An unsolicited LoM ficnapping - A Father's Duty.
A short, unofficial ficnapping of u/Liberty-Prime76 's Letter of Marque.
Bushbacon made me sad, so I had to make myself feel better.
Pretty much redid the beginning of ch.37
Memory Transcription Subject: Taikel, Venlil Farmer
The soft chime of my pad roused me from slumber, ready to greet the new paw. I quickly silenced it, hoping to avoid disturbing my darling wife more than necessary. Unfortunately, some level of disturbance was unavoidable as I rolled over and gently, nuzzled her snout. She returned a lazy lick before burrowing a bit deeper into the bed. Rest well, my beloved queen.
Sliding off the edge of my bed onto the worn floors I gave my limbs a good stretch, culminating with a hearty flick of the tail. Right, onward.
Leaving my room and entering the dull light of the hall I could appreciate the stillness of the house as I moved to the kitchen. With Taisa back, along with her friend, the house felt so much more lively, a point I relished, but this also made the calm times all the more precious. Walking down the hall, the evidence of habitation was still there. Looking through Taisa’s open door I could see all her models glisten in the dull sun, her bed recently disturbed but now empty. As I journeyed further the audible breathing of the human in my house could easily be heard. It still felt so odd to acknowledge the reality of a predator living within my own home, but with how Taisa had simply come alive with their presence, I could only thank Polani for guiding him here. As rocky as his welcome had been.
Surprisingly, the living area was empty upon my arrival, with the kitchen cold. Where had my daughter gone I wonder? We had a big day today so she would have to get to waking up Chris soon. Perhaps a walk? Regardless, she would be hungry soon, as well as everyone else, so I got to work.
Having placed a pot and a kettle on the stove I started chopping up some melroot and string fruit, adding them to the pot. A dash of firefruit syrup, concentrated and aged for flavour would not go astray. A simple dish, but would fill a man. Happy as that simmered, I set aside the usual stringfruit and starberry preserve before turning the stove down and adding a lid to the pot.
Seriously, where is everyone?
Do I need to rouse the human?
Walking back up the hall I placed my ear to the door of our guest, trying to hear movement. The steady rhythm of his snoring persisted. Do I knock?
I was just about to when my ears discerned a sound I was not expecting. A venlil’s slow breathing as well. Curious.
I cracked the door, remaining alert for any change, but all that happened was the sound becoming clearer. Poking my head in I could spot a mass of brown wool, snuggled in, wrapped tightly with a comparatively furless arm. They were both asleep. Oh dear. This is progressing fast. Several thoughts and emotions ran through my head quickly but I took a silent breath and decided on the most immediate task required of me. Quietly retrieving my pad, I took a photo.
Looking at the immortalized image of the couple on my pad, I had to suppress an amused whistle as I backed out of the room and quietly shut the door. I waited for any indication I was detected, but it appeared my stealth was sufficient. Satisfied, I gave a soft rap on the wood. I heard shuffling, but no response.
“Good waking,” I spoke softly. Moments later, Taisa opened the door, her wool disheveled.
“Good waking Dad. Sorry, I was just attempting to rouse Chris. He’s a heavy sleeper today. Be down in a moment.”
I’d say. She turned to her human, softly bopping his face with her tail, eliciting a small groan as he batted it away.
“Ah, morning Tai.”
“Good waking Chris, Dad had prepared breakfast for us.” She directed her ear to me and I confirmed with a flick of mine before taking my leave. Her attempted deception was becoming too much for me to contain my amusement.
I heard signs of waking from Rensa as well, so put her tea onto brew, setting some cups out for the rest of us. Dishing out the stew for each, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Renkel came down to join us with a happy beep. I nuzzled him softly in greeting before he went straight to Chris, launching into an enthusiastic lecture about the latest critter he had learned about. As usual, the human listened with enthusiasm. It warmed my heart.
Suddenly there was a distinct chime from my daughter's pad. The room seemed to freeze as Taisa snatched the device up. Her body was rigid as her eye absorbed the text. The tip of her tail started twitching, increasing in fervour until her whole tail threatened to dislodge her from her seat.
“WE GOT HER!!!”
“We got her?!” Chris grabbed the pad to confirm before tossing it onto the island and pulling my daughter into a hug.
“Congratulations!” my wife beeped, her ears high with pride.
“Good to see it's all coming together! Guess we’ll have to get a move on with the bots. You lot best get ready.” I sidled up to my wife, tail interlocking as I happily watched my daughter vibrate with joy.
“I won’t be long!” she shouted, running down the hall. Chris was quick to follow her departure.
I can’t believe they got a ship. It feels so surreal. But she earned it. May Polani guide her well.
I moved to begin clearing up breakfast but her pad caught my eye. Still displaying the message that brought such joy. Still unlocked. Foolish pup.
Not wasting an opportunity, I quickly sent my latest photo to my daughter’s pad, a chime acknowledging its receipt. With a deft click of buttons, a new pad background was set before the previous email was reopened, disguising my crimes for the moment. Locking it properly, I returned it to the island, realising my beloved was eying me with suspicion.
“What are you doing?” She asked, accusation dripping.
“Just giving her some encouragement. Anyway, you get ready too, I’ll finish clearing up.”
She flicked me with her tail as she walked past but I received no further admonishment. After all, I was only fulfilling my duty.
—Fast forward 2 claw—
Me and Rensa were sitting down for a relaxing cup of tea, Renkel asleep in his room. With such a flurry this morning, I enjoyed this time all the more.
Suddenly, a ping from my pad sounded. Ah, a message from my daughter. How lovely.
“YOU STAR FORSAKEN REKAN!”
My tail started waving in amusement, prompting my wife to query the cause.
“Just a loving message from our daughter,” I whistled, bringing her into an embrace.