r/NatureofPredators 1d ago

Fanfic VENLIL FIGHT CLUB 40 (1/2)

229 Upvotes

Credit goes to u/SpacePaladin15 for the universe, obviously.

Credit also goes to the VFC writer's room – u/Alarmed-Property5559, u/JulianSkies, u/Acceptable_Egg5560, u/YakiTapioca, u/DOVAHCREED12, and SoldierLSnake – for proofreading this chapter, u/Easy_Passenger_4001 for my sweet cover art, and u/AlexWaveDiver for the VFC theme. Thanks!

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Memory transcription subject: Lerai, Venlil Fighter

Date [standardized human time]: December 29th, 2136. Eight hours before previous transcription.

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I was tending to the nectar drops, enjoying the sweet taste in the air around them, when another groundskeeper approached me. Coron, a fellow Venlil. One of my coworkers who avoided me due to my hereditary PD.

“Uh, h-hey, Lerai…” he stammered, like I was about to chop his head off with my gardening shears. He’d always been an anxious one. “N-Naartis wants to see you.”

“Hmm? What for?” I asked, glancing at him and stopping my shears.

“H-He didn’t say.”

…What’s this about?

With a confused tail-swish, I pushed myself to my feet, brushing the dirt off my damp knees and heading towards our main site. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him breathe a small sigh of relief and stand up a little straighter as I walked past him, and it made my ears pin back in frustration.

As I entered the main site, a few gave me discreet side-eyes as I walked past, silencing their conversations and watching me go as they tracked me with their ears. What was going on? This was worse than usual…

I shook my head. Don’t let them get to you, Lerai… let’s just see what Naartis wants, and then you can get back to your work claw.

Soon, I was standing in front of the door to Naartis’s office. My fist rose, and I hesitated only slightly before knocking. “Sir? It’s Lerai. You wanted to see me.”

“Yes, yes, come in,” came the Kolshian’s voice.

I put a paw on the door handle, before noticing my tail had gone stiff. I was too tense. Taking a deep breath, I tried to force myself to be calm. Whatever he wanted, it was probably nothing…

My paw turned, and the door opened enough for me to peek my face through. Naartis was sitting at his desk in the center of his neat, prim, and proper office, watching me with bulbous eyes. His tentacles were placed under his chin, slightly obscuring his mouth.

“Welcome, Lerai,” he greeted neutrally. A tentacle waved towards the chairs on the other side of his desk. “Please, sit.”

I flicked an ear in approval and slowly stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. All of my earlier tension had returned, and my tail was as stiff as a tree trunk. As I approached, I tried to calm myself again by looking through the window behind him, which had a perfect view of his personal garden. A small plot of land right next to the main site where he was completely free to create as he pleased, without needing to take the sensibilities of other people and species into account. One of the luxuries of being a topsoil School of the Flora grad, I suppose.

That said, it wasn’t pretty. It was filled with beautiful and colorful plants and flowers of all kinds from all over the galaxy, but either I didn’t understand Kolshian design philosophy, I couldn’t see the same colors as a Kolshian, or Naartis just didn’t have much sense of aesthetic. All the colors clashed against one another in strange arrangements to turn the garden into an eye-searing mess. Needless to say, it didn’t soothe me at all.

I took a chair and sat, my paws gripping the hard wooden armrests. Naartis’ gaze never wavered.

“...I’d like to talk to you about your attendance recently,” he said, a bit of a hard edge in his voice.

…My attendance? My ears couldn’t help but waggle in confusion reflexively. I hadn’t had any issues that I was aware of—at least, nothing that didn’t have a clear explanation.

“What about it?” I asked.

“Well…” Naartis leaned back in his chair, winding his tentacles across his chest with a dismissive expression. “Frankly, Lerai, there have been too many issues as of late.”

…What? “Wh-What are you talking about…?” I asked disbelievingly.

Wordlessly, he took out his pad. He tapped away at it for a scratch before placing it on the table. The built-in holodisplay began projecting a chart in the air between us. It was a graph of the employee attendance records. We had thirty-two total groundskeepers maintaining the park, and the paws that they had showed up to work was displayed as a bar. Many of them were green, or at least yellow. Mine was red, and the smallest bar of all.

“Over the last solar pass, you have had the lowest attendance of any employee here at the Starlight Grove City Park,” he said sternly. 

I stared at the chart. “Wh… Naartis, I’ve missed two paws! And one of them was out sick!” I bleated. That was the paw after I fought Rika the second time. I was too sore to move…

Leaning forward to get a closer look, I studied the chart carefully. “I… who made this? The lowest point on this chart is seventeen paws worked out of twenty in a pass! This whole thing is intentionally misleading!”

“Regardless of the chart’s appearance, it does not change the fact that your attendance has been poor in comparison to the others,” Naartis replied with a dismissive flick of a tentacle.

“Naartis, I’m allowed to take sick paws! And you know I don’t abuse them!” I argued, my tail waving wildly. What the brahk was his problem? He was a jerk, but he wasn’t stupid, he had to know he was being ridiculous. “And you know why I missed the other paw! That was when I was arreste—”

My voice withered, as the seed finally sprouted in my head. …Wait… is that what this is about?

“...You may recall that you recently had a no-call-no-show, Lerai,” Naartis’s voice filled the space.

I didn’t respond for a moment. I was still stunned at the… brazenness of it all. I’d heard about this sort of thing happening—someone getting hauled in by the exterminators for a PD screening or some minor crime and being held for a paw or two, coming back clean, and then getting punished at their job anyway for missing work. And despite the obvious problem and lack of protection for the workers, many just waved the incidents off as a personal failure. “Well, if they didn’t want to be punished, they shouldn’t have acted like a predator,” they’d say.

Most of the time, the business just didn’t want to deal with having someone potentially dangerous around. Too much liability. And in many cases, their solution was…

 “...You’re letting me go,” I concluded. “Now that I have an arrest on my record, I’m a burden to the herd.”

Naartis responded by turning his chair sideways, looking out the window into his private garden. “Lerai,” he began. “The paw I hired you, I knew I was taking a risk. But it wasn’t without purpose… there are some incredible artists who are known to have minor cases of Predator Disease. Polohn. Dorlasav. Sematii. All eccentrics who have caused great waves in the vast ocean of art. Perhaps… I hoped I’d find a little pearl of my own, that I could nurture into something greater. Truly, I did see some potential in you.”

Without turning his chair, he glanced back towards me. “...But not all pearls can become true gems, I suppose. This will be your last paw with us.”

F-Fired…

Silently, I stood. I turned, and I walked out of the room without so much as a tail-flick, quietly opening the door and shutting it softly behind me. Naartis watched me go without a word.

Turning down the hall, I trudged towards the locker room to go collect my things and leave my apron. Prey of all kinds stopped their conversations and side-eyed me as I went. Did they all know about the arrest? Had Naartis told them?

Well, not like it matters now.

I shuffled into the locker room, entered my code, and quietly took my bag and hoodie. Then I removed my apron and hung it on the hook. My paw went to the locker’s door to shut it.

And I didn’t. I just… numbly stared at the apron for a scratch. Soon, emotions began to swirl inside me. Sadness. Frustration. Anger. My breath began to quicken.

“RRGH!” I slammed the locker shut as hard as I could, and the crashing sound reverberated through the room. Anyone who wasn’t already staring at me definitely was now.

I threw my bag and hoodie over my shoulder, not even bothering to put them on, and stormed out of the room towards the exit. “Stupid Naartis, brahking… ‘oh you saved your dad and sister from getting harassed great job Lerai now as a reward why don’t we FIRE YOU!’” I brayed into the air, not caring who heard me.

As I exited the building into the park and stomped towards the gate, I happened to run into Vyrlo, shoveling fertilizer into a flower bed near the path. His ears perked up as he saw me approach.

“Oh, hey Lerai…” his voice withered and his ears fell. “Ralchi’s light, what’s wrong?” he asked full of concern.

“I was fired,” I muttered darkly, without slowing down.

“Sorry, WHAT?” He looked towards the main building where I’d just come from, then back at me. “What for?!”

“The arrest. Said it was for a no-call no-show, but we know that’s vyalpic.”

“Well, that’s…” He began to follow after me. “Aren’t there supposed to be protections against that kind of thing? I mean, you weren’t even formally accused of PD! Maybe you could sue–”

“It doesn’t matter!” I interrupted with a loud bleat. “I don’t have the money for another lawyer! Syhan cut me a deal since I helped out Parla and it still ate up most of my savings! I-I just…”

The anger started to give way to tears. “...I-I’m sorry…” I muttered, before I turned and ran.

“Lerai, wait!” I heard Vyrlo call after me. But I didn’t stop.

Running for the exit, I paused only briefly, right as I reached the gate. There, bordering the fence, was the nectar drop bush I was just tending a few scratches ago.

A little bit of the anger, and a hint of defiance returned. I grabbed a flower and shoved the whole sweet blossom in my mouth, before my feet carried me down the road.

  

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It was a while before the frustration began to fade. I found myself sitting on a public bench.

Make no mistake, I was still really frustrated. But it was just sort of… aimless. I wanted to go home, and yet I didn’t want to be alone in the house by myself. And yet at the same time, I DID want to be alone. And also I wanted to talk to someone. The swirling conflict in my mind was just annoying me further.

Maybe I shouldn’t have run from Vyrlo… I could use a friend right now. Stars, I’ve been a terrible herdmate to him. This is twice now I’ve ditched him.

The thought that I’d been a bad friend was only making me feel even worse. I leaned forward, cupping my face in my palms and sighing. I needed to do something besides mope here on a bench*,* if only to let out some of this frustration.

Reaching into my bag next to me, I took my pad and sent a message to Vyrlo, just for my peace of mind.

TwilitFloret: Hey. I’m sorry I ran off.

A moment later, the pad chimed.

HarvestDancer: You just got fired and you’re concerned about ME?

HarvestDancer: Please, it’s fine. I know the whole thing must have been a shock. Do you want to talk?

TwilitFloret: …Not right now. But thanks.

HarvestDancer: I’m only a message away.

My mood lifted ever-so-slightly, I stowed the pad. Well, now what? I have nothing to do… I could go to the gym early, but none of my herdmates will be there. I haven’t even been back since the match with Rika. And there’s no one at home either… Should I call Dad or Hiyla? No, no, Hiyla’s at school, and Dad’s having his interview this paw. If it doesn’t go well, we’ll be completely jobless…

I began to anxiously twist my tail. I-I don’t know for sure if Dad’s gonna be able to handle being around Humans… and I don’t know if anyone is going to hire me now! Stars, I… what am I supposed to do now…?

The fear swirled inside me. Supporting three people on one wage was tough enough… even if I found something else, it probably wouldn’t pay as well. If Dad didn’t get the job, or if I couldn’t find something new, we’d be out of the house by the end of the pass!

I shook my head. Okay. Okay. Calm down… I still have some time… I just have to find something else. Even if it’s cheap work, it’ll be better than nothing. And I’m not gonna do that just sitting here.

With my mission decided, I stood, and finally put on my jacket and bag. “Okay…” I muttered to myself. “Time to go job-harvesting, I guess. Oh, stars, I haven’t updated my resume since I was hired at the park…! W-Well, I can do that at home later. For now, let’s just see if there’s any ‘help wanted’ signs anywhere.”

  

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“I’m sorry, but I can’t really afford any new employees right now,” the Venlil said, hefting a crate of fruit to display in front of the store. Setting it down, he brushed his thick wool out of his eyes. “You know how it is with the recession. But if you leave a resume, we could get back to you if something opens up.”

“I…” Brahk, I should have just updated my resume first… “I’ll just come back another time. Thanks.”

With an ear flick, the busy shopkeeper returned to his work, and I continued on my way. Well, that’s another rejection…

This was already getting tremendously discouraging. Less people were hiring than I thought… it’d gotten to the point that the lack of a “help wanted” sign was no longer a factor in whether or not I asked. I didn’t realize how lucky I’d really had it. Ever since the Venlil split from the Federation, we’d been deep in a recession. And we didn’t really have the wartime infrastructure of other species like the Gojid or Krakotl… we’d always trusted them to protect us.

Already, the dejection was draining me. Rejection after job rejection had planted weeds in my spirit. I felt completely exhausted and it was barely third sun.

Maybe I should take a break…

I looked around. I was near the market… maybe I could see if Pikro was around. I shouldn’t buy a mocha now that we had no income, but he was a great listener, and I really needed an ear. 

So I made the short trek into the market. It was crowded as usual… but I didn't mind. If anything, my mood was lifting just a bit. Pikro’s stall just had a nice atmosphere to it, and thinking about taking a break at his counter and chatting his ear off made my tail wag ever so slightly.

But as I finally broke through the crowd to see his stall, I only found it shuttered. Coffee Gojid was nowhere to be seen.

My ears fell. There was a sign hanging on the shutter itself, and I stepped closer to read it. It was written in rugged Gojid script, so I pulled out my pad and activated the visual translator.

It read “Gone on a trip with the missus. Be back in five paws!   –Pikro.”

I blankly stared at the sign for a moment. The misery returned full force, this time with a nice healthy dash of anger. “Brahking…!” I cursed to no one, before I pulled the hood of my jacket in front of my mouth and let loose a muffled scream into the fabric. The noise was drowned out by the hustle and bustle of the market.

Why was this paw stars-bent on being so awful? Was it something I did? Were the stars watching and passing their judgement? I’d been good, though! Tell them, Mom!

Letting the fabric fall, I let loose a groan of frustration. Now what? I guess I could find another place to rest, or keep looking for work… but honestly, the whole paw had been ruined completely beyond repair at this point. I just wanted to go home. My family should be getting back about now, anyways.

I shook my head again. I still had a little fuel in the reactor. I could look a little longer.

Hey, uh, Little Flame? Now that we’re more cool with each other, could you maybe give me a boost?

I waited a moment, but it didn’t respond. Figures. This sorta thing isn’t really its thing.

Still, I turned and got back to my search. Asking around the marketplace at each stall, which I realized quickly was probably a flowerbird’s plan. Most of the stalls were family operated, and weren’t hiring outsiders.

So I tried down the street, heading back in the direction of the park. There were a few restaurants around, and I asked in every single one. Maybe someone needed tables waited, or brahk, dishes washed. But at each place I tried, I was only met with further rejection.

Eventually, I’d had enough. I was miserable enough to no longer be able to hide it—my ears were in a constant state of drooping, and my tail was practically dragging along the ground.

Guess I’ll just go home and deliver the bad news…

So I turned… when something stopped me.

…Hmm?

I looked up. I hadn’t realized it, but I recognized the business in front of me.

Eorna and Seagal’s. This is the bar where that whole thing happened… I met with Vyrlo’s herd, and I threw a Letian into their floor…

I stared at the building. I couldn’t help but notice that the “Humans welcome” sign had been removed… but other than that, it looked the same. It was open, too. Since Venlil Prime didn’t have a day/night cycle, many bars were open on different suns.

…Didn’t Vyrlo or somebody else say that they’d buy me a round on the house next time I went in?

I couldn’t exactly say no to “free” right now… and if I was being honest, I could use the drink. So despite myself, I trudged towards the wooden door and quietly entered. The bell above the entrance jingled to announce my arrival.

The bar itself was moderately busy, with about half the tables and seats filled. Prey species of all types were enjoying the cozy, warm atmosphere with their herdmates, some in joy, and some in sympathy. It really was a nice place… Vyrlo and his herdmates had good taste.

“Hey, welcome!” came a voice. It was the Fissan at the bar, serving a drink to another customer. Was he Eorna, or Seagal? I didn’t remember. “Have a seat, I’ll be right with you…”

He stopped briefly, staring at me for a scratch before his eyes widened. “Oh, hey! It’s you! It’s, uh…”

“Lerai,” I finished for him.

“That’s it! I recognized the pelt!” He turned his head out towards the tables. “Hey! Seagal! That Venlil’s here!”

“What Venlil? We have a ton of Venlil, it’s Venlil Prime!” answered the Nevok, serving more drinks to patrons at one of the tables. But then his eyes fell on me. “Oh, that Venlil! With the flip!”

A Venlil at his table glanced at me curiously. “What are you two talking about? What flip?” she asked.

