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The Nature of Predators 42

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: October 8, 2136

The humans instructed me to place a wraparound headset over my ears. I was impressed with how they had modified their technology with Venlil in mind, though I hoped I wasn’t the only one who would get to use it. The earpiece fed simulated audio of alarms and hits; it also allowed Sara to speak to me directly.

“Slanek, I’m going to ...

The Nature of Predators 41

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: October 8, 2136

When the science officer from humanity’s first contact team reached out about a fear study, I was a bit intimidated. Sara Rosario had done extensive biological and environmental analysis, and collaborated with Venlil scientists throughout their early behavioral research. Her talks comparing our psychology racked up millions of views, as did ...

The Nature of Predators 40

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 8, 2136

No matter how often I replayed the Arxur’s words in my head, I couldn’t understand why the Terran observers would trust them. It was at the humans’ clutches that the traumatized refugees were nursed back to health. They risked life and limb, and lost hundreds of ships in pursuit of our survival. How could t...

The Nature of Predators 39

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 7, 2136

The battle for the cradle was decided in our unit’s absence, hinging on the sheer force of human aggression. With a mix of bold tactics and innovation, the UN fleet was able to widen their numerical advantage. The enemy found themselves ganged up on, by a myriad of ship classes; every slight weakness was pinpoi...

The Nature of Predators 38

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

There was a heaviness in my heart, as the four diplomats were ushered into the briefing room. The Mazic had been creating quite the scene outside, accusing his human hosts of kidnapping Laulo. Apparently, no amount of tact could prevent that; the uplift’s disappearance was noted within minutes. President Cupo’s ...

The Nature of Predators 37

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

In the month we had been away, the predators seemed to have established their presence on Venlil Prime. Teeming masses of humans with cameras awaited the shuttle; the increase in personnel was noticeable. Venlil journalists were squeezed right next to the formidable beasts, and didn’t pay their counterparts much a...

The Nature of Predators 36

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

Resounding shouts coursed through the air, as the humans rounded on the unarmed enemy. Most were some variant of a demand to lie on the ground. There was no question that this was an Arxur surrender; they were complying with the barked orders, and cuffing themselves without any clear trickery. There was no snarli...

The Nature of Predators 35

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

The bulletproof vest afforded to me by the predators was snug around my spines, but nearly fell off my shoulders. Its shape was not designed for the rotund Gojid species. The slender curvature of the human spine was a polar opposite, evolved for grace and flexibility.

I knew the armor might save my life, but I wish I waited...

The Nature of Predators 34

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

The way the humans maneuvered through space was like a bird of prey, swooping down on its intended target. It was a graceful and emotionless flight, as I watched the blues and tans of my planet come into focus. Those in the UN fleet who shrugged off their assailants fell into position, and began to coordinate their next targets.<...

The Nature of Predators 33

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 6, 2136

There were no signs of life or civilization nearby. The cinders of a blaze rested off to my side, an orange glow clinging to the black dust. A charred Gojid corpse was draped over the ashes, with the spaces between its skeleton hollowed out. It was as though some predator had cleaned the flesh off its carcass. How had I gotten he...

The Nature of Predators - Bonus Chapter #1

Memory transcription subject: Cheln, Diplomatic Advisor of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: July 12, 2136 

[Context: Takes place a few hours after NoP 4, when the Federation were driven off. Cheln passed out in Part 2 from Noah's smile.]

My eyes fluttered open, finding myself sprawled out ...

The Nature of Predators 32

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: October 4, 2136

The shuttle halted a few parsecs short of Venlil space, until the necessary repairs were complete. This delay tacked hours to our travel time, but none of the other options were reasonable. If the drive overheated, the ensuing explosion would bring about our swift demise. I wondered how the passengers reacted to our...

The Nature of Predators 31

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: October 3, 2136

In a half-day, our ship would reach the edge of Republic space, and we’d be able to transmit communications back to our UN contacts. The Terrans had been slated to open an embassy on Venlil Prime, a few days after our original departure. That meant they would have a full diplomatic staff on world, and would be ava...

The Nature of Predators 30

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: October 3, 2136

Accompanying Marcel to visit his tormentor was my overarching desire, but persuading the predator proved an impossible task. It baffled me why he believed this confrontation was something he needed to tackle alone. The worry I felt for my human was tremendous; I couldn’t imagine how traumatic it was to encounter Sovlin, with...

The Nature of Predators 29

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 3, 2136

Our van cruised along the multi-lane highway, granting me a perfect view of the passing scenery. The road was packed with cars, with light signals governing the traffic flow. The humans were more enterprising and entertainment-driven than I anticipated. Intermittent signs advertised shops, restaurants and hangout...

The Nature of Predators 28

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: October 2, 2136

A harsh buzzing drifted into my ears, rousing me from unconsciousness. I stirred on the thin cot, and grunted at the mattress’ inflexibility. Terror flooded my mind as I realized where I was. Gravity this authentic could only mean I was on Earth.

I had received a military greeting as soon as I neared the ...

The Nature of Predators 27

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: October 1, 2136

Our evacuation party was fortunate to skirt the orbital battle, and depart the system with a fair distance between us and the Arxur. The Terran transport unloaded its critically wounded passengers at a Venlil border outpost, while the rest of the posse trekked on to Earth. I wasn’t sure how the predators planned to deal with...

The Nature of Predators 26

Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command

Date [standardized human time]: September 28, 2136

The humans’ actions in the past few days were a showcase of why I was right about them. It brought me relief to see such vindication.

The dishonorable tactics persisted into our home system, sneaking their transports into orbit through diversions. The good, old predatory ruse: these hunter bastards nev...

The Nature of Predators 25

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: September 28, 2136

Armed Kolshians steered us into the docking area, where we landed upon our arrival. Our previous shuttle was outfitted with supplies, since the Chief granted us permission to return home on a pre-arranged route. The soldiers fell back several steps, and monitored the human for any threatening moves. One of them c...

The Nature of Predators 24

Memory transcription subject: Governor Tarva of the Venlil Republic

Date [standardized human time]: September 28, 2136

18 days. That is how long had passed since the minutes-long speech, and the human ambassador hadn’t been outside of this room since. I tried to occupy Noah by teaching him alien games, and watching the happenings on TV. But while he never voiced his complaints, I could sense his agitation.

Chauson visited...

The Nature of Predators 23

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: September 27, 2136

Waves of Gojid reinforcements arrived after the predators’ initial takeover. The humans’ strategic advantage was that they could be liberal when hurling artillery into enemy ranks. Our opponents were more hesitant, bearing the knowledge that civilians were trapped within city limits.

To their credit, the Gojids ad...

The Nature of Predators 22

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: September 23, 2136

I stirred to an array of screams, chaotic and unhinged; the perishing squeals of prey falling at a predator’s claws. My ears keyed in to pounding pawsteps on the grass. Those were unmistakable thumps of animals running around in terror. Bullet spurts were also a constant, cropping up from both scattered Terran friendlies ...

The Nature of Predators 21

Memory transcription subject: Slanek, Venlil Space Corps

Date [standardized human time]: September 23, 2136

Thanks to the destruction of Gojid military outposts, human forces were able to waltz through their systems without challenge. Piri recalled all vessels to protect their cradle-world, which meant the attack on Earth was postponed. With their border detection systems and complex defense network offline, their only play was t...