At first I thought this was the epitome of horror. Then I saw them. The others. When I was wheeled out to surgery, I saw my sisters. In all their hideous detail. I saw them.

I had a seizure and almost died. But the f***ing scientists brought me back. At first I didn't understand why. Then I saw the black, lifeless blob they had taken out of me. The Queen.

I cried out in fear and agony. I tried desperately to meet the scientists' eyes. Only the woman noticed. She stared back at me.

"Do you think it's...aware?" she asked the surgeon.

"Of course not," he scoffed.

I tried to scream, Of course I'm aware! My name is Ripley, Ellen, Lieutenant First Class. I was dead. What the f*** have you done to me?

I couldn't speak. I choked. I fainted--the only moment of relief I've known.

I don't know how long I have lain here. It doesn't matter. I feel like I am still in the molten lead on the prison planet.

I remember the body I used to have. It was beautiful. It was lithe and strong and graceful, even as it fell into the fire. Not like this body. I am a monster. My limbs are stunted and twisted. My insides are strangled in knots that tighten every time I breathe.

Breathe...in...and...Pain shoots through my chest. Ignore it...and...breathe out. Don't cry. That will make it worse.

This is my entire life. I piloted spacecraft. I fought pitched battles. I saved Marines. I took charge of a group of murderers. And now this is my life.

Why do they keep me alive? Whenever I hear a noise, I hope it is someone coming to wake me up from this living nightmare. But it never is. Why would they do that? They have probably forgotten that we exist, my sisters and I. Who would even think of us? They don't care what happens to us. So why do they not put us out of our misery? Let me rest in peace!

I hear another noise and strain to see what is happening. I see my face on my old body. Is it real? Did they make another one of me?

They did. She recognizes me. She's crying.

Maybe I can get words out. Just enough words to tell her what to do. I'm not afraid of fire. I'm not afraid of death.