#relationship research

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 003

RESEARCHER: M. Florez

Opening file...

It has been only a day since I have arrived on this vessel to begin conducting my research into the relationships of the Affini conquerors their "pets" and I am already at a loss for words. After boarding the ship and explaining my goals to the welcoming party of Affini, they appeared interested in assisting me to ease my research and development in knowledge that is nothing more than rumors on terran colonies. Though I do not trust these creatures very much at all, my only hope of collect sufficient data will be to go along with their whims for the time being. As I was welcomed and shown to the amenities I would have available to me, I saw many Affini with their "pets" seemingly joyous. Though I could see through the facade, as the eyes of these poor creatures were all glazed over as though their minds were not their own. I have been given a habitation unit with an Affini and their "floret" (as they are called) to work as a room to sleep and as a research station and way to observe the daily relationship of these two for my work. I will also have to visit and meet other "florets" and their "owners" in order to ensure the evidence I provide is not anecdotal. I am left with a sense of unease. The room I am in is far too big, as is everything else. I cannot remember the last time I had felt so small in the universe. May the stars bless and protect me.

Addendum: I had forgotten to introduce my new research targets properly. If I remember correctly, the Affini's name is "Verdianthos Arum, Fourth Bloom" while the terran's name is "Marianna Arum, First Floret" I am unaware as to what these titles mean as of yet, as I am too tired from the day of travel and mild exploration to ask. I am also left with unease of the "floret" having such a similar name to mine.

[black-honeybee]

Does anyone here have an advanced degree in either social work or social psychology? Ya girl has some questions!

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 009

RESEARCHER M. Florez

AUDIO FILE DETECTED, LOADING TRANSCRIPT...

"There, it's on. I don't understand why you wish for our final correspondence to be recorded in this way, but once we finish here, I am departing."

Thank you for respecting one last wish my little researcher.

"Not yours, so stop saying that already. Anyway, what is it you wanna say?"

Well, I just wish to tell you how wonderful it has been to have you here in my lovely home. You've been so very kind to my dear Marianna, and you have truly brought a wonderful joy to us both.

"Th-thanks I guess. I will admit, it has not been unpleasant to be here, as I know you have done your best to both provide information for my research and allow me comforts while I have been here. However, I hope you do understand why I must take my leave."

I'm afraid I still don't quite understand. I truly do feel that I could make you feel wonderful and comfortable here.

"W-well, you did a decent job. But I cannot ignore the fact that you hid information from me regarding biorhythms. Important information."

Would it really have changed so much if I had told you?

"Of course it would! I wouldn't have stayed so long if I knew the risks I know now. It's dangerous for my research."

But wouldn't that mean you would have learned so much less? If I had told you on the first day of your arrival about the biorhythms, you probably would have left immediately and not learned anything significant about the Affini.

"W-well-! I-I probably would've still learned something or other..."

But you would not know nearly as much.

"...I guess."

And besides, I'm not the only one who's withholding important information from you~

"...what're you talking about? This better now be another trick you have to brainwash me!"

Oh ho no no, it's that you're hiding something from yourself~

"N-no I'm not!"

Oh? Would you like to put that to the test?

"H-how would you even know huh?! Just gonna ask me random things and trust my word?!"

Well, there is one way~ You see, one of the xenodrugs we are able to produce causes sophonts to be unable to lie to anyone, even themselves~

"I-I am not letting you inject me ever again!"

Please? This will truly be my final request for you~ I'll only ask one question to you under the effects of the Class-D's and then you are free to leave~

"...th-that's all I have to do and then you'll let me go?"

Of course, and I shall promise to keep my word~

"...fine, just hurry up with it..."

Perfect~ Now just hold still and let it course through you, it will only take a few seconds~"

"...can you just hurry up please? I must leave as soon as possible."

Of course, just a question first~ Now, tell me, do you have to leave at all?~

"Of course not, I'd much rather stay here for the rest of my days continuing my research with Marianna and Mistre- W-wait, what?"

