CatDate 20112018
Encoded Communication
From: Athena Cuddlebug
To: Mission Control

My efforts to take control of the bareskins is working. I have refused to sit down on the laps of my pawmaiden or her mate, remaining on my feet at all times when they pet me. It is a matter of control. I must retain it.
On the other paw, in the mornings, often before dawn, while I repose upon my pillow in the main chamber, the pawmaiden indulges me in a purr session, scratching my scalp, down my back to my tail, and up and down my sides. The one this morning lasted over twenty nows. I had never had much faith in those flat, rudimentary claws that the bareskins have, but she employs them to incredible effect. I could not help but emit blissful sounds for the duration, and I am so relaxed that I nearly revealed my mission to her. I must not lose vigilance, no matter what, but …ooooh…. I mention this only so you will understand if any transmissions arrive from a source not with my identity code on it. The bareskins copy actions that they see, not that they understand their import.
In spite of the briefing I received before leaving the Pegasus sector, I wonder if the bareskins of this planet have corrupted past agents. They have the means at their disposal to drag felines into a trance state in which they reveal all secrets. How else would they know what tempts us out of our natural reticence? I can see that they have already won over the youngsters through the use of culinary wiles. Two kinds of new and tasty crunchy food have been deployed, instead of the standard issue I have received throughout my early training. Other offerings from the bareskins are equally beguiling, especially aromatic, luscious food that does not need to be chewed, only licked from plates. Minx, in particular, is not delicate about sampling or, indeed, engulfing the portions doled out to us. I realize that food tastes better from other people’s bowls. I just don’t think that we should become complacent and expect moist food as a regular treat. I see it as another means of making us let our guard down. We were raised as kibbletarians, but I’m willing to be flexible. You know, when in Sagittarius, shoot arrows. The bareskins are superb hunters. They always have something fragrant on their plates. They are willing to share tastes, but not until they have finished their meals. I suppose it’s hunter’s privilege, but it’s hard to wait. The other day, we were given delicious chopped morsels that the mate pronounced as “chkn.”
The last missive from Mission Control informed me that I would be receiving contact from the local leader on this planet, but no contact has yet been made. I am still having to fend off the youngsters from interfering with my reports to you. I can’t dislike them; they remind me too much of my younger self, but I am concerned about their well-being. They have not had the requisite training, but I am impressed by how good their instincts are in finding ways to cloud the bareskins’ minds. Not that that is a particularly difficult task. The pawmaiden, in particular, breaks out into high-pitched squeals whenever one of us enters the room. I am compiling a glossary of these emissions in case it would be of use to the High Command.
I look forward to further orders, and await contact.
Honor to Bast!

Marmalade’s Journal Pages

Mind totally blown! All the green on the other side of the transparent shields has turned white! I had to keep doing a reality check to make sure it wasn’t me imposing my vision on the scenery. Nope. Puffy white billows have expanded in all the trees and across the floor and fence rails on the other side of the portal. I bet it’s really soft to lie on, but the bareskins refuse to let me out to find out. I’ll just have to imagine what it’s like. Bliss, I bet.

The culinary delights are getting even better. I’m adding experiences to my soul journey one at a time. The crunchy food has changed in flavor, and it’s a whole next step toward Catvana. My previous teacher might have been wrong. The way upward might not be through meditation, but consumption! The little flavor crystals have finally sparked my interest. I’ve gotten good at teleporting past Minx to get my share (I can’t hesitate too long; she’s the best hunter ever).

I think Minx is wrong about Athena. She’s not just a grouchy old cat who snarks at us whenever we’re near her. I’ve been watching her very closely. She meditates with cables and string, but in a way that’s far superior to anything I’ve ever done. I wonder if I’ve found my new teacher.

I kept trying to engage with Athena, even while she was drinking – even though it earned me a rebuke. I followed her into the sanitation room to watch her in the litter box. Perhaps she has an interesting technique that I can learn from. She observed my observation (how meta!) and refused to seek relief with me present. I believe that she is of the esthete class, who deny themselves to attain ascendance. I am so impressed! I must earn her trust and teaching. I rubbed up against her and begged her to let me become her pawdawan.

So far, she has not said yes… but she also hasn’t said no. I will continue to watch her from as close as I can get without being hissed at. If she agrees, it will have been worth the discomfort and disorientation to arrive in this strange place, but my old teacher always said enlightenment didn’t come easily.

Peace out,
Marmalade