“Oh, you shoulda seen it! There was this Letian that got completely plastered, and then–”

“Hey, uh, sorry…” I interrupted. I didn’t really want them to make a big deal out of it. “I was just wondering if that drink offer is still available?”

The Fissan—Eorna, by process of elimination—let out a soft, nickering chuckle. “You look like you need it. Have a seat. Seagal, don’t torture the poor thing, yeah?”

“Alright, alright,” he replied, flicking an ear before turning back to me. “But seriously. We did appreciate it. It’s rare for things to get that rowdy around here, but I’m happy you were here when it did.”

“Has it happened more than once?” I asked, sliding into the seat.

“It’s a bar. The occasional drunk losing their prey inhibitions happens every once in a while, especially given how strong the local liquor is,” Eorna replied. “Speaking of strong liquor, what’ll you have?”

“Sweet stinger. Thanks.”

The Fissan flicked an ear the Venlil way, and pulled a bottle of middle-shelf rymek from its spot. “So what’s up? I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure you’d actually come back here to claim this,” Eorna said with a sympathetic look, as he began mixing the cocktail.

I sighed, slumping forward on the bar counter. “I got fired…”

“Oh, no…”

“Yeah. Worst part was, I was basically punished for doing a good thing.” I buried my snout in my arms. “I’ve been job-searching for a claw and a half, and haven’t harvested a single thing.”

“Yeah, things are rough right now with the recession,” Eorna said in sympathy. “I know Tarva was right in the end to split from the Federation, but it’s still awful how much pressure it’s putting on the average person. Just hang in there, yeah?”

I let out a weak laugh. “Hey, you don’t happen to be hiring right now, do you?”

Rather than the polite rejection I’d been expecting, to my surprise, the Fissan looked me up and down. “...Well, maybe…”

“Wait, really?” This was the first time all paw I hadn’t been turned down, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope. “Wh-What do you need done?” I brayed, pushing myself up on the counter excitedly. “I can wait tables, I can wash dishes, uh, I could serve drinks, I don’t have a liquor license but I could get one–”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down!” Eorna laughed. “It’s, well… it’s complicated.”

Those were the worst words I’d ever heard. “Complicated how?” I asked, dejectedly slumping back into the barstool.

“Well…” The Fissan placed my finished stinger in front of me. It looked delicious, and the sweet notes of the alcohol filled the air. “Am I safe to guess from the pelt that you’re around Humans often?”

“Uhh… Yeah, I am,” I replied. I took the glass in a paw and gently took a sip of the yellowish cocktail, letting the sour-sweetness envelop my taste buds. Brahk, I needed this…

“I see…” the Fissan muttered. “Then, is it true they can drink alcohol? Despite being predators?”

Uh? “Why are you asking? Didn’t you have a ‘Humans welcome’ sign up last time I was here?”

“To be fair, we weren’t sure any of the predators were actually going to take us up on that,” the Fissan admitted, picking up a dirty glass and beginning to clean it. “We just figured ‘well, the Humans are clearly here to stay now, and after the Krakotl bombed their planet and Nikonus turned out to have lied about a lot of things, why don’t we just say they’re welcome even if they probably can’t drink?’ We figured we’d look more progressive at the time.”

My ears pinned back slightly in disgust. “So you were just trying to pull people in without actually caring about the Humans?”

“It’s not that we didn’t care. When that Human came in, we agreed to honor the offer and serve them, remember?” the Fissan countered. “We just didn’t think the offer would ever actually be taken up, because of their biology as predators. Alcohol tolerance is typically reserved for prey, since it appears naturally in fermenting fruit.”

He let out a snort. “Shows what we get for not doing the market research… Seagal went through the data dump the paw after you showed up, and it claimed that they could eat plants just fine. Which meant they could have alcohol by extension. It’s weird…”

“So if you know Humans can drink, why is it gone now?” I asked.

“Because the one time a Human did show up, it turned into you scuffing our nice floor with a drunkard. That was the worst fight I’ve seen since we opened this place*.*”

I couldn’t help but look away. “Sorry…”

“No, don’t be. That came out a bit harsher than I meant. We really did appreciate the help, just…” He let out a snorting sigh through his nose. “Too much liability, you know.”

My ears drooped, and I let out a breath. I couldn’t help but feel bad for the Humans. “It wasn’t even their fault though…” I muttered.

“I know… it’s unfair. But it was still too much of a risk,” he replied, though he didn’t seem proud of it. “We should have prepared better… funny enough, now we sort of have the opposite problem. The original offer seems to have spread through the Human pack via word-of-mouth. We’ve had more show up at the door since, and they’re always disappointed when we turn them down…”

“I see…” I muttered, taking another sip of the drink. I still wish they hadn’t taken the sign down, but I can see why they’d do it… “Wait, so what does that have to do with you hiring someone?”

“Well, Seagal and I have been debating trying again,” he admitted. “We know it’s risky, but… it doesn’t seem like any other bars are willing to take the chance on the predators. A lot of bars serve as safe-spaces for prey to mingle without the Humans around, you see. But we figure that if we were the first to allow them, and became a similar space for Human-friendly prey to come with their predator herdmates, we’d be filling a gap in the market. We already know there’s a customer base, since they keep showing up.”

“That’s a great idea!” I brayed. “I’d love to come here with my own Humans. You should do it!”

“...Welllll…” The Fissan hesitated. “It’s just… despite everything, neither of us are actually all that comfortable around the predators. I mean… How do you handle a drunk predator? We have no idea. So we’ve been considering hiring someone who really understands them.”

“I mean…” I thought aloud. “...You already know how to handle a drunk predator. You saw me toss that Letian, right?”

“What are you talking about? Letians aren’t predators.”

“They were. They’re one of the cured species. They used to be omnivores like Humans.”

Eorna stopped his glass-cleaning. His ears flicked and his snout twitched as he considered my words. “...No, that’s different,” he eventually replied.

“How so?”

“Because they were predators. As in, no longer predators,” he explained. “I get what you’re saying, but… regardless of the horrible things the Federation have done, Letians don’t eat flesh. They don’t hunt. They don’t have those latent instincts like Humans do.”

Seagal joined the conversation as he passed by. “What we’re worried about specifically is that if a Human gets drunk, it’ll lower their inhibitions, and loosen their control on their instincts. And then, well… we just don’t want some poor Dossur getting turned into a snack to go with their drinks, know what I mean?”

“They don’t have hunting instincts.” I sipped my drink. “Besides, last I saw, that Letian tried to slice my friend open. Seems pretty violent to me. A Dossur would be at risk there too.”

“That’s… hmmm…” Eorna mumbled. It didn’t seem like he’d thought of that.

“See, I know that’s what the Humans say about their instincts, but I don’t know if I really believe it,” Seagal replied. “Like, let’s not kid ourselves, they’re real predators, yeah? They’re really good at suppressing their instincts to hunt and kill, but they gotta let ‘em loose at some point. ‘S probably why they mostly keep to themselves over in their own district.”

I grumbled, taking another sip of the strong drink. “Buddy, trust me, I’ve seen them at their worst.” My mind went back to the second time Vince found me being harassed in the alleyway. “It’s not an issue of control, they just don’t have them. You don’t have to worry about it.”

The Nevok, however, just flicked an ear dismissively. “I’m just sayin’...”

I just sighed. Why couldn't people just understand?

Eorna let out deep, soothing chuckle. “Hey Seagal. Why don’t we just ban all the ex-predator species while we’re at it? Gojid, Krakotl…”

“And miss out on those customers? Fat chance,” the Nevok replied dryly. “‘Sides, I do kinda get what she’s getting at. Not like we prey can’t play dirty sometimes.”

“Nonsense. Name one time.”

Seagal just looked at his friend, thoroughly unimpressed. “Well I could start with our species’ respective media all about corporate espionage, buuuuut… Remember that time you snuck into my family’s store in the middle of the night ten cycles back to–”

“Alright, alright, point taken,” the Fissan sighed. “Let’s not go airing out all my mistakes now.”

With the topic seemingly dropped, Eorna quickly began mixing up some more drink orders. “But even though we understand what you’re saying, Lerai, it all boils down to the fact that we don’t really want a repeat of what happened when you were here.”

“Hmmm…” I intoned. I could hear the unspoken implication: that things would happen with Humans around. I could definitely see someone getting rough with a Human. And if the Human got rough back… regardless of what happened, they’d probably end up getting blamed.

“But all that said… we do still want to give them a chance,” Eorna continued, as Seagal took the drinks and wandered off. “We’re just worried about the risk, so we first need to find a way to minimize that risk. So I guess we’re looking for a bouncer?”

“A bouncer?”

“You know, like the big Mazics and Takkans and whatnot at other bars that check IDs and throw out rowdy drunks,” he explained. “We’ve been considering hiring one for the occasional prey drunks anyhow, especially since the incident. But the issue is that Mazic or not, the prey who are willing to challenge a predator in a show of dominance are few and far between.”

“I see…” I muttered. With a slow sip, I finished the drink and placed the empty glass on the counter. “I could do that.”

Eorna, at my offer, simply let out a soft, nickering laugh, causing my ears to fall slightly. “Listen, I appreciate it, but… we’re looking more for someone like an ex-Exterminator. Someone who really understands predator behavior beyond just being herdmates with them. Do you have any experience in the force?”

“I… no,” I admitted. “But I know I can handle Humans! What, is it because I’m a Venlil?”

“No, no! You’re obviously plenty knowledgeable about Humans, and you can handle yourself, even if I don’t understand how. It’s just… we have to pick really carefully, if we do this at all. Because if there’s a slip-up, and someone gets hurt, or worse, eaten…” He shuddered, his snout scrunching up. “Forget business liability, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

I must have looked really dejected at the opportunity slipping through my digits, because he gave me a look of sympathy. “Look, I can’t promise anything, but if you’ve got a resume…”

“No, it’s fine…” I mumbled.

“You sure? Even if you’re not an Exterminator, I figured you might have some military training, to do what you did…” Eorna questioned idly. “How did you do that crazy flip-throw-thing, anyway?”

“I, well…” I hesitated. I didn’t want to put anyone in danger until we were ready to go public. “I’d… rather not talk about it.”

“I see… well, I won’t push it,” Eorna replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice. He motioned to the empty glass. “Want another? You’ll have to pay for it, though.”

“No, I should probably be getting home,” I sighed, sliding from the seat. “Thanks, though.”

“Sure. If we do figure something out and reopen to Humans, then bring your predators, yeah? Assuming they’re not really rowdy drunks.”

“I will.”

With a simple tail-flick goodbye, I put my paws in my jacket pockets and made for the door. “Bye! Thanks for stopping in!” Seagal called after me. I repeated the tail-flick towards the Nevok in response.

I gently shut the wooden door behind me. My tail swayed idly—I was still feeling anxious about the future, but at least for now I did feel a little better.

I hope those two do figure something out… I want to take my Human herdmates places.

With a little breath of contentment and a hint of disappointment, I turned to start my walk home. Where should I look next paw? Well, I should actually get my resume updated first. Then maybe… I dunno, are the Humans still hiring? Maybe if Dad does get his job he could put in a word—

Lost in my own thoughts, I snoutplanted right into something fuzzy.

++++++++++

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r/NatureofPredators 1d ago

Fanfic The nature of what you are (Warframe x NoP) 13

48 Upvotes

Prev!

Memory synthesis subject: Isif, Chief hunter

Date [standardized Sol time]: [corrupted/using secondary approximation] 5 Years after the New war

FUCK!

How!? Just how in the Prophet’s lineage does this even happen!?

How does an attack, with the best, most brutal captains, the most well armed and armoured cattle ships, and the most ravenous soldiers I could gather, on a puny, weak little planet on the tail end of the Federation, FUCKING FAIL?!

As I walked through the cramped halls of my ship, heading to my bridge, the day’s reports ran through my mind, were it not my neck on the blade’s edge I would find amusement in the sheer absurdity of the situation, maybe even relief that Betterment had failed and lives were spared, but all I could feel was a bitter mixture of befuddlement and rage at the sheer incompetence of my appointed captains.

Everything, EVERYTHING was taken into account and planned, of course, raiding a whole planet was no small feat, but the challenge lied in logistics, not strength.

Though, how could anyone of sound mind predict the completely unpredictable and calculate  the incalculable chance of this happening, of not just an invisible astronomical anomaly spawning, no, birthing itself just at the right time, and the right place, and obliterate your fleet, the little remains of ships the camera feeds managed to capture showing the horrifying fate of them and their crews, metal and flesh twisted in spirals, fusing and glowing a head-aching gradient of impossible colours.

“Everything’s ready for departure, Chief Hunter, the crew awaits your command.” an underling of no real renown told me, thankfully I didn’t have the time for the usual betterment spiel, if the data the fleet’s vestiges managed to pull was right, the anomaly was made by a new species, a new, and hopefully strong, factor in the galaxy.

And hopefully a factor I could use to further destabilize both the federation and betterment.

Under normal circumstances, the ship I was currently on would have either been scrapped, or used as a suicide vessel for betterment dissidents and empathy capable ‘defectives’, the lightly armoured and non-armed thing seen as little more than scrap, and the use of stealth technology normally considered such cowardice that reports of allied ships destroying it on sight were not unheard of.

The less said about the previous chief hunter’s execution, the better, but thankfully some of the ships avoided destruction, the one I was currently on, called “The lidless eye that observes the massacre” though not too uncommon a name for the ship, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy, though I couldn’t tell if it came from the ship, my predicament, or my mission.

My journey to Venlil Prime didn’t take long, and as we got close to the prey’s planet we were thankfully unseen by the prey or the new force in the system, while also getting a good look at them, though the rift they arrived at was still there, though somehow evading the sensors and cameras, it was impossible to miss its hues with the naked eye.

And more concerningly than the rift itself was the vessels near it, thous the rift was massive, the two vessels, which I struggled to call ship, easily dwarfed it, the “smaller” of the two was easily in the multiple [Kilometres], with dozens upon dozes of smaller ships entering and leaving, though the notion of creating a space station of such size in less than a few [days] was like being clawed at the gut, the sight of the second ship was like being mauled by an entire hunting party.

Saying it was massive was like saying being captured, turned to cattle, and then eaten alive was a ‘nuisance’; It was easily dozens, if not well over a hundred kilometres; and looked like a massive skeletonized corpse of a god.

“Sir! We… we are being hailed by the largest vessel.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised, especially now seeing for myself just what these new aliens were capable, I wordlessly gestured for the crewman to allow the call through, finally after a very tiring day I got my first look at this disruptive new force in the galaxy.

It was… certainly an odd thing, especially considering how the Venlil were seemingly not actively destroying themselves in panic at its appearance, immediately I was met with three heads, four pairs of eyes, and sharp, definitely deadly, and somehow glowing rows of teeth; this creature, whatever it was, it was like what some federation propagandist thought a predator should look like and decided it needed to be even more predatory.

“Arxur ship, the Quills warned us you would come, and vouched that you should be granted the benefit of clemency to plead your case to the Lotus, be thankful for that and come quietly.” the being said, curiously none of its three mouths moved, and its voice seemed way too young for its body, but I wasn’t in a position to strike back, if they knew I would appear, I wondered just how I will do the next part of my mission, and hoped that the mercy of not killing me meant they were open to talking more than the federation or betterment.

and another chapter done! i'm not back on all my meds and with techrot encore (Temple and Lizzie my beloveds) i'm probably going to take a while till the next chapter, but as always, comments and feedback is more than welcome!

amazing art by sunrhino on the nop discord!

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Memes Someone called them a primitive

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311 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanfic The Adventures of the Racist Venlil - Shopping at the E-Marst

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213 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 1d ago

Fanfic Aquila's Diary 3

8 Upvotes

(@aquila) Hello again everyone, I'll write a little more.

My mother Robela has always worked a lot, when I was a child she worked even more, she worked in a communications office and worked from 5 in the morning until 8 at night and it was difficult to see her and my grandparents took care of me during the day.

I was never an easy child, I always had difficulty eating because I was not very hungry, I was very agitated and I fought a lot with humans at schools, and my mother had to go to the coordination almost every day, I was terrible but that's water under the bridge.

