Lorna stared into the chestburster's face. Hmmm... She tried to think of a good name for the xeno. It seemed energetic, but what name would go with that? Her head thought for a few. Valerie sounds good. Lorna turned her attention to the creature in her hands. What do you think about Valerie?

I like it! With that being said, Valerie started bouncing in her hands. Lorna looked to Shadow.

Sound good?

Shadow gave a slight grin. It sounds nice. She could probably grow into it. Now that's settled, Valerie should go find food and eat. She needs to start growing. Lorna thought for a second about what the little chestburster would turn into. Although she was starting to get used to the Xenomorphs, she still had a small feeling of discomfort. She then set Valerie down. She quickly sped off, leaving Shadow and Lorna to themselves.

Lorna went over to the fridge and pulled out a half carton of milk. Shadow was crouched down as he watched. She chugged about a fourth of it, and put it back. She looked to Shadow as she sat down on the bed again. There was a long silence as they stared at each other. Shadow broke this as he slowly crawled forward.

PVS

Shadow stood up in front of her. Once again Lorna was reminded on how tall he was. He looked down at her. She returned his gaze. He slowly extended a hand over to her face. Lorna kept herself as calm as possible. Even though she knew he wouldn't hurt her, that did not stop her body to shudder when Shadow's cold hand touched her face. He stroked her cheek, staring at her the entire time. It felt like leather and plastic, but was very smooth. She reached up her own and grasped the hand that was touching her, stopping it but holding it as well.

Shadow. What are you doing?

Shadow didn't know how to respond. I...I don't know. Lorna was extremely confused. Was the Xenomorph actually trying to give her comfort? Even stranger, why did this motion give her comfort Normally she would have pushed his hand away, but she didn't. It amazed her that one of his kind could be so gentle. So why did they slaughter innocence?

Shadow? Lorna wanted to be cautious not to offend Shadow, if that was possible. Shadow snapped out of his trance.

Yes? He answered in a curious tone.

Lorna took a deep breath and let it out. Why do Xenomorphs slaughter humans like this? She could already figure one reason. They needed humans for hosts. But did they need humans specifically? She also felt a little mad at herself for asking so many questions. It's just that, she knew so little about them. And who else would ever get this chance again?

Shadow tilted his head to this question, and responded with a neutral voice. I thought you knew. Oh well. We need you for reproduction and food. Lorna's stomach flipped around.

You...eat us?

Yes. How else do you think we would get food? Well that answered that question, and she didn't really like the answer.

Ok. But why use US for hosts? Can't you use something else?

Shadow looked around the room, and then back to Lorna. Does it look like there's anyone else here to use? Lorna understood it now. All the colonies that got hit by infestations only had humans. But still.

Can't your species reproduce some other way? She couldn't help the desperation in her voice. It really disturbed her that the only way a species could make more of itself was to kill another.

Lorna, I know that disturbs you. But don't you think we've already tried? This is the only way. And that was that. Shadow put it how it was, and there was no substitute. Lorna sighed loudly. She wish it was different.

Shadow sat on the bed, contemplating on what he should do next. Lorna had to look up in order to look at his head. Yet again she saw the ridges that went from his head all the way down to the tip of his tail. He was bigger than the others. Why was he so different? Did males have a different look? She swore at herself under her breath. She hated how many questions she had, and that she always had to ask Shadow. It's not that she didn't like asking him, but she always felt like she was annoying him in doing so. But he never gave any hints of this. I'll ask him one more, then I'll give him a little break.

Why are you so different from the others Shadow? Shadow was about to rest the tip of his tail on her shoulder, but pulled back at the question.

I asked the Queen that to when I realized I was different from other male warriors. She said the facehugger that laid me in my host was unique. Instead of just being a plain warrior egg, mine was crossed between a royal guard and a warrior. But it was more on the warrior side, which is why I'm not guarding the Queen. So there were different strands of Xenomorph. And Shadow was special.

Like me, your special too? This only made Lorna feel all the more closer to Shadow.

He gave a small grin, and nodded. He could tell it made her feel a bit closer to him. In all truth, Shadow felt almost like a mate towards Lorna. He was very protective of her for some reason, and enjoyed her company. But we are not mates... he thought to himself privately. Yet again he wished they were, and images on how that would happen inched their way into his mind. He felt a small but established sense of arousal.

