A Dozen (original) (raw)

The cat jumped over, onto his chest, stretched out in that long, bowing stretch that is common to all cats, then sat down with its front paws just inches from his chin.

“Helloooo Grooovvveerrr… I have thoughts for you from the Nine, and a few from me too! They would place it all in your `head’ at once, but I wanted to commune with you directly so that you would understand that it was not you own thoughts. Let me demonstrate to you that it is I that communicates with you. I am extending my right claws and will insert them into your flesh, so.”

A thrill of pain shot through him.

“Allow me to reiterate, so that you will not confuse the first, with coincidental happenings. This time, with my left paw.”

Another spasm of pain, ran along his neck and left 4 tiny scratches that did not bleed.

“Alright already… enough - You've made yer point!”, he growled.

As the voice continued, the cat purred, licking the fur of its front paw and brushing it against its face. If anyone entered the room now, it would appear to be just what it was. A cat, resting on a man’s chest, purring.

“Grover my dear friend, as long as the Nine exist, you and I will exist as well. Once the Nine have entered your being, we, that is, you, I and they, cannot be separated, unless the Nine initiating the separation of course!”

“I, through them, understand that it is difficult for your species to comprehend, intellectually, that The Nine can co-exist, symbiotically and simultaneously, in multiple life forms. They are connected in all aspects, socially, mentally and physically to each other, though there is no physical connection to the hosts.”

“At this moment, the Nine inhabit your being while, at the same moment, they exist in mine as well. Co-habitually, they also exist in many other beings throughout space, with and without their host’s awareness. Those of us that are cognizant and accepting, find a peace and pleasure that surpasses any loss of `self’.”

“They selected you because we perceived that you are above the normal limitations of your species in emotional stability and believe that you have a better chance of survival than some that they have accessed in the past. It is not uncommon, in our attempts to maintain consciousness with some of your species that they deteriorate into a self-destructive psychosis. The Nine feel that you are slipping into that condition and are willing to allow you to self-destruct, if that is your wish.”

“The constant use of those chemical substances which you inject, not only affect your physiological stability, but create a condition that interferes with our… their goals. If you continue, they will leave you on the surface of an uninhabited planet, where you may continue in your suicidal determinations.”

“That is why I… we… they allowed you to feel that momentary abandonment today. For your species, that act of total separation from all hope and knowledge of the existence of others, is the most horrific state of emotional distress that can be obtained. For the Nine of course, it is an intriguing concept which they have never experienced. They have always existed as a unit. The Nine being one, and each, being the Nine."

"The curiosity of those moments of terror is most intriguing to them. They would not casually experiment with it, but do study every instance where the subject has chosen this path, for itself! I hope today’s emotional occurrence brings you further stability and knowledge of the possible consequences if you continue your recent activities.”

“I am very comfortable with you Grover, and although we are of different physiological structuring, I have a most strong attachment to you! I would hope that you feel a serious emotional affection for me, also!”

With this, Grover stroked the cat, closed his eyes and tried to shut his mind off… would there never be a moment where he could find peace and quit, Was he really having a silent conversation with a cat?

Two sets of claws gently set themselves on and nearly into each side of his face. A tiny, wet nose, touched his.

"Question answered?"

He started counting backward from 10,000.

“Sleep now Grooovvveeerrr… I'll be here when you awaken.”
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