else. I don’t know what Sharnet is made of, but it’s gotta be some kind of dark magic.Even I didn’t escape the interview with my nerves untouched!The thought of Sharnet possibly having Predator Disease arises briefly in my mind, but it’s shaken out just as quickly.ShineX wouldn’t hire someone with Predator Disease. Someone like me.

I’m concerned that once Sharnet’s focus is taken off of this case, she'll start to notice the signs. Will she find out about me? As far as I know, she only recognized me from my part in the Dawn Creek Correctional Facility scandal.And yet she doesn’t have a clue what those masterkeys were also used for. I intend to keep it that way.The last thing I want is for the dirt of my past to bury my name once again. Maybe once this case is done, other places might finally hire me without a fraudulent ID.Like that’ll ever happen.

The bus starts to slow as an automated voice sounds throughout the cabin.“Now arriving at: Xenomedical Grand Complex. Next stop: Industrial Sector A-1.”The voice repeats itself a couple times as we decelerate, coming to a halt at the bus stop. A couple of others file out before me as I take up the tail end. As I step off the bus, I look up at the multiple stories of the massive hospital.Floor 3, Room A11.

I enter through the front door and make my way to the receptionist’s desk. Behind it is a frail old woman, typing away at her computer. I clear my throat to get her attention, giving a polite tail wag to greet her. “Hello, I’m here to visit the patient in room A11, floor 3 please.”

She raises one ear in response, the other paralyzed from an accident long past.Yep, that’s definitely Beala.“Oh! Why of course, deary! Elevator is to the left!” She reaches out to me with a plastic access card in her shaking paw. I gently take it, perking my ears in thanks.She didn’t recognize me without her glasses. Thanks, degrading eyesight.

I enter the elevator and ascend a few floors. Thankfully, hardly anyone visits the third floor, especially not now.You can find all the good vegetables at the market, anyways.I walk down the mostly vacant halls until I reach the A wing, the only roadblock being a nurse exiting from another patient’s room.

After a familiarly long walk, I finally end up where I need to be: room A11. I take a deep breath as I press the card against the lockpad. The device beeps and the door slides out of the way. I walk inside before it closes and take in the familiar sight. On the bed is a comatose Venlil, his fur the same solid shade of gray as the majority of my own. Breathing tubes run out of the corners of his mouth, connecting to a constantly-wheezing respirator. An IV drips into his left arm, administering critical vitamins and nutrients into his bloodstream. The lower half of his body is shrouded by a blanket, thankfully covering the waste disposal tubes.

I sit down on the chair I placed by his bed, the beep of his heart monitor providing a tempo for the room. Wilting flowers in a dirty vase provide the sterile room with a shadow of life. I hold his limp right paw in my own as I start my one-sided conversation. “Hey dad. It’s been a while since I last visited you, but I have some news I’d like to share with you. I think you’ll be proud of me.”

He’s motionless, his once-bright eyes now shrouded by shut eyelids. I grip his paw a little tighter as I continue. “I finally got my old pad replaced. You wouldn’t believe what I had to do for it, though. I…also finally found another job. That means that I won’t have to dig into savings to pay for your treatment anymore! I was…starting to run low. I trust the nurses have been taking care of you?”

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.“Good, you know who to call if…” I have to stop to take a breath. “…if they don’t, alright? Oh, I met a nice lady at work, her name is Sharnet. You’d like her, she’s feisty like I was. We’ve been paired together on an assignment, but that means I’ll have to go out of town again. Don’t worry, this time the expenses are paid, so I’m definitely not getting any first-class tickets. Will you be okay here for a herd of Paws?”

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.“Yeah, I knew you’d be okay. I…”The tears are coming.“I-I’ll miss you, dad. Don’t get into any trouble wh-while I’m out of town, y-you got it?” He doesn’t respond. He never does. He hasn’t for rotations.Not since that Herd-forsaken Paw all that time ago.I bring his paw to my forehead for a moment, placing it there as I feel his still warmth. Tears start to wet my fur as I replace it to its resting position and walk out of the room. I can barely see straight from the moisture in my eyes, so I duck into the nearest bathroom.Empty.I shut myself in one of the stalls and sit down.

There, I finally let myself cry.

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 14th, 2136

I rapidly typed out my message in my holonote as I walked.

Tarlim. The paperwork was approved. Thank the Stars. I can be a journalist again in a way I can actually help. The job assigned me a partner for the story, so it counts towards being in a herd. She is a nice woman. If she was in Dawn Creek, she would have been in-

I stopped myself. That wasn’t for me to say.Go back.

She is a nice woman. She works well with me, so I hope my project will go smoothly.

And give my condolences to Jacob for losing his Space suit. I heard some businesses are starting to trade with Earth, so he might be able to order a replacement.

I’m heading to meet my partner for the final paperwork. Hope all goes well.

I hope you are doing well. I look forward to seeing you again. I will contact you when I can.

The message was sent.Good. Okay. Good.

I came up to the park Vekna and I had been meeting. I was walking up to the fountain when I saw her. Her lightly striped gray fur shone as she looked into the fountain. She was staring rather intently into it.

“Hello, Vekna,” I walked up to her, signaling greetings. “What do you see?”

“There’s more in the water,” she said somewhat confused. I followed her gaze down into the fountain.

Scattered across the bottom basin were four, maybe five, round bits of silver metal.What is that?My interest piqued, I learned down and reached into the water, picking up the closest with my fingers. I shook my hand to dry the paw a bit and held the piece of metal up to observe it.

It wasn’t just some metal. It looked like a round silver medallion. One of human design, no less. The side-profile of a human head stamped upon it made such a thing obvious. On the other side was some bird, its wings spread with one foot holding sticks and the other holding some kind of leafy branch. Underneath, my translator found the words ‘half dollar’ translating as a form of currency holding value.

“It’s money,” I held the medallion out to Vekna. “This translates as human money.”

“Yes, the one I found yesterday said so as well.” She then pulled out a far smaller and thinner rounded piece from her waist satchel, displaying it in an outstretched paw. It also had a human on it, though it was a different likeness. The rear, however, was completely different. It showed the likeness of an ornate, yet primitive, torch flanked by two branches of some sort. Inlaid in the background are tiny words that I can barely make out. But beneath, clear words. “One Dime.”

Physical money wasn't unknown, as rare as it may be in the Federation. The Federation Credit rules over everything, each race typically has its own currency for internal affairs. Even then, electronic transactions were ubiquitous. Still, in some places, physical currency would appear for one reason or another. Promissory notes or strips of metal. It seems that humans brought something similar along with these medallions.

Vekna retracted her paw, rubbing both of the round metal discs between her fingers. “I thought a Dossur might have dropped it in, but once I saw the human face, I knew this was from them. Do…you know why they might have dropped it in?”

“I don’t know… but I can find out!” I pulled out my holonote and began typing my message.

Vekna glanced over at me with confusion. “How?”

“I have a friend,” I explained, “his name is Tarlim. He’s a… a great man.” I shook my head. “He’s in the exchange program, and is working with his human partner. They can ask about the medallions and message me back.”

Her eyes lit up in understanding. “Oh! The exchange program! That would probably be the best option, to ask a human. It’s…still a bit crazy that the program exists at all. I mean, conversing with actual predators…I didn’t think many people would be up to doing that.” Her gaze unfocused for a second before she seemed to catch herself and look back at me. “Who’s the human that your friend was partnered with?”

I lowered my ears, pressing the button to send off the message. “Remember that video of the blue spaceman?”

“Yeah, but why wou…ld…” she slowed her speech as the realization came to her. Her ears suddenly shot up in alarm as she looked at me in concern. “Oh! Oh, Herd, is he okay?? He got shot with a flare gun! That has to hurt!”

“I did ask about that,” I admitted, “His suit was vaccum rated, so the flare only caused a bruise.” I tapped my holonote against my palm. “Tarlim was so glad they wore that thing…” I flicked my ears down. “We were supposed to be better than this…”

Sharnet’s ears relaxed at hearing that Jacob wasn’t injured, but she didn’t seem surprised. “Well, strip away the face masks and they’re still technically predators, if in name alone. We’ve been burning predators alive since anyone can remember. This whole exchange program is a fluke in a wider trend, the data doesn’t lie.” She flicked her ears in thought. “But an entire complement of Exterminators for one human? That politician guy I saw behind them must be playing it really safe.”

“I don’t know,” I sighed, “I looked into him for a connection to the facility, but all his approvals and policies have slanted to anti-exterminator. He was even the one to order the investigation and shutdown of the Facility.” I huffed. “With the way things are organized, the compliment may have been a lateral decision by the office.”

She chuckled to herself dryly. “I wouldn’t be surprised. I’ve seen how they react to potential threats. It almost makes you feel bad for the mewling predator cubs.” She uncapped a bottle of soda at her side and took a swig, leaving us in silence for a moment. After a satisfied sigh, she looked back over at me. “But that’s neither here nor there. Did you get all the paperwork finalized and the travel approved?”

“Yes,” I wagged my tail. “VRPBN took over my resocialization and the air shuttle is set for takeoff in about a claw. There’s only one thing I need to do.” I held my holonote towards her. “I need you to register as part of my Herd.”

The fur on her scruff raised slightly at my request. Her eyes darted between the pad and me for a moment before she responded. “Er, me? As your herd? I thought tha-” She suddenly coughed a little before straightening herself and continuing. “I thought that the VPRBN took over your resocialization?”

“Yes, and that entails being around people for a certain amount of time,” I explained, “since we are partners, the agency and network thought it would be prudent for you to be part of it.”

She looked at the note again before sighing. I heard her say something under her breath that I couldn’t make out before flicking her tail affirmatively. “Sure, I’ll sign for that.” She took my holonote in her paw to sign before she handed it back to me. “Alright, it’s done. What all does being a resocialization herdmate entail?”

“For now, not too much,” I explained, “it is mainly about sticking around me for a certain amount of time and making sure I don’t ‘relapse’ or anything.”

She co*cked her head at me. “Relapse? Relapse to what? Bolting away? I swear, they’ll put people in resocialization for anything these days. I have an old pair of cuffs we can use if that’s really a concern.” She said that in a joking manner, angling her ears slightly sideways to further telegraph the jest.

I awkwardly returned the gesture. “You…” I whistled nervously, “you might need those where we’re going.”I deserve to be in cuffs.I cleared my throat. “After some cross referencing, I found there are five Harchen registered living in that district. We will have to investigate each of them on our own.”

Her ears perk a little. “Oh, huh. I was, uh, actually joking about the cuffs. Idohave them, I just…never mind. Do you have any info about them?” She placed both of the metal money medallions back into her satchel and sat down on a nearby bench.

I sat down next to her. “Shoolay and Halvone are siblings, for one. They worked together for most of their career, so it’s possible for them to have escaped together. Of course,” I flicked my ears, “they were two of the smarter people in the facility, so they might have decided to split up. They had masters in electrical engineering, so they would likely focus on finding jobs related to that.”

“Either that, or a general job that doesn’t require a particular skill set. If they’re as smart as you think, they’d want to reduce their signature, lean into their new identities. Keep an eye out for general education or labor jobs, those are perfect for someone with something to hide.” She spoke with certainty, as if she had experience in hiding her identity.Had to conceal her diagnosis, no doubt.

I flicked my tail to signal negative. “These people are arrogant. They had been in charge of somewhere that they could act with impunity. That kind of privilege is hard to unlearn, especially within such a short timeframe.”

She shrugged. “Perhaps, but we won’t know for sure until we get there. Should we walk or catch a cab? Maybe the tube?” She stood and straightened her fur where it had tangled in the wind.

“Cab,” I responded, turning to walk, “the tube will have too many people for us.”

“Agreed, it’s best we keep a low profile.” She followed me through the park, retrieving the coin from her satchel again and rubbing it discreetly between her fingers. The trip to the street was uneventful, other than a small flock of Blue birds flying over us from one tall tree to another. Along with a strange black bird I didn’t recognize. However, halfway between the bench and the street, Vekna asked me a question. “So, uh…did you meet your friend’s human, too?”

I flicked my tail affirmatively. “Twice. I ran into him on the station.” I waved my arm to signal a taxi. “He bought that suit himself specifically to meet us. Don’t think he expected to make use of it to recover drifters after the raid. But that’s what happened.”

“Recover drifters? What’s that supposed to mean?” We made it to the taxi stop on the side of the road. I put a request in for an automated cab to ferry us to our destination.

“The raid,” I explained, shuffling my feet as we waited for the cab to arrive. “There were hundreds of ships, but 200 fatalities, and no Venlil deaths. People who had been able to eject or who survived their crafts destruction were left drifting after the battle. He volunteered to help recover some.” I sighed, lowering my ears. “I returned to the planet on the same shuttle as the last drifter to be recovered.”

She lowered her ears in turn, turning her head to face the street. “Oh…I had no idea the death toll was so high. That…Herd, I can’t even imagine.” We sat in silence for a moment as she actively fidgeted with the money in her paws. The sounds of the city were almost muted by the tense silence between us. “Was, uh…” She cleared her throat as I turned my ears towards her. “Was your…previous human one of the ones who…you know.”

I fell silent for a few seconds. “I don't know…”

I took a shaky breath in an attempt to calm myself. I didn’t want her to think I’m dangerous, even though I am.She has enough problems. I should change the subject.“You interested in humans?”

She seemed surprised by the change of subject, but flicked her tail yes regardless. “Somewhat. I just don’t understand why people were suddenly drawn in, why they would suddenlywantto converse with predators. The cynical part of me says that it’s to uncover “their true nature,” but I’m sure that most people don’t fall into that category. What about you?” She turned her attention fully to me as the booth pinged that our ride was close. “What made you join the program?”

I lowered my ears in shame. “The stupid idea that I would discover the dark secrets of the predators. Prove they were worse than us.” I closed my eyes and sighed, “I was a moron.”

“Oh. Well, I guess cynicism is proven correct occasionally. You obviously don’t have the same views as you did going in. I guess humans can’t be all that bad, then. What made you…change your mind?” As she proposed her question, the automated cab finally arrived.Thank the Stars.

I stood straight, walking to the cab door.Just enter. You don’t need to answer.I stood silently, my paw gripping the handle. Unmoving.No, she deserves an answer.“Because of the two species on the station, it wasn’t the humans who acted like monsters.”

She looked at me for a moment before getting up herself. “Were all the things that you said in the interview room…did they all actually happen? I’ve known some nasty Venlil in my time, but…it just seems so foreign, especially with our, uh,reputationamidst the Federation.” She made her way to the other side of the vehicle and entered without hesitation.

I pulled open the door and slid into the seat next to her, my tail sliding between the cushion are and back support sections. “You were part of the Dawn Creek case. You know that reputation is wrong.” I sighed, buckling myself up, “We are only lucky our Governor was sentimental. Otherwise, we would have cast humans to people like Sovlin with glee.”

She buckled up as well, the cab taking off into the streets shortly thereafter. “Yeah, I’ve seen how people treat those outside the herd. When I was in basic school, I remember when… another pup had moved into town, who likely had Predator Disease. I kept my distance, but when I was walking home, I remember seeing some older pups bullying them on the side of the street. I remember hearing a bunch of mean stuff, and then they broke something, and then…” Her eyes had gone unfocused as she spoke. She quickly looked out the window at the city flying by, closing her eyes and taking a breath before continuing. “The point is, I’ve seen how false our reputation is. I just…I didn’t think attempted murder was something the average Venlil was capable of.”

“We are.” I sighed. “And now, we are chasing people who are even worse.” I angled my eye to look at her. “Last chance to bail. Once we start the investigation, we can’t stop until we either rule out our target being there, or find and get them arrested. We will have to just keep going, even if they find us before we’re ready. You up to it?”

She angled her eyes down for a moment in thought, but there was something else there, too. After a second, she looked back to me and gave a purposeful affirmative flick of her tail. “I’m in, so long as those speh-lickers get what’s coming. Can I count on that?”

I settled back in my seat. I let my tail wag in determination. “With us together, we’ll make sure you can.”

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 15th, 2136

I never want to step foot on an airbarge again.

I had forgotten just how crowded and noisy it was in those vehicles! It was like riding the bus, except the people were so much worse behaved! Pup crying, yelling, the sounds of ten thousand activities at once. If I could get motion sick, thank the Herd that I can’t, I probably would have actually died. I lost count of how many times I had to excuse myself to the bathroom just so I could calm myself from the overstimulation. After either the fifth or sixth time, I couldn’t take it anymore and broke out my earbuds. Thankfully, my new pad was compatible with them still, so I just plugged it in and listened to some music on the ride over. Sometime between songs, I must’ve fallen asleep, as I was shaken awake by Sharnet once we had reached our destination. Perhaps against my better judgment, I kept the buds in as we continued through the Northside Intraplanetary Transport Hub.I don’t think I could cope with them out after that waking nightmare of a trip.

It didn’t take long for us to get settled. Sharnet had picked some temporary arrangements for us to stay the night in the Northside District. It was strange, to see somewhere mostly untouched by Humans. Their antithesis, however, still ran strong. Various species with signs protesting human “occupation” lined the street as we passed by a government building on our way to the hotel.Good to see the anti-predator sentiment is alive and well. I was starting to think we might be growing as a society for a Claw there.

I groaned as I woke up in my room to the sound of my alarm. While this place was nice, it didn’t have the automated curtain systems my room back in the Capitol had. I had to slog through my instincts, throwing the curtains open with heavy paws. The second the sunlight hit my face, My mind awoke and my limbs became light as feathers. Sharnet had allocated a couple claws to rest in our schedule, considering that we would be busy for a while as we tracked down our runaway head. It’s still hard to believe the horror stories were true.If it wasn’t for my dad, I could’ve ended up like one of them…or worse.

I think back to the hospital, to my dad. He gave everything to protect me. Why shouldn’t I make his efforts worth it? Brahk a new pad, I have a chance to actually do something. This isn’t the same Venlil Prime I had grown up on, not since the Humans. They shattered everything that was “known” about prey and predators.Even if I was still a defective freak, I might still be able to do some good.

I checked the clock in my room.Halfway through Second Claw. Good, that means I still have half a claw left to eat.I throw on my waist satchel and exit my room, taking my pad with me. Sharnet had intended to discuss the suspects she had narrowed down on the airbarge, but that had fallen through with my frequent “bathroom breaks.” I had blamed it on some bad tea I had earlier, but I don’t think she bought it.It’s fine. What else could I have been doing in the bathroom?I step into an empty elevator, and press the button for the first floor. It’s all going smoothly until about halfway down, when the elevator suddenly stops.Speh.The door opens to admit a Venlil lady and her…pup.Herd, please not a pup.

They look at me from the corner of their eye as they board.This isn’t good.Pups always notice when something is different. They justknowsomehow. I look straightforward, pretending not to pay them any mind, but I can still feel his eye on me.Look somewhere else, look somewhere else, look somewhere elseplease*.* After an agonizing few minutes, I see him back away from me and say something I can only barely make out. Something about “weird.”Speeeeeh!!

I then hear his mom gasp and scold him. She must’ve caught me looking over, as she quickly stood and apologetically swayed her ears. “I’m so sorry about that! He hasn’t seen anyone with striped fur before. It’s not a common pattern up here. Do forgive us.”

Wait, that’s what he noticed??Through my heart rate, I wag my tail assuredly. “Oh, it’s no problem! I’m, uh, just a bit surprised he noticed…that. Er, I mean, my fur colors are very close. He must be very observant.”Cool as magma, way to go.

“Oh, he is, perhaps a little too much so. I’ve been meaning to screen him for Predator Disease, but we haven’t had the time to make our way to the Exterminator’s office to get it done properly.”

I feel my tail still as she talks.Is that all it took for these people? A good eye?I can’t break cover now, though, so I force my ears to face her. “Of course. There can’t be any dangers to the Herd, after all.” I wanted to stop there, but something unbidden came from my mouth, “You should be careful that they aren’t like that facility in Dawn Creek. That was a Herd Danger all its own.”

Speh! Speh! Why did I say that? They are going to call me biased! A predator sympathizer! Brahk!But…she doesn’t. She just rolls her eyes at me. “You actually bought that sp-stuff?” She briefly looks down to her kid.Barely saved it.“That was just a hit piece by the Dawn Creek government to cut funding so that…oh, what’s his name…Rolek? Yeah, so Rolek could buy another personal space cruiser. You should really do your own research instead of trusting everything that the Governorship and their corrupt media tells you.”

I stared at her in barely hidden shock. “That… didn’t all that stuff happen before the magistrate election? Before he was in office?”

“No, because the previous High Magister was a clone under Rolek’s thumb the whole time. You should really listen to the ‘Behind the Curtains’ podcast, it was an eye-opening experience!’Oh, no wonder she has such deranged viewpoints if she’s listening to that kind of speh.

Thankfully, the remainder of my brain cells would remain intact as the doors of the elevator open. I give a polite flick of my tail as I rush out of the confined space. Yet as I do, a devious idea comes to mind. “Maybe you should tell the screener about that. They could be living in ignorance as well!”

Her eyes light up with realization. “You’re right! I’ll make sure to do that! May you find safety in the Herd!”And she’s a devout Herd follower to boot. Why am I not surprised? At least if she talks like that to the screener, her child would seem positively normal.I flick back a quick “you too” and make my way to the lounge area. To my surprise, I see some familiar spotted shoulders already sat in a booth nestled in the corner of the room, tapping away at her holonote. I can spot multiple empty cups surrounding her, and some orange in her eyes.Did she even sleep?

I grab a couple of salads and two cups of tea, making my way over to the table and setting down the food and beverages. Sharnet looks up at me with one bloodshot eye, the other still glued to her note. I decide to break the ice as I sit down adjacent to her. “Hey. You look like speh.”

“I know.” She states, her voice sounding dead. “I couldn’t wait and looked up the suspects. You got your pad? I can transfer what I have found so far.”

I set up my salad and push the other and a cup of soda towards her. “I’m here already, so how about we eat first andthendiscuss the suspects? You look like you could use a pick-me-up right about now.”

Sharnet flicks her tail, and the distinct clatter of cans hitting the floor comes into my ears. Looking under the table, I see two soda and three energy drinks laying open and empty, rolling to a stop. I heard Sharnet groan. “I had stacked them so neatly!” She sighs. “I couldn’t sleep until I had started this. Please, I’m running on fumes. I need to make sure we are on the same page. I know I need rest, but I don’t want to leave you with nothing!” I notice her gripping and pulling on the fur on her legs again.

I look between her and the pile of cans on the floor for a moment and sigh. “Alright, fine, but only if you eat something while you’re telling me. You can’t live off of energy drinks alone.” I retrieve my pad from my satchel and set it on the table, ready to receive the personal files Sharnet’s been killing herself to put together.At least this means it’ll be a quiet trip to the Sidestar District.

“You will need to order for me, please.” She shook her head, trying to keep awake.

With some concern, I tap the bowl of salad I got her. “I, uh, already did. Are you sure you don’t need to rest right now?”

“Sorry.” She picked up her leaf skewer and poked at her salad, lifting the gathered leaves to her mouth.She’s more tired than I thought, and that was already almost dead.

Not wanting to keep her up any longer than I have to, I take a sip of my tea and motion to my pad. “So, you said there were five suspects living here that Halvone could be. What do you have on them?”

She swallowed a thirsty gulp of the tea I got her. “There are five, as you remember. I have their names, social sites, employment, and residences.” Her speaking got suddenly energized. “Uylten, Tagleb, Unzkep, Huvel, and Yrtima. You got your pad? I can transfer the information from my holonote.”

I pass my pad over the table to Sharnet so she can do a proximity transfer. Thank the Herd for that tech, otherwise we’d have to have a cable or something. She transfers the information to my pad and passes it back. I pick it back up and look at the first of the suspects. “Uylten, Harchen, Sidestar District, northwestern quadrant, bartender. Huh, what’s… 'Has a shed on his property that he's been seen going into and out of but never opening, has a Bleat profile where he constantly posts anti-human rhetoric.’ What’s this about? How did you get that info on him?”

“Ph…” she shakes her head again. “Photos on profiles. Neighbors. Streetview. People… people talk.” She yawned. “You will learn. They can hide, but nobody hides perfectly.”

I flick my tail in agreement.I know that all too well.I move on to the next profile. “Tagleb, Harchen, Sidestar District, northeast quadrant. Hmm…cargo specialist. That’s something to look into. What else… ‘Is usually very quiet, though those who claim to know him say that he's a kind soul, lives remotely in the woods and knows how to operate a vehicle manually.’ That’s another point against him. Manual vehicle operation could come in handy if you don’t want to be tracked during transit. Anything else you could glean on this guy? Silent type who knows how to drive isn’t making him look guiltless.”

Sharnet sits with her salad mid-chew. I’m about to tap her shoulder when she jerks straight and swallows. “This is all preliminary. Just profile searches. We will be able to get more information when we investigate closer.” She skewers most of her remaining salad. “He… seems to like being alone. In the woods.” She looks at the food on her skewer, muttering to herself. “If not them, maybe Linked Chains?”

“Could be, he’s worth looking into regardless. Now…” I swipe to the next profile. “Unzekep, Harchen, yeah that’s a given at this point, Sidestar, yep, also northeast. Subterranean repairwoman. Ok, that’s new.”

“Sssewers” Sharnet slurs. “Nobody looks at them. You could… walk with a plunger and wrench…” she clenches her fist then flings it open. “poof. Invisible.”

“Oooookay. Extra info…’Her color changing ability is splotchy. Circular Areas on her arms, legs, and head never change color from a dark green. No social media presence, no known acquaintances. Okay, that’s a bit suspicious. If someone was trying to hide, being as unassuming as possible is a good way to go. She, if they even are a she, is worth looking into.” I put down the pad to look at Sharnet. Her head is slumped over and her eyes, what I can see of them at least, are glassy and unfocused.Oh Herd, we need to get through this fast or she might pass out.

I clap to get her attention. The noise is enough to startle her awake, Sharnet shaking her head and straightening her posture. “Last two!” She blurts. She takes a breath to speak at a more normal volume. “The woman. Yrtima. Suspicious.”

I swipe to her profile. I read all of her information before getting to the extra information portion. “Hmm… ‘Vanishes for long hours outside of town with other individuals. Always just one other, never in a group. They are seen returning separately.’ Yeah, that is suspicious. You said that Halvone and Shoolay helped test drugs, right? Do you think that they could still be continuing their work separately?”

“Maybe,” she sighed. “They also tortured people. Could be… outlet.” She clenched her leg fur in her fists. “Last one. Huvel. Fusion generator technician. I…no extra info…I’m looking for it now…” Her head suddenly dips down towards the table before she catches herself. “Just need another…can…” She reaches for the tea I got for her, but instead almost knocks it down. I barely manage to catch it in time, a few droplets of the warm beverage spilling onto my arm. “Ssssorry…”

I sigh and set the drink aside. “Sharnet, you’re half dead with sleep deprivation. Let’s just focus on getting our stuff into the cab. You can sleep on the way there.”

“But…I need t-” I stop her with a substantial ear flick.

“No, you don’t. Youneedto sleep.” I try to think of a way I could gather her stuff for her, and I get an idea. “Here, give me your room key. I’ll go collect your belongings for you. You’re in no state to stumble around right now.”

She tries to rise, but collapses in her seat, her head almost hitting the table. “T-Tarlim,” she mumbles, “you deserved better than me.” She gives a cough. “I’m sorry.”There’s that name again. Was she doing this for him?

I swish my tail and help her back up to a seated position. “I’m not Tarlim. Sharnet, look at me.” Sharnet turns her bleary gaze towards me as best she can.This is getting concerning.“I need your room key to get your stuff. Can you do that for me, please?”

With a moment of struggle, she just unbuckles her belt pack and places it on the table towards me. “In… inside. By journal.” With that, her head lies on the table, naught to rise again. I take the pack in my hands and turn to leave. I look back one more time to make sure she isn’t bleeding or something, and I spot all the cans*… oh, brahk it.* I go back and collect the trash under my arms, depositing them into the correct receptacles. Once the booth is clear once more, I go back to the elevator and ride up to the floor Sharnet’s room is on.

As the elevator moves , I rummage inside her belt pack for the access card.No, no, not that, ah here it is…wait, waitwaitWAIT-With a tumble, Sharnet’s personal effects are scattered over the floor of the elevator. Cursing to myself, I scramble to get everything back together.Fur spray, travel brush, personal ID, key card (keeping that,) jour…nal…I look over the page that it fell open to. It is one of the first pages of the journal, but it’s completely covered in scrawl. It all overlaps and intertwines, so I can barely make out anything in the limited light of the elevator, but I recognize the Venscript in a few areas. "Monster, danger, worthless, just like dad." What…What am I looking at?

Before I have time to look further, the elevator arrives at the sixth floor. I hastily pick up the journal and zip up the belt pack. I look at the keycard in my paw as I descend down the liminal-looking hallway.Why is this hotel so spehking big??Five connected buildings, and yet there are still so many rooms. to walk past. I pass over a skybridge into the E tower and scan the rooms for the correct number.617... 619... 621. Here it is.I insert the card into the door lock, and I’m rewarded with a click and an unlocked door. I push my way inside to find…an absolute mess. From what little time Sharnet spent here, she sure was busy. Drink cups line the table, the same as was in the booth.She must have been chugging these non-stop since we got here. Did she even sleep during the flight?The sheets from the bed are hung over the otherwise uncurtained window to achieve a light level between full and nothing. I can hear the bathroom fan running, but what I’m most concerned about is the scrawlings. I push aside empty cans to clear the desk and flick on the lamp. I sit down and turn back to the page I had seen to further analyze it.

My initial appraisal still holds up. Most of it is hastily scrawled Venscript, as if she were writing this a word a second. Under the yellow light of the lamp, I could spot multiple splotches dotting the page. Tears. She had been crying when she had written this.But what does this mean? Monster? Just like dad? How long has she had this? What is she talking about?I flip to the next spread of pages, and a few more answers await me there. The first line of the page: “Why is he treating me so well? He isn’t like Draven was with mom. I deserve another Draven, so why is Tarlim so good?” That last part about Tarlim has a scratch through it. In bold script next to it was “Your fault, not his! Don’t blame him!” Then, “He’s letting me stay. I promised to listen. I can’t take it back, but maybe I can do something for him.”

Immediately after, notes about the Dawn Creek Correctional facility begin. The very next spread was the familiar map she had shown me when we’d met. It was like after that final note, her every waking moment had been consumed with this place, finding these people.By the Herd, that’s what this was.Whoever this Tarlim person is, she’s looking to impress him. The name still tickles something in the back of my mind.Have I met them before? Why would finding these people impress them?

The realization that I’m basically snooping around in someone’s personal life hits me like a freighter and I close the book out of embarrassment.She can’t know that I looked at those pages.I quickly gather the rest of her scattered belongings and make my way back to the lounge. Despite my best efforts, though, I can’t stop thinking about what I saw in her journal. I agreed to help because this might make my existence mean something. After all of those scribbles, though, I start to wonder just how dedicated Sharnet was to finding these people, and whether or not it would leave one or both of us with a hole between our eyes.

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 15th, 2136

I don’t want to wake up.

I felt myself swaying in the cab as it drove along. The passing of shadows behind my eyelids. Sidestar was a smaller town, so there wasn’t a shuttle port nearby. I had prepped on the shuttle. Prepped in the hotel. No sleep. No rest.

That was so stupid.

I don’t know how long I had been out for. Running on soda and energy drinks made me crash down hard. But now, my body was forcing me awake once more.

Time to work again.

I sat straight in my seat and opened my mouth in a wide yawn. My head is still hazy, but I should be able to function. At least until I get to a bed for a proper sleep during my Rest Claw. After giving myself another moment to fully awaken, I look around at my surroundings.

The cab was still traveling, with the sun behind us, nearly touching the horizon. We were well within the twilight ring.Should be getting close to Sidestar.Our Venlil driver sat silently behind the wheel, keeping his eyes upon the road. The trees and bushes rushed by as we drove. Vekna sat next to me, her headphones set in her ears. Probably using them to drown out the world a bit. She seems to get overwhelmed when too many sounds happen at once. She had her eyes closed, but her breathing showed she was awake.

I reached out and tapped her on the shoulder. “Hey.”

She jolted a bit at the contact. She opened her eyes to look at me and relaxed. “Oh, hey! You’re awake!” She removed her headphones from her ears and stored them in her pack. “We should be within Sidestar any minute now. Did you get enough sleep?”

I gave my ears a tired flick. “I will manage.” I stretched my back, hearing its cracks and pops as I did so. “You know where we’re going first?”

She signed assurance with her ears. “The northwest quadrant. I was thinking we could stop by the bar to get an initial read on the first suspect. Is that alright with you?”

I wagged my tail behind my seat. “That’s perfect. Just remember,” I lowered my voice to a whisper, “I wouldn’t talk about suspects around other people.” I gestured towards the taxi driver.

“Hey, I ain’t no snitch. Of course, good tips seal loose lips.” He rubbed his fingers together on his off paw.Of course he wants money to keep quiet.

I sighed. “See what I mean?”

Vekna flicked her ears in agreement. “Yeah, I think I got it. We should be coming up on the city limit soon enough, so get ready.”

I leaned back in my seat. With a final curve of the road, the city came into view from behind the trees. Far from the sprawling skyscrapers and constant bustle of the Capitol, Sidestar was a fairly quiet district. Most of the buildings, even in the more developed downtown area, didn’t even break five stories, with a few exceptions. The mountainous terrain of the northern side of the planet prevented the sprawling metropolises founded closer to the equator, and this district was a prime example of that concept. Half of the city was shrouded in darkness due to the ever so slight axial tilt of our planet’s orbit combined with the jagged mountain range the living areas sprawl out upon.A perfect place for someone to hide unnoticed.

The driver turned into the small commercial and entertainment district of the town, driving us to our desired bar. So close to starting.I need some mental distraction.“Hey,” I signaled I wanted Vekna’s attention with my ears. “Have you ever been this far into the Twilight ring?”

She lowered her ears in the negative. “Not really. I almost took a logging job close to here, but something came up. Opportunity passed, and I kept looking. What about you? I’m sure you’ve traveled a good deal for your line of work.”

“I have,” I admitted. “When I was working on my Linked Chains article, I started my search in a town like this.” I looked at the front of the taxi, and noticed the little ornament hanging from the rear view mirror. Afamiliarornament. “Are you familiar with that organization, mister Driver?”

Our driver tensed and began to heavily cough, having choked a bit on his own spit. “I-I-I don’t know what you mean.”

I yawned once more. “Three chains crossing over each other through a circle, all linked in the center.” I glance over at Vekna. “Not many know the meaning of the symbol. Saying everything is linked together, and the loss of one can lead to the unraveling of all.” I turn back to the driver. “Isn’t that true?”

He remained silent, but the nervous movement of his eyes told me all I needed to know. I took a breath and clenched some of my fur between my fingers. “First Test, Vekna. You are in the same vehicle as one of the members of what’s called the longest lasting death cult in the Federation. What is your reaction?”

She glanced between me and the driver nervously, unsure of how to respond. “I-I, uh…uhm…I don’t know?? I didn’t ever expect to be in this situation!”

I held firm. “Yet here we are. What about you, mister Driver? You have exposed yourself to a pair you overheard were looking for a suspect! Do you have a plan?”

The driver kept his vehicle straight through muscle memory. He seemed frozen in fearful thought. I huffed. “Well how about this? You were suggesting earlier that you wanted extra payment for silence? How about we both forget that happened, for one. Second,” I point directly at his ornament, “take that down. I don’t want any exterminators to get suspicious. And finally,” I leaned back in my seat.Keep it together, Sharnet. You wanted to change.“Do you have any extra copies of The Linked Chain I could read for myself?”

I couldn’t tell who was more surprised by my last request; Vekna or the driver. They both eyed me down for a moment, and the driver’s path finally deviated slightly. “I-I don’t keep a copy in the car, sorry. Uh, if you’re still in town in a few Paws, I can hook you up. Just…yeah, so long as we’re even after that. I need this job.”

I sighed. “I can wait.” I shifted my focus to looking out the window at the passing buildings. “Will our stop be coming up soon?”

“Yes ma’am” he turned the wheel into a parking lot. “We have just arrived.”

I bowed my head. “Thank you.” Flipping open my pack, I tapped my holonote on the center kiosk to both transfer payment and to get the cab number. With that done, me and Vekna exited the vehicle and watched it drive away.

I could feel Vekna’s confused expression upon me. “If you have questions, go on and ask.”

Her tail lashed behind her in excited confusion. This time, though, she had the sense to keep her voice down. “Uh, yeah, I’ve got questions! How did you know what that symbol meant? How were you so calm when he could’ve killed us at any point?Why in the Herd did you ask for a copy of their manifesto??”

Having gone through that incident and that outburst, I can certainly say I’m wide awake. I turned my ears to focus my attention on Vekna. “I will start with the most important question. I was calm, because that is the most important thing you can control about yourself. If you can’t find ways to calm yourself, you will mess up and fail.” I give a somber sigh. “I should know. I have failed too many times before.”

Vekna co*cked her head, signaling interest. “But how did you know they wouldn’t kill us? You said they were part of a Death Cult!”

I reach out to give her a comforting pat on the shoulder. “I investigated them before. Despite their designation, actually killing people isn’t part of their operation. That investigation is also how I knew about the symbol. Using one let me interview one of their smugglers.”

“Okay,” she said, “butwhy the copy???”

There it was. The big question. I breathed in. I breathed out. “A season ago, I had been certain I had figured out how the world worked. That predators were evil and that we were better… I was wrong. I thought I could go into the exchange and discover the dark secrets of the humans. I was wrong. I thought the correctional facilities were all doing good!… and I was wrong.” I did my best to keep my shoulders from slumping. “When I investigated Linked Chains, I had thought their beliefs were something that could be tossed aside as erroneous…something I never even really looked into. What if I am wrong there as well?”

Vekna looked to be about to say something, but I saw it. The glint of doubt in her eyes. The same one I had felt during those Paws I stayed with him. With Tarlim. It only lasted for a moment, though, as she firmed up again. “We can talk about this after we get a read on this guy.” She glanced at the neon sign illuminating the sidewalk.“The Tipsy Firefruit.”She returned her glance to me. “Ready?”

I give my tail a confident wag. “Ready.”

We both march forward, the door opening to the start of our investigation. It seemed to be a popular work claw around this district, as a scarce few inhabited the bar at this hour. Those who did looked like they had entered long before this point. Especially that Krakotl passed out on a table. In fact, it appeared that they had gotten into an ill advised drinking contest with the Zurulian and Venlil nearby. It must have been one for the ages, because I was only reasonably certain they were all breathing.

I suddenly feel a sharp pressure in my side. I glance over to Vekna only to see her motioning to something. I look where she’s leading my gaze, and find our first suspect.Uylten.He was cleaning shot glasses one at a time from a tall pile of them next to him on the counter.It would seem my appraisal of a drinking contest was spot on.Vekna whispered next to me.“That’s the guy, right?”

I flicked my ear to signal that it was. “This is mainly to get a feel. We start as a normal interaction.”

“And what does that mean?”She asked confusedly.

I stood straight and began to walk forward. “Follow my lead.”

She flicked her tail and did her best to copy what I did. I approached the Harchen, who slowed their cleaning to glance up at me. I cleared my throat. “Apologies, sir, we are moving through town, and are unfamiliar with the hours. Is this place currently open for service?”

His scales shift to a cooler green as he looks me up and down. “That would depend on what you want. If you’re lookin’ for any 95-proof, ‘fraid I’m all out. Those bozos over there downed my whole supply, won’t be gettin’ any more for at least another Set of Paws [10 days].” He finished with the shot glass he was cleaning, quickly moving to the next on the pile. “If you’re down for some quote-unquote ‘Weak Speh,’ I can offer you some juice co*cktails or analgae bloomto tide you over.”

I slid myself onto one of the stools. “How about a bottle of some 80 proof Twilight Plum wine? 40% alcohol should be weak enough for me.” I look at Vekna. “Do you have a preference?”

She slid into a seat next to me, leaning against the counter. “Yeah, get me a Night Side co*cktail on the rocks, extra salt.” She seemed very comfortable ordering that drink.Must be a favorite.

Uylten chirruped in surprise. “Well I’ll be damned, didn’t figure a couple of city slickers would know their drinks. Comin’ right up.” True to his word, he ducked into the back to fetch the apparently aft-utilized beverages. Vekna turned an eye to me, whispering yet again.“Catch anything off about him?”

“Nothing so far,”I replied,“but we shall see more certainly in a moment.”

After a moment, Uylten returned with a cart holding my bottle of Wine and the ingredients for a Night Side co*cktail. He set my bottle and glass on the counter in front of me and began mixing Vekna’s drink. “So what brings you two to our town? Don’t reckon I’ve seen you around before.”

“You know,” I replied, “the cities are getting populated with predators. Places like this are good for getting away from all that.”

I heard a snort come from Uylten as he poured. “I hear that. ‘Course, that spineless cattle-to-be Tarva rolled over and showed them Venlil Prime’s proverbial belly. Still waitin’ for the moment when those hairless apes finally realize our weakness and pounce. Can’t be far off now, mark my words.” He slid Vekna her completed co*cktail with a quizzical look in his eye. “And what ‘bout you? You two an item or?”

Vekna just about spit out the sip she had already taken, coughing as she cleared her lungs of alcohol particulate. “Wh-hak,no! No, we’re just…eh…business partners,coff. That’s all.”

I flicked my tail in agreement. “Indeed. Well, we were before our job site became infested with predators. Enclosed spaces and those eyes staring us down is no way to work. We’ve pooled up enough savings to rent out a hotel room until this all blows over. Like you said, not long until they show their true nature.”

Uylten changed color to a deep blue in a show of understanding. “I hear ya. I pray to Inatala just ‘bout every day that none of them show up here in Sidestar. I don’t know what I’d do, but it wouldn’t be anything pleasant, I tell ya.” Vekna tensely sipped her co*cktail beside me as we listened. “How long y’all lookin’ to stay for? If your residence becomes a bit more permanent, I know a guy who can hook you up with an apartment on the cheap. Always lookin’ to help more Truth Seekers.”

I had to stop myself from groaning at the mention of that pathetic site. Truly an affront to all things journalistic. “Thank you for the offer, but we must decline.” I opened my bottle and pour generously into my glass. “Despite the predators, the pay of our jobs is too great to leave behind.” I pick up my glass. “Call it fear being overcome by greed.”

“Really?” He asked, moving back to cleaning the shot glasses. “And what could pay so much as to keep you around those vicious predators?”

Time for a Bluff.“The electronics sector believes that humans are an untapped market for our technology, and as primitives, they will have no point of reference for their actual value, so we can markup our prices.” I took a deep drink from my glass. “Of course,” I cough, “since they’re primitives, we should be able to sabotage the electronics in ways their primate brains couldn’t comprehend. So they would be paying us top credits for materials that cannot be used against us!”

Uytlen took a second to process what I said before laughing maliciously, his tongue lashing out of his mouth a couple times. “That’s brilliant! Oh, just wait until the forums hear about you, you’ll be a hero!”Speh, too convincing

“Don’t get your hopes up too fast,” I warned*.* “It’s the sabotage that’s the hard part. We can’t make it so subtle that it actually works as intended for too long a period, but we also cannot make it so obvious that even they can figure out we have screwed them over. It’s a tricky balance to strike.” I finished the rest of my glass and began to pour again. “It’s part of the reason we’re out here. Brainstorming out of their sight.”

Vekna nodded beside me, tapping her satchel. “We managed to get a hold of some Predator Traps to put on a few devices meant for their higher-ups. When we activate the keylock, we’ll brick their stuff and any would-be slaughter plans that were on them!”Improvising, good.

Uylten laughed again, but calmed down faster this time. “I tell ya, you two are some devious masterminds! Putting predator traps on devices made for predators? The irony’s turning me red!” True to his word, his scales had shifted to a bright red from excitement. “Why, it’s something that Perlate would think of doing!”

I stopped drinking mid-sip. “Perlate? Who would that be?”

His color shifted to yellow in confusion. “The most wonderful Harchen ever? Don’t you watch The Exterminators?”

I whistled a laugh and set my glass on the counter. “You will have to be more clear. There have been three reboots since the original, and the most recent has had four different Harchen characters through its seasons. Even the most Avid fans have needed guides to keep track. So who is Perlate?”

Uylten changed back to his base green as he shook his head at us. “Of course you count the intermediate reboots. True fans know that only the original and the most recent reboot are worth your time. Perlate is from the original series, running from [2002-2009 Standardized Human Time], and is probably the best Harchen representation in the show, before the producers went all nepotism-y and made half the brahking crew Harchen.” There was a reverence in his voice when he talked about them that tickled the back of my brain.That tone feels… odd.“She was amazing! She could shift her color to near invisibility, outsmart even the most devious Arxur, stand her ground to fire her flamer even as a predator was leaping towards her! She was physicallyperfectfor our species!” He tittered a laugh. “She wouldn’t have stood for these predators visiting our planets! Not even a little!”

I leaned back and took another long drink from my glass. This time, I was feeling like I needed it.Oh Stars, who could we have run into?

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 15th, 2136

I’m way out of my depth

Sharnet and Uylten engaged in conversation for quite a while, long enough to run out the Harchen bartender’s Work Claw. Even if this 80-proof doesn’t pack as much kick as the 95-proof, I’m still left a bit buzzed by the end of Uylten’s shift. Sharnet, however, seemed as sharp as ever, despite downing almost an entire bottle of Twilight Plum wine. Even at 40%, that’s still a lot of drink. It certainly had some effect, as she asked me to keep an eye on the employee exit while she ran to the bathroom. Still, I can’t help but be surprised at how normally Sharnet’s acting. She and Uylten have been “bonding” over both their “shared” anti-predator sentiment and the Exterminators for almost the entire Claw. This guy seemsreallyinto that show. I’m not surprised, given how vitriolic his disdain for predators is, but even then, there’s just something…offabout how he talks about it. Especially about that one character, Perlate. At some points you’d think he was talking about an actual person, but thankfully I didn’t have to interact much with him outside of corroborating whatever stories Sharnet pulled out her ass.For the best, I’d probably mess it up if I tried.

My ears swivel to the side as I hear the sound of a door sliding shut. Sharnet soon returns to her place at the bar from her most recent bathroom break, looking only slightly worse for wear.That’s alcohol for you.“The replacement bartender came in,” I said, gesturing to the new Venlil behind the counter, “Uylten just went to the back. He’s likely getting ready to clock out.”

“Perfect, this is our chance to find out what he’s up to.” She immediately gets up from her stool and gestures for me to follow. I give a polite farewell flick to the Venlil behind the counter and jump down to follow her. My steps aren’t as sure as they were when we came in here, but I’m nowhere near drunk.Thank the Herd for self control.We exit the bar and lean against the outer wall. The air here is cooler thanks to the elevation of the town, the wind whipping through my fur as we wait in the shadows. Soon enough, we spot a familiar Harchen shrouded in a windbreaker walking down the road. I start to walk after him, but I’m stopped by Sharnet. I look at her in confusion and she flicks me a message.“Wait. Follow.”

I sign in the affirmative and lean back against the wall. Just before Uylten goes out of sight, Sharnet removes herself from the wall and starts down the street. I follow suit, as we begin our trailing. We often take paths shrouded in shadows thanks to the mountains and dysfunctional streetlights, occasionally ducking behind a building whenever Uylten takes purchase of his surroundings. I can follow the paths alright enough, but I mentally jerk when she joins a herd that’s headed the same direction as the Harchen.Come on, you can handle this for a little. Just follow Sharnet’s lead.

I direct all my energy into keeping myself calm.Act normal. You are part of a herd. Nothing major.I feel someone bump into me. A tail brush against my arm. Numbers of conversation.So many. Too many. I need to get out! I-

“Hey, Vekna.”Sharnet!“Do you still have that metal medallion?”

I’m confused for a moment before I reach into my satchel and pull out my metallic roundel. “Y-Yeah, I have it. W-Why?”

She keeps an eye pointed at the Harchen, but tilts her head so one is facing me. “Tarlim sent me a response during your sleep cycle. Those thingsarehuman money, like we theorized. Round metal called ‘coins.’ Can you believe that? There are so many electronic options, and yet humans still use physical currency.”

As she talks to me, I rub the ‘coin’ between my fingers. The rough surface gives me desperately needed counter-stimulation from everything that’s going on around me. I can’t help but give a shaky chuckle at the revelation. “W-Wait, really? Then why were there so many of them at the bottom of the fountain? Do humans have s-some weird tradition about throwing money into bodies of water?”

“They do!” She responds. “Or rather, specific bodies of water. Like wells or fountains.”

I flick my ears in curiosity.A specific tradition? For something so pointless?“But why?”

“It was rather interesting.” She curves to move around another pedestrian, beckoning me to follow. “Jacob didn’t know when it started, but basically the belief goes that if someone throws a coin into a well or fountain and makes a wish, it has a high chance of coming true.”

As we talk, we separate from the herd, going further and further from the heart of town. I only realize this upon taking a glance around.Oh, thank the Herd. If it hadn’t been for the coin and Sharnet distracting me, I would’ve broken down.“Wow. Well that explains why there were so many in the fountain. I wonder what all those humans wished for?”

Sharnet falls silent for a moment, her ears drooping. “Jacob said he made a wish before setting out for the exchange. That meeting with aliens would result in a more peaceful future.” She sighed. “He said he knew it would sound naive. That it was more a way to calm his nerves.” She suddenly stops, looking at the Harchen down the road. “But instead of peace, they found people like him. People like…” I wait a moment for her to continue, but she doesn’t.

We trail behind him in silence for a few more minutes until he turns towards a somewhat secluded property on the outskirts of the suburbs. True to Sharnet’s intel, a large shed is placed where a vehicle bay would normally be, simultaneously explaining why Uylten walks everywhere and why he doesn’t own personal transport. I look for a place to hide, but Sharnet’s tail brushes my arm to keep me on the sidewalk as she keeps walking. I start to get more and more nervous as we move closer.Are we confronting him already? Wouldn’t he know we followed him?I try to keep my eye off the Harchen as we approach.Ok, no, she’s still walking. I must be wrong. Ok. Ok.Here we go. Here we go. Here… we…

Sharnet comes to the threshold of the property and just… keeps on walking.What?? We come all this way, to the cusp of his front porch, and we just… keep walking??I lightly whack Sharnet’s arm with my tail to get her attention, speaking in a lowered tone.“Where are you going? His house is back there!”

She ignores me, continuing to walk. We are already reaching the trees!No! It’s right there! No, no this is because of me. I’m slowing her down. I’m just-I jolt, feeling Sharnet’s paw grip my wrist. “Not yet,” she whispers. I briefly look between her face and her paw for a moment before firmly flicking my ears in approval. I’m thankful for her saving me from my thoughts for the second time today.She’s a professional, I’m sure she has a plan.

We keep going until we come to a street corner multiple tails down from our target. I’m starting to wonder if we are going to keep going, but she stops. Leaning her back against a light pole, she turns her gaze towards me. “We know where he lives now, and the design of the shed. The way I see it, there are two paths we could take, with risks for both. How do you want to do this?”

I blink in disbelief as I process her words.How doIwant to do this? Me? Why is she asking me about something she’s experienced in??“I…Uh…w-what are the paths? And the risks? Those too, yeah.”

She takes a breath, stretching out her arms and legs. “I can tell you that he’s got a major dislike of humans and a major love of the original Exterminators series. That isn’t enough to rule for him being our target. Any evidence for anything would be in that shed of theirs, so we need to get inside.” I hear her back crack as she arches it. “So, do you want to enter it while he’s gone, or while he’s there? Because, again, there are risks to both paths.”

I consider the options. The obvious school of thought would dictate that we should enter while he’s away, but whenever I had needed to get into somewhere to “confiscate” something damning, I had always done so while they were there. When people leave, that’s when security systems are active, but when they’re there? They’re usually deactivated.I have a feeling that the same logic will apply here, too.“Now. He’s home, he won’t suspect a break-in now. If we can keep quiet and get what we need while he’s distracted, we’ll be out of there before he has a chance to change his color.”

Sharnet swayed her tail in approval. “There is just one thing you have to remember. Your pad needs to be recording before we go in. Not pictures, not audio alone, video.” She gave an amused whistle. “At worst, you can set one of those to broadcast the recording. Of course, that is usually for if you feel you could be in danger from your target.”

I whistled a small laugh. “In danger from him? No, I don’t think so. I get the impression he’s more leaf than root. Big talk, no action. I know that type.” I swivel my ears around as a loud clack sounds behind us, drawing Sharnet’s attention as well. “Looks like our distraction just arrived. Let’s go before it’s too late.”

We both turn around to peer through the tree line at his property, both our pads recording as we go. After a second of looking, I spot him going into his shed, but I notice that he’s turned a bright pink.If I remember Harchen biology correctly…

Sharnet huffs next to me, stowing her pad. “Speh, he went in. We’ll need to try again once he’s gone.” She starts to walk away, but I stop her.

“No, wait, I think a new opportunity has opened for us.” I point at my pad as I rewind the short video. “Look at his color.”

Her eyes scan the pad before she comes to the same realization I did. “Pink. Pink means excitement, which means…”

“Which means he’s doing something in there, maybe corresponding with the other heads! If we can catch him in the act, I can trace the other pads down directly and skip another wild larat root scavenge!”

With an excited wag of her tail, Sharnet marched forward in the direction of his house and shed. “Let’s do this!”

I follow her, setting my pad to record once again as we sneak up towards the shed. I can hear something which resembles typing in there, along with hushed words.Holy speh, are we actually going to do this? Just like that?We come up to a side door, as the shed doesn’t have windows, likely to prevent unwanted eyes from peering in.Not like that’s going to stop us!We stop at the door, and I flick my ears readily at Sharnet, who gently and silently opens the door just enough for us to peek in. We press an eye each against the crack and make sure our pads both get a good view.

…oh. Oh.Oh.

NSFW SECTION START

My pad is recording, as Sharnet had demanded, but I fear that it was a critical mistake to do so. Uylten has his back to us, a pillow underneath him. He’s facing what I can only assume to be a shrine. A full body picture of a Harchen wearing the lower half of an Exterminator suit and wielding a flamer is pinned to the wall, surrounded by a ring of lights. Scattered around it lies little petals, without any signs of wilting.

He’s undulating. Snorting. He grunts something that we can only barely hear, though I wish we couldn’t. “Perlate! You feel so good! Keep going, you filthy whor*!”

I can’t move. Herd, save me! I can’t…! Why am I seeing this?! Why…

There’s a large jar at the base of the picture. Something’s inside. An egg. A Harchen egg. I can see writing on it. Bile in my mouth.

Our Child.

Before I know it, my body has contorted and I’m retching the entirety of my drinks into the dirt. A basic taste fills my mouth as I raggedly catch my breath. Where…where did he even get a Harchen egg?!

“Huh?” I hear from the shed. “What? Who-”

Before I can react again, Sharnet practically throws the door open. “What in the light of the Stars are you doing???”

Uylten falls off the pillow, his scale color rapidly shifting between fear and alarm. Oh Herd! He’s still presenting! Stop looking!

“Wha-bu-it’s… it’s you! F-From the bar! What…did you brahking follow me home?! What the Speh is wrong with you!” His color settles on a sheer crimsonberry red in rage. “You interrupted my session!! This is trespassing!! Why, I oughta…I oughta…” He slowly stops talking as his color and expression resemble that of seeing an Axrur. Confused, I glance over to Sharnet to see what’s going on.

Oh, that’s why he’s so white. She’s holding out her pad, the video of him humping the pillow and moaning dirty words playing clear as crystal on its screen. His tail curls in on itself in stress as he backs up towards the wall. “N-Now wait a second, w-we can talk ab-bout this…”

“I am certain we can,” Sharnet interrupts, sounding like a stern schoolmaster. “And if you plan to contact officials, perhaps you wouldn’t mind talking about that thing as well!” With an aggressive finger, she points directly at the egg in the jar.

He glances back at it, quickly standing in front of it to block our line of sight. “Look, I…I paid for that to be imported! It’s unfertilized! All legal! N-Nothing predatory, I swear!”

Nothing predatory?! That is NOT the main concern!! “Are you kidding? You seriously think we’re concerned about ‘predatory’ when you’re having sex with a pillow?!” My voice reaches pitches I didn’t even know I could go to in my shock. “All this, for someone who has been dead for over a spleshing century! This…no, you are spehking insane!”

He can’t even bear to meet our gaze, curling up under our barrage of words. “She… she understands me!” He shouts, suddenly straightening himself. “You don’t get it! She knows who I am! We’re soulmates separated by time and space!!”

“Your soulmate,” Sharnet deadpans, “is a picture on a wall and a pillow on the floor. Not even a picture of an actor, but a fictional character in a TV show that hasn’t officially aired in more than a hundred rotations!” She takes a menacing step forward. “For all your ‘truth’ talk, you seem all too willing to fall into fantasy! Or do you really expect your ‘child’ to hatch?”

Suddenly, she turns to me. “I want you to take photos of everything in the room, right now. I think it’s high time I discuss the recordings with Uylten.” Oh, come on! I force back more bile as I go around clicking pictures of all the items in the room. The picture, the petals, the…pillow…the egg. Hurk.

As I’m performing my assigned task, Uylten speaks up. “W-What do you mean, discuss? You…aren’t you law enforcement? What are you going to do with that video??”

“Nothing, for now.” Sharnet huffs. “The person we’re after is much worse than you. I just want you to answer a couple questions. For instance: Have you heard of the Dawn Creek correctional facility?”

Uylten preens his head forward in approval. “Y-Yeah, they were shut down by the Governor’s shadow orders because they were too efficient in getting rid of predators. That Tarlim case was an intentional plant to get the republic’s people inside to wipe their success records and frame them for a bunch of heinous speh.” He co*cks his head. “W-What does that have to do with anything?”

“If you want to convince me not to broadcast that video and pictures to everyone in this town,” Sharnet threatens with a growl, “you should think a little harder on that answer of yours. Specifically in the two Harchen heads of the Facility. At least one of whom we tracked to this location.”

