The Nature of Predators - Predator Disease (7/8)

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Memory transcription subject: Bonsen, Predator Disease Patient

Date [standardized human time]: December 23, 2136

The pills that humans gave me were nothing like the soul-draining meds at the facility. It was quiet, not a literal quiet within the diplomatic vehicle, but within my own head. I could single out thoughts to focus on, and the mind madness had calmed to a tranquil undertone. Was this what it was like for other people? It was as if I’d been slowed down to a manageable pace. Paying attention to what the predators said was possible, even as the primal adrenaline that’d helped me was easing up.

It was a wonderful epiphany. It was possible for me to get better, with the right tools!

There was no question that the Terrans had been accurate in their diagnosis, and their promise to salvage me. The doctor was holding me in her hands, lips upturned slightly. I realized how touch-starved I’d been all those years, in an unforgiving prison. Those shrewd binocular eyes seemed to observe every mannerism, with a kind of expertise Administrator Derva never had. Kiara, as she asked to be called, raised an eyebrow at my curious tail wag.

“The other humans speak about themselves more than you,” I croaked tentatively. “You ask questions. You observe people.”

Kiara bobbed her shoulders. “The truth is, Bonsen, people love to talk about themselves. I’m happy to let them do so.”

“But I want to know more about you.”

“That’s a broad question. If I told you I was a licensed psychologist, or that I like helping people sort out their feelings, I doubt that’s anything that’ll intrigue you. Tell me why you’re so curious, and perhaps I can give you an exact answer to your true interest.”

I leaned my ear into her fingernail, and pawed at her leg. Dr. Bahri got the hint, putting more gusto into her idle scratches. It was valid to pry for the underlying reasons, which even I wasn’t certain of. Part of me wondered why she cared when she saw me being shocked; why did any of the humans care? Nobody else ever did. Our present return to the predator disease facility had me fixating on those horrible times, and what my future might hold.

There is a basic desire to get to know her, but it’s more than that. If I figure out her goals, then I can be more certain of what she wants to do with me.

Since Luala affirmed the truth about humanity, and informed me of other omnivorous species within the Federation, I’d decided to trust the primates. They cared for me at every turn; their help was to their detriment, rather than resulting in personal gains. I wanted to ignore the other bits that I’d overheard, which reflected more predatory thoughts. What mattered was that these arboreal hunters had more lenient views on predator disease, and were fighting not to have me discarded.

Hm, are female humans the main hunters of their packs? There’s confusing cues on which gender is more bloodthirsty.

“Why do you have blood on your lips?” I blurted. “The males don’t.”

Paulo and Aqil had been playing a card game on the car seat, but the soldiers’ heads snapped up at my question. They both squinted at Kiara’s face in confusion, before they burst out laughing. The doctor touched her lips with a free hand, then joined in the hysterics. I could see all of their canines on full display, and odd noises mixed with their punctuated barks. Aqil’s face turned red, as he was unable to breathe. Paulo slapped his knee with amusement, and tears streamed from his eyes.

Kiara procured a few metal tubes from her bag, and popped off the cap. She twisted up marker-like tops, which were different shades of red and pink. The human demonstrated applying one shade hastily, then handed it to me. Once her amusement had died out, she looked a little concerned. I accepted the object, sniffing at it to see if it smelled like blood. There was nothing conspicuous in the nondescript odor.

“Oh dear, you thought that’s what that was the whole time? Now, I’m wondering if all the aliens think I’m wearing blood,” the doctor muttered. “That wasn’t even something that crossed my mind when I came here. I’m pretty sure lipstick is just waxes and pigments—mostly fruit pigments. It’s supposed to be a way to beautify ourselves.”

“By mimicking blood on your lips.”

“No…most things of this nature are about making our features pop. Aqil, help me out.”

Aqil pointed to himself. “Why me?”

“You know why,” Paulo interjected. “I wouldn’t know much in this department.”

“What, just because I’ve dated two chicks in my life, I’m an expert in female beauty?”

“Yeah, man. You must’ve taken notes about how out of your league they were.”

“You want to talk about out of—"

Kiara clapped her hands. “Never mind! Forget I asked for backup. As long as you’re satisfied it’s not blood, let’s move on, Bonsen. Or was that really the only reason you were asking about my personal life? It’s okay if that’s all.”

I still had many questions for the human, mainly around her reasons for caring, and the worrying comments I’d overheard from other primates. With the help of Terran medication, I could focus on a single query at a time. The question of why they cared hit close to home, after the recent word that came back from my parents. My mother said that I was dead to her, since a predator child could only be destined for terrible things.

