FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

In The Dark

Nolan Wandered the streets of the megacity he found himself in, Irideen. One of the many copy and paste Mega cities throughout the planet and within the Coalition. All claiming to be “The jewel of Coalition Space" He couldn't help but give a small chortle to himself as the phrase floated through his mind being read by an overly attractive and possibly AI generated woman. As his mind wandered and his senses were blasted with various advertisements from various sources he'd eventually find his gaze and attention affixed to a large digital billboard farther down the street.

“Chimerexx, Join the Evolution" The slogan was followed by a list of services they offered, Ranging from simple biological augmentations like Venom glands or ears and tails, to the full “Genetic Reshuffling". He would sigh as his mind contemplated the concept, and the morality and legalities of such a thing. Looking over his own pale and skinned self he would take in his fairly healthy form. There wasn't much he would really want to change. Though there was always a curiosity or two, like the idea of claws, the utility of Sharper hearing and the like. However there was also the inability to live a comfortable life outside of the Coalition, which was quite ironic to him. The corporate mega conglomerate shafted and stole as much as they could from anyone with money. Yet if he did go through with such a proceedure, the UCE would not give asylum or benefits to a “chimeric Individual" as Genenic alteration in such a matter was outlawed many centuries before. The Independent Colonies were a wild west, not a risk he'd want to take being a simple factory worker and all. He'd sigh again after ruminating for what he felt like was far to long. Checking his wrist tab for the time he would see that it was getting late. Trying to tell the time the ancient way while being crammed beneath concrete, steel, neon and many large displays was nearly impossible.

Eventually he would make it home, take the dilapidated elevator up to his floor and swipe his ID over a keypad and wander into his dingy room. It was clean, or at least organized and cleaned as well as he could from decades of previous owners and neglect of the landlords. He would not hesitate to head to his fridge and grab a beer, crack it open on the edge of the plastic counter and sit on his couch facing his just large enough window. He could afford a TV, but with how much “entertainment' he got from walking home, simply sitting and staring out of his window was cost effective and even more inspiring than the millions of cheap shows he could be watching. With a Space-port not to far away he could watch the thousands of smaller and larger ships land and take off, as well as the air fly-ways filled with cars go about their business. Even though he did hate living on a “Corp-world", there was a strange beauty to how everything functioned, much like a continental or planetary assembly line. There were hiccups but eventually everything ran somewhat smoothly again in an enigmatic dance of logistics. After a short while, and when the alcohol eventually started to hit, his mind would wander to Chimerexx again. He began to wonder if he'd still be human despite all of the additions or subtractions to his DNA. Wondered how life would be with a tail, or horns or a plethora of other possible additions, if the genes stuck that is…

He'd let out a thoughtful sigh before looking around him at his worn and cramped surroundings. Without a source of income he would be homeless long before the transition completed. At least a cheaper transition, the larger companies charged an exorbitant amount to offer faster and more “Successful" Shifts or Shuffles. He would let out a heavy sigh and get up, pouring the rest of his beer out into the sink before putting on a thin “leather" jacket and grabbing his wallet and keycard. Glancing one last time out the solitary window, he would give a trepidatious yet disappointed chuckle and shrug at himself and his thoughts.

“Guess its time to see what else is out there Nolan…" With that he would venture out of his apartment and the auto door would close behind him.

Later in the city

After copious amounts of fares and transit later he would arrive at one of the many entertainment districts. Taking in all of the Ads and other sights and sounds. From perfume brands and cosmetics, all the way to more… red-light stuff, this area had everything a desperate individual could dream of. He would grumble at himself before being pushed past by a few individuals as he stood there, not to far from the entryway to the tram. Giving a few quiet apologies he would begin to hesitantly walk toward where he recalled the “Chimera Den" was. An area much like the old China-towns, but for those who were “non-human". After a few misguided directions from his wrist-tab, he would eventually reach a rather secluded area within the bustling district. He stared down the tucked away pedestrian pathway wandering if he should even chance even jogging down the seemingly empty way, fear and concern washing over-him now as he started to realize just how over his head he was becoming.

“whaaaat are you doooing Nolan…" He'd “sing" to himself quietly, turning to look around him wondering if he was being watched. He could not decern anyone watching him, but many people came and went, all wrapped up in there own pursuits. He would pause for another few moments and take a deep breath before taking a few tense steps down the dimly lit pathway, dingy benches clung to the walls of the buildings the pathway was nestled between. Once he “crossed the threshold" he was greeted by a similar sight as before, however, more Chimeric and even welcoming. A large and possibly fake tree sat in the center of the park-like area surrounded by advertisements of augments, biological and otherwise, but seemingly aimed at improving certain aspects or even repairing previously botched “shuffles". One advertisement was playing much more frequently. It displayed a Black fox with light brown or caramel streaks down his back and front. His face had a rather beautiful sharp pattern of that same caramel fur, making his purple and orange accented eyes stand out and almost peer out of the screens. Despite the hatred he was around constantly about these people he still couldn't help but be entranced as the ad rolled by.

“Want the best shift of your life? Talk to Talis~" He was taken somewhat aback at the tone of his voice. Soft, soothing, yet also somehow demanding and controlling of your attention. He tore his gaze away as his senses became further overloaded by the sights and sounds, his gaze eventually falling upon a worn information screen on a pedestal by the tree. He'd make his way over and go through the various maps and services the area had to offer. All the while the automated handsome sounding VI would talk to him.

“Welcome to Chimera Den #4812, Locally known as The Atrium. Services included in this district are, Nightclubs and other leisure based activities, Shopping, sightseeing and most importantly, Chimerexx Evolutionary Services." He continued to listen and browse the long list of more specific services and stores before realizing there was no mention of Talis in the directory. He shrugged it off and simply swapped a few POI's (points of interest) to his wrist tab. A small shop with various Chimera-centric goods and apparel, as well as “The Den"; An allegedly popular nightclub and sightseeing location. He would take a step back and look around realizing he was now no longer alone, or perhaps he just never noticed the others shuffling about. The Vi noticed him step back and spoke a kind yet corporate goodbye.