His scales pale at the threat and his tone becomes noticeably more panicked. “L-Look, I didn’t even know any Harchen worked there at all! The only other Harchen I know here is Tagelb! Big guy, quiet, comes in for a drink during my shift a couple times per Herd of Paws! I swear I’m telling the truth! Please, please don’t release that footage! I’ll b-be ruined!!” His eyes are moist with tears as he begs on his knees to Sharnet. That doesn’t sound like a lie. Too desperate.

“This is insurance,” Sharnet states. “We don’t want you talking to your customers about two of the Shadow Service coming to take down a former treasonous facility head. And if we see so much as an inkling on that pathetic forum you use, consider yourself diagnosed. And that’s if you’re lucky.”

Uylten falls to the ground once more, his scales now desperately trying to camouflage himself from fear. “Sh-shadow…”

I stand from the last picture, moving beside Sharnet. Well, as long as we’re roleplaying as the cabal… “We have no care for your proclivities,” I bluff, “you were only a loose end for investigation. We trust that we won’t need to visit you again?”

Uylten wordlessly preens his head, his body trembling with fear. “Good. Now go back to humping your stupid pillow or whatever. And remember; this never happened.”

NSFW SECTION END

As if the past few minutes never happened, Sharnet and I back out of the doorway, sliding the side door closed. I want to pass out here and now, but Sharnet guides me past the same corner we had made our game plan at before. Once we’re out of earshot, she suddenly starts braying and slides down a nearby light pole.

“Stars!!” She finishes her bray on the ground. “I am SO SORRY you had to see all that!”

I slump down on the ground next to her, my eyes still unfocused.Journalism is hard.“Yeah…hey, do you think we could wash our brains with bleach like we do with our bodies for birthdays? I need to forget that I experienced that.”

She huffs. “I would suggest going to a bar but…”

I grimace. “I don’t think I’ll be able to drink for a while. Not when people likehimare serving.”

We sat in silence for a few seconds, just catching our breaths from the incident. “Still,” Sharnet gave a whistle. “Did you see his expression when I said we were Shadow Service?”

That managed to get a whistling chuckle out of my shock-addled brain. “Yeah, he looked like he was staring down an Arxur in the flesh! What evenisthe ‘Shadow Service’ anyways?”

Sharnet continues to whistle her laughter, the adrenaline of the situation leaving her. “I don’t have theslightest idea!”

We sit there on the soft stampede-resistant concrete, letting the adrenaline pass through us until we’re left staring up at the sky. The sun turns the direction to our backs a wonderful yellow over the mountain peaks, but for the first time in rotations, the stars are visible above me. Pinpricks of light in the sky, dazzling the darker atmosphere of the sleepy mountain district.I… like this.This… this is nice.

I don’t know how long we sit in silence before Sharnet perks my ears with speech. “So we know that he isn’t Halvone, but at least that creep gave us another lead.”

I flick my ears. “Yeah, that Tagelb guy. I… don’t suppose you want to investigate him now?”

Sharnet flattens her ears in the negative. “No, not after…all that. I think we deserve a rest claw or two. If Uylten knows what’s good for him, he’ll remain silent long enough that we can spare a bit of time.” She stands and offers her own to me. “Now come on, let’s check into the hotel.”

I accept her paw and flick my tail in appreciative acceptance, but as we start to set off, I realize how far we are from the city center, and voice my concern. “Hey, Sharnet? How are we going to get to the city center?”

She walks up to a deactivated cab stand. “We’re getting a cab, of course.” She presses the screen…and nothing happens. She tries a few more times to the same result. She looks at me and I at her as we both reach the same conclusion.

It’s walking for us, then. Speh.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 16th, 2136

I had gotten a good rest’s sleep. I don’t know how, but I did. I knew because the automatic light didn’t pierce my eyes, and I felt actually energized! The room had a complimentary tea maker set to make single servings, so I set it to make a cup as I began brushing my fur.

Yesterday was a mess. I didn’t get enough sleep, had to talk like I agreed with anti-predator ideology, and our first suspect just turns out to be a creep with a hidden shrine.

Perfectly legal egg my ass.

Still, I have my priorities. No matter his actions, he wasn’t one of our targets. That still left four. Four possible suspects to investigate, with only one head to be found.

Gotta keep going.

I sipped on my tea as I rode the elevator down. I felt the plastic cup shift around in my hands as I thought. We would have to approach the next suspect better. The conversations were a good start, but we got overeager. We burst in without a plan. We had to bluff without a fallback. We have to plan better. I can’t let these monsters get away because of me.

I won’t let that happen.

I exited the elevator and walked to the small meal bar. I didn’t spy Vekna, she must still be asleep, so I grabbed a plate and began piling on some food. A couple grain loaves, a dried fruit salad, and some roughage for the chewing fiber. A good meal for a start.

I sat down at an empty table, pulling out my holonote and journal from my belt pack for review. It would be prudent to note down what all was uncovered last Paw. I opened the page to the former suspect and jotted down my notes.Not Halvone, obsession with hundred year old fictional character who looks barely legal, got an unfertilized(?) egg from somewhere, most likely illicit, few social connections, report egg once Halvone is found.

I heard the elevator ding, my ears and an eye swiveling in the event that Vekna had woken up. To my surprise, she was heading my way from the elevator. I had figured that I’d be the late weaker between us, but that conclusion was called into question.

She approached me with a tired yawn and an orange tint in her eyes. “Good Paw, Sharnet.”

“Good Paw,” I greeted. “Are you doing alright? I know yesterday was… a bit.”

She sat in the seat next to me, placing her arms on the table for support. “You look better than last Paw, did you finally get some sleep in a proper bed?”

She ignored the question.“It was much better,” I responded, skewering some of my dried fruit to eat. “I am serious though, are you doing good? I’m not wanting to make you feel ashamed.” I focused an eye on her as I began eating.

She covered her eyes with her paws and gave a low grumble. “I don’t even wanna think about it right now. I couldn’t get to sleep for half a Claw because I saw that…eggwhenever I closed my eyes.” She shuddered in her seat as she put her paws down. “What about you, though? You seemed to have slept like a pup. Wait, let me guess; you’ve already seen worse, right?”

I flicked my ears in denial, swallowing. “Worse is subjective. The…extentof his actions was surprising, though not something unheard of. Or…”

“Not unheard of? He was… was mating with a pillow!” Her tone drew some odd gazes, Vekna lowering her ears and scooting closer. “A pillow, Sharnet. I… oh Herd, I’m getting queasy just thinking about it.”I know. Still better than what I found my father doing.“Let’s…change the subject, any new info about that Tagelb guy?”

I sighed with relief. “Some. I found where he’s unloading cargo for construction. It’s a new warehouse and visible from the roads and walkways. We could see how they interact with his coworkers which is good for gauging personality. However, I have another idea that could work with your skills.”

I saw her ears perk in interest. “Oh? What would that be?”

I gave my tail a cheeky wag. “I will tell you, but first you need to get yourself something to eat,” I gesture to the meal bar with my skewer, “they even have teas and sodas for the caffeine.”

The woman gave a rather impressive pout at that. “Oh, fine. But once I get back, you’re telling me what you’ve been cooking up!” She then gets up and hurriedly goes to get some food from the meal bar, leaving me with some time to think.

I didn’t want a repeat of the last suspect. Talking like humans were evil had made me sick to my stomach. Thankfully, Tagleb seemed to be neutral on the subject as far as his limited social media presence presented. Another plus was that, as a cargo worker, we wouldn't have to get close for long conversation. But while far off observations could tell a lot, I understood that they could be misleading. Uylten was proof enough of that. We would have to interact at least a bit.

Which brings me to the idea. On his socials, he professed his love for an obsolete internet cafe, primarily kept open by hipsters. Tagelb definitely didn’t fit that mold, and what’s more, those older models of computers worked off of different systems than more modern ones, making them harder to trace. It would be the perfect cover for covert communications, and that’s where Vekna will come in.

At that thought, the lightly striped Venlil returned, a smattering of various fruits and vegetables all neatly arranged on her tray. “Okay, I have my food,” her ears twitched, “so what’s this plan for me you were talking about?”

I gave my tail a coy wag. “What do you know about Internet cafes?”

She swallowed a piece of Stringfruit she was chewing. “What, other than the fact that they’re scams that charge you money for something you can do at any other restaurant with your pad?” She whistles a slight chuckle. “Probably how outdated they are. My old device was decades more advanced than their highest-quality computer. Herd, I bet even the Yotul had better tech than those places.”

An exaggeration on both ends, of course, but I played along, taking a sip of my tea. “Well, then I hope you realize the uses such obsolescence can bring.”

“Uses?” She cuts off some more strands of Stringfruit with her claws. “What do you mean?”

“As counterintuitive as it seems,” I respond, “some older hardware can be harder to trace due to them literally not having the programs allowing the traces. Could be useful for secret communications.” I skewered a few more pieces of fruit. “And interesting since a cargo delivery man has a fondness for one such place.”

Vekna raised a juice-soaked finger to counter me, but no sound escaped her mouth. She palmed her paw against her chin for a moment before responding. “That…is a good point. I don’t think I’ve ever had to deal with something like that before, but to be fair, I haven’t had much interaction with that kind of obsolete technology. But…” Her ears raised a little. “If I can connect to their nethub, I might be able to do something else. Don’t quote me on that, it’s still just theoretical. We’ll have to go there to see if it’s possible.”

I flicked my ears in agreement as I continued to eat my fruit. “Sounds like a plan.” I bit my grain loaf in half, enjoying the flavor of everything together. “Speaking of plans,” I swallowed, “we will need to have a better story for our questions if they turn out to not be our target. We got lucky with the ‘shadow service’ improvisation.”

Vekna chewed for a moment before murmuring something and swallowing her food. “If we can find some spare uniforms, we can sneak in so long as we act like we belong. It’s the whole ‘holoboard and suit’ thing, nobody’s gonna ask if nobody else does.”

I flicked my ears in the negative. “That’s good for observing him, but not for when we actually talk to him.” I pushed the rest of my grain loaf into my mouth and chewed as I thought.

Me and Vekna ate in silence for a bit, thinking about our task. Suddenly, Vekna raised a paw to get my attention. “Do we…” she hesitantly asked, “if we talk to him in the cafe, would we… even… need a cover story? I mean, I have seen many people just talk to others in those places. That’s… normal, isn’t it?”

I had to admit, she had a point. It was a public place. We wouldn’t even have to introduce ourselves. Maybe even just comment on something seen over a shoulder. “We could, but we’d need to be careful not to reveal too much. If Tagelb does turn out to be Halvone, we’ll need a method of taking him down, too.” As I steeled my expression, Vekna looked at me attentively half-chew. “Do you have any weapons?”

That made her snap upright, followed shortly after by a few hacking coughs from the food particulates she no doubt just inhaled. “D-cff,do I hack-have wea- No!” As she recovered from her coughing fit, though, a thought visibly flashed through her head. “Wait…do you??”

“I don’t,” I admitted, “but… I know how to use some.” I took a breath, trying to keep calm.This is different. Halvone was personally proven to be dangerous. He’s not like the humans.“There are tasers, irritant spray, or even…” I swallowed my nerves, “a knife. I have used them… before.”

“Herd…” She sat in stunned silence for a moment before speaking again. “I…know how to use a firearm.”Talk about tonal whiplash.

I flicked my ears to signal that I desired some explanation. “Usually, those things are for people living near the outskirts of planetary developments. That, or the military. How come you know how to use those?”She huffed out before answering. “My…dad owned one. We lived on some newer developments of Venlil Prime for a while, so he purchased it. He…he taught me how to use it in case someo-… somethingtried to kill me.”

Scared of other people. With what I’ve found, she was right to do so.I swayed my tail in sympathy. “I guess both our fathers had us use weapons.” I picked up my tea. “I’m glad yours taught you out of love.”

She co*cked her head at that. “What do you-”

I quickly cut her off. “We should get going if we want to catch Tagelb towards the end of their work claw, yes?”

She stuffed one last morsel of food into her mouth before cleaning her paws and picking up her plate, still chewing.“Yersh, we sherd.”

I similarly shoved my roughage into my mouth and chewed, blocking any ability for conversation. I wasn’t ready for that talk. Not abouthim.Not what he tried to do.

Not with me being just as bad.

We deposited our trash before hitting the streets. This time, we had the sense to call a cab, as Tagelb’s worksite was farther away from us than the bar had been. Unfortunately, our driver wasn’t the Linked Chains member we had run into on our way here, my copy of their manifesto would have to wait for another Paw. Both Vekna and I were silent for the ride, the whirring of the maglev drive filling the space between us. She fiddled on her pad as I just stared out the window at the passing buildings.

Wishing to get out of my own head, I spoke to break the silence. “So, you said we could get a uniform to slip in unnoticed?”

She turned her ears and an eye towards me, I could tell she was thankful we weren’t continuing our previous conversation. “Yeah, it shouldn't be too difficult. We’re pretty average-sized Venlil on Venlil Prime, all we have to do is find a couple uniforms that approximately fit us and we’ll blend right in.” She whistled a laugh. “It’s ironic, we’re using stealth tactics to track down a Harchen.”

“You two lovely ladies up to some mischief?” Our driver asked, his ears raised in interest.

I noticed Vekna suddenly shrunk with nerves, so I jumped in. “Very much so. After all,mischiefis a fun pastime for the young!” I flicked my ears in a deliberate flirt. “So many would love to see a lady in uniform, after all! Perhaps even…”

I didn’t finish, but I could see the man blooming at the mental image. Satisfied that he would have the entirely wrong idea for our plan, I shifted my eye to Vekna again. “It is ironic. He might not even see us coming! Especially if we can find his plans for…later.”

I really hoped Vekna picked up on my deception. I didn’t have enough time to know for certain, though, as we arrived at our destination. The cab driver let us out without even asking for payment, most likely flustered from the false implications I planted.So long as I don’t need to spend any more credits, I’m happy.

Now here we were. Our second target in as many paws. If I understood the schedules right, his work claw should be about half done. Enough time to see him interact with others without seeming suspicious.

The warehouse construction seemed well underway, even with all that’s been going on. Going by the outside piles and stacks of tread, rollers, and curved metal, I would say that they were getting ready to install conveyor belts inside for whatever materials the warehouse will come to store and distribute.

However, this was rather lucky. For even from this distance, I spied someone of great interest.

A tall helmeted Harchen pushing a pallet cart.Perfect.I looked over to Vekna, only to find that she had disappeared. After searching around for a moment, though, I spotted her motioning to me from behind some cubbies. I slunk over to her, careful not to make myself too conspicuous.

Once I arrived, she looked at me incredulously. “About time! If you were out there any longer, someone would have noticed! Now here, throw these on.” She pushed a uniform into my arms, consisting of a high-vis vest, an impact-resistant hardhat with Venlil ear holes cut out of the top, and some paw coverings for both my feet and hands.

“Good thing they had spares,” I commented. “One more thing.” Reaching over to another cubby, I picked up a green marker and began drawing a symbol on the helmet. “This should make nobody question us.”

Handing the finished helmet to Vekna, I began working on mine. It was a simple thing. Just the symbol for Labor safety. Not only would nobody look twice, they would likely try to avoid lookingonce.Ironic, that.

“Wait, isn’t this…ooooh,that’s clever!” She placed the helmet on her head without hesitation, her ears flicking from the constant contact they were receiving. “Ah-oh, that tickles!Ugh,this feels weird. How do people wear this all day? I feel like my ears are floating, and not in a good way!”

I gave an amused whistle. “I asked something similar in my resocialization about the uniforms there,” I put mine on as well, trying to ignore the feeling. “As they told me, you unfortunately just have to get used to it. So, ready to observe?”

She sways her tail in the affirmative, a look of determination on her face. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

With a confident wave of my tail, I walked over to the warehouse and opened the door.

Naturally, I opened right next to one of the workers, a stout Takkan.

“Hey,” he said, “who are…” his voice trailed off into a whimper as one of his eyes trailed up to the symbol on my helmet. No surprise, as it seemed the only equipment he was wearing were a pair of gloves.

Taking the opportunity, I glance over at Vekna. “I win the bet. Didn’t even get all the way through the door before seeing something.”

The man almost tripped over himself trying to get out of our way. “S-Sorry, I just got on shift! I’ll get my gear right away!” He then scampered off in the same direction we had just come from.

I flick my ears in an amused smirk, glancing at Vekna again. “So what do you think? Know enough to play the part?”

She looks over to me, trying to flick her ears intentionally through her discomfort. “Yeah, let’s just hope we don’t run into someone with a backbone, or worse, someone who knows a safety inspection isn’t due today.”

“Surprise inspection,” I justify, “and if anyone says they should have still known, you can leave them to me. I can probably create a good story.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that, I have a story of my own. I did some research on this place on the way over, and I found somethinggood.” I could almost see the mischief in her eyes as we continued through the warehouse. Workers that were slacking off as he passed fell over one another to appear busy, dirty machines were being panickedly cleaned, and missing articles of uniform were magically appearing.The wonders of a single symbol.

Still, the warehouse was a sizable space, and most of the workers were constructing the office part. Putting up parts of walls, running electrical wires in the ceiling, hanging lights where they are meant to go, I would say that they were close to finishing up here. Which, of course, meant that Tagelb was likely in the actual warehouse area moving the materials there. I pulled out my holonote and fiddled with it, looking like I’m taking notes. After a few seconds, I signaled for Vekna to follow as I walked through an empty doorway into the main atrium of the warehouse.

My previous observation that the warehouse was about halfway done was proven correct. The conveyors and slides for sorting whatever was to be handled here took up maybe a third of the room, with numerous people bringing in carts of shelf parts and the rest of the conveyors. Within the five people moving materials, I saw our Harchen, now sporting a visibility vest to go along with his helmet and gloves.

“So, Vekna,” I whispered as we look out, “what might this plan of yours be?”

“I guess we just sit here and pretend like we’re taking performance notes until Tagelb leaves?”She leaned against the wall and pulled out her pad.“So long as nobody confronts us, this should be f-”

“Hey!”

My ears rose to alert at the shout. I saw a light gray Venlil marching up to us with a rather annoyed expression on their face. “What are you doing here? We aren’t due for-”

“Surprise inspections would be of no value if they weren’t a surprise,” I interrupted . “You are quite lucky all infractions noticed so far are the lack of PPE.” Through muscle memory, I pulled out my holonote and began to record. “You, for example, aren’t even wearing a helmet.”

“Surprise inspection? On whose orders? I p- eh- I already got an inspection!” He looked between us, clearly expecting an answer. I opened my mouth to speak, but this time it was Vekna who responded.

“No, you haven’t. You haven’t had proper inspections for Herds of Paws. Rest assured, Corporate knows about your little ‘agreement,’ and that’s not going to happen anymore. This will be your only warning. Oh, and if you try to pay off your ‘usual guy’ again, it’ll bebothof your jobs. Are we clear?”

The gray Venlil, presumably the foreman, looked about to pass out where he stood, staring horrified at Vekna.She was right, that scoop was good!

“W-w-well,” he stammered, “it won’t matter! The PPE thing is the only thing you will find wrong here!”

K-PWASH!

Everyone, including us, jolted in shock at the sound.Gunshot? Wait, no, air?A cloud of dust had appeared around the base of a wall near some pipes. I heard bleats of pain!

People were running. Running!Danger! Get to safety! Someone was hurting! Get yourself out! Danger over there! Leave!

Leave them in pain like Chase was left?

My legs froze as the thought shot through my mind. I caught myself on the wall as a couple other people ran past me through the office hallways. To my surprise, Vekna was still by my side, covering her face with her arms. “What are you doing?” She asked, peeking at me. “You need to get out!”

Get out. The scream is still going. Just save yourself! We can-

What would Tarlim think?

My legs were moving again. Not away, towards the scream. Vekna was following? Why was she following? Why was I moving towards the screm?I don’t know. I had to.

I entered the dust cloud and found a brown-grey Venlil on the ground, clutching their hand in pain.Orange on the ground. Orange on his fur! Bleeding!

I kneeled down on the ground next to the man. “Hey! I’m here! Someone is here!” I placed my hand on his shoulder, jerking him out of his frozen fear. “Can you hear me? What happened?”

“Th-The p-pipe.” He stammered, “I-It was sup-pposed t-to be d-depressurized! I c-cut, a-and it burst! My paw! My sprahking paw!” Tears were flowing from his eyes as more orange dripped onto the ground.

Suddenly, the hissing stopped. The dust coming out began to settle. I looked around. Vekna had found the valve!She closed it off!She jogged back over, lightly panting from exertion. “Okay, the pipe’s closed, is he going to be alright??”

My holonote is still in my paws. It’s still recording. My mine raced. “Find a medkit,” I demanded, “or-or toilet paper and tape! Something that can be used for bandages! Quick!”

Vekna flicked her ears affirmatively and ran off to find something to stymy the bleeding. That left me alone with the injured worker. Now that the pipe was silent, the only sounds were the distant murmurs of the rest of the workers and the pants of the man before me. He looked like he was wanting to faint.

“Hey,” I shake his shoulder, holding up my holonote, “focus on me. I’m here. Focus on me.” I gripped his paw, doing my best to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. “Now, tell me what happened. From the start.”

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 16th, 2136

I skid across the floor as I frantically search for the first aid kit.These are supposed to be plentiful and clearly labeled! What the Sprahk has that idiot foreman been doing?!At the very edge of my field of vision, I spot the orange paw symbol; a first aid kit! I push past a couple freezers to get to it, all but yanking it from its wall mount before scrambling back to Vekna and the unfortunate victim of managerial incompetence.

When I round the corner of the doorway, now populated by a few of the braver workers who ventured back in to see what’s what, I see Sharnet writing something on her holonote with one paw whilst applying pressure to his wound with another. Panting, I come to a stop beside them, unlatching the hard, plastic case to reveal the lifesaving goods inside.

“I-huh,I got it!Puff,it was way farther than it should’ve,Guh,been!”

I hear Sharnet huff as she grabs the hair removal spray. “Speh! This feels like there’s barely anything inside!” She brays agitatedly and holds the worker's wrist. “Okay, I’m going to need you to keep your paw open. Thiswillsuck, but it should be quick.”

The man flicks his ears in the affirmative, and hesitantly unclenches his hand.Speh! That’s a layer of skin peeling!Despite my queasiness at the sight, Sharnet was quick to start spraying the aerosolized gel. The man rapidly reclelenches his paw and gives a muted bleat of pain through his teeth. He instinctively tries to pull away, but Sharnet keeps her grip. “Vekna,” she states, “get your pad. Once I get the hair cleaned off, the wound will need a photo for proof.”

With that said, she sets down the spray bottle and pulls out the sanitary rag, beginning to wipe the worker’s paw. Wool falls right off as she rubs, leaving the pale orange skin behind. Or rather, what’s left of it. The high-pressure steam had cut through his skin, leaving the uppermost layers ragged, soaked, and seeping with thick orange blood. I fumble around in my satchel to get my pad, snapping a few pictures of the worker’s wound as quickly as I can.

Sharnet’s tail wags in approval as she pulls out another bottle from the kit. Aid Gel. “Right,” she says, “worst is over.” She looks the worker in the eye. “This will numb the pain and stop most of the bleeding. I will need you to open your fist again. Ready?”

The worker doesn’t respond, his teeth still clenched in pain, but his paw opens once more. Sharnet squeezes the contents of the tiny bottle upon the patch of mangled skin. Instantly, the fluid binds to the orange blood and begins coagulating.

I fall back on my rump as the worker’s face finally relaxes, the three of us all releasing breaths that we didn’t know we had. Sharnet reaches into the kit once more and pulls out the bandage roll, wrapping it around the injured paw. Once fully covered, she tears off the excess, leaving the wrap sealed. “There. Now we just need to wait until medical responders arrive.” She pauses, then stands , turning her attention to the observing workers.

I do so as well. I’m shocked to find that almost the entire floor had come back to watch. A few had devices in their hands.At least someone had the sense to call emergency services.I kneel down to collect the spent bottles and relatch the kit, grabbing it before standing again. I whisper to Sharnet, still in full view of the workers.“So what now?”

Sharnet flicks her ears, acknowledging that she heard me, but doesn’t respond. “Alright,” she announced, “I need to get the story straight. We’re going to need to talk to several of you to get your stories.” She turns towards me. “I’m going to see what happened to that foreman. Apparently, he signed off on that steam pipe already being depressurized.”

“How did you figure that out?” I ask.

She reaches down and grabs the worker by his shoulder, helping him to his feet. “I discussed what happened while you were getting the first aid kit. Do you think you could talk to some of the workers?” She gestures with her head. “I would start with that Harchen. They were one of the closest to the incident.”

I glance over, spotting the tall, well-built Harchen.Tagelb.I flick my tail and start walking over to him. Despite the Harchen’s usual, comparatively diminutive size, Tagelb stands half a head above me. Even so, he looks the most nervous out of all the workers, likely due to the fact I’m making a beeline for him at a steady walking pace.No more running for me, I’m good.

As I approach him, I retrieve my pad and deftly switch to the notes application, soon arriving at my target.Just stay calm, you got this. Just do like you’ve seen reporters in the movies do.“Excuse me, sir, would you mind if I had a word with you about what just happened?”

Tagelb quickly looks around for support, but like a herd abandoning their vulnerable, the rest of the crowd has already backed away, leaving Tagelb as the only person I could’ve possibly asked. His scales shift under his work uniform as he stammers out his response. “W-Well, certainly! Uh…w-what would you like to know about, m-miss?”

Ok, ok, uh…reporter words, reporter words…got it!“The primary source on the incident claims that the pipe had been signed off as depressurized before work on it had started. Is that true?”

Tagelb hesitantly flexes his tail in affirmation, along with similar gestures from a few others in the crowd. “Y-Yeah, Foreman Ramul cleared us to c-cut the pipe. It was supposed to already be d-depressurized. He, uh…” Tagelb looks around and leans in closer, as if sharing forbidden knowledge.“He does this a lot.”

I co*ck my head a few degrees and make some written notes alongside the recorded transcription. “Oh, is that so? Would you care to elaborate?”

Tagelb looks unsure, doing a strange gesture to someone in the crowd. After recovering another one back, he sighs and straightens himself. “He does this a lot. You know, signing off on things being done that haven’t. On previous sites, I’ve unloaded air unit materials, and only half the duct work goes up. Then there’s the electrical wires always needing more splices than they should. And he doesn’t order the materials for the equipment maintenance! The last accident, the hydraulic lines of our scissor lift burst while it was fully extended! The people on it were lucky they stayed on as it collapsed! And don’t even get me started on…”

He rambles on and on about workplace safety violation after workplace safety violation for almost a quarter Claw, piling on incriminating evidence and witness testimony from some of the others. I’m uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people, but I’m able to manage by focusing on the task at hand. Soon enough, Tagelb and the rest of his crew exhaust their extensive list of grievances, sharing a common look of catharsis amongst them. It feels good to help people like this, to allow them to speak their minds and have something hopefully come of it.If nothing else, at least it’s off their chests.

As I finish writing down the information and closing the recording application, I see Sharnet approaching. “Thank you for your cooperation, everyone!” She slides right next to me. “Unfortunately, it seems your foreman has fled the scene! He almost hit the ambulance on the way out!”

I hear several grumbles coming from the crowd, but their expressions signal that the only thing they’re surprised by is the foreman’s lack of subtlety. Sharnet notices this as well and gives a sardonic whistle. “Now, due to the foreman’s…absence…” A sarcastic laugh arises from the workers. “…this site must be temporarily closed for the day. Thankfully, since this was due to a safety violation, all of you will be compensated for the work claw.” I hear several sighs of relief at that assurance.Going by how the economy has fallen, I can’t blame them.

Sharnet sways her tail for attention once more. “The report of the incident will be filed, I assure you. I will make no promises on the time for the investigation, but a reportwillbe made! But for now, I wish you all a good rest of your Paw!” People mutter amongst themselves as the crowd disperses, but my eye remains on Tagelb.This has gotta be our chance to follow him, right?

I nudge Sharnet for affirmation once I’m certain we’re out of earshot of the workers. “We’re going to follow Tagelb after he leaves, right?”

“We will,” she responds. “Do you have all the information about what just happened?” Her ears nervously flick. “I know we’re not actually part of Labor safety, but…” I see her tremble. “His… his paw was…”

I cut her off, placing a comforting paw on her spotted shoulder. “I know, I know. You don’t need to relive it, it was bad. I’m surprised you managed to keep yourself together through all that. I…I guess it’s for the best, at the end of the Paw.” I lower my ears. “Sorry I took so long to get back, the nearest kit was all the way over there.” I point to the now empty wall mount. “I’d include that in the report too, but I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

“N-no,” she pulls out her holonote, “w-we need to… include everything. We…” I heard the camera click, “we have to.” As she’s speaking, I spy Tagelb exit the locker room.Brahk, we need to get a move on!

I push her holonote down gently, keeping an eye on the departing Harchen. “We already have. Look, we have a picture of the wound, testimony that the boss signed off on it, and a spehload of other incriminating evidence. Like you said, we’renotLabor and Safety. We’re here for one reason, and he’s currently walking out the door.” Sharnet’s attention then snaps to the exit, managing to catch the slightest glimpse of Tagelb’s tail before he leaves the building.

Straightening, Sharnet shakes herself off and begins rushing to the same exit, stripping herself as she goes. “Can’t lose him! We’ll send out the report as we go! C’mon!”

I sigh as I similarly strip off my disguise and follow in pursuit. Unlike me, Sharnet hasn’t needed to run today, meaning her stamina is still in top form. I can’t say the same. Even as I catch up, I’m a panting mess, using my entire lung capacity just to cool my overheating body.Oh, to be a species that can sweat! I wish… I wish…my panting became harder as we exited the building. I saw Tagleb entering a vehicle on the driver’s side, but my lungs were rapidly constricting.I can’t get enough air!I tumble to the ground, wheezing as my body rebels against me.Hurt. Hurt!

“He’s driving himself off!” I vaguely hear Sharnet say, “we need to…” I can’t make out anything else as my vision starts to dull. I fumble around in my satchel for a short lung inhalant device, but my movements are too clumsy and it tumbles out of my bag. I weakly attempt to reach for it, but my arm grows to weary. My wheezing slows as the world around me fades into two tiny pinpricks.So this is how I die… I’m sorry, Dad… I feel… I feel…

I feel pressure on my mouth. The rush of something inside. A vacuum in my chest.I take a horrible, rasping breath as the world comes into focus again. There’s someone over me.There’s someone over me!I scuttle away from the person, scrapping my ass on the ground as my still weakened limbs give out under me. I take more desperate gasps as a voice filters into my ears. “You’re alive! Oh thank the Stars you’re alive!”Sharnet!

The person comes into focus, and it’s her! She’s breathing heavily too, likely from running back to save…me… I manage to wheeze out some words. “You…you saved me.”

“Here,” she holds out her paw, pressing something into mine. It was my shortlung inhalant device. “I don’t- I don’t know if you- if you need more.”

As I hesitate to respond, I see the truck pulling out of the lot. I weakly point to the departing vehicle. “H-H-caf,he’s g-getting…”

“Doesn’t matter!” Sharnet interrupts, “we can catch up later. Y-you matter more right now!”

I look up at her in disbelief.How is the life of a freak worth more than…wait, she doesn’t know. Of course.I try to sit myself up, still panting heavily from my attack. “I-I’m,huff,I’m sorry for making you,hff,come back for me,puff.”

“Don’t!” I feel the weight of her command. “Don’t apologize for this ! This-this is my fault! I pressed you too hard! I hurt you!” I see tears forming in her eyes, her hands clenching the wool on her legs. “Oh stars, I almost killed you! I just- just keep hurting! I’m sorry, Vekna! I- I…”

I push myself forward, landing against her and wrapping her in a hug. “You saved my life, Sharnet. Thank you…thank you…” I feel some tears form in my eyes as the realization of what could’ve happened hits me.I could’ve left Dad to die alone.

Sharnet seemed to freeze under my hug. Her breathing began to slow as I held on, as did mine. I felt one of her hands on my back, giving it a pat. “You… what… what was it?” She pulled away, giving me a sad look. “Shortlung?”

“Yeah.” My breathing starts to regulate as strength returns to my limbs. “I got it from my mom’s side, a recessive gene. It wassupposedto be removed, but here I am.” I transfer myself to a kneeling position. “We need to get going or we won’t be able to catch Tagelb for another few paws. Just…no more running? Please?”

“No more,” She promises, holding out her arm to steady me as I rise. I’m still a bit light-headed, but after a few moments, I’m able to balance on my own two paws. “Here,” she leans next to me while typing on her holonote. “I’m calling a cab. I can help you get to the road.”

I silently lean against her as we exit the work site. I focus on my breathing as we wait for the taxi to arrive.In. Out. In. Out. Steady.As we exit the work site, I’ve regained enough agency to stand on my own, smoothing my fur where it had pressed against Sharnet. “Where do you think Tagelb went? That cafe place, maybe?”

“Most likely. From what I saw on his profile, he likes to spend a Claw there after work,” she responds. “What did you glean from your talk? Did he seem suspicious?”

I think back to our conversation, lowering my ears in the negative. “Not really. He was jumpy, sure, but I think that’s just because he didn’t want to get fired for being a whistleblower. I’ve seen it before in previous jobs I’ve worked in.” I look down the street towards the more developed downtown area. “If anything, you’d think I was a Mazic from how timid he appeared. I don’t…I can’t make any assumptions without seeing what he’s doing on those ancient computers. That’ll be our clothespin.”

Sharnet flicked her ears in agreement. As we reached the road, we watched as a taxi pulled over to let us enter. “Where to?” The driver asked.

“The TeaByte cafe,” Sharnet taps her holonote onto the taxi display, “at this address. Thank you.”

“The TeaByte?” The driver asks as we buckle up. “That old place? Isn’t it-”

“Yes,” Sharnet interrupts, “that old place. Can we please go?”

“Well speh, alright alright.” He pulls the vehicle out and begins the drive. “Don’t gotta be a prick about it. Just seems a waste of money, with all that’s going on.”

“I just helped medically treat a man who had the skin stripped off their paw,” she barks. At the look of surprise from the driver, she lets out a sigh. “Forgive me if I’m still tense. I just need time to calm down.”

The driver looks to me for confirmation. I flick my ears “yes” and leave it at that. He turns his attention back to the road, speaking again. “Wow, uh…okay, I don’t really…I’m sorry that happened? I’ll…I’ll just…drive. Yeah.”

He then shut his mouth, turning on the music player to a low volume as we’re chauffeured through the streets, the trees and sparse constructions of the town’s expansions passing by the windows.

Eventually, more developed buildings fill our view as we enter into the downtown area, and sooner yet, our driver pulls up against the curb next to a quaint, single-story establishment. A neon sign over the entrance portrays a circuit board in a cup of liquid, with the words “TeaByte Cafè” adjacent to it. We exit the cab wordlessly, the driver not offering any parting words either.Likely still processing what Sharnet said.

“Well,” I say, breaking the silence, “here we are. The ‘TeaByte’. Let me see if I can connect to the hotspot...” I pull out my pad and search for a connection, but I find none! “Wha…?”

“First time here?”

We both whip around to find the source of the voice. It’s a Venlil wearing a vest showing they were employees of the cafe. They sway their tail in amusem*nt at us. “This place is to help people experience what it was like when connecting to others was more difficult. So you will need to physically connect your personal device to the network, or rent a computer.” She walked forward and opened the door for us. “Though if you do use your own devices, we have multiple adapters available. We hope you enjoy your time here.”

I flick my tail appreciatively as we enter the cafe. The sounds of mechanical keyboards typing away provides a white noise to back the room. I brace myself for the discomfort I know is coming…but it doesn’t. I let my ears swivel around for a few moments, taking in the sounds of the cafè.I’m…not uncomfortable.

Butwhy?The outdated keyboards clack in response. The small clinks and thuds of eating utensils. Only the slight occasional murmur of conversation between people. There feels to be no expectation for people to talk directly to each other. No societal rule that forces you to look straight and wag your tail at each passerby. No accidental bumps and grazes that you have to deal with constantly. It’s separated, quiet, reserved.It’s nice.

Sharnet and I set our bags down at an empty workstation, a flat monitor and mechanical keyboard waiting to greet us. A mass of wire dongles are jutting from one of the ports, one of which I recognize as a Type-3 physical connector, identical to the one on my pad.Bingo.I insert it into my pad, and it immediately lights up, the monitor screen asking if I accept the one-time charge.

Sharnet sits beside me, plugging her holonote in and the monitor in front of her does the same. “This is also a cafe, so we should be able to justify this as our meal compensation,” she says, “just make sure you order something to eat as well.” She taps her paw on her holonote to accept the charges.

I flick my ears to acknowledge that I heard and tap my pad to accept the charge.40 credits. This place drives a hard bargain.With that, the computer screen turns on, displaying the ancient-looking desktop. I place my paw on the cursor manipulator and waggle it around, the cursor following suit. “Alright, I think this place uses computers that are compatible with the program I want to use.” Before I can continue, I see Tagelb depart from the restroom and take a seat somewhere in the middle of the cafe. I hide my head behind the computer and lower my ears.“Tagelb is here. If you can find what his station is, I’ll be able to activate the program.”

Sharnet signals understanding and moves to rise, but stops, her ears twitched in thought. She suddenly speaks in a more audible voice. “Hey, what would you like to eat and drink? I can head up to the counter and order for us both.”

I look at her with confusion, so she gestures with her tail. I look to where she pointed and my eyes widen with understanding. The path to the counter would lead her right by Tagleb’s computer!Perfect!“Thanks,” I say, looking down at the embedded menu on the desk. “I’d like a bowl of Twilight Plum soup and a couple slices of fresh Strayu, please.”

Sharnet nods and makes her way through the crowds. Tagelb doesn’t even seem to notice her, let alone recognize her, as she passes through the edges of his periphery.Finally, some good luck!As she is ordering the food, I start the process of installing my program. All the computers here are linked together, so I should be able to set up mine as an administrator. Then when Sharnet tells me which computer Tagleb is using, I can use the mirroring program to clone his desktop and let my screen see everything that he is doing.

Unlike with Uylten, though, I don’t get a bad vibe from him. He’s timid, yes, but more so in the sense that he’s afraid of everyone rather than he has something serious to hide.Not like I am.My fingers slow on the keyboard as I think about how much has happened.Sharnet saved my life. She came back for me. How would she feel knowing it was all for a diseased freak?That’s a question I don’t want to know the answer to.

It isn’t long before Sharnet returns with the food in paw, setting down my tray in front of me. While the prospect of a good Twilight Plum soup and Strayu are tempting, I focus on the task at paw…ok fine, maybe a nibble of Strayu while I work wouldn’t be the worst thing.I sway my ears in thanks as Sharnet as she sits down next to me, whispering over to her.“Did you get the number?”

“Yes,”she responds in a similarly hushed voice, “Workstation 34.”

I flick my tail in response as the program finishes downloading. It shows a list of all the devices connected to the system, each of the older computers represented by an ‘r’ followed by their number. Our station was labeled ‘r63’ in the system, so it was easy enough to find Tagelb’s monitor under ‘r34.’ As I hover the cursor over the ‘Duplicate Screen’ button, I glance over to Sharnet. “I really hope this isn’t some more depraved speh. You ready?”

She signals approval, and with that, I duplicate the screen.

...

I can’t help but be disappointed. It isn’t anything major.An encyclopedia page about engines.Sharnet leans over, having opened up the net browser on her own workstation. “If he does anything, I can head to the same site on my cafe computer.”

“Sounds good,” I tell her, “unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be doing much beyond looking up general stuff about engines. He… wait.Wait.” I stop talking as Tagleb opens a new tab and types something. I stare at the address as it fills, my eyes widening in fearful recognition.

A .ûñ suffix.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 16th, 2136

.ûñ suffix. UnderNet.While the IntraNet allows everyone in the Federation to have the capability to connect to each other, the downside is thateveryonecould do so. The more hidden and criminal parts of the Federation included. Illegal trade of drugs, selling products that had been long known dangerous, stuff like…the egg.Everything that might be illegal could be found.

“Sharnet!”Vekna whispered frantically to me.“Do you know what this is?? It’s th-”

“The UnderNet,”I finished for her,“I know.”

She looks at me as if I had sprouted a new head. “Wait…you do? How would…what would…who told you…?”

“My… father,” I explained. “I also used such sites to track down that Linked Chains smuggler. But for him to use one… it can’t be good.”

I began copying the site address onto my own computer. As I was doing so, Tagleb’s screen finished loading. It was a site with a black background with multiple text links in a list. It looked like… discussion threads?

“A chat board,” I hear myself mutter. “People could come here to talk about anything in complete anonymity. But… Top Hensa pics? Best places to get high? Riverboat rememberabces? Wait…Eat Me??”

Vekna glanced at it in a way that made it clear she didn’t know what that last one was, and I honestly had no desire to tell her. Thankfully, Tagleb was navigating elsewhere on the forum, typing something into the search bar. Vekna and I watched as he entered character after character, waiting to see what depraved speh he might be searching for.

“Steam… Train… Enthusiast… Masterthread”

Both of us just stared in utter confusion. Vekna was first to speak, even if in a quiet voice. “I…what?Steam train enthusiasts?That has to be code for something. Let’s see what the thread itself looks like.”

I typed the same in my computer, pulling up the thread so I may scroll through while Vekna keeps an eye on Tagleb. “I’m adding a trace,” Vekna said, “that should tell at least where this chat is located.”

“Sounds good,” I agree, taking a nibble of my own piece of Strayu and scrolling up the discussion. This… this was… steam trains. Talks about engine designs?Am I missing something? Why would this be on UnderNet?I didn’t understand why this would be something to hide.

Vekna seemed to be on the same page, as a look of confusion and disbelief enveloped her as she watched Tagelb scroll through post after post. “It wasn’t code for anything. He… he just likes steam trains. I can… er, I mean, Ican’tsee why, they’re outdated tech. Herd, the Federation even did them a favor…and…and…”

As she trailed off, it finally dawned on me why this was nestled in the UnderNet. The Federation didn’t want people to be enthused about it. It wasn’t standard, it had no value. At least, not to the higher-ups within the Federation. These people would probably be laughed out of any room if they admitted this, so…they went here. Where you needed to know the link to join, where everyone was on the same page. But something else tickled the back of my mind. These posts were all talking as if they were Yotul.

“The trace finished,” Vekna whispered, looking at her data pad rather than the computer. “It looks like the server is coming from…the Yotul Homeworld? Why would Tagelb be…unless…” She looked back at the computer screen just as Tagelb entered into a live chatroom. Messages were being constantly sent into the space from all manner of people, but importantly, a good majority of them had Yotuls in their profile pictures, solidifying my suspicions that this was a Yotul-only thread/chatroom.

A new message popped up on the thread.“My stupid boss finally licked an Arxur right in front of Labor Safety! I’m finally rid of him!”

A stream of congratulations followed.“About time, that racist POS deserves what’s coming to him!” “I’m glad to hear that, you might actually be able to work without risk of your fur being shorn off by a loose plasma torch!” “Hopefully nobody had to get hurt before that happened?”That one, Tagelb took a liking to, typing out his reply.“Unfortunately, a Venlil coworker did. The Labor Safety people got him medical attention, though, so I think things will work out.”

And so they went on for a bit. Complaining about how hard it is to get good work, even on their homeworld. Then, one complaint seems to catch Tagleb’s attention.

“I had been a conductor for the Karyglre Company since I was of age, those Federation bastards don’t know the first thing about how to run a jobsite, let alone a construction workzone. They took our jobs, destroyed our legacy, and then kept us quiet when we tried to protest. They even melted down my engine and acted like I should be thankful! They even had the nerve of berating me when I tried to buy it right out instead! Glad you’ve been able to find a place for yourself, Alel.”

Alel? Venka and I glanced at each other as Tagleb wrote his reply.

“I don’t believe you have mentioned your personal engine before now. Ones you worked on, sure, but not your personal one. What was it like?”

As we sat and waited for the former conductor to formulate his response, Vekna turned to me. “This makes no sense. Why is Tagelb talking like he’s a Yotul? I was worried this would be another…you know,situation at first, but I’m just lost at this point.”

I opened my mouth to say something. “I… they aren’t one of the heads… they just… like this.”

“But why on UnderNet?” I saw her pull out one of the metal coins from her pouch and begin fiddling with it in her paw. “And why the Yotul? I mean, I have nothing against them, I’ve known a few Yotul, but… steam trains? We’re out here trying to catch a criminal and we’re spying on someone who… who likes old tech.” She slumped back in her seat, partially dejected.She’s right, this isn’t a particularly good use of our-

The former conductor finished typing his message, and a huge block of words suddenly appeared in the chatroom. “I hope all of you are able to memorize or copy this down! The way things are going, you won’t even be able to find this stuff within [10 years]!”

I couldn’t understand it, but I could tell what it was. It was a written blueprint. There were some images of actual blueprints, but the vast majority of the post was a comprehensive description of how their train was built and operated.I’ve never seen any repositories of information so vast, not even in the Federation Archives. Granted, I’ve never looked for this, but passing glances gave me the impression they wanted.There were pressure operating points, boiler maintenance tips, even a couple of activities one could do whilst cooped up in the engineer’s position. If I had any doubts that this Yotul was a conductor before, they were quashed now.

Vekna, on the other hand, was soaking up the new information like a dry sponge to water. Her eyes moved across the screen, taking in all of the written blueprints whilst absently eating her food. It would seem that her objections to looking at this had all but disappeared.

An idea passed through my mind, and I open a new tab in my browser. Only regular search engines this time.Technical Schematics… of Yotul Train Design.The first five results were articles about how a “hidden waste” of an engine had been discovered in a private collection and had been melted down “to much celebration.” The other five were comparing how superior our technology was to theirs.

But that isn’t what I searched for.

I tried several variations on the subject.Yotul Steam blueprints. Yotul Train design compared to trains in history, Yotul trains to Venlil equivalent. Venlil Steam Trains. Venlil train design. What Venlil first made a train. Domestic Venlil technology. Ancient Venlil Technology. Who was the first known Venlil inventor?

Why can’t I find anything on Venlil technology before the Federation?

My mind was ringing alarms. As loud as when Tarlim helped me realize the Correctional Facilities had done no good.This is wrong, terribly wrong. How have I not noticed this before now??

I glanced over at Vekna. She was still engrossed in the conductor's post. A post that was likely the only place with that information in the galaxy. Information that seemed to require using UnderNet to spread.

Oh Stars.

I close the search tab and clear my history. The risk of actual Shadow Service agents showing up was slim, but not zero. I realized then that Tagleb wasn’t Halvone. They were someone better. The opposite. In all I had seen they had been polite and straightforward. Helpful and kind. They were a model citizen, and we were rooting in the wrong field.

Part of me wants to call this off, to move on to the next in our list. But Vekna… she was fascinated by this new wealth of information. It was clear as day to see.

She had almost died because of me, and part of me had wanted to move on.No.

I shove the rest of my Strayu and chew it down with my WagunFe stew. They had long gone cold, but I wasn’t going to waste my food. Especially for what I’m about to do. I got out of my seat and began walking over to Tagleb. He is so focused he has pointed both eyes at the screens. He doesn't even notice me as I stop behind him.

“So,” I say, “you’re not a Yotul.”

The Harchen freezes at the sound of my words, his scales flashing every color of the rainbow in a flurry of panic and confusion. “I-wha-who-you-I’m sorry????”

“You aren’t a Yotul,” I state again, “but you pretend you are. On an UnderNet site.”

Tagleb’s scales continue shifting in fear as he turns his head so one eye can look at me. “Wha-you…”

“No,” I interrupted, “I’m not actually Labor Safety. I’m an investigator.” I pulled up a chair and sat down, resting my arms on the backrest. “I will be honest: we were following you because you were a suspect. We even thought we found you when you logged into…” I gesture to his screens. “That. But you aren’t who we were looking for.”

Tagleb stared at me in confusion, his scales solidifying in a deep red worry. “L-Look, I’m sorry I’m not who you’re looking for, b-but please don’t blow my cover! I-I’m guessing you’ve read the chatrooms?”

“We have,” I said. I then lean in and whisper, “when did you realize?”

Tagleb leaned back, “R-realize what?”

“That there’s no information about any technology pre-Federation,” I quietly responded. “I only realized watching you. How did you figure it out?”

Tagelb glanced around us to make sure we weren’t within earshot of any eavesdropping nosers, turning back to me once he was satisfied. “I realized when I took a university class on technology. It was entirely comprised of the Federation standard. When I asked about the history of Harchen technology, I was all but laughed out of the room!” His scalded began to shift again, a yellow excitement. “I even looked up about the Yotul, but only found things talking about how they were primitive, not what they actuallydo!I decided then that I wouldn’t let the Federation erase my people’s achievements, and…that turned into this. Everyone derides the Yotul as aggressive, primitive upstarts, but they’re anything but! The people in this forum are some of the nicest I’ve ever interacted with on any platform, and their domestic technological progress pre-contact was truly staggering. I’ve…” He suddenly stopped, forcing his scales a cool blue for a moment before continuing. “Why were you following me?”

“We,” I corrected, subtly flicking my ears towards Vekna. I could see her out of the corner of my eyes. She was looking rather panicked by my actions.Sharnet, you jumped in again, you idiot. You had better apologize to her afterwards.Shaking my head, I focused on Tagleb again. “We were after a Harchen with a warrant out for their arrest. We had tracked them down to this town, but they are likely living under an assumed name. So we had to check every Harchen in town without making them run, and you were the next in line.”

His scales flash green in understanding. “Ah, I understand. I suppose due diligence would eventually lead you to me, then. I’m afraid I can’t offer you much in the way of leads. I only know a few other Harchen in town. Let me think…” Tagelb started to count on his webbed fingers. “The-”

“We can talk somewhere more private,” I interrupt, “I will fill in my partner about what we’re doing. Please, finish your talk with the Yotul first… I won’t be telling anyone else about that site.”

“Th-thanks” he stammered. I moved to rise, but he held out his paw. “Wait.” He took a breath. “What about Jalsen? His… paw…”

“We will be sending that report to those who need it,” I promised, “I assure you. That foreman won’t get away with that.”

The Harchen relaxed at my words, a look of trust and hope flashing in his eyes. With that, he began typing once more as I walked back to Vekna. Her ears were pressed flat against her head as she looked between me and Tagelb. “Sharnet, what in the Herd are you doing?? Why did you gesture back to me? What were you two talking about?!”

I felt my own ears press against my head as I began clenching my leg fur. “I… I’m sorry,” I apologized. “That was stupid of me. I… I acted without telling you what I was doing. I didn’t think to…. I’m sorry.”

Her ears raised in surprise at my apology. Like she hadn’t expected me to make it. “I…huh, it’s okay, Sharnet. Just…maybe try to keep me in the loop next time?” She leaned to the side to get a look at Tagelb, who gave an awkward wave in response. “So…I’m guessing he isn’t our guy, then?”

“No, he isn’t,” I confirmed, “but he might have some intel on which of the others it might be. This is a bit of a public place for that, though, so I suggested we take the conversation somewhere more private.”

Vekna co*cked her head at that. “What, like his house?”

“I didn’t make any suggestions, but that could work, yes.” I extended a paw to help Vekna up, the both of us doing our due diligence and closing down all the programs on our respective workstation before we collected our personal effects and looked over to Tagelb once more. He was still typing on the chat, so we settled in our seats, waiting for him to finish up.

Yet while we had closed down on our stations, I noticed Vekna was looking at her pad. It had the same chat room pulled up. And she was scrolling through the posts.

I tapped my tail against hers to get her attention. “So what do you think of that site?”

Vekna jolted a little at the words, quickly switching to another tab. “It’s alright! For an UnderNet site, at least. The worst things I could see are recommendations for the best strain of Tula Root to smoke for a high, and…uh, the Hensa pictures! Of course! I-I don’t understand…why someone would take pictures of predators! And call them cute and stuff! Nope, completely baffled.”

I give my ears a skeptical flick. “Uh-huh. And what about the engines?”

She cleared her throat of some mucus before responding. “I-I…uh…heywouldyoulookatthatTagelb’sready!” True to her word, the Harchen had closed out of the site and was waiting patiently for us to meet back up with him to depart. “We really shouldn’t keep him waiting!” Vekna wasted no time in speed walking to the taller Harchen, and I followed close behind her.

“So, are you two ready to…uh, discuss? I-Is that the right word to use?” His scales fade into a reddish hue as he spoke.It’s like he’s worried about offending us or something.

“It would fit,” I gestured calmly towards him, “do you have any certain place you would prefer to talk?”

His tail tapped against the floor nervously, “I… I could show you… my house? If you’d like? I-In honesty, this, the bar, and my work are the only places I really go when I’m not home.” His scales shifted to a darker shade. “I know it’s not much, b-but I could at least offer you two a lift? Unless you would prefer the bar?”

“Not the Bar!” Vekna in I speak simultaneously. Tagelb jumped back, partially camouflaging with his background in shock.

“E-Er, noted,” he assured as we exited the Teabyte. We walked a short ways around the building until we came up upon a large, six-wheeled vehicle with a cab in the front, an engine in the middle, and a large flatbed taking up the rear half of the vehicle. “T-This is my-”

Vekna suddenly cut in, a twinkle in her eyes. “Is that a [2135]-model Œ-2300? I didn’t think there were any here on Venlil Prime! Where did you even get the license to operate this thing?”

Despite being perturbed by her outburst, Tagelb calmed down significantly upon hearing her praises of his vehicle. “O-Oh, I usually operate it for my job. When I’m not actually constructing things, I’m usually hauling cargo between the travel hubs and the site. It drives pretty decently, and it’s allowed me to build my house a bit further away from the hustle of the downtown area.” His scales flash red as he holds his hands out in front of him. “Not because I’m antisocial! I’m not some predator-diseased freak or anything! I love being on the job and talking to my coworkers, but…oh Stars, you’ll see when we get there.”

Vekna’s ears fell an almost imperceptible amount at his comment about Predator Disease.Well, there goes full honesty about who exactly we’re chasing.We all sat and buckled up in the front seats. I sat in the middle, so I got a good view out the front. Tagleb shuffled in his seat, pressed a couple buttons, and I heard the telltale hum of the electric motor coming to life. With a press o a pedal, the large vehicle rolled out of the parking lot onto the road.

“So,” I say, hoping that we wouldn’t have to sit in awkward silence the whole drive, “how did you come across the Yotul?”

“I’ve taken a liking to their steam trains,” he shrugged his shoulders as he drove. “Like I said earlier, when I realized there aren't any remnants of old domestic technologies in the Federation, I started digging. Turns out, the only species left that still values themselves enough to at leasttryand preserve their old tech are the Yotuls. Since that day, I’ve…tried to fit in. I made a false persona, said that I was living on Venlil Prime working hard Claws on the construction site under a specist boss. Which technically means the only thing I lied about was my species.”

Vekna mustered enough spunk to attempt to make a statement. “What…made you want to converse with the Yotuls so badly? Aren’t they…you know, a little-”

“If you’re going to say ‘primitive,’ don’t. They’re just as competent as you or I, perhaps even more so. They had their world razed of individuality by the Federation, all of their own technologies replaced with the bog standard you’d find on even the most backwater of colonies.” His scales turned a shade of dark violet as he gripped the steering column of the cargo vehicle. “It sucks Speh that they had their lives uprooted by some stupid, insignificant sense of superiority by the Federation. That they were forced to be just like everyone else, with no room for difference or deviation. Not even to preserve their technologies of their own free will. What makes them special is just something to be destroyed in the eyes of the Federation, just like every world that came before.”

The sheer irony of his words wasn’t lost on me. To talk about hating the destruction of anything different, yet simultaneously buying into the narrative of Predator Disease…To think I had been so ignorant once upon a time.

Once upon a time…

I had to take a short risk. Even if he still believes in Predator Disease, he might be appalled by what was revealed. “Tell me, Tagleb, have you ever heard of Dawn Creek?”

Tagelb turned off the road as he considered his answer. There was a chance he hadn’t, so it would be good to gauge his opinion. A good preamble on what he might think to describe as suspicious about the other Harchen. “Dawn Creek… Dawn Creek… yeah, I remember hearing about it. It was a long time ago, but I remember reading about a ton of heinous sprak being done to the inmates. I’m all for curing the Predator-Diseased, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see how selling out the females for sexual favors or testing street drugs on them plays into that. Those operators should’ve been thrown in with the rest of the lot, if you ask me.”

Ok, that was a start. He was against what had transpired there, but still maintained the narrative.Perhaps that means I can tell more of the truth than I initially anticipated. Just not mentioning Tarlim.

I twitched my ears inquisitively. “Well, did you hear about how the Overseers and heads ran when the investigation was to start?”

I heard his tail tapping against the plastic walls behind us. “That’s who you’re after?”

I gave my ears an affirmative flick. “You can see why we wanted to talk to you.”

He flashed green in understanding. “Yes, I can. I suppose I can tell you all that I know when we arrive at my cabin. It’s not far, now.” He veered the vehicle onto a dirt pathway, the engines whining as they’re forced to propel the weighty vehicle through rough terrain and steep hills. The path he took almost looked to be a foot trail, but it was just wide enough to accommodate the six-wheeler. In the distance, I spotted some lights and a small wisp of vapor rising from it.Hopefully, he’ll be able to give us a better lead than Uylten. Preferably without any eggs.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 16th, 2136

I don’t know what I was expecting when Tagleb said he lived outside of town. Logically it should have been one of the generic single-unit pre-fabs seen all throughout the Federation. Another part of me had envisioned some kind of straw and dirt building, or even just a cave between rocks. But no part of my brain expected… this.

It’s made of logs. The walls are long, flat, and bare wood, complete with a wooden roof. All only a single story tall, but long enough to let someone have multiple rooms to work and live in. From what I can see by the windows, there are two side rooms and a central area that comprise the house. Most strangely of all, it looks built by paw! Not a single sign of extra machinery beyond a forklift and travel trailer parked under a large piece of metal roofing are to be seen!But that would be impossible…right?

“I know it’s not what many are used to,” Tagleb states as he exits the vehicle, “but it’s a cozy place, especially for me.”

I can’t understand. This isn’t normal in the slightest, but he wasn’t even trying to play it off!I guess there is a difference between building a house and being a freak.

“So,” he continues, “I guess we can go inside and… talk?”

