The Nature of Predators - Human Exterminators 2 (6/9)

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Memory transcription subject: William Kane, Human Exterminator

Date [standardized human time]: January 21, 2137

Paulo proved to be a considerate guy, offering to meet me somewhere that wasn’t a bar to avoid tempting me with a wall of liquor. I found him in a public square, which was popular with human vendors and food stands. The Brazilian soldier had a sense of humor, bringing me back to the place where he’d almost gotten arrested on the run with Bonsen. The HF liaison was already halfway through a cauliflower taco, and he signaled approval with a hearty nod. My stomach growled, as the smoky smell wafted into my nose, but he’d fortunately purchased an extra order for me. Unwilling to look a gift horse in the mouth, I chowed down without hesitation.

“It’s good to see you, my friend! I’ve got a feeling you’re going to be a godsend, William Kane,” the soldier purred.

I donned a shit-eating grin. “Why, thank you, Paulo…shit, what is your last name?”

“Enriquez.”

“Fucking hell. Are you related to Althea? She mentioned you.”

Paulo startled, eyes suddenly serious. “Don’t tell me my sister actually sold me out. That’s a major breach of trust!”

“All she said was that she had relatives in HF. I leaned on her to find out how she knew Luca was with you guys. She was part of the CSI team and all.”

“Oh, I guess that checks out. She shouldn’t be saying anything at all, still, but now I definitely have to watch for authorities sniffing around my business.”

“Well, I sure hope no UN boy scouts are tailing you now, ‘cause I got the drive. Here.”

I pried the device out of my pocket, uncertain why qualms were stirring up now. How could I be committed to the Humanity First cause, when I felt guilt over an exterminators’ guild that carried out sociopathic jobs? This was exactly what I wanted in terms of reforming my workplace. Paulo’s facial expression was glowing, as I dropped the data collection into his hands. He deftly stuffed it in his jacket, before grabbing a cooler from under the table. My fellow human pressed a finger to his lips, and slid it across the sidewalk to my side.

What is this? Could do with some literal cold, hard cash.

“Don’t look,” he whispered, leaning forward conspiratorially, “but there’s a frozen pack of burgers in there. Real ones. That’s what you said you were craving, right? It’s yours, free.”

I whistled in admiration. “You have no idea how bad I was jonesing for this shit. You didn’t have to do that…thank you. I’m aware it’s a lucrative product for you guys, and I was willing to pay.”

“I know you were, but it’s a gift. You didn’t ask for anything for this info; you just did it to be on the right side of the fight. We appreciate that, and we wanted to express that in a tangible way.”

“Hell yeah, then. If I didn’t live with a fucking Venlil, I’d offer to grill out for you. Good old cook-out, ‘Murican style.”

Paulo chuckled at my exaggerated accent. “And I wouldn’t accept anyways, because they’re yours to enjoy. Eat up, patriot of Terra. If I’m not overstepping though, uh, why do you live with a Venlil?”

“I dunno. Refugee housing is a bitch. It got me out of there. I made the mistake of getting attached to Rauln for a time, but he was just using me all along.”

“Does that make you…angry at him?”

“Nah, it’s not his fault. Xenos can’t not see us as monsters.”

“Don’t I know it. When I saw you riding with that Krakotl, on the way to the facility, I didn’t know how you could stomach it.”

“Necessity…I thought I could be civil, since really, the bird wasn’t involved with any of it. Again, another mistake, I’ll ‘fess up to that in a heartbeat.”

“It’s alright, Will. You’re a good person, and they play to your heartstrings. You can’t help yourself; I get it, even if not every HF operative would. Good on you for waking up.”

I sucked in a deep breath, recalling how I’d hovered on the precipice of an emotional response when confronting Rauln. Perhaps my internal adoption of an alien as a brother was projecting my desire to have my little sister back, and thus, it was a misguided attempt to redeem myself. As for the Krakotl, Luala had tossed the pejoratives “sad and lonely” at me; I couldn’t say the bird was off the mark. Why had the avian tried to comfort me, when I broke down sobbing? Right after she called the extermination fleet that slaughtered my family self-defense. Self defense from our very existence! That showed her true thoughts, loud and clear.