“Thank you for Using Cryp-Tech Information Services, Have a great stay at The Atrium."

It was only at closer inspection that most of these seemingly normal looking humans had some sort of “addition". Some had tails, claws, Sharp cat-eyes or all of the at the same time. It began to unsettle him as he began to get some looks back in return and gave an embarrassed wave back as a passing figure that he swore snarled at him. Taking this as his cue, Nolan would begin to follow the rout his pad set to the first store before he gathered the attention of someone he didn't want the attention of.

Along the way he was greeted and observed by many other passerby's. And assaulted by familiar yet slightly more “animalistic" brands of food and merchandise. One vendor that caught him by surprise was a butcher. In any other situation he would wander by and think nothing of it, outside of how pricy real meat was. However, he was beckoned over by a… Cat-person? He attempted to remember an ancient term of centuries past, yet couldn't recall what it was. His thoughts were interrupted by his curiosity and enchantment in the furred face that stared back at him.

“Best meat in the district, take your pick." He waved a large and sharp butcher's knife at Nolan, prompting him to lean back from the counter out of clear shock and fear. Even the “mans" hands were clawed and patterned like that of a bobcat. Tan and black melded together in familiar feline patterns yet they were on a form that was quite human. Nolan stood there for a good while, not realizing he was staring and only realizing when the Butcher lowers his knife and let out a hearty laugh.

“o-oh shit, my apologies. I-“ He'd start to apologize profusely only to be cut of by the butcher-cat. His voice like a blend between a smoker and someone with a lisp.

“Oh you're fine there human. I only realized once you froze in place that you're a blank. No offense of course." He would return to chopping up a large slice of meat, the almost cleanroom-like environment quite contrasting to the worn and dark metals and concretes he was just walking around in. He processed the mans words for a moment before leaning forward trying to not seem too clueless.

“Blank?" Nolan would get a gruff chuckle in return, the Butcher continuing his work as he spoke.

“Yeah, Blank slate, Tourist, wanderer. Blank slate is a term used for humans without Chimeric augments. At least 'round here, Haven't been many places since my shift" He'd give another hearty chuckle as Nolan stood there with a nod, observing the Cat-man cut and sort the cuts with ease and precision.

“Oh! Names, Mark by the way, nice to meat ya." They'd glance up with a tooth filled smile that was far to happy to make such a stale joke. This prompted a nervous chuckle from Nolan.

“Nolan, I'm Nolan." He'd say rather stiff, unsure of himself and the situation. Mark would point with his knife off to the side briefly, yet not take his eyes off the hunk of meat he was working on.

“And that there is Nerian"

“Wh- what?" He would turnto look over his shoulder and see a wolfish being standing behind him, leaning against the wall and staring with a sharp yellow eyed gaze. He would start and bump into the display that was now behind him; Before he could gain any semblance of composure, the feminine figure would close the distance. Wearing a similar outfit to him, a jacket, colorful branded shirt, simple jeans and boots. Though, she pulled off the look better somehow. Probably had to do with her slim form and supple curves. He cleared his throat and stood up straight, offering his hand in greeting trying to quell his startled thoughts, only to instinctively back against the display as Nerian gave a few sniffs near his face and shoulders.

“Fresh off the assembly line, What brings a worker like yourself out to these forgotten parts?" She asked flatly, the silver collar-esk necklace glowed a soft white with each word, yet her mouth did not move. He also could not help but stare at her eye and the few scars clearly from a few fights. Her voice was gruff, yet still contained the gentleness that most expected from women.

“I know you don't need an NT, Mark, he broken?" She failed to contain a chuckle from her device and at the same time a smug sneer as she took a few steps back. She crossed her arms as Nolan fumbled around for some words.

“Oh be nice to him Nerian, First time here. Wait, is it?" Nolan would give a nod and finally force some words out.

“I figured I'd actually attempt to experience your uhh… Culture?" He'd glance back at Nerian who stood almost emotionless, more worried about the Attack dog than the cat with a knife.

_"What the fuck is happening" _He thought to himself as he processed the situation. Cat butcher, Humanoid looking attack dogs. He could now somewhat understand the Laws against such practices. Yet… With all that was happening, he could not help but have a morbid curiosity to how and why these people chose to actually go through with such a thing.

“Ahh, like most who venture here" Mark replied.

“perhaps Nerian can give you a tour?" He had some snark in his tone and She would respond with a small snarl.

“Hell no, I'm not a tourist gu-“ She would pause for a brief moment before tilting her head and giving a fang filled smile.

“on second thought, Yeah, I'll show you around human~" Her tail would sway behind her slowly and Nolan would look back to Mark showing clear alarm, yet was offered no solace as Mark would glance between them and press his ears back clearly not expecting such a response.

“Nerian, are you alright…?" Mark would tilt his head slightly awaiting her answer, which would soon follow as she took a few steps toward Nolan and taking him by an arm with a firm grip.

“I'll show Mr. Nolan around. Give him a night he wont forget." A low growl emanated from her as she finished speaking. Nolan wanted to resist but was uncertain if he'd survive and chose not to chance things.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing-?"

“Becoming your guide silly, Not very sharp for a human are ya." Nolan struggled against her grip and her words, not liking his intelligence insulted so blatantly, but also not exactly wanting to add to his collection of work scars. He would continue to resist slightly as she walked him out of the store.

“Don't break him Nerien!" Mark would holler as she giggled continued to drag Nolan deeper into the Chimera Den.