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"Are you able to come out and talk to me?"
Was I? I rested a hand on the female creature’s shoulder and met her eyes with a nod. I tried to remain calm and like all of this was no big deal as I stood up. The female stood along with me, concern in her eyes. My creature turned and whined at me, panic and fear on his face.
I went with instinct, taking the female’s hand and moving slowly, so she came with me. I took my creature’s hand as I cautiously neared the alcove opening. Both came willingly.
The main cavern was packed with their strongest ready to fight, and their weakest behind them. I made a show of smiles and calm as I walked slowly towards the entrance, taking my creature and the female with me.
Low whines and whimpers followed us. So did a large male, who stepped alongside the female. The same one that spoke to my creature earlier. His father, maybe?
I stepped into the light at the front of the cave, allowing us to be seen. On an outcropping at the front of the cave was... Oh hell if I know. A human, a giant squid, and a giant humanoid bird?
Fear flooded me as I took in Dayzee's mates. This caused Grrr Ruff to move in front of me and growl a little.
Oh boy.
"It's okay." I soothed him softly. "They are okay." I nudged him aside and stepped forward.
Dayzee smiled and waved, and for the first time since I arrived on this planet, I relaxed.
"It's a good thing we came back early. Are you sure you are okay?" She was sweet, with darker, sun-kissed skin and an open face.
"I like my new friendsmuchbetter than the guys at the base." I nodded, and she laughed.
"Sounds like you met good ole CDR Firken."Sounds like there's a story there.
"The entire place is full of assholes. They basically called me a dog toy and left kibble at my doorstep."
All merriment left her face.
"We'll take care of that once we get back. Our department is important to the right people and they won’t be happy our team is being harassed by the grunts." Her eyes went to the beings standing beside me. "Are congratulations in order?"
I stared at her, confused. "What do you mean?"
"He kidnapped you, right? Brought you to his cave, lair, home. Introduced you to his clan and/or family. This is clearly a 'Sociology of Species class, Year Two' situation."
I... what? Wait. No...
"Did he feed you? Pet you? Offer gifts?" She waited patiently, her face knowing.
Oh fuck. Could I be any dumber? How did I pass class with high marks, then fail so miserably in the field?
She laughed the minute she saw it dawn on me.
"They are super nervous right now. Start by introducing me the same as you did yourself. I can take it from there, then we see how they react."
Okay, I can do this.
"Grrr Ruff?" I looked up at him, careful to say his name the way he did. "This is Dayzee." I pointed at her. "Daaaayyy Zeee. Ddd. Aaaayyy zzz eeee." I showed my tongue placement for the D and Z.
That was clearly the right thing to do. He calmed immediately, seeing that she was not a threat, even with the other two aliens behind her. This allowed everyone else to relax. His possible parents remained at my other side, observing the interactions intently.
I watched him quietly practice to himself before looking at her and saying, "Daasee." I was so proud of him!
Her face lit up. "Grrr Ruff." She nodded and smiled, her pronunciation of his name perfect. She turned to the beings behind her and they stepped closer. I examined them openly while she introduced them.
"This is Gluub. G g gg lll uh b. Gluub." She spoke both to me and to Grrr Ruff. She also pronounced Gluub's name as he might, and it was so friggan’ cool! It sounded like she was underwater. He had a full mouth with pretty lips and six blue eyes that studied everything and everyone, assessing."
And this is Khaw. K k kk aaawwww Kk aaaaw Khaw." She legit made a bird noise. She called out an actual cawing noise. This partner was clearly more protective, hovering warily and watching us with gem-like golden eyes.