However bitter I was feeling toward my colleagues, Volek’s orders, to investigate anyone related to Luca Ricci, were sensible. Bringing the murder victim justice, and putting the perpetrator behind bars, would be a service to both humanity and Humanity First. I prodded myself to focus on what I needed to request, before I got wrapped up in the way my kind were treated. Paulo should be forthcoming with the appropriate details; all I needed to do was ask. The recruiter had been nothing if not cooperative and friendly.

It’s the dumpster part that’s most offensive of all, like humans are just trash. Discarded, like that’s where Luca belonged—whether for his eye placement or for what he stood for. It’s the same thing.

I snapped my fingers. “Right, I’ve got to ask you something work-related! Hope it doesn’t come off as greedy or nothing, after this wonderful gift, but I’m hellbent on catching whoever’s hunting our guys down. Any chance you can give me a list of Luca Ricci’s friends, family, anyone he worked with? Someone could know something that puts us on the scent.”

“Absolutely, let me think. Er, I can put you in touch with the people that knew him. While I very much want to comply with your request, William, I still need to protect my people. HF folks don’t like the authorities digging around in their backyard, you know?”

“‘Course. We all have rights, or, we should.”

“If they think they’re a suspect, it could spook ‘em. You know what it’s like, always being suspected of awful things for being human? What if I brought them somewhere we have control, and we gave them our personal approval to trust you? That should help, and keep them all off your buddies’ radar.”

“Shit, that works for me. Saves me a buncha driving around in manual cars, or worse, sitting with a buncha xenos on public transit lines. Win win.”

“Appreciate you being cool. We’re on the same side, ‘cause you’re really here to help us…and I’ll make sure that’s passed along to the higher-ups. Come to the same store as before, at the same time tonight; I’ll expedite your request. While you’re there, we can maybe pass along some more work for you—two birds, one stone.”

“You had me at the predatory saying. It’s my favorite one. Oh, I’d like to hear what Marsala thinks about that lovely idiom; humans must just have a thing for killing birds!”

Paulo’s eyes hardened. “Those particular birds? I wish I could stone them, right here, right now. I’ll see you tonight.”

The HF liaison stood from the crumbs of his tacos, before moving his trash into a nearby waste receptacle. I was left with several hours to kill before my chance to question each potential witness. Though it was unfortunate to have to tackle that task off-the-clock, this case occupied my thoughts during non-working hours regardless. I needed to solve this murder, and I appreciated Paulo going the extra mile to give me some leads to sniff down. That was after he’d already gotten the data drive he asked for!

Even Volek might be content, if I managed to interview dozens of related individuals in one night. The feisty Venlil was in for a surprise, when I caught her up to speed on the case developments in tomorrow morning. As for right now, she would never know if I dropped my gift off before returning to my shift. My fingers latched around the icebox’s handles, and I decided to spend the walk back to Rauln’s place considering where to hide a stash of authentic burgers in a small freezer. How could I disguise this delight as a leafy salad?

---

I had made a pit stop at the apartment, and after some quick thinking, stashed it all the way back on the shelf quarantined for any dairy products, such as my ice cream tub. The real moment of truth was when I returned after work; the guild couldn’t catch wind of HF members coming in for questioning. It was important to ensure Rauln didn’t send out a search party for his guard dog. Though I’d dodged the Venlil exterminator during the rest of my shift, he was waiting on the doorstep when I got home. He must’ve asked to leave early, if he beat me here.

“Rauln,” I muttered. “I have to go somewhere tonight.”

The exterminator pinned his ears back. “Where?”

“Not that it’s any of your fucking business, but to question someone related to our victim. If I don’t give Volek something, she’ll eat me alive. You do need to learn to be alone eventually, ‘cause I don’t think I’ll be here much longer.”

I ducked around the smoky-furred Venlil, a little relieved that the locks hadn’t been changed. That had been my first thought, given that I revealed I was wise to his plans to use me; predators wouldn’t deserve the decency of an eviction notice. Rauln followed me into the house, with his bushy tail swishing lazily from side-to-side. I snagged a protein bar off the counter, and cast a forlorn stare at the floor. How could I have ever imagined this teenager who hated my kind considered me a person?

The Venlil stamped his paw, as I rushed back toward the door. “William! You absolute fucking moron; it was pretty damn obvious when I thought you were a monster. Honestly, do you have carcass intestines for brains? I thought those went to your stomach, not your head! I am actually insulted, because it shows how little you know me.”

“You’re insulted? You’ve never said anything to me that was genuinely nice, free of snark,” I retorted.

