Chapter 01

He hated this part.

Fetter had worked for years modifying this Host to suit his needs and soon he’d have to condemn the guy to certain death. Not only had he spend years getting his body how he wanted, he had taught his Host language and thought far beyond what the Hive thought his species was capable. He was more than just a Host. He was family.

Will it hurt? His host asked weakly.

Fetter didn’t answer as he went over his orders on the data pad again. Soon he wouldn’t have hands to manipulate data pads. He’d have to start over from scratch. He hated that part too.

The last invasion had been a resounding success. New hosts had been added to the Hive, which was fantastic. Given the number of potential hosts on each of the planets the Hive controlled, they didn’t actually need to take over another planet, much less one with such rudimentary technology. Yet, the top cats in charge had decided it was necessary to secure a source of salt for their ship manufacturing. The Hive could just send automated drones to do a quick retrieval job. It wasn’t like the planet outlined in the mission brief had any technology to stop them from just taking the salt, but that would go against tradition.

Tradition important, Fetter, his host said in their head.

Yes, tradition is very important, he replied.

The animal hadn’t been very smart when he first boarded, but his modifications, as well as his own link to the creature, had allowed it to flourish. Fetter had grown quite fond of the creature and felt at home being one with him. He had even seen fit to give him a name beyond ‘Host.’

Follower, I know you’re worried. But things will go well. I will not let anyone hurt you, he said.

It was apparent that Follower understood they would be separated. His host was frightened by the idea because he had grown dependent on Fetter. It wasn’t like Follower’s feelings really affected Fetter much. They were simple and easily overcome. Most of Fetter’s kind would’ve obliterated the consciousness of their host shortly after taking over the body instead of nurturing it like a pet. Yes. Not family. Follower was more of a pet. He had to remember that without voicing the thought.

Still.

He could feel Follower grow more concerned.

Fetter got up and stretched before walking around his living quarters. They were spacious, given his rank, and well lit, with areas for sleeping, exercise, and relief, as well as personal artifacts he had collected over his long life.

He knew something that would make Follower feel better.

Do you want to shift, Follower?

Yes, yes!

He scratched his neck with the back of one hand before strutting to the mirror in his room. Follower’s excitement grew as he caught sight of his reflection. His body was very little like it had been when Fetter had first boarded. The only thing he had really kept of Follower’s original form was his eye color and the soft short golden orange fur that covered his body.

Big, big, big, Follower chanted.

He obliged his host’s request by instructing every muscle in his body to grow and bones to lengthen. His clothing drew tight as his body doubled in size. He reveled in Follower’s delight at their new form. At least he was no longer scared.

How is this, Follower?

Yes, yes. Love! Love Fetter! Fetter is the best! Love Fetter!

He made his way back to his data pad, to resume looking over his orders, absently adjusting his seat with one hand to accomodate his new height. In five units he’d have to part ways with Follower.

Fetter sad?

I’m alright. Just gonna miss you, big guy.

Yes, big. Follower big. Yes, yes! Follower replied happily.

The file on Fetter’s next Host described them as the ‘ruler of their territory’ as well as ‘fierce in combat’ and ‘in peak physical condition.’ If the write-up was accurate, he’d have something good to work with. The creatures compatible as Hive Hosts on the target planet were, generally, smaller than the dominate bipeds, and often kept as pets. Which should make infiltrating the planet relatively easy. Few beings expected their pets to be replaced by invaders. Fetter’s initial goal was procuring a weapons cache kept by the owner of his next Host. A simple enough job.

Board the Host, eat the owner to kickstart his shapeshifting ability and gain knowledge of the planet’s technology and languages, then secure the weapons for the rest of the cell that would be arriving at that location. After that, it would be a couple years of pretending to be his Host’s former owner while preparing for a coordinated attack to overwhelm the locals.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

There was a note detailing that some of the planet’s technology wasn’t as rudimentary as he thought. They had basic armored infantry suits, for instance. Nothing that would stand against the Hive’s weapons if they chose to shirk tradition and invade with the Hosts and ships they presently had.

Tradition is important, Fetter thought.

Yes, yes. Tradition is important, Follower agreed, still happy to be larger than before.

He sure was going to miss Follower.

***

That night he made sure to prepare and eat Follower’s favorite foods. It would be his Host’s last meal. He wanted it to be good.

“Are you ready?” A voice asked over the intercom.

Fetter stretched Follower’s body one final time before scratching his neck in a spot Follower liked. It made his ear twitch, but in a good way.

Will it hurt? His Host asked.

No, it won’t hurt. Soon, you will be with the gods before you return to the great cycle, Follower, he replied.

This seemed to make Follower relax.

Fetter knelt down to the dish full of liquid attached to the small wall in front of him. He placed Follower’s snout over it.

“I’m ready,” Fetter said out loud.

“Good, please proceed by leaving your Host. You will be transported to the travel pod before departing in a drone for your new assignment,” the voice said.

He took one final breath with Follower’s lungs.

“Be at peace Follower and join the gods.”

Thank you, Fetter. Follower loves Fetter.

He focused his attention on his true body within Follower’s skull, his own senses far different than those of his Host. No vision beyond light and dark, no sound, no taste, nor smell. Just warmth and the flow of blood and fluids. It didn’t take him long to travel from the brain, through the sinuses, and finally drop into the dish. The fluid felt warm and good, full of enough nutrients to last him the trip to the target planet.

Still.

He didn’t like this state at all, even if he was happy he wouldn’t see Follower’s seizure as he died on the changing room floor. By now Fetter had been drained into the travel pod, and Follower’s body had been hosed down after it had stopped moving.

Be at peace, Follower and join the gods.