Oh? Go ahead, continue speaking~ You look so cute and flustered~

"Y-y-you can't m-make me! I-I am a terran who wants to be a good pe- I-I mean I am not an indepe- W-what is happening!?"

That would be the Class-D's in your system~ I told you, they don't allow you to lie~

"H-how dare you!? This is exactly what I wante- I-I can just let myself speak freely without having to thi- J-just stop!"

Hmm, I think I'll go ahead an allow you to speak as you wish again, but only if you answer one more little question~

"...what is it?"

Do you want to stay here with me~

"..."

Well?~

"...yes..."

Yes what?~

"...yes Mistress..."

Good girl~

"...T-terminate audio recording..."

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 007

RESEARCHER M. Florez

AUDIO FILE DETECTED, LOADING TRANSCRIPT...

"Well, let's see if this thing will really work. This is Maria Florez, researcher on the relationships between the Affini and the Terrans they keep as pets. I am here interviewing an Affini on how they treat their florets, difficulties in ensuring sophont safety, and the daily life they lead together. I know I asked you before I began recording, but I need to make sure I get formal consent to record. Do I have consent to record you and include you in my research? This will include giving the details of your name and the names of the florets you have dominion over."

Oh but of course cutie. This is all so very exciting.

"Yes, quite so. In that case, please state your name for the record as well as the names of your florets."

Well, my name is Tritoma Iberis, Fifth Bloom, and these are my darling little pets Coralline Iberis, First Floret, and Blair Iberis, Second Floret.

"Hi! You're really really pretty!"

"I would prefer they not interrupt the interview if possible, I must get all this data collected properly."

I understand completely. Go along now my darlings, have some fun playing with each other~

"Hehe, ok Mistress! C'mon! Let's play some games!"

"Thank you. Now, I would like to start by asking you about what a typical day is like for you with your florets. Don't need too much detail, just wanna get a basis for understanding."

Well, on a normal day, my Florets will ask me to cuddle with them, to have my vines all over them as they squirm and moan~ They're so very cute when they do that~ I like to administer a Class-M for each of them so I can make them my cute little dolls~ Just thinking about it now makes me wish they could be here so I could give you a proper demonstrat-

"That is quite enough please. You have made it clear it is enjoyable for you, but do they truly find it as wonderful as you describe?"

Oh but of course! I would never do anything to harm them or do anything they wouldn't wish for~

"I see. Well, that is rather reassuring for my research then. Now, I'd like to move onto talking abo-

Are you sure it's just your research you're reassured about?~

"I'm unsure what you mean."

You weren't worried that if you decided to give into those wonderful little thoughts of yours that you would be at the complete mercy of a beautiful Affini like Ms. Verdianthos?~

"Wh-what kind of terran do you take me for!? I am here strictly on research, not to end up as some mindless dumbass pet to a damn we-"

What did you just say about my Florets?

"...s-sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want to talk about Verdia- Ms. Ve- the other Affini right now. I'm stressed about it and I don't want to think about her right now."

...I see. I apologize for my outburst, but I do not take kindly to anyone insulting my darling florets. You may continue with your questions.

"Thank you. Only got one question left anyway since I now know how you treat your florets. What can you tell me about the difficulties that come with ensuring a sophont is truly safe and taken care of?"

Well, we first evaluate the risks that the sophonts are in. We check for any dangers they can put themselves in and do our best to remove that risk as soon as possible. We then take the sophonts with us. For them to come willingly is preferable, but as you have seen, there are many instances where we have to use xenodrugs to ensure their safety.

"I see. What about once you have captured them? Is there anything that is normally done to keep them in check then? I can't imagine most are happy after being knocked out cold and waking up somewhere strange."

After they have had a chance to acclimate to their new environment, we simply take care of them with a combination of xenodrugs, our biorhythms, and all the love and affection we can give~

"This is very fascina- Wait, I'm sorry, I don't think I've heard that term before. You said biorhythms?"