Sharnet doesn’t even look bothered as she exits the vehicle.I suppose it makes sense she would be more accepting of the unusual, given what we’ve just been through.Despite its primitive construction methods, the log structure, or ‘cabin’ as Tagelb had called it, appears to be structurally sound. No large holes eaten into the wood, no gaps for air to escape and insects to enter. It even has a hinged door!What has hinged doors anymore?I couldn’t help my curiosity. “Did you build this yourself? This…what did you call it? A ‘cabin?’”

“Uh, yeah I did.” He gave an awkward cough as we walked to the door. “The Yotul built stuff like this all the time before contact, and they did so even without the use of something as simple as a forklift.” His color shifts a light embarrassed blue as he scratches the back of his head. “Honestly, this whole project took less time to build than I had expected.”

“Really?” Sharnet asks as he unlocks the door. “And how long was that exactly?”

“Only about one Venlil year,” he answers to both of our surprise. “Sorry, ‘cycle.’ You’ll have to forgive me, I only immigrated here about…” He counts something on his fingers, mouthing words for a moment. “6 of your cycles ago. This place was my first project.”

“So you’ve been at this whole preserving the past thing for a while, huh?” Sharnet proposits as we approach the door. Tagelb reaches out to the metal knob, twisting it before pulling the door open along its hinged trajectory with a pronounced, metallic squeak.

“Yeah. Once I learned about how badly the Federation was erasing our culture, I knew that if I tried something like this on Fahl, I’d be wrongly thrown in a correctional facility. Out here, nobody asks your business unless you start talking to them first.” He stands aside and gestures with his free arm and tail. “Ladies first.”And who says chivalry is dead?

We enter the cabin and are met with a living history piece. While there was walling inside the log superstructure, as well as some sort of insulation most likely, it too is constructed of wood. Almost everything inside is made of either wood, stone, or cloth, with a smattering of metal fixtures and appliances to be seen. A crackling fire flickers in a depressed stone fireplace, its smoke steaming upwards whilst the heat radiates into the rest of the open-concept main room.A welcome reprise from the cool mountain air.I could feel my mouth fall slightly agape at the scenery, walking in further than Sharnet does. “I…you really built all this. Wow. Where in the Herd did you even find suppliers for the building materials?”

Tagleb walks over to the fireplace and tosses another log in, poking it with an iron rod to move it into a better burning position. “I work in construction and cargo hauling. The while suppliers the Bleh-” he stops at our looks of confusion after stumbling over his words, shaking his head and setting the rod aside as the fire roars with renewed fury. “S-Sorry. You can tell I don’t get many visitors off work or offline. Anyway, Suppliers can have a surplus of materials. And many are willing to offer discounts to interested parties as a way to offload their unneeded stock. All the better if it is mostly raw materials. So, with a purchase here and there, I built this, along with a few other things!”

“Other things?” I ask as we sit down on his cloth-cushioned couch. You can tell that it’s homemade, but it was pleasant to the touch nevertheless. “And what would that include?”

“That’s something for later,” his tail waves in pride as he speaks. “For now, I’m sure you want to talk about that person you are chasing first.”

“Yes, please.” Sharnet stared at Tagelb, pulling out her holonote. “At least for now.”

I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I shouldn’t be, normal people wouldn’t be as excited about this stuff as I was feeling. But it was.Just another side effect of being a freak. This is more important.“Yes, it will be good to see what you know.”

“Alright.” Tagleb sat back in his wooden chair, his tail curling around one of its legs and his scales becoming a mostly relaxed green. “I guess the first thing is asking who exactly you are looking for. You said an Overseer from Dawn Creek?”

“Overseer, orOverseers” Sharnet replies, emphasizing the plural. “There were two Harchen there. One male, and one female. The evidence we traced didn’t give any indication on which.”

“Ah, I understand. Well, I can’t tell you much. All the Harchen I can think of…” he scratches at a loose scale as he thought. “Well, there’s Uylten and-”

“We’ve eliminated him as a suspect.”Thank the herd for that.

“Ah, dang. And I thought he was the most suspicious. Like, I felt he was justoff, you know?”

More than you could ever know.“Yeah,” I say, “so I guess it’s just the rest that you can think of.”

“Well, I can only think of a couple others,” he admits. “There’s Unzekep and Yrtima. If there are any other Harchen in town, I don’t know them.”

Two out three remaining suspects isn’t bad.Sharnet taps away at her holonote. “That’s great, what can you tell us about the two you do know?”

“They are both strange, for one.” He shifts back in his seat. “Yrtima is very… forward, if that’s the right word. I don’t mean she’s not social, I mean that she is… blunt. As blunt as a hammer to the head. I tried talking to her once, and she just said I couldn’t hope to afford her. Then she just ignored me as she talked to this stuttering Venlil. She would just shut down any interaction for what seemed to be no reason, and the people she did spend time with were rather arbitrary.”

Huh, that is strange. Maybe…“Did you check to see if she was…y’know…” I don’t want to say it and be reminded of my own condition. I just hope that he can pick up on the subtext.

He looks at me strangely for a moment before he flashes a light gray in understanding. “Oh! Oh, yeah, I checked her public record. Sad to say I was drunk and a little angry, normally wouldn’t pry like that. She’s not diagnosed or anything, which only makes her behavior even stranger to me.”

“In that case,” Sharnet begins, pulling up a map on her holonote, “do you know what locations she frequents the most?”

“The bar, for one.”Of course she does. Where else would she be? Certainly not somewhere we could actually be comfortable.“There’s also this cave attraction where she took some of those people she got along with. Little up in the mountains, and the opening is angled so that when the sun peeks over the mountains, the light shines deep down the tunnels. Bounces off the rocks rather beautifully.” He looks around his cabin rather wistfully. “Though, I do have a preference for living in the shadows myself, as you have seen. Makes this place feel cozy.” He sighs. “Reminds me of summer nights back on Fahl.”

His words drift off as he stares at the fire, his tail relaxed in contentment. Sitting in his chair, he seems at peace with the world.I wish I remembered what that was like.

“Sorry to interrupt your memories,” Sharnet said, “but I believe there was another Harchen?”

“Hmm? O-Oh! Yes!” He repositions himself. “This is the one you will most likely want to check out. Unzekep keeps to themselves almost all the time, and seems very reluctant to talk to anyone. Especially about their past. She works on maintaining much of the underground infrastructure, so I met her while unloading materials once. She had me talk to her while she was squeezed in the tunnels. Basically refused to come out. Had to crawl down there myself to get her to sign for the delivery.” He then leans forward conspiratorially. “The coworkers I met said she sometimes stays in those tunnels for a full paw or more!”

I have to admit, that certainly screams suspicious.“That’s definitely odd…what was she like when you spoke to her? When you went down into the tunnels?”

He seems uncomfortable but he answers regardless. “Well…she looked a bit off. Her eyes and snout were a little flatter than normal, and she spoke…strangely.It’s like…” His tail coils in thought for a moment. “Like a lisp on top of a lisp, if that makes any sense. I-It’s the best way I can think to describe it.”

I found myself wishing that we had actual photos of the Overseers besides Malcos. The others had their profiles legally kept private in their employment, something about possible retaliation. Not to mention they had been sensible enough to scrub any Net images of themselves after they ran.How they managed that is beyond even me.And with the Harchen ability to change colors, it left us with only a vague description as most people who met them mostly described their colors rather than physical appearance.Something another Harchen might have been able to bypass, but overlooked by the Venlil.An unfortunate realization to see. Still, such a description would have seemed like it should have been noticed. Still, her actions did seem worth looking into.

“Thank you,” Sharnet said, “anything else?”

“Well, there was one. Some of her scales were wrong. Like some on her head. They didn’t… do this.” He sits up straight and begins shifting colors to match his chair.

It takes me a moment, but I realize what he means. “Are you saying she can’t camouflage properly?”

“Yes, but I didn’t want to say that.” He looks around before leaning closer to us and speaking in a hushed voice. “That’s a major indicator of Predator Disease amongst Harchen, if you didn’t know. But I’m not a doctor, so I don’t want to just accuse someone of that, you know?”

“Is it now?” Sharnet inquires. “Why is that?”

“Not being able to camouflage represents a lack of awareness of both others feelings and your own, ergo a lack of empathy. She seemed nice enough when I met her, but…” He sighs, his scales turning an indecisive cyan as he rubs the back of his head. “I don’t know, to be honest.”

“Really?” Sharnet flicks her tail inquisitively. “Well, let me post a question. In researching one of my previous articles, I found some smugglers moving this drug that could cause Harchen to lose control of their ability. If overdosed, permanently. And that drug was inhaled, and potent enough that even a handful of the powder tossed in the air could show effects.” She pauses in thought. Tagelb’s scales have shifted to a pale white in fear at the revelation of this drug. “What would happen if some Harchen were to be forced to take that drug? Like, perhaps, the inmates in Dawn Creek were?”

It takes him a moment to process the implications that Sharnet is presenting, but stripes of understanding gray flash along his pale body. “O-Oh, I…I didn’t…”

“Of course,” Sharnet said, “going by that theory, it’s also possible her scales are due to overexposure to that drug as some of those drug tests were set up. That was something the overseers and heads did, after all… though, makes you wonder if any of the Harchen inmates in that place could have just been forced into using that drug. Interesting, that.“

I balk at how plainly she’s stating everything.Like it’s just common sense.Tagelb, however, has a different takeaway. “W-Wait, hold on. That would mean that Unzekep was in the Dawn Creek facility at some point. Wouldn’t that make her-”

“Predator diseased,” I finish. “That would make her Predator Diseased.” Even as I say it, the weight of that revelation settles on me.If this Unzekep person really is Diseased, that would mean she’s our prime suspect. Monster versus monster.

“Considering what those heads did,” Sharnet said, “I wouldn’t deny that. Especially since some of the guards and orderlies partook in the drugs themselves. So an overseer doing the same isn’t out of the question.” I heard her huff in frustration. “They were likely more worth that designation than all of their inmates combined.”

Tagelb shakes his head as the saturation of his scales darkens. “I should’ve guessed. She looked wrong, sounded wrong, and now here comes private investigators looking for a missing head.” His gaze meets ours and hardens. “Like I said, those heads deserve to rot in a facility for what they were complicit in, so head or patient, you have my support in bringing them in.”

I’m about to agree, but Sharnet cuts me off. “We are only interested if they were a head, thank you.” Both me and Tagleb stare incredulously at her.What? Why? Didn’t she want to rid the world of monsters?

“Do you know why those heads ran?” Sharnet asks, “the thing that started the investigation that scared them?”

Tagleb shifts his scales to a curious orange. “No. What?”

Sharnet turns her head so one eye stares straight at Tagleb. “They were imprisoning people who had no disease. Holding those with deliberately faulty diagnoses. People. With no disease. At all.”

Tagelb sinks into his chair under Sharnet’s stare with stark white scales. “O-Oh, t-that’s…w-well, you still h-have my support, what little I can give you.”

I place a paw on Sharnet’s shoulder, bearing the brunt of her petrifying stare for a second. Luckily for me, I can see it was just that; a stare, so I squeeze her shoulder. She closes her eyes and huffs, leaning back against the rear cushion of the couch. I turn my gaze to the slowly calming Tagelb. “We’d like that very much. Thank you, Tagelb.”

That seems to do the trick, Tagelb’s scales slowly darkening to a more natural green. “Of course. Anything to get those speh-lickers in a padded cell.”

We all stare at each other with conviction.Guess that’s that then.“Then I guess I should ask where Unzekep could be found?”

“Oh! Right.” Tagleb gives a sheepish laugh. “Well, to my knowledge, she’s employed by the Sidestar District Utility Management Division. I’m… afraid I don’t actually know her home address, I only met her once and it was down in the sewers. I’m sure it’s listed somewhere, but if it is, I can’t tell you where with any confidence.”

I think about it for a moment before I realize that we might be able to intercept her on the job. “I might be able to work with that. Where did you deliver those materials to?”

His scales shift yellow in confusion. “The access hatch under Street 013-256, why?”

I pull up the city records on my pad and I put the street number. A list of maintenance closures arise, all with worker numbers assigned to them. Most of them have multiple workers attributable, but a few only have one.157 Paws ago, 48 Paws ago, and 19 Paws ago.“And about when was that?”

“Lemme think, that was… around two months ago? Lemme do the conversions…” He starts counting on his fingers again.“39…no, 41…”He shakes his head in frustration. “Agh, about 40 Paws ago.”

That’s all I need, as I press the worker number.MW-91021. To my delight, it shows that our chosen worker is still on a job a ways downtown for another couple of paws! “Got her! MW-91021, currently on the job fixing some piping under Crossroads 4-2!”

Tagelb’s saturation brightens in pleasant surprise. “Wow, you got all that just from a time and place?”

“Good civil documentation. I just needed to narrow down to the jobs with single workers. Like you said, she was down there alone.” I turn around my pad to show the others where we’re most likely to find our drugged and/or diseased suspect. “Now all that’s left is to get after her!”

As I’m getting up, I feel a paw on my torso holding me back. Confused, I follow it back to Sharnet, whose ears are folded in the negative. “Not yet.”

I let my tail lash. “What?? Why?!”

“I just want to know one thing,” she calmed before turning her attention back to Tagleb. “What’s underneath us? That thing hidden down there. I have heard it since we came in.”

I perk my ears to try and hear what she’s talking about. Lo and behold, I hear a rhythmic, almost hydraulic sound emanating from below the floor. I had assumed that was the climate control system, but I realize that it sounds nothing like any system I’ve ever seen or worked on.

Tagelb’s tail curls and uncurls as his scales turn a saturated pink in excitement. “Oh, I almost forgot! Come, come!” He stands from his armchair and beckons us to an internal staircase nestled in the cabin’s interior. I’m skeptical to trust a pink Harchen after what happened with Uylten, but Sharnet stands and follows him with little hesitation. In the interest of blending into the herd, I steele my psyche and follow the two of them.

As we defend, the sound gets louder and louder until Tagelb opens another hinged door into the basem*nt. I close my eyes both to shield them from any harsh light that might filter through and from any other cognitohazards like that Herd-damned egg. I hear the flick of a switch and light shines against my eyelids. I hear Sharnet take a breath, and seeing as there’s no turning back, I open my eyes expecting the worst.

What I find instead is an awe-inspiring set piece. A huge room, easily spanning the length of the entire cabin, with sky-print wallpaper lining the concrete walls. In the center of the basem*nt is a huge diorama of a wide-open landscape, complete with fake rivers, trees, and primitive looking towns. But that’s far from the main attraction. Running to and fro across the table are scale-model recreations of none other than Yotul steam trains. Multiple models almost exactly as described in that thread, wisps of smoke escaping from their smokestacks as they go. That hydraulic sound from earlier, this was its source.It’s…beautiful.

“Yeah, uh, when I said I took a liking to Yotul steam trains, I wasn’t lying. If the cabin took me shorter than expected, this has taken far longer. And I don’t regret a single hour of it.” His scales match the light blue present on the walls in pride.I’d be proud too if I made something half as impressive as this!

I watch as one of the trains goes chugging by, hauling an insane number of cars behind it.Cargo, passenger, freight, you name it!“Tagelb, this is incredible! Have you shared this with that chat group of yours?”

“Who do you think gave me the blueprints to make these scale models? I wouldn’t be anywhere close to this if it weren’t for them. That’s…why I can never reveal my identity to them. I’d be a pariah, an outsider looking in. Untouchable within people who are themselves oppressed.”

His scales shift to a sad, unsaturated violet. I know that pain.It’s the foundation of my entire life.I place a paw on his shoulder and rub, brushing my tail against his leg in comfort. “I’m sure they’ll love you no matter what you are. In the meantime, would you like to show us all that you’ve done?”Even if I’m a monster, I can try to help those that aren’t.

Tagelb looks at me gratefully, his tail uncurling as he relaxes. “Yeah…yeah, I’d like that.” He walks into the model, ducking under one of the bridges. “Where would you like to start?” Wagging my tail, I follow him into the diorama.Finally, a difficult question!

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil investigative journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 16th, 2136

Vekna and Tagleb had been talking for a better part of a claw. Engine design, steam pressure, time it took to make the model. After the stressful paws coming here, and what we had found about our last suspect, it was good just to spend a little time with someone kind. It was good to see Vekna able to talk to someone without a filter.

After all she’s had to hide in her life, she deserves someone she can talk to. A better person than me.

I had walked up the stairs and sat in one of the chairs, fiddling with my holonote. I would’ve just been in their way down there. Vekna would have tried to mask herself. She shouldn’t have to, she shouldn’t be punished for liking things. She shouldn’t be punished for other people not knowing how to interact with her.

I look down at my holonote. I had filled out and sent off an incident report for when we helped that worker. I had added copies of all the evidence along with revealing that I’m a journalist willing to tell the story. The actual labor safety department would be able to take over now. Make sure something would change. But afterwards, my fingers moved on their own.Tarlim’s number is displayed.

People should be punished for actually doing wrong. Not simply because they are different.

I select the number to make the call. I don’t quite know why. I want to talk to him. Actually talk to him. Not messages. Hear his voice. Listen-

The call connects. It picks up.“H-Hello? Sharnet?”

I feel my fur relax. I hadn’t even realized my scruff had risen. “Hello Tarlim.”

“Sharnet! Hey, how are you doing? It’s- it’s good to hear from you!”

“ I’m … I’m doing good,” I say. “I’m on the trail of another Overseer. They won’t get away with what they did. I - I promise.”

“You didn’t have to do all this for me, Sharnet. Please keep safe. I do appreciate what you’re doing, I do! Just…”There was a moment of silence. He was worried. I could feel it in his voice.“ Please don’t let them hurt you too.”

“I won’t,” I promised, “I won’t. I just- please know that there are people who care for you.”

“Thank you. It’s been…it’s been frustrating.”

I straightened in my seat. “Did something new happen?”

“The…”I heard a sigh from the speakers.“My landlords fired me. For no reason.”

I gasped, insulted on his behalf. “They can’t do that!”

“I know, I called my lawyer. He’s already started handing it.”I heard a growl of frustration come forth from him, but it settled after a couple breaths.“I’m sorry, I’m tired of everything just… just everything. Thank you for- for calling.”

I heard him sob. I felt my own eyes moisten as well. We talked. Talked about what we had been doing since we last saw each other. Talked about who we had to deal with. The people we met. Good and bad. We even talked about the events of today.And he was kind! Why was he so kind?

“But I … ran. He was hurting, his paw was mangled, and I ran.”

“But you went back. You were the first to react with intent to help. That has to count for something. It does to me, at least.”

“Then what about Vekna? I- she almost died! She-”

“You saved her life! From what I have heard about shortlung, those attacks can be random! If you hadn’t noticed as quickly as you did, she would’ve been a goner! You did that, you saved her life, and I doubt she blames you for any of it. I wouldn’t.”

He seemed so calm.His voice is so soothing.Even with all he’s gone through. I didn’t know how he did it. It felt… It felt so good. “But, what about Tagleb? When I saw what he was doing, I thought he was an idiot! That there wasn’t anything to learn from- from primitives. I had judged him negatively before even trying to see what good he was actually doing. I said I would try and change, but I’m still acting like these people are… like they’re nothing but primitive insignificantes.”

“Do you still think that?”

I wasn’t sure how to respond to that. I didn’t think of Tagelb or the Yotul as lesser when I gave it conscious thought, but were the teachings of the Federation really so ingrained into me that I couldn’t separate myself from them? From the people who rejected Vekna because she was different? From the people who tortured Tarlim for rotations becausehewas a little different? From the woman I was in the exchange who tried to kill their human partner for showing something that made her uncomfortable? “I…No, I don’t. I don’t want to view them like that, but…it’s hard. Everything we’ve ever known has been turned on its head, everythingI’veever known. I want to grow, but I’m scared that I’m… that I’m going to just act like my father did!”

“…Your father?”

I paused. It had just slipped out. Something I hadn’t spoken about for years.No backing out now. He deserves the truth.“He… he hurt us. We talked to him, tried to get him to change. And he would! He would act better! Be better! Even when alone! Then-then he would fall back. Sometimes different, but another form of hurt. Stealing food money for booze. Canceling my classes so he could use the money for himself. Missing major events because it just slipped his mind! Then he, he used…. He used pheromones.”

Tarlim was silent for a while. That revelation always made people pause when I talked about it. The taboo around naturally-occurring pheromones was already strong enough, and those that used the harvested stuff were ostracized. Rightly so, given the process needed to extract them.“He used pheromones? Sharnet, I…I had no idea. How old were…?”

“I was 9. Mom…she didn’t want to believe me. She thought he no longer got bored around us. She wanted to believe things were changing for the better.” I took a breath to collect my thoughts.It’s just as painful as it was back then.“He… he put it in our food. I saw, and he said it was harmless.”It wasn’t harmless.“I… I snuck a camera along with him. Caught him buying. Showed my mom. That…that was the last we saw of him. We just packed up and drove off. I-I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”

“That was brave of you. You stepped up, even when you were so little. You helped get away from someone who wouldn’t change. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I wish there was something I could do.”

I felt my cheeks bloom. “You have enough to deal with. Just talking is enough.” I let out a sigh and placed my holonote on the table. “But… he did change. He always got bored. Always looked for something to get his mind on. Whatever he focused on changed until he got to those pheromones. There were several times when he was nothing at all. But he would always fall into something else… What if I’m like that? What if I change, only to just shift my horrible actions into something else? That no matter what, my brain will just seek out new people to abuse?”

Silence reigned between us. I wished that he could find something that would make this all better. That would make this hurt just disappear. I heard him give a sad sigh. “I believe in you, Sharnet. You have learned so much. You actually are trying to change, not just shifting focus. You learned, and you actually try to be better.”A deep breath came from the speakers.“Thank you so much for all you’ve done with the Overseers. You have done more than so many others already.”

“It… it’s no problem.” I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Even after all he knows, he still believes in me. My ears flick instinctively at the sound of stairs creaking. “It sounds like my partner and Tagleb are done. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.”

“Thank you for calling. And Sharnet?”

I pick up my holonote. “Yes?”

“I… I want you to know I am always willing to listen. Even if it’s just to you saying hello. So if you ever want to… I’m here to talk.”

I fight against my rising bloom, as if he could see me now. “Thank you Tarlim. I will… I’ll talk to you later.”

“Talk to you later, too.”

I settled back into my seat as the call ended. My timing was perfect, as Tagleb and Vekna exited from the basem*nt together. Their tails were wagging synchronously with joy from their long conversation. Tagleb closed the door to the basem*nt behind them, his body language positively beaming. “It’s great to see someone who appreciates the mechanics of those engines!”

I saw Vekna give me a nervous glance before she said anything. “It’s a… a passing interest.” She turned so one eye was directed at me. “I’m sorry I wasted so much time. I lost track of how late it had gotten. I am So Sorry.”

I was slightly taken aback by how rapidly she offered an apology.Even after meeting with him, she still feels she must hide from me.I couldn’t help but sadly lower my ears at that.If she found out about Chase, would she fear me more?Would she-

No. Feel your fur. She is a good person. Let her know that.

I release my hands clenching my wool and stand from my seat. “It’s no problem. Catching Unzekep at the beginning of her work claw will be the most convenient option for us, anyways. We have had to wait.”

She still seemed nervous. Fretting that I would accuse her of something bad. I rose from my chair and smoothed out my fur. “Still, we have likely overstayed. Vekna, could you run to the road and see if you can hail a cab? I would like to talk to Tagleb for a bit while you do so.”

She flicked her tail in agreement and scampered out of the cabin. I could tell she was relieved to not have to make any more excuses to me.I wish I could convince her to come clean, but there are secrets on both sides.Tagelb rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. “Yeah, sorry about how late I kept you both. I suppose I should get you a parting gift. What kind of drinks do you like?”

He walked over to his refrigerator and started rummaging around. I looked out the window to make sure Vekna was out of earshot before I stood in the doorway to the kitchen, blocking Tagelb’s route out. “What is your opinion on Predator Disease?”

He froze, rising back up to his standing height and closing the door. “I…don’t understand what you mean. If this is about the escaped patients, then I-”

“I didn’t ask you about the patients, Tagelb, I asked you about the disease. Predator Disease.” He looked back to me, his scales shifting colors as he tried to make sense of what I was asking him.He has to understand, with his little hobby.

“I, uh…I d-don’t know? It’s a shame that people end up c-coming down with it, and it’s a shame that people like those overseers you’re after were able to take advantage of it. I-I don’t really…I’m not sure what you’re asking me, to be honest.” His range of colors started to narrow down to a set of anxiousness.

I took a step into the kitchen and closed the door, earning a flash of fear from the tall Harchen.He needs to realize what this means for him.“You said you immigrated to Venlil Prime to study old technology, yes? To avoid being ‘falsely labeled’ for Predator Disease?”

His color was rapidly settling on fear as he backed further away into the kitchen. “I-I…y-yes, that’s what I s-said. Why?”

“Because, Tagelb, by all Federation standards, youdohave Predator Disease.”

His eyes opened wide and his scales flashed every color they were capable of flashing. “Wh-but I thought you…you told me that!You!” His color shifted to red as he stood at his full height, his spinal ridges separating. “You’re here to get me wrongly convicted, aren’t you?! I don’t…why would they send someone across the galaxy to hunt me down?!”

I swayed my tail in the negative, lessening the saturation of his hue in confusion. “No, I’m not here to ‘wrongfully convict’ you, but to help you realize a truth you seem dead set on refusing. Any threat to the Federation, their standard, and their policiesarePredator Disease. It isn’t some nigh-incurable virus that causes the individual to become a mindless, slobbering animal, you know.”

He shook his head rapidly in what I assumed to be a nervous tick, given that I’ve seen him do it a couple of times during our first confrontation at the cafe. “I-I know that, but it destroys someone’s ability to empathize! How would that all be faked?”

“How could entire centuries of technological innovation be erased? How could mentions of unique cultures be erased?” I met the gaze of his eye with one of my own. “How could it take going to an illegal UnderNet site just to find information on steam engines? There are a lot of things that can be erased, Tagelb, and you know that firsthand.” I swiveled my ears towards the door. Satisfied with the nothing I heard, I played my trump card. “Do you want to know something about Vekna?”

Tagelb gulped, his color shifting closer and closer towards fear. “W-What? What do you mean to say?”

I took another step, and with all the willpower I could muster, I finally spoke the truth I had known for paws.“She has Predator Disease.”

I could see the disbelief in his eyes as his rapid shifting began again. “I-no, that’s-she can’t have…we talked so much, she was so… so…”

“So normal, right?” I finished for him.He’s finally starting to get it.

He curled his tail. “Yes! She…she listened to me, and we laughed together, and she was finally nice to me after finding out about my hobbies, and… I finally met someone I could talk to in real life about this! Someone like…someone…” The realization set in, his scales resting on a dark hue. “I have Predator Disease.”About Stars-damned time you figured it out.

“Yes, you do. And you know what?” He looked over at me wordlessly, a shattered psyche visible in his eyes. “That’sokay.”

I could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “It’s…okay?”

I completed my trek towards him and placed a gentle paw on his shoulder. “More than okay. Everything you said about her is still true, no? She’s not a monster because she can brave more things than you or I.You’renot a monster just because you have special interests and nervous tics. The Federation lied about the trains, lied about the technology before them, lied aboutpredators themselves. Why would they tell the truth about this?”

“But…” his colors shifted in worry, “but why? Who would do that?”

That was the question. “I don’t know,” I admitted, “but whoever it is, they have to keep it mostly hidden. When the Dawn Creek facility’s crimes were revealed, it was called barbaric and closed down. Because it was too clear that the people didn’t deserve it.” I sighed. “But the other facilities go on. They still do those horrible acts on people who don’t deserve it, because everyone acts like they do. They continue because of those who think that the people in there are freaks, those who believe what the Federation said with blind trust.” I hesitated with my next words. They would be the hardest to accept. “Just like you had.”

“But-but I-”

“You didn’t realize,” I finished for him . “I didn’t either at first. It took me doing something, somethinghorrible, to realize I was wrong. But you… you-you learned all on your own.” I sighed, gripping his shoulders with my hands. “We are still going to look into Unzekep. There’s still the possibility sheiswho we’re looking for. But if she isn’t… please. Don’t hate them for being different. Don’t fear them for…for something they can’t control.”

Tagleb looked at me. Both our eyes meet each other. He took a deep breath, and forcibly shifted to a calm green. “I’ll… I’ll try.”

I let go and give him a bow. “Thank you.” I step back to leave, but hesitate. It feels like I should say something as a goodbye, but my mind wasn’t finding any words that felt appropriate. “I-I guess I’ll be leaving now. Thank you…for your time.”

“It…” he swallowed, his eyes heavy with thought. “It was good meeting you two.”

Taking my exit, I closed the door to the cabin, trotting down the winding road we took to get here. The cool, shaded air of the mountains whipped through my fur as I contemplated everything that’s happened to me. As I walked, I made a promise to myself, to Vekna, to Chase, and to everyone I hurt. A promise that I wouldn’t break if it killed me.

I will not be like my father, and I will not perpetuate my pain to anyone else, so long as I live. His legacy dies with me.

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 19th, 2136

Herd, I forgot how much I hate paperwork.

When we had pinpointed where Unzekep was a couple paws ago, I was eager to get on her trail. Unfortunately, reality just had to get in the way of those ambitions…which is where I find myself now. First was all the speh we had to submit to the Health and Safety Department regarding our “inquiries” into the construction site to find Tagelb. A noble action, no denying that, but it brought up questions about our presence on the site.“Why were we there? Were we associated with a third-party firm? What was the quality of evidence produced for the claim?”Stuff like that, constantly, for almost an entire Paw.

We came clean, sort of. We at least disclosed about us being journalists. My evidence showing money changing paws between that foreman and the previous safety inspector came in handy in our explanation of us looking into corruption. As an additional surprise, many of the workers of the facility came forward with older stories of regulation skirting and site mismanagement. Tagelb even chipped in, providing another perspective of what we witnessed whilst in there. Safe to say, that foreman isn’t going to be in charge of much any time soon.

But did we really need to fill out all of those affidavits??

The second problem was that, due to us revealing that we were journalists, we wouldn’t be able to simply walk up to Unzekep while she was on the job. We had to get a “press permit” that would allow us to walk in the tunnels, which meantmorepaperwork signing that we agreed to the risk and knew the safety standards and procedures we had to follow while underground. They even made us take a test for that!

Today, though, marked the end of our tedious paperwork and safety waivers. We were finally cleared to go into the system, and the district had promised silence on the matter. Part of me thinks that their willingness to accommodate us is due to not having to pay us like their other safety inspectors.Oh well, at least it’s a way in that doesn’t require cartoonish cover stories.I slide on my satchel and exit my room, waiting for the elevator to arrive at the correct floor so I can board.

After a short wait, I’m granted access, and yet another short wait later, I arrive at the foyer. First-meal would normally be first on the schedule, but today was special. In order to avoid detection by any unwanted eyes, we were due to leave first thing in the Paw, when almost no-one else would be out. After a brief scan of the lobby, I spot Sharnet sitting on a chair with a duffel bag on the ground next to it. I trot over to her, motioning to get her attention.

“Good Paw, Sharnet! You sleep well after all that paperwork?”

Sharnet shuts her holonote off and stows it away in her pack. “Yes, somewhat. I do wish that they would’ve just looked the other way completely, now we’re on their records. If someone’s watching, we’re a dead give-away.”

I sway my ears negatively. “I don’t think they’ll be looking deep in government registries. That would require access, and if they were in the government, chances are they’d have noticed long ago and already fled. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been much movement on the private nor the public transit systems, and none of the Harchen. Trust me, I had the same thought.” I pull out my pad, the tab for the transit logs still logged in with the temporary credentials the district has given us. “Check for yourself.”

Sharnet looks over the information rather inquisitively. “Now that’s interesting.”

I co*ck my head. “What is?”

“I looked up Unzekep’s home address,” she explains, “and it’s in an apartment building on the edge of town. She doesn’t have a vehicle, so by all rights she should be traveling on public transit. But this shows none of the Harchen have done so. The fact that she isn’t…”

Her sentence falls away as her ears twitch in thought. Now that she’s said it aloud, I realize how strange that is. “That…is odd, actually. You’d think that she would be using the public transit system to get to and from work each Paw.”

Sharnet’s tail swishes against the ground. “Do you remember what Tagleb said about her? He said that she spent a lot of time in the tunnels. Do you think… well, no, there’s a couple possibilities. But…”

As she’s making an appeal to rationality, I realize what she’s implying. “That she’s living in the tunnels. That’s what you were going to say, right?”

She sways her tail in the affirmative. “I don’t want to cast judgment yet. But…if she’s one of the overseers, those tunnels are well out of sight. People could probably survive a raid by hiding in there. Of course, if she isn’t a head, staying in those tunnels might not be her choice.”

I look at Sharnet skeptically. “Not her choice? What reason could someone possibly have to stay down there that isn’t their choice?”

“Well, that safety inspector that the foreman bribed likely didn’t inspect only one site.” Her claws clench against her wool. “In my previous job, there was a time when there was only one person on staff who knew how to maintain and repair the office electronics. The company has them stay on overtime. If she is in a similar situation in the tunnels…”

That’s not a good image to have in my mind. Being one of the only ones repairing equipment and materials that would have otherwise been flagged as a safety danger… My arms and legs are exhausted by just imagining what might be needed. “Oh, Herd, that’d be bad. I’m not certain that’s the case, though, as the District let us have our way with seeing her. They wouldn't do that if they had something to hide.”

Sharnet raises a finger. “If they’resmart.”

I can’t help but give a low whistle to myself at that. “If they’re smart, yeah. Ready to go see how dumb they are?”

Her tail wags in amusem*nt as she rises from her seat. “We can grab a couple to-go salads from the meal bar and head right out, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure, might as well if we’re going to be spending all day in the sewers.” I follow Sharnet over to the salad bar, and we order some bog-standard salads to go.Nothing fancy, we are on the clock after all.Once we receive our food, Sharnet heads back to grab that duffel bag and we head out, the light of our star bearing down on us as we exit the building.

It isn’t long before a bus comes to pick us up, the driver seemingly surprised to see someone waiting for him at this claw. We board and take our seats, eating our salads as we’re ferried to our next destination. Thankfully, only a single other person is on the bus right now, and they’re too busy with something on their pad to notice us.A public space with no noise, perfect.

As I eat, my mind wanders back to Tagelb. I had meant to go back and see him again last Paw, but paperwork had obviously gotten in the way of that. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m intrigued by the Yotuls’ archaic technology. Steam engines, massive train systems, even rudimentary hydrocarbon combustion engines! I wanted to learn more, but I knew Sharnet was only tolerating that in search of our guy. I knew I had to go back to hiding eventually.

The worst part was how I had to hide myself from Tagelb, even if it was less than normal. I heard his views on Predator Disease, and I knew that if I slipped it, that was it. I’d lose yet another friend because I couldn’t keep my Herd-damned mouth shut. I’m determined to keep doing what I’m doing, even if it means hiding myself forever. From Tagelb, from Sharnet, from everybody. Ignorance is bliss, and if nobody knows I’m a monster, it’s a little easier to pretend I’m not for myself.

I’m shaken from my internal lamentations by a paw lightly shaking my shoulder. I glance over at the culprit, finding Sharnet’s gaze. “Are you okay? You went a little wall-eyed while you were eating your salad.”

I look down at my bowl, only to find it empty. I quickly reseal it and feign my innocence yet again. “Hm? Oh, yeah, just thinking about how we’re going to do this. Not an easy task, after all.”

She pulls up the duffel bag she’s been carrying into her lap and zips it open. “Thankfully, these should make it a bit easier.”

Inside are a pair of construction pelts. Visibility vests, gloves, foot coverings, and two helmets.Those… brahking uncomfortable helmets.“Do we really have to wear those?”

I know it’s a dumb question. I read the same procedures as she did. This equipment is a basic requirement for us to go into the tunnels.No matter how much it rubbed up against my ears.

“Yes, I’m sure. We read the same waiver, we signed on the same lines. I’m not a fan either, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices.” She pulls out one of the pelts and hands it to me, retrieving the other for herself. I groan internally at the mere thought of having to wear another helmet. She gives her ears a comforting flick. “These are brand new, so the padding won’t be as worn down as the last helmets were. I don’t know if it will stop the bother, but at the very least it shouldn’t be as bad.”

Small comforts.“I hope so, yeah.” As I look over the helmet, the bus stops and opens its door to our destination. “Industrial center! Next stop, the Intraplanetary Transit Hub!” We stand from our seats and make it off the bus, which unceremoniously closes its doors and leaves us stranded in the dead center of the industrial heart of Sidestar.

The town is centered around maintaining the power plants that comprise the central economy of the District. As a city well within the twilight, power meant life. It allowed the growing houses to keep the local edible vegetation harvest alive, light up the iron ore mining operations in the mountains, and the steam tunnels flowing with heat to fight back against the cold winds from the night side flowing down from the mountains. Those steam and drain tunnels are where a large number of people work. Having to expand and repair sections as their city grows. And Unzekep is currently working on replacing outdated units.Somewhere in there…

I’m pulled from my analysis of the area by Sharnet, who has since applied her pelt. “Come on, put on your uniform so we can get down to where we need to be.” I heed her words and quickly apply my clothing before following Sharnet through the complicated system of tubes and ducts that comprises the ground-level of one of the for-profit geothermal reactors.

Thank the Herd for the 3d map the District had given us access to. According to the schedule, Unzekep should be in the coolwater pump room, replacing the turbines in one of the pumps. Unfortunately, that’s all the way in the basem*nt of the building, accessible to the steam tunnels leading under the rest of the town.

Steam heating the town.And the Feds call the Yotul primitive for using the same principles.I shake the annoyance from my mind as we descend down ladder after ladder, walking across steel catwalks over huge drops for the snowmelt that would occur after the night finished.I can see what all those waivers were about now.

From my map, we should be coming up to the pump room soon. It’s next to this… cargo… elevator…Oh for the Herd’s sake!

Sharnet huffs, panting from the humidity and heat of the underground caverns. “What puddle of Speh left that out of the official map? We could’ve been here a quarter-claw earlier!”

“Beats me, but at least we’re here,” I manage to say, leaning against the wall as it feels like I’m trying to breathe through syrup. “S-Sorry, just need to take a breather for a second. The humidity down here is really messing with me.”

“I understand,” she holds out her tail for a comfort touch, “if you think you’re about to have an attack, don’t hesitate to let me know. Your health is important.”

“Thanks,” I huff. After a few moments of slow breathing, the air managed to become a little more breathable. “Alright, I think I’m good. Are you ready to meet our next in line for Spehlicker of the Hectorotation?”

“If we’re lucky,” she replies before sliding open the doors. Four massive pumps dominate the room. They stand as long and tall as the bus we rode in on. It’s truly impressive to see the power of the planet itself being harnessed through the mechanics of these machines. But… I’m unsure about the noise. It isn’t too loud, Sharnet and I would be able to raise our voices over them without going into full on shouting, but it was a constant high volume I haven’t been around before.It feels…grating.

Thankfully, it’s obvious that we're in the correct room. One of the pumps has a series of curved pieces of metal with a pile of bolts and… a stack of impellers, if I’m remembering the word correctly, laying on the ground. Tools and spares are scattered around the area, a mug of some sort of beverage is on a nearby ledge, wisps of steam still coming from its surface.Wait…wisps of steam…

I place a paw against Sharnet’s chest, to her confusion, as I scan the room for anything out…of…the…There.In the corner, a few splotches of green on an otherwise gray surface.Imperfect camouflage, just like Tagelb had said.As I focus, I can make out an outline of a trembling person, moving in tandem with the spots.She must have heard us approach.I gesture to Sharnet in the direction and she flicks her ears affirmatively.

“You must be very skilled,” she says, staring at the splotches with an eye, “your camouflage is practically seamless.”

As I watch, the splotches increase in their trembling. A voice floats out under the hum of the pumps, barely heard by my ears. “No, no, go away, leave, this is safe, no, please leave, don’t hurt me, no.”

“We are here about Dawn Creek,” I say, “We-

The Harchenshrieks.

The gray walls reveal the colors of a Harchen in distress as she falls to the ground in sobs. It’s difficult to see anything about her, as she curls herself up and pleads.“P-Please! No! I don’t w-want to go back! Don’t m-make me go back!”

Both Sharnet and I had lightly backed away at her shriek, but now we both approached her. Her scale shifts seem almost sluggish, but they do indeed shift. It’s only once I get a better look at her face do I realize what Tagelb was talking about.

Her facial features are slightly flatter, looking almost compressed compared to that of the other two Harchens we’ve run into here. Her forehead is a bit larger than normal, and her neck is slightly shorter. In fact, she herself is shorter than average, if only by a little. Near her temples, four splotches of unchanging green remain constant despite the rest of her shifting form, each an imperfect circle of dull green.

She just keeps sobbing and pleading incoherently as we approach, not even attempting to run. It was like… it’s like she’s given up.This can’t be it, can it? I expected pathetic, but this? This is just sad to watch.But as I do indeed watch, something comes to me.This isn’t fear of getting caught, this is fear of going back.

I remember what I learned about the treatments they used, the drugs they administered, and what Sharnet had said to Tagelb.People with no disease at all.It all clicks together in an instant. This isn’t one of the heads of the Dawn Creek facility.

No.

This is an escapee.

Chapter 15

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 19th, 2136

I had been correct. When Tagleb had described Unzekep’s behavior, I had thought she couldn’t possibly be one of the Overseers. Too descriptive. Too many features that stood out to be remembered. But I had to see. I needed to see what she was like.

I didn’t want to treat her like a monster. Like everyone else.

Unzekep was curled up in a ball on the ground, her sobs echoing off the enclosing walls. They clashed with the constant hum of the pumps, each dampening the other slightly. Her colors kept shifting between the gray of the walls and her natural green, as if she was barely trying to hide.

She just continued to sob. “I don’t want to go. P-please… I don’t… please…”

My legs started walking.On their own. Closer. I’m kneeling next to her. She’s hurting. I…

I gently placed my paw on her back. She shrinks back at the touch, but I keep my paw in place as she cries. “It’s okay,” I say, trying to be heard over the pumps, “we mean you no harm. We wish to h…”The facility said they helped.“We wish to keep you away from the monsters of the facility.”

Her chest shuttered as one eye peered out at me. “Y-you… you hate me. Fear me. Everyone… everyone does…”

“I am not everyone,” I reply. “Come, please, let’s get out of this room so we can hear each other. We only wish to talk.”

Unzekep began rising to her feet, but it still felt off. Her movements brought to mind the Venlil I had seen in the Arxur fear videos. The movement of someone who believed that they were being sent to their death and had given up all hope of its avoidance. Vekna stood by as I led her out of the room, unsure of how to act in the face of this situation.

The scaffolding outside the room groaned from the stresses put upon it by those far above as we walked out. The distant sounds of reactors whirring and people talking replaced the constant hum of the turbines as the backdrop to our situation. I saw Vekna take a small sigh of relief as she closed the door behind us. I saw how she had started to tense up the longer we were in there, this was more for her than Unzekep. Speaking of, the Harchen was still curled up in a defensive stance. “So…why do you bring me out? Are you…going to throw things at me?” She looked down, staring at a small discarded wrench set against the wall. “Please… don’t do hard.”

“We are not going to do that.” She was so scared of us. Like she was standing before an Arxur. “You were in Dawn Creek. The correctional facility there.”

Her colors shifted in fear again. “They-they tossed out! I didn’t- it wasn’t an escape! I’m not- not bad. I’m good! I promise! I-I…” I could see her eyes start to wet again. “Please…I’m sorry…”

Vekna, who had been behind me, knelt forward, keeping her paws to herself. “We know, we know. We’re not going to send you back there, or anywhere else. It’s okay, we’re friends.” I could hear something in her voice I couldn’t quite discern. Sadness? Anger? Both?

Unzekep looked up at her, at us, and she finally started to uncurl. “You’re…friends? Why?” The very fact she asked that at all sent a pang of sympathy through my heart.Is she really so isolated out here that she has to ask why someone wants to be friends with her?

I shook my head to focus. “Because the people who ran that place were evil. They tortured people, and we want to make sure that they don’t do such things to anyone else.”

Unzekep looked at me in confusion, her complexion only slightly changing to a bluish tint. “People don’t call it torture. It’s treatments. Bad treatments. They didn’t help change color. That’s how you spot me, right? The dots.” She ran a hand over her temple, right where the splotches were.

I nodded. “Yes, we did. You did a good job hiding otherwise, though.”

“Thanks. I learned how to ca…cam…hide very well. Sometimes I could make the guards miss me, but then I got in trouble for my next treatment.” I saw her shudder at the memories of that.Why did we ever think this was a good idea?“They had me take stuff. Said… it would make me hide better. Didn’t. It- it made me worse.”

So shewasdrugged. I guess my theory about the Harchen drug was somewhat correct.“Yes. The people there lied. They lied a lot…” I leaned forward, trying to keep my voice comforting, “do you remember a giant Venlil?”

Her tail flicked in worry as Vekna looked over to me in confusion. “They said.. it was dangerous. That it was going to destroy everything. But… they said they were throwing us out because of it.”

“They were lying again,” I told her, “they were throwing you out to hide themselves. The overseers feared we would find out that they were torturing people, so they ran.” I gestured to me and Vekna. “We are looking for them. We want to make sure they never hurt anyone again. Please, can you help us?”

A new flash of fear flows across her body as she shrinks back. “I- I can’t! They- they’ll know. They will hurt me. Find me and hurt me.” She shivers to herself despite the warmer air down here.Is this the kind of pain Tarlim was hiding all along? By the stars…

Vekna stepped in, her voice similarly soothing. “Why do you think that? You’re a long ways away from Dawn Creek. Do you think that someone from there is here?”She looked between us for a moment before she took on a yellow underhue in confirmation. I had to stop myself from celebrating then and there. After three misses, I was starting to think that this was nothing more than another ruse.At least we’re not doing this for nothing!I leaned in a little closer, causing the Harchen to focus on me. “Do you know who they are? What they look like? Where they might be?”Unzekep whined at my inquiries and covered her ear holes. “Please, not so loud. You’re hurting my ears.”I immediately retracted, doing my best to lower my volume. I flicked my ears in the affirmative, but she didn’t stop. Confused, I flicked them again, but she just continued to look at me as if I was going to restart my questions as soon as she took her hands away. Vekna stepped in and spoke. “She won’t be as loud anymore.”At that, Unzekep finally took her hands away.Difficulty with nonverbal cues. Of course they’d lock her up for that.“Okay. I…saw their back. I don’t know where they are. I know that they did something bad in the caves. They left when I came. Someone else was there, a Venlil. Shocked. It looked like what they did to me, but worse. More sloppy.”

That piqued my interest.Perhaps that’s the reason she spends most of her time down here?I had to ask. “Is that why you stay down here in the bowels of the reactors? In the tunnels under the city?”

She tapped her fingers together. “They… are safe. No eyes. No people who…less people who hurt me. I can hide. I have a house on the top, but… they are top, too. I can hide better down here.”

She looked to be getting scared again at the memory, so I took a soothing tone again. “Thank you. Please, can you tell me where you saw them? What caves?”

She fidgeted with her tail, which had curled around to her front. “Up in the mountains. Old iron mines that ran out a long time ago. Nobody but me ever went up there…and them now.” She clenched her tail. “I don’t go up there anymore.”

Iron mines. We had a location. A place that our target likely frequented. “Thank you. You have helped us so much by telling us that.” I bowed to her, “I promise, we will take them away from this place. You won’t have to hide anymore.”

She didn’t seem to calm down much at that, though. Instead, she looked…sad. “I do have to, I always have to….” She sighed. “People see me. Hate me. They… they will try to send me to another… they will hurt me again. Zap me… here.” She pointed to the spots on her head. The ones that never change their color.

I wanted to say she was wrong. I wanted to reassure her that things would be fine once the heads were captured.But so many would fear her. So many would… wait…“How did you get here?”

Unzekep looked at me in confusion, her color shifting bluish.

“When you were tossed out,” I explain, “you moved here. You had a house. You must have had people who helped you. Who don’t fear you.”

“My… my mom.” Her tail curled around her legs as she sat on the ground. “She found me. She’s in the gov…gover…she has power, covered for me all she could. She…she put me in at first, but when these showed up,” she pointed to her dead spots, “she tried to get me out. Didn’t work, but then they threw us out. It was…a long, long walk.”

Vekna gasped at that. “Wait, you mean to say youwalked here?All the way from Dawn Creek? Why didn’t you take a…oh. No money, right?”

Unzekep shifted her underhue in confirmation. “No, no money. When I got here, I was so tired. But…now I have a job. And people usually don’t bother me. Not unless its-”

“Oy!” A voice echoed in the tunnels, “what are you lazy brahkasses doing?”

I looked over my shoulder at the source of the noise. A lanky off-white Venlil woman, most certainly past her prime, walked out of the cargo elevator and approached us. Upon seeing her, Unzekep tried her best to camouflage against the surface, but it wasn’t working all too well. “And quit with the color changing, you speh-licking lizard! I can still see your spots a [mile] away! What are you doing off the job, your shift isn’t over yet!”

I heard Unzekep whimper and shrink away towards the door. “Please, I’m sorry, they came! I was just-”

“You werejustnot working! Herd, you must love giving me excuses, huh?” To my horror, she picked up the unattended wrench in her paw and held it menacingly.Wait…Unzekep thought that…no. No no no, please let me be wrong.

Vekna stood to try and stop her, most likely coming to the same conclusion I had. “Ma’am, please, we only wanted-”

“Wanted to be rid of this useless Freak!” The woman interrupted, waving the wrench like a pointer, “about time someone got sent to deal with her!”

I flick my ears up in surprise. “Deal with her?”No, please no.

Unzekep was desperately trying to get back into the room but the door was jammed shut. She pulled on the handle as the other worker drew nearer. “Yeah. Chief engineers deal withproblems,but this one’s my favorite!” Then, before either of us could react, she pulled her arm back and chucked the heavy metal wrench at Unzekep. It hit her squarely between her shoulders, and she flashed a myriad of different colors in an instant as she cried out in agony.

Wrong! No!

What followed was unrestrained chaos. I was next to the Harchen, seeing if her injury was severe. Before the same second was up, Vekna stepped up to the “chief engineer” and punched her squarely in the jaw. The poor imitation of a Venlil staggered to the side, stopping herself on the balcony as orange blood dripped from her, no,itsmouth. “Wha-”

Vekna didn’t hesitate, grabbing it by the collar of its uniform and landing another square hit against its jaw, baring her teeth at the enemy. “What the sprak is wrong with you? Throwing a wrench at her like that? What did she ever do to you!?”

I barely heard her words. The world was orange.Itwasn’t nearly orange enough. I got up, and moved over to where Vekna was holding it. I placed a paw on her shoulder as I glared at it. She looked back at me, and soon let it go, leaving it to me. I wasted no time, slamming an open paw against its snout and knocking it over the ledge of the catwalk. I heard gasps behind me, I didn’t care. I grabbed it by its scruff over the chasm. I heard it try to cry out like a Venlil.Not convincing.

I shook. Shook hard. I heard a clunk.Less resistance.The railing had decoupled. Thethingwas now hanging over the steep drop with nothing to hold it back from falling. Nothing but my grip on its scruff. It was screaming. Pleading. Sobbing.Orange. Now it’s real.

I shook its scruff, feeling one of its feet slip and scramble to find purchase again on the scaffold floor. “Do you feel powerful?”I am shouting.“Do you feel Safe?? Beating people with tools? Forcing them to work alone?! Look down there! Look!!” I used my other hand to grab its head and force it to turn one eye to the drain pit and the small layer of water far beneath. “If someone were to fall down there, how long would it take for them to be rescued? Huh? How Long??HOW SPEHKING LONG?!”

It was crying. It wasn’t enough.“ANSWER ME!!!”

My vocal chords hurt. I didn’t care.So much orange. All around me orange.I felt something on my shoulder. A voice spoke from behind me. “Sharnet! That’s enou-”

My paw moved before I could think, releasing from its head and smacking the source of the voice away. Now I could focus, I could make it feel what Unzekep felt, what Tarlim felt, what Vekna…

A whine.

I looked back. Vekna was on the ground, an eye shut and orange on the ground.

Wrong orange. Her orange. Oh… oh Stars…

I was hanging a woman over the edge of a meltwater drain pit. She was bleeding. She was crying and shaking. My paw was all that stood between her and death. I quickly pulled her back to safety, tossing her to the ground as I rushed over to Vekna. “Vekna! Are you-”She shrunk away from me, a terrified look in her one open eye.No, no no no no. Please, no!I lowered my paws to the ground to show that I wasn’t a threat. She calmed down a little, rubbing at the side of her snout. “Sharnet, what was that? What happened?”

I had been about to kill somebody. That’s what happened. I had promised to be better, but I just took everything out in someone again. I… I… “I’m sorry…”

“You…” it was the woman again, “you were- you were going to…”

I had been. I wanted to.Stars, I STILL wanted to!How long had Unzekep been tormented by her? How many wrenches had been thrown?? What injuries did she have that thiscreaturecaused?? I- I- I Can’t!!! I can’t let them get away with it! I can’t let them take this out on Unzekep! I am a monster, but I will NOT let another monster hurt someone innocent! Not…Not like they did to Tarlim!!

“Do you even know who we are?” I am panting from the adrenaline, “Why we’re here?”

The woman just stuttered, crawling backwards as I stomped towards her. “I- I don’t - I-”

“We were sent here to look at the safety of this place,” I interrupted, “And you know what we found? A worker all alone on a job that requires more! Insufficient lighting!” I pointed to the broken scaffolding that I had hung her off, “railing that falls apart when leaned on! Deep pits with their emergency ladders missing! And You!” I pointed a claw right at her snout. A threat to the herd being signaled. “A-A puddle of Speh who beats their coworkers with metal wrenches!!” I leaned over her cowering form, teeth bared, claws braced. “Unless you leave the Harchen alone, andgrovelbefore the safety board, I will make you WISH. I. Had. Let. Go.”

“Yes! Yes!” She sobbed, “By Solgalick, I promise! Don’t hurt me!”

I am a monster. So I play the part.“ThenLeave!!”

I watch the white form scramble down the path out of sight, the scaffolding rattling as she runs practically on all fours.I don’t regret seeing her disappear.I turned back to Unzekep. She looked at me fearfully.As she should.“They shouldn’t bother you again,” I panted, “we will… find the overseer. You… you will be able to go up top soon. I promise.”

She looked up at me, her tail curled beneath her legs in fear. “Th… thank you. N-nobody ever p-protected me before.”

She is thankful. How can she be thankful? I am a monster. The only thing that made me different was I was attacking another monster. How can she do more than just fear me?“Is… is where she hit you… okay?”

“It… it hurts,” she whined, “but… less than last time.”

So she would be okay. I wanted to stay and help her. Get her somewhere to treat the bruises but… but I would just hurt her. I was still so angry, so upset. I would just take it out on her.I-I have to leave. They aren’t safe around me. Go!

I stood, eyeing the still open cargo elevator. “Good. I’m sorry, I must leave.” I began walking towards the elevator, my legs wobbling as the adrenaline began to fade. My paw found the buttons on their own, and I pressed the one to take us to the top.Faster. Please. I need to get away from them. I don’t want to hurt them. I-

“Sharnet!”

I jolted. My fur flared out. It was Vekna. She was in here with me. She was panting. One of her eyes was partially closed.My doing.“Hey, wait up! I need to get back up to the surface, too!”

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to say anything.I don’t deserve to speak.I pressed myself into the wall, slumping against it as we ascended. Vekna panted, occasionally putting a paw over her eye and wincing.My doing.She looked at me and tried to put on a smile. “Well, that was a close shear, huh? I-I mean, when I…and then you…and then we…hah, I’m tired.”

I moved so I stood in the corner opposite of her. “You could sit as this takes us to the surface.” My voice felt monotone. I couldn’t gain the energy to emote. “It… a wrench… threw a wrench…”

I saw Vekna’s expression darken. “Yeah, she…she did. I don’t get why. It just seems so… unnecessary. So… cruel.”

“It is,” I stated. “They have to do it. They have to hurt others.”

I saw a veil of sadness fall over her body. “But why? Why do people… have to?”

The cargo elevator came to a stop. The door opened to the bare concrete floor of a power plant. I sighed as I exited. “Because we are monsters.”

Chapter 16

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 22nd, 2136

The light of a new Paw floods in through my window. I groan and try to pull the bedding sheets over my eyes, but the deed is done. My mind starts to churn as I groggily get out of bed to start the paw.Another paw where we wouldn’t be going after our guy, I presume.

After our run in with Unzekep, Sharnet had gone quiet for the most part. I tried to talk with her after leaving the power plant floor, but she had completely clammed up. After arriving back at the hotel, things had gotten even worse. She locked herself in her room and refused to come out for anything. Food, beverage, nada. She wasn’t even answering my calls!

I wince as a bad step sends dull throbs of pain through my skull.Maybe this has something to do with it.When I tried to pull Sharnet back from the ledge, she had hit me in the eye. It’s still swollen to a degree, but usually bearable. It was my fault, anyways, I probably just startled her while she was focused.I’ve taken worse before, I’ll live.

If only I could tell her that.

As I perform my daily grooming, I think back to Tagelb. He said that the other Harchen he was suspicious of was Yrtima, and she was next in our list. We don’t have much on her, but the roster of suspects is rapidly dwindling. One way or another, we’ll find our guy when we investigate her.If we investigate her.

As I finish brushing my fur, I resolve to actually get into Sharnet’s room. Sighing, I look at my reflection in the mirror.Same as I’ve always been, same as I’ll always be.The brown eye was a new touch, but it just served to show a portion of how ugly I am on the inside to the rest of the world.Monsters can’t hide forever, after all.

I exit my room and start making my way down to the lobby. A part of me debates telling Sharnet everything. It’s technically all available if you know where to look, so why not get it over with now? The pain will be far less than if she finds out later on, when I’ve grown properly attached as a friend.Hah, why do I still want friends?They all abandon me at the first chance after learning about my true nature. Why would Sharnet be any different? I’m nothing more than a liability, not truly prey, but not truly predator.

