Okay, okay I'm sorry this has taken so long. But here it is okay? Happy now? Keep reviewing please.
Also, for those of you who are like me and can only truly enjoy a story if the events and actions are plausible, here is what I'm thinking of for the gas that took down Garran. What I'm thinking is that the gas was a combination of base chemicals which once absorbed into the blood stream would neutralize the xenomorph's acidic blood thus interfering with its effectiveness, much like deoxidizing human blood or lowering blood sugar levels.
Chapter 16- Changes
Beyond the translucent barrier and across the room, I saw the most bizarre and shocking site. A praetorian. The poor thing was hunched into himself, apparently in a great deal of pain. Alcander. But that wasn't the most alarming observation. He was bigger. As if he had unnaturally hit a growth spurt! He was changing! And the cause of the metamorphosis could not be more clear. In the cell beside Alcander's, a human female was pressed against the barrier separating them. She clearly wanted to reach him. Her expression was pained and she showed obvious concern.
Alcander was changing just like Garran had! Could this mean the female was his mate? Every time Alcander whimpered, the female whimpered and mewled from the other side, trying to support him. I could hardly believe my eyes!
Suddenly, I could hear the door being unlocked and I quickly scuttled between Garran's arms and hid against him. A human in a white lab coat came right up to the glass and wrote some notes on a clip board in his hand. He kept staring at Garran in a way that made me feel queasy. Seeming satisfied, he left without even a glance at the suffering xenomorph on the other side of the room.
A moment of silence filled the empty expanse of the room. This is not good. We can't stay here. Trapped; trapped when we are supposed to be staging a rescue mission. I scurried over to Garran's head and nuzzled the long ropes of muscle along his neck. "Waken my love. We must leave this place." No response. I nudged him harder and reached deep into his mind beyond the heavy layers of chemicals combining to suppress his systems. "Garran, Alcander is here. We must find a way out. I need you with me, awake and ready." Still there was nothing. What did they humans give him? I decided drastic times called for drastic measures. I crawled underneath him and along his neck. Opening my mouth wide, I bit hard on his throat. There was no way my human teeth could penetrate his exoskeleton but the pressure of my teeth on one of any creatures most vulnerable areas might just be enough to awaken instincts of self-preservation impossible to ignore.
At this he finally stirred. Now that he was somewhat responsive, I tried to manipulate his immune system for him and focus on dispelling the toxins that seemed specially designed for his xenomorph chemistry. Obviously, Alcander and Garran were not the first xenos these humans have encountered. It took a bit of time but soon enough the poisons began to spill out from the tubes on Garran's back. When the flow subsided, Garran began to awaken.
"Maia, are you unharmed?" he asked. He was almost fully aware now and acting like my mate again. I snuggled close, stoking his crest.
"I'm fine, but there appears to be a more pressing change in our circumstances." I said and gestured to the cells across the room. Garran turned his great head to peer at the only other two occupants of the room. I could sense his initial confusion and then the conflicting emotions that came with understanding.
"You believe this female to be his mate." Garran made it a statement instead of a question.
"Yes, it's the only explanation that makes sense."
"Have you been able to contact him?" Garran asked.
"I haven't directly tried yet." I replied and switched focus to Alcander. I mentally reach out to him and spoke. "Alcander? Can you hear me?" Only silence as a response as I watched his body continue to twitch and squirm in obvious pain. "Alcander, you are hurting. Let us help. Can you hear me? Alcander!" The female's head abruptly shot up and her quizzical eyes focus on me. To Garran I privately said "She heard me. She must be mentally connected to Alcander." He nodded his head ever so slightly.
After quickly checking that there were no humans coming, I moved out from behind Garran to expose myself to her so she could examine me plainly; so she could see that I didn't intend to harm her or Alcander. Her eyes widened, apparently surprised to see another human in a cell with a massive xenomorph like Garran. I tried again to make contact. "Alcander, it's Maia. Do you hear me?"
This time, I sensed the faintest sign of recognition. He whimpered again and the female instantly turned her full attention back to Alcander. There was no way we could transport him in this condition. We had to get Alcander through the change before we could even think about escaping. I turned to Garran. "Will you help him get through the transformation?" Garran nodded immediately.
"No one should have to bear that pain any longer than necessary." His own admittance of the intense pain made me appreciate even more that he had endured that for me, for us. "Alcander, this is Garran. I know we've had our differences in the past but you need to listen to me now. It is urgent. I'm going to walk you through this. Listen to what I say, it can help."
There was a moment of hesitation and we waited. The woman in the cell made a soft whining sound. She must have been mentally pleading him to accept the help. Garran simply waited. I accept your aid. Alcander finally relented.
Garran nodded. Good. Open your mind to me. Again Alcander hesitated. Garran growled softly. Trust me brother; I am trying to help you.
That's the problem, Alcander grit out through the pain. I don't trust you.
