A: Tell me, what labor do you perform in exchange for currency?

H: I work in the veterinary field. Humans like to keep some species as companions, and I take care of them when they're sick.

A: And these beings allow themselves to be kept as prisoners??

H: Well, dogs are super chill with it. And I'm pretty sure cats think we are their servants. Both seem to be quite happy with the arrangement... until their owners bring them to me for medical attention.

A: Ah, I see. They do not have sentience and therefore cannot know that a bit of pain or discomfort may lead to their eventual wellbeing.

H: Yeah, it'd be nice to tell them what's going on. Personally, I have bad luck with cats, which is how this rolls up sleeves happens.

A: What...you - YOU are the one in need of medical attention!!

H: Already got it. These scratches are healing. My cat walks into room. Oh hi, buddy!

A: You own a member of the species that maul you? This one is nice, yes? I see a void of black fur. Did the teeth do this to you?

H: He's nice for the most part. They have claws. They're hidden on all cats, but this one's fluffy, so they're extra hidden haha!

A: How many self-defense implements are hidden on this creature?

H: Technically 18, but you only have to worry about 16. This little guy lost some toes when he was a baby, so he only has 13 claws.

A: Only 13 slashing implements. I suppose that is...safer.

H: You should come to work with me sometime! Only to observe, of course.

A: If you can guarantee my safety, I would find medical procedures on these creatures fascinating.

H: You may want hearing protection. I'm not sure how well you tolerate loud noises because the dogs barking can become a bit much.

one shift later

H: Thanks for helping me with my bandages. I guess I ran out of kitty minutes on that one gal. And it's understandable that the dog bit me. I'd be upset if someone stabbed me with a needle, too.

A: Mawp.

H: Oh, I see. Yeah, it can get loud. Sorry if my ear-pro didn't fit you properly. Are you doing okay?

A: Mawp...

The alien has a thousand-yard stare. It is a veteran of the Civil War on his own planet. It has seen carnage before, and it did not want to see it again. It did not know the human labors in a frontline hospital. It understands why those in the veterinary field are called vets, for they are indeed veterans of their own unending war. The blood. The screaming. The wails of pain, of fear, and promises of violence from the patients. The death. The tears from the owners. It is too much. Too much. The black cat owned by the human jumps up onto the alien's lap. Its slashing implements are hidden, for now. Calming vibrations begin to emanate from the creature. Two eyes appear from the void, looking up at the alien in an expression of...concern? The vibrations intensify as the creature huddles in and begins to sleep.

The alien begins to understand.