I’ve had to fight for what little I have…and maybe that’s why I can’t tell her. I don’t want to lose what meager things I’ve managed to accomplish here. What few connections I’ve made.Sharnet, Tagelb, even Unzekep.Only one would understand, but unlike Unzekep, I wasn’t a mistake. I don’t get scared as easily, I miss social cues, I can’t bear loud spaces, I need something to rub, sometimes I even…I even think about hurting people I don’t like. People who don’t deserve it.No, I wasn’t a mistake like her, and she’d recognize me for the threat that I am if I ever told her. So long as I can keep quiet, nobody should know.

Nobody will know.

But how can I get Sharnet to come out? How can I approach her without looking suspicious? If she suspected, would she also try to-

No. I shouldn’t think that. I shouldn’t think that about her, even if it’s probably true.

I look at the small meal bar the lobby had set up. Recluse or not, Sharnet still needs to eat. That would be something normal people would do. She should be hungry, so someone would try to make them eat. That’s what I’ll do.

The variety of the selection hadn’t changed much over the time we had been here. Thankfully, today they have some grain bars in stock, perfect for transportation. I grab a pawful of them along with a JuiceFruit, flicking my ears at the receptionist as I pass.I still don’t get why we have to do that.

I enter back into the elevator and make my way to Sharnet’s room on the 6th floor. I recall the last time I was here, back right before Uylten. It had been a complete mess.I don’t imagine it’s gotten any better since.Usually when people lock themselves in their rooms, they aren’t doing so for a deep-clean. My thoughts are interrupted as I come up upon Sharnet’s door. Silence. Besides the faint sound of breathing behind the door, her room is silent to my ears. I hesitate for a moment, my paw hovering above the door.What if I did something wrong when we were talking to Unzekep. Would she even want to see me right now? Maybe she was on her cycle?

No, I need to know what’s going on. About her journal, about what happened three paws ago, about everything. There’s too much going on here. More than that, what if she needs me? I have to be there for her.

I rap my paw against the door thrice and wait, ears perked and listening.Nothing.I knock a couple more times.Still nothing. Fine, I guess I’ll talk.“Sharnet? Are you in there?” I stand in wait for a few seconds more.Still nothing.I sigh exasperatedly, twisting my tail in impatience.Alright, you force my paw.“I have food, if you want some.”

Another few seconds pass, with still nothing. As I start to leave, though, I hear shuffling coming from inside. After a moment, I hear Sharnet’s muffled voice coming from inside. “Why are you here?”

Even to my ears, her voice sounds weak and despairing. I may not always understand people’s social cues, but this is a neon sign blazing on the night side.Something’s wrong.I hurry back to the door, making sure to direct my voice inwards. “You’ve been in there for paws, and I haven’t seen you eat anything. I brought up some grain bars and a juicefruit for you. Can I come in?”

Silence passes between me and the door.Nothing. Please, do something. Some reaction at all.

Another shuffle sounds from inside. “Why do you care?”

I can’t help but be gobsmacked by that statement.Why do I care? You saved my life! You had my back when no-one else did! Why wouldn’t I care?!“I…why wouldn’t I? Can I please come in? I’m…worried.”OH FOR HERD’S SAKE, WHY CAN’T I SPEAK?!

“Why? I would… hurt you again…”

I pause at that. My eye still throbbed, it’s swelling still noticeable.Was… was that what she was worried about? But that was an accident! She was just trying to get me off, that’s completely understandable!I flicker my ears in concern and press a paw against the door. “I’m fine, Sharnet. Just… Please let me in. Please.”

More silence. I can hear only her breathing from behind the door.Okay, I tried the calm way, maybe I try… her way.“L-look. I am not leaving. You have… you have spent too long in there with… with nothing to eat! So… so either you open this door, or I’ll open it myself!”

I wasn’t sure if I would follow through. I hope my tone is able to carry the bluff.If I have to, maybe I could kick the lock. That might loosen it. Then I could-

The door clicks. The sign above the handle turns to show it’s unlocked. I need to act now, before she changes her mind. “Okay, I’m coming in!”

Using my foot, I slide the door open, now getting a look at the-

Herd have Mercy, The SCENT!!

When she disappeared to her room a few paws ago, I made sure that she brought along some fruits so she would eat. They have not been touched.And it shows, or rather, smells.Our natural sense of smell is rather specialized for plants, to the exclusion of almost all else, so the stench of the decaying fruit lingers in the air like a rotten fog, setting on my tongue like a disgusting blanket of speh.

The room is dimmed by the blackout curtains, but even so, it looks horrible. Like someone had come in and attempted to stage a predator attack without the blood. The bed frame is out of place, shoved to the side with the mattress and blankets just piled on the wall. Small bits of paper lay scattered around the room, one of which I recognize as having the rough sketch of one of the overseers. Following the mess, I eventually come to find the fateful journal lying with some of its pages torn out.

But most worrisome of all isn’t the room, but Sharnet herself. She hasn’t groomed even once since our parting. Her fur is tangled and matted, with the general filth gained from our short wandering in the humid tunnels left unchecked in her tangles. She sits with her back against the opposite wall, looking more fearful than I have ever seen her before.Was she scared…of me? No, nonono. Please, don’t tell me she’s figured it out. Please, not now, not now!

“How?”

Her voice rings through the silence, echoing off the walls ever so gently like a drum in the night. “How… what?”

“How can you stand to be so close to me?”

…Ok, now I’m just confused.“I…huh? Sharnet, what’s going on? Why is your room a mess, why areyoua mess? And why are you huddled in the corner like an Arxur is behind me??” A part of me still thinks she’s figured out the truth, but now I’m not so sure.This isn’t right, none of this is.I start to approach her, but that doesn’t last long.

“Stop!” She shouts at me, causing me to jump back in surprise. I hear her whimper. “I don’t want to hurt you. Like I hurt everyone.”

My paw goes up to my eye involuntarily. It’s still sore to the touch, but that doesn’t matter now. I have a feeling this is about what happened with the spehlicker we threatened, so I set the fresh food down on the counter and slowly start to approach her once again. “Sharnet, that was for a good cause! She threw a wrench at Unzekep, threatening her was completely unders-”

Sharnet’s face contorts as she yells at me. “I was going toMurder Her!!!”

I freeze at her words.Murder her?She’s crying now, coughing phlegm and flowing tears as she wails. “I was- I was going to drop her! I wanted to- to see her die! T-to die!!”

I’m…unsure of how to react to that. I remain frozen as I process.She…she wanted to see vengeance, too? But…I thought…I thought only people with PD had that. Wait…that can only mean one thing…

That Must Be Normal.

I can’t help but chuckle at that, my tail starting to sway behind me as I do.Even a monster has something in common with everyone else.I sigh, kneeling down a few [meters] away.For once, I finally know what to say.“You too?”

I suddenly found myself facing down a glare. “You didn’t want their death. Not like me.”

Monsters aren’t intimidated so easily.I match her gaze and co*ck my head. “Says who? We both saw her chuck that wrench at Unzekep, I certainly wouldn’t mourn her death. But that isn’t what we’re here to do, is it?” I stand just enough to match her eye level, taking a step towards her. “What are we here to do, Sharnet?”

“To keep people safe from monsters,” she replies, “monsters like me…”

I finally close the distance between us and clamp my paws down on Sharnet’s shoulders, locking the both of us in place. “No, like the chief engineer, like the foreman, like …like…”Like me.“Like the overseers. Not you.Neveryou. They hurt people who did nothing to deserve it.”

“But I have, too!” The absolute rage in her voice made me release my grip. “He’s probably dead because of me! And he- he did Nothing! And I tried to kill him!!” She panted heavily, trying to find her words.

Dead because of her? Tried to kill him? Wait…no, no she couldn’t have…“Y-you… killed someone?”

“I was- I was in the program. The Exchange p-program. My p-partner… he did nothing and I- I tried to kill him…” she let out a sob as I try to grapple with her words. “The raid… it happened before I could find him again… he would have survived if it hadn’t been for me… if I hadn’t stabbed him…”

My grip wavers slightly. “You…you stabbed him? Why?” In my mind, I know why. Because they’re predators. That’s why. Predators are inherently dangerous, they must have done something threatening.

“He was being nice. He was telling a story. And I tried to kill him for it.”

That can’t be it. There must be more! “But…what was the story? It- Predator stories must be full of violence! You can’t be blamed for reacting appropriately to it! Was he talking about hurting an animal? How many he killed in a war?”

“It was noble!” Her tail lashes with rage, “it was good! They would do whatever they could to defend something! Defending! That- that they would kill themselves if it meant protecting someone they cared about!” She coughs to clear her throat. “They let themselves die to defend our station from the Grays. I tried to kill him for saying they did so in the past.”

I think about what she’s saying. It’s a known fact that the humans sacrificed themselves during the raid so the station could survive, but to think that her partner died before she could make up…Herd, that’s awful.My steadily loosening grip refirms as I bring her head up. “You made a mistake, then. I don’t know what he said to you, but I know you wouldn’t do something like that without a reason. I’m sorry you didn’t get to make up with him, but I’m sure if he were here now, he’d forgive you.” I rub at my swollen eye. “Like I did. You had a reason to push me away, and I don’t blame you for it.

She shakes her ears in the negative. “I didn’t have a reason to kill him. I didn’t have a reason to hit you. I was going to kill her… and I wasn’t wanting you to stop me.” She gazes at me sadly. “I wish I was a good person like you.”

A good person like me.

I lower my head as I start to chuckle.A good person…like me? Like the diseased monster?!I start cackling hysterically at the sick humor of all of this.A good person like me! I’m doing a better job of masking than I ever thought possible!After a [couple minutes] of breathless, whistling cackling, I start to come back down. The corners of my eyes are wet, from sadness or happiness I can’t possibly tell.

“A gh-hood person like me-hehe! Sharnet, Sharnet no. No, you shouldn’t compare yourself to me. Everyone makes mistakes, you’re no less of a person for it! What matters is that you move past it. My dad always told me that growing up, and it’s good advice to live by. You want to move past what you did? Then do something!Anything!It’s better than holing up in your room like…like this!” I gesture around the room, my movements stirring the rotten stench in the air I had almost tuned out.

“Your father sounds like a good man.” She sighs.

I’m reminded of his room in the hospital. All the blinking lights, the beep of the heart monitor. His lovely eyes hidden forevermore. A tear rolls down my cheek, the source of which I’m certain of this time. “Yes…he is…”

“I wish mine was…” she curls her tail around her legs. “He…he was always taking something. He would go clean, but then change what he was hooked on. He would say he would change, but all that ended up changing was what he took. Then… then had us take them too.”

Oh…I didn’t even realize…wait.“What… what did he make you take?”

She just looked down to the ground, her eyes crying despite their ducts running dry. “He took pheromones… put it in our food.”

Pheromones. That… oh no.“Sharnet, I…I had no idea. How long did he…?”

“A season… mom didn’t realize. She thought… she thought that they were finally getting along again…” I see a shudder go down her spine, “Everything felt wrong after meals. Too loud. Too quiet. I would stare at a wall for a claw. Run until my legs couldn’t take it anymore. I felt angry. Or scared. Or happy. Or sad. My… body… they said I was just early. They didn’t know. Nobody did. Nobody listened to me, until…”

I’m transfixed to her horrible story, leaning forward as I anticipate her response. “Until what?”

“I… saw dad taint the food. But that was his last dose. So I snuck in dad’s car trunk. He drove to meet a man. I filmed him… through a crack.” A moment of silence passes between us as the words sink in. “Mom didn’t even take anything when we ran that paw.”

I never knew my mother, but dad spoke fondly of her.To save their child…“Your mother seems to care a lot about you to have acted so fast in the face of evidence. It must have been painful for her to learn her mate was drugging you both.”

“She was so sorry. Said that if I hadn’t done that, she might’ve kept lying to herself.” She takes a heaving breath as she attempts to calm herself, her fur lowering despite me not having moved back. “When I went into journalism, she praised me. Said I always searched for the truth and urged me to continue.”

“So you were able to escape the situation and get better.” I start wagging my tail positively to help assure her. “You got out in time, and you no longer had to face those problems.”

Her sad sigh hit me in the chest like a Mazic. “Please, don’t be afraid when I say this…The problems didn’t stop. I was… when I got angry I would lash out. When I focused on something, everything else disappeared. When I… when I do something Ican’tstop. And if I try, it feels wrong. Like my mind hurts. The articles, my journals,my job… it just lets those happen.”

Don’t be afraid? Lashing out? Everything disappearing when focused on something? That… that sounds…

I finally understand.I understand why she hid from me. Why she felt so ashamed and scared. Why she acted the way she did with Unzekep and Tagleb.

She was diseased and thought I wasn’t.

Sharnet shakes her ears, an act to focus herself. “I thought I had it under control. That I could just keep focusing on stuff that wasn’t fully known. That I could help people. But I just hurt them. On the station. In the tunnels. I hurt you twice. I acted without consulting you with Tagleb, then hit you when you tried to stop me from killing somebody. I just…” her eyes meet mine. “I wish I could be like you.”

I look her up and down, debating what to do. Am I really so good at masking that I come off as normal? That would mean that she has no idea about who I really am,whatI really am. And she looks up to me to boot…no, she wasn’t born a monster, she was made one. She still has a chance to change, to redeem herself. I’ll forever be who I was born as, and no matter what any head official says, there’s no way out for me.But maybe I could be hers.

My brain, previous split in my actions going forward, unifies on a single goal: be the person Sharnet believes you to be. Even if I couldn’t be saved, perhaps if I keep acting as she believes, she can overcome her own struggles. If I came out to her, I’d only be performing a selfish act. She’d realize what I am, and diseased or not, she wouldn’t be wrong in pushing me away. The joy of the realization that we’re one in the same is quashed under the assurance that nothing will change, nothingcanchange.For Sharnet’s good.

I hug her to me, and pat her back. “Then the first thing you have to do is believe that you can be. I know you can do it. And… maybe wash up. Your fur is all tangled.” I snicker at my own joke, squeezing her before letting go and taking a step back. “We came here to find monsters, and no matter your past, you’re not one of them.” I offer my paw to her to help her up. “You’re…no,we’rehere to stop them, so let’s get back to doing that. Together.” I raise my ears and wag my tail in a hopeful smile.

She looks between my paw and my eyes, her own starting to moisten once again. After a brief moment of hesitation, she takes my offer. I feel her paw grip around mine as I pull her to her feet. She chooses to move forward, to complete our task, to overcome her past.And I couldn’t be happier.

I will uphold who Sharnet believes me to be, no matter what. For her sake…and for mine.

Chapter 17

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 22nd, 2136

It had taken a great deal of time to get myself presentable and my room reasonably clean. The first thing to do was throwing out the rotten fruit and trash. It was astonishing how quickly garbage can build. Soon after finishing , we requested an air freshener…or five. And for all the bedding to be washed. I didn’t realize just how bad it had gotten until I stepped out of the room and the fresh air entered my mouth. Going back in would definitely comeafterthe fresheners had been working for a claw, which I planned used to clean myself up.

Vekna was kind enough to offer her room to me while mine was undergoing its refreshing fumigation. It, too, was also located in the E building, up on the 9th floor, only about five doors down from mine relative to the floor. Room 926. There I spent the majority of a claw grooming and cleaning my unkempt, tangled coat.Something that was sorely needed.

That task proved more than a bit difficult. After a while of trying to push the brush through my knitted fur, I found myself losing my will again. Vekna hesitantly offered to help me with brushing, something I could tell she wasn’t entirely comfortable with. Some of the more stubborn knots ended with pulled fur, but the sensation of a brush passing through my coat unimpeded was more than worth those temporary discomforts. Once that was done, I took a quick shower using the hotel-provided toiletries. It was disconcerting to see the sheer amount of grime that washed from my fur, a grim result of spilling juice upon myself and not cleaning it out in my neglect. Eventually, the water did run clear and I stepped into the drying room to finish, giving myself another once over grooming for good measure.

When I put down the brush for the final time, I looked up at the Venlil in the mirror and took a gander at everything I could see. Dark fur, speckled shoulders, slim build, light green eyes, healthy coat. A positively normal Venlil.

What a joke mirror this is.

Vekna heard me crying. She came in again to offer words of comfort. To assure me that I was still worth knowing. That I could still work to take down those who deserve it. That she forgave me for striking her.

I don’t.

She was trying to stay strong for me, I could tell. Part of me appreciated it, while another part hoped to pull myself together somehow so she doesn’t have to. I didnt want to be a burden for anyone else.

Still, it was good to have her around.

After I was done grooming, I noticed that Vekna had gathered several of the papers I had strewn about. Some I had printed. Some I had torn from my journal. Even my journal itself. She said we could talk about it later.

I had my suspicions that she might have looked through it when I had given her my bag a few paws ago. Herd knows I would have. Going by how she had deliberately covered up the pages I had scrawled when… when I had my breakdowns, it basically confirmed she had an idea what they contained. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have organized the way they were. Scrawls all on the bottom. Face down.Reminders of my failures.

On the top were the pages with the pictures of the overseers and my notes connecting them.Ha. Pictures.I should call them for what they really are. Rough sketches. Vague details from what little I could scrape together.Written proof of my complete inability to find any real information.So much searching, so much scouring the internet, and I couldn’t even get anything beyond vague details of their appearance.

When Vekna saw me staring at the drawing, she noticed that something was wrong. She then did something that was still rare for her.

She hugged me.

“You’ve done so much,” she comforted, “I looked as hard as I could, and came up with less than what you have here.” She let me go and sat next to me. “We’ve already explored three of the five, which only leaves two left; Yrtima and Huvel. I take it you haven’t been researching them as of the past few paws?”

I sighed, letting my tail and ears sag. “No, I hadn’t. I… I just couldn’t get myself to do anything.” It was true. After we had gotten back from the power plant, my mind and body both turned against me. I hadn’t even been able to do much more than cry and use the restroom. I don’t even think I drank water during that time.No wonder it had tasted so starsent when Vekna had offered me a bottle.

Vekna swayed her ears in understanding. “Yeah, I get it. After what happened back there, I…well.” She stepped back. “I understand being too upset to work.”

She understood. Of course she did, after all the hardships she must have faced, it would be impossible for her not to.Low empathy, my tailbone.

It took me a few to get myself fully under control. I had to use that breathing technique Tarlim had taught me. Once I calmed, Vekna took the opportunity to lead me to get some food.Realfood. She knew the benefits that having a good meal can bring, and so brought me to a nearby restaurant that made fresh Strayu.

Frankly, she was right. Soft, crumbly, flavorful, as if the Stars themselves had blessed it. After half a loaf, I began to feel like I might just be capable of facing the world again. To try and be someone that Vekna could be assured of. That Tarlim hopes me to be…

“Sharnet,” Vekna asked across the Table, an implacable longing in her voice, “what was… your mother like?”

I paused when she asked that.It was…is a hard question to answer.“She is… trusting. She tried hard to help my father. Too hard. Always swears that before he wandered into the night, he was a wonderful man. That she still imagines who he was as the real him, and after we left, mourned him like he was dead.”

I took a drink of my sweetened juice at the memories. Even now, they were sad. “She did all she could to support me. Took any odd job she could. We lived out of our vehicle for a while, a herd of two, working while I attended whatever public school I could. It took time, but she saved enough to buy us an actual place to live. She encouraged my search for the truth as I grew. She saw what the pheromones had done and… having something to do helped.”

Despite myself, my tail wagged. “She was so proud when I got the article writing job. I was always able to set aside a portion of my salary for her as thanks. I always worked to make her… proud.” I listlessly tapped my glass. “She’s living in an assisted living facility now. I always try to send her messages. Visit when I can. She is so happy to see me… when she remembers.” I sighed. “His drugs affected her as well. It’s hard… I fear that if she knew what I had done…”

Upon hearing that, Vekna had leaned forward and gave me a comforting bow, gently touching her head against mine. No words, just a comforting gesture.It… it feels good.

That allowed me to finally find my voice again. “What… were your parents like?”

She took a moment to respond, most likely considering whether or not telling me would help. After everything I just shared, though, I wanted to hear it. Growing up with PD from the beginning must have been a challenge. To keep her safe, to ensure eyes were off of her. Her parents must have cared for her immensely.

Eventually, her ears returned to a raised state as she readied to speak. “I…heh, I really only knew my father. My mother died in childbirth, I only know what she looked like from photos. Her death weighed on my dad heavily. One of my earliest memories is of him crying. I don’t even know how old I was when that happened, I…never got the chance to ask.”

I reached out and gave the back of her paw a pat. “I’m sorry that happened. It… I can't even imagine the absence. I am glad your father still showed how much he cared.”

Her ears sagged a bit, but then they stopped moving altogether. Her tail also came to a standstill as she looked outwards into space. “My father…suffers from a genetic condition. It’s rare, I thankfully don’t have the genes for it, but…but he does.” I wanted to tell her I knew right then, say that it’s okay, that I would accept her Predator Disease or not. Unfortunately, what she said was worse than any PD diagnosis. “From the time he was a little kid, he had a tumor in his brain. No matter how many times it was removed, it always came back. Until one day, the day he met my mom as he liked to say, it didn’t. He was given a clear bill of health from multiple doctors.”

She smiled, but there was a sad undertone in the expression. “It was a miracle. They got married shortly thereafter and lived happily for a few rotations. My dad rose the ranks and became a high priest in the Church of the Herd, and my mother became a successful businesswoman, running a small but profitable intraplanetary shipping company. Their life was perfect, their marriage was perfect, *they…*were perfect.”

Her smile suddenly distorted to a pained grimace, her teeth starting to show. “And then I was conceived. My mother sold her shares in the company at a massive markup, making it so we wouldn’t have to work a day in our lives. My father stepped down from his position so he could focus on parenting. They prepped their residence, a modest flat in the Capitol, to be as baby-proofed as possible. It would have been perfect.” Her jaw tightened. “It would’ve been…if they both lived to see it.”

I was silent. The way she talked about her father implied something horrible. I already felt sympathy for the loss of her mother, but I knew that’s not where her story would end. After everything she’s done for me, it was the least I could do to pay her back. She looked at me to see if she should keep going. I raised my tail encouragingly. “I am listening.”

She closed her eyes after that for a moment before continuing. “I guess you already know about how my mother’s story ends. It doesn’t get much better from there. Due to…to zoning disputes, we had to move constantly when I was a kid.” I kept my ears raised in attention.So that was the cover she’s using for her Predator Disease.“We never stayed in one place for long, and it took a toll on the both of us. I never…really made a herd growing up, despite my best efforts, but that shears in comparison to what it did to my dad. I don’t know what triggered it. Stress, exertion, his luck running out, or maybe just plain heartbreak. Whatever the reason, the tumor started growing again, and fast. I remember that I would have to be home alone for groups of paws at a time while he got his procedures done. That, combined with the constant moving ate through our savings faster than a Puytl in a starberry field. I had to take up work at the age of 11 just so we could have a chance to break even that Herd of Paws. Those jobs…never lasted long.”

Her stare went dead, as if she were in the jaws of an Arxur, submitted to her demise. “Until one day, it all collapsed. Tumors spread to his spinal column and rendered him paralyzed from the waist down. I started taking on more demanding jobs while still trying to balance schooling. He’s…he’s still in the Xenonedical Grand Complex, back in the capital. I try to visit him as often as I can. He…He requires constant intravenous treatment to slow the spread because…”

She went silent. I could see moisture in her eyes. Another unspoken tragedy I wouldn’t dare force out of her.Slow. Not stop. “Most of my income from this job is getting funneled into his treatment as we speak. I’m…” Her breath hitched and she turned away. “I’m sorry, I…I shouldn’t have told you all that. After all that you’ve been through, all that’s happened, you don’t need-“

“It’s okay,” I state, “my problems don’t become more important than yours just because I’m moping. You shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened, none of that was your fault. You… you went above and beyond for your father. I’m sorry you got stuck with me.”

“I’m notstuckwith you!” she protested. “Working with you has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in years!” She blinked away some tears. “You saved my life! I-I could have died if you hadn’t acted!”

“But anyone would do that, I-”

“Not just anyone,” she interrupted, “You turned back to help that man with his paw before anyone else. You saved my life when many others would have panicked and ran. Even if you fell into rage, you defended Unzekep from that predatory puddle of speh.” She held my gaze with her own. “All I have seen with you is someone who wants to defend. Someone who wants to help. I…honestly, I just want to help you be that person.”

And that was that. A statement of fact, like one would say the sun shines. No matter how I might try to convince her otherwise, my arguments would be shot down with ease. And any time she tried to make herself seem down, I found myself shooting down her arguments as well. We basically spent the paw telling each other how great we thought the other was as we returned to finishing our cleaning and organizing. It was exhausting. Empowering. Draining. Refreshing. So many contradictory feelings simultaneously. Just us supporting one another.

As fleeting as our time together may end up being, we were for now, a herd of two. Two broken people, slowly piecing ourselves back together.

I have no doubt I’ll remember this paw for rotations to come.

Chapter 18

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 23rd, 2136

The window shades swing open automatically, rousing me from my sleep. I greet the new paw with enthusiasm, yawning and preparing for the day. It was a difficult few claws yesterday, what with cleaning out Sharnet’s room…and Sharnet herself.I can still taste the rotten fruit in the air, speh!

Ignoring the phantom stench, I quickly groom myself and organize my notes. Despite what I told Sharnet yesterday, among the many things I probably should’ve kept to myself, I did find something she didn’t on one of the remaining subjects. Something that tied into that brasel Uylten back at the bar, much to my dissatisfaction.

I exit my room and make my way down to the lobby, as is all but routine at this point. I hope that Sharnet was able to get a better night’s sleep in her room after we got it back into shape. I knew I slept like a pup after all that labor, and Sharnet barely looked tired…well, physically at least.Who would’ve guessed, public service does wonders for your physique.

The elevator arrives at the ground floor and I step out, making my way over to the mess hall. Because of our shift in schedule, we had recently started to adhere to a more normal schedule. I’m not a fan of that, but so long as I have someone to help ground me, I can handle the herds. I guess having someone you can consider part of your own helps with that.

Good thing there’s someone I consider as such.

I spot Sharnet sitting at a table, two plates of food already set out. She spots me in turn, waving me over. I gotta say, she looks far better than last paw. I quickly close the distance and sit down. “Good paw, Sharnet!”

“Good…” she pauses as a yawn blurts out of her mouth, “good paw, Vekna.” She shakes her head, her ears flapping against her skull from the sudden motion. “Sorry, I suppose a single claw of rest wasn’t quite enough after yesterday.”

“At least you got a full claw,” I respond snarkily, pulling my plate closer to me. “How are you holding up?”

“…Better.” Her ears give a sad twitch. “It’s not fully there but… it is better.” She takes a calming breath. “Thank you again for all you did.”

“Of course. It was the least I could do after everything.” I take a bite of fruit as I retrieve my pad from my pack. “On that topic, do you think you’re up to going after the overseers again?”

Her tail starts to lightly wag, swallowing some of her fruit salad. “I think that would be nice, but…” she sighs, “I didn’t get to do much research during… well, you know.”

I do know. “That’s okay, because I did some of my own. Want to take a look?”

She looks at me quizzically. “You did? I thought you said you didn’t find anything of note beyond what I managed.”

The piece of fruit I’m eating almost gets stuck in my throat, but I manage to dislodge it with a few quick coughs. “Mostly. I…did find something else, but I didn’t want to remind you of it in your state of mind.”

“Remind me of what?” She asks, putting down her utensil.

I steel myself for the remembrance of our first night here in Sidestar. “Do you remember the egg?”

Sharnet looks lost for a moment before a horrified look of realization crosses her face. “Please tell me it’s not related.”

I whistle softly in a short chuckle. “Yeah, it is. I was going back through all the evidence that we got to see if we missed anything, which also meant giving over the pictures I took of Uylten’s shed. Here, I’ll skip the monotony and show you what I found.”

I zoom in on the egg in a jar, much to both our disgust. It’s necessary, though, as a few numbers printed on the glass come into focus. “See those numbers? This jar was produced here, on Venlil Prime. That itself wouldn’t mean much on its own, but combined with the date, it’s incredibly telling.” I point to the production date.[August 26th, 2136]

I don’t have time to finish my thought before Sharnet blurts out. “That’s after the humans arrived!”

I wag my tail affirmatively. “Exactly. That can only mean one thing; the egg was laid here. On Venlil Prime. And if you look here,” I move the picture to the side of the jar. Barely visible on it is the first half of Twilight Starberries. “This was originally meant for Starberry preserves. Cross what factories reopened for building with places that harvested Twilight Starberries, and you get Stalkfields. The next town over.”

Sharnet grimaces. “So not only was it laid on Venlil Prime, it was laid nearby… but wait.” She looks up at me again, “how do you think it relates to the overseers?”

“Simple: the UnderNet.” I switch the application to a cracked version of the standard internet browser I had managed to download through a sea of Predator Viruses. It shows a new web page advertising something…just truly horrific. A Harchen woman posing seductively next to another jarred Egg. And one of her… squatting over an empty jar. And… the process. I nearly vomited when I first found the site, but I had enough experience now to keep my breakfast down. “This is Yrtima, better known here by the alias “ShellLayer.”

Sharnet cups her paws over her mouth in disgust as I show her the web page. Thankfully, she manages to keep her food inside her body, if only barely, as she swallows and shudders in her seat. “Ugh, I…guh, give me a minute.”

I flick my ears and continue talking, giving her a moment to collect herself. “This is enough to prove that Yrtima isn’t the overseer, which only leaves “Huvel,” or shall I say, Halvone. However, if we intend to pin him down for good this time, we need irrefutable proof, and that means witnesses. Unzekep is one, but I doubt people are going to take her seriously, as unfortunate as that is. Yrtima is our only other link. When making an “appointment” with her, she gives instructions to meet up in the mountains and leave separately, just like Tagelb described. Just like your earlier searches found. And…” Okay, time to see if she follows my logic.And if can stand more photos.“I believe she might’ve witnessed one of the electrocutions Unzekep saw. Or perhaps even been the victim.”

Her ears perk at my last sentence. “The victim?”

Now more than ever, I’m thankful that we chose our meeting spot near a corner. “Look closely at the advertising photos. Along her back, at the base of her tail starting a season ago until now.”

I pull up the timeline of pictures, focusing on the ones that give a clear view of her back. I watch as Sharnet starts scrolling through the pictures, her eyes widening exactly when I thought they would. “Those marks, they’re…”

“Electrocution scars, yes. Just like we saw on Unzekep. However, due to the fact that she wasn’t exposed to the same drugs, all that’s left is a slight discoloration, comparatively speaking.” I take the pad back from her and switch to another tab, this time showing a social media page. “Because of that, I’m certain Huvel’s our guy. I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t find anything interesting about him. His post history is regular, normal in every regard.” I peak over the pad. “Toonormal.”

Sharnet blinks at me.Speh, I lost her.I hold a paw out towards her, beckoning her closer. “Alright, I know that sounds crazy, but hear me out. Look at his post history. It’s only been active since the scandal for a start, and he never posts anything of his own, only reposting and sharing other posts. But that’s not all.” I scroll to the bottom of his page. “Look at the dates he’s posting. A perfect once every two paws. To the Claw. I think he’s using an automated system to run his accounts so he can focus on…whatever he does.”

Sharnet co*cks her head in interest as she looks at the page. “The bio says he’s an… electrical engineer?”

“Yes,” I respond curtly, “a chief fusion reactor technician at that.”

Sharnet’s shoulders fall, “Management. Which means he would have heard of us acting as safety inspectors. Which means we can’t just observe him, because he’d put on an act.”

“Exactly. That’s why we need witnesses to get him once and for all. There’s only so much you can do against physical witnesses other than avoid getting caught at all.” I push the pad over to her, having switched back to the appointment sign-up sheet. “If we want a chance at convincing Yrtima to side with us, we need to meet her.”

Sharnet stared at the form. “This requires you to pay half up front.” She looked at me with a deadpan gaze. “You do realize we’renevergoing to be able to justify this as an expense, right?”

I smile at her. “We won’t have to. If I could turn your attention to the fine print for a moment?” I tap at the bottom of the page. There, in small lettering, a clear condition is labeled,“Unmarked Credits Only.”

She gives a hymn. “We would need to get either some physical currency or a credit chip. Unless you have one on you?” She looks up at me inquisitively.

I look around for a bit before pulling an old credit chip from my bag. I had forged this one years ago, but after the file breaches, I had needed to use a different one to avoid anything getting traced back to me. “It’s an old one, kept it charged for emergency funds. It’ll be perfect for something like this. I have just enough for the down payment, and I’m hoping that the prospect of justice is enough to cover the second half for us.”

She gives an amused whistle, “She never reported the attack in the first place, so I’ll likely be paying for the last half.” She pulls the pad to her and begins filling out the form.

I roll my eyes. “Please, you think that she’d go reporting something that happened when she’s laying illicit eggs? First rule of illegal speh; you don’t get the fluff involved no matter what.”

“And the second rule is to never do something for free.” She finishes typing and passes it back to me. “Call name Black Sauce. I volunteer as the one to meet her. So, what do you plan to do while I try and convince her?”

“I’ll try to see if I can’t gather some more information on Huvel. Routines, timetables, frequenting spots, the like. We need to make sure we confront him on our terms, who knows what kind of traps he could have set up if we let him take the home field advantage?” I shut off my pad and draw it back into my satchel. In a moment, the weight of what we’re about to do hits me.We’ve tracked him down, we actually did it!

I lean back in my seat and whistle a low, nervous laugh to myself. Sharnet looks over at me in concern. “Hey, are you alright?”

I quickly collect myself and face Sharnet, tail wagging behind me in excitement. “Yeah, it’s just…we did it. I mean, we haven’t actuallydoneit, but we’ve got that speh-licker dead to rights! It’s…it’sexciting.”

Sharnet returns my enthusiasm with a wag of her tail. “It is rather exciting, seeing the first time you’re able to take someone down, or discover something hidden.” She shakes her head wistfully. “Reminds me of my first as well.” She giggles to herself at the memory. “The professor of my journalism course was skimming course funds to impress this woman they were courting. Bought himself an actual hover car!”

“A hover car?” I swallow some of my salad to not choke on a laugh. “Did they really think that would be inconspicuous?”

“I know!” She took a sip of her juice before giggling again. “Did you know he actually posed for a photo with it for me? And he had the gall to say that the teacher’s retirement funds had been cut!”

I gasp. “Hedidn’t!And it took you to reveal it was him embezzling??”

“He claimed it was a board decision,” she explains, “the typical action of cutting the benefits of the workers while raising salaries for management.”

I flick my ears at that.Yeah, that sounds about right.“In his defense, I can totally see that. What happened after you revealed the speh he was slinging?”

“It was crazy, the staff literally chased him out of the building after I showed proof he had funneled the retirement funds to himself!” She shakes her head. “He hid in that precious hover car while they mobbed it! Heh. That was the just the first time I got to see someone chased by an angry mob.”

I curiously co*ck my head. “Justthe first?”

“One of the supervisors in my last job replaced the office tea with decaf.”

I bleat out an uncontrolled laugh at that revelation.Yep, that sounds right too!“They’re lucky to be alive if that’s the case!”

“Yeah, they-“

Chime!

My ears perk as I hear a notification from my pad. I take it out and look at the message. “Your ovulation will be on [October 2nd.] Meet at the abandoned iron quarry at the top of Mount Velcauh for a damn good time~”I shiver in disgust at the suggestive phrasing, but it’s quickly replaced by a new wave of excitement.We have a date!

Now all that’s left is for us to catch a predator.

“Seems we have good a few paws before our meeting,” Sharnet stated. “Guess we’ll have to find some way to occupy ourselves until then.”

I wave my ears in agreement. “I guess we shall.”

We began focusing on eating in silence as we thought. After everything that’s happened, it feels good to be nearing the end, but it also feels…worrying. The fact of the matter is that once this is done, we’ll need to actually work on tracking down the head, someone even more dangerous than “Huvel.” I don’t even want to think about the horrors that have most likely spawned from his paws.Am I cut out for this? If things go poorly, I might be forced to finally use-

“You know,” I hear Sharnet say, breaking me from my internal monologue, “we did say we were investigating lapses in safety and corruption. We’ve seen major faults in both sites we’ve visited.” She looked up at me, an eagerness to work in her eyes, “perhaps other sites might be similar?”

I perk my ears in interest. “Are you suggesting what I think you are?” My tail starts to wag behind me in spite of myself in excitement at the prospect of bringing more corrupt people to justice.

“Something must have caused the state of those tunnels beyond neglect.” She huffs. “Plus, a large part of me wants to ensure that…womanreally did throw themselves before the safety board.”

I sway my ears in agreement. “Yeah, but what’s the chance of that? I mean, I don’t have any plans, so getting that brahkass busted is as good a plan as any in the meantime!”

Sharnet leans back in her chair. “We could, of course, also meet up with Tagleb again. Perhaps even properly introduce him to Unzekep. She might really enjoy his models.” She looks up to the ceiling. “I also could find that taxi driver. He does owe me a copy.” She turns her gaze back at me. “You don’t mind, do you?”

I flicked my tail in the negative. “Not at all! I think I’d go crazy if I were forced to be cooped up until [October 2nd] anyways.”

Sharnet grabs her glass of juice from the table and raises it in the air. “Then here’s to us taking on the town in the meantime!”

I return the gesture and we both simultaneously down our drinks.

Take on the town. And win!

Chapter 19

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 26th, 2136

How stupid and corrupt can one town possibly be?!

Three sites, and each one had something wrong! And each site had someone trying to either scare us off with shouting or just asking how much money we wanted to leave. To their credit, given just how corrupt this city is, I wasn’t surprised they thought we’d be as easily swayed. Rusted equipment, damaged building materials, even forcing the workers to use basic tools instead of powered versions for high-intensity jobs!And they thought a few hundred credits would earn our silence

It never got old when they realized that my holonote had a recording function. It further seemed that the reaction of fleeing the job site was mostly standard. And I feel the last one only stayed because Vekna stood in their office doorway.

And that recording function came in handy with all that we found on the sites! Seriously, I can forgive not wearing full PPE. That can be because the worker took them off due to being uncomfortable. I can forgive some equipment not being at full capacity. Things can slip as repairs get expensive and cost time. Heck, I could even forgive the lack of water on site! People drink a lot, so they could have just run out!

But how in the Stars could a concrete pour be done so sloppily, without any boots provided?? How could there be not even a string to signal that a hole was being currently jackhammered through the second floor? How can someone so obviously unwell be threatened with firing if they dared to take a sick paw?

*And how could this…*Womanbe here on the job??

“Sharnet,” I heard Vekna say, “it’s okay. We’re here to investigate the construction site.Notbury someone in concrete.”

“Y-yes!” The woman stammered, “investigating! You- you investigate! No burying!”

I clenched my paws harder on her shoulders, and kept her pressed against the wall. “Each of the three sites we have been to has had at least two crippling flaws that should get them shut down until they are addressed. And each site has had a foreman who has tried to pull our attentionawayfrom those flaws! And now, after all that, I see a wrench-beating foreman justhappensto be the foreman of new office spaces!”

I could see the fear in her eyes as she looked up towards me.She better be thankful there isn’t an open space in this room.“I-I don’t-I’m not-I-I-”

I stopped her there, flexing my claws a little harder. “You are literally wearing the foreman patch on your vest. Tell us what you’re doing here. Now. Iwon’task again.”

She swallowed a lump in preparation to speak.She knows I meant what I said.“I-I- th-the company told me to! S-Said I should change sites! That all the problems I was facing would fade with time! Please! That’s all I know!” She shut her eyes tightly and whimpered pitifully in my grasp.

I pulled her close so my mouth was next to her ear. “Did you really think I wouldjust fade?” I shoved her back into the wall. “I demanded that you wouldgrovelbefore the safety board or I would make youwishI had let go! Did you think that was just sweet nothings? Who the Brahk told you that??”

“M-my Manager! Mostul! The-the Dossur! They did!”

I grabbed her by the scruff and began moving her down the hall towards the exit, carrying her like a pup who had broken into the berry pantry. “Well congratulations; you’re now our ticket to an in-person appointment! Vekna, hail a taxi. We have a meeting to get to.”

She nodded and pulled out her pad. After our trip to Uylten’s house, she had opted to download a mobile application for her pad so we could hail a taxi from wherever. As I was holding the foreman, Vekna tapped my shoulder to get my attention. “Hey, I was thinking that I could sit by her during the ride. You look like you could use a break.”

I balked at her, tightening my grip on the crea-woman,thewoman,causing her to moan in discomfort. “What? I’m nowhere near done with her yet. Besides, you don’t need her corrupting the space around you with her filth.”

She co*cked her head at me. “And you do?” That gave me some pause. We had been scouring these sites for days now, and truth be told, I was getting a bit fed-up with the rampant corruption. Vekna had mostly played a supporting role, and it would appear she was still intent on doing so. “Let me sit by her. You know I’ll be sure to keep her in check.”

I looked between her and the foreman, and reluctantly swayed my ears in approval. Not long after, the taxi finally arrived, and-

The Linked Chains driver stared at me in surprise from within the vehicle. “It…It’s You??”

I couldn’t help but wag my tail at the sudden absurdity. “Hello again! I see you took down the medallion.” I shoved the foreman in the back seat as I hopped in next to the driver. “Don’t worry, we’re just following the instructions of our… bleh, can’t even fake call her a friend. She’s a puddle of Speh who’s leading us to larger puddles of Speh so we can mop them up. So, if you would be so kind as to get us to…” I tap my holonote on the console to transfer the company address, “...here, this city will be Speh-free and sparkling sometime very soon.”

The Linked Chains member looked to be even more concerned by my attitude than the foreman was, if barely, but he nevertheless stepped on the accelerator and got us on our way. That Stars-damned foreman was still sniveling in the backseat next to Vekna. I was skeptical when she opted to sit by her, but to her credit, that was probably the better option.I don’t think I could stand being in sight of that waste of matter for so long. Just another instance of empathy the facilities would have been certain to sweep under the rug should she have ever fallen into one.

The driver looked between the three of us pensively, most likely trying to discern what we should talk about. As I was inspecting him, though, I noticed something in the side of his door, mostly hidden by his white/brown legs. Although slight, I could make out one of the chains that comprised the Linked Chains logo.So he remembered after all.I was broken from my thoughts by an awkward throat clearing coming from none other than the driver himself. “So…uh, how’s the city treating you? It…” He briefly turned to look back at the foreman, who tried her best to plead for help with her body language, “...looks like you’ve been busy. I don’t suppose you’re the ones responsible for the jobsite busts around town?”

“Oh, so youhaveheard.” I remarked. “I am curious what the gossip mill thinks of us.”

The driver tapped his claws along the steering wheel as he thought. “Well, some of the less exaggerated had you literally chasing down the foremen of the sites and dragging them across the floor.”

I roll my eyes. “They were trying to push past us so they could flee. They then tried to get people to claim we attacked them. That dragging was them tripping while making a break for their personal vehicle. Any others?”

“Well, I heard from somewhere that you dangled someone over a pit and threatened to drop them. Though, if what you said about the whole “attacking” thing is the case, that was probably exaggerated too, right?” He looked between the three of us. The foreman had visibly started shaking at the remembrance of that, and Vekna’s face was contorted into a grimace. The driver’s ears fell and he looked back at me. “…Right?”

I glared pointedly at the foreman. “She hit an employee in the back with a wrench. She has made a habit of doing so frequently.” I turned one eye towards the driver. “I am starting to think I should have let go.”

At my comment about how she threw wrenches at employees, he turned an eye towards the Foreman and his gaze narrowed. “My brother said someone threw things at him because he had a stutter. Only told me because he couldn’t hide the bruises fast enough…” He turned his attention back towards the road. “You know, I think I might be inclined to agree with your sentiment.”

The foreman shrunk back in her seat and tried to open the door. Of course, it was locked, and wouldn’t unlock until we reached our destination. A rather convenient safety feature. Vekna placed a paw on her shoulder and gripped. “Nuh uh, not yet. You still have a certain someone to lead us to.”

The driver’s ears raised in interest. “Oh, and I presume that’s where we’re headed now?”

I flicked positively. “Yes. According to her, the only reason she’s still working at all is because the head of their construction firm shuffled her around to avoid backlash, and I have a feeling she’s not the only one. We’re going to confront them and get to the bottom of this corrupt speh puddle.”

The driver flicked their ears in approval at me. “Well, if you need a ride, don’t be afraid to call me up. Here, this is my personal number so I don’t have to charge you. Anything to get people like her away from their metaphorical wrenches.” He handed a slip of paper to Vekna in the backseat who wasted no time in tapping the sequence in for later.

As she was doing that, I realized something unbearably embarrassing.We never asked his name!I cleared my throat to get his attention and bowed in my seat to him. “Thank you for your gracious generosity. You know, I don’t think we ever got your name.”

He whistled a laugh. “I was wondering when you would ask! It’s Luvak. And yours are Sharnet and Vekna, I believe?”

Vekna looked uncomfortable with her name being spoken as such common knowledge, but I affirmedly flicked my ears. “Yes, that’s us.”

“Good, so those weren’t just anonymity pseudonyms!” He chucked to himself. “You never can guess these days. After all, people have a lot to hide.” He glanced back at Vekna as he said that, furthering her nervous demeanor.I need to change the subject.

Before I could do so, he turned back to me. “I mean, you were in the exchange program! Such a shame how that ended… for you.”

HE KNOWS?! SUBJECT CHANGE! NOW!

Without hesitating, I faced him head-on. “Do you have it?”

He flicked, reaching into his door and deftly sliding the traditionally-bound book towards me. Both Vekna and the foreman craned their necks to get a look at it. I quickly glared the foreman down, stowing the book in my belt pouch. Lucak swayed their tail in enjoyment. “As promised. Thanks for the advice back there, by the way. I’ve shuttled around some off-duty Exterminators since then, and they would’ve noticed for sure.”

“You’re quite welcome,” I responded, thinking quickly of a way to spin my words, “how you present yourself to those officers can be very important. Why, some might try and arrest you for just being sympathetic to humans.”

He wagged his tail. “Or, perhaps, for routinely beating people with wrenches.”

I found my tail wagging in agreement, enjoying the sudden whimper from the woman in the backseat.People like her are probably the only ones to deserve the stuff those places do.

We rode in rather comfortable silence the rest of the way to the construction company office. When he pulled up, Vekna once again made sure that the woman wouldn’t escape as we said our goodbyes. I tapped my holonote against the payment terminal to compensate Luvak for his services, and with that, we headed inside.

The building was pristine, nary a speck of dust on the floor. It was almost painful how obvious the separation between management and workforce was in this firm. The lobby was dead silent save for a mossy green Krakotl woman sitting behind the receptionist's desk who was too busy preening to notice our entrance. Upon the door closing, however, she looked up and quickly started into pre-prepared dialogue. “Hello, welcome to Mountain Tall Construction Services. How may I help you?”

I bowed to greet the receptionist. “Hello, Madam. Me and my companions are here for a meeting with Motsul. You can tell them that Sharnet is here to see them.”

The receptionist, seeming to keep up their professional mannerisms, entered the manager's office. I could hear muffled sounds of talking, followed by a few crashes and thuds. Then shouting, protests, and finally something being opened.

The receptionist returned slightly frazzled, closing the door behind her. “ I am sorry, but Ms. Motsul it’s not available at the moment. She stepped out a bit ago.”

I wagged my tail as I anticipated the amusem*nt of my prediction being proven right. “They’re crawling out the window, aren’t they?”

“…Yeah.”

Chapter 20

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Citizen. Date: [Standardized human time] September 26th, 2136

Why do they always try to run??

Seriously, why? It can't be just because we’re prey! The workers don’t run, the secretaries don’t run, but the bosses? They bolt immediately! Sharnet grabs the foreman and forces her to sit on one of the waiting chairs. “Stay.” The woman freezes under the command, possibly even getting her claws stuck in the arm rest by how much she clenched them. Once we’re certain she won’t be going anywhere, we bolt outside to see if we can still catch them before they manage to get too far.

Okay… this is just pathetic.

The thing about the Dossur is that they are built to climb things. So they’re meant to be small, quick, thin, and work best in areas that let them go vertical. A loaf of fur desperately wobbling down an empty parking lot towards an electric pole no faster than us at a speedwalk wasn’t exactly what they were built for. We keep pace and eventually catch up to the overweight head, who tries to expend one last burst of energy in an all-fours sprint.

Thinking quickly, I dive forward and trap them in my paws. I can feel them trying to break free of my grasp, scratching and biting at my pawpads in their futile attempt to escape.Yeah, no. If I can stick my paws in a Strayu forge, you have no chance, missy.After a minute or so of struggling, I feel her calm down. I can hear rapid panting coming from within my paws, signaling that she’s ready for the interrogation.

Sharnet stands next to me, her holonote out and already recording. I alter my grip on the Dossur so that her head is exposed, but the rest of her body is contained, something I’m finding difficult to do in a single paw. “Hello, Sharnet from the department of safety and Venlil Republic Public Broadcasting Network. One of your employees was generous enough to set up an in-person meeting. Shall we head inside for an interview?”

Her voice drips with sickeningly sweet sarcasm.Perfect for a reporter.

The Dossur squeaks fearfully. “Wh-what do you want?”

As we walk, I turn her so she faces me. “Simple. We want an explanation to a strange phenomenon we’ve observed. How is it that a site foreman who was convicted of assault and battery was found at yet another site? Let alone one where she has no expertise.”

The Dossur tries to take a stern expression, despite still looking like a blob in my grasp. “I have no knowledge of such a woman.”

Woman. Even though I didn’t mention their gender.Of course, before I could point that out, we entered the office again and the foreman caught sight of us.

“Mrs. Motsul!” She shouts, “I’m sorry! They forced me! I swear!”

The Dossur tried to swivel to look at her, one of her cheeks getting in the way due to how I’m holding her. “Damnit, Mayrar, not the time!”

Sharnet leans in closer, causing Motsul to try and back away. “Not the time for what? To explain how you knew we were talking about a ‘she’ before we even revealed who our foreman contact was?”Speh, I wanted to say that!

The Dossur blinked. “… Nocomment.”

Sharnet co*cks her head and leans in a little closer. “Really? No comment? That’s the best you can do?”

“Nocomment,” Motsul reiterates.

Sharnet waved her tail. “Well then, as part of the safety investigations, we just need to see your employee records, materials manifests, and funding files.”

“NO!!”

The both of us, along with foreman Mayrar, fold our ears in response to the shrill screech that just came from the lump of Dossur in my paws. She pants again, that scream definitely not intentional. I raise my ears first, bringing Motsul closer to one of my eyes. “And why not? We’ve discovered that you’re still employing someone with a pending predatory behavior case. That’s more than probable cause to search your records. If you’re doing this, whatelsecould you be doing?”

The Dossur squirms a bit in my paws. “Look, I…” She looks at the pad and sighs, meeting my gaze. “How much do you want?”

I blink at her in disbelief.Is she actually trying this now??“Are…you trying tobribeus? Right now? When we have you trapped to rights?”

“30,000 credits.”

30,000? Oh, why must I have morality??

Unfortunately, the look of surprise must be evident on my face, as Motsul’s eyes light up. “40,000, in bi-rotation payments to-”She’s cut off by Sharnet, who grabs my paws and turns the wobbly Dossur towards her. “0 credits. And you pulled before the herd to be cast out.” She glares at the rodent. “We aren’t as easily swayed as the rest of the safety staff in this corrupt town. I’m sure you’ve already heard of us.”

I can feel Motsul flick her tail in my grasp, but she also angles her ears in lieu of that. “Y-Yes, but…oh Stars, I had to try, okay? Great, just great.” She seems to go still in my grasp, having accepted the sit-

“MAYRAR! BURN THE FILES OR I’LL RELEASE ALL THE CHARGES!”

Almost before I can process what’s going on, the forewoman is bolting back into the building.Oh no you don’t!I take off after her, Motsul being jostled in my grasp as I run. When I burst through the door , I see Mayrar trying to break into the emergency flamer area, just in case of a wild predator attack.Oh Herd No!

As I reach out, a small brown blur flies by my head and flops against the wall like a fuzzy disk. It’s Motsul, and both me and Mayrar pause in surprise as they slowly slide to the floor.Hopefully all that “fluff” broke the impact somewhat.

“Hey,” I hear Sharnet call behind me, “are they still alive? I kicked harder than I expected, and she needs to be alive for what we do with her!”

At the sound of Sharnet’s voice, Mayrar redoubles her efforts to get the flamer. Now with both paws free, I pull her away from the wall and throw her to the floor, pinning her and standing over her triumphantly. “No file burning today, Mayrar! …Wow, that sounded awful.”

The former foreman is too busy cowering on the ground to appreciate just how terrible that quip was.I really need to get better with those.Upon hearing a moan, I turn around to see Sharnet inspecting the now belly-up Motsul laying on the floor. Thankfully, she appears to be uninjured other than a headache and a bruised ego. I grab Mayrar by the arm and slide her across the polished floor to the two of them, watching as the Dossur’s eyes bulge at the sight of her failed contingency plan. “No more hiding Motsul. You’re going to show us those files, or Herd help me, I’ll make that impact feel like falling onto a pillow!”

The Dossur tries to scramble to their feet in one last attempt to run, not really able to find their balance. But before they can, Sharnet comes into my peripheral vision. She picks up the receptionist’s metal wastebasket, and calmly marches over to Motsul.

“W-wait!” The Dossur stammers, “I don’t like-”

The metal basked is dammed over her.

“Tight places!!!”

“Imagine it’s a drain tunnel,” Sharnet deadpans as she turns her head towards Mayrar. “Now I believe that your foreman here happens to know where these files are located.” Sharnet then took a moment to look at the secre-oh! The Secretary! I forgot about her!The poor Krakotl was huddled in a corner away from us, their feathers all fluffed out like a pillow and their eyes wide. Sharnet bows to her respectfully. “Terribly sorry to bother you, but would you please unlock the office door again?”

“Do something!” I hear from under the wastebasket, “Burn the files, you stupid Bird!!”

The Krakotl woman looks between Sharnet and the metal wastebin on the ground. She seems uncertain at first, but she eventually chirps affirmatively. She stands, gives herself a shake to smooth out her feathers, and faces the wastebasket. “Alright then. I’ve always hated working here anyways. This is my last week before I go back to school, so why not?” She then leads us to the door and unlocked it with a keychain she keeps under one of her wings.

The lock clicks open the door slowly slides away into the wall, revealing a very well-furnished office. It’s definitely not built for a Dossur, but Motsul has more than made do. On the frankly ridiculously lavish desk sits a far smaller, Dossur-sized desk flanked by a plush-looking chair.Motsul certainly didn’t spare any expense…on herself.

Sharnet slides the upturned basket into the room and gestures to me and Mayrar. “Her too. We’ll need to keep an eye on her, and she should be helpful in finding the right files.”

I flick my ears and retrieve the Venlil foreman, who’s shaking in my grip. The receptionist/secretary follows in as well, most likely out of a curiosity as to what could warrant such a violent display in the lobby. I decide to capitalize on Mayrar’s fear and speak behind her. “Don’t even try to run away or destroy the files. You’re on camera, after all.” I quickly rotate my pad in my satchel and start recording.Might as well take a page out of Sharnet’s playbook.

“So,” I start, “you were told to burn the files. Since burning down a whole building would be too suspicious, you were likely going to need to burn them specifically, or rather the thing they were held in. Am I correct, so far?” Mayrar looks at me in horror as she clearly recognizes that plan from what Motsul had told her to do.

Eventually, she hesitantly flicks her ears, signaling that we’re on the path. “Alright then, show us the files that were earmarked for burning. We want to see what’s in them.”

“You do, and the charges will be released!” I hear that Dossur shouting from under the metal. “N-now kick this over! It’s too small!”

Mayrar flicks her ears between me and Motsul. After a second, she deliberately presses them against the back of her head, holding them down with her paws as she closes her eyes.An attempt to clam up and show nothing.

“Seems she’s going to say nothing,” I call to Sharnet.

“That’s okay,” I hear her say as she looks at the filing cabinets, shaking her tail in the negative. “Too obvious.”

To help, I start looking around the room too. In the bookshelves, under the desk, even around the potted plants.Nothing.It’s only when I step close to a bunch of framed pictures that I spot something. Ironically enough, it’s not actually something on the wall. When I step close to the pictures, I see Mayrar’s tail twitch in fear.There has to be something here!

As Sharnet’s busy checking behind the furniture, I start to slide the frames aside one by one, Mayrar’s demeanor getting more and more antsy as I continue. Eventually, I slide away the framed diploma Motsul received from White Hill University, and…Found it!“Hey Sharnet, over here!”

She left oks back at me as I fully take down the diploma, revealing a large wall safe, just the perfect height for a Dossur to stand in. “I think this is where we’ll find our documents! Now all that’s left is to open it.” I give Mayrar a backwards glance.

The former foreman’s tail lashes around as she’s forced into her ultimate decision. Either aid us and do something right for once in her life, or stick with Motsul as the both of them go down. “The code is 39859!”Good choice.

The wastebasket squeaks in rage and panic. “YOU’RE FIRED!! I Will make sure the exterminators toss you in a dark hole! You will-”

Sharnet quickly grabs a metal award, marches over to the basket, and rapidly clangs it against its side. “Whenever your ears stop ringing, feel free to shut up.”

I carefully input the code into the safe, and sure enough, the mechanisms within unlatch and reveal…a few memory chips on a table.Illicit, from the looks of them. I’m not surprised.“Memory chips…”

I take them from the safe and insert them into my pad’s designated ports. Immediately, though, another hitch in our plans arises: it, too, is password protected.No, wait, this isn’t a password…it’s a retinal scan!

I turn back to Sharnet, holding up the pad. “Quickly, get Motsul before the ringing wears off and turn her eye to the camera! No time to explain!”

Sharnet flicks her ears and hastily tips over the wastebin. The blubbery Dossur wiggles around at the reintroduction of light, but that’s all the better for our purposes. Sharnet rushes over to me, holding Motsul’s head next to the camera. She groans as she blinks open her exposed eye. “Gah, what are yo-Speh!NO!”

She squeezes her eye shut again, but it’s too late.What a wonderfully convenient device!The scan had already commenced and the chip now stands unlocked on the screen before me. I lean down to Motsul’s level, whistling a chuckle. “Thank you for yourcooperation.”

