Challenge #03056-H133: Must Love Cats
They took in unwanted stray cats and dogs from around stations, especially taking them away from DeRegger places, and took them to a massive new station that, once they were spayed / neutered, they lived happily and were well loved, and learned to love, until they were adopted out. Unfortunately, not all visitors to Humane Station were the friendly sort. However, not all the unfriendlies were... all that unfriendly. Especially when two new faces saw a group of spacers bullying caretakers, and cruel to the frightened strays.
https://peakd.com/fiction/@internutter/challenge-02975-h052-a-jay-of-sunshine -- Anon Guest
It had once been a popular waystation before the local planet became a reserve for Pax Humanis. Many people think those two facts are related, but it is simply basic chronology. The popularity waned as other, more efficient trade routes opened up. The fact that the local planetoid was a Deathworld had little to do with it.
The point remained that many derelict areas had been overtaken by the station's biota. Jay, not at home on planetary surfaces, took one look at the resulting wilderness and decided what improvements it needed on the spot. They could also see what it was perfect for. All that neglected space would never be shopping emporiums or living habitats again. What it could be, however, was the perfect catio. Not just for Skitties, though they'd be able to visit, but also for the regular varieties of Cattus Domesticus.
He liked cats, and so did more than a few fellow members of Pax Humanis. They were more than willing to help set up the space to be friendlier to felines, as well as assist in the fostering of abandoned or neglected felines. The station, now renamed Humane Station, quickly became a kitty haven. Some of the cats taken in would also be adopted out, once they passed strict inspection.
Support me on Patreon / Buy me a Ko-fi
Prompts remaining: 53 Submit a Prompt! Ask a question! Buy my stories!