Chapter Text
Torvil: Venlil Exchange Partner
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“I bet my human could beat up your human.”
“What the speh are you talking about Verlin? Are you drunk already?”
“A little, but that's beside the point my dear Torvil. I'm saying that, in a fight, my human would triumph over your human.” He said with finality as he pushed his empty glass away and waved his tail at the bartender for another round.
Verlin and I were already a few drinks deep at our favorite bar. The two of us had been my best friends ever since we were pups, to the point that we were often mistaken for brothers despite not looking alike. There was no way his puffed up steel gray wool and my sleek rich brown came from the same parents. Regardless, we did almost everything together; we went to college together, we got an apartment together, and we even joined the Human-Venlil exchange program together. That last one may have also involved a significant amount of alcohol, but it had turned out quite well. We stayed together and met each of our exchange partners as a pair to help support each other.
Those partners, Victoria and David, had been happy to accommodate and help us feel safer. After some initial nerves we realized that the predators we had gotten to know over text were exactly who they said they were and not secretly plotting to pounce once our guard was down. It went so well we even invited them to come stay with us on Venlil Prime when it was time to leave the station.
They were currently fast asleep back at the apartment as they tried to adjust to the persistent daylight of the tidally locked planet. Even after a few paws planetside it still seemed to be a struggle for them. Verlin and I had gone out for a drink to let them rest in peace, and because David growled in his sleep. Snoring my tail, call it what you want I know a growl when I hear it. I flicked an ear in thanks at the Gojid bartender as she handed us a fresh pair of glasses. Once she was gone I fixed my friend with a glare as he took a long sip of his drink.
“First of all, Verlin, they’re not allowed to fight. That’s like rule 2 of the exchange program or something. Second of all, don’t underestimate David. Males of their species are supposed to be the more aggressive after all.”
He finished his sip with a sigh and set his glass back on the bar. “Well according to Victoria such gender based generalizations are a bunch of outdated speh. Besides, she does that rock climbing ritual in her spare time while David just rides around on that primitive ‘bicycle’ thing. And! She’s taller than him.” He nodded to himself, a gesture he had picked up from the humans, as I bleated in indignation.
“By like a claw’s worth! It’s not enough to make a difference in a fight, which they are still not allowed to do!” I took a swig of my own glass.
“Not on the space station, but we’re on Venlil Prime now. The UN’s not watching, so who’s going to tell if they decide to tussle? I won’t, all the other Velil run at the sight of them, so they won’t say anything, and the UN is so far up the Exterminator’s tails right now that they would only bother to show up if somebody died.”
“Which they might! Or at least they could get injured, what would we tell the hospital?”
“They’ll be fine.” Verlin turned to the rest of the bar and swiveled his ears around cautiously as he lowered his voice. “They already said they don’t have bloodlust, remember? And Victoria told me that the humans have secret combat sports that they’re not supposed to tell us about. They have special rules and stuff to make sure nobody gets hurt. She’s trained in one of them and has told me in no uncertain terms that she could ‘kick David’s ass’.” He said while making a human air quotes gesture.
“Oh yeah? Well David told me a secret too! He said that he was part of a group that practices combat with padded primitive weapons!” I felt a little bad, since David made me promise not to tell anyone, but that was back on the space station. Besides, Verlin and I tell each other everything.
“Well then, it sounds to me like there's only one way to settle this.” Verlin flicked the brim of the flat, black pinstripe hat that Victoria had gifted him, complete with Venlil ear holes. ”We have to get them to fight and see who wins!”
I rolled my eyes. “Right, because they'll totally go at it just because we ask them to.”
“Oh, I know they won't because I already asked Victoria if she would fight David when she told me about combat sports and she said no. But after careful observation I have grown to understand these humans and I’m confident that we can trick them into it!”
I nearly choked on my drink and spent a solid minute coughing before I could respond. “Are you predator diseased!? You want to deceive them into fighting each other?” I quickly wiped a spot of liquor that had dribbled on the bright blue hoodie David had given me.
“Hey, if I'm predator diseased then so are you. You're just afraid that David will lose and you'll have to live with the fact that I got the better human.”
I scoffed “Not likely” and drained the rest of my glass. “Fine, oh great understander of humans, when do you want to enact this grand deception of yours?”