Motsul flails in Sharnet’s grip, her eyes bulging in anger. “You moronic brahkasses! You could have been rich! Why would you-”

Sharnet slides the rodent back under the basket. “We find your business practices unsustainable. Why, seems just about anyone could come in and take your information. Speaking of,” she turns to me, “what do you see at a glance?”

I scroll down the list. “It’s… materials? Payroll? Why would this be…” I narrow my eyes as I stare at one figure. “10,000 credits for one delivery of Framing Boards? You’d need a cargo hauler for all that in one go! I don’t recall seeing any heavy-duty starports around here.” I look back at the waste basket and sigh.If we want answers, we’ll have to get them from the source.“Get her back out again, we need to figure out what’s going on here.”

“Wait,” Sharnet calms, “let me look at that first.”

I point my pad towards Sharnet, watching as she scans the list. “Yeah, that’s even weirder than you said. Look,” she gestures to the delivery method for the boards. “That’s just a regular Delivery van, and says the delivery was completed successfully.”

“So they’re charging way more than necessary?” I shake my head. “Something's rotten. I’m going to question her over what this is all about.”

Sharnet slides the basket over to me. “I will leave you to it.” She glares at Mayrar. “In the meantime, I have questions for her.” The abusive forewoman shakes in place, the receptionist blocking her only real means of escape.

I smile in satisfaction at her and flick my ears towards Sharnet.Time to get to the bottom of this corruption once and for all.

Chapter 21

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 26th, 2136

The woman had a very loose mouth as she cowered beneath me. Mayrar just babbled as much as she knew about how this place worked, as little as it was. She was very quick to call out several of her colleagues, saying that they treated the workers even worse than “whatever you think I do.”I don’t “think” you did anything. I Know what you did.

“And if anyone gets majorly hurt,” Mayrar continues, “we get sent to a separate site with different construction requirements. Framers, roofers, Air conditioning, tunnel maintenance, they are all technically separate departments.”

I flick my ears forward in understanding. “So when any complaints are made, the company can truthfully say the problem no longer works for that department. Keeping the appearance that they have managed the problem.”

“Y-yeah. Until the official investigation period is up.” She stuttered out. “After that, they usually just put us back where we were originally. I-I don’t know the first thing about foundation laying! I was just put in charge of that site to lay low, like I said!”

I tilted my head skeptically. “Considering that you are beingveryobviously blackmailed withcharges,plural, I highly doubt that ability.” I glared at her. “Unzekep wouldn’t have reported you, and ours would have still been only one charge. So, what are youreallyhiding?”

Mayrar stammered, half formed words falling out her mouth like fruit rotten on their branches. I let her go for a bit before I cut her off. “How about I take a guess? You lash out. Throw things and take enjoyment at seeing someone ‘beneath’ you in pain. And one of the requirements for being part of government sanctioned jobs is a background check on your PD screenings.” I watched in satisfaction as she froze at my words. “Minor symptoms. Enough to be required to take meds, but not a facility. But, I’m willing to bet that check found you hadn’t been picking them up. But instead of forcing you to take them, they decided to just hold that over your head and you decided to go along with it. Because you found it enjoyable to have people beneath you.” I huffed. “You could have reported them, even picked up your meds for the appearance, but you didn’t. Because you enjoy hitting people with wrenches.” I clenched the fur on my legs. Ireallywish there was a pit nearby.

I also don’t like how easily that scheme came into my mind.

I leaned in closer, causing her to try and scoot away on the floor. “How many other Foremen are like you?”

“I- I dont know. They- they all have their own thing.” She pressed against the wall, desperately looking at the receptionist at the door. “Tell her!”

I looked at the Krakotl assistant, who gave a sigh. “At least two of the men are letches. Like, they would hit on a particularly attractive poster. One just likes to yell and argue, so long as you are wrong. Aaaand there’s the guy who just reeks of alcohol at basically all times. Basically none of them are suited for leadership positions, and I can tell that as just an intern.”

I sighed.They shuffle different kinds of incompetence around so the workers think the new foreman is better just for being different.It was just another strike against this company, a tally in an ever growing list..

“Okay,” I said, pinching the bridge of my snout, “I think I have enough reason to use the employee files as evidence.” I glared at the foreman. “I would say don’t leave, but I know the officers will take care of you when this is over no matter where you run.”

She sobbed, begging me not to. She tried to tell me that she will change. That this doesn’t need to get officials involved.By the Stars, she’s using the same words as my father.

I lashed my tail in annoyance at the woman. “Hey, Vekna. Have you been able to find out anything else?”

Her ears leaned back in a neutral position as she sat on the wastebasket holding the corrupt Dossur. “Nothing more in the transaction logs. I suppose we should see who all are on the company’s payroll, that might help us find out who those other two spehlickers are.” She tapped on the pad to access the payroll portion, but something’s off. As soon as she starts scrolling, her ears slowly start to raise in alarm.

I trotted over to see just what was causing her to respond like that, and I quickly found my own ears raised as well. “What… half of these people don’t even work for the company! Prohet, safety board inspector… Jotshul, regulatory accountability liaison. These…” I looked over at the wastebin and Mayrar on the ground. “This is a bribe list!”

Vekna tapped my shoulder to get my attention. “It gets worse. Look.” She pointed at a particular name on the list, one with a much higher “salary” noted, and my ears fell.“Sontaz.”

I didn’t even have to read more. They were the ones who gave us permission to investigate. The Head of the Safety Inspection Board for the district. “I don’t understand,” I said, taking a step back, “if they were being bribed, why would they let us go on? Encourage us to look at other sites? Why- why would they do the site raids?”

The wastebin shuffled. “Wait,” Motsul squealed from within, “Sontaz set you on this!? That- THAT BRAHKASS OF A KHOLSHIAN!!! It’s a conspiracy! They’re trying to push me out! After all I did for them?!”

Vekna continued to read the list as I lifted the wastebasket once more. This time, though, Motsul got the first word in. “If you pick me up again, say goodbye to any info I might have on that speh-sucking semiaquatic! I will Not be treated like a toy any longer!”

I glared at her. “You really think you’re in a position to make demands?”

“Oh, with the dirt I have? I most certainly am.” The Dossur narrowed her eyes at me, as if to dare me to give up the information she’s offering.If this goes so high, though, I can’t afford to loose that information.

I hissed air through my teeth and backed away. “Fine.But you’d better tell us everything you know, or that wastebasket is going right back over you!”

She waved a dismissive paw at me. “Certainly. If I’m going down, I’m taking Sontaz down with me. At least I have a good lawyer on speed-dial.” She glances on my still recording holonote. “I’m sure I can get this included as part of a plea deal.” She started to walk over towards her desk, most likely so she could sit on that comically small desk she had installed on the larger piece of furniture. “Should I start from the beginning?”

I crossed my arms and did my best to replicate the piercing stare of a human. By the hesitancy in her next step, it was safe to say I succeeded in some capacity. “F-Fine, you don’t have to look at me that way. Just…let me…” She started to climb the drawers until she got to the top, already panting from the exertion.How in the Stars did she think she’d get away from us in the first place??

I raised one ear to signal impatience. She took her seat and flicked her tail at me. “Okay…okay…whew.Alright, well, when my company arrived in this backwater town, it wasn’t half of what you’ve seen during your time here. The only buildings other than the mines were destitute living quarters and maybe a theater.” Her cheeks puff. “And I say maybe due to how it was only half constructed. Its roof was just a tarp! You can just tell this place had no sense of direction, and my company was the one to get it back on its paws.”

Vekna peeked out over the pad, an inquisitive expression apparent. “You mean take over? This list has half the damn regulatory employment on it!”

Motsul rolled her eyes. “Those people wouldn’t even have gotten those jobs in the first place without our company! The only reason this town began to run a profit was because I invested in getting that fusion plant built! Those mines only made them break even,if that!”

“And how does that explain the reckless disregard for any form of safety?” I question as deadpan as I can. “Seems counterproductive to long term growth.”

She tries to glare, but shrinks with a small huff. “You think this growth would go anywhere near as quickly with those regulators peering over our shoulders every second of the Paw?” Her tail lashed. “Sontaz was at least smart enough to see the profit that could be gained, and said that if I were to join with him and a backer, I could build without restriction. Government contracts guaranteed!”

“A backer?” I questioned. “And who might that be? Perhaps someone else on your payroll over there?”

Motsul shrugged. “It’s not like I can effectively hide, but you’ll never find them out. Full protections, pseudonyms, the works. You’d be better off chasing a starcruiser past the atmosphere.”

“They’re called Mr. Prong,” Vekna stated, “local bank account, likely another resident. Must be important, as this is a governmental account. Probably whoever used to hold their position, if I were to guess.”So that rules out who we came here for.

I sighed, glaring back at the overweight Dossur. “You underestimate us. We found you out, after all. What makes you so sure this backer of yours can hide from us?”

Motsul met my stare with one of almost equal intensity. “You found me? No, that idiot Venlil led you right to me! Because you were supposed to after that brahkass Sontaz set you up to take me down! And you think I would just tell you why Mr. Prong is going to get away? I’d rather get eaten by an Arxur than blab and face down whatever he might do to me!”

Vekna finally put away her pad, data chips still inside. “So what is he then? Some sort of crime boss? Perhaps a former-” I held out a paw to cut her off, lowering my ears in negativity.Whoever this “Mr. Prong” is has to be someone in the government. We already have our target in that regard, but I feel like we just got another.”

“Even if we don’t know who they are yet,” I stated, “we have enough evidence in these files to take down two of the three of this conspiracy, as well as get charges on all those foremen to stick, as well as anyone else on that bribe list. They are going down even if people have to search for them.”

Vekna twitched her ears back and forth in thought as she looked back at the pad. I was going to ask Motsul more when I heard Vekna gasp. “S-Sharnet!!” She steps forward and excitedly waves the pad in front of my face. “L-Look! It-It’s him!!”

My ears raised in interest, and upon seeing what she meant, my tail started to wag. Right there, on the bribe list, was none other than our true target: “Huvel.” I whistled a laugh, much to the confusion of Motsul. “What…who are you two morons cackling over?”

“Tell me,” I asked with a whistle of amusem*nt, “why do you think we’re in town? Do you think we came here for you?”She opened her mouth to respond, only to shut it shortly after. Vekna backed me up, sitting in the chair beside me. “We didn’t even mean to take you down when we came here. You were just soobviousthat we didn’t even have to really try to take you down as well! No, we’re here to find someone actually dangerous. The person, ‘Huvel,’ on your list. What can you tell us about him?”

Motsul looked between us inquisitively. “Why do…you know what? Fine. I hired him on a few rotations ago, on the behest of our backer. Said that someone was paying a good sum for him to get a job here. I figured nepotism, that Harchen seemed the type to have some hot-speh parents back on Fahl. You know the kind I’m talking about, right? Rich kid, never known a day of work in his life?”

Vekna barely held back a snigg*ring whistle. “Like you?”

Motsul went red in the face as she stood from her chair, the sudden motion sending her wobbling. “Don’t you dare! I built this company from the ground up, and I won’t have you slandering me when I’m actively helping you!”

As much as I wanted to join Vekna in her jeers, I knew that if we wanted a concrete story of how Halvone got where he is, we’d need to play nice for now. I placed a paw on Vekna’s shoulder and lowered my ears. She looked at me confusedly, but I started talking before she could say anything more. “So Huvel was hired on a few rotations ago. Would you say that’s around when the Tarlim case was wrapping up?”

Motsul plopped back in her chair, still glaring at Vekna. “Yeah, around then. He seemed to like working with the electric grid, so I placed him in charge of maintaining the fusion reactors. With how foolproof they make these things now, I’m pretty sure I could leave aplantin charge and it would still run smoothly. He hasn’t caused enough of a fuss outside of a…few instances of negligence to get repositioned, so he’s stayed there since.”

I flick my ears inquisitively. “And how many do these “few” instances entail?”

“… five a season. B-But none caused by him! The workers just don’t properly insulate their equipment!” She stammered out. “And it’s not like I could move him if I tried. His position wasn’t…entirelymy decision. It was part of the deal, and with how many credits were paid to keep him here, I wasn’t about to argue. There’s a time and place for negotiation, but 2,000,000 credits certainly isn’t that time nor place!”

Both me and Vekna balked at that number. Two Million?? “You paid him that much?”

“Wha- no. They loaned US that to join up so long as we returned it with interest!”

A loan.Money to make sure they keep quiet, and a loan to ensure you stay profiting.Still, he… he…

I pull my ears over my eyes. “Brahk!”

Vekna looks at me with concern, as do the other three in the room. “What’s wrong? Don’t we have them?”

“A loan,” I groan, clenching the wool on my legs. “A loan!”

“Yeah…?” Motsul hesitated.

“I don’t understand,” Cekna asked. “What’s the problem?”

“Heloanedthe money,” I explain, frustration clear in my voice, “the payroll can be explained as just being paid back! He has never been moved as part of this place’s scheme! Brahk, he could easily declare that he was just yet another investor misled by this moron!” I gestured agitatedly to Motsul, who gave an indignant grunt in response. “Spehk it! We were this close to another way to pin him…and a way to avoid seeing the egg woman.”

Vekna cringed with me, while Motsul’s mouth hung open. “Thewhatwoman??”

“Oh,” I snark, “like you’re the worst we’ve seen? Don’t flatter yourself. Youdon’twant to know the things we’ve found.”

Motsul leaned back in her chair. “I think we can at least agree on that.”

Vekna shook her head. “So what do we do now?”

That was a good question. I needed to focus.Focus. Breathe. Calm…

“Well, our plan hasn’t changed.” I released the grip on my wool. “We still have the meeting, and can find what we need there. For now, contact the exterminators and… the public liaison for the Magistratta of the district.”

“The Magistratta??” Motsul seems shocked at my decision. “S-surely we could let local law enforcement…”

Their expression fell as both me and Vekna stared them down. Vekna cleared her throat. “Prumic, Exterminator Head Commander. Has one of the larger ‘salaries’ in the payroll.”

Motsul blinked. Once. Twice.

The basket is over her before she can even wedge herself out of her chair. Gotta be quicker than that.

I gave the side of the overturned wastebasket a tap. “You people really need to work on not just bolting. Especially if you actually plan on claiming you cooperated.”

“It’s instinct!” I heard the Dossur squeak, “can you at least- at least keep me somewhere with more room? Please?”

I whistled a laugh. “No.”

I looked at Vekna, who was in a conversation with the receptionist. Despite the suddenness of the situation, she handled everything well. I don’t think I could have handled myself in this without her support.

I hope she can help with the report to the Magistratta as well.

Chapter 22

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Venlil Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] September 27th, 2136

This has got to be the longest a government agency has ever reacted to a conspiracy.

We’ve been sitting here for over a claw, taking turns blocking the doorway so neither Mayrar nor Motsul try to escape. We’ve also locked the window, just in case the Dossur gets any ideas. For the most part, they’ve been well behaved, as well behaved as criminals caught in the act can get. Motsul sits at her undersized desk, talking to her lawyer on the phone, some guy named Venric. She’s currently indignantly speaking about availability with him.Guess something else is going on right now. Good, less time they have to defend her.

I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the tiny slam of a Dossur-sized pad on the desk. I look over to see the doughy visage if Motsul massaging her temples. “Ugh, even at top dollar! What lawsuit could be so important he can’t fit me in until [October 10th]? I still can’t believe you two are taking this all the way up to the high Magistratta.”

I flick my ears sassily. “What, disappointed you wouldn’t get off with a tail tag and a strongly worded commail?” I whistled a laugh. “We saw the head of the local Exterminator’s Guild on your list. There’s no way we’re letting you get handled by them!”

“At least not until they get restructured,” Sharnet adds, “then they could likely go nuts.” She sighs, putting down her own pad. “Where are they? I have tried every public line, even used my reporter credentials! Brahk, what’s taking them so long? Are they having to pick and choose which officers to bring?” She pauses at her question before slumping a bit. “… ah, I may have answered my own question.”

“If they even bring officers,” I snark, “who knows who else is in on this and just strong armed into silence? Not everyone who is complicit has to be paid.”

“Still, it’s been exposed!” She lashes her tail. “Wouldn’t that be the perfect moment to come forward? To act? Why are they hesitant?”

I’m about to answer, when my ears flick to attention. I hear the faint hum of an engine, wheels on the road. It’s definitely a government model from the sounds of it, most likely an Exterminator van.I remember servicing a few of them during my time in the garages.“Seems like that hesitancy has worn off. Shall we greet them?”

Sharnet raises herself to her feet, her tail wagging in anticipation. “I believe we shall!” She takes two steps towards the door, before pausing to give a scorching glare towards our two prisoners. “Don’t. Move.”

Mayrar nervously nods while Motsul just wiggles her ears annoyedly. “What, you really think I’m going to… don’t answer that.” I smile to myself as we exit the room, leaving the Krakotl receptionist to watch over them. We exit into the lobby, where a few prestige exterminators are already waiting. I momentarily freeze at the sight that befalls me. Behind them, a well-groomed Fissian trots out of the back, flanked by another couple of exterminators with medals showing them to be Prestige as well.I guess that explains the delay.

Sharnet flicks her ears in welcome and bows. I hastily follow suit as not to draw any suspicion to myself. “Greetings, officers. We are the ones who called you here. We promise that it will be worth your time.”

The closest officer, a fully-suited Venlil, lowers their ears. “We’re not the ones you need to explain that to. He is.” He steps to the side as the Fissian we saw exit the van finally makes his way to the building. In stark contrast to Motsul, this man is gaunt, almost skeletal. Gray furs around his muzzle betray his age, though his fur is as luscious as any other Fissian I’ve seen.Which isn't a lot.

Once through the door, he politely bows before us, the horn on his head nicked with the trials of age. “Greetings. I am Welvoca. I apologize for the delay, but someone so predatory as to cover up the horrific abuse of their subordinates calls for proper precautions.” He stands back up, gesturing to the prestige exterminators who all stand guard around us. The action made the wool on my scruff tense up.I have never felt more in danger in my life.

I barely manage to keep my composure as Welvoca looks behind us towards Motsul’s office. “We will need all records for a full proper investigation. I’m certain you understand.”

“I must apologize,” Sharnet began, “but I promised to give these records over to the Magistratta. We have found evidence that officers have been accepting bribes, so we wish to ensure that the proper authorities get their information.”

Welvoca clears their throat. “It appears there has been a misunderstanding. I am not an officer. I am the Magister of Economics and Infrastructure. This falls under my jurisdiction, so it’s my duty to ensure that this investigation is concluded successfully. I was completely unaware of the scrupulous conduct of this company, and I will do everything in my power to rectify it.”

Sharnet bowed. “We are willing to assist in any way we… Infrastructure?”

“Mmh. Yes.” Welvoca shook his mane. “To think such a conspiracy was happening under my nose. Think of how much valuable real estate is currently occupied by completely subpar construction! It will cost a small fortune to demolish it all, and all the property will have to be transferred…ugh, my hands are already cramping thinking about it.” He snorts irritatedly as he starts to move forward, his incendiary entourage following closely behind. “Where have you kept the primary suspects?”

Still feeling the stares of the officers around us, I start to lead the magister inside. “Right this way. We made sure both stayed in the office.” We only make it only two steps inside when the voice of the receptionist catches my ears.

“Mister Welvoca? I didn’t know you had an appointment today. I am afraid you will have to reschedule your seasonal meeting on account of…well, you see.” She gestures a wing towards the two of them.How do they know one another?

The Fissan shook their mane in slight surprise, suddenly looking flustered at being recognized. “Oh, Rechela! I- I had thought that you would have gone home due to these circ*mstances.”

The Krakotl clacked her beak together. “And not see that brahkass carried off by the fluff of their tail? I wouldn’t miss that even if a Grey raid landed right outside.” Her chest feathers ruffled out in elation that her bosses would finally get what’s coming to them.But how does he know her name? WE didn’t even know her name until now!

I eye the Fissian man up and down, trying to figure out what’s going on here. Motsul doesn’t appear particularly nervous at the sight of the magister. That might just be because they are familiar but…

But why would a magister be directly involved with this company? Isn’t that something delegated? Unless…I pull out my pad, navigating to the unlocked data chips. There, on the payroll, stands the one person Motsul hyped up so much.Mr. Prong. Prong…like a horn. HORN!I quickly glance up at the gaunt man talking to Motsul. They were polite to each other.Too polite.I couldn’t care less what they’re saying. I check the accounting number once again, and it’s still a random-key-generated number.All that talk, and the man we’re looking for is right here!

I nudge Sharnet’s shoulder and quietly pass the pad. She looks at me in confusion before looking down for herself to read it. I watch as her eyes slowly widen and her tail stills in realization.If I can just get my hands on his passkey, I’ll know for certain what’s going on here!While he’s distracted talking to Mayrar and Motsul, I slowly start to reach for his belt pack. I’ve had experience with pickpocketing before, desperation is often immoral.Hopefully I can…just…

Welvoca starts to turn towards us again, and I hastily back up, not eager to be escorted out by a prestige exterminator farewell. “Well, I must say, I had no idea that a Dossur could be so devious. Thank you both for bringing this to my attention. Now, shall we leave? I am a very busy man, after all.” He beckons with his hand towards me. “Now, the evidence? The review team have work claws too, you know.”

sh*t sh*t, what do I do?? If I give him these data chips, the case is as good as covered up! And if I don’t, I might get framed!As I hesitate to form a response, Sharnet suddenly steps forward, “I want to say again that I am so honored that you came here personally! We had no idea what to do ourselves!”

Welvoca waves her off. “Of course, I know how emotional you Venlil can be. It’s only natural that you would bring in someone stronger than you.”

“Absolutely! Absolutely! It’s just…” she steps forward and-

And Hugs Him???

“Thank you so much for what you’ve done, Your Honor!” She leans back, her hands lowering down from the hug. “I hope that wasn’t too inappropriate!”

He clicks a laugh. “Not at all! But please, the files?”

Sharnet bows respectfully, “Of course, they are all in that wall safe behind the certificate!”

I can’t believe it.She’s fallen for it, and I couldn’t tell her with the exterminators around. I can only stare as the Fissan walks over to where the evidence had been as Sharnet straightens her belt packs and-

…Wait.Packs?

“You know,” Sharnet laughs, fiddling with her holonote,“it’s funny. When we first got here, Motsul tried to escape by leaping out the window.” She walks over to the windows, glancing between the two. “Hey Vekna, I can’t remember, did they go out this window or the other one?”

Confused, I point to the one that’s currently…locked.Oh. Oh no no no, you are not making me jump through a window. Not today, come on! I just got my fur done last paw!Sharnet flicks her ears at my pleading stare, and I know what the plan is without her having to say a word.Hopefully Welvoca’s stamina is comparable to Motsul’s.I nervously await for her to signal when, my legs already twitching in anticipation for what they’re about to do.Let's hope my body is up to the task.

“Yeah, it was this one.” She said, flicking the lock. “It was open and they ju-

“Hey! It’s Brahking Empty!”

“LEAP OUT!!”

Sharnet dives head first through the open window, Rechela squawking in surprise as I follow. It’s a tight fit, but thankfully all goes well.It’s not like office windows are meant to be jumped out of, anyways.I tumble to the ground, the air getting knocked out of my lungs for a moment. I can feel my airway constricting as I try to pull in much needed oxygen, but my flight instincts are fully engaged. To conserve my consciousness, I focus on Sharnet and Sharnet alone, running after her. She’s doing….something with her holonote? I can’t tell, nor do I have the stamina to figure it out.Just keep running. Just keep running.I start to wheeze as the outer reaches of my vision darken.Just. Keep. Running.

I can vaguely hear noises behind me, but I don’t understand what they’re saying. They might as well have had their translators turned off for all I know. I manage to catch myself a few more times before I stumble on a tree root and fall face first into the dirt. I try to bring myself up on my arms, but I can’t get enough oxygen to do so. As my vision narrows further, I see a vehicle pull up, and I feel arms under my own dragging me across the ground. I’m turned over, my eyes accosted by sudden light. I can hear shouting, engine noises, Sharnet (I think?) and my own wheezing. Suddenly, the light goes away as my vision narrows to pricks.I hope Sharnet came back for me again…

Something enters my mouth. My airway opens up.Air!I breathe in hard, coughing as I feel the sensation of fabric beneath me. Now that I have my mind again, I can see the interior of a vehicle's roof, and I can hear frantic talking. One is Sharnet, and the other is…the cab driver!We got away!I sit up, my eyes frantically scanning for them.Are they hurt? What happened after I started to black out!I zero in on Sharnet’s voice and turn towards her, my friend thankfully unscathed. “Sharnet!”

“Oh thank the Stars!” She had been holding my head in her lap, my inhaler in her paw. “I swear! I am not deliberately trying to induce your shortlung! Are you okay? Do you need more?”

I fold my ears and push her paw away excitedly. “No, I’m fine now! We-We did it! We got his pad! We need to bring this to the High Magister immediately! Welvoca is-”

“They are Mr Prong,” Sharnet finishes. She must have noticed the look on my face because she continues. “As the Magister of Infrastructure, he would be directly informed of all that goes on. It would be him who approved every one of the buildings Motsul proposed to the Magistratta. For the scale of the corruption that we have seen, they are basically required to be part of the scam.”

I heard a huff from the driver. “To think I voted for them last season!”

“What-” I shake my head to clear out the remaining mental fog, though with only minimal success, “how did you get to us so fast?”

Sharnet whistles a laugh. “It would appear that when Luvak gave me his copy of The Linked Chain, he decided he needed to make sure we didn’t automatically turn him over to the exterminators.”

“Yeah, I did a bit of spying on you two. Sorry, it’s standard practice for new inductees. Honestly, I would have gone home over a claw ago if you hadn’t made a call to the Magistratta.”

“Ah,” Sharnet flicks her ears forward in interest, “so your peopledohave contacts in the District Magistrate? I thought that was just a conspiracy theory masterminded by Exterminator fanboys.”

Luvak taps the steering wheel nervously, “Oh-kay, you’re certainly perceptive! Need to work on that. But it seems like that perception has gotten you into trouble. I only know of one Fissan around here, so that guy who was chasing you down was a magister. What in the name of Solgalick could make you two flee from a magister?”

I pull out my pad, ready to bust this case wide open. “I'd offer to show you, but it's best you keep your eyes on the road. Sharnet, his pad?”

Sharnet pulls the magister’s belt pack off of her waist, removing the data pad from within. She holds it out towards me, her tail wagging in excitement behind her. “Work your magic, Vekna!”

I thought she’d never ask!

Chapter 23

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, investigative Reporter. Date: [Standardized human time] September 27th, 2136

I shouldn’t have been surprised at Welvoca’s involvement. A conspiracy this wide? That many moving parts and government contracts? Of course a Magistrate had to be on the ticket! My biggest regret was forcing Vekna to have that Shortlung Attack in our attempt to escape my mistake. I was just lucky that Luvak stuck around for so long.

Thank the stars we got out of there in one piece.

Thankfully I had managed to swipe Welvoca’s belt, along with his pad inside. By the look of joy on Vekna’s wagging tail, I was hoping that her discoveries made up for the strain.

“So,” I asked optimistically, “what have you found so far?”

She looked at me starry-eyed. “It’ll be easier to say what Ihaven’tfound! This-If we can present this to the Head Magister, we might as well have a recording of confession!” She turned the pad around to me so I could see what she was seeing. “Look here! A meeting schedule with Motsul with the subject of the new refinery! That hadn't even been approved by that point, so they shouldn’t have been in talks to begin with! And here, budgets for projects that don’t have counter offers! Districts are supposed to use multiple companies to ensure a monopoly doesn’t emerge, but this all just guarantees one!”

She turned the pad back to herself. “And this is only the surface! I haven’t even gone that far in, thank the Herd that Welcova only used an old-fashioned numerical password on this thing. My scripts can crack six digits like a Puren Tree Nut!”

I wagged my own tail at the news. “How much do you think you can dig up before we reach the Magistratta?”

“We have about a half claw to get there,” our driver, Luvak, called back to us. “Sidestar is a bit of a drive away from the district-sector seat. The only thing that’d lengthen it would be a recharge stop, but I juiced up about a claw ago, so we should be more than fine.”

I sighed with relief. We would have more than enough time to reach the district seat in Shade Haven, but not so much that Welvoca can burn all the evidence they have.

“Okay,” Vekna sighs, “in a half claw. That’s a little while. I should keep digging to see what else I can find.

I started to bow my head, but a thought crossed my mind.

What can I do in that time?

I was never good at sitting still without a reason to. I looked out the windows at the trees passing by, my paws automatically clenching around the wool on my legs. But this time, there was something else there, something I’d almost forgotten about in the excitement of finding out what we had against Welcova.The Linked Chains manifesto.

I picked up the book, admiring the cover. Emblazoned on it were three interconnecting chain links connected to a single rung in the center, all spread out to an outer ring. Golden chains on a deep red background, I would have thought that they would have…

Oh, wait, it’s a dust cover. I guess they need some way to make the book unassuming when stored, but evident what it is when shared.

Cracking the first page open, I stared at the simple title.

The Linked Chain.

I had heard about this text when I chased that smuggler story a while back. I had thought it would have been obvious what it contained. But when I flipped to the introduction, I was caught off guard with how it began.

“Introduction: The dangers of keeping Predators in close proximity to Settlements.”

I co*cked my head in confusion.Why is a pro-predator book discussing the dangers of having predators next to population centers?I flipped to the following page and began to read, the cab vibrating as we moved down the isolated road towards Shade Haven.

It was an academic paper. An independent study on how a predator known as the Shouthuln behaved on one of the Zurulian colonies. It was a quadrupedal reptilian who mostly moved around in groups of three. The author said that they began this paper as a study into their habits to make it easier for exterminators to identify signs and track the predators, but… their observations were so contrary to everything we’ve been taught!

The author was forced to hide, not because the Predators would attack, but because if they ever even caught her scent they would run! Flee! Any time they came near where Zurulians had gathered, they would go out of their way to avoid the person.

Throughout the planetary year that they observed that, among the Shouthuln, there was never a single time any of the packs even showed interest in the people of the settlement. Only avoidance. Then when she studied the exterminators records for the predator attack rate compared to the amount of times an exterminator was called just for a sight.

The rate was 75 actual sightings per one attack over the course of their planetary year. With all other callouts being for an animal found dead, or the person feeling scared.

Finally, she compared this danger to other common dangers people face. Getting into a car crash, choking on food, workplace accidents, and a few others. In each case, the average person had a massively higher chance of death or injury than they did from a predator attack.

The only conclusion was that the danger of keeping predators in close proximity to settlements was so minimal, that one could walk into a dark alley blindfolded and have more fear of tripping on trash than any harm from a predator.But that makes no sense! We’ve been told all our lives that predators are an existential threat!

But here was this book. Paper upon paper about real studies into predators, all of which showed scientific proof that threat was practically non-existent. The topics ranged across every world, even here on Venlil Prime and the twilight’s most dangerous predator; the shade stalker!This isn’t some deranged religious text, it’s a collection of banned literature!

As I was halfway through reading the second major study in the book, I felt our momentum shift and I noticed that the landscape around us had shifted. I closed the book and looked around. Where once had been a secluded woodland road now gave way to a bustling city, wrought with copious numbers of streetlights. The city center of Shade Haven was shrouded in darkness due to the sun’s position in the sky, save for only the top of the tallest buildings.I see now why energy is such a big export for Sidestar.

“We…” I shook my head in surprise. “We’re already here?”

I heard a snuffling noise to my side. Looking over, I saw that it was Vekna waking up, the pad still in her lap. “Wha-I’m awake! I’m awake-whoa. We’re already here?”

“Yep,” Luvak exclaimed, “may have broken a few traffic laws to get us here quicker but you gotta fight criminals with criminality, right?” He pulled off the speedway and into the heart of the city. “Thankfully, we’re pretty much on top of the magisterial building. I’d be careful, though, ‘cause while you two were distracted, this came through from my… connections.”

He showed us a message containing a short line of text, forwarded to all extermination officers.“Two Female Venlil Inbound to Shade Haven, Stolen Government Property, High Sensitivity, Priority High.”That alone wasn’t great, but what came next was far, far worse.

“Full Flamer Use Authorized.”

“Well,” I deadpanned in an attempt to keep myself calm, “full flamer use. Huh, I always thought if someone wanted me dead, it would be an Arxur.”

I heard Luvak give a huff, with the slightest whistle of amusem*nt within. “You wouldthinkthat, but even during that attempted raid a while back, it seemed the officers were more dangerous.”

Vekna stowed the stolen pad in her own pack, looking between us. “In any case, I don’t think we’ll be able to just walk in anymore. The Magistratta Seat will be teeming with Exterminator Guards, and if even one of them is on Welvoca’s payroll, that’s a wrap for us.”

I clenched the wool on my legs. So close.So close.But what can we do? What can…

Wait.What if WE don’t have to do anything?

“Luvak,” I questioned, “as a member of Linked Chains, do you, perhaps, have some experience with distracting exterminators?”

“Well, when I’m not so complacent as to set our symbol out for everyone to see, I havesomeexperience.” He gave a slightly embarrassed glance at me. “Seriously, if you ever tell anyone about this, please leave that part out? That was… lazy of me.”

“If you can make a big enough hole for us to slip into the High Magister’s office, consider it forgotten,” I stated, looking at Vekna. “At least this one shouldn’t involve too much running. Do you think you can be sneaky?”

She flicked her ears positively. “That, I can do. I’m guessing we’re going in the back way?”

“Something like that,” I said, “It won’t be easy. Even if half of the exterminators leave that place, it’ll still be teeming. We need t-“

Something was pressed into my paws. I looked down to see the same Linked Chains symbol that had been hanging from the dash in my hands. Luvak was looking at me expectantly. “Pale with a brown stripe on the snout, and dark gray with smooth fur. Whatever’s on that pad better be worth all this effort.”

I clenched the metal symbol in my hand. “Thank you. I don’t plan on letting you down.”

He flicked his ears forward in approval. “And don’t worry about your hole.”

Vekna tilted her head in interest. “Do you have a plan?”

Luvack’s whistling laugh filled the car, carrying a devious amusem*nt usually only heard from toddlers. “You can certainly say that.” He leaned over to the side console and popped it open. With one hand, he pulled out a spray bottle of wool dye, and…

A cloth mask. One designed with yellow forward facing eyes and white bared fangs.

“All those exterminators in one place,” he continued, “I don't think I could really resist causing them a bit of chaos, whether or not you two were here. Standard procedure, a few roars and knocked over trash cans, and you’ve got yourself a dangerous predator. Heh, it's been a while since I did this. Last time, I got an entire office to completely drain their fuel tanks! This time I’m aiming to disable some equipment as well.”

“You’re doing it yourself?” Vekna asked, “But what if you get caught?”

“Then at least I’ll get caught in the service of dismantling another part of this broken system of a society.” We came to a stop as a cargo maglev sped by perpendicular to us.

Luvak turned back to me, a knowing look in his features. “After our first encounter, I asked around about you, Sharnet. I know you have a connection with Tarlim. His case, and the shuttering of the Dawn Creek Extermination Center, were the biggest blows to the Exterminators since the Arxur were discovered. Anyone who’s a friend of his is a friend of the Linked Chains.”

The long vehicle finally finished its duration blocking us, and we were able to close the distance, the Magistratta Seat visible a block away. Vekna looked over to me curiously. “Hey, who’s T-”

She didn’t get to finish, as Luvak backed into an alleyway and shut off the cab. He slipped on the mask and started dripping the wool dye into his fur. “Alright ladies, we’re here. I’ve already given the heads up to our contacts inside. Just flash them the symbol and they’ll get you where you need to go.”

I adjusted my pack and watched as his once white fur turned a vibrant shade of reddish orange. “I’m guessing the pouring out of Exterminators from the building is our cue?”

Luvak shook himself, now looking to the world like some savage blood-stained beast. “It should! Now I hope you don’t mind: this is gonna be a bit of fun!” Without another word, he dropped onto all fours and began bounding off out of the alleyway.

Running on all fours… oh Stars, what an absurd paw this has been. Let’s hope it’ll all be worth it.

Chapter 24

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] September 27th, 2136

We eagerly wait in the cab until we see the effects of Luvak’s distraction. What should be a boring affair is a tense, arguably palpable stint in the powered down vehicle. I quietly take the time to remove the now permanently unlocked memory cards from my pad and stash them in a secret pouch in my satchel. Once that’s done, I take the memory from Welvoca’s pad and make a copy, just in case the worst comes to pass, with data log receipts, full records, and most importantly, his personalized passkey.You can never be too safe, after all.

Sharnet is silent besides me as she stares out the window. There’s a worried look in the eye facing me, most likely towards the success of this plan. I remember the descriptions of the contacts Luvak said were inside.Pale with a brown stripe on the snout and dark gray with smooth fur. Pale with a brown stripe on the snout and dark gray with smooth fur.I repeat it again and again in my mind so that I’ll recognize them when the time is right. Even if things go perfectly, their help will be invaluable.

I store my pad in my satchel and place a paw on Sharnet’s shoulder. She doesn’t register the contact for a moment before her eye snaps over to me.She’s saved my life twice now, some kind words are the least I can do.“Hey, don’t get your fur in a knot over this. We know there are people on our side in there, things could be way worse!”

She sighs as she shuffles on her feet. “That’s what I’m fearing. We are so close, and my mind is just rushing through all the ways this could go wrong.”

Okay, confidence, confidence.“We’ve faced a lot already. Even if something does happen, I’m certain that we’ll find another opening. We don’t give up on a story, right?”

I watch as her paws begin to unclench from her wool, her ears slowly relaxing. “Don’t give up. We keep going…” she then gives a small whistle of amusem*nt. “A whole predator costume. And I thought that the conspiracy would be the strangest part of the Paw.”

I’m about to confirm when I hear a sudden shriek echo from where Luvak had bounded off towards.I guess that’s our cue.I brush Sharnet with my tail to get her attention before exiting the cab and kneeling behind it. My ears are flat against my head as I peek my eye over the forward cargo space. Sure enough, a whole host of Exterminators flood out of the building, no doubt responding to a myriad of calls from the same area.

I hear the click of a door to my right as I see Sharnet slink off in the shadows. I swiftly follow, and all goes well until another guard exits the building. Sharnet stops and I cover my mouth to stifle the sounds of my breathing.Great, this is the last thing I need! If I’m caught, I won’t see the outside again until my mind’s gone!

We crouch in the shade for an agonizing minute until the guard walks off in the wrong direction. Yet another officer pulled away for a predator sighting. Sharnet and I move forward and peak around the corner. It’s a far sight better than what was, but the lobby is still teeming with guards.

Wait. That pale one! She has a brown stripe on her snout!Of course they’re one of the guards!I nudge Sharnet with my elbow and point to her. She looks towards the brown-striped Venlil and realization flashes in her eye. She retrieves the medallion Luvak had given us and I flick my ears slightly whilst keeping them pressed against my head.

The dedicated guards are currently wandering, looking uncertain at how all the exterminators had run out. They’re disorganized, which could work to our advantage. Hopefully, the fact that the message was specifically directed towards exterminators meant that the guards were mostly ignorant of who exactly they were looking for. We aren’t willing to risk that, though, as we sneak through the shadows cast by the harsh lights inside against the dark streets.

It isn’t long before we’re next to the guard, and I pat Sharnet’s back with my tail to remind her of the symbol. She unwraps her paw to reveal it, flicking her ears the same as I had done before.Hopefully there aren’t two pale white Venlil with a stripe on their snout who happen to be guards here.

Sharnet brushes the tip of her tail against the guard’s ankle. I see the guard look down, and their ears rise in alarm as they whirl to look at her, but their expression relaxes as Sharnet holds up the medallion like an official report. She looks around for a moment before cracking open a closet door behind her. We slip inside and she follows us in, closing the door behind her and speaking softly.“I’m guessing you two are the ones Luvak warned us about?”

We both flick our now unfolded ears, but due to the darkness inside the closet, the effectiveness of that action is heavily mitigated. I opt to whisper instead, just in case she didn’t catch the gesture.Herd knows I wouldn’t in this environment. “Yes, that’s us. We have evidence of higher corruption that we need to get to the Head Magistrate immediately!”

“I don’t know how easy that will be,”the guard states,“someone just came through a few minutes ago. Our contact upstairs was only able to send a TDNI request, and that was a quarter claw ago. I haven’t heard from him since.”

The thought that Welvoca could’ve gotten here before us flashes in my mind, and I press further.“Do you think that Welvoca could be here already?”

The guard makes a gesture I can’t properly see.“I don’t know. All I know is that after the request, Exterminators flooded the building. There were maybe a dozen total here before, but after? Easily hundreds. Whatever you got must have ruffled the wrong Krakotl’s feathers.”

“More like ruffled the wrong Fissian’s mane,”Sharnet adds.“This goes up to the lower Magistratta, and if what you’re saying is right, the Head might be manipulated already. Regardless, we need a way to get up to his office undetected. You said your other contact was upstairs, right? Where exactly?”

“Same floor as the Head Magistrate,”our ally explains,“different section. Though considering the request, he might be on guard.”

“That’s a chance we’ll have to take,”I assert.“Do you have any way we could get up there undeterred?”

The brown-striped Venlil thinks for a moment before tapping her foot.“You two are probably small enough to fit in the service elevator. It’s usually reserved for moderately-sized species like the Thafki and Sivkit, but a couple of Venlil should just about be small enough to fit in.”

Great. More acrobatics.It’s not an ideal plan, but it’s the best one we have. I glance over to Sharnet’s silhouette and smack my tail against her back. She returns the gesture before flicking her ears to the guard.“That’s all well and good, but how do you plan on getting us there?”

“Simple,”the guard says before standing and flicking the light on. All of a sudden, our surroundings are illuminated…and it’s all cleaning supplies.“Nobody ever checks the janitors.”

I stare at the cleaning supplies, stifling a laugh.Seems Sharnet’s herd service has just come into use.“Okay,”I breathe out,“just like with the safety inspector helmets.”I reach over and grab one of the janitor belts, Sharnet already following suit.“Hey, out of curiosity, were you a member before you became a guard?”

The guard hesitates a bit, seemingly uncertain if my question was one she was allowed to answer.“Well if Luvak trusts you…no. I only found out a couple rotations ago. Oh, I'm Vyalti, by the way.”

Sharnet clips her belt and begins hanging a couple spray bottles and wipe containers on it.“Good to meet you, Vyalti. If you don't mind my asking, what made you change your mind? I mean… we were always told it was a death cult.”

“Simple, I saw it with my own eyes,”Vyalti admitted quietly.“I used to be a Junior exterminator when I was a little kid. Corny, I know, but what did you expect? Everything we were taught held them up on a pedestal, even in my time. You two are probably too young for the live action…”

She cleared her throat.“Sorry, off topic. Anyways, on my first mission, we were called out to dispatch a predator. When we got there, we found it and its cub… playing. I couldn’t call it anything else, just playing. The cub ran off into the woods, and the older ones burned the child before the mother could react. It heard the flames and came running, but once it realized its cub was dead, it just…”She pauses for a moment.“…it justgave up*. It didn’t even scream as they burned it. I…changed my career path shortly afterwards, as you can well see.”*

I flick my ears in interest.“I… I can see why that would make you quit but… why join Linked Chains?”

“Because it never even attacked us. It wasn’t anywhere close to a settlement! A nature hiker reported it[miles]off a fence-protected path, and what did we do?”She pounded a paw against her chest.“Wehunted it*.*Us.Wewere the predators, not it. Me, the Venlil, sprak, the entire Herd-damned Federation! Nothing more than predators that hunt and kill. Not even for food, just for the sake of it! I tried to say something, but I almost got thrown into a facility for it. So with nothing else I could put my skills towards, I just became a guard. That’s when they found me. People that knew what I had uncovered for[years and years.]It was…refreshing to have people who understood, and more than that,agreed*.”*

Agreed. To find someone like you, who you want to be like…

I can understand why Sharnet is intrigued by them. I fit the last of the supplies on my belt as Sharnet pulls out the janitorial cart.“And you’ve been like that for two rotations now?”

“Give or take a few herds of paws, yes. But that's enough talking. So, are you two ready?”Vyalti stands as she looks us over. Thankfully, the alert Welvoca sent was very vague, only mentioning our gender. That means we have a good chance of slipping by unnoticed, just like the guard said.

I glance over to Sharnet, who flicks her ears at me.Alright, time to do this. “Yeah, we’re ready.”I silently responded.

If only I felt ready!!

Chapter 25

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Investigative Infiltrating Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] September 27th, 2136

It was like we were invisible. Vyalti wasn’t kidding, whenever we passed a guard, they just moved to get out of our way!This sure beats sneaking.Thankfully, the head coverings we appropriated were enough that, even if the guards were briefed on our faces, not enough of us was visible to identify us at a glance.

We pushed our cart down the winding hallways of the Magisterial building, the small repulsion drive humming as we moved. I’d have thought that something like this would be reserved for something a bit more important than a lowly janitor’s cart, but anything to keep the floors spotless, I suppose. Vekna walked next to me, the two of us tipping our coverings to the guards as we passed. I could only imagine how stressed Vekna must be feeling by now.

Speaking of…Once we passed into an empty hallway, I nudged Vekna with my elbow. She just about jumped out of her fur, lending credence to my intuition. “Everything okay?”

She quickly flicked her ears, a bit too quickly at that. “Yep! Doing great! You?” I could tell by her tone that she was far from fine. I brushed my tail against her back in a comforting manner. She took a second, but once she realized what I meant, she sighed and pulled down her hat. “Sorry, it’s just…this is stressful, you know?”

Do I know! I feel like I am going to spontaneously combust if the exterminators don’t get to me first!

“I know,” I stated, mentally going through Tarlim’s breathing exercise.Focus, Breathe, Calm. Just like he said.“If you can believe it, I’m a little on edge, too.”

“What?” She questioned. She was about to continue, but a Krakotl guard passed in front of us. We tipped our hats to him, and he dipped his beak back at us.Another potential problem averted.Once we were out of earshot of him, Vekna let out a huff. “I thought you did stuff like this for a living! That guy almost gave me a heart attack!”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t feel fear,” I responded, “it’s just that if I let it control me again it would only bring pain. I don’t want more people to suffer just because I ran.”

“I…suppose that makes sense. Hopefully once this is over, we can refocus and confirm that Huvel is our guy.” She hailed the elevator before rubbing at her head. “And to think that this all was supposed to be a time-fill. Now we’re sneaking through a compound that wants us extra-crispy trying to blow the lid off a Magistrate-high economic conspiracy! Is being a journalist always so…soexhausting?”

My teeth pressed into my tongue, berating it for even daring to consider the laugh that formed. It claimed innocence, but I knew better! That Kholshian guard walking by would have gotten way too suspicious of someone bursting out in whistles, janitor or not!

“I want to say it isn’t,” I whispered, “but with our luck, the universe might take that as a challenge.”

“Yeah,” Vyalti deadpanned, joining our conversation as she loosely escorted us, “you might find out that the Federation is hiding sapient predators or something.”

“Well that’s just absurd,” Vekna giggled, “even by our luck! Sapient predators? Never in a million years!”

Vyalti’s tail twitched in sly amusem*nt. “Yeah, it kinda feels like that sometimes. Oh, here.”

She gestured to an unassuming door, presumably our destination. She pulled her keycard out of her hip pack and passed it over a card reader, sliding the door to the side for us to enter. “The service elevator is straight ahead, third hall on the left. This is as far as I can take you two. You have everything you need?”

I wagged my tail in the affirmative. “We have copies of everything, and have already sent extra copies to our private data accounts, right Vekna?”

At my words, Vekna’s ears fell. She looked anywhere but at me, trying to pretend she didn’t hear me.Oh by the Stars.“Right,Vekna?”

“I…er…” She sheepishly looked at me, “I didn’t know I was supposed to do that??”

I stumbled as we went through the door. “V-Vekna! We are going to confront someone in thegovernmentwith evidence of a conspiracy, all of which could be hidden just by getting rid of our data pads! When-when I found that first overseer, I sent multiple copies of my evidence out to ensure it wasn’t ignored!Pleasetell me you at least sent a copy to VRPBN!”

If her ears could meld into her skull, they would’ve done so by now. “I-If I said no, would that be a bad thing?”

I mentally shrunk as we entered the elevator. “Vekna. Why??”

She stood a little taller as she responded. “Look, it’s probably for the best, okay? There’s a chance they could’ve intercepted the upload and used it to track our location!”

“That’s not how that works!” I protested. “Okay, look, do you think you can convince a bunch of flamer-happy exterminators not to burn you to death? Or convince a High Magister to not call those exterminators to burn us to death? Because that’s our only chance of coming out of this alive without something to hold over their heads!”

“We have something, we have Weloca’s pad! The chain code is unmistakably his, and the presence of those documents is unforgeable proof of this!”

I grip the wool on my legs, feeling like I’m going to rip some out. “And if the Magister decides they want to join in instead??”

“Then all of this would be pointless to begin with!” Vekna said, raising her voice. I was thankful that we were in an elevator, otherwise she would’ve just blown our cover. She seemed to realize this herself, as she covered her mouth reflexively before continuing. “Sorry, I’m sorry, it’s just…if the High Magister is in on this too, then what were we even hoping to accomplish? There’s already enough Speh to deal with, we need to believe that at least one person is willing to do the right thing.” She went silent for a moment, closing her eyes before speaking in a desperate tone. “I…need…to believe that.”

I wanted to protest once more. Say that many people in power wouldn’t care if they could do what they wanted out of sight, that having people observe their wrongdoings keeps them accountable. Tell her that we needed a guarantee that would let the public know even if the conspirators tried to silence us. But I knew… this was something more for her. A hope that someone in power would want to help, someone more than just Tarva.

She tasted acceptance. With Vyalti, with Luvak.With me.I could probably count on one paw how many others had done so for her in the past while knowing who she really was. I could tell that the Linked Chainers knew as well. They had the same cautious look in their eyes when they first realized, one I knew from when I had first seen her for who she really was. But I knew now that she was no less deserving of her life than anyone else, no matter what speh the Federation forces down our throats. And they knew it, too.It’s a Stars-damned shame she can’t see that, too.

And so, I started the breathing exercise again.Focus, Breathe, Calm. Focus, Breathe, Calm. Focus. Breathe. Calm.I felt my paws unclench from my fur, and I opened my eyes. I could see Vekna all but cowering, awaiting the fury she was sure would come from me.I will not let her be right about that.

“We can handle this,” I breathed, “you’re right. We need to be sure the High Magister wasn’t in on it, there wouldn’t have been as big a reaction if they were. So Welvoca must be trying to convince them to come to his side first. We can stop them. We can.”

She opened her eyes, looking at me cautiously. “You mean…I…y-yeah. Yeah! We can! We-“ She stopped abruptly in the middle of her sentence, looking like she just had a revelation. “Sharnet! I have a fantastic idea!”

Despite the cramped space of the elevator, I try to show my interest with my ears. “What? I’m listening!”

“You said that all he would have to do is take the pad away! We can use that to our advantage! I copied the information over to my pad, chain code and all. If he tries to confiscate the device you have on you, that’s fine! We have an in-person back-up! We can use my pad as the stand-in, they’re the same model!” She retrieved both her and Wevoca’s pads from her pouch.By the Stars, they are identical!Welvoca’s is a tad more weathered, but true to Vekna’s word, they are indeed the same model.

“If we can get the other contact to escort us in, we have a surefire way the High Magister could see it! We give Welvoca’s pad to them beforehand, the others can search us, and they’ll find mine! It doesn’t matter if they take it away or even destroy it, the contact will still have the original!” She was positively brimming with enthusiasm, as if she had managed to solve all illness.Given the fool-proof nature of her plan, I might join her!

As if to show approval of the idea, the doors to the elevator open, the room devoid of guards. I slipped out of the cramped space, my tail wagging eagerly, “That’s perfect! Here,” I pull out my holonote, holding it out to her, “do the same with mine! I will listen at the door in case anyone comes along! How long would you need?”

She connected her pad to my holonote wirelessly, starting the transfer process. “Only a [minute]. In the meantime, see if you can get the contact to me. We can brief them on the plan. Getting “caught” suddenly sounds a lot better to me!” She huddled in the corner, leaving me to get the guard over to her.

I let my tail wag freely as I moved out into the hallway, looking for the contact.By the Stars, we have a plan!

Chapter 26

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] September 27th, 2136

I continue the data transfer to Sharnet’s holonote as the sounds of the janitorial cart grow dimmer and dimmer. I’m honestly surprised just how smoothly Sharnet accepted my proposal. In all fairness, given my own blunders, it’s the best bet we have at this point.Come on, you’re smarter than that! Not even a single remote copy? Stupid!

I sigh as I paw at my forehead. This entire adventure has been one stressful situation after another. And now I’m part of untangling a Magistrate-high conspiracy under threat of the flamer treatment, wagering the pad that I joined this Herd-forsaken job for in the first place! I must be mad, this is the opposite of laying low!

And yet…

Never in any of my jobs have I felt so alive. Sure, I loved working on vehicles, but you can only recalibrate so many power couplings before your brain starts to rot. This made me think, gave me an excuse to actually get out and do something worthwhile. I get to make the difference in the world that I wanted to make, changes that gave me hope that maybe, someday, I could finally come clean.I could finally be myself.

A chime catches my ear. I look down to see that the date copy has finished. My tail wags as I stow the pad and hold Sharnet’s holonote in my paws. I swivel my ears towards the hallway to see what I can hear.

Paws click lightly against the tile floor, getting closer and closer. I duck behind one of the potted plants to conceal myself just in case those sounds aren’t a good sign.

The door slides open, revealing the unfamiliar form of a Venlil guard. A jolt of fear runs down my spine as I make to hide, but behind them! I see her! Sharnet’s with them! This guard must be the other contact Vyalti and Luvak had talked about.

“Vekna,” she calls, “is it ready?”

I stand from my hiding spot, trying to pretend as if I wasn’t just hiding behind a potted plant. “Yep! Have you already briefed…uh…” I trail off as I realize that I have no clue what the other guard’s name is.

The guard straightens, looking like a professional officer by their stance. “Name’s Kellis. I understand you two are in the process of dismantling part of our government.”

That’s certainly a way to put it.“In a sense, yes,” I reply, “but it’s more complicated than that. Has Sharnet already told you the plan?” I fish the pads out of my pack, making sure that all of the information was copied to all three devices.

He bows. “I am to ensure that His Honor Gaerhun gets this pad with the information pulled up while you two distract Welvoca. Some of our ‘mutual friends’ think you are doing something good, so I am willing to take a risk here. Hopefully Xalen’s loyalties lie with the Magistrate, not credits.”

I co*ck my head at the unfamiliar name. “Xalen?”

“Gaerhun’s personal guard. Takkan. He’s the one who guided Welvoca to the High Magister, and our ‘mutual friends’ say he’s got contacts in the exterminators.”

“Oh,” Sharnet sighs, “so he would be able to call them personally.”

“Correct,” Kellis states, “so you will need to convince them as well. From what I’ve seen, though, he’s more concerned with the protection of the High Magister than the exterminators. It’s impossible to tell if that conviction has a price. For what it’s worth, though, I believe he can be trusted to side with him. All that’s left is to see if the Magister himself is on our side.”

Okay, just one more thing. We can do this. We Can do this.I quickly brief Kellis on the rest of our plan, hand him Welvoca’s pad, and soon enough, we’re ready to go. He leads us into the rather empty hallway. With Luvak’s distraction outside, I’m guessing most of the guards are busy downstairs. I brace for what’s the hardest part of our plan as Kellis’ paw firmly wraps around my arm: getting “caught.”

We round the corner, and both myself and Sharnet start struggling. The other door guard does a double take as he spots us. He tries to sputter out some words, but Kellis cuts him off. “These are the two we were warned about. I knew that we weren’t due for janitorial services until 5th claw. Under orders of Magister Welvoca, we are to submit them directly to him for contraband search.”

The other guard buckles under the conviction in Kellis’ voice and he steps aside. As we approach the door, I start to hear a familiar, elderly voice. “…and furthermore, we have reason to believe these rouge actors are committing these acts on behalf of th-“

He’s cut off as we enter the room, all eyes pointed at us. Welvoca is sitting on the visitor’s side of the desk, his adornments slightly disheveled from the rush he had to endure to get here prior to us. Behind the desk is High Magister Gaerhun of the Greater Sidestar district. He’s one of the larger Gojid’s I’ve seen, both in height and otherwise. He fits snuggly into his chair, but he doesn’t hold a candle to the Mazic in the room.

That idiom isn’t terribly far off, as a truly massive Takkan stands behind the High Magister’s seat.That must be Xalen.Easily taller than Welvoca, and with roughly five times the muscle mass, both mine and Sharnet’s attention are immediately drawn to the intimidating bodyguard. He doesn’t say a word, but Gaerhun does the talking for him. “Kellis! Why have you brought the saboteurs in here?! Are you diseased??”

Kellis bows immediately and I pull away slightly to make things more believable. “Apologies, High Magister. I am under orders from Magister Welvoca to submit these two for contraband inspection upon their live capture.” He throws us to the ground, and we land with a huff each. The way Welvoca’s face lights up with delight and relief is positively predatory.

“Ah, fantastic! You see, Your Honor Gaerhun, this is a prime example of a guard right here. If you’re interested, I believe there’s an opening in the Exterminators office, should you be so inclined young man.” He walks over to us, bending over as far as his time-withered body will allow. “Now, for what’s rightfully mine?”

As per the plan, I avert my eyes as Sharnet speaks. “After what you’ve done? You’ll have to pry it from our charred remains!” I watch as Xalen takes steps towards us, and as Kellis glacially slides towards Gaerhun.

Welvoca snorts irritatedly at us and backs up. “Fine. Be like that. Bodyguard, make yourself useful and remove their packs. I want to see if the rumors about the malware are true.”Oh great, so that’s the lie he’s going with.The wall of Takkan muscle approaches us and all but rips off our packs. He then hands them to Welvoca, his features in a neutral expression.Hopefully that’s a good sign.

