The Nature of Predators - Star Crossed (12/13) (Patreon)

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Memory Transcription Subject: Chloe de Vries, United Nations Consultant

Date [standardized human time]: January 12, 2150

As we strolled up to our humble home, Kelvanis’ teeth were chattering in the dusk wind, and the temperatures began to sink lower. This was quite mild for this time of year, so he was fortunate; I reminded myself to get him proper attire to bundle himself up in, or else he wouldn’t make it long in the Netherlands. Aafa, by comparison, had been like a pleasant spring’s day, beaming sunlight down at me with efficacy. What did Kolshians do to keep warm when it snowed? Why hadn’t my love brought any jackets or similar garments of his own? Surely they must have some way of staving off the elements, with all of their advancements. The fact he thought it worthy to bring his impossibly soft blanket on any trips meant he did care about preserving body heat in some scenarios.

Such idle thoughts were a welcome distraction from my parents’ displeasure, even as they both strolled away to prep dinner; I knew I should give them time to confer—and lament my choices—among themselves. We trundled off to unload our belongings in my old room, which I’d moved back into multiple times. On top of how my parents might feel about a Kolshian sharing my room, the upcoming meal might put my husband between a rock and a hard place. I’d noticed Kelvanis go quiet, when my father lobbed that assholish comment about slaughterhouses at him; there was a reason I’d chosen plant snacks back on the station, and on the ride over. It wasn’t like I’d go vegetarian forever though, so if we were going to spend the rest of our lives together…I’d have to see if he could stand seeing me eat meat.

I hope this doesn’t change his opinion of me, and that my father gives Kelvan some room. This is a hard pill to swallow in their culture. If worse comes to worst, Kelvan could always eat a separate meal; I want to do right by him.

“I’m really sorry about how my dad acted, trying to rub shit in your face,” I blurted. “I wanted to ease you into how I…normally eat, but I suspect he intends the opposite. Are you sure you’re ok sharing a dinner table with…well, predators? You don’t have to do this.”

“It’s fine, Chloe. I want to fully accept humanity, and show that I’m not afraid.” Kelvanis continued unpacking after that short reply, and hummed a tune to himself—one I recognized from that first day at the station. “Bram wants to scare me off. I won’t flinch. I’m going to wait for an opportunity to turn it back on him.”

“What is that song?”

“It’s the Hymn of Strength. The legend goes that the notes were sung by musicbirds, who were servants of the goddess of agriculture. They would call out to Karava to strengthen their wings, to make them powerful enough so they could take flight and move the very wind!”

“I didn’t know you had mythology, or that you were religious.”

“Oh, I’m not. It was just a song my mother would play on her crana…er, a wind instrument with holes that can be filled by our suction cups. I was very young, and it’s one of the few things I remember. There are a few who believe in the Old Pantheon. I simply think they’re useful stories that give people conviction, and there’s something to that.”

“I would’ve loved to have heard your mother play, but I’m glad that the tune keeps her alive in your heart. Is there more to the story about this…Karava’s song?”

“Hm. It’s a way of asking for strength, for yourself or another. It’s said that the first Kolshian to emulate this pattern grew wings himself, a gift from the goddess. He became the conductor of her immortal choir, leading the musicbirds in songs across Aafa’s breadth. You should always stop to appreciate birdsong, so that Karava will look fondly upon you.”

“Stop to smell the roses, as the human saying goes. Something that I would love to literally do with you, Kelvan! I guess we can consider it a treat for surviving this dinner.”

The Kolshian leaned back in sly fashion. “Let’s just hope Bram doesn’t murder me. That would be the most predatory thing he could do.”

“I doubt my mother will let that happen. She’s trying to keep things civil between us all.”

“Elsje is making an effort, which I appreciate. If I can win her over just a little, I’ll see that as victory. Why don’t we head to the kitchen, help with dinner?”

“If you really think you’re up for that, sure. I’m not sure how much help I can be with one arm, but whatever we can manage would buy goodwill.”

“Then let’s go, Chloe dear. I believe in us.”

Kelvanis curled his arm around my waist, snuggling up from me as we returned to the kitchen. My mother had finished peeling potatoes, and was moving them into a large pot to sizzle; she would progress to dicing up the kale into thin strips. My father was dutifully working to slice up the sausage, which would be placed atop the veggie base. This was Dutch comfort food at its finest, and I could feel my mouth watering as the potato scent wafted through the air. The Kolshian seemed enticed by it as well, peering at the sizzling starches with curiosity. My dad scowled when he noticed my husband’s approach, fingers tightening around the knife.