“Tomorrow, we’re already planning to take them out around town, all we have to do is encourage them to compete and nudge them towards their more aggressive tendencies. Nature will take it from there.”
"Okay, and what are we betting?"
"Hmm, let's say loser has to pay the tab for the next herd of paws."
"Deal!"
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Another drink, a stumble home, a claw of sleep, and a hearty first meal to shake off the hangover later and Verlin, myself, David, and Victoria were on our way for a paw of exciting activities.
“How's the hangover Torvil?” asked my ever compassionate and helpful partner, David.
“Much better, thank you. That avocado toast you made really hit the spot, right Verlin?”
“Yes yes, it was very delicious. I hope you all are ready for a day of excitement and challenge at the gravity arcade!”
“YAY!” Cheered Victoria, quickly covering where her mouth would be over her mask. “Whoops, I should probably keep the excitement quieter.”
“No need! This is the sleep claw for most folks around here.” Said Verlin as he waved his paw around at the empty street. “Torvil and I usually work the late shift so we’re used to being up and about at this claw. If anything, this is the perfect time to relax and be yourselves. Even if someone does see you, the exposure will be good for them. ”
“Is that so? Tough talk for a guy who fainted the first time he saw a human face.” Even with the mask I could hear a smirk in Victoria’s voice.
“I was only out for like 2 minutes, that’s a very short faint all things considered. I’d say I did quite well.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s how fainting works.” David chimed in. “But maybe he’s right. I’ve been a bit tense since we got here from trying not to scare anyone.”
“Well then how about a race to the arcade?” I suggested. It was one of the competitions Verlin and I had brainstormed back at the bar. Apparently humans have had a long time obsession with running.
“Well, I guess we could if there’s nobody else around. What about you guys?” David turned his head to look at us in that still somewhat unnerving way.
“Oh oh! I’ve been wanting to give you guys a piggyback ride since we met! Can we please?.” Victoria said as she clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture.
“I guess, but you’re going to have to show us what that means.”
After some quiet cheering and a brief explanation, our two humans crouched down to allow us to climb onto their backs. There was some grunting and complaints regarding gravity and Venlil density as well as a few comments on the softness of fur and wool. Once we were each secure upon our respective exchange partners, they lined up next to each on the soft sidewalk.
“Ready. Set. Go!” Victoria called, launching forward with a burst of speed. Verlin’s hat was barely hanging on by his ears as he turned and called out to us.
“Last one there pays for the tickets!”
David, for his part, was taking a more leisurely pace. Sure it was faster than walking, but we were quickly losing ground as he jogged along with careful, measured strides. The dome of the gravity arcade loomed just a few blocks ahead, growing steadily in size the closer we came.
“Come on David, they’re getting away!”
“Don’t worry, we’ll catch up!” He panted as he steadily increased his speed. After the first block the pair had stopped getting farther away, and by the end of the second we were quickly gaining back ground. Halfway through the third we caught up to them, and Victoria’s ragged panting was a stark contrast to David’s deep but controlled breaths. Verlin bleated in indignation as we pulled away, crossed the final street, and slowed to a stop at the edge of the arcade’s stone facade.
“Alright. you. win.” Victoria gasped between breaths as she set Verlin down and sat on the soft sidewalk. “High. Gravity. Piggyback. Less. Fun.”
“Ha, it helps if you pace yourself.” David said as he joined her on the sidewalk.
“Also. Heavier. Venlil.” She said with a tired chuckle.
“Hey, I am not heavier, I am fluffier!” Verlin shot back, his ears struggling to lay flat against his head as he readjusted his hat.
“Well next time we can switch and see how it goes.” He said as he handed her a cloth. The two humans took the opportunity of the still barren streets to wipe the sweat (ew) from their masks and faces before catching their breath and allowing us to approach the plastiglass front of the ticket counter ahead of them.
“Four adult tickets to the arcade my good man.” Verlin addressed the white Venlil behind the counter who glanced up from his pad with the lazy and bored expression of your average retail worker. That expression shifted to one of wide eyed panic as soon as he noticed the two masked humans behind us. With a bleat he bolted up from his chair, knocking it to the floor, and pressed himself against the back wall.
“Whoa there my friend, everything is fine.” I waved my tail in a calming gesture to the poor hyperventilating figure. “They’re with us and they’re perfectly safe.”