Why yes! All Affini produce biorhythms that we follow. I have also heard that they are rather hypnotic to sophonts, particularly to Terrans. It helps in the domestication process and allows our darling Florets know we are always with them~

"...oh. Oh no. No no no no, this can't be it, right? I-it has to be some kinda joke or something."

Are you alright? You seem to be getting rather anxious darling, perhaps I could help you rela-

"Shut up! I can't be here any longer! If what you're saying is true, then I really can't stay anywhere near here any longer. I have to go, I have to- ow!"

Oh my, are you alright? Please, allow me to help you back u-

"Please! I'm fine, just tripped. I need to go, this has given me too much to think about. Take care Ms. Tritoma Iberis, and let your Florets know that I have taken my leave. Terminate audio recording."

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 015

RESEARCHER M. Arum

AUDIO FILE DETECTED, LOADING TRANSCRIPT...

"This is Maria Arum, Second Floret, researcher on the relationships between Affini and their Florets. Today I will be conducting an interview on an Affini who enjoys turning her Florets into... dolls. This log shall cover the questions of the consent of the Florets in being "dollified" and how the process occurs. It will also provide a live demonstration of this happening with the Affini and a new doll. I have been permitted to conduct this interview by my Mistress, Verdianthos Arum, Fourth Bloom. Do I have your consent to record you and include you in my research? This will include giving the details of your name and the names of your Florets."

I do believe you already asked me that darling~

"Yes, but I prefer ensuring that the consent to record is also provided in the recording."

Well then, I do indeed consent.

"Perfect, in that case please state your name and the names of your Florets."

I am Laburnum Solanum, Third Bloom, and these are my darling little dolls, Erika and Grace Solanum, First and Second Florets. Aren't they just the cutest little things?~

"I... yeah, they are rather cute. Are they normally so immobile? I can barely see them breathing."

Only if they're well behaved~ They do so very much enjoy being like this, completely thoughtless and just feeling wonderful, having me play with them and dressing them up as I please~

"It is rather... interesting to see. Sorry, I feel slightly lightheaded."

Oh that's quite alright darling, just feel free to take your time~

"Thank... you. So, the process of becoming a doll? How does... all that work? Ugh, my head is too full."

Well, you're the one who should tell me~ After all, you're currently going through the process of becoming a good doll~ The process starts with some Class-H xenodrugs to allow you to slowly drift deeper into what you truly want~

"Huh? S-sorry, I'm... having trouble understanding you right now."

Awww, your poor little head must feel so heavy now~ You shouldn't have to have so many thoughts clouding your mind~ You should just take a deep breath, and let yourself

FALL

My my, you certainly are rather receptive to my words~ But that shouldn't be too surprising~ After all, good dolls shouldn't think~

"Good dolls shouldn't think"

Very good~ You're such a good doll already~ I wonder just how far you want me to push you~ Just how much you want to be a mindless little doll~

"I want to be a good doll. Good dolls don't think"

My my, if you didn't already have an owner, I would love to make you one of my precious dolls~ But your Mistress did tell me to not push my luck too far with you or you might really lose yourself~ I'm going to give you the counteragents now, and if you ever want to be a doll again, ask your Mistress and feel free to come back any time~

"I'm a good d- wh-what? S-sorry, I'm not sure what happened. I-I think I fell asleep there for a bit. Where was I?"

Oh, you already asked all your questions, but you looked so very cozy that I didn't want to wake you up~

"O-oh. Well uh, in that case, thank you for your time and for providing me with this information. I do hope you'll allow me to sit here a while longer, I can't really feel my legs for some reason. Do you have any water? I think I might still not be completely recovered from the implant procedure."

Of course, here you are darling~ And I do hope you enjoy listening to the demonstration later since you fell asleep during it~

"Oh, right, thank you. I'll go ahead and get going in a bit then. Terminate audio recording."