The Fissian snatches our packs along with his and removes my pad and Sharnet’s holonote. He turns on my pad and pretends to inspect it before he clicks his teeth. “As I was tipped off, ridden with Predator Traps! The only solution…” I watch with a broken heart as he snaps my pad in half over the edge of the table, the innards of the lightweight device crumbling to the ground, “…is destruction. It truly is a good thing this wasn’t connected to any of your hardware, otherwise the entire Magisterial software framework would’ve been compromised.”

Of all the half-added lies. That’s not even how they work!Now it’s my turn. I flick my eye over to the High Magister and Kellis to check on their progress. Kellis is shushing the Gojid and handing him Welvoca’s pad.We just need to keep Magister Brahkass talking a little longer.“That’s a lie and you know it! The VRPBN will hear about this!”

Welvoca looks over to me as his mane fluffs out in indignation. “You dare try and threaten me, Venlil? I am of the Magistrate, as you well know. I worked my way into this position for years, and I am proud of where I now sit. I have invested more time than you have ever lived into this job, and I won’t stand to be intimidated by theweakest species of the Federation!Xalen, do show our “guests” what happens when you try to sabotage the Magisterial network.”

Xalen huffs in Welvoca’s direction and speaks. “I do not take orders from you, Welvoca. You know this.” His voice is gruff and deep, matching his muscular build well.

Welvoca whinnies in indignation as he stomps up to Xalen and whispers something in his ear. Whatever it is, it causes the Takkan’s features to droop and his eyes to widen.Great, he has blackmail on him, too.He snarls at Welvoca, but he doesn’t move. I look to the side again to see a horrified looking Gaerhun and a satisfied looking Kellis.C’mon, say something already!

My attention is brought back to the front by a disgruntled sputter from Xalen. “Fine. I will do as you command, just this once.” He starts to stomp over towards us, and the very real possibility of being killed appears in my mind. I crawl back a few paces as the muscular Takkan quickly closes the distance. I grab Sharnet’s arm for support as I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting for the onslaught of pain that is sure to come.

But it never does.“Xalen, halt yourself!”

The High Magister’s voice rings out through the room. I open my eyes to see what’s going on. He’s sat up in his chair, a complex mix of emotions swirling through his features. The room is still for a moment before Welvoca speaks up. “High Magistrate, we need to get these…these conspirators to-“

He doesn’t get to finish as Gaerhun holds up Welvoca’s original pad in his claws. I watch as the color drains from under the Fissian’s facial fur in real time. “Yes, I agree! And it would seem such a conspiracy stems fromyou!I-I can’t believe this, all that economic growth…unsustainable practices…how many structures…?”

As the High Magistrate pauses in his words, Welvoca bolts for the pad in an unbefitting display of athleticism. More unbefitting, however, is Xalen appearing in front of Gaerhun’s desk to block him. The Fissian bumps into him and falls back with a yelp. Sharnet and I scramble to the side as we sit back and witness the fruits of our planning.

“Ah-ahem,” Welvoca stammers but a moment before brushing his mane back. “Apologies, your honor. I do believe that is a report on some activities in Sidestar, correct? An incomplete report, if I were to hazard even.”

“Incomplete?” The Gojid huffs, his balding quills rising. “Incomplete my tail! These go back almost since you were brought on! What about these are incomplete?” He places the pad down on the desk and scrolls through. “You invest in construction, which brings in more business, which brings in more investments to build on yours! All the while, these safety regulation skirting grows out of control! Y-You might as well be pouring gravel between lanes of glass for load-bearing supports! All of this will need to be torn down and rebuilt, effective immediately!”

“Ah, but you don’t see the full picture,” Welvoca states, much calmer than I expected him to be.What was this? I thought he would panic more!“All the actual inspections have shown the buildings to be up to code, but more importantly, look at the capital gains budgets and the tax income for this district since I started the Sidestar project. Out of all the cities in our district, 30% of our past seasonal budget came due to the taxes and investment dividends from this one city alone!”

“Yes, I see that in your reports. You know what else I see?” He navigates to the one thing that Welvoca couldn’t refute.His bribe list!“A handy list of everyone you’ve been paying to keep quiet about this. And-oh! Would you look at that! Inspectors, law enforcement, even the head of the primary construction company in the region. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that the 30% is less than a third of what you’ve been making! I can see the transaction records. Using your subordinate’s chain codes to transfer money through was a smart move, I’ll admit, but this ends here.”

Gaerhun stands in his seat, handing the pad to Xalen. “Welvoca, as of this moment, you are stripped of your position in the Magistrate per my official order. You will be charged for Grand Conspiracy and Grand Safety Code Violations, as well as Money Laundering and Attempted Predatory Action. Yes, I saw that little ‘full flamer’ message you sent. We will discuss that later, Kellis.” Our Venlil accomplice’s ears fall at that, but he still bows. “All of your coconspirators will be apprehended and charged with association. Your gross negligence and shocking disregard for the safety of the people of Sidestar endhere, Welvoca.”

“G-Gross Negligence??” Welvoca stomps and an angry snort comes from his nostrils. “Do you even comprehend what I have done for this District? Sidestar one of the poorest cities since those mines were closed! It was because ofmy actionsthat it became the most profitable energy producers on the planet! If it wasn’t for me it would have just died like Steel Hill! It is because ofmeandme alonethat this district is able to make any form of profit!”

“Yes,” the Gojid High Magister deadpans, “profit foryouandyou alone.What a generous feudal lord you are.”

“Feudal!!!” Welvoca slams the desk, prompting Xalen to move forward. “YOU DARE!!You think I am-“

“Xalen,” Gaerhun shouts, “remove him from my office at once!”

Oh, this is amazing!All of our hard work is coming to a head! Welvoca is just ruined, and is going to be dragged out by his heels! The Takkan grabbed the Fissan’s arms and-

Welvoca lunges. He uses his head.It… it’s sticking out!!!

A blood-stained horn points at me and Sharnet. It does so through out of Xalen’s shoulder. The Takkan roars as he clutches at the wound. Gaerhun’s eyes go wide as his remaining quills stand straight up and he screams with the force of a starfreighter.

“Xalen!!”

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Chapter 27

Chapter Text

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Everyone in the room stares in shock as Welvoca pulls his horn out of Xalen’s shoulder. The Takkan collapses to the ground with a heavy crash, leaking blue blood from where a horn had once been. Gaerhun practically launches out of his chair to aid him as the suddenly violent Fissian turns towards us, his horn still dripping yellow. “You…you and your spleshing digging! It was all going so smoothly, and thenyou two!” He points at us. “Looking for that-that Stars-damned runaway! I’ll have that doughball Dossurskinnedfor letting him in! If I can’t negotiate my way out of this, then I’ll make sure nobody leaves this room alive to tell otherwise!”

Gaerhun is holding Xalen’s hand and helping him sit up. Kellis is still next to the door, another roadblock for the rampaging Fissian to get through. Sharnet is still next to me, her eyes as wide as they can muster. I should be the same. I should be afraid, trembling. He just stabbed a Takkan without issue! But everyone else is afraid.

I can’t afford to be, too.

I stand up, facing Welvoca head-on.If I’m going to do this, I need my full range of vision.“You’re not going anywhere, Welvoca. With what you’ve done? You’ll never see the light of day again!”

The mad Fissian whinnies amusedly as he ducks in preparation to charge, a crazed look in his eyes. “Oh? And who will be the one to stop me?You?You’re nothing! Just a pathetic, knock-knee’d, nose-lacking Venlil! The dumbest, weakest, most hopelessly empathetic people in the galaxy! It was so easy to set this up, and it’ll be ever easier to make you alldisappear!” He then charges at me. Sharnet books it to the side, but I stand my ground.

Just a little further. Just like how Dad taught me to avoid a shove. Closer…closer…NOW!!

I side-step out of the way right before his horn is about to impale me. He might be quick, but one thing that age is sure to impact?Reflexes.I stick out a foot in front of his legs, and feel it thrown aside as he trips on it. I can hear him whiny, but I’m tossed away by the momentum the Fissian imparted on me.

Then a sickening crack.

I pick myself up from the floor once I come to a stop, my breathing unusually slow. I look over at where Welvoca had fallen, and…there’s a bloodstained horn, ripped from its mount and impaled in the wooden floor, bits of tiny blood vessels protruding out of it. Its previous owner lies crumpled a few [meters] away, red blood pooling around his head. I can hear ragged breaths come from him, though, which means he isn’t dead. I sigh in relief, as I wasn’t aiming to kill regardless.

Sharnet.

I look where Sharnet had bolted to see if she’s okay. She is laying back on the ground, staring at the crumpled Fissan with one eye, pupil wide. Her breath is rapid, almost like how it sounds when my shortlung hits.Help her.I run over and kneel beside her, taking her paw in mine. “Sharnet, it’s okay, we’re okay! Look at me, no- look at me! Just breathe!” I take some exaggerated breaths to try and calm her from all the chaos around us.Ironic that I’m the one helping her breathe now.

Her eye flicks towards me, and she jolts lightly. Yet after this action, her breathing starts to steady with my help. After a few moments, she’s well enough to talk. “I’m… I’m good… help…,” she gestures her paw to the other wounded person in the room, “help him…”

Now satisfied that Sharnet will be okay, I look over to see if the other three are doing alright. A now uniformless Kellis is kneeling over Xalen, keeping the Takkan’s horn wound stuffed with cloth from his guard drape. Gaerhun is holding Xalen’s hand and sputtering near incoherently as his spines bristle.

I crouch by Kellis, who wastes no time in giving me the lowdown. “Xalen’ll live. Welvoca was aiming for the vena cava, here,” he gestures to the upper portion of the Takkan’s shoulder, “a little higher and there wouldn’t have been anything we could’ve done to save him. By some miracle, Welvoca just tore through his flesh below the vessel, missing both bone and lung by a few [centimeters.] With some time, he’ll make a recovery, though I doubt he’ll be as strong in this arm again.”

I flick my ears as I make my way over to the other side of Xalen. High Magister Gaerhun has graduated from holding his hand to outright hugging him. It’s a little comical to see a Gojid embrace someone roughly twice his size, even considering his weight. However, that comedy leaves me completely unprepared for when the door to the office bursts open again.

It would seem that while Welvoca was charging me, Kellis took the opportunity to call for help.Thank the herd, now we can-

“It’s those Venlil!” One of the new guards shouts, “They attacked the High Magister!!”

Brahk!!!

“They Did No Such Thing!!” Gaerhun bellows, prying himself from Xalen’s chest. “That predatory excuse of a Fissan tried to kill us! Someone get the Exterminators and police!”

“Ah,” I hear Sharnet grunt as she shakily rises to her feet, “your Honor, forgive me. I don’t know if you saw during your skim of the evidence, but several exterminator officials were on that list. They might decide to take all of us in anyway.”

The Gojid sputters for a moment before grabbing the data pad to look over the information once more. He grumbles something I can’t make out before he pulls out a small device and starts frantically talking. “Hello? Hello?? Yes, this is a Code 0! Repeat, Code 0! Requesting emergency reinforcements and medical assistance from all surrounding districts! Patching through a list of all known tainted now!”

Some of the Exterminators look confused at the High Magister’s words, but others drain their color and bolt for the door, many leaving their gear behind. Gaerhun rapidly gestures to me, wanting the pad to make good on his alert. I hastily grab it and hand it to him, a voice chattering on the other side of the line. He manipulates the pad and presses his smaller device against it for a moment.

Once that's done, the other voice says something else to warrant an irritated ear flick from Gaerhun. “Yes, I’m ‘sure’ Magister Welvoca is on that list! He stabbed Xa- m-my bodyguard and tried to kill the reporters who brought it to light! He is a clear and present danger, to use Exterminator terminology, and his taint has spread to almost every corner of the district under my nose!”

A wave of grim understanding washes over the remaining Exterminators, and they start to file out, yelling to all who are left to look for the stampeders. The emergency medical staff on shift file in and collect Welvoca’s unconscious body, talking with Kellis about Xalen’s condition. A consensus is reached outside of my hearing, and they move to leave without collecting the Takkan, presumably to call for an ambulance to transport him. As they filter out again and leave the five of us in the room alone, Xalen groans in pain as he tries to sit up against Kellis’ urgences to relax. Upon realizing, Gaerhun immediately hangs up the call and rushes to his side. Despite his obvious pain, Xalen manages to speak. “I-I’m sorry, Rhun. I didn’t think he c-“

The Takkan is cut off by a claw against his snout. “No, shush Xal. It’s my fault for campaigning with that Ki-yu-born Fissian last election cycle. I should’ve listened to you when you advised against it all those [years] ago.”

“He a-ah,a-always gave me a weird feeling,” Xalen admits as he grabs Gaerhun’s paw. “I’m just glad that he didn’t hurt you. But…he knows,Rhun.”

“Knows about what?”

Gaerhun’s spikes flare as he looks back at the originator of the voice that just spoke. Sharnet is standing, leaning on the desk to steady herself. I’m about to reiterate her question, but when I look back at the two of them, I can…feel something.Something deep.

The way the High Magister cried out when Xalen was injured, the embrace he performed while Welvoca was on his rampage. Even if just from sappy movies I used to watch with Dad as a kid, I recognize it. I stand up in front of them, facing Sharnet down. “I think I know, too. They’re…in love.”

Kellis comes up to my side from behind me, flicking his ears in affirmation. “It’s true. I’ve guarded the High Magister for rotations. It started long before I was here, and I had no intention of ruining their fun. They aren’t nearly as quiet as they perceive themselves to be.”

Both Gaerhun and Xalen wear their horror on their features as we turn around to face them. Sharnet is the first to speak out of all of us. “High Magister Gaerhun, youareaware that engaging in interpersonal relationships with your staff is unprofessional, and moreover, a break in the oath you took being sworn into office, correct?”

Xalen tries to sputter out something to defend the both of them, but Gaerhun shakes his ears at him before standing solemnly. “Yes, I’m…aware. We both are. Neither of us planned for this to happen, but life is often unpredictable, no?” He chitters to himself sadly. “I suppose, considering the profession you two find yourselves in, I should draft my resignation papers? I’d rather lose this position than lose Xal, especially after today.”

Sharnet sighs, flicking her ears back in exasperation. “I would say you might need to, but not because of any relationship. Welvoca did a lot in Sidestar alone, with who knows what else in the rest of the district. Even though I hope you plan to set up programs to correct those actions, you are guaranteed to get hit with backlash due to campaigning with him at all. Honestly, I thought there was a good chance you were in on it in some way.”

“No,” Xalen coughs from his reclined position, “Not my Rhun. Even from his first day, he had the best interests for the people of Sidestar at heart. Every damn Person. He used most of the extra income Welvoca was generating to run charity programs throughout the district. It’s…he…wehad no clue where it was actually coming from.”

“That’s all good,” I join in, “but we still mean to turn over our findings to VRPBN, and I find that… ignorance of something doesn’t make people less angry at you for letting it happen.” I glance at Sharnet, doing my best to signal to her, “But… if you can repair the damages done, people might be inclined to forgive. As for any interpersonal conflicts, I can’t really comment. After all, we didn’t discuss anything of the sort.”

Confusion passes over everyone’s face for a moment, but the intentions behind my words slowly trickle down to everyone’s understanding. First Sharnet, then Kellis, and finally the two men on the floor. Gaerhun blinks as he starts to understand. “I…you would…even after…?”

“Just warning you,” Sharnet adds, “you will be under a lot of scrutiny. There’s still the option of you resigning after setting up repair programs. Resigning doesn’t deter you from running again in another election.” I see her ears flick up in thought. “Might even make you look more noble, with the proper spin on the story…” she shakes her ears, “but that’s for later. Right now, there are still a couple loose ends we would like to fill in about that construction company Welvoca uses. Once Xalen is on their way to the hospital, would you mind discussing our findings in more detail?”

The plush Gojid wags his short tail enthusiastically. “Yes, yes! Absolutely anything you two need! Thank you,thank youso much for keeping our secret! I don’t know how we can ever repay you!”

“Preferably not something to do with money,” Kellis quips, “I have a bad feeling it’ll come out ofmypaycheck if that’s the case.”

“Oh,” I chime in, “he wouldn’t dare punish a vital part of our exposing of this crime!”

“That I can confirm,” Gaerhun comments, “it’s a relief you weren’t on that list, Kellis.”

"I'm not that easily swayed, High Magister," Kellis replies, "I'd like to think I'm part of a good cause."Oh the irony for the knowing.

“I suppose that means it’s coming out of the dinner plans, then?” Xalen jokes before baring his teeth in pain at his own laughter.

“Might as well, you certainly seem to have a big food budget!” Sharnet finishes, relief starting to come into her voice as the others laugh.I certainly understand that relief. I am So Glad this is over.

“Anyway, Vekna, I hope you’re ready for more paperwork in giving our testimony.”Well, maybe not as over as I thought.“Oh, and before I forget,” she turns back to the Magister, “that pad Welvoca destroyed was my friend’s personal property. I hope you don’t mind explaining that to our boss?”

I whistle amusedly. “Sharnet, I’ll be fine. Besides, after handling your device today, I think I’m starting to warm up to the idea of switching to a holonote myself. That’s included with the job, no?”

“Seems you two have this handled,” Gaerhun bows. “Before all the paperwork and testimonies begin, I would like to personally thank you two for your services to this district. You’ve saved a lot of lives today. Who knows how dangerous those buildings really are?”

“Well, about that,” Sharnet says, “we might have a few worksite inspections you might want to take a look at...”

Oh boy, this’ll take all paw.

As Sharnet scrolls through the reports we had made in the paws prior, I find myself stumbling back into one of the chairs. Now that we’re safe, the weight of our accomplishment fell on my shoulders, silencing the persistent doubts in the back of my mind.We’ve done it.We took down a conspiracy, exposed the perpetrators, and got the story! And all for something we just stumbled across by sheer dumb luck! It feels… good. Really good.

…and we’ve only just begun!! Halvone, you are SO going down!!!

Chapter 28

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] October 1st, 2136

It had certainly been an event, even if only for the district. An actual government official being taken away due to accusations of conspiracy and attempted predatory activities. It was likely to be the biggest news to be revealed about our government for a long time. Of course, it was still small compared to the acceptance of human refugees from the extermination fleet. Even though the fleet had yet to arrive, the United Nations has been diligent with ensuring that people from every corner of Earth would survive. One of the old warehouses used for manufacturing in Sidestar was even under progress of being converted to a human shelter. Apparently Welvoca was hoping to profit off that as well. Bastard.

Since the unraveling of Welvoca’s scheme on the [27th, September], mine and Vekna’s time have been fully utilized by a number of things. Firstly, was the paperwork. Oh Stars, thepaperwork. One thing I never enjoyed was all the paperwork you had to do with each story, and the nostalgia I had felt creeping up for it whilst out of work had long since vanished. For a story of this magnitude especially, as a team of federal agents to collect the paper and perform background checks on us to ensure our credibility. I was worried for Vekna’s safety due to her disease, as was she by the look of her features, but an all-clear was issued in the aftermath.Good thing, I doubt I would’ve made it through that engagement had it not been for her actions.

However, the tedium of pencil pushing had concluded over a Paw ago. It was replaced with a nagging feeling of aimlessness for the both of us, despite our looming deadline with Yrtima, the Harchen egg-layer.Dread and aimlessness don't mix well.With all that had been revealed, I hoped that maybe we could get Halvone on just being a part of the conspiracy. I knew I had given plenty of reasons for why that wouldn’t happen when we first found out he was on that list, I was still wishing to be proven wrong.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t. About a third of the people on the payout list really did look to be scammed investors. It would probably take an investigative committee [weeks] or even [months] to sift through for the actually guilty.Time we don’t have.But even though we couldn’t rely on the investigation to uncover Halvone, we still had time to go before we would be able to meet Yrtima. So, to relax and destress from all the madness, I had booked a session at the spa/salon for me and Vekna. I had a feeling we’d want to feel as clean as possible going into this paw, considering what would come at its end.

“What do you think?” I glance at Vekna as we stand outside the Mountain Springs Spa.

“I could use a spa day,” she said as we approached the building’s entrance. “I can still feel the specks of Xalen’s blood on my coat.” She shivered at the recollection of that event. I understood. I had expected that the Fissan would resist but to use his horn? To just try and kill?

I didn’t like having something in common with that monster.

I move over to the door as it automatically slides open. “Well, here’s hoping that this helps us feel clean as well as relaxed.”

Vekna looked about to agree, but paused, her body signaling confusion. I had to agree as I looked around the empty lobby. Sidestars Mountain Spring Spa was supposed to be in one of its peak claws, doubly so with the sun barely shining just over the mountains for the spectacular view. The lack of people around struck the both of us as incredibly strange.At least we won’t have to wait.

We approached the receptionist’s desk, who was talking to one of the off-duty fur stylists. We couldn’t hear about what until we came close enough. It was obviously gossip but…oh spehk it. Gossip is my job!The receptionist had her tail swinging in excitement. “They all just refused to work! After those two reporters blew the lid off of that jar of speh, they all just quit! I hear they’re having a meeting a-”

“A meeting?” I interrupted, trying to put myself into the conversation. “That sounds very interesting! And it’s all of them?”

It hadn’t gone perfectly as the pair practically jumped at my sudden presence. “Blaa!O-Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I must have been more engrossed in the conversation than I realized! How can I help you?”

I step back, giving them some space. “We were here to schedule a fur appointment, but what you were just talking about piqued my interest. You said that all of the workers just quit?” I asked, signaling my interest. Vekna looked over to me confusedly, most likely wondering why I was delaying our fur appointment with this tangent.

“Yeah!” The receptionist wagged her tail, “My brother said they were all doing a protest against corruption or something. Then getting together to, uh, I can’t remember his exact phrase, but I think it’s to talk about everything they dealt with on those jobs.”

“So like a support group?” Vekna inquired. “I mean, after that incident at the warehouse, I can only imagine what else happened before we got here.”

The stylist’s features raised in recognition. “Wait, you two! I saw your faces on the broadcast! You’re the reporters who exposed the whole thing!”

Vekna partially shrunk away at the exposure, but I stepped up to cover. “Yes, that’s us. I don’t suppose that’ll be any issue?”

“None at all,” the receptionist hastily stated, “as a matter of fact, how about a free appointment for you both? It’s the least I can do. My brother was injured a few paws ago in a workplace accident under the leadership of those puddles of speh, so a few-credit deficit for the day is a small price to pay for the people who helped take it down!”

I perked my ears at that. “Was he perhaps injured by a pressurized steam pipe? Cut up his hands?”

She looked perplexed at my words. “Yes, how did…” Suddenly, her eyes widened further.I didn’t know our eyes could go that big!“Were you the two that helped him?! He was taken to the hospital afterwards, and they said that if whoever helped him didn’t act fast, he could’ve lost fur on that paw permanently, not to mention its use!”

Vekna looked like she wanted to laugh, and frankly, so did I. This coincidence was just wonderfully absurd in all the best ways! Almost as soon as I signed yes, she lept up from her seat and encompassed me in a big hug. “Thank you, thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me, to us! You know what, I’m upgrading both of you to a VIP appointment, the manager can munch mulch for all I care!”

She let go of me and tried to hug Vekna, but she stepped back to avoid it. The receptionist looked confused and hurt at that. “Wha-”

I stepped between them, putting on an overly happy expression with my features. “We’d love to do that! But first, do you think that we could go and explore that meeting?”

The receptionist thought for a second before affirmatively signing. “Sure, just come in and I’ll get you set. I work 2nd and 4th claws, I hope you two have fun!”

I signaled thanks with my tail and-wait. I’m getting ahead of myself.“Uh, sorry, butwhereis this meeting being held again? I don’t believe I’ve yet asked.”

“Huh? Oh! Right! They said they are all getting together at the bar. I believe it was the Starset Outlook.”

I mentally cringed.Of all the construction and expansion the conspiracy induced on Sidestar, couldn’t they have started another bar?The thought of having to look the egg-haver in the face again was enough to put doubt in my mind about delaying our appointment for this, but I didn’t want the receptionist to ask any questions about Vekna. “Thank you, we’re sure to be back for that appointment soon!”

We rapidly marched out the spa, the new tantalization guiding my paw steps. I really hoped that-

“Sharnet?” I heard Vekna ask, “I thought we were going to have a relaxation paw before the meeting. Why… why are we going to the meeting?”

I paused mid step.Why we’re we going?It wasn’t something we were directly required for. But…

“I just, I…” I stammered as I thought, “I don’t know. When they said, when they…” I clenched the wool on my legs. “People are getting together because of us. Because of what we did. I… I think I want to see it. I want to make sure it was… was worth it?” I sighed, “I don’t know, maybe I want to feed my ego a bit. See… to bask in our victory? No, that’s not right. I… I don’t know. Maybe… feel like I did good.”

Vekna hesitated, but after a moment of thought, she signed affirmatively. “Yeah, I…I can see where you’re coming from. Would it be okay if I stayed outside? I…I want to make sure that nothing happens.” I knew the real reason why, her near panic attacks earlier in our friendship had all but confirmed that she felt anxiety around large herds.I’m not going to put her through a third shortlung attack.

“Sure, that’s fine. You can do some more research about Yrtima while I go in.” I said as we crossed the road. “I wouldn’t want to come face to face with Uylten again either, but that’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

She looked surprised at the mention of the egg haver, but she quickly recovered and flicked her ears. “Yeah! Yeah, that’s why I don’t wanna go back there again. How’d you know?”

I whistled a chuckle at that, but still felt a twinge of sadness at the fact she still felt she needed to hide from me. “Empathy mainly. Like I said, I wouldn’t want to go in there myself if the celebration wasn’t happening there.”

I started to call up a cab to take us to the bar, but as I was prompted for driver select, I noticed a name.By the stars, he’s still alive!I pointed my pad at Vekna. “Look! Luvak is still working! He got away free!”

She practically snatched my paw as she rushed to look at the name. “Herd, how did he get away from them all?!”

With a wag, I selected his name. “Oh, I’m quite curious about that myself. Shall we find out?”

She eagerly flicked her ears, and I placed the request. It took a few [minutes], but soon enough, a cab rolled down the street. I could barely make out who was behind the wheel, but when I saw them perk up from behind the tinted windshield, I had no doubt that our personnel request went through. As the cab came to a stop next to us, the window slid down and Luvak’s visage met us. “Sharnet, Vekna! Glad to see you both made it out unscathed!”

“Us unscathed?” I whistled a laugh as I climbed inside. “You’re one to talk! Last we saw you were charging down a street on all fours with an absolute storm of exterminators following soon after! What even happened after that??”

“Oh,” he gave his tail a cheeky wave as he shifted into gear, “it wasn’t that important. After all, the news was completely covered by either the conspiracy or human refugees. Not reeealy something to braaag about… heh!”

“Brag away,” Vekna piped up, “we really never would have gotten it done without your distraction! How did you get away?”

“That’s the strange part, actually. I got a bit co*cky, found they brought out one of their fuel trucks and decided to try and drain it, and got spotted and chased. I really thought I was a goner, but about halfway through the chase, most of them gave up and started scattering! Like, tossing their equipment everywhere and bolting! The utter confusion let me jump into the river unseen. I don’t suppose that had anything to do with that bribe list you were talking about on the way there?”

“Perhaps,” Vekna snarked, “you’d be surprised just how much of the extermination staff was on that list. The High Magistrate had to call in a-”

“A code zero,” Luvak finished. When he got looks from the both of us, he gestured exasperatedly. “What? I told you Kellis was an informant! I just hoped for some confirmation. Thanks for that, by the way. You really saved my tail.”

“Most certainly,” I replied, “though, I do have a bit of a question of curiosity.”

His ears perked up in interest. “Oh?”

“Yes,” I bowed, “does Linked Chains have anything to say about this whole scenario?”

“Huh, no shifting through the grain for you.” He gave a small huff as he made a turn. “Well, officially, I can’t tell non-members anything about the inner workings of the movement.Unofficially, though? The local leadership is ecstatic! You brought down almost an entire office’s worth of Exterminators! You two have, single-pawedly, done more in a few paws than we’ve been able to do in [years]! I mean, this is the biggest Venlil-specific upset since the Dawn Creek Facility!”

Huh?I co*cked my head. “Venlil-specific? What do you mean?”

“Humans are an upset all on their own. The fact of their continued existence alone was enough to partially uproot many establishments. Still, Iit brings us hope that we can make changes without them having to be involved, you know?”

I flicked my ears slightly down, both understanding and wishing it wasn’t needed in the first place. “Yeah, I know… okay, well, as a taxi driver, you must have heard some gossip. We’re heading to their bar where a bunch of former workers have gathered. Have you heard any news about that?”

“Heard news about it? I’ve ferried at least a dozen people there already! How come you’re headed that way? I know you’re involved in why it’s happening and everything, but from what I gathered, this is mostly just for the workers.” He whistles a laugh to himself. “Or did you want to be celebrated?”

Did I? I mean, we did help. Was it that bad to hear people say thanks? Or was that arrogant? Presumptive as it wasn’t even what I came here for?

“I don’t know,” I finally landed upon, “I just feel like I need to be there.”

“Ah, don’t sell yourself short,” Luvak assured, “you two brought down a Magistrate-high conspiracy! That at least deserves a couple thanks. Better than what we gotta deal with, that’s for damn sure.” The fact of his Linked-Chains affiliation was thrust back into my consciousness at his words.Better to be viewed as a hero than a death cultist.

In my downtime between report writing and transcript interviews, I had read further into the manifesto, furthering my understanding of what all they stood for. Academic report after academic report, all finding one simple truth that was now being forced onto the rest of the galaxy: Predators aren’t nearly as dangerous as we make them out to be.Luvak is right, it’s unfair that they have to endure in the shadows while we celebrate in the light.“I hope that one day, you and your compatriots will be able to be praised for your work as well.”

His ears fell for a moment, but he recovered his features quickly. “Yeah, maybe someday. Maybe someday…” He trailed off as he pulled up to the curb. “Well, this is your stop. You two have fun.”

“Thanks, Luvak,” Vekna said as she opened her door, “your paw will come. I’m sure of it.” Luvak looked at her silently for a moment, but solemnly flicked his ears in thanks. We exited the vehicle and stood at the entrance to the bar.

I gestured towards a nearby bench for Vekna to sit down on whilst I went inside. Unlike our last outing, the bar was filled to capacity, members of all different Federation species intermingling. I recognized the tired-looking Harchen tending to the counter, so I made sure not to draw his attention. I weaved in and out of the people until I saw a Venlil with a bandaged paw. I started to make my way towards him through the cr-

“Sharnet?”

I froze in my tracks at the sudden voice to my side. I glanced over to see a familiar stone wall of a Harchen alone in a booth, a couple empty glasses flanking him. It had been half a herd of paws since I saw him. Since before we were even involved in this conspiracy to begin with.

“Tagelb?”

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Chapter 29

Chapter Text

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Memory transcript: Sharnet, Venlil Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] October 1st, 2136

The towering Harchen eagerly gestured to the seat next to him. “Come, come! Take a seat! It’s been…well, not that long, all considering, but! So much has happened in that short span of time! I’m guessing you heard about the whole fiasco with the Magistrate??”

Unsure of what to say in the face of Tagelb’s enthusiasm, I slid into the seat opposite to him. “Yes, I suppose you could say that. How much about it have you read?”

Tagelb’s scales shifted to a bright yellow in excitement. “Not a lot, but I know that one of the only good foremen in the whole Stars-damned company decided to organize a strike, and after that whole situation at the warehouse, I wasn’t eager to give a second more of my time to the management. Then, as we’re getting set up to organize, I hear people talking about something with the Magistrate! Apparently, something happened, and most of the Exterminators and even the Magistrate of Economics and Infrastructure gets exposed for conspiracy! That was only about a…claw ago? I think? Since then, we’ve been here on the company’s dime before it goes down!”

By the time he had finished, he was panting.He hadn’t even stopped to take a breath!I couldn’t help as a a wag flowed down my spine and up to my ears and a whistle escaped my teeth. “Well! It would certainly seem like you’re excited about this! Tell me, did you happen to catch the names of the people who uncovered it?”

“I’m sure it’s somewhere. Hold on,” he sputtered as he clumsily reached for his pad.Hopefully those jugs weren’t Venlil-strength.I watched with amusem*nt as he typed up the search query and waited for the page to load. As anticipated, when he saw the name, his eyes went wide and he slammed his hands on the table.“THAT WAS YOU?!?”

The rest of the bar quieted down as I felt multiple attentions turn to us. I hastily stood in my seat to push the colossal, slightly inebriated Harchen back down into his. “Yes, yes it was me and Vekna! I-I’m honestly as surprised as you are that we stumbled upon this! There’s no need to yell, though.”

I had hoped my words would calm him, but they seemed to throw him even more off balance. It was a little amusing! “No need to-Sharnet! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been dealing with management’s spehk?! I-I…I’m not even sure how to thank you properly! I-I-Oh! What about a drink? And what about Vekna? Where is she?” He started to look around wildly to try and catch a glimpse of her.A futile effort.

I waved to get his attention, taking a breath to steady myself. “Tagelb, Vekna isn’t in here with me. She’s…not very comfortable in large herds due toyou know what.” Normally, I wouldn’t shy away from saying Predator Disease. Given the highly public setting, however, I didn’t need the wrong set of ears hearing something they weren’t supposed to.

It took him a second to understand what I meant, but it suddenly clicked. “Oooh,because of her Pr-”

I flew across the table to cover his mouth, eliciting a splash of blue across his scales from the shock. I knocked over one of the alcohol containers, but it thankfully just rolled across the table and stopped once its handle hit the surface. Tagelb’s eyes flick to me, and I match his gaze as I come up next to what I hope to be his ear.“Yes, because of that thing you two share. We don’t need to say that in apublic bar*, now do we?”*

This time, the look of terror was immediate. His mouth snapped shut behind my paw, and I crawled backwards to my own seat as he suddenly looked much more on edge. “S-Sorry, I…I’ve had a few drinks, if you couldn't tell. Stars, I almost revealed her. I almost revealedmyself! I-I-” He started to hyperventilate from the stressors met with his inebriation.This won’t do.

I placed my paws on his hands to steady him. “Tagelb, it’s alright. Look, just breathe with me, okay? Focus, in, and out. Focus, In, and Out.” I recited the steps to Tarlim’s breathing exercise before engaging in it myself. It took Tagelb a couple cycles to catch on, but after a few [minutes] he finally looked calm enough. I removed my paws and co*cked my head at him. “Better?”

He curled his tail in affirmation. “Y-Yeah, thanks Sharnet. If you don’t mind me asking, where exactlyisVekna? I think I’d like to speak with her again.”

I had a bad feeling about the topics he might bring up, but I knew it would do more harm than good to keep him from her. I flicked my ears. “She’s just waiting outside. I wouldn’t recommend talking about…you know whatwith her, though. The subject is quite touchy regardless of context, especially for her.”

“No, no. I just…wanted to see how she’s doing. She’s the first person I got to talk to in real life about my trains, and I…I wanted to tell her how much I appreciated that.” His tone was sincere in that, and I could easily see why. He moved planets to avoid having eyes on him, and eyes that didn’t judge were likely in short supply.

I flicked my ears again and scootched out of the booth. “Alright. Come on, she should be right outside.” I guided him through the bar towards the front door. Well, guided might be a generous word as he seems to have drank enough to need to recalibrate his leg muscles. Thankfully, people were much more receptive to giving him space to move compared to me.I’m certain the fact he’s a head taller than me has nothing to do with it. Maybe he has a Harchen version of Marklen-Jauntes Syndrome, too?I opened the door to him, but when I looked outside, I saw something I wasn’t expecting at all.

I had left Vekna on the bench, but she was now crouched down in front of a roadside rain drain. I heard her talking to whatever was down there. When her ears flicked to us, I saw them quickly flick back as rapid assurances flew from her mouth. “Nonono, wait wait, it’s just Sharnet. You remember her, right? The one who saved you from the forewoman?”

That phrase gave me all the identification I needed.Unzekep.I looked up at Tagelb, who was confused as to what Vekna was doing. I grasped his hand and dragged him closer, motioning for Vekna to say something else. She flicked her ears in response and turned back to the drain. “And she brought a friend of ours along! He’s wonderful, I’m sure you’ll like him.”

This time I was close enough to hear the response she received. “Are you s-sure? W-Won’t he be mean like everyone else?”

Now that Tagelb was within the range of no return, I stepped over the curb and crouched down as well to get a better look at the poor girl. It would seem that the paws between our encounter hadn’t treated her well at all. Her eyes had bags underneath them, and her scales were even more sluggish to respond to my arrival. It was like she hadn’t slept even a claw.

However, I could tell that she had taken an effort to clean up substantially. Her face was no longer smeared with lubricant, and a surprisingly floral scent wafted onto my tongue from the drain. It only took a second to figure out what she was doing here. “Hello, Unzekep. Are you here for the strike party as well?”

Her scales shifted to a light orange in surprise, save for the spots on her temples where she was electrocuted.As if I needed a reminder why we need to bring Malcos to justice.“Y-Yes, I was. Everyone was going there, and I don’t want to be… fully alone. But…I don’t think people will be nice to me in there.”

I saw Tagelb take a step back in my periphery. “Unzekep?? The sewer Harchen? I-I thought she was on your suspects list!”

Unzekep whined and started slinking back into the shadows of the drain.I need to act fast!“Keyword:was.We found that she’s a victim of the people we’re chasing, if you haven’t forgotten about them. We saved her from an abusive forewoman, which is the entire reason why we got involved in the conspiracy to begin with! If there’s anyone to truly thank, it’s her.”

Both Unzekep and Tagelb both signed in confusion at this, but Tagelb was the first to recover. “Oh, you mean that…and…” He sighed. “I-I’d like to meet her face to face, if that’s okay with her, that is. I believe I have an apology to make. S-Sevwral, actually.”

Unzekep looked back up at us worriedly, but Vekna simply gave her an ear flick and some soft words. “It’s okay. He’s our friend. I promise you, he’s nice.”

Unzekep froze in thought for a moment before curling her tail. She disappeared into the shadows, followed shortly by the sounds of a maintenance hatch unlocking. It was pushed up and out of the way, and from it Unzekep emerged. Looking between her and Tagelb was a sight to behold, with her strangely proportioned face and his towering stature. Both of their scales were dark with anxiety, but it was Tagelb who made the first move. “H-Hi there.”

“H-Hello,” Unzekep responded shyly. She fidgeted and hunched, looking like she wished to curl up into a ball but still fighting to stand firm. “I-I’m…my name is Unzekep, but you already knew that.”

Tagelb rubbed the back of his head as he forced a hissing laugh. “Y-Yeah, I…look, I’m sorry about thinking you might be one of the people who hurt you. I-I was just trying to help them out after…well, after they became my friends.”

“I understand,” Unzekep responded, “a lot of people aren’t very nice to me. I guess someone thought I might be mean enough to do this to someone else.” She touched the scars on her head gingerly. “They did before. I… I don’t know why…”

I could see Tagelb’s tail tense at that.I understand that feeling.“It…I’m sorry that happened to you. F-For what it’s worth, you seem nice Unzekep.”

Her tail started to slightly wag at that. “Oh…thank you. Tagelb…” She looked like she wanted to say something else, but couldn’t find the words to do so with.That gives me an idea.

I get Tagelb’s attention, and quickly sign to him.Tell her.He looked at me like I was mad for a moment, but I didn’t break my gaze. Eventually, he sighed and looked back at her. “So, Unzekep…do you know anything about…” He physically tensed before pushing out the last few words, “…about trains?”

Unzekep’s scales flashed a bit of yellow in surprise. “W-what about them?”

Tagleb’s scalded shifted between multiple colors as his nerves were shown for all to see. “Well, they, uhm, have you, have you seen how the old types work? The ones from before the, heh, before the Fed made contact with people?”

Unzekep’s shade seemed to lighten for a moment before she quickly began to shrink back, her colors seemingly try to disappear into the shadows. “The-The Federation is our savior. We-We would be wallowing in m-mud without them. Nothing we-we do was g-good before them. The prrrrimative tools are of n-nnno use.”

I could tell by the sound of her voice and the specific terminology used that this mentality was beaten into her at the facility. Tagelb seemed to realize this as well, as he lashed his tail. “No, not what the people in the facilities told you to say. What doyouthink about the older models?”

Her scales turned yellow once again, and though muted, her colors once again shifted. Due to the more sluggish nature of her scales, it looks like splotches of color appeared and dissolved in an ever-changing mosaic. Eventually, she landed on a nervous teal and spoke again. “I-I…I think t-that a lot of th-the machinery is very similar to-to the turbines I work on?”

She flinched back instantly as the final word left her mouth. Her hand shot to her neck, grasping at the empty air a collar would have been. She was panicking, fearing the punishment she must have endured any time she said something of her own mind. But before I could step forward to comfort her, Vekna was already beside her. “You won’t be punished for saying that. Not here, not ever. Actually, if you look at Tagelb, you-” She stifled a laugh, “you might just be his new favorite person!”

Indeed, the taller Harchen was so visibly excited that you’d be able to pick up on it without eyes or ears! “You worked on the turbines?! The plans for those aren’t in the public domain yet! Tell me, do they use magnetic confinement for calibration or is it mechanical? Oh, I can’t wait to see how the forums will react to this!” He then paused, seeming to only now notice that the other Harchen seemed to be in pain. “Wait, I missed something, didn’t I? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to! I’m not bad at empathy! I just… other things just grab my brain first.”

I could already see the questions welling up in Vekna’s head about that, but Unzekep slowly lowers her hands from her neck, the spots in her temples providing an anchor point for her colors. “I…know. I can be the same way too.”

“You…” Tagleb swallowed, “you can?”

I saw Unzekep’s tail begin to lightly wag. “I have to focus harder. I’m not good at… other people. But… turbines, wires, schematics, it all just makes sense. It’s like it’s important, and I understand. I don’t have to think as hard.”

The two Harchen had their full focus on the other. Taking the opportunity, I slid myself over towards Vekna, grabbing her arm to gently pull her away so the pair could speak in private.

“That’s…” Tagleb blinked, “that’s… okay. I have… when I saw the trains of the Federation, they captivated me. And when I saw the Yotul models, they just made sense. Have you… ever seen a Yotul train?”

Unzekep lashed her tail. “Not really. I’ve heard of them. I’ve seen pictures, but nothing up close.”

“Would you like to come to my cabin? I have a few scale models…if you’re interested, that is!” Tagelb blurted out. He covered his mouth instinctively as he said it, like he was speaking contraband words.

Unzekep’s colors shifted back to match the surroundings as she started to shake. “I-I…that’s a very long way from the tunnels. W-What if someone mean comes looking for me? I-I don’t want to be trapped!”

“If anyone comes, they’ll have to go through me first,” Tagelb assured, kneeling down to Unzekep’s eye level as his scales turned his natural shade of ebony green. “You’re safe with me, like Sharnet and Vekna said. No abusive foremen, no facility personnel, no Halvone. I promise.” He let his tail relax, the semi-prehensile appendage now lazily swinging back and forth behind him.

It took a while, but eventually Unzekep shifted out of the shadows and placed one of her hands in his. “T-Then…I-I think I would like to see them.” Her own tail started to relax as well.Good, she deserves a break from everything.

She and Tagelb started discussing the trains more, but I felt that our part had been played. Vekna and I watched as they slowly walked to the curb around the corner where Tagelb’s personal vehicle was likely parked.This…feels good. Really good.

As the pair exited earshot, I spoke. “Look at them. They can talk to each other without fear. Without judgment. Without any worry of somebody coming over to punish them. And in that bar, so many workers were celebrating together, still working to improve what tomorrow brings”

“It’s a little crazy, isn’t it?” Vekna said next to me in response. “To think, all those people were so abused by something that you took down. If it hadn’t been for your idea to investigate the other sites, none of this would've happened.”

Me?Suddenly, the feelings I had been feeling since we exited Gaerhun’s office finally found their words, and I made sure to capitalize on them. “No. We did this, Vekna.WEdid this. You and me together. All the crazy speh we had to do, the people we met along the way? That wasn’t just me, it was us!We did this!” Joy and relief seeped into my voice as the full realization laid upon me like a weighted blanket.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right! Wediddo this!” Vekna laughed, some of my joy spilling over into her. “Hah! A-And to think, I only got into this job for the pad! I haven’t felt this alive in forever! What about you?” Vekna asked as she turned to me. “How do you feel?”

“I don’t think I could ever hope to accurately convey that,” I admitted. “It’s like… I hope I can keep being the person who helped make this happen…”

I felt a paw on my shoulder and a tail against my back. “You always have been, Sharnet. No matter what, you’ll still be that person who wants to help. I know that for certain.”

I wanted to argue against her, to tell her that I haven’t always been that person, but this time, the part of my brain that’s shouted that relentlessly was finally overshadowed by the one saying that there’s hope for me yet. “I…thank you, Vekna.”

“Of course. Though, I did have a question for you; why did you think it was a good idea to introduce the two of them? I mean, when you put the pieces together, you could’ve just steered Tagelb back inside.”

I had to think about that for a moment. Deep down, though, I knew exactly why.I might as well tell the truth.“Because…they’re both different. People would see them both as monsters but… maybe that doesn’t mean they can’t find happiness regardless.”

I saw Vekna’s ears droop in thought as I said that, and I tried my damndest to psychically tell her it was okay for her to let me in. Unfortunately, all I got was a knowing tail flick. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? I hope they find happiness, too. At leastthey’llhave a good, relaxing day today."

That was enough to shake me from my more serious tone as I giggled and playfully erected my ears. “Oh shush! You’re still getting that spa day!”

“Good, because I think my fur got sticky from all the sappyness you were just spouting!” She snarked, leaving the both of us chuckling to ourselves. Even if Vekna felt she had to hide herself, I would make sure she was as comfortable as possible regardless.

That’s what friends are for, after all.

Chapter 30

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] October 2nd, 2136

I don’t even need any kind of alarm to awaken. No beeping or chirping speakers, no blinds rising to let in light, just the gentle awareness flowing into my brain and body. I groan as I stretch my rested muscles, taking some time to wipe the sleep from my eyes and yawn. My brain slowly blows away the fog of a new day as renewed oxygen flows through my blood.

I plant my paws on my thighs as I rise from my bed. I can’t help but marvel at how amazing my wool feels. Smooth and soft, reminding me of a newborn pup.That spa place wasn’t lying about having the best service on Venlil Prime, I almost feel like a new person!

Almost.

Yesterday was a welcome distraction from our work. Despite all we’ve done, there’s still so much more to do. I couldn’t lose sight of why we were up here to begin with. All of this was in service of bringing down Malcos and his ring of escaped facility heads. After what I’ve been through with Welvoca, I’ve learned something. When we have them cornered, their crimes revealed, they won’t just give up.I can’t trust these people to see reason.I glance over to the bedside drawer, considering if I should even risk being caught with lies within whilst with Sharnet. My doubts are soon quashed when I remember how terrified she looked when the malicious Fissian was charging us down.I would not let that happen again.

I slide open the drawer and pull out the weapon I had kept with me since my father was admitted to the Xenomedical Grand Medical Complex: a simple, pull-charge plasma pistol. It belonged to him before, and he taught me how to use it until I was proficient. I like to think that he knew that I would need it one day, but I doubt he would ever think of the situation I now found myself in.I can barely believe it myself!

I pull on the plug, hearing a shrill but silent whine emit as its core is charged.Good, it still works.I haven’t fired a shot in [7 years.] It’s good to know that it’s still just as powerful as when I last cleaned it. I quickly drained the shot core back into the power cell and flipped on the safety before storing it in my waist satchel. I go through the morning time procedures to get myself presentable, but I’m distracted by a single, nagging thought.

If I needed to, would I be able to fire upon someone?

It had been some time since that last passed through my mind. I originally believed that if you said yes, you couldn’t go back, but…. My answer has varied over the years. Significantly more so in the past few paws. Now I had someone else that I cared for, the both of us versing an evil worse than any Predator Disease. For once, there are more horrid monsters than I on the loose. Maybe if I could help bring them down, I could pay penance for my birth.A small penance, maybe, but a penance nonetheless.

Part of my mind still argues that I won’t need the pistol yet, but there’s a simple fact that tips the scales in favor of keeping the weapon on my person.We are heading towards the mines during a period of night. We had no way of knowing what the dark held as we walked. If not for the people, wild predators might be around. I should be able to protect myself in the event that’s true. I would protect Sharnet. IWillprotect Sharnet.

A light scratching sound coming from my door brings me out of my thoughts. “Vekna! You awake? I got the time for the meeting!”

Her voice sounds both excited and worried. I am too, as the thoughts of seeing where that egg came from gives me an odd feeling in my stomach. “Yeah, I’m awake! Give me a bit, I’m getting ready to go. Door’s unlocked if you want to come in while I’m getting ready!”

I was careful not to leave anything damning out in the open, I’ve been doing this for too long to risk my existence on such careless mistakes.Not again.I hear a “shik” as the door slides open and another as it closes, marking Sharnet’s entrance into my room. In contrast to what her room had been when I last checked in on her, I had taken care to keep mine as spotless as possible.People don’t remember easy cleaning jobs.

“How are you doing,” I hear her ask, “did you sleep well? I was tossing a bit, so I hope your rest claw was better than mine.”

“Sorry to hear that,” I respond, picking up my wool brush. “I actually slept pretty well last claw. Surprising all considering, I know.”

I hear her take a deep breath. “Hooooo. Yeah, I understand. Still, I also understand you being able to sleep well. You were practically liquid after that spa salon treatment.”

“Practically?” I snark as I force my brush through a particularly resilient knot. “If I remember correctly, you had to carry me out in a bucket!”

Her and I both whistle from the obvious joke, but she likely had a point. I hadn’t gotten a proper massage in rotations, so a lot of the stress had built up over time.Not that it’s in particularly short supply now, either.

Once I finish grooming myself, I exit the bathroom to find Sharnet sitting quietly on the couch. She seems to be inspecting the room, but once she realizes I’m out, she turns her attention to me. “You look great! Now, do you want to know when we’re meeting Yrtima?”

“Want is an operative word, but I suppose so,” I say as I sit down in an armchair adjacent to her. “Is it at least sometime this or next claw?”

“Next claw,” Sharnet replies, “but considering we’re almost three quarters through this claw, we should probably get going as soon as possible.”

“Agreed,” I agree as I stand from my chair. “I don’t suppose Luvak would be able to take us again?”

Her ears fall sadly. “Unfortunately not, he’s not on shift this claw. Maybe on the way back, though. I’m not certain as to their shift rotations.”

“Well that’s a shame, but we gotta get there somehow. Let’s head down to the street so we’ll be ready for when our ride arrives.” I say as I open the door for us to walk though. It’s an uneventful trip down to the ground floor, thankfully. I remember when I was stuck with that woman and her pup, and I’m not eager to repeat that experience.

I see Sharnet clench the fur on her legs as we wait in the elevator.Something is bothering her.“So… I am supposed to meet her alone. How do… how do you want to do this? I know you said you would wait nearby since it’s night, but, how do you want me to signal you? Or, how long after I start? Or- or if something is nearby, or an exterminator is out to get us, or-“

She begins breathing rapidly, her mind latching on everything that could go wrong and spiraling a bit. I couldn’t blame her after having to run from Welvoca. I hadn’t expected to feel so in-danger from one person, only to immediately start going after someone worse. I grip her shoulder tightly to ground her again, earning me a glance. “If something goes wrong, we’ll deal with it together. Just like Mayrar, just like Welvoca. We got this.”

My voice seemed to center her as her breathing began to take a regular pattern. By the time we arrived at the meal area, she had fully calmed. “Thank you, Vekna. I don’t think I can express just how much you have done for me. I don’t think I would have gotten this far with Halvone or even that Welvoca speh without you.”

That was certainly something unexpected to hear. I know I’ve made some contributions, but at the end of the paw, I’m still not nearly as experienced as her in this field. I whistled an ironic laugh as I walked out of the elevator. “I could say the same. I mean, I barely have a grasp on this whole journalism thing! I’m just glad I was paired up with someone who…”Who might understand.“...who knows about this sort of thing.”

The thought had popped up from my doubts for but a split second. She has PD,Ihave PD. For a moment, I think about telling her here and now, to speh with the consequences! But as soon as I think that, my rational mind retakes control. Every single time someone finds out everything falls apart. She can’t know, nobody can. No matter what the Linked Chains might’ve said, she still grew up under the Federation. If she knew…I don’t even want to imagine.I won’t have to.

“Did I…” Sharnet sighed as we sat down with our first meals. “Did I ever tell you why I am going after Halvone? I mean, specifically why?”

I blink in surprise as we start on our pre-made hotel salads. “Y-yes. He was a rogue head who escaped and you want to bring him to justice. I…is that not it?”

“It wasn’t that.” She pokes at her salad with a skewer as she thinks. “I… that facility imprisoned a lot of people, and one of them was…hasbecome rather important to me. He got imprisoned there and tortured for ages but… it was revealed he had a wrong diagnosis. He didn’t have anything that would count as Predator Disease, but was sent there anyway. And none of the heads cared.”

A wrong diagnosis.All of my doubts are given immediate credence by her words. If this person’s diagnosis was correct, she’d have no issues with them remaining in that place.Someone like me.Even if she herself was diseased, I knew she would waste no time in turning me in if she knew, which is why she never will.A friendship built on lies, but a friendship nevertheless.I felt my ears droop slightly, which I immediately corrected so as not to give anything away.I can’t be too careful.“Oh, I’m…sorry to hear that. Hopefully he’s doing better now.”

“I am still in contact with him,” her tail sways in…is that adoration or attraction? They look so similar!“He found me at a low point and was so kind. He actually trusted me. Said I could be better, like you did. And… and I want to prove him right. I want to prove you right.” She sighs. “That’s why I’m going after the heads. I know it’s not the grand motivation to do justice, but that’s why I started this all.”

That explanation makes sense considering her predator’s disease. I know that I can’t tell her, no matter how much good the solidarity might do her, but I can at least make sure that she knows she’s doing good. “You don’t need some grand motivation, Sharnet. What you-we’redoing now? This is good.You’redoing good. Whoever he is, wherever he is, I’m sure he’s more than proud of you.”

“He’s said so,” she whistles. “You know, I mentioned you. I haven’t been specific, cause I don’t know if that’s okay, but he said you sounded nice. I hope I can introduce you two someday.”

Would he even want to meet me? People like me are the reason those facilities exist in the first place.I calmly lift my ears as I discard my now finished salad bowl. “I…wouldn’t refuse meeting him as well.”

Her tail wags at my response, ears waving happily like Ipsom in the breeze. “You’ll like him, I’m certain.” She stuffs one last skewer full of her salad into her mouth and begins chewing, the air of her mood being much lighter now.I don’t know how she does it.

“Okay, so, we need a plan for after we are done with Yrtima. Her testimony, my evidence with Dawn Creek, an indirect link to Welvoca, a direct link of his identity with Unzekep, and possibly physical evidence of site sabotage that I heard thatrodentof a manager imply…” Sharnet coughs, taking a drink of soda, “sorry, rambled a bit. Basically everything should allow us to be able to turn him in to the police and exterminators not part of Welvoca’s puddle of Speh. However if we do so instantly, they’ll raid him and we won’t get access to anything he’s used to contact Malcos or any other of the overseers. Which means we will likely have to confront him directly after our meeting with… uh,mymeeting with the… egg.”

I think over the timeline before a dark thought enters my head.Why should he get the chance to see trial?After all the people he’s hurt, potentially killed outright, why does he deserve to live at all? I shake the thought from my head as I take a sip from my own soda. “Then we get the evidence we need first. Subdue him, take what we need, and then turn him over. It’ll be dangerous, he might even be prepared for us by now, but it’s a chance we’ll have to take if we want to keep on Malcos’ trail.”

“That’s good, it’s just…” her skewer falls to the table with a small clink, her sigh both hopeful and fearful and worried in the whirlwind of her thoughts. “I don’t know if he would go quietly. When Welvoca charged, I froze up. I don’t want to freeze up again if it’s only us two. But…I have to know, when that Fissan was charging, what went through your head to keep you focused? What made you act?”

Her staring eye was earnest and hopeful in its admiration. Despite my fears and anxieties, she still looks up to me.She wishes to be like me. Ironic. Perhaps a small sliver of the truth will be enough to tide her over.“I didn’t want anything to happen to you. I saw you freeze when he was charging, and I knew that I couldn’t afford to do the same. You saved my life three times up to that point, it’s only fair that I should save yours at least once.”

She stares at me for a moment. Her head tilts so one eye looks me up and down like I’m an ancient tree, and a whistle escapes her lips. “It’s-it's so simple, isn’t it? Just wanting to be better for someone else? Me going after the overseers, you standing up to a charging Fissan, heee! Look at us! Two women going after monsters because we want to live up to each other! We are quite the pair, aren’t we?”

I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. To have our dynamic so succinctly outlined is a jarring experience. It’s a relief to know that she doesn’t suspect my disease, but the compounding guilt at keeping the truth from her shoots a pant of pain through my heart.She wouldn’t look up to me if she knew what I am.I can’t help but let a small portion of it seep into my voice. “I…suppose so.”

Her ears twitch a little, most likely in confusion at my less than enthused tone. Before either of us have a chance to dwell, however, a ping sounds from Sharnet’s holonote. She pulls out the device and moves to discard her own salad. “It looks like our ride is here. Are you ready to go?”

I take the small break to shake the guilt from my mind and force a joyful ear and tail flick. “As ready as I’ll ever be!”

“Alright,” she stands, gathering her trash to toss, “time to watch an egg get laid.”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the mental whiplash.

Chapter 31

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Investigative Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] October 2nd, 2136

I have never been more nervous in my life.

In a previous life, as a previous me, I had been scared of meeting a predator. So much so I attacked them. I had believed that moment was the most terrifying moment of my life.

That previous me was an utter fool.

My actions there harmed one person, a person I likely will never be able to make recompense with. Here? If I mess up my meeting with Yrtima, the consequences could be felt by an unknown number of people that Halvone might decide to torment before we can catch them.

I looked over to Vekna walking beside me as our taxi drove away. The abandoned mines were only a park walk away. Vekna had been a comforting presence in a way I don’t think she could comprehend.Speh, even I can barely comprehend it.

But no matter my worries, no matter my fears, I must do this. I can be better. I Will be better.

Focus…

Breathe…

Calm…

“Okay,” I finally sighed, “the message said to follow the glow to the mines. That might mean some starblooms, flash moss, or just some paint that glows in the night while invisible in the day. So, you ready to go into the dark forest?”

