Another HDG blurb. ~1100 words starring an eager little critter and some waxing about the nature of post-terranism. An adaptation of @squeakitties type rubbercritters in the far flung floret future.
Scene: A sterile, brightly lit examination room. The former-terran subject–now an elegantly reshaped, latex-clad quadruped–stands obediently in the center, visor-dimmed eyes wide but docile, their body glittering under the artificial lights. A trio of affini observe, murmuring in awe as they circle the subject, inspecting every inch of their newly modified form, while a forth stands off to the side, clearly pleased with his work.
An observer, running a vine along the creature's sleek, rubbery side, is the first to comment. "Absolutely stunning work. It's remarkable how little of their original human shape remains. Every trace of bipedalism is gone, and their balance is perfect. The transition to quadruped posture couldn't be more seamless..."
Another, lifting one of the subject's paws, admires the refined digits. "Incredible. Look at it, no lingering awkwardness of terran hands or feet. Just these elegant limbs, perfectly adapted to their new life. You've truly outdone yourself with this one."
A third, noting the subject's exaggerated curves, nods approvingly, "And these enhancements… breathtaking. The way the latex smooths their shape, functional *and* aesthetically pleasing... Ooh, I can feel them quivering! It's like it's trying not to melt under the praise, hmm?"
The first leans in to examine the subject's face. Not a trace of humanity left in its shiny, expressionless mask. "So far removed from their human shape, and so clearly enjoying themselves. Tell me, how long did it take for final traces of their former life to fade?"
The procedure specialist, stone-faced (literally: he wears a thin, gently curved sheet of slate painted with simplistic markings) but with leaves vibrating to show their own satisfaction, answers "Not long at all, actually. The body and mind were already so eager for the transformation. The training and physical therapy phases didn't take long at all, either. They've embraced every bit of it–craved it and now the attention that comes with it.
The subject shudders, trying so hard to remain still, but every word of praise makes it harder to contain themselves. The specialist finally addresses the subject directly.. "You've done very well, my pet, holding so still." he says. "But I think we've kept you waiting long enough. Go ahead, relax. Let yourself feel."
With permission granted, the subject immediately drops, rolling over onto their back with a low, trembling whimper, the tension releasing as they writhe slightly, overwhelmed by the pleasure of the moment. Their tail twitches, their body finally allowed to fully respond to the overwhelming stimulation of touch and praise.
The second observer laughs softly, watching the subject's blissful reaction and gently stroking its belly, their touch light but calculated. "They're practically vibrating with pleasure. I can't tell what's more satisfying–the work you've done or watching them revel in it."
The specialist, audibly (but not visibility) smirking. "Why not both? After all, it's exactly what was asked for. Begged, in fact."
The subject continues to whimper and squirm on the table, soaking in every word, every touch, reveling in the perfection of their new existence, heart racing with satisfaction and feeling seen for what they've become.
The group has retired to an observation lounge. They sit comfortably, sharing notes and discussing their areas of recent study. The conversation turns to the field of xenobioengineering in other sophont species.
The specialist, Doctor Xelran, 113th bloom, stirs a glass of mineral water with a vine. "It's interesting, isn't it? This desire for transformation, for shedding one's natural form in favor of something more 'primal' or 'animalistic.' Certainly not unique to Terrans, but they do seem to take it to a new level. It reminds me of the occasional cases of 'therianism' we've observed in other xenosophonts, though it's been much less dramatic, historically."
Letharia, 67th bloom, the first observer–primarily interested in xenopsychology, but with an eye for bioaesthetics–nods. "Ah, yes, the Xa'a-ackétøth, were a recent example. Their version was indeed more subtle–less about becoming something 'other' and more about reconnecting with their ancient, feral selves. Interesting how some of them, after domestication, expressed the desire to shed their higher cognitive functions in order to embrace their baser, predatory nature.
Xelran leans forward. "Exactly, the Xa' who exhibited those desires simply wanted to experience the raw physicality of their ancestors. Unburdened by their strategic minds, reverted to more animalistic behavior in the water. Some sought to have permanent restrictions on speech, and others thought. Always about the return to nature–not the extreme modifications some of the Terrans seem to crave.
Zynestra, 42nd bloom, particularly interested in the blending of biological and synthetic elements, expresses her amusement with another wispy laugh. "It's almost quaint compared to what we see with the Terrans. The Xa' just want to swim and hunt, race through the water in their sleek, predatory forms, but it doesn't go much beyond that. And even then, it's rare to see them request any sort of biological alterations, let alone exploring their primal urges.
The third guest–Orlith, 3rd bloom, mostly excited that he got an invite, but strongly interested in the frontiers of what genetic alteration promises to eager florets–finally chimes in. "And then you have the Rinians. To the little mad scientist squirrels, Therianism is practically a joke to them–a curiosity and nothing more. Not interested in anything but perfecting their genius-level brains, faster reflexes, or whatever lets them handle multiple experiments at once." The subject softly whined from the foot of Orlith's chair, as his vines had–abit– briefly halted their caress. A mistake quickly rectified.
Xelran nods in agreement as the subject purrs and vibrates. "Exactly, they'll request to modify themselves for things like extra limbs or split consciousness, but absolutely reject anything of becoming more 'animal-like' as a potential threat to their efficiency."
Letharia laughs, recalling one rare Rinian who argued they could be both a genius and a primal beast at the same time. "Sharpened claws and wild teeth, while simultaneously requesting enhanced cognition. Chaotic, as only a Rinian can be, but at least they seemed delighted with the results.
"It's fascinating how varied the reactions are between species," Xelran notes, "some of these terrans crave this deep, almost spiritual connection with their transformed selves. Desiring to *feel* like beasts, not just think or act like them. And beyond that, willing to push boundaries in ways we haven't seen in ages. Their fascination with becoming something *other* has allowed us to explore bioengineering techniques we haven't had need to touch in centuries. They *want* to be transformed in the most dramatic ways possible."
Orlith, taking care to continue patting the subject, who is resting contentedly now, agrees. "Well, I suppose it's up to us to help them find exactly what they're looking for. Their willingness to embrace such radical transformation is both admirable and, at times, a little… unsettling, don't you think?"
Xelran laughs, appreciating the irony of an Affini raising such a concern. "It's certainly something to reflect on. But as long as they're content, that's what this is all for, no?"
The group hums in agreement, casting glances at the latex-clad quadruped beneath them, who continues to revel in the attention, totally at ease.