“S-s-safe?” he stammered as the fear continued to course through him.
“Yes, they’re not here to hurt anyone, they just want to play some games in the arcade.” His tail twitched in fear and confusion as his brain struggled to comprehend.
“B-but th-thy’re-”
“Friendly!” I interjected, best not to let him start that spiral. “They’re our friends, they’re not dangerous. See, my back is to them and I’m not afraid at all.” My tail continued to signal calm contentment as he gradually got control of his faculties. His legs shook as he peeled himself from the wall and slowly approached the counter one unsteady step at a time.
“You’re doing great. See, they’re not doing anything.” I glanced back at the two humans and Victoria gave a slow and careful wave. “That’s a greeting. They’re happy to see you!” He tilted his head in confusion, his tail shakily raising up and flicking a greeting of his own.
“Good, now how about those tickets?” He blinked and glanced down at the terminal before looking back at the humans. “Don’t worry, they’re just waiting to go in.”
With another moment of hesitation, he looked down at the terminal long enough to process the order before looking back at the humans. “See, just waiting.” The tickets, more plastic badges really, popped out of the slot in front of the counter. We grabbed them and flicked a thanks at the clerk.
“Come on you two, let's head inside.” I waved my tail over to them and they calmly walked in with us, careful not to make any sudden moves.
Inside the arcade we were greeted to a dizzying level of flashing lights and noise from dozens of game booths. Several of the most popular arcade games in the federation were arrayed before us: Space Flight Simulator, Galactic Gardens, Terraformers of Krasirr, even old cabinets of Lucky Laysi and Plants vs Flowerbirds!
“I hope that guy at the counter is okay.” Muttered Victoria as her head slowly rotated to take in all the sights and sounds.
“Eh, he will be fine.” Verlin said dismissively. “Come on, there’s something I want to show you!”
His tail wagged in excitement as he began to weave past the more popular games. I quickly caught up while the humans followed behind.
“Well, how do you think the plan is going? They don't seem very aggressive yet.”
“Don't worry, Torvil, the seed has been planted. This next one should get some instincts going.”
We continued through the maze of cabinets and booths, pausing briefly at a vending machine for some water and snacks, until we reached a dimly lit corner near the back of the arcade. There, tucked between the booths for Heartwood Valley and Fruit Picker, stood one of the rarest gaming cabinets in the federation.
“Exterminators 2: Righteous Paw”
“No way Verlin, how did you know this was here?” I asked in amazement. “I thought these were all hauled off and burned for being too predatory.”
“All but a few, and even the ones that exist rarely get played. I heard most people run or faint by level 3 and the creator got hauled off for predator disease!” His tail flicked proudly as he swept a paw towards the cabinet.
“Ooh, this looks like an old light gun game!” David exclaimed, picking up the plastic model of an exterminator’s flare gun.
“You’ve seen one of these before?” asked Victoria.
“Not a fan of arcade bars I’m guessing? The one in my town had a special section for antique games, including one that looked a lot like this called ‘Area 51’. Come on, I’ll show you how it works, unless one of you guys wants a go?”
“Not a chance, I want to see how far you two get.” Verlin and I both shook our heads and allowed the two humans to take up a position on either side of the cabinet. He scanned his pad to add a few credits and the game started up. A brief introduction showed a pair of exterminators arriving on a hostile colony world as a scratchy voice over sounded from the speakers.
“Mission is find and clear out predators.” Wow, what language was this translated from? The game switched to a first person perspective and both characters walked forward automatically. I jumped as a small creature with forward facing eyes and sharp teeth leaped from a bush while the text ‘SKRIT’ splashed across the screen. I didn’t get to see much of it before a shot from David’s flare gun took it out.
“You okay there Torvil?” David teased.
“Y-yeah, you just don’t normally see actual depictions of predators in Federation games.” More small predators continued to emerge from the environment only to be quickly shot down by David and Victoria. Halfway through the level David even grabbed a fuel tank that let him use his flamer for a few seconds, completely clearing all of the predators from the screen. The level only lasted a couple minutes before ending and giving each player a score and rank.
“Ha, I got senior officer! Looks like you’re my junior Victoria.” David said as he nudged the other human with his elbow.