There was nowhere for me to go except to rely on the humans’ kindness, so they had to find a place for me. I’d never been out on my own, so I had no idea how to get by; plus, I needed their medicines. That was why I begged to go with them, and see how they treated the other patients. Going back to the facility sounded terrible, but maybe under predator control, it could be tolerable. Dr. Bahri was supposed to be placed at the helm, which was as good of an appointment as people like me could hope for.

However, sniffing out what their species thought of prey on a broader scale was important. That Ambassador Noah seemed important, and he was to be involved with the transition to human oversight. Even if Kiara was safe, I would have to deal with predators that were well-connected to their government down the line.

“You acted like you don’t agree with Humanity First. You don’t think prey aliens are less than…p-predator humans?” I whimpered.

Dr. Bahri shook her head emphatically. “No, of course not. We are both unique lifeforms, and I don’t value your life any less than a human, Bonsen. I love my species, and I’m not ashamed of it, but I’m certainly no supremacist. Why else would I be devoting myself to truly helping aliens?”

“I just want to understand why William said you were superior, and there was a movement about…being superior.”

“Because some people need to feel good about themselves, by being ‘better’ than everyone else.”

“Paulo agreed with William.”

“Hey, I just thought he raised some good points. Like about us being leaders…and about our society being better! That’s why we’re fixing things here, right?” Paulo objected. “I like you, teddy bear. Don’t make it like that.”

Kiara shot him a withering glare. “Being superior places you above another person in your own eyes. ‘Our society being better’ is literally imperialism 101. If you can’t own that to Bonsen, then I wouldn’t go agreeing with William aloud.”

“She’s right. Humanity First thinks aliens are ‘mindless animals’ who deserve blanket retribution, if you remember their speech,” Aqil chimed in. “They don’t care about Bonsen or any other xeno who fell through the cracks.”

Paulo bared his teeth. “No, they were just talking about the people who won’t work with us or attacked us! The groveling needed to stop, and someone does need to pay for this all! You both are taking everything out of context.”

“They threatened any human who appeased an alien. That’s all of us, with Bonsen. You think that’s okay?”

Humans…will attack other humans for helping me? I don’t want Dr. Bahri to get hurt; she’s really nice.

The ADHD predator huffed, and tidied up his playing cards to distract himself. He had been kind to me in direct interactions, understanding the daily quirks of my condition to an exact measure. However, I think that answered my roundabout question to Dr. Bahri: it would be dangerous for me to deal with certain predators. Not all humans were trustworthy, but sticking close to the saner Terrans might be able to keep the scary ones in line.

I still wasn’t sure whether to plead for them to take me in, with my lack of options. We were minutes away from the facility, and I could at least get the joy of seeing Administrator Derva’s life’s work dismantled. I pawed at Kiara’s leg, pestering her for more ear scratches. Her fingers resumed their satisfying work in a heartbeat. One of these days, my persistence would annoy the doctor, but this wasn’t the moment she’d snap.

Memory transcription subject: Dr. Kiara Bahri, Human Psychologist

Date [standardized human time]: December 23, 2136

Governor Tarva provided an excellent speech to the public, per my advice. She unearthed documentation of predator disease treatments, and demanded a scientific explanation for the needless suffering. The Venlil leader also proposed a punishment for us that was to my liking, requiring us to help the "savage" patients indefinitely to "learn a lesson." Questioning conventional wisdom fell under the umbrella of nonconformism, which could land people a quick diagnosis. Anyone who had doubts about humans, or any of the Kolshians’ conspiracies, could’ve been locked up.

Why was asking questions a threat to the herd? Couldn’t predators tell the difference between harmless and harmful “predators” better than anyone?

I barely noticed Bonsen’s weight in my arms, as we exited the vehicle outside the predator disease facility. United Nations soldiers were storming the building, in a joint operation with Venlil exterminators; an ironic ally, given that they were the ones who collected these people for the medievalist centers. The Zurulian had come alive outside these walls, but I could see apprehension in her eyes. The child’s plight tugged at my heartstrings, since I would never hand her back to the system.

Maybe the facility could be optional to stay-in, with most patients visiting for scheduled sessions. Ones like Bonsen could be given refuge, since they have nowhere to go.

The fact was that she had been robbed of a normal childhood. Bonsen didn’t deserve to be confined within here, a place that brought back memories of torment. She should be able to go to school, and enjoy being a child. I’d begun to feel protective of her, knowing how powerless she was. Maybe I could do my best to school her online, and let her stay with me? My Venlil-mandated transfer from the UN ship I was assigned to had been approved by Ambassador Williams himself, though I’d still offer sessions to Monahan’s crew while they were docked here.