“Kelvanis.” Bram picked up a second knife, brushing the blades together so they’d make a scraping sound. “Are you sure you should be around predators preparing food with weapons?”

I stared at him with outrage. “You don’t get to threaten him!”

“I’m not. I’m just pointing out that I am holding a knife, which could be a lethal instrument. Wouldn’t want your pal to freak out now.”

“Those are cooking knives, for food,” Kelvanis interjected. “You shouldn’t mess around with those; I don’t want to see you hurt yourself by accident. I came here to see if I could help with the meal prep, since you’re being so gracious.”

“Oh? In that case, be my guest. You can cut the sausage slices, and load them into the skillet.” Bram turned one knife around, offering the hilt to my husband. “The oil should be hot enough for them to be nice and smoky. I love the way flesh turns blackened from fire.”

“Kelvan isn’t eating any of the sausage, so why should he have to prepare it?” I spat, blood boiling from how my dad was going out of his way to discomfort my love.

Kelvanis’ tail drooped, though he accepted the blade with a steely look. “I can speak for myself, Chloe. I’ll cut this if it proves something to your father. I shouldn’t have to prove myself on the basis of my species, though. His scrutiny should be about whether I’m a good man, and whether I love you.”

“Oh please. Don’t make this about speciesism. Are you going to run off crying the blues every time Chloe does something predatory? You’re not from Earth, and you have zero damn experience with us. Can you handle our ways when you’re from the fucking Federation capital?” Bram fired back.

“You’re certainly direct, sir.”

“That’s our custom. If you don’t like it, then you don’t need to stay here, leeching off my daughter.”

“I know you’re just trying to protect her, but I have every intention of being an equal partner. I’m not here because of what Chloe can give me; I’m here because of what we can give each other.”

My mother glanced up, smiling. “Good answer. Don’t mind Bram, dear. Thank you for the help.”

“You’re very welcome. It’s the least I can do after coming into your home and putting you in an awkward position.”

“Kelvanis, Chloe is responsible for that much more than you. A little…heads up about all of this would’ve been appreciated, and might’ve tempered our reactions.”

I ducked my head sheepishly. “That was my fault. I chose not to tell you because…I was worried you might refuse to pick us up or meet him if you knew. Kelvan thought it was better to give you a, um, warning.”

“A warning about how obsessed I am with flowers. You’d be surprised what I manage to compare them to.” Kelvanis finished slicing the sausage, having picked up the pace after his initial surprise at how easily it gave way to his blade. He scooped them into the skillet, flinching at the sizzling sound. “There. Done. I’ll concede this part to you, since I have no idea how to cook meat; I wouldn’t want to ruin it.”

“You’ve done plenty. Why don’t you help set the table? Chloe, are you able to pour glasses of milk for all of us?” my mother asked.

“Not for Kelvan,” I sighed, wondering what he’d think of the Dutch habit of drinking dairy with each meal. The Kolshian was handling it well, but still, should I take a glass for myself? “I think I might spill it, so maybe Dad could help…but I’ll get it out, and find my love some fruit juice.”

The Kolshian had been pointed to the plates and napkins by my mother, and was laying them out dutifully. “Humans drink milk for your whole lives? That’s interesting; most species don’t consume it past infancy.”

“Animal milk, love.”

“Oh. That’s quaint. At any rate, fruit juice would be lovely. I’ve always thought it’d be nice to have a fruit tree of some kind, and make your own fresh-squeezed juice in the mornings. Then again, I just like tending to saplings and watching them grow!”

“You’re adorable when you talk about botany. Limonade coming your way in just a second…though I could literally use a hand.”

My father grunted, acknowledging my request with few words exchanged. He tailed me to the refrigerator, and when I met his eyes, I saw an emotion that was familiar: disappointment. Was he ever going to give Kelvanis a chance? Hadn’t he put my husband through the ringer enough—the Kolshian handled the unfamiliar terrain with grace. This wasn’t a failure on my part like the engineering courses or creative forays, convincing Bram that I was directionless and unable to succeed; as anyone who glimpsed his personality should see, Kelvan was a catch. I wondered what he’d think of that predatory term for a romantic partner who was quite the other half.

Not every significant other would endure this kind of inquisition for their love’s family. My days are always happier with him in it; he’s sweet and thoughtful. I can picture us in a little house with an orange tree…

As the drinks were poured for all of us, Kelvanis scooted my chair closer to his own, a loving glint in his eyes. I placed my good hand atop his tentacle, and smiled back at him with gratitude for who he was. That seemed to irritate my father even more, judging by his scoff. I ignored him, focusing instead on my mother plating the stamppot. She carried a vegetable-only dish to Kelvanis, patting him on the shoulder; at least someone had warmed to him and was treating him with respect. I felt like I was dealing with Kenzo back at my own house, except Bram was being an outright troll. The rest of our bowls were balanced over to our locale; when I thanked Elsje, I made eye contact to show that it wasn’t just the meal I was thanking her for.