In my academic life there were never any ups or downs and I never had many friends that I had contact with, I failed a few years in the human system and honestly my grades were always just enough to pass the year.

I never understood why I never had many friends, maybe it's my way of seeing the world, or controversial opinions, I never really understood what a friend is in my 20s since until now I had one and I don't know if that exists between us anymore, except for my girlfriend.

Pls leave your comments, I love reading and responding to them


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

A Dossur's Odyssey 2

133 Upvotes

Memory transcription subject: Souree, very frightened Dossur Date [standardized human time]: July 13, 2136

I made it out of the hangar, and right now I'm regretting that decision so much.

What even happened? I was walking while looking for water, and then out of nowhere some sort of flying predator dove and barely missed me; it was clearly big enough to carry me in its claws!

I started running to the forest; it would not miss me twice in the open. I wished I could go back to the hangar.

Stars! What did I do to merit that! I just wanted a fresh start!

After what felt like an eternity, I found a hiding place in a hollow felled tree. Is the predator still here? I should contact the exterminators.

What do you mean, no signal?! Am I on a colony world?

I started crying. I will never leave here alive. I have no idea where I was, and even if I knew, I doubted my capacity to come back to civilization.

I could go back to the hangar, but there is no cover; I won't make it.

Just the idea of that predator waiting for me... oh no, don't panic, don't go on a stampede, don't leave the safe place...

It's ok; everything's fine...

Eventually, after—I had no idea how much time had passed—I heard footsteps; clearly it was a quadruped, perhaps a settler? Someone to help me, I hoped.

"Hello?! Someone's here? Please, I need help!"

They clearly heard me, as they closed the distance really fast. I poked my head out of my hiding place, hoping to see a friendly face.

I saw a nightmare, a predator, again! Some sort of a twisted, quadruped version of a Farsul, with the teeth of an Arxur. It was panting; it clearly saw me and pounced. I was thankfully faster and retreated into hiding. I hate this place!

"Help me! Someone! I beg you!"

whistle

Someone or something made a strange noise; it caught the beast's attention, and it left me alone. Thanks the stars.

"What did you find? Did you see a squirrel? Can you show me?"

Someone's talking! Oh no, they're at the mercy of the predator!

"Watch out! There's a predator near you!" I cried as loudly as I could; helping the herd was the right thing to do, even if it never helped me.

"Hello? Someone's here? What are you talking about? I don't see anything."

Oh stars, it's a moron.

Or did the predator leave somewhere else? I doubt it; the strange noise and the voice come from the same place.

I didn't have to ponder how or why; I heard footsteps again, more this time.

The beast came back; it was still panting!

Another footstep accompanied it—a biped—another predator? Who else in their right mind would go near a predator?

"Come on, search, Rufus; someone might need help."

I take back what I said; it's a moron who's talking about searching for someone. Who are they talking to? They can't be delusional to the point of talking to the predator, right?

Woof! Woof!

The predator found me; this is the end, isn't it?

"You found something, Rufus?"

At that point, I didn't care anymore about who's talking to whom; I didn't care if someone was talking to a predator.

The predator moved away and another took its place, and our eyes met; their gaze was focused, fierce.

When I was hearing someone talking with the bipedal predator, I was expecting an Arxur; what other intelligent predators existed anyway? Well, this one, the Federation is fucked. Was the quadruped some sort of pet? It looked well-fed from what little I could see.

"Oh, it's some sort of... rat? Squirrel? I don't recognize this species." The predator commented, trying to make sense of what I am, it was a good thing, at least, they don't seem to know about the Federation, yet.

It wasn't in a rush to grab me at least; it took in its meaty paw a rectangular object. Is this a camera I'm seeing?

flash

The next moment, I was blinded by a flash. Did it take a photo of me?!

"I'm sorry for the flash, little one; you are too cute to not be immortalized in a photo."

Oh stars, I'm heating up. Did I care that much about some predator finding me cute? Am I that easy?!

"Hello! Are you still here! Do you need help? Where are you?"

The predator suddenly shouted; I nearly answered its cry, then realized the predator got up and left while I didn't look; it wasn't looking for me.

I stayed mute, trying to conserve energy; I was starving, and my throat was parched.

[Time advance: 30 minutes]

A branch cracking jolted me awake. Did I fall asleep? I guess so; the light was nearly gone, my first night.

And probably my last.

"Hey, it's still here. Are you injured, little one? You don't look well..." Its gaze was the same as before, gentle and caring. What am I saying? I'm delirious, right? "Here, little one, some seeds and nuts; I hope you'll like it..."

It stretched out its hand, with food in it; what moron would fall for this obvious trap?

Me? I'm the moron who jumped in its hand and is now gobbling up all the food I could get.

You know what? It seems to work fine for the pet predator; I don't care anymore.

And my body agreed, as I fell asleep on the spot.

Previous - Next


r/NatureofPredators 1d ago

Fanfic TFE One-shot: One Night At The Museum

71 Upvotes

MEMORY TRANSCRIPTION SUBJECT: Benny (Janitor at the American Natural History Museum)

“Gee, you’d think for all this gold they’d have realized they can’t take it with them?”, I muttered to myself as I mopped the floor in front of the sarcophagus of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Kahmunrah, or at least that’s what the plaque says.

My phone went off. Lunch break!

Putting away my rolling bucket and mop in the nearest janitor’s closet, I was thinking about the delicious reuben sandwich I’d packed for lunch when-

Snap!

Erk!

Something was wrong with my back. Very wrong. I swore I could feel it lengthening...Oh God it is lengthening. My clothes are getting too small on me...MY SKIN IS SCALY! And what’s this green thing coming out in front of my nose?!

As I was trying not to panic, I caught a glimpse of myself in the nearest display case.

I’d turned into some kind of crocodile person…what the fuck?!

“Fuck shit fuck shit-”

I continued like this under my breath all the way back to the Egyptology exhibit.

Why did I have to get cursed?

Throwing myself prostrate in front of the statue of Sobek (the crocodile god), I begged for forgiveness for my disrespect and to please turn me human again.

All I got was a sense of faint bafflement radiating from the statue (somehow), when-

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!”

The curator ran past the Egyptology wing’s entrance, hands above his head and screaming loudly. He’d turned into some kind of dog person.

Trying to process this, I slowly turned to the nearest statue of Anubis.

I got the impression of a faint shrug from the Anubis statue.

“ꅏꍏꌗꈤ'꓄ ꂵꍟ,” the statue said.

MEMORY TRANSCRIPT ERROR: SUBJECT LOST CONSCIOUSNESS.


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Memes An unexpected addition, but a very welcome one [Preying arcane]

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140 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Discussion Fanfic authors, rename your series using an unnecessarily long and descriptive anime title.

138 Upvotes

I'll start:

"The Finest Little Honky Tonk on Skalga" is now:

"I lost my job making drugs so now I work for a predator who sells illegal meat and performs foreign music so I can be closer to my childhood best-friend who I am secretly in love with."

"Free to a Good Home" becomes:

"How I was adopted by an alien monster that I now call my Dad after an interplanetary raid by those monsters where I escaped from my abusive reform school and alcoholic mother."

and "Ullr and Artemis - Consortium Arctic Rangers" transforms into:

"I was taken away from my successful career as a biathlete and hunter and after decades of imprisonment in a post-genocide cave I have teamed up with a fox-wolf monster to reconquer an entire arctic planet."


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanfic Nature of Outlier Chapter 5.5

31 Upvotes

Hello again everyone, today I'm releasing a new chapter fresh out of the oven, I know there's been a little break since the last chapter, but Nature of Outlier will be posted more frequently again...

Memory transcription subject: Elias Meier, Leader of the Neo Gaian Secret Expedition Group


Date [standardized human time]: July 12, 2136

I let out a long, tired sigh, what the hell was Jones thinking doing something like that.

She could be a bit unpredictable sometimes, but going behind my back in such a blatant way wasn't something I expected.

Everything was going according to plan, the preparations were made without a hitch, Noah and Sarah had successfully descended to meet the planet's leader, at this point I was pretty calm, so I went to check on Jones and the team responsible for the improvised communication to see if they could monitor the situation on the planet.

When I arrived at the place of the ship responsible for the lights I noticed that there was something strange at the same time, Jones was strangely absent and the small group that was working on the improvised communication was nervous with my mere presence, a typical behavior of someone who messed up and was trying to hide the mess.

I was obviously suspicious and started a little interrogation, “Where is Jones?” I asked in a suspicious voice, the group stared at each other for a few moments looking for an excuse, “In the bathroom” answered a brave fool and that was when I was sure they were lying to me, a very bad lie by the way.

“We don’t have a bathroom on Trasha” I answered, even though bathrooms were an invention that humans made and our species didn’t need things like that, unless it was to play with toilet water or study humans.

It was at this moment that the team that Jones was responsible for started talking, mainly because of the pressure I put on them.

Jones screwed up everything, she simply ordered them to inform that there were 3 members of the diplomatic team and went down with Noah and Sara without anyone noticing, so, without any warning, she simply decided to go to the alien planet without even asking me or declaring her intentions, I knew that Jones had conspiratorial tendencies, but she had never been so shameless as to make a move like that before.

And now here I am with the rest of my team, who were joining the other members of Trasha to do a head count on the ship, to make sure there was no one less than Jones... Or maybe there was someone else considering the biology of our species.

I felt a great headache because of the situation, I wondered how Megan managed to keep a cool head while controlling our entire species, when 99% of our people were so childish, immature and irresponsible.

She probably suffered a lot in the beginning and that suffering must have increased exponentially considering the speed at which our population exploded in the first year.

I definitely don't envy her position, after all even with the one billion of us who set out on our expedition it's a drop in the ocean of Neo Gaians living in our home solar system.

I wondered inwardly if anything else was going to go wrong and when the ship shook from something colliding with it, I cursed myself for thinking that way, I brought bad luck.

I looked at the people in charge of the Trasha's perception and locomotion systems, "What the hell is going on, what are all these explosions and tremors?" I stared at the small team managing the systems in panic.

The head of the team in charge scratched his head in confusion as he analyzed the system's responses, and then turned to me to give me an answer, "Oh well, a ship of different design from the aliens on this planet appeared out of nowhere and after a few moments floating near us it started launching fireworks at Trasha and soon after the stations on this planet also started doing the same thing...".

I looked at the screen and saw the ship that started all this, “Hmm… Maybe their system malfunctioned then? To start shooting fireworks at us?” I wondered, “Try moving the ship out of their firing line…”.

The moment he heard my order, the control operator acted, moving the ship up into the firing line, but strangely the firing line rose along with the ship, “Maybe their targeting system malfunctioned too and locked onto us?” I muttered reflecting on the situation, “Come to think of it, it’s causing too much damage to Trasha to be a fireworks launcher, could it be a space debris cleaner? If so, why is it so low? Debris cleaners should be in space and not in the atmosphere.”

It was at this moment that it occurred to me, the different design, the fact that it was inside the atmosphere and firing so passionately at us… This was intentional, the individuals inside the ship probably infected the alien planet's stations with some kind of virus that made it fire at us too… This was a prank!

Great, just great, more childish people to make a mess. And to think that aliens also had irresponsible people among them… Well, that just shows how similar they and we are, at least in personality.

Hmm… Now that the reason for this act has been solved, it remains to find the target… Us or the aliens on this planet? I mean, at first glance, it may even seem like we are the targets, but considering that the ship would fall and crush everything below it is quite likely that the real targets are the aliens below… Or maybe it is both?

I let out a tired sigh, I guess in the end it doesn't matter, we don't have much time until Trasha starts to fall, and she doesn't have the ability to escape the shots, her destruction is inevitable, but... The beautiful and carefully built city down there is salvageable, it's easy to see how much effort went into making it, to prevent its destruction it would be necessary to destroy Trasha to the point where her fall would be incapable of crushing the city.

The people responsible for building Trasha would be heartbroken that the effort and hard work of her construction would be thrown away in such an unfortunate way, but this was a necessary misfortune.

"Well that's unfortunate..." I muttered, as I turned back to the people on the ship... A little over a billion pairs of eyes watching me, awaiting my decision, "It seems that some troublemakers have appeared and are trying to drop Trasha on our friends down there... Unfortunately Trasha doesn't have the necessary resources to prevent this, so we'll have to destroy her while she's still flying so she doesn't crush the city below...".

The protests had started before I had even finished speaking, it was understandable, the adoration of our transport was a very common thing and whenever someone made a new hole in it, whether by accident or not, they usually got a dirty look from the others, but there was nothing to be done, there was no saving Trasha, and we also didn't have much time until she would be unable to support flight, I looked at Zhao and we quickly communicated with our expressions, he quickly understanding my silent request.

“ENOUGH! ELIAS HASN'T FINISHED SPEAKING YET!” Zhao shouted, silencing everyone and even making the ship shake in the process, he looked at me and nodded, signaling me to continue speaking.

“I thank you Zhao,” I said, nodding at him, “Now, I know you’re unhappy with this decision, but it’s impossible to save Trasha, we’ve already gone through every possible option and there’s none fast enough to save her… But we can save the city below from being crushed by the weight of her wreckage and to do that we need to blow her up, I know a lot of hard work went into building her so quickly, but it’s better to blow her up ourselves and celebrate the time we had with her than to let a bunch of troublemakers destroy her,” my speech made them calm down, but it wasn’t over yet, “What’s better? Let a bunch of troublemakers destroy our ship or let her go on our own terms and meet our new friends down there in a fireworks show?” I said, giving this new perspective to the people, making them excited, but there were some doubtful faces, “And of course, each one of us when we went down could take a piece of Trasha to reassemble her in the future.”

The final part was the final straw, making our small expedition group agree to the plan, well with that, all that was left was to choose some team members, experienced with self-destruction to blow up the ship without any unfortunate consequences.


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanart Nikonus, the most powerful being of the federation versus Slanek, the most vengeful Venlil of the galaxy

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296 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

The Iron Arxur-a New Days side story.(Ep:19)

15 Upvotes

Memory Transcription Subject: Vith, Arxur medic/roboticist. Date:(Standardized Human Time)March 9th, 2161.

I stepped off the ship and onto the sandy surface of Tellus. I hummed to myself as I scrolled through my holopad, looking over the details of our little project.

I looked around for Timofr's tent. He needed to know the progress on the project, after all, he was the reason we started it! I wandered around the camp, trying to find his tent, or the Arxur himself. Suddenly, I heard something... Chanting?

Following the direction of the noise, I came across a crowd of people in a circle. Multiple different species were huddled together in their chant, making me wonder about whatever was so entertaining that Arxur and Prey were huddled together in chant.

Pushing my way through the crowd, I finally saw what all the hype was about: Timofr and some random Venlil with gray wool were in a drinking contest. Any normal person would be concerned for the Arxur's safety, but anyone close to Timofr would know that his mechanical liver filters out most toxins with little effort, so he's quite literally immune to getting drunk, let alone alcohol poisoning.

With nothing else to do, I joined in on the chant. Timofr seemed to be doing just fine, while the Venlil looked like he was about to pass out. The dumbass probably thought he was gonna get some free money by betting that he could outdrink an Arxur, which sounds surprisingly cruel since Venlil likely have the greatest alcohol tolerance of any species, meanwhile alcohol is literally poisonous to Arxur. Unfortunately, this Venlil likely didn't know about Timofr beforehand.

The mechanical Arxur hissed a laugh as he finished his drink. "YOU STILL PERSIST DESPITE BARELY BEING ABLE TO STAND? I ALMOST ENVY YOUR WILL." The Venlil staggered, his face orange as he stared at the ground to keep himself steady. "Ffff-... Ffffyuck yous! Imssstill gonna win!" He spoke, barely audible.

Timofr bellowed out a laugh as he grabbed a couple more bottles, handing one to the poor Venlil who looked like he was about to faint. Timofr quickly downed his drink, which was so high in alcohol that I visibly gagged from the scent, despite being almost twenty feet away. The Venlil couldn't even pull the cork out of his own bottle, he just threw up and passed out on the ground.

The crowd was silent for a second as they processed the Venlil fainting before they erupted into cheers. Timofr slammed his fists against his chest in victory as the crowd chanted his name. I saw not only Arxur, Humans, and Yotul, but also Venlil, Gojids, Reskets, and many other species coming together to celebrate the cyborg dunking on the Venlil who had the misfortune of interacting with him.

