Jasmine woke up with a start as Sieglinde barked excitedly.

“Geeze dog, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”

“Ah, you’re awake Jasmine-” Xant greeted.

“AGHHHHHH! (WHAT THE FUCK???)” Jasmine shifted back, smacking her head on the wall and letting out a whimper of pain, Sieglinde simply turned around and began licking her face.

“Down Sigi! just-DOWN” Jasmine snapped at the dog, who stopped and sat back, panting happily.

“Jesus christ Xant, what the heck are you doing sneaking around in my room?!” She turned her attention to the dog with an annoyed expression. “(and why didn’t you warn me he was here?!)” her mind scolded.

Xant put down his Dataslate.

“Lights on,” he ordered the room.

“AGHHHHH!” Jasmine yelled again as the room suddenly became as bright as day. “My eyes!” She rubbed them growling slightly between pants of breath. “Xant don’t do that!” Her voice was strained and frustration was being thrown at both him and the dog.

Sieglinde whimpered.

“I believe I have misread the situation.” Xant acknowledged.

Jasmine sighed, slowly blinking her eyes to get used to the light.

“What do you want Xant?” Her normal congenial tone was not present, she was still upset.

“My apologies Jasmine, I checked the security footage and saw you take coordinative actions, I had thought you were awake and calm enough to start a discussion-”

“Security footage?! There's cameras in here?! Of course there's fucking cameras in here...” She buried her face in her hands, taking deep breaths to calm herself. “Xant I’m tired, I’ve had barely any sleep and I’ve been up for god knows how long. Could we maybe do this later? I’ll call you over comms when I’m not feeling like I’ve been thrown under a bus”

Xant paused and considered, but decided against it.

“I’m afraid I cannot, your actions hours ago with Sieglinde has caused a disruption among station schedules, I need to update you on the situation before it becomes a problem.”

“My actions? You mean when I scared the incompetent lizard who nearly choked Sigi?” She huffed.

“And your confiscating of Duuarn’s prized specimen, yes.” Xant informed “He will do what he needs to ensure Sieglinde is back into his custody for the remainder of the tests.”

“Fuck him.” Jasmine spat tiredly. “He can have her back when I know she’s not going to be in any more danger-” Jasmine's blinked. “Wait, how did you know her name was Sieglinde? You can’t read German.” She reached for the tagged collar that sat loose around the dog’s neck, peering at the tiny writing.

“She told me.”

Jasmines eyes grew wide as they stared at Xant, her jaw dropping and heart racing.

“She? She told you?” Her anger vanished and was replaced by something else, a pure and elated sensation flowed over Xant's being.

He nodded.

“Yes, Sieglinde can communicate with me on the natural Zenthi frequency, we have been talking. I should let you know that she thinks you are a very good Namegiver”

“Namegiver.” Jasmine repeated, and Xant felt a rush so grand it was like he had taken a spike of undiluted serotonin. “Namegiver, is that what you called me Sigi?” Jasmine cupped the dog’s face and rubbed her fur rigorously. “Oh you’re a good girl! The best girl! You’re the best girl!”

Sieglinde threw her head back and enjoyed the affection, Xant sat in wonder.

“Tell her that!” Jasmine smiled, “Tell her I think she’s a good girl!”

Xant nodded his head and turned to Sieglinde.

‘(Friend Siglinde, Namegiver Jasmine says you are a very good girl)’

‘(OH YES!!! I am a good girl! Namegiver Jasmine is a good Namegiver and she will be good in our pack!)’

Sieglinde barked.

“Well??” Jasmine begged “What did she say??”

“Sieglinde says that you are a good Namegiver and that you will be good in the pack.” He relayed.

“The pack? Are there other dogs?!” Jasmine could barely hold the excitement in her voice, Xant had to hold onto the table to steady himself.

“Yes. Duuarn currently has two other dogs under his supervision-”

“Then I need to see them! And you can help me talk to them! Can we get a translator installed?! Oh my god I can’t believe this, I’m going to be able to talk to them, I’m going to talk to dogs!”

“Jasmine… Calm yourself for my sake.” Xant panted, his body growing warm and fuzzy. “That is why I came down to speak to you, Duuarn has been very possessive of the dogs, the prestige that comes with discovering a new species is immeasurable. He might feel compelled to act if he suspects you would disrupt his research.”

Jasmines excitement waned.

“What would he do?”

“At the very least he could have you isolated from the dogs, at worst he could have them and himself transferred to another facility-” Xant choked, struck with a bullet of Jasmine’s fear, he shook his head and forced himself to continue. “-but, if we are diplomatic we might be able to come to an arrangement.”

“But I’ve been nothing but compliant! I’ve followed every rule you’ve given me, I’ve answered every question and I’ve never complained! I just want to make sure the dogs are treated humanely.” Jasmine pleaded, her lip quivered and her head dropped, “I’ll do what he wants, as long as I am able to see the other dogs and make sure they’re taken care of, if he has any questions I will answer them. (It’s not like I can refuse anyway…)” a bitterness lingered in her mind.

“That is likely all he wants,” Xant reassured. “Jasmine please understand, I came down just to warn you of the possibilities. Duuarn himself hasn’t even issued a requisition order yet; Laandi will have the final say in all of this. As long as you can demonstrate restraint and cooperation during the negotiations I am positive they will overlook your outburst in the Medical labs.”

“Okay.” Came the sullen reply. Sieglinde forced herself into the human’s lap, nudging Jasmine’s chin with her nose.

‘(I am here Namegiver, do not be upset!)’ Sieglinde whined. The human patted the dog and the tensions eased slightly, her bleary eyes closing to rest.

“Don’t worry Sigi, I’ll be good, for you. Fuck I’m tired.” She sighed defeated.

“I will leave you to rest,” Xant stated, slowly rising from the soft cushioned stool. “I will let you know as soon as negotiations are scheduled.”

“Uh-huh,” came the disinterested reply. “Can I turn the lights off?”

“As you wish-”

“Lights off.” The second darkness fell Xant heard Jasmine slump back onto the mattress.

‘(Goodbye Friend Xant!)’ Sieglinde called, but the Doctor was already out the door.

Xant was forced to hold onto the wall as tried to get back to his living quarters. Staggering with every step, struggling to keep his vision straight. Her mood swings were becoming worse; amplified by the creature. If the response to the mere mention of being separated from the dog was that strong, he shuddered to think what would happen if it were to actually transpire. His hand slapped the door sensor, throwing his body into the room as soon as the plastic slid aside. He fell to the polished tile with a shocking thud, his body becoming a burden as his mind shook. Xant dragged his bulk across the floor and heaved it up to the desk, his Medipen and supply of depressants lay tucked away in the first drawer. He almost ripped the drawer off its rails getting to the vital equipment, almost crushed the vial connecting it to the pen. His arm screamed as he thrust the needle deep into the back of his neck, releasing the cool, beautiful chemicals into his over firing brain. Xant’s muscles gave way as the pain was silenced by the depressants. There was another sickening thud as he let his body fall to the floor for the second time.

“Lock door...” he breathed, his vision fading. “Do not disturb, No exceptions…” The computerised room chimed in compliance.

Xant felt the rug under his hand, it was smooth and comforting. He would be alright in a few hours…

He would be fine.