Page 45 of Purring, Presents, and Parties

“Nacium from the Committee for Pet Welfare is here for a surprise inspection.”

Chapter 17

Bazium

Everyone knew what the alarm meant, so by the time he and Ari were back at the tent, most of the humans were already rushing to their enclosures. Carrying Andres and Lucia with Liz at his side, Norrium was jogging across the compound to his cottage.

“What do we do?” Ari asked, looking around at the empty tent and obvious signs of celebration.

Bazium tapped the display on one of the tent’s support struts. The side of the tent deployed so fast it slapped down on the ground with a loud smack.

“If the inspector doesn’t ask a specific question, we don’t explain,” Bazium said as he checked for anything suspicious outside the tent.

He wasn’t sure if the celebration would cause the Committee to look more critically at his facility or garner praise for providing enrichment for the humans, but better to be cautious.The important thing was that Nacium saw all the humans safely tucked away in their enclosures at this time of night.

“Should I hide in our cottage?” Ari asked.

Bazium debated for a submark, then sounded a negative rattle. “I need you at my side, especially if he asks unexpected questions to one of the humans. You’re very quick with witty responses, and that might help if we need to distract him or guide another human’s answers.”

“Aww, thanks Baz,” Ari said. “I know we’re in an emergency, but that was sweet to say.”

He didn’t understand how saying she was intelligent equated to candy, but it must be a positive because she sounded pleased. He filed away the word “sweet” to use later.

“We need to hurry,” he said. “Nacium is being held at the main entrance, but we don’t want to cause him to be suspicious.”

“He’s the one who decided to show up late at night when we were in the middle of the best party of my life,” Ari grumbled.

“Was it truly the best?” Bazium asked as they walked.

“My quinceañera was pretty great, but that was a long time ago,” Ari answered. “This was the best party of my adult life by far!”

Bazium made a mental note to ask her about this quinceañera later because they were at the main entrance, and he had to deal with Nacium. A public ground transport was there, with Nacium standing next to it talking to Valorium.

“Greetings Servant Citizen Nacium,” Bazium said with a smack to his chest. “I’m Bazium of the Lee Family within the Clan Tomok. Your visit is both a surprise and an honor.”

Nacium smacked his chest. “Greetings, Citizen Bazium. I swear to be unobtrusive and swift in my duties.”

The moment the formalities were done, Nacium turned his attention to Ari. He dropped to one knee as he dug something out of his belt pouch.

“Hello, human. This is for you,” he said, holding out a piece of candy.

“Oh, my favorite!” Ari said with a childish level of enthusiasm. She popped it in her mouth immediately, even though Bazium knew she was full from dinner. Nacium remained on his knee even after Ari took the candy from him.

“Isn’t it late for you to be awake? Did my visit disturb your sleep? Do you need to clutch or cling, little female?”

“Ari is my personal pet,” Bazium explained, drawing her back against him. Ari wrapped her arms around his waist and tucked herself tightly to his side. “In accordance with the laws, I will show you all the places humans are being kept. You’ll see they are well housed and cared for.”

Getting back to his feet, Nacium looked at Bazium. “I have no doubt I’ll find everything as it should be.”

“You do realize it’s late,” Bazium said.

“Not so very late,” Nacium said, refusing to be cowed by Bazium’s censure. “I’ve checked the data carefully and many humans are still awake at this time of the evening.” His eyes slid down to Ari. “Still, I’ll do my best to be quiet so as not to disturb those already at rest.”

Picking up Ari so Nacium wouldn’t be tempted to touch her, Bazium turned and led the servant citizen toward the nearest enclosures.

“You must be very important,” Ari said as they walked.

Nacium started purring as he walked at Bazium’s side. “Why would you say that?”

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