“That’s my way of showing love! You dish it and you can’t take it? I mean, fuck, I thought you liked the banter. Look into my eyes, William. I love you, you ugly freak.”

Rauln flung himself at me, similar to how he’d launched forward during our parking lot scuffle months ago. This time, he wrapped his arms around my waist rather than tackling me. The Venlil refused to let go, squeezing tighter when I tried to remove him. His eyes were pleading, scoring an unfair amount of points with my emotions. I stood there mutely, and waited for him to tire. Nobody had embraced me properly since the last time I saw my parents, before Earth’s demise. Every temptation encouraged me to relax into his grip, and believe those words.

Damn it. Why does Rauln have to be so soft and fluffy?

My cheeks suddenly felt wet. “You don’t mean any of it. You just wanted me to protect you.”

“Of course I wanted you to protect me, Will. I’ve tried to protect you too,” the teenager snapped. “I didn’t repeat what you said at the predator disease facility, broadcasting your intent to commit ‘brutality.’ Wasn’t my fault someone else snitched on you. Shit, I’ve been trying to protect you from bad people this whole week. Protecting each other—isn’t that what family does?”

Blood rushed to my cheeks, as the shameful memories of forsaking my flesh-and-blood kin crashed through the mental dam. Those simple words from the Venlil were a poignant reminder of my cowardice, and resulting failure to keep the people I cared about safe. I regretted leaving my family behind in Los Angeles more than words could express, but there was no way to undo that mistake. No service to humanity could account for that lapse in judgment. Rauln was foolish to think someone so unscrupulous and fleeting could protect him, whether I was a predator or not.

“It’s what family is supposed to do.” My voice sounded scratchy, and I shoved Rauln away with a rougher push. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. Please…let me question these people.”

The Venlil’s fur was puffed out. “If that’s what you’re doing, let me come with you! We’re partners, Will.”

“Not for this. It’s for your own good, you half-brained xeno. You wanted me to protect you? Let me do that, right here, right now.”

Trusting that Rauln couldn’t catch me on his hobbled legs, I darted out the front door into the parking lot. After everything that Paulo had done, it would be unthinkable to ditch the meeting he’d gone out of his way to arrange, and even more inconceivable to bring a Venlil to a Humanity First locale. By the Brazilian’s own admission, there were some people employed under our banner that did want all aliens dead. I wasn’t sure how much of my roommate’s act I believed. Nevertheless, if he meant any of it, I had to keep him out of harm’s way, unlike my sister.

I could solve the case of the murdered human on my own, and refocus myself on our species’ rightful role as the universe’s top dogs. We deserved to be leaders and to attain justice against those who wronged us; I couldn’t let sentimentality interfere with my commitment. What did Paulo say about xenos playing our heartstrings? In light of this recent exchange, that comment proved rather prescient.

---

The supply store’s entrance was half-ajar; despite the minimal foot traffic in the refugee camp, I could appreciate the need for subtlety with this unannounced meeting. The candlelight leading the back of the building seemed less illuminating, without chatter to live up the place. Even the storeroom lights were off today. I poked my head inside despite the spooky atmosphere, and searched for the silhouette of Paulo. The HF recruiter was leaning against a shelf, waving at me in acknowledgment. I hurried over to him, resisting the urge to turn on my holopad’s flashlight.

Get out of your head, Will. What are you, a five-year-scared of the dark? Do you need a nightlight with a smiley face on it?

“Hey, buddy!” I greeted the soldier, trying to play off my shaky voice as shivering under the air conditioning. A small group of people were waiting behind my recruiter, though there were less attendees than I anticipated. “Couldn’t get our witness list together on short notice?”

Paulo bowed his head. “I had to run the idea through HF leadership, and they don’t trust you. I told them we could count on you, but you’ve only done one job. You gotta do something for us first—prove yourself beyond a shadow of a doubt. That’s no problem, right? You’re loyal.”

“I’m wearing the ring at the extermination office. If someone recognized it, I could get toasted. Obviously I’m loyal. And, uh, I’m sure we can work out a deal. Was gonna help you anyways.”

“Great! You’ve, well, caught the eye of our branch leader, Malthe Hansen himself. This is major opportunity, Will, so don’t fuck this up. Not everyone gets noticed by the big guy out of the gate.”