Part of me always wanted kids, but I never found the right person to take that step with. With how career-driven I’d been, I’d never had time to settle down or go out looking for anyone. After seeing her curled up in that dog bed in Ambassador Noah’s office, the Zurulian definitely imprinted upon me. Humanity’s ability to bond with just about anything was remarkable; I wondered what the aliens would think of us spooky predators naming robot vacuums, and singing birthday songs to Mars rovers.

“The Federation has us all wrong,” I chuckled to myself. “It’s almost like they’re manipulating our ‘cute’ instincts on purpose. How could anyone hurt Bonsen?”

Aqil shrugged. “Anyone can do anything when circumstances align. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned here, it’s that people can turn a blind eye to any cruelty, as long as they think it’s for the greater good…whatever that means.”

“I thought humans would need psychological services, after Earth. But I had no idea that the deepest need was outside our borders. They have nobody.”

“I have nobody,” Bonsen repeated sadly.

“No, that’s not true anymore. You have me, sweetheart.”

“And me. We’re in the ADHD boat together.” Paulo scratched his scalp, sensing that he was the odd man out after our prior conversation. “Every human you’ve come across was appalled at your diagnosis. We all stand with you.”

The Zurulian quivered. “Why? W-why do you care?”

“Because not letting kids get tortured is common fucking sense!”

“Ah, hardly common talk on this utopian planet. Not shocking kids…not shocking people is a radical idea!” a gruff voice declared, dripping with sarcasm. “Filthy predators and their monstrous dogma, right, Rauln?”

The voice asking the question was unmistakably William Kane; while he had played a crucial role in our escape, my mood was soured by his return. A Venlil with a jagged scar on his neck blinked, looking rather on edge. The irritated alien must be named Rauln, given that the human exterminator was goading him on. These two must be part of the group helping UN Peacekeepers clear the facility.

I would’ve been much happier to never cross paths with this man again, but it’s better to play nice. Smile and be polite.

Rauln bared his teeth. “You convinced me to come here, for what? I can’t go anywhere in the office without seeing predators like you and your chalky ass. I don’t need Venlil predators crossing my path…again.”

“Hey, first off, I’m here to protect you now. Remember, I’m a genuine apex predator; I’m fucking proud of that fact. If we come across anyone dangerous, I’ll go full monkey mode on their face. Just like our bout, I’d put them down decisively.”

“You’re such a liar. I drew your blood first. Not to mention, you went down easily at my tackle, and lost your breath from one hit.”

“Ah, let’s not get lost in the details. That’s not really important. My point is, this is not the same level of psycho-axe-murderer as Nam. Kids like Bonsen are in grade school; they’re not even old enough to work for the exterminators.”

“You always say that like it’s a bad thing. I’m very happy that the guild took me in. They saved my life.”

“They used you, Rauln. I mean, shit, they don’t even have height limits like an amusement park. You’re fucking lucky to have me as a roomie, and don’t you ever forget it. You’re an angsty prick who bitches about ‘chores’ and ‘order’, not a serious adult.”

“Fuck you. I should evict you. Leech, you don’t even pay rent! You leave your pelts all over the place, and hog the TV with your human shit.”

“And you hog the shower, Mr. Luscious Fur. Are you trying out for a shampoo commercial in there?”

I waved a hand between the two. “Um, was there a reason you came here?”

“Ah, Volek is one vindictive Venlil,” William said. “She hates these facilities, and putting a human in charge of our raid team, er, twists the knife.”

Paulo tilted his head. “Where’s the bird?”

“Marsala? She’s at Fyron’s book club; it’s their off-day. They’re reading some book about a Fissan who falls for a ‘primitive’ Yotul, and tries to civilize the guy—who of course, knows literally nothing about etiquette. Marsala says it’s romantic, but I think it’s racist.”

“The one who calls the Krakotl ‘Marsala’ talks about racism,” Aqil grumbled.

“Oh, she likes that. It gives us something to chat about. The Yotul book is way worse than a little harmless teasing.”

I crossed my arms. “You literally support Humanity First. You sold Paulo on us being superior.”

“What?” Rauln hissed. “William agrees with the bomb makers?!”

Paulo tensed up. “For the last time, it’s not like that!”