“Ready? No,” Vekna responded promptly, “but Iamprepared. Remember, if anything happens in there, just call out for me. I’ll be waiting right outside, just like we planned.”

I whistled in amusem*nt. “You done customizing your new holonote?”

She looked up from the shiny new device in her paws. The VRPBN was kind enough to have the replacement shipped to Sidestar so that we could continue our “story.” Given just how much story we’d gone through already to tell, that was probably the best option. “Not entirely. It’s similar to a pad, but I just can’t get around the fact that the screen…you know, doesn’t exist when it’s shut off? Like, it’s there when it's on, but gone when it isn’t. Doesn’t that get weird?”

My whistle was much more genuine at that question as we walked. “I guess it depends on what you’re used to. I, at least, have found it useful. Especially for recording things without being blatantly obvious about it. I can set it to record and literally talk to someone with it in my hands, and there's no easy way to tell that it’s doing anything.”

Vekna’s ears flicked in interest, taking out her holonote to look at, its screen automatically brightening her face with a light glow. “I suppose that’d be good for filming someone when they don’t want to be filmed, like an overconfident criminal or a political figure. People say a lot of things they wouldn’t usually say when they think they’re alone, but I’m sure you already knew that. I mean, you said it yourself, it’s almost impossible to tell that this thing’s filming when it’s off.” She flicked the screen on and off a few times for show, the glow appearing and disappearing at her command.

“Useful indeed,” I agreed, “we can…”

I paused my words as I noticed Vekna wasn’t by my side anymore. I looked back to see her not moving. She continued to turn her holonotes screen off and on, but she was no longer looking at it. She had it pointed out towards the forest. I stepped a little closer, leaning behind her so I could catch her line of sight. “What do you see?”

“Over there, by those rocks,” she responded, pointing out between the trees, “when I turn off my light, it still shines.”

She flashed her holonote once more, and while it was subtle, a silver streak lightly shone upon the boulder before beginning to fade. She did that a couple more times, but I already knew what to do. I pulled out my own note and shined the flashlight on the strip. Lo and behold, the streak continued. On a nearby tree, another strip was present.Follow the glow!I turned back to Vekna, my tail wagging. “I think you just found our path, Vekna!”

She joined me in the wagging tails club as we continued off the trodden path. We had to weave our way through trees and even duck through a small hole in the predator fencing, but soon we saw that the streaks were becoming more numerous.We must be getting close.I looked back at Vekna to see her scanning our surroundings. I motioned for her to get close, which she promptly did. “What is it, Sharnet?”“I think we’re close to the meeting spot,” I revealed. “I think this is where we have to split up if we don’t want to risk Yrtima spotting you. Stick behind for a few [minutes] and then follow me silently.” I thought about the process of watching someone lay an egg in front of me and I shuddered. “Honestly, I envy your position.”

Vekna flicked her ears in agreement. “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to watch that either. You sure you’ll be okay? I can switch with you if you don’t feel like you can handle it.”

SwitchswitchswitchswitchswitchSWITCH.

“I can handle it,” I responded, stamping down upon the traitorous voice in my head. “If I need you sooner, I will give a signal on your holonote. Now, you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied. She adjusted her satchel as she maintained my gaze.

I bowed. “Then I will see you when our fields next meet.”

The glow got more intense as I followed, not even needing my holonote to recharge its shine. They all converged, quite naturally, upon an abandoned mine entrance. By the small size of its mouth, I had to assume it was a minor vein, likely only needing a team of five to move the carts to the transport trucks. And where there would normally be a barricade of some kind to block curious explorers from venturing inside, there was a chain-link fence with a door.

A door that swung easily open in my grasp. The interior of the cave was perhaps more of an enigma than the path to get to it. While the floor and ceiling were rocky and rough, the walls were clean-shaven to a point of absurd smoothness. Alas, the lines that beckoned me laid upon the floors and ceilings, meaning I would need to go further in than I anticipated.Hopefully I still get reception all the way in there.

The clacking of small pebbles caught by my claws echoed against the walls as I headed deeper in. The entrance was about [30 feet/10m] away before the glow led me around a corner. There, just out of view of the entrance, was a prefabricated office. White even in the darkness, seeming to glow itself. But what assured it as being my destination was the obvious symbol painted upon its door.

An egg, its shell glowing brightly in contrast to the dark mine. I felt myself freeze as I stared at the prefabricated structure.Am I really about to do this? I mean, am I ACTUALLY going to watch a Harchen lay an egg in front of me??I thought about turning back now and wagering our bets with the evidence we had, but something stronger than my apprehension stopped those plans from ever coming to bear.I have done so much wrong, making sure that nobody is hurt by those who mean to do harm. Havlone, Mayrar, Malcos…me. I will ensure that those responsible for suffering will never have the chance to do so again.

My paws fell one in front of the other as I trudged up to the door. I had to force my hand around its archaic pull handle, finding it to pop with ease.Here we go, no turning back now.I slide open the door and-

Rainbows???

It was a simple room, a couple lights directed to shine upon a chair positioned in the very middle. Lazing upon it was a Harchen, her legs crossed in relaxation. She was a little bigger than the average Harchen, maybe coming up to my snout, but what stood out the most in my mind were her… accessories.

She wore multicolored tubes of cloth upon her legs?But, why would-

“Why hello there, ‘Black Sauce~.’” Yrtima’s voice broke through my mental mess. It had a trill of excitement that filled me with a feeling I couldn’t quite describe even to myself. She rose from her seat and smoothly swayed towards me, taking my arm within hers. “I can see where you got your username from. Such a punctual woman you are! You must be quite eager for the process! I suppose I shouldn’t keep you waiting then.~”

Stars save me.

“I- I, uh, I-”

She gave me a spin, gently collapsing me into the seat. “Shhh, no need for words, my dear!~”

She swung her leg over my lap, straddling me and pulling my snout to her neck.Stars! STARS!!!

“Let us do what comes naturally, shall we?~~~”

speh

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Chapter 32

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Sharnet, Investigative Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] October 2nd, 2136

THERE’S AN EGG BETWEEN MY LEGS.

Oh stars, it was wet and slimy! I can’t decide whether I want to scream or puke. Both? Neither?? Stars, Vekna sees me with an egg between my legs.This is it. I have died. Welvoca killed me and the stars are punishing me for my actions.

No, that can’t be. Vekna wouldn’t be here for that. You just need to get over this. Bury it somewhere in the mines and never speak of it again.

And stop with the tingling you stupid chemical co*cktail of a body!!!!

Yrtima had lept off me, crawling somewhere on the floor behind me, but there was something more important to deal with. That egg was making contact in the mostughway and I needed to deal with it! I tried to rise, but my legs were refusing to comply properly. Instead of a balanced standing, I unceremoniously slid sideways down from the seat, flopping upon the floor like a sack of mel roots. The egg rolled lazily down, coming to an unharmed rest upon the tile floor.

“Sharnet!” I heard Vekna shriek, and soon she knelt before me and helped me back up to a sitting position. I was appreciative for the help, but I saw that Yrtima was already making a break for the door, and I shouted. “Vekna, the door!”

She whirled around to face the exit to see what I was seeing. Unexpectedly, the Harchen made a sudden dash for a darkened corner of the room. Vekna was quick to react, sprinting after her and tackling her to the ground, the both of them grappling in the corner. Before I could fully process what’s going on, Vekna started to violently convulse, and I heard quiet sparks and snaps from the bundle. I knew those sounds!Yrtima has a taser!!

Vekna was thrown off of Yrtima, still writing in pain as the Harchen backed up against the wall, camouflaged and waving the still running taser at the both of us. “I Won’t Be Taken to Him!!” She shouted, the electric weapon crackling in her grasp. “He isn’t the only one who uses these zappers!!”

My mind raced as I propped my weight on the back of the chair. We had been right, but we surprised her.I need to calm her down now!“You mean Halvone!” I barked, “Halvone tortured you!”

“Oh, so his thugs know his name now? Well, you exterminators aren’t taking me without a fight!! You are NOT cutting out my brain!!!”Cut Out Her Brain?!?!Vekna squirmed, moving to rise, but that unfortunately caught the attention of the Harchen. She leaped over to her, kicking Vekna to her side. “I won’t Go There!!!”

She was swinging the taser down. It was going for Vekna’s neck. Her neck!! I had to stop it. I can’t let them be hurt. But Harchen was afraid. I couldn’t hurt her either. My body was moving forward. I couldn’t hit her. I had to stop her. My hands reached out.

The taser! Stop the Taser!

I collided with her as we both went tumbling to the ground. I hear a clack as Yrtima finally dropped the taser. To capitalize, I quickly pulled her arm down to her side. She tried to shake me off, but my arms were clamped tighter than they had ever been before to subdue her. With the loss of her weapon, the reptile just began chirping in sobs. “Don’t h-hurt me, p-please, I don’t want to die! Don’t take m-me to him. Don’t c-cut out my brain. P-please…”

As I restrained Yrtima, her struggling slowly became weaker and more desperate. Thinking back to my initial intentions, I forced my mouth to form words through my adrenaline. “W-we don’t mean to hurt you,” I panted, “I am sorry for t-huh- tackling you, but I couldn’t l-let you hurt Vekna. We’re not exterminators, we’re not going to hurt you, and we’re trying to take down Halvone t-too. Please, just stop fighting us…”

As the Harchen continued to cry, I was fully aware of how bad this entire situation made us look. Vekna came barging in just as she was at her most vulnerable. It was entirely understandable that she would lash out, especially considering the trauma she’s likely gone through at the hands of Halvone. I saw Vekna shuffle out of the corner of my peripheral vision. She was fiddling with her belt pack, placing something inside. She looked ashamed, worried, all the adrenaline of the moment slowly fading as the Harchen eventually calmed in my grip. “Y-You mean yo-ur…not here to k-kill me?”

Her voice was filled with both hope and despair. Asking a question that you knew for certain would be answered in a way you didn’t wish, but doing so anyway. It felt like she had asked an Arxur if they weren’t going to eat her.Oh stars, this wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

“I promise,” I whispered, “look, here, I’ll get off you. Just, we need to talk to you. Please, can you at least not run?” Despite her still camouflaged scales, she twisted her tail in agreement. I slowly let go of her and backed off. True to her word, she didn’t try to run, though she did back away a safe distance.Probably to avoid getting tackled again.I did Tarlim’s breathing exercise to myself and sat down on the ground. “See? We’re friends. You have nothing to worry about.”

“N-nothing to worry about?” She spat in anger, her fear now rapidly fading, “you come in here for a session and bring in someone who immediately tackles me to the ground! I think thatqualifiesas ‘something to worry about!!’”

Vekna shuffled awkwardly, fiddling with the coin she retrieved from the fountain in her nervous tick. “I, well,” she stammered a bit as she tried to form words, “I’m used to- I thought that-… I am so sorry. That was- all of that was completely my fault.”

“I mean, in a technical sense, yes!” Yrtima conceded, “But you weren’t even supposed to be here! The instructions on the site were simple:no tagalongs!But then again, considering that you just tackled me, it’s safe to say that you weren’t here for my services in the first place!”Well she’s right about that, at least.

I knew I would have to be the one to diffuse the situation, so I stood up again and pulled out my holonote. “You’re correct about that, I admit. We needed a secure way to contact you outside of any prying eyes. Your service site was simply the best way to do that. Are you aware of the money laundering conspiracy that was recently upturned?”

Yrtima snorted at that. “Of course I am, just because I work out of a cave doesn’t mean I live under a rock. What does that have to do with anything?”

“We’re the ones who busted it,” Vekna pipes up, having finished with whatever she had put in her belt pack. Yrtima looked between us unconvinced, so I pulled up my ID and flashed it.

“Sharnet, investigate reporter. This is my friend, Vekna, same job description. We were sent here on behalf of the VRPBN to find and expose the scattered heads of the Dawn Creek Correctional Facility. I believe you’re already acquainted with one of them,” I stated matter-of-factly, “Halvone.”

Her scales began to slowly transition to their natural green as she stared at my ID. “Huh…so all that talk wasn’t a load of sh*t.” Her saturation shifted up for a moment as she met my eyes again. “Color me impressed. You know that I have a publicly available contact profile, right?”

“Not secure enough,” Vekna replied by my side. “Given your reaction, you know just how dangerous someone like Halvone is, and he’s not even the top of the chain. We don’t know how far this conspiracy goes, but it turns out that puddles of speh tend to blend together.” She flicked her ears, “That’s how we got involved with the conspiracy story in the first place after all.”

Yrtima processed what Vekna had said for a moment before her tail started wagging behind her. “Wait, does that mean that monster is finally behind bars?!” As soon as she said it, though, her tail slowed. “Wait, no. If that were the case, you wouldn’t be here, would you?” I tried to offer some words, but I’m silenced by a quick finger. “Don’t try and lie, I’m more than aware that my tastes are unconventional. I had thought all that squirming was just first-time apprehension… still might.”

“In my defense, it wasn’t made clear anywhere on your site that the laying would be happeningon my lap,” I protested, gaining a look from her that just screamed ‘oh you sweet innocent child.’ “In any case, you’re correct. Halvone hasn’t been brought to justice.Yet.That’s why we’re here. We already have anecdotes from other reactor workers, a second-hand witness to his post-facility crimes, and even a possible plea deal with one of the lower members of the conspiracy. What we needed to ensure he didn’t see the starlight for the rest of his life is a first-hand witness.”

I put away my holonote to eliminate any distractions. “We wanted to talk to you to see if you had any leads regarding any of his other victims that might’ve survived, considering you’re one of only five Harchen in this district. However, when we saw your picture on the site, we knew what he’d done to you.” I straightened myself and smoothed out the slime matted fur on my thighs. “So we wanted to make a proposition to you.”

“You knew what those were, then?” One of her arms unconsciously moved towards her back, just above where her tail meets her spine.I’d imagine the pain caused won’t soon fade from her mind.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Vekna chimed in again. “We met another victim with worse scars, but her testimony is in a more…complicatedposition than yours would be.” She huffed at the memory of the scars, “however, they have familial connections within the magistrate, so we should be able to get theirs added at a later date. For the moment, though, we would need a substitute, and that’s why we’re here. We wanted to ask if you’d be willing to testify against him once he’s in detainment.”

Yrtima flashed a few different colors as she thought about our proposition. She’s obviously had a bad experience with Halvone in the past, but the specifics had so far eluded discussion.If I know more, I might be able to convince her.I slapped my tail against the floor to get the Harchen’s attention. “If I might ask, how did Halvone manage to reach you? You seem to have decent precautions in place.”

“In placenow,” she sighed, “this was… a good few seasons back. When the wind was blowing sunward. I used to set up meetings in semi-public areas. Like a maintenance room that would be empty every certain number of paws, a work site that was close enough to completion, anywhere that I could send an address for the meeting. I was preparing myself for a client when…heappeared.”

“Halvone,” Vekna blurted out. She went silent for a split second before her ears perked. “Wait, was he your client??”

“No, he wasn’t. Some poor soul didn’t get their experience that night. Or the next few nights for that matter.” Her scales started to blend in with the wall as she continued her story. “I don’t know why he was there that night, but the next thing I remembered was being blindfolded and gagged somewhere. I tried to call out for help, but then I felt a terrible, searing pain along my back. I screamed out, and I heard a horrible, monstrous laugh come from somewhere in the room.”

We were both stunned to silence at a first-hand description of Halvone’s crimes. We had already seen the aftermath in Unzekep, but to know just how much enjoyment the harchen-imitation Halvone derived from it was…sickening. She paused for a moment for questions, but we had none yet, so she continued. “I don’t know how long I was there for, but at some point, the bonds loosened just enough for me to wriggle free. I was at a demolition site, but I didn’t have time to think about anything. Halvone came in, furious to see that I’d escaped. I grabbed a taser off of a desk and jabbed it in his neck. Once he fell to the ground, I wasted no time in running. I thought about going to the office to tell them, but I was afraid that if I did, they’d find out about my business, so I…never did. I made sure I would always be prepared if someone strange tried to get the better of me again, as you two well know by now.”

That still didn’t explain everything. “But when you were panicking, you mentioned thugs knowing his name ‘now’ and then talking about exterminators.”

“Well, yeah, that’s the other reason I never went forward. You weren’t the first to come after me because of him!”

Ah, right, over half the exterminators were in Welvoca’s pocket, and Halvone was a big contributor. I can probably guess how it went.“So he sent some to detain you, but you escaped, but they couldn’t explain their injuries without exposing themselves. So you’ve just had to avoid the officers at every chance since then.”

She snorted. “Right on that. Now, I can give you my testimony for taking him down. However, I want assurance that if I do, I’m not going to be grabbed by any silver suiters and taken for a lobotomy.”

My tail lashed in a bit of excitement. “The exterminators are being massively investigated due to involvement with Welvoca’s conspiracy, and with the added evidence of his actual scene of the crime, we should be able to get a Magisterial order of witness protection for you. By law, not even the head exterminator in the capital would be allowed to touch you.”

Yrtima’s interest was visibly piqued at that. “Not even the head exterminator, you say? I’ll say, for reporters, you two know how to make a damn good deal. If you can promise that, I’m in. It’s safe to say that I’ll be doing my best to omit my line of work, however. I’m certain that won’t cause any problems?”

My tail wrapped around my waist. “I can certainly say that won’t. After all, it doesn’t have any relation to his actions!”

“Alright then,” Vekna placed her coin in her bag and pulled out her holonote. “Do you think we can get a direct statement from you for us to present? You should be able to give your full testimony at a trial, but for now, just the short direct version to help bring him down?”

Her tail gave an approving wag, with a good amount of hope also held within its sway. “If you can bring that bastard to justice, I’ll give you anything you want.” She cleared her throat, leaning towards the recording holonote, “my name is Yrtima, and for three paws, the Harchen known as Halvone imprisoned and tortured me before I could make my escape…” she leaned back, giving her hands a clap. “Okay, s’that good?”

“Yep,” I said as Vekna fiddled with her holonote. “Now that we have that, we have everything we need to confront Halvone with the full power of the law, as little as that is right now.” I quipped.

“Wait,” Vekna held up her holonote, “did remember where he held you? See any landmarks after you escaped? If he’s as arrogant as I think he is, he likely is still using that place. We might be able to catch him with his maw bloody.”

It was a predatory description of the situation, but perfectly fitting for such a monster. “Yes,” I added, “anything or any place you can think of would be a massive help.”

“It would be difficult for me to forget such a place,” Yrtima said. “It’s out in the woods, where the old town used to be. Looked like Pre-contact stuff rotting away, old house foundations. He kept me in one of the only places there that’s set up to get electricity, the old sawmill.” She gave a frustrated snort. “And they call that place ahistorical site.”

Historical site?I whipped out my holonote, typing to see any preserved towns around Sidestar. It was a little slow due to the low signal of the cave, but a result came up. “Is this it?” I swiveled my holonote towards the Harchen so she could see. “Yermen view?”

“That’s the spot,” she stated with authority, “I hope he gets burned like the monster he is.”

“It might be worth it to return there to snap some photos before confronting Halvone head-on,” Vekna proposed. “If we want to make this casetrulyair-tight, that is.”

I signed “yes” with my tail before turning back to face Yrtima. “Thank you for all your help. We’ll make sure that Halvone doesn’t hurt anyone ever again.”

On that note, we turned to leave. Unfortunately, the sins of the past weren’t forgotten as Yrtima blocked our path. “Oh no you dont, not yet. You’re still forgetting your souvenir!” She then held forth a glass preserve jar towards us, the egg suspended within the liquid contained.

I grimaced as I tried to push the jar away.How did she even prepare that so fast? I’m not keen on owning this particular mistake.“Oh, thank you, but w-“

I wasn’t given a chance to finish as the jar was forcefully pushed into my chest. “You come here under false pretenses, assault me, and get me to testify in the open against someone who both tortured me and tried to send the exterminators after me.Multiple times.You two aretakingthe egg.”

I was completely caught off guard by her insistence. My paws slowly wrapped around the cool exterior of the jar. Once I was well and truly holding it, she backed up and opened the door. “Have a good night!”

We both flicked farewell with our tails as we made our way through the cave once more. The night was still in full bloom as we exited the cave’s mouth, cool mountain air ruffling our fur. Armed with one last destination…andan egg, we had our plan to take down Halvone and find a path to Malcos.

I’ll track him down to the ends of the galaxy. For Tarlim.

Chapter 33

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] October 3rd, 2136

I look out the window of the bus as Sharnet and I, along with a singular other Venlil, ride to the “historic site.” It had been an uneventful claw after our run in with Yrtima, which was a welcome change of pace. We had placed our little…souvenirin Sharnet’s travel case, which was suddenly far fuller with its addition. I had thought she would just toss it once we were out of Yrtima’s sight, but I guess the promiscuous Harchen’s guilt had gotten to us both.So we’re taking the egg. At least that way we wouldn’t need to look at it anymore.When we saw that the next transit to the historic sub-district was almost a claw away, we considered calling Luvak to take us there. Given how we were just going there to see if we can take some pictures for evidence, though, we decided the bus would be more economical.

I’m somewhat regretting the decision as tree after tree passes us by. I rap my claws against the window as I watch unenthusiastically. Calling the old town “historic” was a stretch at best and an outright lie at worst. The buildings were clearly built within the past century, as the styles conformed to the Federation standard, just with a few antiquities, such as hinged doors and less advanced construction materials. I have a difficult time believing that any of those buildings areactuallyhistoric, except for one: the old saw mill. According to the net page I had read, it was constructed right before first contact, and has stood ever since. Of course, it also lists it as due for “refurbishment,” which roughly translates to “complete demolition and ‘reconstruction,’” but ironically enough, Motsul and Welvoca’s plans had taken the manpower from that project away.Funny that something good could come out of that scheme at all.

Since my talk with Tagelb, I had slowly started to identify with his sentiment of Federation meddling. Sure, it was good to help advance uplifted species’ technologies, but removing any trace of the old was negligent and just plain destructive. It’s clear that this site is meant to paint a false picture of our past, just like they had done with the Harchen, just like they were trying to do with the Yotul.That is, before the humans arrived and shook everything up.I sigh and stow my pad away, glancing over to Sharnet. She seems to have fallen asleep on the ride over.Good for her, having an egg laid on you is bound to be a mentally draining experience.

My thoughts are interrupted by an automated message.“Attention: Next Stop, Historic Sub-District. Next Stop, Historic Sub-District”Welp, that’s our cue to get ready.I place a gentle paw on Sharnet’s shoulder and shake her awake. She jolts upward, her fur puffing out as she looks around. I waved my other paw in front of her eye, which prompted her to look at me. “Hey, wake up. We’re almost there.”

Sharnet’s fur smooths once she recognizes me. She mewls a bit as she begins to fully return to consciousness. I can’t really blame her for passing out, though. The combination of the darkness working on our instincts and the…egg stuffthat shall not be spoken of or looked at even though it’s still in her travel casereally took our energies out of us. Thankfully, the ride had allowed the both of us to destress a bit. Me with my internet and her with her nap.

“Wh…,” she yawns, prompting me to imitate. “Who-hah.Oh, hey Vekna. We- hoo, we ready?”

I did a mental stock in response to her question. Unlike my total blunder with Welvoca, I had set up a secondary data storage that my holonote was wirelessly connected with, and with Sharnet’s permission, linked both our storage’s together. No matter what happens to our devices, the evidence will be safe.And I still had my weapon, of course.“Yeah, we’re ready.”

We hop off the bus onto the SafeStreet road in silence. Honestly, we’ve been more silent to one another ever since we left Yrtima’s den.Yrtima… did she see my gun? Did Sharnet?

By the Herd, was I really going to shoot her?

I haven’t told Sharnet that I was armed yet, but I know that I’m going to make sure we get Halvone’s pad, one way or another.After all he’s done, he doesn’t deserve any chance to go free.Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to worry about that until we confronted him in the reactor chamber in a few paws. This is just a leisurely trip to secure photographic evidence for the case.Maybe I could try to see what’s on Sharnet’s mind to make her so quiet?

I ponder asking her as we walk down the sparsely-lit path. On a whim, I look up at the unusually dark sky. Due to Venlil Prime’s tidally-locked rotation and lack of a moon, I’ve only experienced night once before, on a trip north with my father when I was young. It was darker than I remembered, but another part of the memory tickled my brain.I wonder if…there!I suddenly point out to a small cluster of blinking lights lazily drifting through the air. “Sharnet, look! Lightflies!”

She seems startled by my outburst, but follows my gaze regardless. She easily spots the standout invertebrates and her tail starts to lightly wag. “Lightflies. I haven’t seen those since I was a pup! I suppose the night truly is falling up here, after all.”

“Same,” I offer. “It’s a shame they can only really exist near the poles.”

“They are quite beautiful… I wish more could see them…” Sharnet proses.

I flick my ears in agreement as we continue our trek. The tree canopy is eerily dark, only broken by the light coming from the lamps that light our path. Eventually, I can’t take it anymore, and I steel myself to ask. “Sharnet, are you…okay? After what happened? You seem less talkative than usual.”

That’s putting it a bit lightly. Since we left Yrtima, she’s barely spoken a word before now. Just clenching her wool and wiping her lap. I remember seeing her enter the bus’ mobile bathroom at least five times to wash her wool. It seems like she felt discomfort just from existing, and I wasn’t sure how to help. Is it because of us being so close to Halvone, or because of Yrtima? I really wish she would say something,anything,so I could help her.

“I’m…. I’m working through it,” she responds after a moment, “I didn’t think that… I would go through that. That I would let myself be in that position.” She looks down at her hands, seeming to force them to release her wool. “I can work it out, I promise. Getting Halvone is more important right now.”

While I agree that catching Halvone is important, we didn’t have plans to do that for paws. To think that she was bottling up what happened worries me. “I mean, we’re not going to see Halvone until we corner him in the reactor facility. If you wanna…I don’t know, talk about it? I’m here.”

“Thanks,” she beeps, “it just… it can wait.”

Before I have a chance to say anything else, we arrive in the heart of the historic district. The promotional pictures had been entirely accurate, as all the houses look to be of the exact same make as what you’d find in the cities and suburbs, simply with more antiquated building materials. The town was practically empty this time of the rotation thanks to being mostly a tourist destination, with nary a tour guide to be seen.At least that makes our job a bit easier.

Compared to all the rounded buildings, the sawmill stands out like an infected claw. It towers over almost all the other buildings, its angular silhouette casting an imposing shadow on its offshoot walkway. As we get closer, I spot desolate foundations scattered throughout the forest, now little more than rotting wood and mossy cobblestone. Almost like there were more buildings here that had been cast aside. The ruins of old conveyor belts extend out into the forest like unrequited synapses, nary another standing building to connect to.Historic my ass.If I had any doubts about the falsehood of every other building in this area being historic in the slightest, they no longer existed in my mind. “Well, this should be it. Nowhere else looks anywhere near as old as this place.”

I hear Sharnet give a huff as she stares up at the crumbling building. “You know, I used to think places like these really were historic, that all the buildings were accurate. This is the first time I have seen one I know for a fact to predate the Federation.” She shakes her head, her tail almost curled around her waist. “It’s soobvious.Of course he went somewhere nobody else wanted to look.”

I run my paw along the side of the brick building. Dry dust coats my pads, much to my disdain. “It certainlyfeelsold enough to predate Federation contact. I wonder why this place, of all places, was chosen to remain? Is it because it was built to use electricity?” As I shake my hands clean, I look up to the second story, spotting old, rubber-insulated cables running into mounts built into the wall. “At least we were far enough along to have electricity before the Federation decided our culture wasn’t worth preserving.”

“I don’t even know if we were eventhat,” she comments as we approach the door, “those lines look a lot newer than the rest. Barely even a bit of weathering. Why wou…”

Her voice trails off as she takes another look at the electric lines. It only takes me another second to realize what she sees. The mounts are as weathered as the building, but the lines…theyarenew.Halvone. Of course he would need electricity.“New lines on something with no funding. I think that might be our first piece of evidence.”

I raise my holonote to take a picture, making sure to get the wall mount in frame. It saves the picture to the backup server, proof that I’m not one to make the same mistake twice. By the time I lower my device, Sharnet’s already at the hinged door, hesitantly reaching for the handle. It’s a sight to behold, as she very visibly fights with her arm.Getting closer, pulling back, doing her breathing exercise, then another attempt.Is she afraid of what might await us inside?

Maybe I should be, too.

But now isn’t the time for that. If we want a 101% chance of proving Halvone’s guilt, we need photographic evidence of his crimes. I walk up to the door, put my hand on Sharnet’s shoulder. She flinches, looking at me. I gently squeeze and pull her away. “Here, let me do it.” Taking a breath myself, I clench the rusted handle and push down. A horrific squeal sounds from the ancient mechanism as it unlatches, letting the door fall inward with a squeak. I quickly raise my holonote, activating the flashlight functionality. The interior is finally revealed, and…yep, it’s a sawmill, alright.

The interior is open, massive empty spaces, once assuredly occupied by countless felled trees, now lay desolate, empty, and rotting along with the rest of the structure. Ancient machines rest corroded on the ground, once strong sawblades now withered and speckled with time. Old filament light bulbs of a distinctly non-standard shape hang unpowered from unsupported cables, some shattered. It’s only barely apparent that the Federation had influenced its construction by the use of the frayed conveyor rollers and what looked to be an out-of-place, but still sufficiently old, computer case next to what remains of the main blade. What’s missing, though, are any instruments of torture and electrocution.

A realization comes to me, and I paw my forehead.Of course Halvone wouldn’t put his lair out in plain sight, people still come in here from time to time! That shattered light bulb didn’t break itself, after all.I motion to Sharnet as I swivel my light across the room. “Looks like we’ll have to forage for Halvone’s lair. You check upstairs and I’ll see if I can find anything down here.”

“Oh, I think our forage will be a lot easier than that.” She glances up at the decayed front wall, carefully pacing as she shines her holonote up at the ceiling. I’m about to open my mouth to ask what she’s doing, but she preempted me. “Those power lines have to be heading somewhere, but they would still need to be insulated to not burn this place down. The old wires are likely corroded beyond useless by now, so…”

It suddenly clicks in my head, and I blurt out the solution in sync with Sharnet. “So we look for the wires with new insulation!”

“Exactly,” her tail starts to wag now that she’s finally starting to work with her passion. “Look up at the ceiling for anything that isn’t rusted or is plasticky. If I’m correct, that should lead us right to wherever Halvone’s hidden his crimes.”

I follow her instructions and shine my light up on the ceiling. While Sharnet follows the wire from the base, I search the rest of the roof to see if I can get a head start on finding where it leads. It would likely just be hanging in the rafters, as properly securing the line would require too many tools to stay beneath notice. Plastic electric pipes are easy to buy at a hardware store while staying cheap, so I need to look for a long plastic line laying loose beneath the frayed insulation of the ceiling. Something like… like…

There.

A thin, brown line that has a shiny sheen, unlike the rotting insulation that still hangs from the rafters. I follow it towards the front wall, and my light intersects with another. I look back down to see Sharnet doing the same. We both flick our ears and follow the pipe further into the facility. The floorboards creak ominously as we venture further and further in. A voice in the back of my head keeps telling me to turn back, but I brush it aside with determination.I will get that evidence. I will NOT have a shortlung attack, and I WILL live up to the person Sharnet thinks I am.

We follow the pipes and wires until we reach a dead end on the far wall. “Well, this is where the strayu crumb trail ends. There’s gotta be an opening in the wall here somewhere…” I quietly postulate as I start running my hands along the splintery wood of the wall. It’s strange, almost every other wall in this building was made of bricks. It was how they had withstood the centuries without significant rot or collapse. Perhaps there was an unseen door that I needed to push somewhere to reveal?

Naturally, once the thought was in my head, I couldn’t help but lean my weight against the wall. Moving down and retrying to see if anything gave.Hmmm, this wood is stronger than I thought. To have something this solid remain is-

Ker-cra-Blash!!

I yelp as I’m thrown to the ground by the unfair whims of gravity, wood clattering around me. I huff out as I plant my paws on the ground and look up at the…well…lit room? I hear something shatter a few [feet] away. I snap my gaze up to where it came from. A Harchen stands before a broken vial on the gr...ound...Wait…HARCHEN?!

HALVONE!!

“Spleshing Brahkass Vlaptchick!” He scrambles back at my form, almost tripping on the set of wires he had strewn across the ground before turning around and bolting. As he did so, I spy Sharnet’s form rushing into the hole I created. I’m quick to push myself to my feet, barely taking time to shake the dust from my fur.I’M NOT LETTING YOU GET AWAY YOU BRAHKASS!!

I hear Sharnet say something by my side, but I don’t hear her. We both rush down the spiral staircase, Halvone’s echoed curses bouncing to our ears as we descend flight after flight with reckless abandon. All too quickly, we come to a door that’s closing in our face.NO!!I ready my shoulder and bash my way into the shallowly-buried room. Halvone goes tumbling to the floor as I right myself, hearing Sharnet return to my side once I breach the monster’s sanctum.Well, here’s all the equipment we were looking for!“Nowhere to run now, bastard!” I shout at him, my breathing still rapid.

“You-you’re early!” the beast pants. “No matter! I can work with this, I can work with this!”

His eyes swing up to me, something in his hands. I can feel the joyful malice in his stare as he brandishes the item. “I’ll just take you down with me!!”

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Chapter 34

Chapter Text

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{-Playing…-}

Memory transcript: Vekna, Journalistic Apprentice. Date: [Standardized human time] October 3rd, 2136

Halvone just hisses his laugh as he begins crawling away from the door on his back as we make to enter. “You know, this is even better than what I had planned! I will get toseeyou two this way! I’ll get towatch you fry!” He scrambles to his feet, clutching the device to his chest, “oh, what a blessing it is to see!”

{-Rapid Audio-visual Memory Incoherence Detected-}

{-Dilating Playback Scale To Compensate-}

It’s a lever on a box.A remote industrial switch!That’s why he almost tripped on those wires, why there are so many strewn on the ground and down the metal stairs. I see copper.Uninsulated cables!Thick diameter, high voltage. I recognize them. It’s a trap. We’ll be dead in seconds!

Can’t allow that.

I rip open my belt pack. I reach for the handle. He’s got his fingers on the switch.Gun. Gun. Gun. Gun!It’s turning. The gun won’t stop him. Where do the cables go? Box. Lightning symbol.Transformer box!Aim. It’s turned!

Fire.

PAIN!! PAIN, IT-

Pain gone. Bright flash. Sparks. Lights out.

{-Memory Coherence Restored-}

{-Resetting To Standard Playback Scale-}

The electric current had given us a jolt, but it was thankfully diluted by being spread so far to cover so much ground. Our legs ache and we would have to treat our feet for any burns, but we’re alive.Alive!

I hear a cough next to me, “Brahk! Oh Stars! I’m- I’m okay? I’m okay! Vekna!! Speak to me! Where are you?!”

“I’m here!” I call out, standing. My body feels numb, I can feel my heart beating quickly in my chest.It’s so dark. I need my holonote!I reach for it with my right hand…my right-WHERE’S MY GUN?!

I whip out my holonote and look around the room frantically. I catch a glimpse of Sharnet knelt on the floor, the cables are still strewn everywhere.WHERE THE BRAHK IS MY SPLESHING G-THERE!!I spot the polished metal on the floor next to something green.It’s moving. HALVONE!!If he gets a hold of my weapon, we’re done for!I won’t let that happen!!

I lunge forward, just as the monster reaches for my gun.Oh no you don’t!I duck my head and prepare for impact, which comes shortly after. I hear a screech complimented by a cracking noise as our heads collide. “Brahking- how dare you!!” He stumbles back, clutching his head.

I still feel numb. Gun, where’s-there!I scramble towards my weapon, scooping it up in my paws before looking back towards Halvone. He had a pole in his hands.He’s charging me! I need to stop him. Leg shot, non-fatal, leaves him incapacitated.I snap the barrel to his leg, my finger already starting to pull on the trigger.

Before I can even fire, a black mass darts out of the shadows, colliding against the reptile's chest.Sharnet!He is pulled out of the cone of light by my companion, collapsing against a metallic table only dimly seen in the glow of my holonote skidding across the room.

“Spasshhhhh,”he hisses, “my spleshing ribs!”

He props himself up, swinging a metal pole out to make me and Sharnet back up.No, not a pole. Taser Prod!Small sparks of electricity jumped between two prongs at the poles tip. “You nosy little pests! I had everything so perfectly planned out! I would lure you away from the reactor, only lead you here toFry!!Butno,you had to be busybodies, didn’t you?? Youhadto be early! How the Brahk did you even get here so soon???” His eyes suddenly sparkle maliciously. “Oh,I know!You talked to that pervertedwhor*,didn’t you? It’s a shame that she escaped, she made the mostdivinenoises when she was siphoningthe nectar of the GODS!!”

Alright, I’ve heard enough of this.I snap my aim towards his device and fire. The energy bolt travels quickly to his device, causing it to explode in his grasp upon impact. He’s thrown back, hissing in pain. Sharnet acts quickly, leaping to the floor to grab a cable in her paws and pull it. I hear a yelp as the mass that is Halvone goes tumbling to the floor.He’s down, he’s down!

Sharnet leaps up, cable still dragging behind her as she is soon upon the monster. She’s bleating, looking almost wall-eyed, but her body moves as if it has full knowledge of its every action. Using his clawing hands momentum, she spins him onto his face and loops a coil around his wrist before grabbing his other hand and coiling both limbs together behind his back with the wire. Halvone squirms helplessly on the ground as Sharnet binds him, spewing out curse after curse. I don’t hear it though.

I just hear blood roaring.

Here he is, the architect of how much suffering? Of how many deaths? Bound and helpless, like an animal.A deranged, malicious animal.I calmly walk over to him, Sharnet catching her breath as she binds his legs as well so he can’t move. I move to his side, priming my gun for another shot.After everything, and when he’s finally caught, he tries to kill himself along with us.I step on his neck, grinding on his windpipe with my foot as I level the gun at his face. I can see the realization dawn in his eyes as his features change to those of shock.No. You won’t hurt anyone else.

My finger tightens around the trigger as the rush of blood overwhelms my senses.You won’t hurt anyone EVER AGAIN!

Pressure on my arm.

FZOOM!

Halvone freezes, starting at the bullet hole now formed at the side of his head. There are two black hands covering mine, trying to force it to release my gun. A voice echoes into my mind from somewhere.“What the Brahk are you doing??”I ignore it, fighting to get the gun back on target.There.I pull the trigger, but once again, the black hands yank mine away.

FZOOM!

There’s screaming. Halvone is struggling harder. I can smell burnt flesh.He’s still alive.The hands are getting stronger. My paws are overwhelmed, and the gun is ripped from my hands.I can’t let it end! I need to-

An impact rocks my skull as another connects with it. The rush of blood is replaced with an awful ringing. I fall to the ground, groaning in pain.Where…where’s the gun? I need to end it!My eyes are accosted by a sudden bright light, working in collaboration with the ringing in my ears to stun me.

“Vekna!” The voice rings, starting to get more clear, “why are you- you need to-STOP MOVING!!”

I freeze. There was someone in front of me. On me. Black with white spots, as if dust has fallen upon their shoulders.Sharnet.

“Okay,” she pants, “good, good,huuuuuuh…. Do you hear my voice?”

“Y-Yeah,” I pant in response, “Yeah, I do.”

“What- what was that?” She gasps. “You were going to shoot him while we had him tied up! Why…?”

I balk at her question, standing my ears straight sideways from my skull. “Why?Why?What do youmean‘Why?’” I point at the bound Harchen, the beast breathing heavily from the headbutt Sharnet gave him. “He deserves todie,that’s why*!*”

“But we have him bound!” She protests, clutching her hand. “We have him in his lair! We have all of his equipment here, in prime condition waiting to be apprehended! We have everything to take him down, practically on a silver platter! He won’t get away!”

I snuff indignantly as I stand back up, ducking my head and standing my ears straight up. “That isn’t the point! After all he's done, to Unzekep, to all the other patients! You still think he deserves the mercy to live another day?!” I huff in Sharnet’s face. “He's a monster, apredatorin the truest sense of the word! He should be put down like one! His crimes will still be known toeveryone, and he won't live to see it!!” I look around the room, searching for the same shiny sheen that adorned the weapon that saved both of our lives. “Where’s my gun? I’m going to finish him,here and now!”

Her hand is back on mine, forcing it back to the ground. It feels wet. “Mercy? You think this ismercy?” She growls, her voice practically sounding like a Shadestalker. “I hope that he gets burned like the predators he claims to despise, but not by fire! I want him to be shamed by the world, cast away from anyone with a shred of decency! I want to show what failures those facilities are in doinganythingbut empowering monsters!” She stares into my eyes, panting, grimacing, as if in pain. “But do you know what will happen if he’s killed?Do you??Exterminatorswillbe called, theywillburn his corpse for being tainted, then everything we’ve worked to uncover on himWILLbe cast aside! Forgotten as if it meant nothing! It will only be remembered as a footnote of one overseer being found years later! All our evidence will scatter like sand on the sunside because nobody would evencare enoughto look at it! No connection to Dawn Creek, no care for Unzekep, Yrtima cast aside, and all his victims who hadn’t escaped just lost to the shade! Heneedsto be exposed for all that! We need himalive!”

I want to argue, to say that letting him live another second is an affront to everything good in the galaxy, but deep down, I know she’s right. I raise my head, and…ow- owowow.The pain my brain had been holding back suddenly all floods back as my rage subsides. I clutch my head and fall to my side, groaning in pain. “Gah,of all the times to start hurting…”

“You Stupid Brahking Venlil,” a pained hiss echoes just outside the bright light of our discarded holonotes. “You can’t evenkillme right! My Kylrep foot! Grasah! You two are just as weak as the rest of your species!! You are nothing before the divine power of electricity! You are nothing beforeME!!” You-”

Sharnet huffs, raising herself off me, “Would you shut.Up, you one-note, egomaniacal narcissist! You just got taken down by a pair of infighting idiots who literally just stumbled across you unprepared!” She snatched up her still shining holonote and pointed it right at the Harchen. “You don’t look anywherecloseto as intimidating as I had you in my head! Now, I’m emotionally exhausted, bleeding, and quite frankly wishing to make your rib cage implode, soshut up until I’mdone freaking out!!!”

She had to catch herself on the metal desk to keep her balance. She’s clenching her wool and taking long, deep breaths. Or at least attempting to as she goes wall-eyed. As I look at her, I notice something disturbing. On her left side, the wool on her thigh takes on an orangish hue.Wait…bleeding, hand print, black hands on my gun. On my gun.

Speh. Speh spehspehspehSPEH!!I force myself upright and stagger over to the desk, having to lean on it myself for balance. “Sharnet, Sharnet! Oh brahk, I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to-I-I- Your hand is- a-and I-”

“Oh, did you hit her?” Halvone’s mocking voice came forth, “Well, it wouldn’t be the same as those siphoning electricity, but perhaps you could let me watch her pai-”

My eyes fall upon a tablecloth draped over what seemed to be a surgical table set up next to this desk. I wouldn’t kill him, but it would be of use, in more ways than one once torn in half. It barely took any effort to gag him. Not to say he didn’t put up a fight, I think I learned a few new curses as I straddled him and forced the cloth into his mouth. Unlike usoh so weakVenlil, he had a nose to breathe through, and if Sharnet was going to risk her health to save him, I wasn’t about to betray her trust now.

I’ve already done that enough for today.

After that, I reach into my pack, which has been shredded open in my haste to shoot the transformer box, and pull out bandages. I wrangle Sharnet’s paw from her wool and start hastily applying the ointment-infused bandages to her paw. I remember how the worker’s paw looked, and I’m scared by how similar it is. Unlike the peeling, soggy skin that had flaked off from his, Sharnet’s paw is blackened and burned, blood and plasma coating her paw in a sickly orange paste. As I wrap it around, I see one of Sharnet’s eyes shakily look at me, and I do my best to calm her. “Shhh-hhh,It’s okay, you’re going to be okay. I’m going to bandage it up and then we’ll get this looked at by a doctor, okay? Stay with me, please please stay with me…”

I had said that last part more for myself than I did for her. As I work, tears start to cloud my vision as the psychological weight of what I had almost done hits me like a space freighter.I was about to murder a man in Gray blood.I had no remorse, no hesitation.No empathy.What if I had hit Sharnet somewhere other than her hand? Like her arm? Her chest?

Her head?

As I finalize the last wrap of bandage, my vision is completely clouded by tears. I can barely breathe thanks to all the mucus in my throat, but I still try to keep it together for her.She needs me, even if I’ve done nothing but hurt her.But my conviction…isn’t enough. As I pull my arm back from her paw, my legs give out from under me and I collapse to the floor, barely contained sobs bubbling to the surface as a raging boil of self-directed anger and misery floods over my lips. I can’t even form coherent words to apologize to her as I sob, I can’t even tell where sheisright now. For all I know, she’s taken the monster disguised as a Harchen and gotten as far away as she can from the monster disguised as a Venlil.

Herd knows I want to do the same, but I’m trapped in my own mind with it. Forever.

Chapter 35

Chapter Text

{-Warning: Temporarily Altered State Of Mind Detected In Transcription Timestamps - Panic-}

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Memory transcript: Sharnet, Distressed Amateur Investigator. Date: [Standardized human time] October 3rd, 2136

I have no idea what I’m doing.

I willingly set myself up with a prostitute and went there as if theywouldn’tassume I wanted sexual acts. I barged into the lair of a monster as if they wouldn’t have the home field advantage in their own den. I chased them down as if there wouldn’t be any danger deeper in a sawmill and got almost electrocuted for it. I literally lept onto a gun and got my hand shot.

I could have died. Again. How many times have I put myself in a position where I could die?

I couldn’t even say it’s someone else’s fault. I did it all to myself. It wasmewho chose to meet Yrtima falsely,mewho wanted to go after Halvone,mewho grabbed a gun by its most dangerous part. Everything that happened is my fault. Like with Chase. With Welvoca. I just keep doing it.

Vekna was holding my hand. Stars. What did she think? Did she blame herself? She can’t! I can’t let her think she’s at fault for what I did!

“It’s,” I swallowed, trying to control my breathing, “it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.”

It was wheezing, a desperate repetition. I could barely hear myself, let alone Vekna. Something else was speaking at the same time as me. I saw Vekna’s eye snap down to Halvone, and she hurriedly grabbed a rag off of the table. I barely registered her gagging the Harchen before she had already returned her attention to my paw. She was bandaging it up, putting both the hair removal and stitching ointments upon the injury and wrapping it with gauze.

So much orange.My hand began to throb. I felt it now, my breathing finally starting to slow. Vekna finished wrapping my paw before she fell to the ground next to the desk. I heard- I heard a sob. She’s stressed, I’m stressed, but we needed to get a hold of ourselves. We had a monster bound up, and are panicking in his lair. I needed to keep going. For her. For all the people hurt. For Tarlim.For… Tarlim…

My mind finally began to right itself as the memory of his voice flowed through my mind. His ability to right himself from deep emotions, his technique to start his own control. Breathing. His breathing.

Focus. Breathe. Calm. Focus… breathe… Calm…

Focus…

Breathe…

Calm…

My stress was still there, I felt the small pressure of worry in my brain. But it felt… lessened. I could finally think again. We were in Halvone’s lair with him tied up. We needed to focus our priorities.Catalog the evidence.Look for a data pad or holonote.Find a connection to Malcos.

But most of all…

“Vekna,” I gasped, still getting my breathing under control, “you still there?”

Make sure she’s okay.

I still heard sobs. I picked up my holonote to see where she was, and lo and behold, she was right by my feet. She was…crying?

Wait.Why was I surprised? We fought. She wanted to kill somebody as much as I did with Chase. Unlike me, her rage was justified with the blood of unknown counts of others. Where I had hurt someone who was defending an innocent, she hurt someone who was defending a monster. I needed him alive, I still knew that, but what I know isn’t what she knows. I acted without her knowledge once again.

“I’m sorry, Vekna,” I feel my ears press to my skull in shame. “I messed up again. Please…forgive me.”

A breath hitched in her throat as she turned a teary eye to me. “F-Forgiveyou?Ishot you!I-I- you s-should…you s-shouldn’t be a-anywhere near me…” She hiccuped as she buried her face in her paws again.

She blames herself!I couldn’t let that happen! “I lept onto your gun!” My voice was sharp, scared. “I was practically defending an Arxur! I-I put myself in this situation without even trying to talk to you or even explain anything! Ihurtyou again, made you shoot me because I was stupid! Please! Don’t think this is your fault!!”

I felt tears welling in my eyes as I reached out an arm towards her. She shrunk away from it, but I knew that it wasn’t because she was afraid I was going to hurt her.She’s afraid that she’ll hurt me.I knew that I couldn’t allow that, Iwouldn’tallow that. So I pulled back my arm…before swinging myself forward so I could hug her. She yelped and tried for a brief moment to escape me, but I wasn’t about to let that happen.

“You have done so much for me,” I wept, “please don’t hate yourself because of my mistakes! Because of my failures! I want to be better, and I keep failing. I just… I would have never gotten this far without you. You rescued me so many times. You’re amazing, Vekna.Amazing.Please, don’t let me pull you down because I was stupid…”

She had stopped moving in my arms as I poured my heart out to her. I waited for her to respond, each second lasting a thousand years. After a moment, she tentatively reached under my arms and gingerly returned my embrace. “Oh, Sharnet…you’re not pulling me down. Not at all. I-I’m…” She removes herself from me so she can look at me. Her eyes are still wet, but her voice had stabilized. “You’re right. We need him alive to make sure that his crimes are known. I just…I wanted justice for all the people he wronged. I-I…I should’ve made a better choice. I forced you to defend him, and for that, I’m…sorry…” She looked down, away from me.

“Vekna,” I took a deep breath, “I understand. I also feel that wish. I don’t think any good person would want him left alive. You are not weak for that. You are stronger than most everyone I have met. Thank you. Thank you…”

“Ooohhhff,”a wretched, muffled voice groaned,“geee ah rooog!!!”

Our eyes shot to the dimly lit form of the bound Harchen.The monster who caused all this.Even when muffled, he had a way of just draining our emotions. Yet instead of making me despondent, I was now feeling…spiteful.

“You shut up!” I huffed at him. “Do you think you’re anything more than a target to us? Oh, don’t tell me, you’re some kind ofgrand mastermindbattling two worthy foes, aren’t you?” I swung my arm up to brace myself on the table, pulling myself up onto my feet. “You were a side job. Found by as much happenstance as that stupid Welvoca Brahk. Barely ablip!You know what’s going to happen now? Do you??”

I was standing over him. He tried to look defiant, but his scales betrayed him by their shifting.An attempt to disappear once more.“What will happen is that we will recordevery single pieceof evidence here,exposeyour incompetent barbarity, watch as you get draggedscreaming and kickinginto one of those Facilities you were so proud of running, and let. You.Rot.”

His thrashing stopped momentarily as his eyes squinted. “Fa-hill-ih-hee?”

Vekna was at my side. She was still panting from our sobs, but her expression firmed in distaste towards the Harchen. “Huvel. Huvel. What astupid name.You barely even changed it,Halvone.”

I had expected some reaction. Fear. Surprise. Just some acknowledgment of his past coming back to haunt him. But instead of breaking down, he started… laughing?? He was giggling so hard through the gag that it began to shake loose. Loose enough that he could talk.

“I told him!” He chittered as the gag slid to his side. “I told him! He didn’t believe me but Itold him!You took down Shorshen, didn’t you? I knew someone was after us!! Butnoooo,‘keep vigilant,’ ‘stay low profile!’Bah!” He spat on the ground next to him. “If he had any courage, he would’ve sicced me after you thesecondyou arrived!”

Vekna’s ears angled down as she stepped closer to him. “As soon as we arrived? You knew?”

“Knew?” Halvone giggled. “Knew?I’ve been keeping tabs on you two since your run-in with that creep with the egg! Ohp- sorry, thefirstcreep with the egg. Wouldn’t want to exclude your girlfriend here, would we?”

I felt my own ears rise in response. He looked at me and his scales flashed a taunting indigo. “How else would you know of this place if it wasn’t for her? She wouldn’t just tell any random off the street, not after the joyous tortureIput her through. You had to have made one of thosediseased appointments.” He gave me a sickeningly smug look. “Go on, tell me I'm wrong with a straight tail.”

“Fine,” I huff, “ you’re an Arxur in disguise, I figured that out already. Keep wasting your breath bragging. How theSpehdid you know we were searching for you from thatbartender?”

“Oh, you know how I get around by now,” he said, the implications clear. “A little threatening usually gets me what I want. Shame too, I think he’d made an…hehehe,anegg-cellent patient!”

“Enough jokes, you sick brahk!” Vekna bleated, stamping her foot. “Who do you work for?”

Halvone looked over at her, a hint of perplexity mixed with that same humorous indigo. “Really? Are you seriously asking me that? Like I’d tellyou.” Vekna huffed and walked over to the desk.His pad, right!

“You don’t need to,” I said, “We can just look on your pad right there.” I pointed to his device, which had come loose from its hiding place during our scuffle. He had tried to hide it under a stack of books, but those had fallen when I caved in a few of his ribs. “We’ll just backtrace the signal and get led straight to whoever “he” is. Or, should I say,Malcos.”

He just hissed in amusem*nt. “You really think you can? Those things are locked by the best security the Federation has! Beyond the best! I could-”

“Done!” Vekna said, holding up his unlocked pad. “Your password was ‘electricity.’ Kinda lame, if I’m being honest.”

His scales flushed blue in embarrassment. “… okay. My fault there.” He shook his head before a smug royal purple engulfed him. “Doesn’t matter! That thing is for communication purposes, and if I don’t input an authentication code every paw, it’s set to wipe! Let’s see, when was the last time I did that…? Oh right!Four point nine-nine claws ago.” He chittered once more. “Impressive what these programs can do now-a-days, isn’t it?!”

“What’s the code?!” I questioned, ducking my head ready to headbutt him on the ground. “Tell us!!”

“You’ll have tokill me,” Halvone said in an icy tone. “If Malcos wasn’t who he was, I’d give up that code in a heartbeat. He is so brilliant!” His expression hardened as Vekna tapped frantically at the pad. “But even I can recognize how tainted he is. If I were to betray him, I’d be dead before the paw ends anyways.”

Vekna ducked down below the desk for something, but I was still focused on Halvone.If threatening doesn’t work, maybe bargaining will.I raised my head and stared him down. “We could make sure that doesn’t happen. We can hand you over to the remaining Exterminators. You’d be behind bars where you belong, but you’d be safe.”

Vekna re-emerged from under the desk with a cord of some kind, connecting the two devices and hastily tapping on both as Halvone chittered. “Safe? You actually think I care if I’m safe?? Oh, my only regret is that I wouldn’t be able to watch my own demise!! You see, that’s the secret, dearSharnet,” he hissed as he stared directly at me with both eyes. I could see a swirling pool of madness within him as I heard Vekna stressedly mewl, “We’d all make suchexcellentpatients!!!”

A shower of sparks broke my attention as Vekna flinched away, only one screen now active from the two that were glowing. Halvone broke out into a mad cackle as his scales flashed a myriad of colors. “And it looks like I’ve outlived my usefulness! Go on then! Kill me! Shoot me like your friend tried to! Let me ascend from this mortal coil to amongst the gods of electromagnetism!!”

He was so co*cky. So eager to just see himself die. I almost wondered if he was just trying to egg me on. A possible attempt to escape his crimes one last time and avoid the Facilities…wait.An idea flashed through my mind. Or rather, a memory. One of the “treatments” I had learned of facilities using.I wonder…

“Tell me,” I asked with an unnerving calmness, “have you ever heard of a lobotomy?”

He was broken from his mad ramblings and he looked at me. It took only a moment for him to understand what I meant. “I’m not sure what you mean,” he deadpanned, keeping his voice steady. Unfortunately for him, I saw his scales try to blend in at just the mention of the procedure.So even a demon such as him is truly afraid of something.

“An interesting “predator disease procedure” I learned about from someone. Apparently it permanently removes someone’s ability to even conceive of certain thoughts. Of course, there are some other, small things that aren’t exactly paraded around with joy. A loss of care. A complete rewrite of personality. Taking hours to do even the simplest of tasks! Why, in some cases, the staff had to feed, bathe, even wipe the patients’ asses because they couldn’t muster the ability to do so themselves.”

I slowly walked over to a metal cable in the wall, moreso a solid rod of copper. I broke off a piece with my paw and flipped it around a couple times as Vekna kept tapping at her pad. “You know what instrument they use for such a procedure?” I whistled a low laugh. “Oh, who am I kidding? Of course you do. You and your twin sister were both in charge of the treatments.”

His eyes widened as his scales increased their saturation to almost cartoonish levels. Vekna was still focused on her pad. “Y-You’re bluffing. You’re bluffing! Such a procedure, it’s beyond-”

“I saw the records! Your own sister did it at least twice! It’s not complicated, either. Just stab a rod into the brain, and you give a little-” I swirled it around in an exaggerated stirring motion. I turned my head directly towards him and lowered it as I kept approaching him. “And you know what else those records had? They said that the easiest way to access the brain in almost any species was through their orbital socket. So the last thing you would see before losing everything you are would be a little needle,” I knelt beside him with the copper wire, inching it closer to his face. “Headingright. Towards. Your. Eye….”

He was whimpering, trembling in pure fear. But just as the copper would have touched his eye, I pulled back. “Something to look forward to, I suppose. I offered to keep you safe before, and you all but spat in my face. Too bad, really. Because know this, Halvone,” I said, leaning but a few [inches] from his face.“I will tell them the true extent of your depravity. They will See It with their own eyes, and you Already Know what they will decide.”

Halvone yelped as his scales changed to blend in with the floor. Before I could goad Halvone further, I heard a rhythmic thumping come from the table. Vekna was watching us with a wagging tail. “Wow, I think I saw a little urine! Bravo, Sharnet, bravo! If you’re done making monsters fear for their lives, though,” she held up her pad, “I got something.”

That caught both of our attention, Halvone’s scales shifting to a golden surprise. “What?! That’s impossible! The pad fried before even the fastest connections could transfer the data needed!”

