If You Asked Me To (UWOC)

Six

"How?" Sebia asked. Thorn took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"The humans and the Votak hunted and mistreated the fire lizards. They virtually wiped them out. All the survivors live in this park, and other than the young ones born in the last 13 years, they are all unrelated. Because of their fear of being killed, they normally won't speak to another race." Soranto said softly.

The Kymari's anger bombarded my mind. All of them had powerful feelings about wiping out a sentient being for no reason other than it being aware.

"Even though they are aware and can speak, the fire lizards have much in common with regular animals," Soranto continued. "The bonded ones love to play, cuddle, and eat treats. Something in their DNA forces them to go after a Sicora if they smell it, and because that is not something they can control, most want a handler so they can hunt safely. However, their fear of other races is genuine and overwhelming to them, so each one has the option of remaining wild or bonding with a handler. That is why there is still a wild flock."

Everyone was silent for a few minutes as the two researchers' minds absorbed and accepted this unexpected information. It was interesting to watch how they processed things. They seemed to get over the shock quickly. They were already wondering how I could help them when I had never worked as a doctor or a scientist.

"Basil, we would be thankful for any information you can give us, but may I ask how you plan to help?" Thorn asked politely.

"I lived in a cage in a human lab for five years, listening to them compare our physiology to theirs and discuss the experiments they were running on us. I may have the information you need to tip the scales in your favor so you can discover what is happening here."

"If you don't mind my asking, why are you helping us if you fear us?" Sebia asked. 

I sense distrust in her. Another race had hurt her in the past. I could also sense it would be best to be blunt with her. She would understand my reasoning and allow me to help.

"If the Kymari abandon this planet, the flock will become prey to wild animals again, as we were before we came to your park, and the younger ones will die. Preventing that from happening is enough to outweigh my fear and give me the incentive to help you however I can. 

Their anger on the dragonets' behalf is surfacing again, so I thought it best to change the subject.

"Tasha believes I should stay with you while we work on this issue. If that is your opinion as well, I will agree to it, but I wish to be returned to the park after we are done. I have no interest in hunting Sicora or becoming a bonded animal."

Sebia was now wondering how much information and history they could get from me about the humans, while Thorn was wondering what they would need to contain a fire lizard in their house. Then he remembered something.

"Soranto, it's illegal to take a healthy fire lizard from the park without permission from an Elder," he said.

Soranto reached for his wristcom, a device similar to a cell phone, and pulled up a document. He showed it to Thorn.

"I sent a message to Elder Dairno several days ago, and his reply came in last night. If you agree, we will put a harness on Basil, and you will need to keep this document with you. Hopefully, no one will look twice at him, as there are two other bonded purple fire lizards. If you need to leave your home with him, see if another handler can accompany you, because being seen walking around with him on your shoulder may cause problems when you release him back to the park." 

Soranto looked like he was running out of energy. He was still recovering from this mysterious illness.

"Soranto, could you tell me anything about your illness? Where were you the days before it started? What are your symptoms?"

"I've gone over the last few days before I got sick many times in my head, and I remember the weather being warmer than expected, but nothing else stands out to me. Nothing was different; I did the things I did every day—no new food or drink, no new medications—nothing. For a day or two, I had vomiting, a severe headache, and stiffness in my legs, arms, and neck. I still have constant fatigue, and my body is still weak, but I can stand and walk around for short periods now.  

I took a moment to review his memories of his last healthy days and sickness as he reviewed them.

"It sounds like an influenza-type illness. Do the Kymari have those?" I asked.

"We do, but our cure does not work on this illness," Sebia answered.

"Basil, I brought an adjustable harness to put on you, and I have a container with a heat lamp and sandbox ready to go at my home," Soranto said. "My wife will bring them when she meets us at Thorn and Sebia's home, set everything up for you, and bring you enough food to last several days. Tessa can show you how to use a restroom." He paused and looked at me. I moved onto his lap, careful to keep from hurting him with my claws.

"I am ready," I said, but I could not completely keep my fear out of my voice. It wasn't fear of them, though.

I didn't want to hurt anyone.  

My science. My love for it. My passion for it.  

I couldn't believe I was doing this. 

 Again.