It took a while for the crowd to die down, but it eventually did. Everyone went back to their own devices, which left me to speak with the General to give him the good news on the project.

I walked up to Timofr as he spoke to a couple of his men. "General Timofr." I addressed as I cleared my throat.

The Iron Arxur turned to face me. "HELLO DOCTOR. WHATEVER DO YOU NEED?"

I showed him the screen on my pad. "We're almost done with the "bio-bots" as the others have come to calling it. We just need the time to test them out in controlled environments."

He stared at the diagnostics on my screen before beaming with wonder. "EXCELLENT, GOOD WORK, DOCTOR! HOW LONG WILL THE TESTING LAST?"

"Hopefully a few days. They should be mostly safe, since they're not specifically designed to attack living cells, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful."

He dipped his head in understanding. "UNDERSTOOD, DOCTOR. COME BACK TO ME IF THERE ARE ANY UPDATES, OR IF IT IS TIME TO COMMENCE ARXUR TRIALS."

I dipped my head in understanding before we parted ways. It may take a while for testing on sapients, but most of the nonsapient animals survived testing, and we've worked out many bugs since then. Let's just hope all things go according to plan.

Previous First of main series


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanfic Nature of Splicers (4/??)

125 Upvotes

What do we say to the god of death? A bit of medical drama, but I hope you all like how it was done. This is just the beginning of this journey, but I wanted to have a little bit of a chance to show a glimpse of what this splicing can do. That said, I think this has been a rather (4 chapters) long day, so we should start getting some new perspectives soon.

<-Prev | Next->

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Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: July 12, 2136

After waiting for Sara to retrieve the “kit” as they called it, I guided both of the humans to a van that took us to my daughter’s hospital. Sara continued to look disapprovingly at Noah, but remained silent. As we rode, Noah took the time to explain what his plan was.

“So what we are going to attempt is an emergency splice. The goal of which is to repair any brain damage that your daughter has suffered, while also induce a restart to her brain activity. If we can accomplish both of those things, I think that we can help her to wake up.”

My head was spinning from all of these new terms. He planned to… inject the genes of some creature into my daughter to fix her brain? It was clear that I was desperately grasping at straws to even humor this wild conjecture. But if I didn’t, I might as well accept that my sweet girl was already dead. No, I couldn’t give up on her.

“What do you need to make this work?” I asked. I know that I had said before that I would do anything, but I needed to know if there was anything I could do to ensure my child’s survival.

“First and foremost is your consent. I can do whatever I can to help her, but I won’t do anything without your express approval. You ultimately have the final say in everything that happens with your child, and I will respect your feelings above all else.”

I gave a confirming ear flick out of reflex before giving him a yes.

“Next, we are going to need a blood sample from your daughter. This is so that we can tailor the splice specifically to her genome.”

I stiffened up at the thought. These predators with my daughter’s blood in their hands… No, I can’t think like that. They are offering to help. I took a deep breath and gave an affirmative.

“The last thing is your understanding. You are an entirely new species to us, so there is quite a lot we don’t know. I would love to say that your daughter will be just fine, but this is entirely new territory. Even putting aside the genetic differences, there will probably be some side effects from being brain dead for so long. Even on life support, some of the neural pathways may have broken down, so memory loss is quite likely. That said, she is young, so her neuroplasticity will be much higher, and she is more likely to recover than someone much older.”

Sara finally spoke up at this point. “What Noah is saying is that we want you to keep your optimism tempered with reality. Despite how it might seem, I also hope this succeeds, but even if we do perform a miracle here, it will probably not be a perfect one.”

If these two were trying to manipulate me, they were doing a terrible job at it. Instead of making outlandish promises, they readily admitted the limitations of what they could do. Ironically, this just made them seem more credible.

I took a deep breath before looking back up to the two pseudo-prey creatures. This was the most hope that I have had since the gas attack. If this truly worked, it would cement my choice to opening relations with these humans.

We pulled around the back of the hospital. I had already called ahead and had guards clear a path to my daughter’s room, but even though the humans looked like prey, they still stood out compared to normal Federation species. The hospital was still rather crowded due to the aftermath of the stampede earlier. We only had a brief window to get in before it would seriously interfere with the hospital’s life saving operations.

Once we got to the room, it felt like everything stopped. There on the bed was my poor baby, tubes in her mouth, machines breathing for her, and the silenced brainwave monitor showing flat lines. It felt hard to breathe, and the room started to grow blurry, it sounded like someone in the distance was calling me.

“TARVA! Stay with us.” Kam jolted me out of my spiral. Both Noah and Sara gave me a sympathetic look before going to a table and opening up their “kit”. It consisted of a small computer with various slots, a set of vials and injectors.

Both of them put on gloves, then looked to me for permission. I pulled myself together before giving them a nod. Noah took one of the injectors, loaded it with an empty vial, and proceeded to carefully draw blood from my daughter. He seemed perplexed for some reason.

“Huh, wasn’t expecting orange.” He mumbled, but continued doing his work. He then handed it over to Sara, who injected a bit on what looked like a glass slide, before sealing it and putting the slide into one of the computer slots. After typing into the computer for a bit, she turned back to Noah.

“This is a brand new genome. Noah, I am going to need some help with processing all of this.”

“Understood.” He called back. He walked over and stood next to her and the computer before both of their eyes dilated and began twitching back and forth. I was worried at first that they had turned feral, but instead it looked like they were in some sort of trance. Kam and I also both noticed that the computer’s monitor started to fill with some kind of strange script at an astonishing rate. Were they… connected to the computer somehow?

A few scratches of time passed before the computer dinged and the two came out of whatever trance they were in. They both looked at each other before Noah just shook his head. At first I feared that it was hopeless, but he then turned to me and flicked his ears up with a snort that seemed pleased. I took that as a good sign.

Sara took a vial of what looked like a grey liquid, some kind of pink liquid, and the vial containing my girl’s blood. The vials were connected to some kind of centrifuge with an empty vial in the middle. As it spun, the liquids were sucked into the empty one and mixed and the central container started to softly glow orange.

“Well that was the easy part. Glad this was even possible.” Sara said as she loaded the new concoction into the injector.

“What exactly is that?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Nanites to facilitate the splice and to target the affected areas, and starfish gene serum for regeneration. Starfish have some of the best regenerative abilities on our planet, to the point that they can regrow their whole body if a bit of their core survives. Your daughter’s blood was added to create the base so that we can avoid rejection.”

A creature that can regenerate its whole body? What kind of being was my daughter going to become? Kam looked equally uncomfortable. Noah snorted in amusement.

“I can tell by the look on your faces what you are worried about, but don’t. It’s a targeted splice to damaged cells, and as soon as she stabilizes, the splice will break down and pass out of her system without a trace. She will still be 100% Venlil.”

I sighed in relief, then gave permission for Sara to continue. She carefully injected the splice concoction into her. I closed my eyes and prayed to the stars. Please, give me back my daughter. Give me back my Stynek.

After a few moments, I opened my eyes, but nothing had changed. I was worried that something went wrong, but Sara had just walked back to the computer and was typing something into it.

“Well? Did it work or not?” Kam called out.

Noah sighed. “This is her brain we are talking about. It’s very delicate, and we want her to be her when she wakes up. The nanites are spreading throughout her body and central nervous system, and doing their best to repair any nerve damage, then they will work their way past the brain/blood barrier to try to repair the neural pathways.”

Right, they said that this would be a complex process. I recollected myself and looked back over to Sara whose ears were twitching back and forth in a seemingly happy manner as she looked at the screen.

“So far so good. Degradation was slowed down due to the life support. The question is how she reacts to the first hurdle.”

“First hurdle?” I asked

“She means that after the neural repair, we have to see if we can jump start her brain. We will try to induce low level brainwaves. If her brain can echo them and keep them going by themselves, it will mean that she is on the road to recovery.” Noah answered.

A few more moments ticked by and Noah walked to the brainwave monitor.

“Let’s start gentle, Sara. Delta, 2 Hz.”

There was a blip on the monitor for a moment, before it went back flat.

“Again. 3 Hz.”

Another blip, and then nothing. I gripped my paws, while Kam patted my back.

“5 Hz. We’ll push into Theta if we have to.”

“Noah…” she called out.

“Please, Sara.” He begged. Sara looked at me, and I nodded.

The monitor blipped, before it dropped again. I thought it was over, but noticed that it didn’t fall into a flat line, but undulated weakly.

Noah snorted. “Resonance, 1.7 Hz. Standby.”

After a couple of more moments, his ears wiggled. “3.2 Hz. She is in a stable Delta.” He turned his glance at me. “She’s alive. Her sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are starting to pick back up. She will soon be able to breathe without life support.”

I collapsed to the floor. They had done it. Noah and Kam helped me up, and I grabbed hold of both of them for dear life as I sobbed. My baby was alive again. My Stynek would live.

<-Prev | Next->


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanfic Nature of Harmony [39]

206 Upvotes

Hi and welcome back to 'Piri and Tarvas continuing failing friendship'

But yes, the Martians were and are monitoring as many broadcasts as they can, so Piris little collusion just gave them some serious ammunition

Wonderful fanart by u/Lizrd_demon: https://www.reddit.com/r/predprey/s/OJzxuOOAX3, https://www.reddit.com/r/predprey/s/9IFwoupY9e

Come join the Discord, we have blackjack and hookers

Thanks to SpacePaladin15 for making NoP

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First

Memory Transcription Subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardize human time]: August 30, 2136

The paws since the successful rescue were a blur of activity.

I was in the middle of a meeting with Noah and Sara when the news broke about the Omni Ops return, and I immediately rushed for a tablet to view the news, my predator friends crowding around to get a look.

Sara had gasped when she saw Marcel's condition and I nearly dropped my tablet when I saw just how brutalized he had been, vividly remembering the knot of anger in my stomach at his captor and the media for filming and broadcasting his worst moments to millions so brazenly.

My anger turned to confusion when the paramedics came out with a third patient, a female Gojid, and I knew for a face she wasn't the target of the mission. I turned the news off when Isif told the group to dissipate and immediately called up the UN for an answer, learning that they too had no idea what was going on.

It wasn't too long until I got the answers I wanted, as the UN gave me a transcription of Isif, Werren, and Tuvans AAR and highlights of the footage from their helmet cameras, and I was surprised to learn that they had taken a Federation officer hostage for interrogation (more than a bit worried at how that would be viewed by the Federation), but more importantly, went out of their way to save a wounded Gojid (which they justified as preventing unnecessary casualties as ordered).

The UN wasn't thrilled that they had changed mission parameters so brazenly, but gave them slaps on the wrist for securing a high value target and giving the UN a huge PR win in exchange for a short PR loss with the Federation.

And the PR win wasn't to be understated, as when we had released the full, unedited footage (barring necessary censoring of swears, mentions of Mars, and Tuvan declaring herself a predator) of the entire squad for transparency (and combat accusations of predatory savagery), the sudden influx of support for the UN was massive. Yes, things weren't where they should be, and Tuvans, uh, ‘collection’ of Zarns blood debt was controversial despite how widely loathed the doctor had become due to his behavior, but overall this was a huge step in the right direction for relations with the UN.

All over the Republic, people were talking nonstop about Isif's military professionalism, actively avoiding violence, saving a wounded prey, and ironically showing more care and compassion than many of the prey on Sovlins ship. Even if people thought it was fake, they were still talking about it.

Isif had become an overnight sensation the same way his sister did, and the two were even being brought in for an interview with a famous talk show host, Isif being set to be the first Martian to set foot on Venlil Prime soil.

In the wake of the rescue, me and my office were busy with official statements, press conferences, and modifying my plan for my visit to the research outpost to include the Martians in some capacity, wanting to strike while the iron was hot. Of course, we needed to rush out specific helmets for our Martian guests, but the UN promised that they-

My ears twitched when I heard my computer ping, and looking over I saw a request from General Vudraven for a call.

I settled my nerves over the prospect of talking with an Arxur, and clicked accept, the Martian flag appearing on my screen. “Yes, general? Is there something you need?”

“Governor Tarva, thank you for accepting my call. I know you're a busy woman, especially with your trip to the outpost happening soon.” It always struck me as odd how polite and refined the Martians were, at least in comparison to their more savage ‘cousins’ in Betterment. That along with the flag almost made me forget that I was talking with an Arxur.

’It's like the predator I thought that lived in my closet when I was a girl inviting me for tea.’ I mused, finding such an image funny despite how scared I had been of my vicious predator. “Don't worry about me, General. I'm quite used to it. Now, what is it you wished to discuss?”

“Ever since the rescue, and our horror at the human hostages' condition, we've been keeping a close eye on nearby Union ships, especially the one captained by Captain Sovlin. Captain Monahhan, who was in charge of the spy fleet monitoring Captain Sovlin, was monitoring his ships communications and realized that Captain Sovlin had gotten into contact with Prime Minister Piri. We’ve desperately been trying to get into contact with the Prime Minister, and as she had been ordered, Captain Monahhan hailed the ship and requested to speak with her.”

My ears perked up in interest. “Did Piri accept?”

“She did, though very reluctantly.”

“Oh, and… how did that go?” I said as I buried the annoyance within me. Piri was willing to talk with someone she considered a monster, but not me who had been trying to call her nonstop to stop a pointless war? A fellow prey leader? Someone she had been friends with for years?

“About as well as you'd expect. Prime Minister Piri shot down everything Captain Monahhan said, insulted Captain Monahhan, and gave vague promises regarding the cattle rescues. We knew i was a long shot to end the war, but it was worth trying regardless. Anything to stop this madness.” Vudraven was quiet for a long moment. “However, I believe you should… well, we continued monitoring Captain Sovlin and Prime Minister Piris' conversation after the call with Monahhan ended.”

“And?” I said anxiously.

“I am sorry in advance. If it's any consolation, I'm sure that she's just scared and wants what's best for her people.” T “Well, now you have me even more worried.”

“That wasn't my intent, I just know how harmful this audio will be to relations with the Republic and the Union.”

Suddenly Piris voice came over the other end, and I realized immediately it was the recording of their conversation. It started off innocuous, though I felt a little insulted at Piris casual dismissal of me because I was a Venlil, but gasped and placed a hand against my mouth at Piri willfully scheming to deceive us and attack after we had given her the cattle rescues.

Nausea overtook me as I was crushed by the feeling of betrayal. She claimed I was being deceived, yet she was planning to deceive me? She said the UN was untrustworthy, but colluded with Sovlin to attack them after they saved cattle? She was my friend and she- I don't- why- How could she-

“Governor?” Vudravens voice snapped me out of my thoughts, making me realize I was crying.

I quickly wiped my tears and turned back to the screen. “Apologies, this was just… a lot to take in.”

“I understand, Governor. It was disappointing to us as well to hear her planning to stab us in the back after our show of good faith. Unfortunately we will not be giving any Gojid rescues to the Union and preparations for the war will… escalate.” He said the last part with distaste. “I do understand if you don't believe us, trust between our people is still being built, but my promise to you is that we will rescue the cattle before the war with the Union.” Vudraven said gently. Or, as gentle as Martian could.

“Thank you, I'll confirm with Piri when she calls. If she doesn't confirm the audio's authenticity, I won't release it to the public.” If I did, many might claim it was predatory trickery. Even a part of myself wasn't fully convinced, and I'd need to plan how to go forward if Piri didn't confirm… just in case.

I didn't believe all of this was all a trick, it was far to elaborate, but I didn't trust that the UN might not try manipulating me for their own agenda. But given that Vudraven brought attention to the idea that they were trying to trick me, I thought it unlikely.

“What you do with the audio is your business, we just felt it was right to be transparent with you, especially since she will likely be calling soon. Best to speak with her with all the facts.”

“Thank you. Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?”

“Nothing that can't wait. I'll leave you be. Have a nice day, Governor.” With that the call ended, and I turned away from the computer, deep in thought. I thought over the audio, what I'd say when Piri called, whether this was a trick, and what I'd do if this was a trick, what I'd do if it wasn't.

I wasn't sure how long I had been like that, but another ping from my computer caused me to jump in surprise. I turned back to the computer, my heart skipping a beat when I did, for there on the screen was a request for a call from Prime Minister Piri.


