A/N: This is the start of what will become the plight of the Pemalite race and their Chee. I will warn you outright that if you have a generally pessimistic outlook on life you will find this first chapter terribly annoying as it is narrated by a Pemalite. For those of you who have forgotten, Pemalite's are unbelievably advanced, yet playful and trusting creatures. This first chapter is from a Pemalite point of view to help you get into the mindset. However, that is also why it is short. I assure you that most of the future chapters will be from the more down-to-earth and less sugar-happy Chee narration. In the meantime, enjoy.

(And for those of you wondering I will be continuing the Playing War series AFTER this story).

Chapter One

A New Friend

Siran

Hello, friend! I am flattered that you would take interest in my humble meanderings. I hope that you enjoy yourself, and if you require any assistance please do not hesitate to ask!

As you probably already know, I am a Pemalite. If you did not know this, do not fear! I will promptly tell you all of the wonderful things I can about our race. Our planet is a magnificent land of grass and trees, with shining purple skies. Of course, I am quite positive that your planet is just as lovely! Perhaps we could share stories of our worlds?

My name is Siran. I am a young Pemalite, only three revolutions old. If you tell me your system of tracking time, I would be happy to translate it for you. My fur is a red-brown in hue, and I walk on the standard two legs, with a tail for support. My hands are well-padded and can double as extra legs, should I choose to run on all fours. This method of running is much quicker and, let's face it, much more fun! There are some wonderful games which can be had in running this way! But I am getting off track…

As I said, I am a young Pemalite. So young that my eyes are still the bright aqua color that marks a juvenile. But fortunately for me, all Pemalites – young and old – are most vital to the community! Even more fortunately, our race has just received a very dear present. New friends and helpers!

I was with my dear friends Tirah, Peskar, and Layet. Layet was our senior Pemalite. His black fur had begun to lose its pigment and his eyes were so dark that they looked like they belonged in space. Such a decent, fun-loving fellow, Layet was! He was as excited as we were, more so even, for this wonderful creation.

You see, we have been visited by many many races. Millions of species come to enjoy our peaceful and enjoyable world. Unfortunately, they all must eventually return to their own kind. So we decided to create friends who would be able to share in the delights of our world all the time.

Layet was our artificial intelligence extraordinaire. He was simply a genius in giving androids not only intelligence, but personalities and the desire to play! We, Tirah, Peskar and I, were his students and helpers. Naturally, we were able to witness every aspect of this wonderful event.

"Now." Layet was saying, "All we have to do is double check the Crystal's programming and then we can wake them up!"

There were a couple of dozen androids before us. Each one was gray and white metal, with a very definite resemblance to our own Pemalite selves. Currently they were not too exciting to look at. Soon, however, they would come alive and play! I wagged my tail in anticipation.

"Are they ready?" Tirah asked eagerly. She had golden hair and pointed ears, which I found quite nice. She had been one of my favorite playmates since I was just a birthling.

Glancing at me, Tirah caught me staring. She flashed me a grin of perfectly white, flat teeth. Almost involuntarily my tail began to wag harder and I looked down, embarrassed. Suddenly I heard Tirah laughing. How silly of me, to be reluctant, when I could make that beautiful laugh come into the world! I found myself laughing too, feeling gloriously light as we returned to the computer displays.

"They are ready." Layet said at last. His dark eyes shone with a nervous excitement.

Eagerly, the three of us leaned over to see his computer monitor. The basic programming module for the androids was on-screen. We all took in this information, memorizing the functions and limitations of our friends.

It is sad that we had to give these wonderful creatures limitations, isn't it? However there are certain necessary distractions that we must avoid. How terrible it would be if one of our new friends decided to become violent! Yes, violent! I know it sounds simply ridiculous, but you would be amazed at how many creatures we have had to politely request leave our planet. And all because of silly fighting!

"Is everyone ready?" Layet said, upping the anticipation. We all nodded eagerly. We couldn't wait to see our new friends in action. To meet them, to talk to them, to play with them! Imagine the things we could discover together!

"Alright." Layet smiled at us, "Let us meet our Chee."

He entered in the final activation code, and suddenly the androids came alive.