“Oh yeah? Well I’ve got the hang of it now so we’ll see how the next level goes!” She shifted and held her plastic flare gun out at the ready.
The levels began to fly by, each one introducing newer and larger predators. There was even a flying one in level 3 that I could barely track with my eyes, but the humans seemed to have little problem taking them out. They were even complaining when one of them took out a predator the other was aiming at. Maybe Verlin was right about this game triggering some instincts in our partners.
As each level’s score came up David was consistently at the top, a fact that he took pride in pointing out each time, though Victoria did come much closer after that first level. “No shame in second place, Vicky, I have the advantage of experience after all.”
“Oh, you did not just call me Vicky!” She turned and quick as a flash jabbed a fist into David’s shoulder with a dull thwap that made both Verlin and I jump. That was supposed to be our cue to encourage and escalate such behavior, but now that it was here I found myself rooted to the spot. I wasn’t ready for the fight to start right here and now!
“Ow, hey no need to be a sore loser!” David said as he grabbed his shoulder. ”I’m sorry, I won’t call you…” Victoria pulled her fist back as if she was going to hit him again ”that name again, Victoria.” Victoria nodded and turned back to the screen. The situation seemingly diffused.
“Good, now let’s finish this game. I want to get to the anti-gravity stuff.”
Verlin nudged me with his tail and flicked his ears at the pair in a smug ‘told you so’ motion. However, he couldn't complete hide the nervous twitch of his own tail at their display. The two seemed to have stopped competing as the next stage started, maybe the game was getting harder for them, or maybe whatever dominance play we just witnessed was the end of it. Either way they were making quick and efficient work of wave after wave of predators, until an air raid siren sounded, startling our already frayed nerves.
Thankfully the sound had come from the game, which I'm pretty sure was against a dozen different regulations. I looked at Verlin and he was trembling a bit as his eyes fixed on the screen. There, a smoking spacecraft passed overhead before crashing further into the wilderness. There was no way the game would go that far. Maybe, maybe they were right to haul the others off and burn them if it was doing what I think it was about to do.
A fresh wave of predators assaulted the human pair, more than they could possibly handle, but strangely the ones that got past their fire just continued running without attacking them. The wave ended and a tense silence followed for several moments. A low growl rumbled from the speakers as a giant Arxur leapt from the foliage with the text ‘CHIEF HUNTER’. Both Verlin and I bleated in fear and grabbed onto each other, though our legs refused to run as the red eyes and sharp teeth bore down on us.
“Boss Time!” David sang out as the two of them shot the beast out of the air, seemingly unphased by the monstrous predator.
“This one’s actually kinda scary” Victoria mused calmly as she peppered the hulking figure with shot after shot from her plastic weapon. Each time it raised a claw a hit staggered the creature and kept it from attacking as the two humans faced it down. I held my breath as the assault continued for what felt like ages before the Arxur finally collapsed. A fuel tank appeared on screen and the humans briefly glanced at each other. David extended a hand towards the screen and bowed his head slightly. Victoria nodded and shot the power up, her flare gun on screen changing to the flamer barrel as she incinerated the Arxur, reducing it to ashes.
Victorious music rang out from the old speakers as a bright ‘MISSION IS SUCCESS’ appeared on screen with the usual score screen. The two scores were about even until a final ‘Hunter disposal bonus’ nearly doubled Victoria’s score and granted her the senior officer rank.
David holstered the plastic flare gun and gave Victoria a crisp UN salute. “Senior Officer Victoria, it’s been an honor.”
“At ease, junior.” She laughed as she put her own gun away. “I think I had you in that one anyway, but I appreciate the gesture.” She laughed again before spotting the two of us with tails and paws wrapped around each other.
“Whoa, are you two okay?”
“Y-yes” Verlin squeaked out as we slowly detangled from each other. “I’ve just never seen the end of that game before. I’m not sure if anybody’s gotten that far. The forums didn’t say anything about…”
He paused and looked into the distance for a moment before shaking his ears. “ANYWAY! LET’S GO TO THE GRAVITY DOME!” He said a bit too loud with a forced laugh. The two humans shrugged and David ruffled the wool on my crown as he walked by to follow my steel gray compatriot.
“Come on Torvil, let’s have some more fun.”
Fun… yeah. What in all the stars did we get ourselves into?