"So are you sure it's a Xenomorph Infestation?" A man in a white lab coat asked his assistant. He was in his office, staring at a screen of the planet below. He typed in a command that zoomed in on the colony.

"Yes, we're quite sure. The colony has lost most power and all our scanners have picked up are mostly in-human signatures. The man raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.

"Mostly in-human? So there are survivors?" His assistants blank face didn't change as she answered.

"There are a few, but probably no more than a dozen." He sighed. Looking back to his screen, he entered a command to do a thermal scan. She was right. Out of the whole surface of the colony, only a few popped up every now and then.

"We will have to find and deal with these survivors. We can't risk any of them witnessing or tampering with our plans." The woman nodded. "Alright, how soon will the retrieval team be ready for the drop?"

"In about twenty-four hours for them to be fully equipped and ready." The man smiled a wolfish grin.

"Good. And please do tell them that two synthetics will be joining them." The woman got a confused expression.

"What for?"

"Well, even though they're armed and trained, they're still only human. They can die. And I can't allow the team's death to jeopardize this project. If they do in fact fall, the synthetics will pick up what we need. Besides, Synths can take a lot more punishment."

"Alright. Are they programmed yet?"

"Yes. Also, tell the team to do this with stealth and as few Xenomorph casualties as possible. This will be easier if we don't have a whole army of the things coming for our heads." The assistant nodded her agreement. She knew all to well how hostile one of them was.

"Will that be all sir?" She pulled out her MPDD and started jotting down notes.

"Yes. You are dismissed." With that being said, she left the office and went about her duties. The man just stared back at the screen and thought. This colony was reported to house at least six-hundred colonists. The odds were at least four-hundred had been used for hosts, adding to the Xenomorph population. The others most likely a food. That would mean the small team of twelve people would be dangerously outnumbered if they disturbed the whole hive. But it didn't matter. He would get the specimens required for his tests. No matter the cost of life or resources. Oh yes. The company will make sure of that.

PVS

Lorna awoke to hear the clattering sound of metal. She propped herself up and looked to the door drowsily. A black figure walked into he room. She recognized Shadow. He walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Oh hey Shadow. Why'd you leave like that?" Shadow looked to her with what looked like a straight face. He seemed to understand, but seemed reluctant to answer.

Shadow, whats wrong? He pushed his hand forward, towards Lorna's hair. Human hair confused but intrigued him. How could something so soft have a patch of something softer growing on it's head. Lorna seemed to flinch when he grasped it. But she didn't move or push his clawed hand away. He had to be very gentle as to not scratch her. Slowly and softly he began to play with her hair. Yet again she was reminded of how gentle these killers could be.

Shadow gave out a low hiss, and stopped.

Lorna. I like you. Lorna choked on her own saliva and coughed violently. Shadow pulled her into an embrace and held her tightly. She felt the cool exoskeleton of her Xenomorph companion. It was sorta bony, but muscular. It was cool and very smooth like a window with a touch of leather. She returned his hug. Together they sat in that position until Lorna pushed away and looked to Shadow. She was surprised by what he had said, but not as much as she hoped to be. But her mind refused to believe it.

What did you say? She asked with a concerned face. He moved his gaze to her eyes. She felt an unbelievably warm wave of feelings come from him.

I like you. And I'd ask you to be my mate. The sincerity in his words was loud and clear.

Her vision got blurry and rationality began to leave her mind. A small voice in her head confirmed it. He just said he likes you. And he wants you to be his mate. She shoke her head and opened mouth. She didn't know what to say. Her brain was still processing what it had heard.

Shadow moved his face uncomfortably close to hers, but his lips hid his deadly teeth.

I know your confused, as I was when I realized I was falling for you. You and I are so different, but unique in our own ways. Your eyes used to freeze me whenever my gaze met yours. I couldn't understand why. So I spared you hoping I could find out. I still couldn't believe how you, a total different species drove me crazy. I spoke to the Mother and now I know. I want you Lorna. As my mate. I know it's hard for you to understand and take in like this. But please understand the risk I'm taking in telling you all this.

Lorna's mouth stayed open in awe. She was so dumbstruck that only a little voice in her head worked. Did a Xenomorph just ask me to basically marry him? Holy Hell! She felt reality whirl into her head. She still didn't know what to say though. All that left her mouth was breath. Shadow just sat there and let it sink in. He had to. It was the only way for Lorna to understand how he felt.

She could only use words for now. Every time she tried to telepathically talk to him at that moment was drowned out by confusion.

"Shadow...I...I..." He saw how shocked she was, and pulled her in

to another embrace. This one with more feeling to it.

I know it's hard to comprehend. But haven't you noticed to? This question broke her brain-freeze. It made sense. He seemed to enjoy her company. And oddly she felt the same. She could never get rid of that gratitude for Shadow. It had only developed into something more. Something she was silently hoping that it was just her imagination.

She had noticed. Shadow and her's hugs were a little bit more intimate than just a friendly hug. And the way he was always entranced by looking into her eyes. That was a huge giveaway. But her liking him was what scared her. She had caught herself too. It was a losing battle. The more she was with Shadow, the more she enjoyed him. And now that he had admitted his feeling for her, her feelings for Shadow became all the more powerful.

"Shadow...I know how you feel. And I feel similar. But for humans it's different. It just takes...more time. Pulling this up like this was a lot to take in. I don't know if this will work. I mean..." Lorna knew how she felt for him. She really couldn't help it. But they were different. "...you and I are two different species. We look nothing alike. How could it work?" Shadow gave a small grin.

I know Lorna. But just please give it a chance. I can't help my feelings for you. Lorna thought about it. She was better off with Shadow. Almost all other colonists were dead now. But she wasn't ready to just become a 'mate' with someone just on a request. Especially an Alien.

She started using her mind again. I...I guess we could try it out. But we're not mates. I need more time to think about it. Shadow's face got a wide grin on it. He almost squashed her with his arms. She let out a surprised yelp.

Thank you Lorna! I was so afraid that you'd reject me. He released his grasp and leveled his face with hers. He lifted his hand up and gently caressed her cheek. She just shuddered, and put her hand on his head and returned the motion.

I'm guessing we'll be doing this a lot? Shadow let out what she thought was a laugh, but it was more like a stuttering hiss.

Ya. Until it progresses further. Lorna's eyes widened as she heard his mischievous tone.

Hey hey hey! We're not even mates yet. And I think we both know how thats accomplished. Shadow smiled. He seemed to do that a lot around her. So I don't want to go that far yet until I'm used to this.

I understand. But don't expect to keep much space between us. She sighed, but not in a bad way. More of a 'oh great, now i've got him going!'

Shadow pressed his head to hers. She backed her head back slightly but stopped as his right hand came up behind her head.

Do not fear, Lorna. I will not harm you. His lips yet again concealed his lethal silver teeth.

I know but...she let her forehead touch his as she shut her eyes...you understand where my fear comes from right? Shadow nodded. Together they rested their bodies against the bed, facing eachother as their heads simultaneously touched the pillow.

They fell asleep holding eachother close. Warmth lightened Lorna's dreams as she fell asleep in Shadow's dark embrace.