“I’ve never seen Chloe act like this over anyone,” my mother said, turning a placid smile toward Kelvan. “I can see it in your eyes too. When did you realize you loved her?”

My husband laughed, leaning back in his chair. “I just liked talking to her. When we left her office together, I felt a little strange…I couldn’t think, I was nervous and stumbling over my words. You can see I’m not afraid of humans. It took me a bit too long to put together why I felt electroshocked by her touch and her eyes though.”

“I remember that feeling. I was on a wonderful bike ride in the city, and I zoned out somewhere along the way…veered out of my lane, and bumped into Bram. He started to chew me out, then our eyes met…and he just stopped in his tracks. It was destiny.”

“Why in the blazes are you telling him our story?” my father spat.

“Because like it or not, Bram, he’s family now.”

“Chloe’s family is my family too,” Kelvanis interjected, before my father could grumble something else. “The food is delicious, Elsje. It means a lot that you’d accommodate me. And it shouldn’t surprise me that the whole ‘love at first sight’ thing runs in the family.”

I nudged the Kolshian with an elbow. “Here’s a plant metaphor for you. ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’”

“I like that. It’ll take me quite a while to learn Earth’s flora, but trust me, I’m diving into the books as soon as I’m wired into your internet.”

“I could start by teaching you the names of what we’re eating now. If you want to know something, you just have to ask, sweetheart.”

Bram threw down his silverware, pushing his chair back from the table. “Ugh. You two are sickening!”

“I’m sorry that you feel that way,” Kelvan replied, much more diplomatically than I would’ve. “There really isn’t any need for this hostility. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself? We could trade stories; try to enjoy this meal.”

“You want a story? Coming right up. I’ll teach you lots about Earth. Have you ever heard of taxidermy?”

A scowl crossed my face, and I abandoned what was left of my own food. “Dad, stop.”

“I asked him a simple question. It’s yes or no, whether he has or he hasn’t.”

“I’m not familiar with taxidermy,” the xenobotanist huffed. “Judging by Chloe’s reaction, I wager this is another attempt to upset me.”

“I’m just sharing a little bit about our culture, Kelvanis. Lots of you Feddies think we’re alright when we dress up and make nice, but we are predators. Let that sink in, pal. Lots of hunters like to take trophies…mounting animal heads on their walls. Taxidermists specialize in making dead things look alive, stuffing and puffing them up…”

“Why don’t you share anything real about yourself? What could it possibly hurt to get to know each other? It’s like you’re afraid you might like me.”

“You’re the one dodging the topic. You can walk right into someone’s home, and see a preserved animal head—”

“Where is yours then, Bram? Why are you telling me this?”

“Advance warning. Things you maybe should’ve considered before deciding this planet was for you.”

Kelvanis glowered at my father, finally showing emotion. “I’ve avoided conflict this entire night for Chloe’s sake, because I want to get along with you—you’re important to her, and I don’t want a rift with her family if it’s not necessary! But I have too much self-respect to endure any more of this belligerence.”

“It finally got under your skin, didn’t it? This is good. See, Chloe—”

“What got under my skin is you. Where I’m from, going out of your way to purposefully make people uncomfortable, and bringing up topics you believe they’d rather not talk about is asshole behavior. It’s basic decency, basic respect, not to try to mentally disturb people. I shudder to think this is how you’d treat other aliens.”

“You—”

“I’m not finished. I don’t view death as a positive, and I don’t celebrate the deaths of any living creature. Unless I was very wrong about humanity, most of your species doesn’t either. This isn’t even anything you actually want to talk about, aside from proving a point. So I don’t need a breakdown of how you get your food, or how hunters petrify corpses.”

“You’re policing my speech in my own home to suit your Feddie preferences?”

“I’m calling you out for the bias you had against me the moment you laid eyes on me. The reason I requested asylum at all was so that Kolshians could be treated as equals, deserving of basic dignity and rights! That’s still my mission. I’m not a Feddie, though that’s easy for you to say. An easy scapegoat.”

Wow. I like this side of Kelvanis. Seeing that fire in him, sticking up for himself; it reminds me of when he first gave me his statement, that he didn’t deserve to be quarantined. 

