Entry: June 20, 654 A.E.

Morning

First Contact and Early Observations

I've got to record this carefully, because I'm beginning to realize this might be important—more important than anything I've done in my life. I managed to befriend Little Fuzzy that first evening. He was cautious at first, naturally, but when I offered him some Terran Federation Space Forces Emergency Ration, Extraterrestrial Type Three—we just call it Extee Three—he took to it immediately. Never had to live on the stuff myself for extended periods, thank God, but apparently it's palatable enough that Little Fuzzy thought it was wonderful.

What struck me from the beginning was his intelligence. He didn't just eat and run like an animal would. He watched everything I did with intense curiosity. When I lit my pipe, his eyes went wide with wonder at the flame from the lighter, and watching me blow smoke seemed to absolutely fascinate him. He's already learned that certain things are off-limits—took a bit of gentle correction, but he got it remarkably fast.

The most extraordinary thing happened that first night. I'd gone into the living room and noticed my one-inch wood chisel was missing from where I'd left it in the outside shed about a week ago. Couldn't figure out where it had gone—that worried me because absent-mindedness can get you killed out in the wilderness. Well, Little Fuzzy trotted in with it! The edge was dulled and nicked like it had been used for all sorts of things wood chisels shouldn't be used for: digging, prying, probably as a weapon. It was clearly a handy-sized, all-purpose tool for a Little Fuzzy.

This was no coincidence. He'd found that chisel, recognized it as useful, and had been using it as a tool. That level of reasoning—that's something significant.