Lost and found
One man’s trash is another’s treasure.
Chapter 1
by 
Jpyric
The well dressed man stands in his large, lavishly appointed office. An identification card hangs from his suit jacket, reading ‘Jack Marceau, R&D Head, CompanionCorp’. He speaks confidently, addressing the camera on his computer. The screen shows several other men and women, all in similar outfits and locations, listening to him with interest.
“So that’s that, then. We did it. It took us years, but we have our hybrids, ready for market. People have clamored for catgirls, fox girls, and all the rest for years, and now we have them. We can begin mass production as soon as possible.”
One of the other people speaks up. “And they’re pliable? They won’t cause issues?”
The man smiles, the smile of a shady car salesman. The expression doesn’t reach his eyes. “Of course! And as of now, they are classified as pets. Eventually that may change, but for now, we stand to make a massive profit on the sale of these…animal-people.”
An older man speaks. “Very good, Jack. Very good indeed. We’ll move forward immediately. And the rejected prototypes?”
Jack shrugs. “They are being disposed of. No need to worry.”
———-
The truck rumbles out of the facility, a tarp covering the load on the long trailer. Night has fallen, and there’s no one around to hear the cries of panic and fear from beneath that covering. The truck rolls down the empty road, until a deep pothole jostles it violently.
A few objects fall from the back of the trailer, landing with a clatter. The truck drives on, unaware that some of its cargo has been lost. Left behind, several cages lie on the side of the road. Broken open from the fall, in the darkness figures emerge from the wreckage. The seem dazed, but soon stumble into the nearby forest, heading towards the lights of the city.
What they are, and who will find them, is anyones guess.
Author’s note; I left this intentionally vague, so anyone who wants to start a branch may do so. Please feel free! If you want to come hang out and talk about this or any of my other stories, I have a discord available. We’re a lot of fun, don’t be shy! https://discord.gg/eQhUAJqYhq