Oh no... Lorna's eyes widened with concern.

Whats wrong Shadow? He looked away from her and almost pounced off the bed. Getting on all fours he shot out the door like a bullet, before Lorna could see what was forming between his legs.

Shadow, wait! Where are you going? She got up off the bed but was too late. He had left.

I must go do something. Don't worry, I'll be back. Lorna was so confused. She was left standing in front of the bed, crossing her arms in confusion. The warmth that Shadow brought with him was now gone. She felt the cold embrace of loneliness once more.

"Was it something I said?" she spoke out loud. Ugh! These damn xenos are so confusing! She flung herself into the bed, burying her face into the pillow. Her eyes began to tear up, but she stopped herself. I got myself into this. Now I'm gonna go with wherever it leads. She rested the side of her face on the pillow. Her stomach was beginning to grumble, but she ignored it. All she wanted to do was escape reality with the humbling darkness of sleep. So she did.

PVS

After he had left the room with Lorna, Shadow sprinted for a minute straight into what, he didn't care. All he had to do was make sure his human didn't see his growing erection. He ended up in another of the abandoned human quarters. He located himself in the main area, and stood up. He glanced to his length. It was almost fully at attention, just waiting for a little more arousal. But it didn't come, so it slowly began to recede back.

Great! Just Great! I can barely stand around that human without getting all odd. Why do images of me and her drive me crazy. She's a human! But a female. He looked for something to take his frustration out on. Unfortunately for the couch, it was the first thing he saw. He sprang at it screeching, and as soon as he landed he tore in to shreds in a flurry of claws, teeth and tails. Once the couch was nothing but a fluffy mess, he stopped.

He dropped to the floor in emotional pain. For his kind it was simple. When to of them liked eachother, they mated. Barely any discussion at all. They then were mates until one or both died, mating only with eachother. When it came to Lorna, he felt like it was so much more difficult. What if it was different for humans? I f he took that approach with her, he would risk destroying any chance he had with her.

In all truth, he was mad. Shadow was mad that he had to fall for this human. She was special like him, and she was so beautiful too. Letting out a loud hiss of annoyance, he crouched down. He had to cool off for a moment.

Does something trouble you, my child? Shadow's heart sank. Now the Queen was in on it.

You saw didn't you mom? He already knew the answer.

Yes.

Are you mad at me? For feeling for this human? Shadow prepared himself for whatever answer came.

No! How could I? To tell you the truth, I'm only amused. One of my most loyal children, sparing and falling for a human female. It's almost entertaining.

Shadow's mind almost exploded. Did she just say that, him and Lorna, was amusing. Your not mad at me? I thought it wasn't right for me to like another species?

Oh my child. As odd as it sounds, I can understand why you like her. Her scent, her form, her beauty...the Queen paused...the temptation. I've been following you ever since you spared her.

Shadow couldn't be more happy. The most understanding person he knew got it. So it's ok if I want her to be my mate?

It's unnatural, but times change. Our kind must adapt to these at a moments notice. I actually would like to see how one of my children would work with a human. It would really help us understand them better. Shadow was almost flying by this point. Not only did the Queen not care about him and Lorna being mates, she approved. It made him so happy. Finally he would have a mate, out of all his existence. He was about to sprint back to Lorna, but was stopped.

I also share your concern. Lorna Reeds is a human, meaning she is not like one of your sisters. Do exercise caution with her. It seems she feels somewhat the same about you, but not as enthusiastically as you do. Try talking to her about this. Maybe you could get her to be more happy about it, so then maybe you could make more...progress.

Shadow began to drool a little and felt some arousal. He had never heard his mother talk so mischievously to him. Thanks mom! Shadow had decided now. He would wait for his erection to wear off, then he would discuss his feelings with Lorna.

Your welcome, my child. And please don't hurt her with your lust.

Shadow grinned massively at thought. He would have restraint, no doubt. But he still wanted her bad. He had to stop himself though. At this rate he would never get back to normal. Shadow just let his mind go blank, and waited for his chance.