CONSERVATION · RESEARCH · SURVIVAL · VESSIMER WILDLIFE RESERVE · ENCLOSURE NINE — A NEW PRESENCE · ENCLOSURE NINE · 3:07 PM

Enclosure Nine is a vast green area surrounded by reinforced glass walls. A waterfall flows among moss-covered rocks and feeds a crystal-clear pond. Trees, ferns and bushes hide shelters, while wooden platforms climb along the walls. Beyond the glass panes, visitors watch the two Ardest with curiosity.

An acoustic signal announces the opening of the door. Two guards enter carrying an unconscious woman and lay her on the damp grass. Both hold tranquilizer rifles, ready to intervene if the demihumans approach the operators. Behind them enter Dr. Marta Ekwall and Director Valter Norrland.

Marta explains, kneeling beside the woman. Her expression is calm.

Norrland declares coldly.

A deep growl breaks the silence. Tarnak rises abruptly from the rock. His long dark tail twitches nervously and his feline ears flatten. He advances, baring his teeth.

he growls at the director.

The guards immediately raise their tranquilizer rifles and point them at him.

a guard warns.

Tarnak stops, but his amber eyes burn with rage.

On an elevated platform, Sarv watches with his arms crossed. His silver tail sways slowly while an ironic smile curves his lips.

Marta stands up, displeased. Norrland adjusts his cuffs.

he orders before leaving with the guards.

The reinforced door closes with a metallic sound. What remains is the roar of the waterfall, the rustle of the leaves and the hum of the cameras.

Tarnak stays at a distance, his tail whipping the air nervously. Sarv climbs down from the platform, without getting too close. The woman lies on the grass, still unconscious. Marta stays nearby, while the two Ardest observe her: one furious at the imposed decision, the other silently curious.

When you begin to recover, no one can know what you will say.

Tarnak says.