PUPPIES! ALIEN PUPPIES!

[agoodomen]

The battle with the Ohm was over but for anyone in hydroponics, there was no peace and quiet. The caretakers of an animal rescue had forgotten a number of puppies when they left. Daimon and Billy had no choice but to bring them aboard. And so almost a dozen young, alien puppies of different breeds and possibly species, were rough housing each other

Comments

[genociding]

This was Euphemia's first time visiting the Hydroponics area, and she was pleasantly surprised at how pretty and tranquil it seemed. She hadn't been expecting to find a place like this on the ship -- not outside of the Sensoriums, anyway.

Well, it was mostly tranquil. From not too far away, she could hear a strange squeaking sound, and a man talking. She moved in that direction and gasped when she saw them -- several small, adorable animals, and a man standing near them. "Well, this is a surprise."

[agoodomen]

"Indeed. I can say honestly that I never expected to find myself as the savior of a band of alien creatures. I have never had much luck in dealing with animals." His father and sister would kill all the cats at home. "...But I suppose it is not an altogether unpleasant surprise."

[genociding]

Euphie giggled a little. "Of course it's not unpleasant. They're all so adorable, after all."

She moved closer and crouched down, hand outstretched toward the one that was licking at the man's ankle. "Are they from the world we visited on shore leave?"

[agoodomen]

The puppy was easy enough to pet, or even capture, but it seemed rather intent on staying close to Daimon.

"They are. Several of the inhabitants refused to leave if they could not also take them. However in the rush to evacuate they were accidentally left in both Mr. Cranston and my care."

[genociding]

She patted the small animal. "Oh, no, that's awful. Can't those people be found?"

[agoodomen]

The alien puppy made a soft squeaking sound, apparently in contentment.

"Highly unlikely. The inhabitants fled to many different universes. However these dogs were from some sort of shelter, and so I believe they were not too attached to them as one might normally be to a beloved pet. If I could find them I would certainly return them."

[genociding]

"So they were going to be adopted by someone else, anyway," Euphie realized out loud as she skritched the puppy behind its ear. "They should be all right, then... Are they going to be living here in Hydroponics, then?"

[agoodomen]

"I do not know. I assume they will live wherever their owner wishes them to live. For the time being I am not comfortable leaving them alone until I see more of their interactions with the flora and fauna present here."

[genociding]

"Their owner?" she repeated curiously, tilting her head. "Oh! You mean you want people on the ship to adopt them? That's so generous!"

[agoodomen]

"Only logical." Daimon replied. "I cannot care for all of them, and I have never been what one might call an animal person." But he did move his foot just a little for the one puppy to pounce on.

[genociding]

"Oh, I'd love to take one..." Euphie sighed wistfully. "But I doubt I'd be able to care for them very well. I hope they find good homes!"

[agoodomen]

"Perhaps Stacy could provide you with books so that you may learn how to care for them." He paused, then added. "Forgive me, I do not mean to pressure you."

[genociding]

"No, that's all right!" She waved a hand in a gesture that it was all right. "I just have so much going on, that's all. I'm thinking of running for the Council, and that would take up so much time."

That, and then there were the odd blackouts she'd been suffering. If she adopted a puppy and something happened that she couldn't remember, well...

[agoodomen]

Ah yes, the upcoming election. Daimon nodded. "Of course. I wish you luck in that endeavor. You may come play with the dogs whenever you like, provided I am available. They seem to enjoy the company."

[genociding]

"I will, then." She nodded. "They seem to enjoy your company, you mean. This one, especially."

[agoodomen]

Daimon looked down at the puppy, who was now pawing at his legs, and frowned slightly. "Oddly enough, they do. Perhaps they are simply grateful to have been rescued." He was surprised they were not traumatized from it.