An ordinary kitten: adorable, cuddly, and gentle, is following a Havenworlder around everywhere. Every time the Havenworlder sits down, the kitten is trying to climb into the feathers or hide under them. Once there, the kitten starts purring, glad for the comfort since the Mama cat is nowhere to be found, and they had searched a lot. What's a person to do? -- Anon Guest
Podargian Wutu settled onto a public perch and once again boggled as the tiny baby predator clambered up to nestle under their feathers. Once there, it started rumbling. This was not hostile behaviour, according to the guidebooks. This was a companionable noise.
Nevertheless, a Havenworlder was bound to feel nervous with a predator nearby. Even an apparently tame one. These were Terran creatures. They needed a Terran.
At least Wutu knew better than to throw a rock[1]. All they had to do was look distressed and concerned and a Human would appear. They couldn't resist it. One of the Station's Security personnel, already tasked with preventing trouble before it became a problem, appeared to ask, "Are you having a problem?"
Wutu shifted their wings to reveal the little fuzzy grey predator. "It keeps following me and pressing itself against me."
As if in demonstration, the tiny predator, still rumbling, pressed its head against Wutu's side and rubbed vigorously.
"Ah," said the Security Staffer. Their nameplate declared them as Birren. "I see. That's a kitten, and it has evidently chosen you to be a companion," they leaned over to wriggle their fingers into the kitten's fur. "You can check with Pest Control, but this little one looks like it's got good manners. You might not even need a chip[2]."
"I wish to return this creature to its family."
Birren chuckled, scanning the beast. "That's not how they work. Cats tend to choose the people they want to live with, and this little lady has chosen you."
"But-- it's a predator. What does this mean?"
"First, they're a nice predator, and it looks like she won't be hurting you at all. And second," Birren made a comforting gesture, "congratulations on your new cat."
[1] Some cogniscents have tested the reality of the axiom, "You can't throw a rock without hitting a friendly human" and found it to be true. However, it is not advised.
[2] Habit inhibitor chips exist strictly for animals, and are generally used to stop harmful behaviour, like "making biscuits" on a Havenworlder's more fragile skin.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / zach123]
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