The soldier gestured with a hand toward the other attendees, who were lurking just out of earshot. I remembered Malthe from the discussion circle after the meeting; he’d been approving of Paulo’s suggestion for me to swipe the personnel data. Presently, Mr. Hansen’s blue eyes studied me with interest, in the way a person inspected an object they hadn’t decided what to do with. I opted for a wait-and-see approach, curious what the branch leader had in mind for proving myself to the cause.

Malthe extended a rugged hand, which I took. “William Kane. My men and I have spent hours reviewing that drive you gave us, and it‘s raised some points of interest. There’s a few specific aliens that have caught our attention, as individuals we don’t want prowling the streets.”

“I’m not sure what I can do about that, but I’m listening…sir,” I replied.

“It’s simple. The Venlil who pointed a flamethrower at human children needs to answer for his crimes; curiously, he happens to be your partner. Did you know that about dear Rauln? The other two problems are obvious: Farsul and Krakotl scum. There’s only one employee for each of those vile races at the Dayside office, so you can’t miss them.”

“Um, hold on, I don’t—”

“All you have to do is get those three to tag along with you to a secluded location, and we’ll take them into custody from there. Every alien who wronged us must stand trial—a real trial, not that sham verdict given to Kalsim. If you truly wish to join Humanity First, help us bring these scourges against our people to justice. Make your decision: us or the xenos.”

Did they pick my friends on purpose, or is this the result of Volek assigning me the worst possible pairings? Shit, did I just think of those xenos as my friends? I’m too attached to them to betray them.

“I…this is some kinda test?” I turned my head toward Paulo, but his expression was devoid of any clues. “Everyone thinks I’m a lowlife and a monster, and that may be, but I have values. Lines I don’t cross. I want to side with HF, more than you know, but I can’t honor this request.”

Malthe’s eyes turned icy. “Is that so?”

“I’d love to do something that doesn’t get people hurt.”

“People. They’re xenos! I thought you said this one had potential, Enriquez.”

Paulo coughed. “He’s soft-hearted, sir. They’ve been manipulating—”

“Silence. You’ve said enough.”

“Well, er, I’m open to a counter-offer?” I interjected. “Sorry if I disappointed you. This isn’t how I thought it would be. If this is the price to get info from you, or join HF, I guess I can’t do either one, sir.”

“I suppose you cannot. Don’t worry, I understand, Mr. Kane. You can go.”

“Uh, right. Won’t waste your time…I’ll just skedaddle now.”

As I whipped around toward the exit, there was no doubt in my mind that this exercise was a failure. Being forced to choose whether to harm my alien colleagues wasn’t the guild reform I craved. I inwardly cursed myself for not playing along with Malthe’s idea; how was I going to locate the witnesses, if I was cut off from Humanity First? What would I be, without the group that made me feel like I belonged for the first time on Skalga? It wouldn’t have hurt to have at least entertained the idea of snatching Luala, rather than shutting down my prospects altogether.

I hadn’t thought that Humanity First was so Machiavellian, but perhaps it was a test of loyalty, and I failed. The thought occurred to me to turn tail and say I’d changed my mind. However, that might make me look both fickle and unprincipled. It was all I could do not to mutter curses, for messing up the massive opportunity Paulo warned me not to flub. Why had I doubted their plan? My feet had almost carried me to the door, yet it broke my heart to realize I’d never come here again.

I drew a shuddering breath. “Hey, on second thought, maybe we could…”

In the darkness, there was no shadow to warn me of the person behind me, but I sensed movement through an instinctual sensation. My head whirled around, precisely on time to feel a blunt object connect with my skull, just above the ear. Thunder crackled inside my noggin, and nauseating blackness rocketed upward in a single blink. There wasn’t even a fraction of a second to register what happened; I was out cold before my legs had finished giving way.

A/N - Part 6 of HE2 ends dramatically! William Kane's handoff of the data drive ends with a "predatory" reward, and Paulo offers to allegedly track down witnesses...we saw what came of that. Then, Rauln pops his bubble by confronting him about the claim that he sees Will as a monster, but our narrator still runs off on his own. HF's branch leader has a plot to abduct three specific individuals for a trial, and Will can't bring himself to hurt on his friends, who all too late, he realizes are his friends.

What happens now that William has been attacked by HF and is unconscious? What are their plans for him, what will happen with his friends...and is there anyone out for Mr. Kane?

As always, thank you for reading and supporting!