"Look." Daniel held up the trap. Inside a small brown animal was quivering and running from side to side in the metal trap. "Mice."
El'ama peered closely at the small creature. "It's cute."
"Yeah, they are. But they're pretty destructive and they can bring disease with them. We're going to have to do something about them."
"How did they get here?"
"Oh, they've been following close behind humanity from the beginning. I'm sure a few snuck aboard from a ship." Daniel looked at the mouse. "I dunno. We could put out more traps, but maybe some cats instead?"
"Cats?"
"Yeah, predator from Earth. Small mammal, furry, pointy ears with a tail. They've been with us for millennia. They're good hunters. They've been following people just as long as the mice, earning a keep as mousers.
El'ama looked at Daniel, back to her tail, touched her ears and looked again at Daniel and flicked her ear.
Daniel got flustered. "I-I don't know! I don't think you really look that much like a cat, h-here, here's a photo of them." He got out his pad quickly and showed her a photo.
El'ama was amused at his embarrassment, and she looked at the photos. "Yeah, okay, they're not exactly the same as us, but it's really odd that you have a predator on your planet that looks a little like us that you keep as a pet."
"Pets? Hah! They don't think so. It's more like the cat chooses their human."
"What?"
"Oh yeah, there's evidence that they pretty much domesticated themselves. When around people and raised by people their vocalizations sound a little like a baby's cry - to better get our attention and to have us attend to them. They also tend to pick a human and just...go live with them. You'll be walking around, and as you walk into your house, a cat will scoot behind you and well, now a cat lives with you!"
"That's amazing." El'ama said. "Okay then, how do we get some?"
"Honestly? I'm not sure. They're usually just like, there. I'll ask around, make some calls."
A few weeks later the Starjumper On Point made a call at the joint Human/K'laxi starbase. Onboard, in addition to the regular contingent of crew and passengers and cargo were two small crates.
The crates were meowing.
Daniel and El'ana were waiting at customs. "They're here!" Daniel ran up to them as they were wheeled off the umbilical. "Who are my new fluffy employees? You are! You are!"
The crates gave a warning growl.
El'ama looked inside. When her face was even with the crates, the cats inside shrank back.
"I think they're scared of me."
"They're cats. They're just nervous about a new situation. Let's take them back to the office and let them get used to things."
Back at the office, Daniel let the cats out and they wandered around the office, sniffing and looking at everything.
"Do they....do anything else?" Eliana said.
"Like I said, they're cats. They do everything in their own time. I've got their water and food bowls set up, and they have a litter box over in the closet and toys and blankets."
"And they'll take care of the mice?"
"If they feel like it yeah."
"IF THEY FEEL LIKE IT?"
"El'ana, they're cats."
The largest cat, who was all black and very plush came over to the K'laxi and rubbed against her legs.
"Awwww, Inky likes you! Give her a pet on the head."
El'ana bent down and gently touched the cat between the ears. They raised their head up and started making a breathy rumble.
"What's that noise?"
"She's purring! That means she's content, or she likes you. Good work!"
El'ana sat down at her desk and the large black cat jumped into her lap and promptly fell asleep.
"So, what do I do now?" she whispered.
"Oh, you don't have to whisper. But she's sleeping, we can't wake her! I'll bring you something to drink and your pad. You'll just have to wait it out."
El'ana flicked an ear. You're sure they'll help us with our mouse problem?"
"Eh, pretty sure. Cats are great anyway."
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Spocktober + Trektober Day 11 - Animals/Pets
Spock and Data are my absolute favourites. Can't think why ;)
(ID under cut)
[Image ID: A black and white drawing of Spock and Data from Star Trek. They are sitting facing each other, covered in cats. One cat is wrapped around and licking Spock's neck, another one is sleeping across Data's lap. Spock is clutching another to his chest, and is reaching out to pet Spot, Data's cat, who Data is proudly holding up. Spock is saying "A magnificent example of the species." Data replies, "Thank you. His name is Spot." They are both smiling slightly.
Above their heads, a banner reads "ENTERPRISE CAT APPRECIATION Soc."
Above the drawing is written "Trektober" and "Day 11 - Animals/Pets" Below it is written "@aerialworms" and "Spocktober"./End ID]
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