“Speak for yourself. Humans come first to me, just like Venlil come first to Rauln. If he had to pick Venlil Prime or Earth, adios Mother Terra. So get your tail out of your ass,” William quipped. “Now, you’re gonna miss all the fun if we stand out here listing everything y’all don’t like about me. You want to watch the clean up crews remove the trash, don’t you?”

I blinked in confusion. “Remove the trash?”

“Derva and the rest of the staff are being forcibly removed,” Rauln translated.

Bonsen’s nostrils flared. “I…want to see that. Can we?”

“Sure…ain’t that the spirit?” William clapped a hand atop Rauln’s shoulder, and gestured toward the front entrance. “Follow us.”

The two exterminators guided us into the facility, just as Peacekeepers passed us. One human was assigned to each of a Venlil’s arm, as they flailed about. Other Venlil exterminators were bringing up the rear, brilliantly waving flamethrowers about indoors. Were they taught to set those off inside buildings? It made me rather worried about us entering, and whether the patients had been cleared out of here.

William quickened his pace, slipping earbuds into his ears. He cranked up some metal music, blasting it loud enough that we could hear vague vibrations from feet away. A wicked grin crossed his face, and I realized that he was retracing our steps toward the electroshock chamber. Bonsen whimpered, as she recognized the awful machines. I squeezed her sides tighter, hoping my steadfast grip reassured her.

The poor kid has come around to humans quickly. If I do take her in, she might be able to recover under my watchful eye. It’s almost my responsibility at this point.

The middle-aged Venlil I punched last time had been watching the electric treatments again; it was clear she loved having a front-row seat. This was Administrator Derva, the alien in charge of this forsaken facility. I could see a gash showing through her chin fur, where my knuckles had connected with her jaw. The thought of striking her again filled me with a worrying vindictiveness.

Derva was screaming at UN Peacekeepers, who had interrupted her latest session. A scared-looking Venlil patient was being tended to by medics out in the hallway, showing signs of having a collar freshly removed. I could fill in the details, and so could William. Rocking out to his own furious soundtrack, the human exterminator brought the Administrator into his custody.

“Rauln, have you Venlil invented the phrase ‘police brutality’ yet?” William was half-yelling, unable to hear over his blood-pumping music. “Or maybe ‘exterminator brutality?’”

The Venlil shook his head in a human-like gesture. “No?”

“Well, you should. Here’s a free lesson!”

Faster than I could blink, William snapped an abandoned stun gun off the ground. He jabbed it into Derva’s neck, while dragging her roughly by the shoulder across the floor. Paulo, encouraged by the exterminator’s bravado, threw in a kick to the Venlil’s ribs as Mr. Kane passed us. Rauln’s ears pinned back against his head, before he frantically chased after his Terran roommate.

The smoky Venlil exterminator ripped out one of William’s earbuds. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

“She’s a predator, you know, by preying on the mentally ill, so it’s cool! Exterminators can do whatever they want to predators, because predators have no rights!”

“You’re out of your mind.”

“No, I am not. My mind is just dandy! People call the exterminators because I’m sighted, you know, existing at your place.”

“Then they dispatch you and me to answer the call. It’s hilarious…”

“I don’t think it’s hilarious. But Derva getting the predator treatment? Now that’s a good joke.”

Exterminator Kane panted, throwing the stun gun to the ground in disgust. He stormed through the main exit, and flung Derva onto the sidewalk like a sack of potatoes. With a smug smile, he waved his good-bye to us. I couldn’t say I felt sorry for the administrator, but this human didn’t seem like someone that should be carrying a weapon for a living. The dictionary definition of a loose canon was probably a picture of his face.

Bonsen displayed mixed emotions about Derva’s unceremonious exit too. I knew the Zurulian would need boatloads of therapy, and an introduction to humans that didn’t involve Paulo or William. I’d decided in my heart that the ADHD furball belonged to me, as long as that was fine by her. Once the takeover was finalized and the situation settled down, I’d offer the suggestion to her.

With the facility administrator dethroned by an unhinged predator, it was safe to say this place was officially under my control. It was time to get to work arranging compassionate support for the patients.

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A/N - The penultimate episode! Tarva pulls some strings to change control of the facilities, and figures out a way for Bahri to take the reins. William makes one final appearance alongside Rauln, resurfacing long enough to hurl Administrator Derva out by hand. Are you happy with this resolution? Will Bonsen find a nice home to recuperate, as it seems Kiara might take her in?

As always, thank you for reading and supporting!

If you're thinking this chapter is early, it sure is. The schedule will be a day earlier at least through June as a treat! That means main content now Monday-Thursday, and bonus content Wednesday-Saturday (121 Monday, and Cilany launch for June 3!).