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> It goes about on all fours, eats kibble, and gets into the trash to chew on things. Is it a dog, or a human infant? The answer is yes. And in this instance, we're very glad it was the baby, because there was cocoa powder in the trash can, and she was chewing through garbage to get to it. -- Anon Guest

Human Diz was looking even more tired than normal, and they had been tired for almost a year, but this was more than the current average. Companion Thrys was aware that Human Diz had gained a cohabitator recently, and these levels of exhaustion were supposed to be normal, but certain facts had evaded Thrys' understanding. Such as the exact nature of the cohabitor.

Fact: There had been a monetary exchange involved in the acquisition of said cohabitor. This wasn't a guarantee of animal status because there were _still_ civilisations that felt cogniscent trafficking was a decent source of income and this _was_ in the Edge where such things were mostly legal.

Fact: The cohabitor was small and had peculiar sleeping hours. They also required Human Diz's constant attention as well as their mate, Human Lan's, for most hours of the day. This was also not a guarantee, as Humans started out very small and were attention-seeking as a survival trait.

Fact: This entity was also loud and a source of almost _all_ of the chaos in Humans Diz and Land's abode. Also not an identifying trait, as new pets and new Humans were identical in that particular aspect.

Fact: Both Humans and pets acquired names and nicknames that were equal in all aspects.

At this point, Companion Thrys was afraid to ask what the new cohabitor was. Ze was hoping for some kind of context clue to appear and make all retrospective information clear. "Your new housemate keeping you awake?"

"Naw, they're sleeping through most of the night now, so that's cool. This morning though. Oh sweet Powers, this morning. I just about had a heart attack. Zil--" that was the name of the newest addition to the habitation group, "--got into the trash and this time they were chewing on something in there."

Again, not an indicator of cogniscent status. "Did they get hold of anything dangerous?"

"Nah, they were just after the chocolate powder. Stale is not stale enough for _that_ little grommet, I guess. Just a bath and figuring out _another_ lock for the trash and everything was fine. Lan's keeping an eye on them just in case they accidentally ate something nasty, all the same."

That was it! That was the definite clue! Humans were one of the few creatures that could safely consume theobromine in all its forms. Zil was almost _definitely_ a Human infant. But... just to be sure... "Will they be seeing the Medik about this at all?"

"Depends on whether or not there's a reaction. I think Zil got more on 'em than in 'em, but you never can tell. Especially when they lick themselves clean."

_Damnit..._ Back to the beginning. Companion Thrys had a moment of inspiration. "Perhaps I can meet Zil one day? I would like to get to know them."

"Sure, just as soon as everyone's cleared. We do need to socialise the little darling."

Not an answer. Not yet. Soon, Thrys would find out in person.

[Image <a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com">(c) Can Stock Photo / oksun70</a>]

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