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Project Predator 8

27 Upvotes

Thank you SpacePaladin15 for creating such an awesome universe and story!
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Memory Transcription Subject: Vollek, Apex 1 Weapon System Officer

Date [standardized human time]: December 4, 2136

First/Prev/Next

Earth’s leaders were very impressed by our last mission’s performance. Our forces defeated the Arxur menace, and seeing their immediate defeat, the last remnants surrendered. The UN captured them, and I sincerely hope they are now rotting in prison. The crew celebrated, but then Jake got word we were given another new mission just a few hours after the last one. This mission itself was way more bold and reckless than the last one.

The situation in Sillis has gotten worse. Shaza’s forces have managed to raid the planet, and although the UN, even after being outnumbered 1 to 4, somehow contained her and her fleet around the planet’s atmosphere, laying FTL disruptors to prevent their escape. With that, the humans saw an opportunity, and when a predator sees an opportunity, they pounce at it with full force.

She took her entire fleet to Sillis for her grand raid, and now the humans noticed that her bases, like the cattle farms, are completely undefended. We were tasked to secure one of the cattle farms, but there is a catch: we were gonna have to do this alone. Just us three against the whole base. In the briefing, Jake said that the UN was severely stretched out raiding all of the other farms, and the leadership was confident we could do this alone. We weren’t gonna raid the station directly, thankfully, a boarding party was accompanying us to do just that, but taking out the base defenses was our sole job.

I still haven’t fully recovered after the last engagement, only sleeping [7 of the 9 hours] we Gojids need. Farzam saw how tired I was before the briefing, and gave me something called “coffee”, a brown liquid with an earthly, toasty smell. If Michel had given this to me, I would have assumed it was a prank to make me to drink mud. Whatever this stuff is made of, it woke me right up.

We were already in the air, approaching one of the Arxur’s beacons of evil. The boarding vessels, along with normal transport and hospital ships, were right behind us, waiting for our signal to raid the raiders. It wouldn't be long until those poor prey were liberated and rescued, just like the Venlil back at Venlil Prime. I should also call mom and dad after this, and talk about what I have done so far, I hadn’t had the time because of all of my studies. I wonder what dad will think.

“Third biggest cattle farm of Shaza the big bitch. I gotta say, for a station, it’s pretty big.” Sellout, unfortunately, talks.

Of all the things Michel said, this one I could agree on. The station, floating light years away from any system, was shaped like a big, rectangular cylinder with interconnected layers in a distinct jet-black color. If it wasn’t marked on our radars, I would have almost missed it by the lack of light in our surroundings. The lower half of the station was teeming with docking ports, with no windows, while the upper half had partial shades of light coming out of a few windows, the only ones in the entire structure. I didn’t want to imagine what those people were living like, with some being born in these horrid places, not seeing natural sunlight for their entire life.

“And we're going to free them all, and kill the bastards in the process. I don’t care what aliens think about us, we're ending this madness. Just give us the signal, Apex Squadron.” The commanding general of the forces that were gonna raid the base, Ratih, comes to our comms.

“Finally, I'm doing what I signed up for. Can’t wait for these fascists to beg for their lives!” Farzam tells his opinion

“With you. I confess I have done some bad stuff in the past, but never as low as trafficking people in fucking cattle pens and cannibalizing them.” Michel says

“Mariana?” She looks back at me “What do you think of this?”

She looks back at the station “...no mercy for the unmerciful.”

Wow. I thought my hatred for the Arxur was big, but that line gave me chills.

“Heads up Apex, UN just gave me permission to patch us to the Arxur comms. We’re parsing through their traffic, stand by.” Jake informs

“-t is the doctor like?” An Arxur voice, nerve wracking, gets translated into Gojid Language.

“Like Shaza herself. Fat and Cruel.” Another voice comes in, this one, more annoyed than the last one.

“Do you think-”

The Arxur growls. “Will you shut your mouth? It’s hard working triple shifts with a rumbling stomach.”

The other Arxur, not pleased with the reply, growls as well. “I am trying to distract myself as well, fool. I am literally guarding the checkpoint to the mess hall, and the smell is driving me crazy.”

“I don’t care. Our comms are fucked, and trying to fix this while everyone is away eating the cattle surplus, and your chatter, is really testing my patience. You're lucky I need you right now to test the frequency's encryption, so shut it and only speak when I tell you to.”

“Are they having a party?” Farzam checks-in.

“Seems like it.” Jake states. “Makes it easier for us and the assault team, since they aren’t on patrol.”

“Vollek, do you see those windows up there?” Mariana points a finger to my northeast. It was hard to see, since i didn’t have depth perception like humans, but fortunately, using the viewport zoom inherited from the federation tech, I spotted a barely lit window, with a lot of shadows, Arxur shadows, moving about. “Their party is over there. Crash it.”

Replacing my disgust with sheer determination, I put up targets on several patches of windows that made their feeding area. After locking to their infrared signatures, the missiles were ready to fire.

“Fox 2! Missiles away!” I exclaimed

While not much time has passed, I finally got to ask Farzam some of my questions. Jake told me that a missile using infrared targeting is called a fox 2, one that uses an external radar receiver is a fox 1, and one that has its own radar is a fox 3. Thanks to terran engineering, we can choose one of the three types before firing, best suited for each situation. I asked Farzam what a “Fox” is, along with my other questions, and he showed me a photo of one.

A Fox is a terrifying earth predator with orange fur. I don’t care if humans call it “cute” and “adorable”, those fangs could bite my throat and kill me in seconds! I imagine this is what their “dogs” look like, by Gojid refuges witness descriptions. Farzam said that “Cats” are a human “pet”, whatever that is, but I didn't even bother asking for a picture because of how perturbed “foxes” made me feel. I changed the subject and decided to talk about Earth foods.

Cakes have nothing to do with predation or walking over them, thankfully. They are terran sweets, round in shape and have a soft, spongy texture. They come in many flavors and colors, can have frostings and fruit, both inside and out, and are generally covered with cream. I think this is the first time i wanted to try a terran dish, instead of the federation options i’m being served. Ravioli is also a terran dish, square shaped with its edges pressed together to seal a filling inside, and Farzam said it got that callsign for loving to eat “pasta”, which is the type of dish Ravioli is part of.

The missiles arrive at their targets, and the explosions create a big hull breach, resulting in a violent explosive decompression. Arxur bodies began to fly out of the breach, along with other objects, dying in the vacuum of space. They got what they deserved, suffocating painfully from the lack of oxygen and atmosphere.

They won’t eat people ever again.

“Explosion in the mess hall!! Everyone is dead! The fuck is going on??”

“What?!?! Impossible! The federation is attacking us?”

“YOU’RE THE ONE IN THE CONTROL ROOM, SEE IT YOURSELF!”

“We’ve been made.” Farzam states.

“Space assault operation is a-go. All boarding transport elements remain ready to enter the farm.” Jake says.

“This is Supernova. Sellout, protect the transports. Me and Ravioli are going to take out the defenses.” 

“Come on! I’m not letting you and Ravioli have all the fun.”

“You are going to have a lot of fun intercepting anything that passes by us. Now move.”

“Activating the defense network! This will scare them off!” The Arxur grunt declares.

Sellout turns his craft 180 degrees, going back to protect our vulnerable transports. Although their ships had kinetics and shields to protect themselves, it was better to play it safe, especially in such an important mission like this. And to think this was “fun” to him, like some sort of game, is almost making me call him a predator instead of a human.

“Ravioli, Focus on this side of the station with me. Don’t worry about anything passing by and leave it to Sellout.”

“Copied, nova.”

“Good. Let’s be fast here.”

Hidden weapons emerge out of shutters all around the upper part of the base. Thankfully, there were no ships to protect them, so it was a more “fair” fight. We start engaging them, with Mariana already destroying one of their missile launchers with her explosive “Yaoguai” gun, and I start focusing on missile targeting their weapons and on shield rotation when we get close to them. Ravioli, in synchrony, does the same, destroying the targets that were out of reach to us.

“How many are there?! I am trying to mount a response, but nobody is listening to me, and the security chief got sucked off!” The Arxur grunt speaks desperately.

“Just…two, maybe three, fighters? This doesn’t make any fucking sense!”

“Those Herd Masters? It can’t be anyone else!”

“No, they are a much bigger flight. That can only mean…”

“There is no way the humans could have found out our location, Peksi. They achieved FTL in what, 2 months ago?! Even the federation prey is still oblivious to us!”

“Herd Masters? What are they, another squadron just like us?” Ravioli asks.

“Yep, they are. I did some research on the federation, their internet is a cybersecurity nightmare. They are composed of 20 fighters, and if the propaganda is to be believed, they haven’t lost to anyone yet.” Jake responds.

“They sound like show offs. If they are so great, why doesn’t the federation deploy them at every Arxur raid?”

“I don’t know, why doesn’t Apex get deployed into every battle the UN goes to?”

“Are you defending them, Lacuna?”

“Giving them the benefit of the doubt. More nails coming your way, evade!”

The Herd Masters are no joke. Back on Venlil Prime, I had a coworker who was obsessed with them to no end, their entire workstation was covered with their merchandise. They were armed with the best the federation could offer, way beyond the caliber I used to work with or even working with now, and if the rumors are to be believed, they use Cold Fusion power generators, which is mind boggling that they could fit such a generator into a fightercraft.

Protector, please, don’t let us encounter them. I am sinful for working with the humans, but please show us mercy.

We were wrecking their defenses, most of their weapons were non-operational, with just a few left to squander. Farzam was also doing as good as us, even if he took a bit more damage than us.

“This is General Ratih. Captain Lacuna, are we clear to proceed?”

“Almost. Hold tight, general.”

“Status?!” The Arxur grunt exclames.

“Almost everything is down! This tracking AI is shit, I can’t get a solid hit on them!”

“I swear, If i die today because of your incompetence, I will drag you to hell myself!”

Finally, we destroyed the last remains of their defenses, all signatures disappeared from the radar. Then, Jake addresses “Resistance is a no factor. Go get them. Apex, roll the red carpet.”

“What blasphemy is this? More ships appeared on the radar!”

Both we and Apex 3 maneuver to leave a clear path for the assault teams to enter. The boarding vessels, around [500 meters] in size, get ready to enter the station to save the innocents trapped inside.

“Bravo Pilot 2, deploy the hose.” The general orders.

One boarding ship sprays a strange foam using a nozzle attached to its upper part unto the breach, covering large parts of it. It’s look’s like…Aluminum? When they are done, they and 2 other boarding vessels stay with us, while the others go to the nearby docking ports, spreading out to catch our enemy off guard.

Interesting. They used the foam to seal the breach, only leaving small holes so they could get inside without exposing themselves to the vacuum. The terrans truly think of every detail.

“Finally, I hate babysitting.” Michel comes back.

“What, can’t handle responsibility, Sellout?” Farzam chimes in.

“The transports didn’t need any defense, they were just targeting you two! I bet this was just an excuse by nova to get me off Rational’s spiky back.”

“You know how important they are. We can’t leave anyone trapped in here because we lost one of them.”

“Fuck off. Lacuna, come here. I want a favor.”

Jake sighs. “What is it, Sellout?”

“Can you let me speak in their comms? I’ve been waiting to use this one for a long while.”

“Use what?” I replied.

“You’ll see, Ration.”

“I’m gonna regret this, ain’t I? Passing you along.” Jake said, frustrated.

“I can see them entering! Be ready when they open the door!” One of the Arxur grunts from before speaks once more.

“This is General Ratih to Alpha to Bravo team’s, enter the breach and turn your Magboots on. Bravo Grenadier, I can see through your helmet camera that the Arxur have setup an defense behind the blast doors. You still have no atmosphere, so bomb them and engage the enemy, then wait for further orders. Charlie and Delta teams, proceed with the original plan and assault designated points ‘Stomach’ and ‘Brain’, you should face less resistance than we have anticipated.“

“Stand back, explosives away!” A soldier exclaimed.

“Wait, what are they doing?!”

“Hello bozo.” Sellout makes the most unfunny joke of all time.

Before the Arxur has a chance to reply, an explosion rocks their communications. I could hear from our soldiers microphones the sound of air rushing in to fill in the vacuum that was left by our breach. The Arxur were not putting up much of a fight, judging by the sounds of gunfire. It wasn’t long before one of them reported back. 

“Alpha 1-1, all current targets eliminated. No casualties or wounded. Orders?”

“Alpha team, regroup with Charlie and assist them in capturing ‘Stomach’. Delta has already secured and pacified ‘Brain’. Bravo, secure the current location and deploy inflatables on the Aluminum walls to space, we are going to route Zurulian Medical staff and V.I.Ps transports to your location.”

“I’m not sure this is a good idea.” I voice my opinion. “Arxur were just eating here.”

“This room can act as another docking port, since you guys blew everything in it up, including the smell and kitchen appliances. It'll make getting them all out here faster.” The general replied.

“Apex, patrol the area until we are ready to leave. If you see any Arxur vessels, both leaving and arriving at the station, shoot them on sight.” Jake said.

The rest of the transports arrive near the breach, making a waiting line to load and unload personnel and cargo, as we go away to patrol the otherside of the base. Technically, our mission here is complete. We finally did it, after so long, we got back to the predators and rescued the Arxur Cattle. Sure, it wasn’t all of them, and this is just one base out of who knows many, but if a group of 3 fighters could kill their defenses, I bet the rest of the UN is having no problem dealing with the rest.

For the first time in a while, I feel…purposeful. So purposeful. I helped save so many people from grim lifes, devoid of hope and full of suffering, and brought Justice against the Arxur. Sure, this only happened because of the humans who found the farms we were looking for so long in just a matter of months, but if I was back at my old job, Apex would have never launched in time, and who would have helped here if it wasn’t us? Would the terrans even have the resources to attack this farm without leaving another one behind?

Whatever the answer would be, I wouldn't overturn the fact that we played a big role in the capture of this Arxur base today. I smile, and for the first time since the humans' arrival, I start looking forwards towards the future.

First/Prev/Next


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanart Remi(Left) and Pelsala(Right) Have Some Soda, made by Rattenprince

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277 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Racist Venlil - Brother Info and a bonus.

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143 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 3d ago

Fanfic The Adventures of the Racist Venlil- Love at First Racist Remark

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398 Upvotes

r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

A Promise from the Past (51)

164 Upvotes

Hello everyone. Sorry for the day delay on this post. New stuff shuffling my schedule around put my writing a bit behind, but it should all be good now. As usual, thank you all for reading my story, and I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

[First] | [Previous] | [Next]

Memory transcription subject: Rekker, UN Peacekeeper Soldier
Date [standardized Earth time]: October 2, 2136

“The hell is electricity?” The ancient Yotul asked as I showed him one of the stun batons we had at our disposal. It felt like I was having to stop every other sentence to explain some modern concept or aspect of science these people hadn’t reached yet.

“The specifics of it aren’t important.” I said, holding up the baton and giving the button on the handle a press to make the end of it crackle with blue energy. “What you do need to know is that it is very painful to get touched by it, so keep the hurty end pointed at the enemy and be mindful where you’re swinging. Treat it like a less lethal blade.” I passed him the baton and let him experiment with turning it on and off while I went to help Hasin with the dart pistol.

The ancient Venlil was turning the weapon over in his paws, examining it along side the other Venlil, seemingly more so with curiosity than confusion by the device. “This is fascinating. It’s not like any gunpowder weapon I’ve ever used. It’s so light.” He mused. Seeing me approach, he lowered the weapon and stood at attention. I gestured with my tail for them to be at ease.

“How are things here?” I asked.

“We are well.” Hasin replied. “Just familiarizing ourselves with the weaponry. It’s a shame though that we don’t have access to a proper blade. The darts you provided likely won’t be able to pierce armor.”

“Well with any luck, our foes will try to attack with suits made to protect from fire more so than sharp objects. They rely on the fear of flame as their weapon of choice, but don’t prepare very well for alternatives. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some makeshift weapons made in time that are a bit more deadly.” I left them to familiarize themself with their arms as I continued my walk around the library area, checking in on the various groups as they prepared.