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 018

RESEARCHER M. Arum

AUDIO FILE DETECTED, LOADING TRANSCRIPT...

"Aaand bam! That's how you get the recorder active on this thing."

"Woaaaa, that's so cool! How'd you even get this thingy? It seems really old."

"Back on the vessel I was joining for a short time, there was a collection of older technology, pieces that were considered too broken or obsolete for anything other than scrap. I was able to put this one back together, so they let me keep it for this research project."

"Oooooo, so you're really pretty and hot and smart and good with your hands?~"

"S-stop trying to fluster me like that. In any case, it will be beneficial for you to keep all this information in mind. It may be needed if I am to become ill again."

"Hehehehehe, I wouldn't exactly say you got ill, just really really happy~"

"Ugh, please do not remind me."

"You mean about how you were really really loud and kept asking Mistress to say that magic word to make you feel all good and tingly? What was it again?~"

"I swear Marianna, if you were not the only company I can have at the moment I would tell you to leave my presence."

"Hehehehehe, I know you don't really mean that, otherwise you'd be all huffy instead of all red and silly."

"Th-that is besides the point. In any case, I am going to end the recording. Terminate au-"

"Oh oh! Can I say it this time?"

"Huh? I guess so, yeah"

"Hehehe, ok ok, but first~"

"Huh-!"

...

"Y-y-y-y-ou can't just kiss me like that outta nowhere! Ugh, now I've got saliva all over my chin."

"Hehehehe, but it's so much fun, isn't it? Especially since Mistress gave me a special little biomod for kisses~"

"Wh-what are you... talking... about..?"

"Mayyyybe just a little bit of a cocktail of your favorites~"

"Because you trust me far too much~"

"D-dammit Marianna... how did I let my guard dow-"

...

"St-stars, that is... strong... how'd I let my... guard down so much for you?"

"C-clearly I do indeed."

"Hehehe, want me to say your favorite word?~ I know the urge is burning inside you by now~"

"F-frost... I-I can't... focus... too cloudy"

"Don't you just want to let go?~ Don't you just want me to say it?~"

"I... swear I'm... gonna get you back... for this..."

...

"Y-you keep... making my head fuzzyyy"

"...unmake m-me... please... I don't want to... think anymore~"

"Well, you'll only get to have revenge after, so you may as well submit for now~ So, beg for it~"

...

"Hehehehe, such a good doll~ Now then...

FALL

Oh roots your so cute like this~ Just completely at my mercy to do with as I please~ But I know someone who'll love to see it even more~ Oh Mistress!~"

Yes my darling little Floret? Oh! It appears that you two are greatly enjoying each other's company~

"We really are Mistress, but I think this dolly is feeling kinda shy~ Can you give her a voice? I really really would love it~"

Oh my, a truly splendid idea my darling, it would be wonderful to hear this doll sing~

"I'm a good doll, I do as I'm told. I don't need to think. I want to be played with."

"Hehehehe, seems like she's enjoy this a looot~"

Oh very much so~ Would you like for me to let you play with your doll all on your own for now?~

"Yes please Mistress, I wanna see what fun new things I can make her do like this~"

Very well then, but if you over do it, then I may have to have two cute dolls on my mantle~

"Y-yes Mistress, I'll make sure to be careful, I promise!"

Very good, have fun my sweet little things~

"Hehehe, you hear that? I get to have all kinds of fun with you alllll to myself~ So, what does this cute dolly want me to do?~"

"Use me however you see fit. Dolls don't think. Dolls cannot choose. I'm a good doll."

"You really are the greatest dolly~ But I don't think I want you knowing just what I'll do with you~ Terminate audio recording~"

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 005

RESEARCHER M. Florez

Opening file...