“I know,” she said, holding up a slim, black cable. “That’s why I used this.”

I recognized that from my old office back at ShineX.That’s…“That’s a direct data transfer cable!”

“Yep!” Vekna’s ears raised gleefully. “Bad news is that I couldn’t get a complete lock through all the rebound stations, but I did get to the fifth-from-last jump. It was very clearly a main node, not just a proxy antennae to boot. That means that somewhere in the vicinity of the mark, there’s a device Malcos is using as a staging point. We find who has that, and we find another link to him, no groveling to a monster required!”

My tail was a blur behind me.It’s not perfect, but we finally have another lead!!I cleared my throat and composed myself, looking down towards the monstrous Harchen with a smirk across my features. “Well, Halvone,” I gave a smug wave of my tail, “I guess we don’t need your help anymore after all.”

“I can give you more!!” He practically shrieked in desperation. “M-meeting dates! Drop points! Connections! Anything! P-please! You can’t let my brain be cut!!! Th-the god’s won’t speak to me again if they do!!”

“Good,”I spat as I grabbed his gag and pulled it back over his mouth. He was futily kicking his legs as I tightened it so that it wouldn’t come loose again. There were tears in his eyes as his scales rapidly shifted through all the colors of the rainbow.

“It’s like I said.” I said icily as I stared the monster right in the eyes.“You. Will. Rot.”

To appease my darkest desires, I wasted no time in kicking his head against the metal table. His scales flashed white for a moment before returning to their usual dark green. I knelt down to check to see if he was still breathing, and to my relief, he was. I stood back up again and glanced at Sharnet. “You saw him trip too, right?”

“Yup,” she said without hesitation. “Nasty fall, that was.”

“Okay,” I panted, our alibi set, “Okay. I…might have gone a little far on that kick, honestly. Still, oh myStarsthat feltso good.I don’t know if that makes me a worse person, but Brahk it, he is one of the few who actuallydeservedit! By the Stars!!”

“Along with the rest of the heads, right?” Vekna quipped as she stowed her pad. “Trick question, of course they do. Now, let’s find a way to get the lights back onwithoutburning us to a crisp so we can take pictures of all the stuff in here.”

I flicked my ears and stood by Vekna as she fiddled with the transformer box. “Still, at least I actually got to do one of them in person. But yes, lights would be good.” I looked down at the Harchen. A small pool of violet blood had formed near his feet, as it appeared that one of his toes had been hit by Vekna’s earlier plasma bolts. It wasn’t nearly as big as I thought it would be, probably because the heat of the blast partially cauterized the wound.

I wasn’t given time to fully consider it though as my eyes were overloaded with light. I groaned and squinted before I realized what that meant.Power, the cables!I jumped up before I remembered what Vekna had said.Without frying, right.I managed to open my eyes enough to see my partner standing and dusting off her paws. “There we go, I ripped out the breakers that were connected to the zappy cables and pulled the rest back into the power grid. We should be good to get this all sorted now.”

“Agreed,” I said with a flick of my tail as I retrieved my own pad. We started taking pictures of all the devices in the room, spotting things we hadn’t seen in our tunnel vision on Halvone before. Among them was a familiar piece of equipment, resembling a chair.A chair…no, it can’t be!

Vekna must’ve heard my surprise, as she leaned over after taking a picture of some medical supplies. “What’s the matter? What’s that thing used for?”

“I read the court documents,” I gasped, “the investigators claimed the off-regulation stimulus chair was built by an external contractor. They claimed none of the staff that were caught could have known it was built to go beyond. But this…” I moved closer to the wretched device. “Vekna, thisisthe chair. In miniature…but that would mean…”

“It would mean thathebuilt it,” Vekna finished for me, jabbing a claw towards the still-unconscious Harchen in the center of the room. She fiddled with one of the limb restraints, snapping it shut on air with a quick push. “Figures that beast would make something like that.”

“Perhaps he can end up in it after all,” I offered up as I stepped back to behold Halvone’s dastardly creation.

“I hope so…wait, why did you read the court documents for that case?” Vekna questioned. “I mean, I read it too because I thought it might have some leads, but there was nothing of use in it. Just a bunch of anecdotes of the horrible things that happened there.”

“For my friend,” I said. “He was hurt by these people too. Thrown into a facility for a completely predatorspeh reason.” I glanced back at her. “That’s one of the reasons I’m doing this. You know, besides trying to be a better person. I want him and all the others who were tortured for no reason to see that people care. That we don’t approve. That we won’t abandon them from the herd because of what people like…likehimdid to them…”

Vekna stood still for a moment, deep in thought. Her eyes started to separate before she shook herself off and looked back at me. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I managed to get that relay node mapped while you distracted Halvone. We’re one step closer to putting an end to all of this, once and for all.” Her voice had a steely determination about it that matched my thoughts perfectly.

I flicked my ears with conviction at her words of encouragement. “Then let’s get these photos done and get to that relay node!” I was about to walk away, but I blinked as a thought crossed my mind. I held up my claw to Vekna, who co*cked her head at me. “By the way, where exactlyisthe relay node?”

“Oh, here! I’ll show you!” She said, reaching into her tattered waist pouch and retrieving her holonote. She opens it and pulls up a planetary map projection. She scrolled until it showed the West side of the planet, a blinking red dot appearing close to the equator. “It’s a small industrial district. It’s…damn, I forgot. Lemme pull it up.” She tapped the dot on her hard light screen, and the projection zoomed in. When I finally saw the district’s name, I audibly gasped. My ears bloomed and my tail became a flurry behind me as I realized what, or ratherwhoI’d finally be able to see again.

Dawn Creek!!!

Chapter 36

Chapter Text

Memory Transcription Subject: Vekna, Triumphant Journalist. Date [Standardized Human Time]: October 16th, 2136

And here I was thinking that my opinion of the Exterminators couldn’t get any lower.

You’d think that being constantly in hiding from the most dominant domestic force in the galaxy would be enough to already bury my opinion of them into the ground, which it has. But at least then, I had the indication that they were mostly competent! I can say with unfortunate certainty that changed over the course of the last few paws.

No, you can’t burn down the sawmill for “taint.” Yes, the stuff you see right in front of your eyes is proof! No this isn’t a human plot! NO! Him being prey has NO BEARING WHATSOEVER!!I swear, I’ve started to become less scared of them and more annoyed as we had to go over a thousand questions and a million hoops to jump through just to make sure the evidence could be properly dealt with. It got so bad that there were no less than half a dozen fully-loaded flamer vans raring and ready to go at any given time.

Thankfully, our connections in the town had come in handy. We had contacted Tagelb to see if he and his construction team could barricade the sawmill against the Exterminators in order to ward them off. Thankfully, that still seemed to be working at our last correspondence. It’s good to see him and Unzekep hitting it off. Her tail could have flown her to orbit by how much she wagged at the news of that monster getting taken away!

But I had expected that. What I hadnotexpected was the determination of all the other workers who participated in the strike. The fact that so many exterminators had been found to be on the conspiracy’s payroll has resulted in them being quite spiteful towards the officers!At this point a Shadestalker could make its home in that mill and they might still deny the exterminators access.

As impressive as it all had been, it’s not something that could go on permanently. Eventually, the Exterminators would have enough and force their way through. That’s why we needed help from higher places, and as luck would have it, we helped just the person to do that.

Sharnet and I sit in the park, lightflies buzzing around us as they blink their bioluminescent thoraxes. Her paw was thankfully not permenantly damaged, with only some second-degree burns along her palm pads. Some antibacterial salves and bandages were more than enough for her to start healing, but I doubt it will take any less than a herd of paws for a full recovery. I still feel awful about causing that to happen, but any time I try to apologize, she shuts me down. I don’t know if it’s some sort of empathy contest or what, but I wasn’t about to make myself more conspicuous by denying her.

I’m broken from my thoughts by a shoulder nudge to my side. I sit up at attention, looking all around. “Hm? Huh? What is it?”

“I think they’re just about here,” Sharnet replies, pointing to a vehicle approaching the curb. It’s definitely a luxury model of vehicle, the last of its type I’ve seen belonging to that brahkass ambassador that cost me my first garage job. It glides above the ground by a few [inches], the only indication of its powered state being its headlights and a low humming noise. Some small landing legs deploy, and it touches down. Out of it come two familiar faces.

First is Xalen, who exits from the driver’s door. His arm is still in a sling from his unfortunate encounter with Welvoca.At least he’s in condition to drive.He makes his way around to the side facing us and opens the passenger side door. From it comes the person we were hoping to see: High Magister Gaerhun. He looks about as we’d last seen him, but seems better for wear somehow. Whether or not that was our doing, I haven’t the slightest.

Sharnet stands from her seat to give the pair a welcoming bow. “Greetings, your Honor. We thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Well, I’m not going to be a “your honor” for much longer,” he replied. “I was planning on giving my resignation once all the investigation committees were sworn in and sent to work. Though, as I’ve come to understand, even more of those are about to be needed. That is, if the complaints I’m getting are anything to go by.”

“Unfortunately, you’d be correct to assume that,” I add in, giving the both of them a short but respectful bow. “We finally found who we came here to look for. Have you had a chance to look over the evidence we’ve collected, or would you like a brief recap?”

“Some,” he sighs. “It’s just… even with what you revealed with Welvoca, it all seems beyond belief. How could anyone…” He stops to collect himself, Xalen placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “…I am sorry. I only got to the third page before I was too queasy to continue.”

“It’s sickening to think that such an individual was here for so long,” Xalen continues in Gaerhun’s stead. “However, even from what little we did read, it was enough to convince us of his guilt.”

“That much was never in question,” Sharnet comments. “The troubles we are dealing with is that if we just let the exterminators do their thing, they’ll just burn everything he touched and ship off Halvone to the nearest facility without even a whimper.”

Gaerhun’s head tilts in confusion at her words. “I am sorry, but I don’t understand. How is that a bad thing? For all the pain he’s caused, that seems like a fitting end to his madness.”

“An end, yes.” Sharnet counters as her tail sways in worry, “but not the kind that would bring justice to the people he harmed. Tell me, how many people did he kill versus the ones he tossed out to fear him? How many patients from Dawn Creek did he torture? Because while I don’t know, I am positive every person he hurts remembers.”

“Okay?” The High Magister still has his head co*cked in thought. “They have my deepest sympathies, but I don’t see how that relates to his fate.”

“It relates because if we simply let him be tossed in a facility and nothing else, all those he hurt would be simply forgotten. Those who survived still worried he could appear to hurt them again. Those he killed left unfounded, their herd never knowing the truth of their absence. I know it is a big ask, but I was hoping that you could place all his tools and the Sawmill under an order of protection as evidence for a trial.”

“A trial??”

I understand his confusion. I was confused as well before Sharnet had explained her logic to me. “Yes, a trial.” I step forward, holding out my holonote to show a patient list from Dawn Creek. “These people were wrongly hurt by him and thrown to the streets as a distraction, only to be effectively abandoned by the herd afterwards.”

“It’s a foregone conclusion!” Gaerhun shouts disbelievingly. “To try him would be- be like a Yotul court! Everyone in attendance will already have their decision finalized before they walk in the door! It- The last thing we need right now is meaningless procedures!”

“But what’s the point of locking him up if nobody else will know?” Sharnet asks. “How can we have helped if those people continue to think we have abandoned them? Not just in Dawn Creek, but this very city! People who have been living for years with a government that practically screamed at them that they didn’t care for them with its ongoing negligence?” She huffs pointedly as Gaerhun’s spikes flare slightly at the remark. “Yes, Iamgoing there. Welvoca only got as far as he did because nobody cared to check his work. And if anyone did, he had Exterminators who could whisk them away, or even a monster like Halvone who, might I remind you, wasin contactwith those same Exterminators.”

Gaerhun and Xalen’s eyes both widen in surprise. “I-In contact? No, that’s… You can’t be suggesting-”

“Page four, third paragraph,” I counter swiftly, anticipating the High Magister’s words. “Orders and requests for officers to find certain individuals. We have at least one on that list we can confirm he tortured.”

That revelation causes the hefty Gojid to take a step back, garnering a concerned glance from Xalen. “*Tortured…*and you’re sure of that?”

“Beyond positive,” Sharnet confirms grimly. “With all due respect, Gaerhun, this is the moment to act. We need to show,actually showeveryone Halvone hurt that the herd won’t abandon them. Not again. Not anymore.”

Gaerhun’s expression falls, his quills lowering as our words sink in. Xalen places a comforting hand upon his lover’s shoulder, an expression of hope and trust upon his features. We stand in silence a [minute] before he responds, our only company the wind and the chirps of distant insects in the air.

“It will take a lot of time,” the High Magister finally sighs. “I can keep pulling my strings even after resigning, but this… I won’t sugarcoat it, this is something that has never been done before. A court hearing for a suspected diseased. The actual trial might not occur for a while unless I can get more on board with the idea, and soon.”

“Things are changing fast,” Sharnet consoles. “Not even a rotation ago, predators being good was inconceivable. Prey being monsters was a laughable notion. But now?” She firms her features as she speaks. “Now I know those broad beliefs blinded us to a great many truths. We can’t change what’s happened in the past, but it’s my hope that this will be something to help others see more clearly in the future.”

The two consider Sharnet’s words for a moment as the sounds of nature surround us. Her choice of words was bold, but it got the message across. This time, it’s Xalen who speaks up. “She’s right, Rhun. Magister or not, this is a brand new galaxy. You're going to need to adjust to the times.Wewill, now,” he chuckles before his ears flick. “Oh, that’s right! There was something else we had meant to discuss with you.”

“Oh?” I ask, directing my ears towards them to show interest. Sharnet follows suit. “What would that be?”

Gaerhun cleared his throat pointedly at Xalen, who gave him a slightly mischievous snort. “Yes, I suppose so.After all you’ve done for our district, it would be rude not to repay you. After you rejected our offer to replace your pad, Xalen and I were discussing what might be adequate compensation. I hadintendedto raise the invitation once we had a date set in stone, but considering Xalen’s impatience, I suppose now’s as good a time to ask as ever.”

“Invitation?” Sharnet asks as Xalen laughs from Gaerhun’s comments regarding his impatience. “Invitation for what?”

“Well…” Gaerhun starts before brushing his aliens back. “For Xalen and I’s union ceremony.”

Both mine and Sharnet’s ears stand straight in surprise at the news. “A union ceremony?” I ask. “But I thought that-“

“That such a thing is against the Magistratta conditions?” Xalen finishes for me. “It is, but as said, Rhun’s stepping down once he can organize the investigations. Once that happens…”

“The Magistratta conditions wouldn’t apply to him anymore,” Sharnet finishes in turn as she clasps her paws together. “Well, hopefully an early congratulations isn’t unwarranted?”

“Not at all,” Gaerhun interjects, “but perhaps don’t make this public knowledge just yet? I do still have my position to uphold, if only for a while longer.”

“Of course,” I respond with a respectful bow. “I think I speak for both of us when I say that we’d be delighted to attend.”

Both Gaerhun and Xalen’s tails begin to wag behind them. “See, Rhun?” Xalen comments, “I told you that it’d be okay to ask early!”

“Yes yes, I know,” the chubby Gojid retorts, “but that still doesn’t change the fact that the less people know of it, the better. This…all this still technically counts as a scandal, you know!”

“Yeah yeah, no matter how stupid that is,” Xalen deflects. “Now if they knew what we did in bed, nowthat’dbe scandal-worthy!”

The High Magister’s muzzle and ears immediately flush blue and he covers his face in his paws. I can’t help but give a surprised laugh at the out-of-pocket comment, with Sharnet following close behind. Through our whistles, I can vaguely hear Gaerhun whimper“Not in public…”through his claws.

“Don’t worry,” Sharnet assures once she calms down, “our lips are sealed. We eagerly await the official invitation.”

“Thank you,” Gaerhun says as he lifts his head, his face still tinged blue. “I promise you both will be the first to know. Now, I have a great deal of work to start on if I am to complete your requests, so I believe it’s best we head out.”

“Yeah, my arm’s starting to get a bit sore,” Xalen agrees as he massages his slinged appendage. “It was nice catching up with you two before you skipped town. I hope we see you again soon.”

We signal goodbye as the pair return to their vehicle and drive off, leaving us alone in the park once more. Sharnet whistles to herself as she leans back against the backrest of our bench, her tail lazily wagging behind her. “You know, it’s nice that they felt comfortable enough to tell us about that.”

“Yeah,” I agree, matching her position. “It’s a little crazy how many lives we’ve touched here in only a few paws. Is this always how being a reporter is?”

“Not in the slightest,” Sharnet answers. “I’m right with you on how crazy this all is. I guess… Nobody cared enough to go through the effort to piece this all together. Until us, that is. Being such a disruptive influence seems to net you a few friends along the way, if humanity’s introduction has taught us anything.”

“You said it,” I agree. “This has all been so crazy, but honestly? I love it. I’m sure Tarlim would be pr-“ I froze in my sentence, realizing that in my attempt to assure Sharnet, I had accidentally used the name I had seen all those paws ago in her journal. She looks towards me with surprise and curiosity as I start going wall-eyed.SPEH BRAHK SPLESHING- okokok, damage control.“That’s- u-uh, I didn’t m-mea-“

Then Sharnet starts laughing. That alone is enough to bring me out of my panic as I desperately try to process the situation. “I-I…uhm…”

“No no, you’re fine,” Sharnet manages through her whistles. “I kinda figured you knew. After you helped clean up, there wasn’t really any way you could have missed it.”

A bloom spread across my face in embarrassment. “I really didn’t mean to snoop, promise! But, uhm, I…actually might’ve seen it before that?” Her ears point towards me as I force myself to continue. Even this small truth feels like squeezing a Magic through a Dossur transport tube. “Remember when you kept yourself up researching all the suspects and you had me go to your room? It, uh, slipped out, and I…” I swallow as I use my momentum to force the rest out. “Imayhavereadaboutwhathappenedimsorry.”

She spreads her ears understandingly. “You’re fine. I suspected as much, but I appreciate you telling me.” She directs her gaze upwards as she starts recalling wistfully. “Yes. He is the one I am doing this all for. Tarlim saved me from myself when I was in a bad place. After what happened on the station, I hated myself. I tried to kill someone for nothing, and I never got the chance to apologize. Had I not met Tarlim, I…” She shuts her eyes and turns her head away from me. She didn’t need to finish, though, I knew how she felt perhaps more than anyone else.

“He’s the only reason I started doing this,” she admits, “before him I was as content as everyone else to let the crimes of the overseers slide into irrelevance. I was no different to everyone else, and I…” I hear her choke on some mucus. “I only hope that I’m doing enough now to make up for it.”

I sit up and place a paw on her shoulder. “I still mean what I said in that room. If anything, I mean it more now. After what happened, I…I think I finally understand what you went through with the forewoman.” I clench my paw gently against Sharnet. “But I also know that our job isn’t done. So long as Malcos is free, we still have a goal. No matter whether you started for Tarlim or yourself, you stillstarted.I don’t know about you, but I intend on keeping my promise to finish it together.”

She looks back at me, the edges of her visible eye glistening. I offer a slight smile, my features doing my best to convey determinate reassurance. “Do you?”

She blinks a few times before sitting up. She places her hand in my arm as we look into one another’s eyes. In them, I see not just myself, but also her fiery soul returning my determination.

“Brahk Yeah.”

Chapter 37

Chapter Text

Memory Transcription Subject: Sharnet, Professional Journalist. Date [Standardized Human Time]: October 18th, 2136

I stared out the window, watching the landscape pass. When Vekna and I had heard that the Exterminators were finally stepping back, we were so relieved. It was proof that the wheels of bureaucracy were turning, however slowly. The court orderlies had arrived to photograph and categorize everything, and the strikers continued to call for change in their working conditions.

It would not only be Sidestar City that would have changed when we returned, but the whole Greater Sidestart district. Our VRPBN manager, Valorec, praised us for our reporting and stories. Even gave us an impressive bonus payment for our work. Unfortunately, there was a reality we had to face: News can get passed over if something more major happens at the same time.

We had chosen the train so we could work on getting all our evidence and sources in order for both of our stories. Vekna was quite nice to work with, even if I was the one who had to do the majority of actual writing. I didn’t think of her lower for that, as it was a learned skill. That meant that, with time, she would be able to improve. However, neither of us had written a single letter since yesterday. We simply couldn’t bring ourselves to, not with the more pressing matters at hand.

The train's dining car had a few holovisions showing the screens. They were covering the failure of the extermination fleet to destroy Earth. While that would have been reason to celebrate under normal circ*mstances, that failure was brought about by the arrival of Arxur’s coming to join in on Earth’s defense.

I breathed out agitatedly, watching yet another commentator of a news host give their uninformed opinion on the incident. A section thrown in about the unknown fate of the Gojid who had still been on the planet at the time of the attack. None of these people were anywhere close to finding the truth. They were practically reporting rumors at this point! I remembered a time not too long ago when I might’ve done the same, and cringed at the thought.

Vekna sat on the opposite side of the small table, her eyes also glued to the screen. The current anchor of the hour was a Gojid discussing the ramifications that the Arxur coming to the human’s aid could imply. They were certainly agitated, which was the last thing we needed right now. The train to Dawn Creek was practically empty, so we were the only ones in the dining car…which meant that nobody would care if I were to turn off the broadcast. I reached over towards the remote and shut it off with a few swipes.

As the screen disappeared, Vekna seemed to be jolted back to reality. She looked around for a moment before spotting the remote in my paws. “Hey, I was watching that!” She protested.

“I know,” I retorted, “that’s the issue. All of those channels are pedaling sensationalist views, bordering on flat-out rumors. We already have enough on our plate as it iswithoutidiots on the holovision distracting us. Speaking of, how is that source list coming?”

“It sure is coming, alright.” Vekna coyly responded as she glanced back at her holonote. “This is a far cry from what we’ve been doing the past few paws, that I can say with certainty.”

“You can’t be going around busting conspiracies every day, Vekna. A lot of my time back at ShineX was spent behind a workstation writing reports and compiling source lists. Trust me, you’ll get used to it.”

“I hope so,” Vekna sighed defeatedly. “I think I need a break from…everythingfor a bit, if you don’t mind.”

“Go ahead,” I offered, “I’m almost done with the text portion of the Sidestar Conspiracy article, so I think I’ll mill it out before taking a break of my own.”

“Thanks,” Vekna said as she slid out of our booth. “Good luck with writing the rest of that article, Sharnet.”

She gestured goodbye as she disappeared into the rest of the train. Despite what I had just said, once she left, I let my head flop against the back of the seat in exhaustion. With the news and stress of the job combining, I felt crushed by the weight of the world. I knew I needed something to take my mind off of it, but what? I didn’t want to grip my fur more that I already was, I did know what that did to the follicles after all. I would turn on the holovisions again, but I already knew exactly what I’d find scattered across every frequency. The scenery was nice, but if I didn’t have something to stimulate me, I’d inevitably end up indulging in my bad wool-pulling habit sooner or later. So what?

In a bid, I looked back at my holonote and started scrolling through the front page. As expected, article after article about the failed extermination of Earth coated the screen, interspersed with a few fear mongering about “Just What the Humans Could Be Up To?” I groaned with distaste at the reactionary pieces, wanting to distance myself as far as I could from the mindset that started me down this path.The one that served as the penultimate event for Chase’s.

Chase…

I never knew what happened to him. I had submitted multiple requests for his status to the Exchange Program, but I had received no responses to any of them. Part of me wanted to believe that he simply left the station and was living his life on Earth, but I knew better. The casualties of the Arxur’s attack on the Alpha station were staggeringly high, which meant the chances of Chase’s name being among the dead was equally so.The last thing he saw of me was a crazed Venlil trying to stab him to death.

And yet, despite that regret, I had still given in to those urges with that forewoman, Mayrar. It had only been through Vekna that I managed to snap out of it. I still looked back on that with shame. All my anger and pain, and I took it out on Vekna. She deserved none of that, especially considering her situation. Between her father and her disease, she’s had a terrible life, she didn’t need me making it worse.I need to be better.I NEED to be better.

I was about to put away my holonote and return to work when I saw a name on my contacts list in the corner.Tarlim.I was excited to see him, obviously, but I knew from our last conversations that he would be somewhat busy, though with what I couldn’t recall. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what he must be going through with Jacob and the battle of Earth. Would he even want to listen to me?

No, don’t think that. He knows what I did, and he still accepts me. He will listen.

…but he shouldn’t have to.

I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone else. I’ve done enough of that already. Besides, it would be nice t-

-Vrrr vrrr-

What was that?

-Vrrr Vrrr-

Is that…my holonote?I looked down at the device to see it still active, and moreso, rumbling in notification that I was receiving a call. I picked it up to see who was calling, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

It’s Tarlim!

-Vrrr Vrrr-

Wha-why is he-? I didn’t accidentally call him, right? Speh speh, what do I do? Talk to him? But what if he’s busy, what if it’s a mistake? I don’t-I I-

-Vrrr Vrrr-

Without even realizing it, I had tapped to accept the call, and I was met with a quiet line. My fears that this was a mistaken dial were becoming more and more warranted by the [millisecond], but against my better judgment, I irked out a forced greeting. “Hello?”

The silence was louder than any sound. Thankfully, it only lasted a second before a familiar, deep voice came through my device’s speakers.“Sharnet! Hello!”

Any doubts I had about the intentionality of this call were immediately ashes away as my tail began wagging swiftly behind me. “Tarlim? It’s nice to hear your voice! How are you?”

“I’ve been well, thank you,”he quickly responded. For whatever reason, it sounded like he was in a large, open space.“Of course, things have been better, what with the recent news, but I’m certain you’ve already heard of that.”

“Yes, unfortunately,” I sighed disappointedly. “It was terrible what happened to Earth, and shocking in who came to the human’s aid.” As I talked, I realized that now was my chance to see how Jacob had taken the news. “How has Jacob been? Hopefully this whole affair hasn’t been too hard on him.”

“I wish I could say that it hasn’t,”Tarlim solemnly spoke,“but recent events have caused fear in the herd. Jacob hasn’t been able to show his face outside since the attack without at least one person jeering at him. Even the mask doesn’t seem to be as effective anymore. People are avoiding me more than usual, but at least I have the luck not to be born with forward-facing eyes, as terrible a sentiment that may seem. Speh, we weren’t even able to board the tube without people screaming that we leave.”

They couldn’t even board the tube. To be so feared that you were unable to even wander wasn’t a fate I liked to think on. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve seen people debating whether or not this was all planned by the humans. That’s just stupid in my eyes, but they still debate it. Stars, they fought the Arxur on The Cradle. Even took it back.”

I heard Tarlim sigh before he continued.“Jacob fears that the Arxur will just take over. Make humanity just their newest slaves. But now they’re just…”He went quiet for a moment.“How can they be helping? Arxur don’t help, ever. They haven’t helped before, at least…”

It was a valid question, but one I unfortunately didn’t have the answer to. “I can’t say, but they’re helping now. As far as I know, they haven’t even demanded anything of the humans, which is especially unusual. I guess…hooo,I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?”

“I suppose so…” He trailed off. I could tell by his tone that recent events were starting to get to him. I felt bad that I couldn’t think of anything to change topic to. Thankfully, Tarlim was a step ahead of me in that regard.“But there’s nothing to be done about that. What’s happening with your story? Is that still ongoing?”

Finally, some good news I can relay!“Oh, I’m glad you asked!” I was excited to share the news with him, considering his past. “We managed to locate and arrest Halvone!”

The line went dead for a moment, to the point where I was worried the call had dropped. Right as I was about to check, though, Tarlim’s voice filtered through with an unbelieving tone.“Is…is that the Harchen who operated the electric chair??”

“Yes!” I confirmed excitedly. My tail started wagging behind me with renewed vigor as I let myself enjoy my victory. “After I busted Shorshen, I managed to get a hold of their pad and used it to track him to the north side of the ring!”

I could hear him gasp in amazement, which felt really good to hear coming from him.He approves of what I’m doing, after all!“Sharnet, that’s incredible! I- He’s had to have been hiding for rotations!”

“Well, I can’t take all the credit,” I admitted. “I was paired with someone by the VRPBN, and she’s been a great help. Without her, I have no doubts in saying the trail would’ve run cold with Shorshen’s pad.” It was funny thinking back to just a [month] ago, when we had first met. After everything we’ve gone through together in such a short span of time, it felt like I had known Vekna for rotations rather than just about a herd of paws.

“Oh?”Tarlim asked curiously.“Well, I’m glad that you found someone to help you! She sounds lovely. What’s her name?”

As he asked that question, I pondered whether or not I should tell Tarlim about Vekna’s condition, considering that she herself didn’t yet trust me enough to say. While that was painful, I knew that forcing a confession out of her would only drive a wedge between us, which was the last thing we needed. I didn’t need to consider long, considering that Tarlim and I were on the same wavelength regarding the PD facilities.He will understand.

“Vekna-” I started to answer. Before I got far, though, I heard unfamiliar voices from outside the door. With all that’s going on, I couldn’t risk anyone else overhearing what I was about to tell Tarlim, so I hastily slid out of my seat and entered the bathroom. I locked the door behind me, huffing out as I awkwardly situated myself in the cramped sub-room. “Phew.Hello, Tarlim? Can you hear me in here?”

“Yes,” he hastily replied. He must’ve been wondering why I suddenly stopped talking.“Why did you go quiet?”

With my intuitions confirmed, I struggled to word what I said sensitively, especially considering I now had now idea who could be listening in now. “Sorry about that, it’s just…well, there’s something you should know about her before we arrive.”

I could hear Tarlim shuffle a little on the other side, something creaking beneath him. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t understand. What do you mean, ‘before we arrive?’”Right, I never told him!

“Oh brahk, I completely forgot to tell you, didn’t I??” I said, chiding myself aloud. “Well, it’s quite fortunate that you called when you did. I was actually just considering calling you to say that…well, our next lead to Malcos is actually in Dawn Creek!”

I heard a few disbelieving breaths followed closely by some whistlely laughter.His laugh is nice.“What?! Sharnet, that’s fantastic! It will be truly wonderful to see you again!”

I knew that Tarlim would want to see me whilst I was in town, but hearing him say it was different than I had imagined.He really does want to see me.I felt a deep bloom spread across my face as I stuttered out a response. “O-Oh, I- uh…thank you, Tarlim.”

I had to take some deep breaths in order to calm down, following Tarlim’s pattern.Focus, breathe, calm. Focus, breathe, calm.After a moment, I had regained enough composure to talk againwithoutsounding hopelessly desperate. “I apologize for not letting you know sooner. We were wrapped up with paperwork and fending off the Exterminators from burning all of Halvone’s equipment.”

I heard Tarlim scoff over the phone.“Yes, that does sound like the Exterminator’s Guild. There’s no need to apologize for doing your job- Oh!”He exclaimed suddenly.“That reminds me! I have some exciting news of my own to share!”

I was happy to hear that he had some presumably good news. “Go on, then! I’m interested to hear what you’ve been up to since our last call!” I encouraged him.

“Well, in an attempt to prepare for the Extermination fleet’s attack on Earth, the High Magister approved a refugee shelter in Dawn Creek. It was Jacob’s idea, but we managed to convince people to remodel the old correctional facility so it could accommodate humans! We’ve been hard at work making that a reality over the past few paws, myself included! It’s been nice to get back into work, but what do you think?”

The facility.

I had to have heard wrong, there was…that place? Remodeled to house humans? After everything that’s happened there??I had to have misheard, maybe he’s talking about another facility?No, I had heard correctly, but-

“Sharnet? Are you there?”

Tarlim’s voice rang out from my device, shaking me from my internal monologue. “Hm? Oh, yes, I’m still here.” Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t keep the disdain from my voice. I thought it best that I be blunt with Tarlim, he deserves at least that much respect. “I was just…Tarlim, do you really think that’s a good idea?”

He went quiet in thought for a moment before responding to me.“A good idea? I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

So he was avoiding the question.My ears lowered as I laid out my logic on full display. “That place caused so much pain to so many, it causedyouso much pain. The humans who are displaced don’t need to stay in a place like that. Not after what they’ve already gone through.”

Tarlim went quiet once again, most likely thinking over my words. As the [seconds] dragged on, I began to worry whether or not I had said the right thing. I was just worried that the humans would be uncomfortable, but I hadn’t even considered that Tarlim and Jacob likely already put in work to make that place livable again.Speh, did I just accidentally insult him?I was about to retract my statement when I heard Tarlim’s voice rumble back over the line.

“This is a building. It’s a building with history, yes, but that history wasn’t made by the building. It was made by the people inside them. The people who made this building’s purpose aren't here, not anymore. When they abandoned it, it became just another building. I hope that I can use it to make new history. To make a history of giving people who have nothing or no one a place to recover themselves. A safe place with a roof over their heads.”A sigh echoed out of the speaker, full of apprehensive hope.“Just… I want to make a new history, with people who actually care. You know what I mean?”

I was taken aback by the profound nature of his statement. Indeed, it wasn’t the fault of the building for what it was used for, so why not use it for something better? I still had my doubts, but I wasn’t going to insult him again. “Yeah. Yeah, I know what you mean. I’m…still not certain, but that isn’t my call to make. I trust you’ll make the right decision, Tarlim. You always do.”

I heard some light taps through the call line, likely his tail whacking against something.Oh thank the Stars, he’s not mad.His voice even confirmed that thought. “Thank you, Sharnet. That means a great deal to me. Now, I believe there’s something you wanted to tell me about Vekna?”

Right. Brahk.I pressed my ear to the door, and sure enough, I could still hear the other passengers in the dining car, talking and watching the holovision. This place wasn’t nearly secure enough.And moreover, it might apply to me as well.“I- Yes, there was, but…it’s a topic I feel should be discussed in person. In private. I…it might apply to me as well,” I was still conflicted about everything, especially considering that this would be a breach of Vekna’s trust, but Tarlim deserved to know. “Sorry for leading you on like that, and for questioning your judgment.”

I heard him whistle amusedly.“It’s okay, I understand. Frankly, I myself am still questioning my judgment. I mean, this place was supposed to be for refugees, but it’s being built after the bombs hit. And now it looks like there might notbeany refugees coming to Dawn Creek, because of the stupid Arxur and the stupid backlash! At least it’s giving Jacob something to do to keep his mind off of, well,everything,but I…”

I heard him groan before speaking, his voice muffled by something.“I feel useless right now, Sharnet. I wanted to keep a positive mood, but this… so much… so many…”

Silence passed between us as I absorbed his words. I didn’t know what I could say to make him feel better, not from this Stars-damned train. I wanted to be there with him now so I could look him in the eyes and telI him he’s done more than enough for everyone he’s ever met. He’s made so many lives better just by his actions alone!

I…I would be dead if it weren’t for him.

I hadn’t wanted to confront that thought, but I knew it to be true. If he hadn’t accepted me at my lowest point, I might’ve done something irreversible. But I didn’t, because he was there. Him and his ever-kind demeanor, strengthened from rotations of hardship under monsters.I will not let this be the thing that breaks him. I will be better for him.

“…Tarlim?” I spoke through my device. I felt my voice waver slightly as tears wet the corners of my eyes.

I heard him swallow some phlegm before responding.“Yeah?”

I stifled some phlegm of my own before speaking with conviction. “When I see you, I am going to give you a hug, and not let go until I finish listing all the good things you’ve done. For me, for Jacob, foreveryone. You got that?”

He chuckled softly through the phone as a tear finally broke free from the corner of my eye and ran down my facial fur.“Yeah, I got that. I look forward to seeing you, Sharnet.”

“And I you, Tarlim,” I said without as much as a conscious thought. It was as if I had stated that water is wet or his fur is soft. An immutable fact that nothing could change. I wiped the emotion from my face as I fought down the remnants of my sadness at his hopelessness. “We should arrive in town in a paw or two. I expect for you and Jacob to meet us in the town center, no later than third-claw. I-” I briefly considered omitting this last part, but it would do me no good.He needs someone as soon as possible.“I don’t want to wait any longer.”

“Sounds like a plan. Thank you so much for talking to me, Sharnet. It has been wonderful to hear from you.”

My tail wagged behind me as I answered candidly. “It’s been wonderful to hear from you as well! And it’ll be even more so to see you again. Good paw, Tarlim.”

“Good Paw, Sharnet,”Tarlim finished before the call ended. As soon as he hung up, I let myself feel all the flusterment I had been holding back. I felt my face heat up as I made an assortment of embarrassing noises to myself.I’m finally getting to see him again! Even if for a little bit, it’ll be so great t-

-Knock knock-“Are you just about done in there? My kid's go!”

I was not proud of the startled bleat that escaped my mouth.

Chapter 38

Chapter Text

Memory transcript: Vekna, Tired Journalist. Date: [Standardized human time] October 21st, 2136

Thank the Herd we didn’t take another airbarge.

The train finally starts slowing from its high speed, careful not to stop fast enough to let inertia wreck its innards. A chime sounds from the intercom speakers scattered throughout the vehicle, followed closely by a loud in volume, but soft in tone, voice.“NEXT STOP: DAWN CREEK - NEXT STOP: DAWN CREEK”The chime sounds again, which signals the end of the announcement, leaving only the hum of the mag-lev drives beneath the floor. I always wanted to work on one of these, a want that exponentially increased after meeting Tagelb, but I am yet to be granted the opportunity.A crying shame, really.

I finish packing my travel case, taking a mental inventory of all my belongings. My weather coverings were still nicely folded, as it had only rained a single time during our stint in Sidestar. I still have my emergency supply of unmarked credits, just in case. The burnt-out remnant of my old…new? The remnants of my new-old pad are laid carefully upon my coverings. My toiletries are out of their pocket this time, but that’s because my pistol is taking their place. After what happened with Halvone, I didn’t even want the temptation to do something like that in the near future, so I decided to keep it somewhere where I couldn’t get it easily.

After quickly latching everything shut, I sling my case’s shoulder strap over my head. I shake my head as I stand in front of my door to clear out my final bit of fog before sliding the exit open. The walk to Sharnet’s cabin is slightly disorienting, as I feel the constant speed we had been traveling at drain away bit by bit, but I manage just about. It’s not far, just a segment down the sleeping quarters area.

Thankfully, I don’t have to knock, or wait at all for that matter, as I see my partner stepping out of her cabin at the same time as my arrival. With a flick of my ears, I signal greetings towards her. “Good Paw, Sharnet! You ready to chase that new lead?”

“Ah!” She beeps, adjusting her own travel case over her shoulder. “I am absolutely ready! Were you able to do any narrowing down before your sleep claw?”

“I was, actually,” I proudly state. “I checked what ground-based communication relays it bounced off of before it got to the device, that was just about as far as I could manage before Halvone’s pad fried. Using that, I managed to triangulate the device signal to a more manageable area in the lower quadrants of the city. It’s not terribly exact, but the vast majority of the possible spots lie within the residential area.”

Sharnet wags her tail as we make our way to one of the train’s exits in preparation for our arrival. “That’s a good start, did you find anything else of interest?”

“Not fully,” I sigh, “I thought I found someone who looked similar enough to Halvone that might be Shoolay, but they had left town with a Yotul before the trace was even done. A bit of a disappointment there.”

“Don’t fret yourself too much,” Sharnet flicks her ears in calm assurance. “Dead ends are a common occurrence in this line of work. I won’t lie in saying they aren’t frustrating, but it’s a reality we have to accept.” She suddenly lets out a whistle of amusem*nt. “If you figure out how to do that, please let me know. I could do with some help learning that myself!”

I whistle along with her humorous admission. This task wasn’t easy, I wouldn’t expect a conspiracy to just flop itself into our laps once again. Still, a small part of me obviously couldn’t help but hope!

“Well,” I cough, “that’s something we both need. So, where are we meeting your friend again?”

“The town center, well, the commercial district close to it,” she responds as the station slowly slides into view. “It will be nice to see him again. The last time I saw him in person was when I had escorted him to the Exchange Program housing.”

I immediately put the pieces together. “Oh, so it’s Tarlim that we’re meeting, correct?”

Sharnet looks at me in surprise for a moment before an awkward whistle comes from her mouth. “Stars, I never actually said it, did I? I really need to work on explaining my plans. Yes, it is Tarlim we’re going to meet. I, well, I kinda hope to just visit with him a bit before we fully delve into tracking down whoever is relaying information for Malcos. A lot has been happening in both our lives, you know?”

“Tell me about it,” I confirm as we’re jolted to a stop. The train lowers itself onto the platform, and the doors slide open. I take a breath and focus on the back of Sharnet’s head as we push our way through the incoming crowd. I can feel people brush against me as we move, but it’s thankfully over in less than a [minute.] I let out my breath and catch up to my partner as we stroll down the surprisingly empty walkways. “Hopefully whoever this device belongs to doesn’t wise up to our following them.”

“Hopefully,” Sharnet agrees as we step down the stairs of the station. “We just need to… oh Speh.”

I followed her gaze down the curved roads and found myself agreeing with her sentiment. There is a small park a few blocks away, and it has a rather sizable crowd gathered in front of a raised platform. I can’t see what’s happening from our angle, but the presence of that Exterminator van parked on the street doesn’t indicate anything good. “What in the Herd is going on there?”

I don’t have to wait long for my answer, for as we approach, the sounds of cheering give way to the amplified voice of the podium speaker. They’re a Venlil, a grey wooled woman, though most of that is covered by her full exterminator uniform. She’s giving some kind of speech, her headpiece laying folded at the side of the podium. The subject of her speech, even though her words are jumbled by range, is all too clear.

A Kholshian and a Fissan stand at attention, set on opposite sides of a bonfire effigy. In its center, tied to a burnt wooden pole, is a rough reconstruction of a human built from sacks. Despite the fire damage to its lower half, its face is still visible through the flames. Its eyes resemble that of an Arxur, terrifying vertical slits forming its pupils. Instead of the flat teeth humans are known to have, this one depicts hundreds of sharp, needle-like teeth adorned in a warped version of the human smile. I can’t tell whether or not this was some sort of attempt at a clever allegory of recent events or just pure failure to accurately depict a human face.Probably some of both.

As we pass by, the amplified words the speaker is spewing out become understandable, and we catch a glimpse of what all is being said to the crowd gathered below.“-ome to our city and infest it with their predator taint! And what does our so-called ‘honorable’ High Magister do? NOTHING! In fact, he authorizes the construction of housing for them! Housing for those who collude with the Arxur! And make no mistake, they DID collude! Reports have come in of the Grays making raids on the homeworlds of each and every species that participated in the Extermination Fleet! That COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED if the humans and Arxur were truly enemies! The predators are slipping their shiny mask of ‘friendship’, showing what they really are: BLOODTHIRSTY, BABY-EATING MONSTERS!!”

The electronic feedback from the speakers slightly distorts her voice, but the words spoken are clear as dawn. Fervent cheers erupt from the crowd, different chants twisting and competing amongst one another for dominance. The pyre burns yet further, engulfing the human analog’s disfigured face in flames as the speech reaches its crescendo. I can’t help but think about what I’m witnessing.If they knew what I was, they’d throw me right on that pyre along with the dummy.

I avert my gaze and slightly quicken my pace away from the gathering. I hear Sharnet snuff angrily next to me. “You know, last time I was here, this place was the most pro-human outside of Sunside City.” She shakes her head sadly. “A cynical part of me thinks it still is.”

I remember how Sidestar reacted to the controversy. It had happened while the workers were still blockading the old sawmill. There was much confusion about what had gone down, but the recent controversy somehow managed to take priority in the minds of the people. Ironically enough, it was the exterminators who had become distracted by the news, making the job of the workers just that much easier.

But that didn’t mean the workers had no opinions on it whatsoever. I don’t know who started it, but a rumor began floating around that the humans had a hand in the conspiracy. To the ones who were more in the know, basically just me, Sharnet, and the burgeoning pair of Tagelb and Unzekep, that sounded ridiculous from the get-go. Of course, because there were no plans for a human housing in Sidestar, there had to besomethingto tie the actions of a rogue Magister to the humans, no matter how asinine it sounds.

Thankfully, the head of the strike, the Venlil we had helped bandage before, trusted our judgment on the situation and went out publicly along with Gearhun and his appointed head of the investigation to say that this has been going on for far longer than the humans have even been present on Venlil Prime. It still hadn’t stopped the rumor completely by the time we left, but at least the fence-sitters had dropped the narrative.

It isn’t a long walk to the town center, with the protests thankfully being left behind at the Magisterial building.I could do without all the excess noise they were creating.It’s a majority sleep claw, which Sharnet said would be the best time for us to meet Tarlim on the train last paw. I assume he works odd shifts at his job, and I don’t mind not being around a ton of people anyways.It’s a win-win!I look around the mostly empty plaza, a spasmish-shake rising up my spine due to a gust of wind. “Well, we’re here. Any idea where Tarlim is?”

She pulls out her holonote and checks the time. “He should be on his way. He messaged me that he was stopping by the pharmacy real quick. We should-”

Her words are cut off as we round a corner and collide with a herd headed the opposite direction. The man I hit huffs, bumping me to the side. “Wrong way, idiot!”

My mind flashes in confusion.I thought we left the protests behind us!It’s a herd of hundreds, signs of protest being held in their hands, all of them moving uniformly in the direction Sharnet and I had come from. Leading everyone is a trio of Venlil exterminators, one being the man who so rudely shoved me aside.

I stumble, desperately trying to catch my feet and dodge the other Venlil in the march. There are so many.Too many!I don’t see Sharnet!Speh!I have to find an opening, somewhere to hide away until they pass!Where…I don’t- There!I dive into an alleyway, shaking from anxiety as I try to catch my breath. I can feel my heart pumping in my chest, but I can still feel eyes boring down on me!Hide!I scramble behind a dumpster, reminiscent of the day I got my new job.No matter how much I think I’ve changed, I’m still that same monster as I was before.

It’s quite a while before the herd passes, and the sounds of the city overtake the thunderous sound of hundreds of footsteps. I manage to get my breathing under control, wiping some wetness from my eye as I peak out behind my cover. The entrance to the alleyway is empty, thankfully, but I still can’t bring myself to move. I lean back against the wall and pull out my new holonote, still breathing somewhat heavily. I start to type out a text message to tell Sharnet where I am, but I’m interrupted by the sounds of dragging footsteps echoing down the alley. It sounded Venlilan, but something was…off. I freeze and silently stow my holonote, carefully peering around the dumpster to see who was there.

I spot a tan Venlil limping into the alley, though whether or not that coloration was natural or the result of grime I can’t tell. He walks with a bum foot, his ears twitching erratically. Even with the distance, his stench coats my tongue like a rancid blanket. My ears involuntarily flick from revulsion, and before I can duck back behind the dumpster, I see its deathly bloodshot eye flick towards me.

“Y-you,” I hear the form rasp from behind the dumpster. “You’re alone. Here alone.”Speh, they know I’m here now. Hopefully I can just get around him and make a break for it!

I cautiously rise, my legs lightly wobbling both from stress and my previous panic attack. I round the corner and do my best to force a friendly expression towards the raggedy mess of Venili ahead of me. “U-Uhm, yeah, that’s me! Heh…what, uh, what brings y-you here?”

“You have credits?” He coughs. I’m really starting to not like how bloodshot his eyes are. “I need credits. I need- need credits. The price, the price keeps- it keeps going up.”

My mind races to the unmarked credits in my travel case, the item still concealed behind the dumpster. I had initially considered leaving it behind, but I know that if I do, any chance at a getaway plan for me will go with it, lost to whatever this mess is on.I need to get it.I steadily bend to the side, reaching for the small carry-on. “Oh, uh, no, sorry. I wish I did, but I, uh, don’t have any spare credits on hand right now.” My paw latches around the handle of my case as I start pulling it back towards me, careful not to make any sudden movements. “T-The economy, and all that, you know?”

“None??” He hissed, his eyes squinting at me. “You-your fur is fancy! You have credits! Give them to me! You have them!” He starts to haggardly approach me, his limp all the more apparent when he’s in full vision.

I pin my ears in a submissive gesture as I’m forced further back into the alleyway by the dishevled Venlil. “I-I don’t, really! I’m not looking for any trouble, honest! J-Just let me go, and we can call it even, yeah?”

“No!” He bleats, stamping his weak foot. “You have credits! I need them! I deserve them! I deserve bliss! I deserve it!!!” He pants, one eye glaring at me as his hand moves towards a shaggy belt pack. “You-you think you’re better than me?!”

I recognize the movement, though it startles me that anyone would be so desperate as to actually try and pull it on me without knowing about my disease.He’s drawing a weapon!I clutch my own satchel for my g-

I don’t have it!!! For the Herd’s sake, of all the times I couldn’t have it on hand!

His hand jerks up from his belt, and before I know it, a knife points towards me.“I’m better than all of you!!!”

He leaps at me, making a wild wide slash as he tries to push me to the ground. I bleat in surprise as I move to defend myself from the crazed imitation of a Venlil. Immediately, I throw myself to the side, using the hard, metal side of my travel case to deflect the blow. I hear metal scrape against metal as we land and I look up to get a bearing of my situation. The man is scrambling, using his other arm to grab hold of mine. He’s stronger than his condition would suggest, causing me to stumble back against the wall. He goes for another slash, but my free hand instinctively moves to grab his arm.

Oh Herd.He’s actually attacking me.I’m being attacked in an alley with nothing to defend myself. Speh!He’s stronger than I thought!A dark shadow falls over me as I realize the situation I’m in. I’m lost in a panic as his crazed eye stares into my soul.This is it, this is how I’m going to die.I block attack after attack, trying one more time to push him away. It fails, he’s too strong. Too erratic. I can’t-

I’m suddenly released as the previously metaphorical dark shadow suddenly envelops my assailant’s neck, lifting him into the air. He bleats in surprise and waves his knife at the concept come corporeal, but it too was enveloped by darkness. It clatters to the ground uselessly, a soft crunch hitting my ears as I shrink away from the scene as much as physically possible.

“YOU AGAIN?”

My ears sting at the roar, pinning down in response. The tan mess kicks his legs in the air as he tries fruitlessly to claw at the thick tendril of shadow holding him aloft. “Let me go! Let me go let me goletmegoletmegoletmego!She has credits!! Ideservethem!! I-”

“SHUT UP!!”

The shadow wraps itself around my attacker's feet and stretches him out. With both his arms and legs pinned in the darkness, he can do nothing but wail and cry like a frightened pup.

Wait, that’s not the manifestation of shadow. THAT’S A VENLIL!

They’re huge, more than twice my height on a good day! Around his legs are bright blue legwears, with metal pieces protruding and extending along its length and to the ground below. Their eyes were a deep orange, but unlike my assailant’s, they were so not from bloodshot but nature. Beneath them, I was positively miniscule!But why were they saving me??

“Ma’am!” I hear them bleat through my shock.Was that a bleat? Their voice is deep.“MA’AM! Are ya okay! Did he hurt ya?”

I lock my eyes with theirs, and struggle to get myself in control after that terrifying fight.Why are there two of them at once?I can barely even move my ears as I feel my breaths becoming less and less effective.Speh, not now!I desperately fiddle with my belt pack to retrieve an inhalant dose, but all I end up achieving is spilling their contents to the ground. I begin to wheeze as my clumsy paws try to separate it from the rest of the spilled contents, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t grasp it effectively.Come on, paws, don’t fail me now!

Suddenly, a pale hand reaches out, grasping my inhaler from right outside my grasp. It presses the device into my hand, ensuring I have a good grip. Wasting no time, I press the device against my mouth and squeeze. I can smell the neutral taste coating my tongue as I wheeze in as much of the medicine as I can. Almost immediately, my airway starts to open up and my breaths start coming easier to me. I greedily inhale the rest of the medicine as my sight brightens after that experience.I really need to stop getting myself into these sit-.

Oh. There is a human in front of me. Their brown head fur spreads down over his chin and mouth. Unlike many of the refugees, they don’t wear any sort of mask, their forward-facing eyes on full display.They’re strikingly green.“Can you hear me?” They ask. “Do you need medical attention? An ambulance?”

I blink a couple of times as my brain struggles to process what’s going on. It settles on survival first, and I place a paw over my chest. The tightness I felt before is gone, only succeeded by a rapid heart rate and shallow breaths.Okay, not dead, that’s good.“N-No, I’m fine. I-I…” I struggle to find the correct words through my mental fog that’s only just started to clear up.The tan man.I scan the alley for my assailant, concerned that he might try again now that the massive Venlil and pale human are distracted.

“Hey Jacob!” The giant Venlil calls. The human swings his head uncannily towards him, but the giant seems unphased. “This pest is still struggling. I think we need to get him to the actual authorities. Brahk, he’stheirproblem anyway. Is she okay?”

“She says she is!” He calls back before turning to me again. “Can you stand, ma’am?”

I try to rise, but my legs are jelly beneath me as my head spins.Ok, maybe I’m not as fine as I thought.“N-No, I can’t. Who are you?” I hadn’t meant for that to come out, but I was too dazed to microfilter my words. It is a genuine question, after all.

He holds out a furless hand to steady me, but keeps enough distance so that he didn’t actually make contact if I didn’t want it. “Name’s Jacob, ma’am. Human! Now, ah want ya to take a few deep breaths, that should help with the adrenaline.”

Deep breaths? Right, like that breathing exercise Sharnet taught me. How did it go? Inhale, hold exhale?

A new set of wails from my assailant interrupts my thoughts. My eye flicks over to him, watching the Giant give him a shake before he looks right at me and the human. “Speh, shut up youcreature!Okay, I’m going to take him to those Exterminators down the road before he does anything else. By the Tenents, how the Brahk was I ever afraid of you?”

He had rambled in his sentence, but the part about the exterminators hit my ears. Worry flashed through my mind as I thought of the only place they were gathering. Despite my condition, I raise my paw out towards the giant. “Wait! There are hundreds of protesters that way!”

He looks at me, and for a brief moment, I swear I can see confusion in his features.Did he not see the massive crowd??“Yes, I’m aware. I’m going to return what’s rightfully theirs.”

He immediately starts to stride down out of the alley, turning towards the massive herd. Unable to comprehend what he could possibly be thinking, I rush past the human after him. How my legs are even working right now is beyond me. Before I can stop him, though, I’m caught by a paw to the chest. Worried that the creature somehow got loose, I look back to see who’s stopped me.

Sharnet!

She can’t even get a word out before I envelop her in a hug. “Sharnet! I-you-we split-are you?” I can barely form a sentence with all the questions and statements vying for room coming out of my mouth.

“I had- I had to run to the other side,” she panted, “big herd. I doubled back looking for you. Stars, what happened? Your fur is a mess!”

“I-I got attacked in the alley, some tan guy tried to rob me!” I feel my legs giving out under me again, the brief burst of energy I felt trying to stop the giant from confronting the protestors wearing off quickly. Sharet can likely feel that too, as she guides me over to a nearby bench so I can sit down. My head is still swimming with confusion and pain, so I welcome her guidance towards the seating apparatus. “Herd, I’m so sorry, Sharnet. I should’ve kept with you tighter, I-I-”

I’m not given a chance to continue as she hugs me tightly. “Don’t apologize, this wasn’t your fault! Don’t blame yourself for a second! Stars, are you okay? Robbed? Thank the stars you got away!”

“I didn’t,” I admit, “I was saved! He-”

Before I can continue, I hear an absurdly loud bugle from the direction the giant went. Both of our attentions momentarily snap to the loud noise, a terse silence between us as we listen for a repeat. When it doesn’t come, I try to restart my sentence. “...I was saved by-by I don’t even know. Some Giant! And a human gave me my inhalant sphere when I couldn’t pick it up.”

Her ears fling straight up in interest at my words. “A giant?A Giant and a human?”

“That’s right,” I hear a voice at my side. It’s the same human who had given me my inhalant, now standing. I was told they were taller than a Venlil, but they looked to be around the same height as a Gojid.I thought they’d be taller.“Close call, too. Looked like she was havin’ some breathin’ problems, so I helped her out a smidge.”

Sharnet almost jumps out of her wool in surprise. “Jacob!”

The human blinks in confusion before recognition sparkles in his eyes. “Sharnet! Howdy!”

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon,” Sharnet excitedly states, “what are you doing all the way out here?”

“We heard someone bleating and we came to investigate,” the human, Jacob, replies. “Just in time, too! We found {The Creature} trying to mug her in the alleyway.” Unless my translator is malfunctioning, the human just called my assailant “The Creature” in perfect Venlang.This paw just keeps getting stranger and stranger.

“You know him?” I ask Sharnet as I look between her and Jacob. “I thought we were coming here to meet Tarlim!”

“Oh, great timing then!” Jacob barks, taking some steps back as a snarl spreads across his face. “C’mon, gotta make sure he doesn’t cause too much trouble with those idiots!”

“Who?” I ask confusedly as he walks backwards in the same direction as the protest.

“Tarlim!” He answers, a joyous tone in his deep voice. “The Venbig!”

Venbig?Either my brain’s still foggy, or the human’s lost his mind…nope, definitely the former. Thankfully, my legs no longer feel like they don’t exist, so with some help from Sharnet, I rise to my feet and follow the human.

As we approach the protest, I am met with a sight of the impossible. A clear split has been made in the herd, leading right up to the platform. There, on top, stands the Giant, firm and yelling as six exterminators cower before him in fear.So stupid and cowardly, got it.

I can’t make out his words from our distance, but he’s still holding “The Creature,” as Jacob had called him. He shouts something, and all six Exterminators take an extra step back, falling right off the platform. He looks down at the resulting pile and drops the creature down upon them before turning back the way he came. The herd, previously a chanting and cheering sea, is silent as they shuffle about and begin to part for the giant as he walks through them steadfastly.Well, at least he isn’t allied with the Exterminators.

He approaches us once more, and I notice Sharnet staring at him. A small bloom is visible in her ears, which only raises more questions. I glance between her and the giant as he moves forward. Once he nears the edge of the herd, Sharnet lets out a light bugling call of her own. “Tarlim!!”

The Giants ears flick up at attention, tracing the call's origin back to us. His tail wags in an excitement I have rarely ever seen as he begins rushing towards us, his gait suddenly wobbling as he approaches. “Sharnet!”

The pair embrace one another, Sharnet practically leaping from the ground into his arms. I can see the giant’s face bloom in…turn…wait.Wait.

Oh, THAT’S Tarlim. Huhhhhhhhhhhhh—

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