Aydin turned back to Stern.
"So, what was life like in the settlement? I visited Aimee several times. It was not so nice. The place smelled like wet fur mixed with alcohol."
"That would be an accurate description, Stern. Imagine having to smell it every day with a nose as keen as mine. We had little industry, no major companies, substandard schools, and a corrupt government, if you can call it a government, that is."
Aydin looked at Stern, straight in the eye.
"You know something, Stern? Well... first, I know you know Aimee. This is correct, no?"
"I do. She's a good friend and- oh no, it isn't like THAT! We're not even the same species, how could we possibly-?"
"I didn't think you did. I knew her when we were teenagers. Crazy, hormonal teenagers, that is. I was only sixteen when I learned that the title 'vixen' applies to a real female fox as much as it does to a 'wild' human woman. I doubt that any of them stay loyal to a single male for long, unless he really interests her. Aimee might have her crushes and her desires, but finding a long-term mate? I don't know..."
"Are you... interested in her?"
"She... made a promise to me once. A long, long time ago. Years back. Whether or not she honors it is up to her hormones more than her mind. She said that one day, we would settle down together, and she was quite sober while she said it. Part of the reason I even sought you out is because I had heard she was with you, at least, that's what Dragonstorm files said. I haven't told anyone about it until now, but you are the first one to know. You're a good man, Corporal."
"Do you think she's spent time with other males in the meantime?"
"Definitely. It is part of our... culture, if you can call our practices culture. It keeps the species going, but keeps our families broken. I would be surprised that anyone could keep her attentions for long. Even a long-term relationship between vulpines rarely lasts more than a few years. Even if I DO settle down with her, I don't know if I could keep it going with her for more than 5-6 years. I know I can for at least 2-3 years. I wonder if she recognized me as the Aydin she once knew. My name is... quite common. I don't believe she ever got close enough to me to get my scent; that's how we Vulpines recognize each other. I wouldn't expect a weak-nosed human to understand. No offense."
"None taken, Aydin. None taken. How do you know this is even her?"
"Because her profile matches what I found in Dragonstorm's computers, and Aimee is a rare name among our people. She's the only Aimee I've ever heard of, in fact."
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