They took in unwanted stray cats and dogs from around stations, especially taking them away from DeRegger places, and took them to a massive new station that, once they were spayed / neutered, they lived happily and were well loved, and learned to love, until they were adopted out. Unfortunately, not all visitors to Humane Station were the friendly sort. However, not all the unfriendlies were... all that unfriendly. Especially when two new faces saw a group of spacers bullying caretakers, and cruel to the frightened strays.
@internutter/challenge-02975-h052-a-jay-of-sunshine -- Anon Guest
It had once been a popular waystation before the local planet became a reserve for Pax Humanis. Many people think those two facts are related, but it is simply basic chronology. The popularity waned as other, more efficient trade routes opened up. The fact that the local planetoid was a Deathworld had little to do with it.
The point remained that many derelict areas had been overtaken by the station's biota. Jay, not at home on planetary surfaces, took one look at the resulting wilderness and decided what improvements it needed on the spot. They could also see what it was perfect for. All that neglected space would never be shopping emporiums or living habitats again. What it could be, however, was the perfect catio. Not just for Skitties, though they'd be able to visit, but also for the regular varieties of Cattus Domesticus.
He liked cats, and so did more than a few fellow members of Pax Humanis. They were more than willing to help set up the space to be friendlier to felines, as well as assist in the fostering of abandoned or neglected felines. The station, now renamed Humane Station, quickly became a kitty haven. Some of the cats taken in would also be adopted out, once they passed strict inspection.
Members of Pax Humanis have some finely-tuned senses, weighing anyone they meet in the balance and deciding their fate. Jay, for instance, could scent out an abusive personality from a standing start. Fine slicing was a near miraculous Human skill.
Exhibit A, two other Humans, just passing through. They were laughing and throwing things at one of the cats. Not causing harm. Not yet. If they were minors, they would get a stern warning, but these two were full-grown. They had the wealthy kind of bad taste of Deregger CEO's and none of the attention paid to business. Heirs of the crown, then. Taking the tour of various areas so they could be obnoxious to as many cultures as they could in the least amount of time. Some called it The Grand Tour. More accurate souls called it The Grand Sneer[1].
They were tormenting one of the friendlier station cats. One who had been mother to many litters not her own.
The Deregger heirs were taunting her. Luring her closer only to throw potentially hazardous things and laugh at her distress.
Jay crept up behind them, hovering just out of their peripheral vision and by the vulnerable side of one of them. "Do not bother the station's cats."
Only one of them startled. The other was clearly too used to never having consequences that he absently threw another stone. "What're ya gonna do about it, shrimp?"
"Do you see my braces? Do you see what colours they are?" Jay maintained a cool and calm aura, mentally admiring how nicely their blood would stain their tacky, tacky clothes.
Now they both understood the nature of their predicament. "Aaah... you're one of the local psychos."
"We find that term to be a slur," Jay informed. "Take note of my tattoo." He showed the forearm with the wolf skull and the latin motto: Semper Sanguinem Quaeritis. "I am a member of Pax Humanis. There is currently no warrant out for your demise, so therefore I cannot attack you."
He let them feel a moment's relief. Let them have one breath of ease.
"If you continue bothering the station's cats," said Jay, "there will be one."
The more perspicacious of the two apologised so fast that his words were nearly incomprehensible.
"And pick up your mess," added Jay. "We generally despise disorder around here."
Someone started an applause. His mentor and teacher. Mr Sunshine. "Very well done. Excellent control." He gestured for Mama Katt and held her in a cuddle-and-scritch combo. "I also love that you put two Dereggers on emu parade. Glorious."
Jay could have walked on air. One 'glorious' from Mr Sunshine was worth more than the accumulated wealth of any Deregger heir. He ignored the Dereggers and joined Mr Sunshine in giving the cat the affection she truly deserved.
[1] Joke stolen cheerfully from Sir Terry Pratchett [GNU].
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / FurryFritz]
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