My mother cleared her throat. “Enough! This has gone too far. Kelvan, you’re right; I’m sorry about how you’ve been spoken to. Bram is being a jackass on purpose, and deserved to be called out.”

“You’re all on his fucking side,” my father complained.

“Look, I know you feel strongly about me being with Chloe. But look how happy she is, and we are.” Kelvanis pulled me closer, and I smiled as the scent of his perfume tickled my nostrils. “Isn’t that what’s really important, more than all of the other things? Can’t you try to be happy she’s found someone who gives her that?”

“I think I expected more from a 26-year-old, who’d finally gotten a gig, than acting like a schoolgirl. Perhaps I should lower my expectations drastically, like she clearly did to marry a destitute thing like you.”

“I expected more than a petulant temper tantrum from the grown-ass man that raised me. I expected you to act like a human being, not a rabid animal!” I shrieked.

Kelvanis looked alarmed by my raised voice. “Don’t get angry for me, Chloe. You don’t want to say things you’ll regret to your family.”

“I don’t regret a word I just said. Dad has spit on every opportunity to be decent to you. I don’t want him in our lives if this is how he’s treating you.”

Bram stood up from the table, glaring. “Fine by me. I don’t know why you think you can speak to your father like that. I don’t even know who you are, but you’re not my daughter.”

Those words stabbed at my heart, as my father stormed away from his half-eaten meal. Bram, who’d taught me how to ride a bike and pushed me nonstop about school work, didn’t see me as his daughter, just because of who I’d chosen to marry? That was tantamount to disowning me, though at least he hadn’t cast us out of our family home; then again, he knew my mother would never stand for that. Tears streamed down my face, wounded that he would say something so biting. There wasn’t many worse things that he could’ve said. Elsje bore a troubled expression as he stomped off, having lost appetite for her own meal as well.

My mother reached out, pressing a hand to my cast. “I’m sorry, darling. He’ll come around eventually.”

“Kelvan said all the right things, and it didn’t matter. He’s made up his mind to hate the man I married, and to treat me like a stranger,” I sniffled.

“This is because of me,” Kelvanis whispered, stroking my scalp gently. “I should’ve held my tongue. Standing up for myself only made things worse. I never meant to hurt you, or pit you against your family.”

“Don’t blame yourself. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine for not intervening sooner.” Elsje pressed a hand to her forehead, weariness creasing the age lines further. “Bram was instigating and being confrontational without refrain. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive him. There’s a part of him that’s impressed that you didn’t sit by and let him bully you.”

“He has a funny way of showing that he’s impressed, ma’am.”

“He’s stubborn as an ox when he wants to be. It might be best if you get out of here for a few days.” Mom is kicking us out now? I don’t have the money to go anywhere on my own, especially since I failed to hold down another job. “I’ll work on Bram, and make him listen to reason. The least I can do for my Chloe’s wedding is to give you enough cash for a modest honeymoon.”

I blinked away tears, glancing up at Elsje with hope. “Are you serious? You’d really do that for us?”

“Of course I would. What are mothers for? Why don’t we all call it a night, and come morning, you’ll set off as two newlyweds gallivanting across the Netherlands.”

“Thank you so much,” Kelvanis said, rising from his seat. “I already feel like I know you, Elsje. Can I give you a hug?”

“Bring it in. Both of you, please.”

I stood from my seat, accepting my mom’s embrace with gratitude after Bram’s hurtful rejection. It was awkward to try to hug her back with my cast, but Kelvanis had no such limitations; he was smothering us both, relishing the openness Elsje was showing him. I knew exactly where I’d wanted to take my husband from the start, though the wedding gift meant I wouldn’t have to be quite as frugal or eager to hurry home in our tourist adventure. That part was rendered simple, but I thought my mom’s job here would be much more difficult. Whatever she said about Bram coming around, I wasn’t sure how she could possibly convince him to change his tune about my Kolshian partner.

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A/N - Part 12! Bram puts Kelvanis through the ringer, forcing him to cut sausage when he offers to help with meal prep, implying threats with the kitchen knives, and bringing up the subject of taxidermy after Elsje shares their story. Kelvan finally sticks up for himself, challenging Bram’s bias and calling out his “asshole behavior.” Chloe’s father gets defensive after his family side with the Kolshian, and storms off after saying something really hurtful to his daughter. Elsje promises to work on him, and gives the couple a gift so they can have something of a honeymoon.

What do you think about how Kelvanis handled himself, and his decision not to take any more BS from Bram? Will Chloe’s dad come around in the long run, in your opinion? Or is Elsje’s kindness toward her new son-in-law going to be a point of contention long term?

As always, thank you for reading and supporting!