Creatures of God

A Heedful Negotiation

"Who is the leader of this miserable, little joint?" Gevaudan the Grey Wolf demanded.

The defeated scientists of Anderson Science Center looked back at one another in amazement. Before them stood a mammoth canine-beast, like they had never seen before -- tall and wide, with a pure, even, charcoal sheen and light green eyes. The grey wolf King wore a set of dark, long-sleeved shirt and pants, made of protective aramid material, with a thicker metal casing at his chest. His trademark black cape thrashed behind him. Over his left shoulder, he carried a heavy automatic gun which appeared human in origin.

Elliot stared, dumbfounded. The canines could modify human technology, and they could speak the human language. They were more intelligent and astute than previously imagined. What are we dealing with here? Elliot thought. Perhaps the Wolf King could listen to reason?

"I, uh," Dr. Tomas started, "I am the leader here." He raised his hand to draw the unfavorable attention. In reality, he was not the designated leader of the scientific community -- they were ruled by a rotating board of council members -- but he was one of the more senior and respected physicians. He stood up from a prone position using his cane as a brace, then raised each of his arms to show he was unarmed.

Thank goodness, Elliot thought. Dr. Tomas represented the mission and philosophy of Anderson Science Center better than anyone. Elliot held hope for a peaceful and heedful negotiation.

"Hello, my name is Dr. Tomas. I am one of the senior physicians here. This is a charitable medical facility you have attacked. We absolutely represent no danger to anyone. We demand to know -- what is the meaning of this atrocious attack?"

The Wolf King looked at the old man with bewilderment. He shook his snout and laughed.

"You may demand nothing."

Gevaudan eyed the other kneeling humans as he approached Dr. Tomas from across the room.

"Your intrusion was unnecessary," Dr. Tomas continued. "We have always been open to communication with all of our animal neighbors."

"Is that so? Is that why you sent a covert group on a secret mission to HP headquarters? Because you're so open to communication? Your actions speak more honestly than your words."

A stunned silence followed the King's response.

"That messaging crew was used in an effort to avoid panic and unnecessary conflict. Where are the members now? What have you done with them?"

Gevaudan laughed.

"You are obviously not the leader if you do not already know." He looked about the place. "Why is it that you send an old, weak man to talk to me?" he asked aloud to no one in particular. "Am I to believe that he is truly your leader? You all must think me a fool!"

"We are a peaceful group," Dr. Tomas continued. "We care for the sick and poor. All animals -- all living creatures -- are welcome here. We have even helped your kind before. Surely you have seen this."

"My kind?" the Wolf King was insulted. "My kind only seeks to destroy and extinguish your kind! Your kind only pollutes and wastes the world's resources and beauty!"

Wwhhhmmmppp!!!!

Without notice, Gevaudan swung his arm down, using his claws to rip the old man across his chest and drop him to his knees.

"No-oooo!" Elliot called out.

Dr. Tomas slumped to the floor, motionless.

The other scientists gasped. Was there no decency, no common ground in peaceful negotiation?