This is a story in several parts ... intending to post one part each day.
The Cuddler, part 1
"That's three days now it's been out there. Something needs to be done!" the chief said to whoever was listening.
He contemplated the situation. No one knew where the creature came from; it just turned up one day and took up residence near the main door. No one was willing to venture outside anymore. It may not have actually harmed anyone yet, but it was clearly hostile. Those claws!
He noticed one of the senior scientists walking by, and asked if there had been any progress in dealing with the menace.
"There has indeed. We managed to obtain a sample of its hide, and the researchers have been testing for vulnerabilities. It is immune to most substances, but they had a breakthrough this morning. The creature is strongly affected by the hormone oxytocin."
"Some good news at last. So we need some kind of delivery system ... a dart gun? Or a spray?"
"It's simpler than that. Oxytocin is released naturally through certain kinds of touch. Affectionate touch."
"You mean - what that thing out there really needs is a good cuddle??"
"Precisely."
The chief gazed around the room. "I need a volunteer."