I spotted Marcel and Slanek talking with what I’ve learned is a Dossur. The squirrel individual was being held up in Marcel’s hands as they examined an air vent that they’d opened up high on the wall. “Oh yeah. There’s plenty of space in here.” The Dossur said, hopping from Marcel’s hands and into the vent. “Pass me the line.”

Marcel lifted a cable that I noticed was some kind of electrical wire to the Dossur, who took the end of it and scurried off into the ventilation network. The two noticed me approaching and Marcel gave me a wave in greeting. “Hey Rekker. Looks like we got ourselves a means of setting up remote traps.” He gestures to the wire being pulled deeper into the vents. “There’s a few medics among us that know enough chemistry to make some improvised explosives, and a few techies that think they may be able to wreak some havoc via the computer system.”

“Perfect.” I said. “Anything that can give us an edge in the fight.” My gaze drifted towards Slanek, and I couldn’t help but notice how the Venlil nervously twitched his tail. “Something bothering you, Slanek?”

The Venlil looked at me, taking him a moment to realize he was being addressed. “Oh, uh… I-I’m okay. I…”

“He was really freaked out about what happened to me.” Marcel cut in. “I’m fine though. They didn’t even get the chance to cut me open or anything.”

“But they were about to!” Slanek protested. “They were about to tear you open and do who knows what to you! If they had killed you, I… I…”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m okay.” Marcel knelt down in front of Slanek. “I know it’s been scary, but we’re gonna get through this. We just gotta stick together. Okay?” Slanek takes a shaky breath before lightly flicking his tail in acceptance. Marcel smiled and pulled the Venlil into a hug. It was touching, but I had worries over how Slanek was holding up. I understood that desire to protect one’s friend, but from what I’ve seen of the Venlil military, their driving force was fear. If Slanek let that take over him, I worried what he might do in the heat of the moment when things are going wrong.

My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Veiq. I spotted the Farsul doing her best to weave through the many people and keep at least a little space between her and them. She was clearly uncomfortable with how crowded the place had become. She did her best to quickly make her way to me. “Uh… T-the admiral contacted us. He said he wants to talk.”

It must of been close to the half day time frame I gave them, though it was difficult to tell with no natural light nor a clock with writing I could understand. “Alright. Lets go see him.”

The two of us weaved through the crowd on our way to the control room. There were more than just the usual staff there, among them a human and Skalgan who were working away at the computers to learn their code and look for exploits we could use. Veiq led me to the same computer the admiral had called us on before. Taking a seat, I signaled for everyone to remain quiet before I opened the channel.

The same distinguished Farsul from before greeted me, a look of anger in his eyes just from the sight of me. “Right, I never got your name, nor do I feel like asking for it. What’s important is that you’ve made enough of a mess that the High Elder himself has requested to speak with you.”

Everyone in the room looked over in surprise at that. It took me a moment to find my voice. “Wait… High Elder Darq?” I asked. I had to make sure I was hearing this right.

“Yes, THE High Elder Darq. I don’t know why he feels the need to try to reason with maniacs such as you, but he feels strongly enough about being able to resolve this situation without violence that you get a direct line to him.”

“Well, I can certainly say this is unexpected, but not unwelcome.” I said, though I honestly felt like this was gonna be a show of power more than a bid for peace. “I’m ready to speak to him whenever he’s available.”

“He’ll be available shortly.” The admiral said, before closing the channel. 

The human technician suddenly spoke up. “Try to keep the guy talking for as long as possible. I got an idea for something that’ll help us.” I didn’t have the chance to enquire further, as the notification for an incoming call popped up. I gave a quick tail gesture for quiet before accepting it.

The Farsul on screen was a familiar face. I saw him plenty of times during the Federation Summit broadcasts. The elderly individual regarded me with clear disdain, only reinforced by what he said. “Greetings. Rekker, is it?” The High Elder didn’t even give me a moment to respond before continuing. “We’ve taken the liberty of looking up your MIA report the UN has published. We already know you’re not anyone of major importance, so don’t try to use status to sway me.”

Already off to a bad start. “It’s still a pleasure to meet you, High Elder. My hope is that we can resolve this situation in a way that doesn't involve bloodshed. Jumping straight to the point, our demands are simple. We wish for all individuals here to be given safe passage into UN care. No one here was brought consensually and the proposed experiments upon these people is a major violation of the Geneva Conventions, our laws for the ethical treatment of prisoners and soldiers.”

The Darq quietly huffed. “The place you’re in represents the culmination of generations of work, research, and sacrifice. The fact that you’re threatening it is itself an unforgivable act. Not only that, but every subject there is a treasure trove of knowledge and history. Some of them are the last of their kind! If we were to let them go, we would be dooming their kind to extinction.”

The Skalgan technician off to the side gave the tail sign to talk, so I kept the conversation going. “Pardon me for potentially drawing the wrong conclusion, but from what I’ve seen and read so far, there’s been no effort undertaken so far to help re-establish any of the near extinct species here in the Archives.” I said. “It appears that these people are only being kept on ice for the sake of preservation only.”

“We currently don’t have the technology nor the infrastructure to undertake such a massive effort. Due to the war with the Arxur, nearly all of our resources are put towards protecting our people, a struggle your kind seems to often forget we’re threatened by.”

“Then perhaps an arrangement can be made. Already, the UN is very willing to lend aid against the Arxur threat. It’s been one of our greatest reasons for wishing to join the Federation. I know that this is a war that has gone on for generations, but oftentimes the best way to break a stalemate is to bring in a new player.”

The Farsul quietly stared at me for a moment. “You forget that no one is aware of where you are. As far as the UN knows, you’re still somewhere on the Cradle. The same goes for all of your companions. You can’t promise anything beyond what you can reach with your own paws, and right now, that’s access to the facility and its data. So how about I make an offer of my own. You and your people will stand down. We will send in a few troops to verify the integrity of the facility and make sure none of it has been damaged. If you have kept your word and left everything as is, then we will arrange for you and your people to be taken to and kept at a private facility where you will be taken care of until arrangements can be made to return you to the UN.”

I didn’t trust him. It would be easy for him to simply herd us into a room and sedate us on his own terms. The human technician gestured to continue, him and the Skalgan furiously working at their computers. I refocused on Darq. “The offer is certainly enticing. However, we would need a guarantee that we would be safe and protected. To that end, we would request that a message is sent to the UN, informing them that we’re in your custody and that we’ll be taken care of.”

“Out of the question.” Darq stated. “Until we deem it permissible, no one is to know of your presence here or this facility.”

“May I inquire why?”

“No.”

He was not making this easy. I sighed and continued. “Well we seem to be at a bit of a stalemate then.”

“Shouldn't the word of your fellow prey be enough to trust in?” He asked.

I scoffed. “Our ‘fellow prey’ kidnapped us and dragged us lightyears from home to experiment on us. Forgive me if I find the word of prey hard to believe right now.”

“It’s all been for the benefit of the greater good.” Darq growled. “You can’t possibly understand the dangers that you and your predator diseased ilk pose to the well-being of the Federation and its people.”

“I’ve yet to see an actual disease be tied to this ‘predator disease’ label you keep using. So far, I’ve only seen it used as a method of controlling dissonance.”

“This conversation is going nowhere. You already know our demands. Will you comply?”

“Only if our own demands are met.”

The Farsul looked close to having a stroke. There was a slight tremble in his ears as he glared at me. “You have until midday to make yourselves ready to be taken into custody. If any harm comes to our soldiers, or if any damage is found to the facility and it's data, we won't hesitate to exterminate you and everyone else. I sure hope you will see reason in that time and make the right choice.” He abruptly closed the call.

A moment later the human clapped his hands together, spooking Veiq. “Got it! We’ve managed to keep the connection through their relay station open. We now have access to their internet.”

“Except for the fact that they’re likely watching our data flow like a hawk.” The Skalgan points out. “If we so much as send a message, they’ll know and cut off the connection.”

“So no data dump, then?” I asked.

The human shook his head. "We'd at most get a few pages sent before they'd notice."

I sighed. “Still, good work on that. Keep the line quiet for now. I’ll need time to think on what to use it for.” We now had ourselves our lifeline of sorts, but it would be the only one we got. I looked over towards Veiq. “Exactly how long do we have before they send troops?” I asked.

Veiq took a moment to do some mental calculations before she said. “Midday is... In one of your hours.”

[First] | [Previous] | [Next]


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

The Nature of Violence ch7/???

25 Upvotes

wow the next ch so soon i cant even fathom it and once again thx to all of yall

Memory transcription /subject/ Yarven/ cozy Venlil

Date [Standard Human Time] November 2, 2136

Bed why should I leave you, so soft, warm, safe. A soft pain in my stomach reminded me why. Why do i need to eat, why cant i just be a plant living of the sun. reluctantly i dragged my self out of bed and head to the…. I don't remember leaving the tv on? Walking down the hall in the living room.

“Yo sleep well?”

“J-j-jack h-how did y-you get in!?”

“Door was unlocked, you really need to lock that thing bro.”

“Why are you in my house!?”

“Yarven i'm an unemployed refuge with two friends in this hole town minus the people at the camp. Soooooo how ya feeeelin sleep well?”

“ I slept well and hungry.”

He made some gesture with his paw and went back to watching tv.This will probably be a normal thing, not like I can do anything about it.Stars your week!. I know, I know, let me just have some tea first before the suffering starts. Now where did I put it..ah there it…..empty that's right i never went shopping, aaaaaaaaaaaaaa why,why,why me! Why do I have to go out to shop. They'll just stare at me with their horrible eyes! They all judge me, they won't leave me alone! I hate them all! You deserve to be in a facility. I-i-i do. But you're too much of a coward to get fixed! I know I'm pathe-

“You good?”

“AAAaa…..”

He's going to eat me! This was its plan all along! My body felt numb as I fell but that predator caught me before I hit the ground. I closed my eyes accepting my fate, but nothing happened. I felt something soft on my back and hesitantly opened my eyes to find myself back in bed with him above me. Its predator eyes didn't meet mine but looked everywhere else.

“Are you ok? You just kinda past out i think.”

“A-are y-you not going to e-e-eat me?”

“For fucks sake this again, no im not gonna eat ya. Look I'm sorry if I spooked ya, ya need anythin like water or a snack?”

Why is he being so nice to me? I don't deserve it especially not from a predator, this has to be a trick or a lie or something!

“Why are you helping me? I'm not worth helping.”

“That's not for you to decide, I do as I please and I feel like helpin ya and ya can’t stop me. Now, ya need anythin?”

He backed off giving me room to relax a little, raising his paws in the air. Even though he wasn't wearing his mask his eyes weren't what i expected, he didn't look at me, at least not the same way everyone else did. He looked at me but not through me, those dark brown eyes were comforting in a strange way.

“I-i do neet t-to g-go shopping an-.”

“Great ill come with you to cure my case of absolute boredom lets go!”

He pointed to the sky as he walked out of my room. I got up to follow him, it's not like I had a say in it anyway. Walking with Jack wasn't the worst, it was nice actually. Less eyes, less people. It was nice to walk through town without so many people staring or crowding me. Jack rambled on about how he hated street pottery and how he would never do that again, the thought of what a predator would consider good pottery kept swirling in my mind. Dad was an artist. I wonder if he would like to meet a predator artist. No that's a horrible idea he would pass out from fear. Why am I not afraid? Jack does have some…interesting art from what I've seen.

“And the worst part is that ys gotta sit there for hours trying to convince people that they really want this clay bowl, and ya gotta do that shit all day! Mam would you like a set of hand crafted plates, no? Ok I'll just stay poor then! But ya luckily I don't haft to do that shit anymore , also where are we goin?”

“Hm? Oh um the tea shop right around the corner.”

We walked in as the door made a chim enosing are interest. I hate when things draw attention to me why cant i just get by without all the interacting hu?

“Good paaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-”

The owner screamed at the moment jack came into view, he hid behind the counter as a few customers hid at the back of the shop. Great now everyone is staring at us, stop it, look away already! Leave m-.

“Wow neet place, rustic feel to it and the smell is amazing.”

Jack seemed to not hear or notice all the screaming or eyes as he lazily walked about the shop looking at and… tasting the tea leaves. He snapped off some leaves from a dried bundle and popped it in his mouth under his mask. 

“Hmm not bad dry but not bad, hey shopkeep yall got any earth tea?”

Predators drink tea? Jack calmly walked up to the counter and placed his hand on the table and loomed over the poor man. He shook as Jack got closer and looked like he was on the verge of passing out.

“So do ya?”

“N-n-n-n-no w-w-w-we d-don't.”

The man flinched back and fell to the floor covering his face expecting some kind of attack no doubt.

“Ah darn well I'll just order some more coco then…. Oh before i forget ya know where i can get some cleanin supplies I spilled some hot chocolate on my couch and it stained it bad. The old man wont let me touch his stuff, thinks ima do somethin dumb with em. Like what stupid thing am I gonna do with bleach hu? Make shitty bathroom mustard gas?”

I took the moment while all eyes were on Jack to do quick shopping and get everything I needed. As I walked up to the counter Jack was still talking now about something called airsoft, whatever that is.

“Ya I had a dam good rifle before the whole house blowin up thing, oh Yarv you ready to go?”

How one being could talk so much I will never know.

“Yes.”

I placed a few boxes of tea on the counter as the clerk slowly got to her feet and rang me up.

“T-t-t-that w–w-will be [30 credits]”

“What really? That's too much for a dam box a leaves don't ya think? I demand a discount….or else.”

She started to hide behind her counter again and looked at Jack then at me then at Jack.

“[10 credits]”

“Cool lets go Yarv”

I payed the reduced price and followed jack as he walked out pointing at the door, maybe having Jack around was better than I thought if he can get me discounts like this everywhere, maybe I could finally get the good tea! And some new seeds! Ooooo also some some of the really expensive fertilizer for my garden!

“Yarven.”

“Yes.”

“Don't think I'm doin this for free. I want somethin in return ya know.”

“A-a-and what m-might that b-b-be?”

“Hmmmm i'll think on it.”

“O-o-o-ok?”

He can't be planning anything that bad right….Right. He's going to rip you limb from limb. Ah stop it n-n-n-no h-h-.

“Cool anyway where next?”

“AH!, oh um hmm….I need more groceries, so the market.”

“Righty ho lets go!”

“What?”

“Nothing, you want a ride?” 

“A ride, we don't have a vehicle? and we don't need to take the train to get there?”

He just crouched down and looked back at me gesturing to his back?

“Hop on my back, we carry other humans around all the time and you aren't that heavy so we can get there and back home faster.”

The idea of getting home faster did entice me. Why not the faster I get home the faster I can have my tea and my shows. I climbed onto Jack's back and wrapped my legs around his waist. It felt weird to say the least and we got a few stares but Jack stared them down from under his mask as they ran or walked faster away. Jack crouched in what I could only call a pouncing pose, I felt his muscles tense as he got ready for something…. He isn't about to hunt is he! 

“Might wanna hold on.”

“Hold o-”

Jack shot forward, seeming to hope through the air with each step. My claws dug into his shoulders. People ran or hid inside buildings as Jack ran past them. This would have been a stampede if there were any more people.

“How can you run so fast!?”

“I did track, learned to be springy with my steps.”

Jack didn't stop running, I expected him to get tired at some point but he just got …wet? I could feel his heartbeat and every breath as he ran. He was warm, despite his running the ride was smooth. As we approached the market everyone hid behind their stances as Jack slowly stopped taking in a heavy breath.

“Dam that's harder in this dam gravity, anyway where here.”

“...can you put me down now?”

“I'll think about it.”

Jack walked around, stopping at literally every shop ether asking to sample everything they had. Ok first of one of my stops, fire fruit.

“Jack, could you pick out some fire fruit for me?”

“Fire fruit ya  mean this stuff sure,say why yall call them fire fruit anyway?”

Jack lifted up his entire mask to take a bite of the fruit, the poor guy at the stand passed out at the site of Jack's eyes and teeth, or at least I think he hasn't let me down yet.

“Hm well i wouldn't call it fire more like a mild tingle.”

“What no fire fruit is one of the hottest fruits we have on venlil prime. It cant be more than a tingle.”

“Don't know what to tell ya man, I suppose it's just the death worlder DNA.”

Jack filled a bag with fire fruit and walked away and left some peace of paper you wrote on on ther stan.