The day has concluded, and I see now why the Affini are feared and their wishes respected beyond their capacity for powerful toxins. As I was conducting my research, a new group of "feralists" as they call them arrived. None appeared to be members of the ship I was on, which was a relief. However, while watching from afar to see how the Affini will treat these new terrans, I heard one of them yell at a floret that they were a "stupid brainwashed weedfucker." In an instant, all of the Affini within earshot cornered this terran, and I even saw Verdianthos' vines flare up in seeming anger. I was afraid they would kill the terran right then and there, but after just a few seconds, one of the Affini spoke and they all dispersed, seemingly more at ease now. The terran looked... odd. They appeared to be petrified in both a sense of terror and wonder. It is unclear just what exactly was done, but the terran was then carried with the rest of their group after by a different Affini. I am now more scared of what may happen to me and I am relieved that I did not speak of my disdain for the idea of terran pets.

I do not recall most of this day beyond this. It lingered in my mind just how powerful these beings truly are. Though they only did this after a floret was insulted. Perhaps they only care about their pets after all. I wonder if Ms. Verdi would defend me in such a w-

I am tired, I should sleep now with Ms. V- in my room.

Addendum: I seem to have forgotten to do my wellness check, I suppose I may as well do it now.

Physical health: Above average, more exercise required to maintain opitmal health

Mental health: Greatly below average, high levels of stress and anxiety, seek medical attention when viable

Emotional health: Below average, high levels of stress and anxiety, pervasive feelings of loneliness and longing

[floret-affini-research]

RESEARCH LOG 006

RESEARCHER M. Florez

Opening file...

This is most certainly one of the most complex scenarios I have ever encountered. I was given a chance to conduct an interview today with an Affini "vet" and was informed more on the process of domestication. It appears that terrans are rather unique in their domestication process due to the high chance of volatility and chance of self endangerment. Those who are determined to be of risk to others or themselves are domesticated forcefully through a combination of kindness and lo- emotional manipulation and "xenodrugs" (the colloquial name for the naturally produced toxins of the Affini) that subdues them until they are adopted. However, while this is the case for most terrans, there are those who are independent and do not wish to be made pets. It seems though that this does not last, and most who originally wish to be independent slowly succumb to the wish to be a floret. Would it really be so bad to be a good flor-

Something I have learned that is the case with all florets is that once they are domesticated, they are installed with some kind of chip at the base of the back of their neck (maybe some form of nanotech?) called a "Haustoric Implant." This is the primary tool of the Affini, and one they seem rather proud of. It is able to infect the nervous system and allows for the use of "xenodrug" at all times, controlled by the floret's Affini. That would explain the sudden bouts of confusion and bliss I have seen florets experience even without being touched.

Speaking of these toxins, I recall that perhaps took my experiments too far today. I had agreed to be injected with this "xenodrug" called a "Class-A" and was... beside myself. The sensation of it reverberates within my mind still, though I cannot remember most of it. It was the fault of Marianna due to their constant asking and begging for me to "just give it a try, I promise you'll feel all warm and cute and good just like me." It was a feeling I cannot describe, but it was... potent to say the least. I will not allow this to be made a habit, lest all my research be seen as the ramblings of some floret person too high to care. It did feel really really good though to be touched in such a way by Maria and Mistr-

I cannot stay here any longer. I can feel myself giving in more and more into the thoughts. I must leave, or at least get away from Mis- Ms. Ve- Verdia- the plant. I have asked for a request for a new habitation unit temporarily under the pretenses of needing to observe other relationships and work on my study.

What will I tell Maria? They've been so very helpful and loving, and it truly has helped me see that perhaps there is joy in the life of a floret. Maybe I could ask her some more questions about how it fee-

...

I should sleep after the wellness check.

Physical health: Above average

Mental health: Below average, lowered levels of stress detected

Emotional health: Slightly below average, increase in physical affection recommended

Addendum: Damn, why did my old logs load back up? Did that happen while I was still coming down from the toxins? I really am having more trouble remembering things now. If I don't get out of here soon I might end up doing something stupid.