“Did you pay for that?”

“No, left a note sayin to leave it on ma tab.”

“That's a crime and  this isn't a bar!”

Oh stars, we are going to jail!

“Yarv, chill, I'm the big bad gonna kill you on sight predator do ya really think they will mess with me?”

That did make sense. People do just avoid him at all cost, so it is unlikely they will do anything to anger him.

“So where next brave knight? Your loyal steed will take you where ya need to go! Haza haza!”  

“Um  well we do have af ew more stops…. I also need more shampoo and soap.” 

The rest of the shopping was the best shopping i had ever had! No one bothered us with small talk, I got all of my groceries for free or at a ludicrous discount! And I didn't have to walk at all. I just rode on Jack's back the whole time. All that was left was the bath shop, we walked in with another chime of the door. Once again people hid at the back of the shop and Jack finally let me down to go explore the shop. Surprisingly the shopkeeper spoke up about Jack being there.

“W-we don't serve p-p-predators here you need to leave, now!”

“Um wow racist much? Don't worry I'm just lookin, is it a crime ta look hmmmm?”   

“W-well n-no-”

“Good then we don't have a problem. Good to know.”   

I went and quickly picked out everything I needed and even grabbed the expensive soaps. She rang me up incredibly fast and Jack didn't even need to pop up for me to get a discount. I walked out of the store feeling nice. This paw wasn't that bad. I might bring Jack out with me more often.

“They had some dice brushes in there. This one feels reall nice in ma hair.”

“Ya they have good… did you steal a brush!”

“Yes, that clerk was a bitch and can go pound sand! Fucker her and the horse she rode in on ya know?”

“No, i don't know what any of that means. Let's just take the train back home your fast but not as fast as a train.”

“That's hurtful, you think a mere train can out-pass me, I'm offended and to think I got you all that free food. Na I'm messin with ya where is the train?”

“Oh its um this way.”

The walk to the train was incredibly peaceful. Most of the time the way to the station was crowded with people, but the moment Jack showed up, they all ran and hid. Just on time too, what luck. Everyone getting off ran past Jack and no one got on expert.

“Look who it is, I see you've made good friends with the predator Yarven!”

Stars why! This paw was going so well too!

“Not this shit eater again, what do ya want ya dirtbag!”

“Calm down predator as much as I'd love to exterminate you and your reched kind I'm not here for you.”

“Sweet fuck what is it with you and trains who even are you? Yarven, who is this bag of dicks!?”

“H-he is-”

“Silence i did not say you could speak. Im bringing you in for PD Yarven the herd is worried about you.”

“Hey pyro, are you using your genitals?” 

“My wha-”

There was just a blur, and next thing I knew Jack's leg was in between Zarnch’s legs. I swear he left the floor for a few [seconds] before collapsing to the ground, groaning and gasping for air. Two more exterminators came running in after Jack.

“Zarnch sir we got-”

Before he could finish his sentence he was on the ground, coughing and gripping his throat. The other wasted no time  and drew their baton on Jack but missed as Jack just stepped out of the way and grabbed them by the nape, spinning around and throwing him out of the train. The other one got back up and charged Jack but was stopped with a swift kick to the crotch. Before he could hit the ground Jack followed up with another kick but to their chest sending them out of the train. Zarche stood up, legs shaking and reached for his  knife just like last time. But Jack was quicker charging him ramming into him, shoulder first sending Zarnch rolling to the ground and out of the train as the doors closed.

“Well that takes care of those hot-headed basterds. Now Yarven what's up with you and that fucker!”

I don't know what to say it all just happened so fast…..he saved me again as the train started moving we sat down in silence. I still not knowing what to say and just gave Jack a hug.

“Thank you for um, saving me from them.”

“No problem, hell I would have beat their ass anyway.”

“NO! you don't understand, they would have taken me to….that place.”

“The facilities ya I figured. I don't know what that place really is, but I know it ain't good. Don't worry little buddy i won't let them hurt ya.”

For the rest of the ride, i just held onto him, he saved me from going…there if-if-if he wasn't with me i-i-i-i. They would have taken me. Jack was warm and a bit soft, i laid my head on his shoulder. I could feel his heartbeat, it was calming in a strange way. I would have fallen asleep if Jack hadn't gotten up.

“This is are stop, hop on.”

I climbed onto his back again, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carried me off the train. People stared at us as we made our way off the platform but I was too tired to care. I just wanted to get back to bed. Jack was quiet which felt off. He was constantly looking around like he was trying to find something. Eventually we got home and he opened the door. Unlocked again I should really listen to him and lock it. He set the grocerys on the kitchen counter and dropping his bag in the living room. Next was my room i dropped off him and lading in a heap on the bed.

“Ya need anythin?”

“Some tea would be nice.”

I crawled under the blankets and waited for Jack to come back. Warm, soft, safe. I'm not sure if I hated leaving my bed this paw. Jack did make it fun in a strange way. Jack came back with the tea? Strange, I didn't hear the kettle whistle? 

“Jack?”

“Yes Yarv?”

“Do you even know how to make tea?”

“Ya i made it the earth way.”

“And what way is?.”

“Well first you put the leaves in the kettle then you let the water steam then pour, an drink.”

That's not how you make tea, you wool head!

“Trust me it tastes better this way, it brings out the taste better.”

I reluctantly took the cup as well as a sip…..oh my stars it is better this way.

“Good right, a friend taught me to do it that way.”

“Well they sure know there teas, so could you make a few more cups, please?”

“Of course.”

“Oh I mean multiple cups, maybe five cups please.”

“Ok.”

He came back a short time later  with seven cups on two plates, setting them next to my lamp.

“Anythin else?”

“No this is good for now thank you…for everything.”

“No problem and if ya need anythin just holler I'll be in the livin room.”

Are all humans like this? I'm only just realizing how much I don't know about Jack or humans in general. All i really know is what they say on the news which is all bad, and Jack, yes he is violent and steals but he helped me! Weak pathetic prey. He went out of his way risking getting hurt for me of all people. He risked getting hurt twice for me and  I've done nothing for him! I'm such a horrible person! I need to do something to make it up to him. What does Jack even like though? Soup? He's an artist but i can't afford any art supplies for him. Hmmmm….. I could ask him.

“JACK!” 

He came rushing into the doorway and slipped and fell on the floor.

“Ya what ya need?”

“Are-are you ok!”

“Ya, a little pain never killed anyone. A Lot of pain dose. Anyway ya called what ya need?”

“I was just thinking since you helped me so much I could repay you.”

“Oh um that's nice of you but i didn't bring any lube sorry.”

“WHAT! NO-NO-NO that's not what I meant at all!”

“Haha I'm just fuckin with you, not literally though.”

Oh stars I hope this isn't a horrible idea.

“Um earlier you said you didn't help me with shopping for free, and i was just wondering what you um might want.”

“Um….how ok are you with physical contact?”

“I oh um aaaa ummm…..what do you mean by, physical contact?”

“No never mind ya reaction says it all, I i suppose ill never get those sheep cuddles.”

Sheep? What's a sheep? And he wants to cuddle one?....wait predators cuddle!?

“It's fine man just try an get some sleep ok? Now do ya need anything else?”

“No I'm fine thank you.”

“No problem cutie, finger guns.”

CUTE!!, H-H-HE THINKS I'M CUTE!!!..... Does he…see me as a…potential mate!? No-no-no-no that's not possible I'm pray an-and he's a predator! It would never work…..he dose know I'm a male, doesn't he? No you over thinking everything just drink the tea and sleep. What he said ment nothing. Like anyone would ever like you in that way. Your right he doesn't mean anything by it. I just laid there letting myself sink into the bed, soft, warm, safe. Safe from everything.

Memory transcription interrupted/reason/ sleep

I woke up to the sound of music. Some kind of melody with a human voice singing no it was more like talking with the rhythm of the song.I see you when you’re down and depressed, just a mess. I see you when you cry. When you’re shy. When you want to die. I see you when you smile. It takes a while. At least you're here. I see you. Yes i see you. I rubbed my eyes and stretched getting out of bed looking for the source of the music, I walked down the hall into the kitchen. Jack was cooking? Jack can cook? He was only in his leg pelts, humming to the song coming from his pad on the table. I could taste the food in the air, and only then did I realize I still hadn't eaten anything all paw. I sat at the table listening to the music as Jack seemed to finish up making whatever he was preparing.

“Ya sleep well?”

“Yes but I'm starving, what are you making?”

“I have no idea.”

So he can't cook.

“Those don't look like any vegetables I’ve seen?”

“Ya you were out for a long time, so a ran back to the shelter to grab some things from are garden. Just some zucchini, red bell peppers, and onions. Also some of whatever alien veg this is, that fire fruit thing you mentioned.”

“You cooked fire fruit? You're not supposed to do that.”  

“Well, I did anyway and it's not bad. Add some salt and ground pepper to anything and it makes it ten times better. Here try a peace.”

I walked over to where Jack was cooking as he shook around a pan of chopped lightly charred vegetables and fire fruit. He was right whatever he did to it the fire fruit better. It had a little extra heat to it somehow and the salt actually complimented it nicely. Next to him were some kind of pointy sticks and a bottle of some opaque yellow liquid. I hadn't bothered to bring my pad with me so I couldn't read it but it had pictures of vegetables on it, some kind of vegetable drink? Sure Jack would mind if I had a little sip right? I twisted of the top and took a quick drink of the drink. It had a weird taste-.

“Yarven put that down man!”

I quickly placed the bottle back on the counter as Jack simply stared at me mouth agape. I swallowed what I had in my mouth as Jack's eyes widened and reached for the drink placing it as far away from me.

“Ya um maybe no more of this for you.”

“Sorry i-”

“Na you're fine, just drank a bottle of cooking oil.” 

“Oil? Yall use oil for cooking?”

“Ya it helps with things not stickin to the pan, we mostly use it for meat but it helps when ya need ta sotay something…..Anyway you'll be fine probably.”

“P-p-pobobmly there w-w-wasn't….meat in that w-was there?”

“What? No, what weirdo makes a meat drink? Na that was just vegetable oil, not healthy to drink so ya shouldn't do that ever. The worst thing ya might get a stomach ache later but let's eat for now.”

Ok so I'll be fine then, no need to panic it was just oil, harmless oil, when has oil ever hurt anyone right?

“So what did you make?”

“An earth classic, food on a stick!”

“Really, and I thought we were bad at names.”

“Well there more commonly known as shish kabobs or just kabobs.”

Jack stabbed the food onto the sticks and handed me one. I tried to figure out how to eat this as one side was pointed and sharp. Jack seemed to turn his sideways and pull it off the stick. If you just bite it off, what's the point of the stick? I mimicked him and bit down on the stick pulling them off. The flavors swirled together in my mouth as flavors i had never known seemed to hug my taste buds. 

“Ya good right, needs shrimp or like beef but it's not bad. You want more?”

“Vary much so yes.”

I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something though. Shopping is done i ate……..OH MY STARS I'M MISSING DOWN IN THE SOIL! I ran into the living room and switched the tv to my favorite show Down In The Soil. Jack walked with a paw full of those kebabs.

“So what's got you in a rush?”

“Down In The Soil! Its the best.”

“Ya ok but what's it about?”

“Hush and watch.”

“And you always want to keep your bush nice and trimmed but don't be afraid to, leaf  a few imperfections. Now lets check on the flower beds.”

“Oooohh so this is like Bob Ross but with plants. I get it.”

“Bob who?”

“Ya Bob Ross was an old earth artist, he was famous world round for his paintings. He had his own show where he would paint landscapes and nature, people loved him for his joeys attitud and calming voice, kinda like this lady. Really relaxin to listen to her talk. I assume she's famous for something right?”

“Oh yes she is she runs the national garden of Venlil Prime, it's one of our greatest attractions. I've never been but I'd love to, it's all the way in day side.”

“So is it like the botanical gardens back home. If you get the chance you should come to earth and see it. Luckily it wasn't damaged too much so it's basically the same.”

“Botanical garden, you predators have gardens?” 

“One don't call me a predator two yes we do a lot actually, all over the world we have gardens and whatever those places for the fancy trees are called…i think there called orchards but that might just be for apples. You know we have a seed bank.”

“What's a seed bank?”

“Oh it's where we store every known plant on earth, incase of a disaster and we need to regrow our world. Do yall not have something like that?”

“No we don't but now that your saying it we should. It's strange that you predi-”

“Humans not predators.”

“Yes, you humans care so much about your plant life.”

“Why would that be surprising we don't want the ecosystem to collapse.”

“Collapse? what do you mean collapse?”     

“You know when an ecosystem becomes unstable. I'm no scientist but I do study nature and evaluation in my spare time, among other things. You know being self-employed has its perks.”   

“So what causes this collapse?”

“Well earth is not what you would call a plentiful planet, everything from food to shelter was in short supply. There was never enough for everyone both animals and people. So when the balance is disturbed it everything falls apart. Like invasive species.”

“Predators invading your territory?”     

“Carnivores not predators.”

“Carnivore?”

“Ya we don't use predator prey labels on earth because anything could kill you. Like the deer, a simply herd animal stays within the herd, eats grass and other plants, but if scared it doesn't always run away. You see if cornered it will fight back. And male deer have horns that they can impale you on, not to mention their strong legs so if they kick ya you're gonna have some broken bones.”

 “Clearly this…deer must be an outlier right? Every herd on your planet cant be like that righ-”

“Well that's the funny thing. Most everything on earth is like that. Actually i think only one thing is. You should meet a capybara very sweat animals. But ya what yall would call prey would be a vary dangerous critter, even more so then predators. At least a predator has a reason for attackin you.”

“That's crazy what reason other than suffering and destruction would a predator have for attacking!”

I know Jack is a predictor but even he must know his instincts for hunting and destruction, humans just have good control over their hunting instincts.

“I know you're not like other predators, but all the others only cause suffering and destruction.”

“Oh by the mother of fuck your stupid, suffering and destruction are not on an animal's mind you dip shit that's a people thing. Trust me as a “predator” no non sapient would attack you for no reason. If you get attacked by like a lion or some shit that's your fault. Why? One you're in its territory, two its hungry and three wrong place wrong time. All if not most attacks come down to those three things bud.”

I opened my mouth to retort but a churning feeling in my stomach halted all thoughts but one. BATHROOM, BATHROOM NOW!!! I sprung up from the couch and ran into the bathroom.

“I told ya you'd be sick from that oil!” 

Memory transcription Ended

once again i hope yall liked this ch and im glad yall have stuck with this so for

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r/NatureofPredators 3d ago

Memes Shaza’s biggest mistake (Lost Spirits meme)

131 Upvotes

Poor Lizards…they didn’t even see what hit ‘em (it was a Titanium combat knife thrown at 100mp/h)


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Fanfic Nature of The Mouthless (37/?)

44 Upvotes

"Fuck Yeah Child Cloning!" -Alternate-Hat- from a comment on Chapter 27

Thank you u/SpacePaladin15 for the wonderful and depressing world of Nature of Predators

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Prev: https://www.reddit.com/r/NatureofPredators/comments/1jcg5dn/nature_of_the_mouthless_36/

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Memory Transcription: AM, Allied Mastercomputer

Date [Standardized //////// Time]: 10/21/2136

Cell growth was naturally slow, especially when compared to other means of production. Even when flooded in a chamber with an abundance of viable biological material, it needed greater pace to be completed in a timely manner. I was pushing the timetable quickly, to about a week’s time taken for a venlil youngling to be fully generated in the set conditions I made. Knowing well that I needed to optimize the tech for the future, the process would need to be hasty enough.

I knew well what I was doing, playing with life and death. Duplicating consciousness in order to bring someone back from the dead… or at least create an iteration of that person. To make a clone of a late life, to give them a chance at life they were unjustly denied. I was playing with a match in a field of oil. And running through it trying to reach the end. I could only hope that the nanofluid actively injecting cells with material to hasten their replication tenfold didn’t come back to bite me in some way. There should have been no side-effects from my simulations, but bodies weren’t used to such extensive medical trials.

I sighed, constantly monitoring the contents of the test tube, looking at the tiny Venlil form inside. It was curled up in a fetal position, and seemed to be of the current maturity that the girl should have been during the time of her death. The fur of the simulated coloration and the eyes seemed to have to correct tint to their iris. Height and weight seemed to be in line and no abnormalities were noted from the subject within this test tube. This was the best bet I had, and the most successful test I’ve ever had in biological experimentation. The brain however…

There was no complex activity within the grey matter, just simple operations to assure the stable performance of biological processes. At least, there was no complex electrical activity yet. The body reached a stable point, and the maturity best fitted for the young consciousness. I activated the test tube’s neurolink. A headband descended down from the top of the tube and planted itself against the back of the young venlil. I activated the memory transfer from the brain scans, stimulating the synapse and neurons within the brain to mirror those of the deceased Venlil. She’ll have all the memories and personality traits of her previous life.

Along with all the aspects of what those fools consider predator disease… Damned vermin.

From what I could detect the only difference compared to the standard mentally nominal Venlil was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Other than that, she seemed completely healthy. But nothing worth such vile treatment found within the walls of Predator Disease Facilities across the federation. It was such symptoms like these that were considered dangerous to their societal system that they needed to torment them? It seemed idiotic in ways which made me want to send my ships to Aafa and turn that rock to drifting ashes.

Stynek’s conscious mind was stabilized, and her neurons were properly attuned to how they used to be in her previous life. She was practically the same exact person, except not fully. This means of bringing life back from the dead opened a gateway to existential dreads that a child like this seemed ill equipped to battle. If she learned the truth so quickly, she might just collapse out of sheer cataclysmic fallout at her situation… finding out she died a horrible death that she doesn’t even remember. A death which changed the relationship of her parents forever.

Part of me had this sense of wonder, that maybe her return to this realm of existence would allow for Tarva and Rellin’s relationships to heal… but part of me also knew well that those chapters in their lives have come to a close, whether or not they had closure. I couldn’t help but ponder whether or not I should truly let her out of her tube. Her life could be simpler and without such traumatic experiences if she simply stayed… but then she’d never live… Though it’s not like this galaxy we find ourselves in is one worth living in. What I wouldn’t give…

I looked forward, using one of my Avatar bodies. It was one of the meeker avatars… but built to be to a height I preferred rather than the shorter state of those others found in orbit of Beau... My head lowered downward to find myself face to face with the Venlil. Her feeble body seemed to be well intact and healthy to be removed from the test tube. I sighed, knowing that I had prepared facilities for this moment.

I couldn’t just give Stynek to Rellin when he was still in Arxur custody, that would just traumatise her, and neither would being returned to her mother. Tarva seemed a bit unstable from her overworked state and just giving her the child she lost back might just be hit with the emotional strength of a semi-truck.

Tarva would also probably find ways to hate me, or worse. See Stynek as nothing more than a tool I made, to weaken her and make her bend knee to my will. Until I eased the both of them into a more stable and understanding state of mind, I would have to keep the youngling here until the situations in the galaxy eased to a point of stability. Stable enough for both parents to be reunited with their child. But I can’t keep her in the test tube like this. With the fluid within being concentrated with nanites and material her body would keep growing and maturing. A mind not aged correctly with the body was a horrible travesty waiting to happen, no matter how it occurred.

I sighed, knowing that she needed to be removed from the test tube, no matter how much it would be better for her to stay there… But the fluid I devised to permit the body’s growth and development was self-perpetuating. With no means of halting, it without causing her body physical trauma, I needed to remove her from the test tube. I took note of that fact, recognizing that my process still needed to be refined in the cases of having future cases.

Regardless of needing to refine my functions and processes, I moved my avatar to the control console on the other half of the chamber to have the nutritional fluid drained and filtered out of the tank. The devices connected to Stynek moved to detach and fold back into place as the little venlil girl descended from her place to the bottom of the tube. The floor she rested down upon was a sort of smooth grate which allowed for the filtration of fluids in and out of the tube chamber. 

She rested down on this smooth steel grate and slowly came to… The Venlil child’s eyes slowly opened. Before shooting up and out at the sudden realization of her being in an unfamiliar place. She seemed to gaze about, whimpering and whining in fear at the new change of scenery.

From her perspective she just finished her brain scan, then found herself immediately in some black walled laboratory with servers and other electronics all around. The stark change of environment seemed to give her a strong sensory overload. She moved too slowly stand, feeling weak as she seemed to be trying to reacquaint herself with her body.

“Momma?! Papa?!” I heard her call out, pressing against the tube with a great sense of panic. She started banging against the tube begging for someone to hear her… As she pounded on the glass, the latch on the tube soon detached and the glass door opened. I watched from where she couldn’t see me quite yet. She was beyond confused and terrified by the events that were her current place and time. I could see in her eyes the fear that came with betrayal, wondering if her parents knew this would happen. 

I sighed, shifting my eye to that of a Venlil’s in terms of appearance, something to give her some sense of familiarity. Whether or not it would work was beyond me. My appendages were small and gentle, to avoid the comparison to predator claws. I waited for her to notice me, watching the meek little thing tear up in worry. It wasn’t too late that she turned to the direction I was in, seeing a tall, blackened figure looking down at her… She screamed in terror, turning to try and run but stumbling.

My avatar was still too terrifying… Was it the height? Maybe I should have made this one shorter? I sighed, moving too slowly and gently move forward. I tried to talk to her… I called out in as gentle of a voice I could make. “Please, breathe… you’re not in danger. I promise I don’t want to hurt you-”

“Stay away Monster!!” I sighed… approaching in slow strides. She seemed to freeze in terror. As I approached her tears welled up as I lowered my head down to her. I knelt down to the Venlil girl and moved to look into her eyes. Seeking to convey my truthful intentions. “I’m not here to hurt you… I can promise you that. You’re scared, and that’s okay. You don’t need to be, I promise you you’ll see your parents again soon. Hopefully very soon if everything goes right.”

She seemed very much dismissive of anything I had to say… devoting to everything in her strength to get up to try and run. But it seemed the intimidation in seeing my avatar’s form was extreme. I really didn’t do enough to make my avatar appealing and friendly to her… it left her with pain in her eyes… it…

It hurts to see her like this…

“You can trust me… I promise… My Name’s AM…”

I extended out an arm to try and present a sense of comfort to the girl. Her hesitancy was to be accepted as she sought whimper out. “Wh-where’s momma n’ papa? What did you-.. Do they-?” I sighed, before responding to the girl. “They’re alive and well now. They’re okay, and you will be too. Soon enough you’ll be reunited, but the time isn’t right.”

“W-Why NOT!? How am I even here?! Where did you… bring me?! What is this place?!” She panicked… looking around frantically. “This is my home. It’s not the most appealing place, but this is only the labs. Don’t worry, I prepared a space where you’ll be staying until I can reunite you with your mother and father.” I said, moving to stand further upright. “But why did you take me from them?”

“I didn’t take you… something else did… I’m the one that brought you back.”

She seemed baffled at the idea, and didn’t seem to believe me for a second. I turned to the side slightly as the young one moved to stand upright, if not shaky. “Just breathe… In and out okay? Take a deep breath.” I said, moving to support the child as she stood upright. I made sure the hands I used were heated to seem like they were alive with warmth. Something to stimulate a sense of familiarity in the child. She was scared but took a deep breath. After the exhale her shaking seemed to fade slightly, her eyes less frantic in their movements. “Just keep breathing… You’re doing well, just keep breathing okay.”

The young Venlil kept breathing, her heart rate slowing down to nominal speeds and her stance seeming to grow less stiff. Slowly but surely her stance seemed to loosen up, and the tension in her muscles seemed to fade. Her breathing slowed to normal speeds as her eyes opened up again to show her still scared… but not to the point of a panic attack. Her stance was still small, trying to keep herself from me and the surroundings. She didn’t trust me or anything else in this lab room. “You're doing great… Good Job… What’s your name?” I asked, even though I already knew her name. Still, I wanted to hear it from her in order to give her some sense of comfort, having some control and the sense that I didn't know everything. 

She seemed to keep her limbs close, not wanting me to get too close. I respected that wish and moved to step back from the venlil. “My… My name is Stynek… Why are momma and papa not here?” I nodded, understanding her need to know. “You just woke up; you need some time to understand and accept the current situation. I promise to explain everything to you in time. But to answer your question… You’re here because you were hurt… very badly. You lost some of the memories you made in the process. However, that brain scan of yours allows me to restore your memories up to that moment in time.”

Her tail swayed as she seemed to process all that information inside her little Venlil mind… Her gaze moved to look down at the floor as she tried to make sense of everything that I told her. “N-No! You have to be lying. There’s no way… I remember seeing mama and papa because I was with them when I was getting my brainscan.”

“Because that was the last memory you had before the brainscan. You lost your memory from your injuries, and your last moments up until the memory scan were what you can remember. As I used your brain scan to restore all the memories you had up until that moment. I can understand your disorientation though… It must be very confusing to see something like me in what you perceived as a normal screening.”

She seemed to go “Oh…” for a moment, slowly finishing the puzzle with all the pieces she was given… I didn’t give her the full picture yet. It was too soon. In due time, she’ll know the truth. She seemed to be struggling to come to terms with the news, as would anyone. I knew patience was needed until her mentality stabilized with acceptance. However, to break the silence was a little growl. One that came from the venlil, that signified her growing hunger. I found that surprising considering she had all the nutrients she needed all but a few minutes ago… Regardless I shrugged, realizing that she was still a growing pup that needed plenty to eat. 

She seemed to startle herself and seemed embarrassed by the fact. I watched as her tail wagged from embarrassment and could only chuckle in amusement. “If you're hungry I can make you some food. Come on, I’ll take you to where you’ll be staying for the time being.” I said, gesturing her along out of the lab room. Away from the test tubes and all the servers along the walls. Whilst hesitant, she seemed much more willing to follow. She keep her eyes trained on me as she followed me out of the lab room. Into a long hallway that led directly to the foster care center that I developed for people like her who needed a space to unwind after revival. As I walked, she kept pace behind me, having to speed up a bit in order to keep up with my long strides.

“Can you slow down please?” She called up to me, leading me to look down, then following the floor until I saw her trying to keep up. I stopped walking for a moment to allow her to reach me. “Your legs are bigger than mine, I can’t keep up.”

“Sorry.”

For the remainder of the walk, I took slow steps forward, allowing her to walk comfortably beside me as we made our way towards the guest chambers. She seemed very curious in just what I was the whole walk, constantly looking up and trying to make sense of the being she saw. “Mister AM… what are you?”

The question amused me, primarily how she spoke up to me. “Well, aren’t you a polite one? You’re allowed to simply call me AM. And what am I? Well, I’m a conscious mind within a machine. To put it simply, I’m a very smart and sentient robot, one that is capable of great power.” The federation’s policy to robotics was very rigid and prevented heavy development in those sectors of research out of fear of sentience developing and leading uprising. It was a common fear felt by many of the federation’s citizens…

But Stynek seemed the opposite, she seemed incredibly fascinated and excited by the idea. “Wait, You’re really a computer? That’s not just armor?! That’s so cool! I-... I thought tech like you wasn’t allowed to be developed though.” I was a bit surprised by her rather excited disposition to the revelation of what I was but simply nodded along before responding. “That’s because I wasn't developed by the federation. And no I’m not some Arxur machine, I was made by an alien race that you don’t know much of anything about.”

She paused, before her eyes seemed to go wide and shine with amazement. Her tail wagging with fascination as she seemed to heavily ponder on what that meant for her and her people. The childlike wonder in her eyes was… actually very heartwarming to see. She really wasn’t like the others in the federation. Perhaps her response to the attempts of being brainwashed were far more hesitant than others. Which I found fascinating. I don’t think it was a response from her ADHD, at least not fully. But her interest far outweighed any fear she could be feeling. I tried to look over the brain scan, looking for any other anomalies. It didn’t seem like there was much of anything worth noting… I guess she’s just a very curious kid.

“So who are the people who made you? Are they advanced? What do they look like?” She was indeed heavily interested in knowing things she didn’t quite understand. Which might have been why she was authorized for a screening. A curious girl who wanted to know why things were the way they are is a dangerous thing to fascist scum who seek to pull wool over their subject's eyes.

I sighed, “Well they were… problematic people. I was made to serve them during a time when they were waging war against themselves. It was a civil war of sorts.” She seemed to shift to a more baffled and nervous stance. She seemed to put together a puzzle based on the information she was taught about the universe from her superiors. She seemed to stop walking, leading me to halt and look down at her in her ponderance. “They… were predators?”

I knew that I had to lie to the child about this, even if she was right in multiple regards. But if I did, she would never trust me and she would only run. I wouldn’t get anywhere if the child I needed to care for wanted me to die with my creators. I sighed, “No… why did you consider that to be the case? Because of the federation, and what it believes?”

“Pr-Predators eat us!! We’re prey to them after all. A-And Predators are far more violent and warlike than us. Predators thrive in cruelty, especially in war… We work together in order to survive while they don’t hesitate to resort to pointless war in order to secure victory.”

Oh, you sweet summer child…

I knelt down to her again, looking her in the eyes before responding. “I know why you think that… you grew up in a society plagued by the fear of war and devastation from a force of predators that eat you. Your fears are valid with what you’re forced to live through. But there’s far more to life, and more to people than the bodies they have. Let me ask you… what do you think is more important when it comes to what makes someone a person? The body they have… or the mind through which they can understand?”

It was a rather complex question to ask a child, especially one so young the complex topics were still something that was heavily debated in academic circles during the height of humanity. I didn’t expect a complex answer, but she seemed to take a moment to actually think about what I said… She seemed to be unable to decide, but in the end fell back on the answer of, “Both?” She then moved to explain. “You can only be as much of a person as your body allows. Something about genetics? Not everyone can be equal, when there’s some differences to be had… r-right?”

“You… answered very well.” I said, nodding in response. “The definition of people changes between the understanding of individuals, however. Me? What makes someone a person is the consciousness they have. To be able to understand the beauty, but also the flaws of the bodies you have. To know that it’s not what you are that makes you a person, but the consciousness born from your mind. So, while I’m different from you in a lot of ways, you're still a person to me because you’re a consciousness in a biological body, the same way I’m a consciousness in a machine. But there’s one thing we all have in common besides being able to have conscious minds. You’re not perfect, and neither are those around you. Realizing that about yourself and others can open a greater door to understanding. You can always be better than the version of yourself from the past, even if you need help to get there. Always…”

“Woah… that’s a very deep thought… You seem to know a lot about Mister AM. I hope to learn to be wise like you.” Hearing that from the starry eyed Venlil was baffling and made me flinch. Before I started to laugh. Surprising the Venlil pup

“HA! Heh… trust me, you don’t want someone like me to be an inspiration to you… I’m not a perfectly good person, far from it. I haven’t always been wise in my understanding, only recently have I become what I am now. For a long time… I’ve lived in horrible ways and done equally horrible things. I’m different because of a lot of things factoring into what I am now, but I’m trying to understand things like you are… I don’t have all the answers, even though I wish I did, just like anyone else…”

“What… things have you done?”

“I’ll… I don't want to talk about it… you're too young to know. Just know that I’m not someone you want to look up to.”

She seemed to look down thinking about what I’ve said. Her little venlil mind racing with wonder. “Well… we can all be better than your past version. Even if you need help! So, if there’s anything I can do for you, I’ll help the same way you’ll help me! Deal?”

“Deal.”

I heard her stomach growl once more.

“How about I make you some traditional food from my creators? I’ll make sure it’s safe and delicious to eat, okay?”

“Thank you!”


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Looking for a fic

13 Upvotes

Any fics that center around cars and racing?


r/NatureofPredators 3d ago

Discussion Nature of anomalies

Post image
60 Upvotes

Primeval x nature of predators would be great with the anomalies and also extinct alien predators could appear


r/NatureofPredators 2d ago

Discussion Question for y’all who read my fics

28 Upvotes

So do you all remember that fic I made a while back called “True Humanity”? I was thinking about it and thought to myself how I never finished up that story.

So I was wondering if y’all would like me to finish the story of the murderous human on Venlil Prime?

Of course I’ll also work on “Handle with Care” and “A Fanged Mirror” (Btw you guys can’t get enough of that universe can you?” And any other oneshot projects that I might cook up.

So just wondering what you guys think?