Nor I you and yet I am still attempting to aid you. Let me in. Garran demanded. Even though it was easy to sense Alcander wanted to resist Garran, the intense pain of the transformation clouded his mind and weakened his will. Garran was allowed into Alcander's mind. Being connected to Garran as I was, I had a vague connection as well. I too was vicariously stepping into Alcander's mind. While Garran began to instruct Alcander on breathing and sharing the pain, I found a fourth mental signature. The woman, there supporting Alcander when she could not physically do so.
Alcander's change began to happen faster and smoother. I knew he was in good hands with Garran so I focused on the woman. I reached out and gave the gentlest touch. Hello I entreated softly. She pulled away. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I was a stranger to her but I still wanted to reach her, to understand who she was and to help her if possible. She seemed very distressed by Alcander's situation let alone the fact that she too was a prisoner in this facility. I tried to reach her again but just as before she flinched away. She was like a cornered animal, gauging fight or flight. I went to speak to her again when suddenly Alcander was there. He rushed in and created a mental barrier between she and I and he roared at me. I was startled to say the least.
Do not dare touch her! He growled.
I was only trying to help. I meant no harm. I replied complacently, still shocked.
She is not yours to help! He snarled.
Okay Alcander, I'm backing off. I'm sorry. He was so on edge, primal even. This whole situation must be exciting his instincts as her mate to protect what was his and I accidentally pushed him over the edge without realizing. I pulled away and let them be. Garran stroked me lovingly as I withdrew, mentally offering comfort.
When I opened my eyes back in our cell across the room, I saw the woman looking at me again but not in anger or accusation. She seemed wholly curios. I wanted to somehow remedy the situation so I smiled and waved at her. She balked, shocked, but she did smile back.
Time passed on in relative silence as Garran worked with Alcander to finish the metamorphosis. Only the occasional snarl or growl gave hint to what he was feeling. Eventually, I heard his hiss of relief as his body settled and stopped changing. It is finished. Now he must rest. Garran informed me. I nodded.
You probably need rest as well. I suggested and motioned for him and lay down and sleep.
Just for a moment. Come to me. I did as he commanded and stepped into his waiting arms. He pulled me against him. A moment of rest and then we leave this place. He stated.
Agreed. I replied. There in Garran's arms I found my refuge and there I felt safe enough to drift off into sleep but even then it was fitful. Garran too slept lightly so that the smallest disturbance would wake him. We did not sleep long. Soon enough I was sitting between Garran's forearms stroking his crest and brainstorming options for escape.
It was during this pondering when Alcander awoke as well. He shifted and both Garran and I turned in his direction to get a look at him. He stood on his new legs and looked at himself, occasionally flexing a limb and getting a feel for his new exo-skin. The woman had awoken with him and was now attentively observing him as well. She was all shock and awe just as I was when I first beheld Garran's new form. She pressed both palms to the glass divider and he turned to her and placed his new smaller inner hands against the glass over where hers were. His tail twitched nervously as they conversed but when she beamed at him and nodded it was obvious she approved of his appearance. His purr was audible across the room.
Then he turned to us. I guess I owe you a bit of an explanation?
"That would be nice." I said. Curiosity was eating at me and I wanted the whole story.
This is Aubrey, he began. It was during our last hunt before the storm. I was corralling a stray doe when I caught an unusual scent, similar to yours Maia and yet different. I killed my prey but just left it there on the ground, I was so distracted by the wayward scent. I found her washing her hands by a stream, the fresh blood from her own kill stained the water red. The little carcass lay next to her, not much but still a worthy meal. She stood and turned to face me. It was then I realized why her scent was so similar to yours, she's human. I'll never forget that first moment, he began nuzzling the glass as if he could reach her through it, as she saw me I expected her to run, but she surprised me. She grasped her hand made weapon, lowered into a fighting stance and growled at me, actually growled at me!
The woman looked down and blushed visible at the memory, embarrassed.
I was so impressed. I'll admit, I tested her. I roared at her, this silly human with her wild hair and tiny frame who dared to challenge me. I could almost see her mind racing but still she didn't back down. We battled and if I were not an experienced hunter, she may have even wounded me. As it was I was able to retain hold on her hands and stop her attack. That first moment we touched… I don't know how to describe it. Something within me stirred. I knew she felt it too by the way she became still in my arms and stopped fighting. I knew the hunting party must be waiting but I didn't want to let her go. I didn't want her to vanish on me. So I tried to reach her mentally. It took a few tries but eventually I was able to reach her. He laughed. You should have seen the shock on her face. I introduced myself and eventually she began answering my questions. I made her agree to meet at the same spot later in the day. And that's when I returned to the hunting group.
"But why the secrecy?" I asked.
I didn't want to risk mother finding out. I know you wouldn't have told her Maia, but if your mind slipped or one of the others overheard and she found out… she's been stressed enough by you two, imagine how she would react if she found out I had found another human and taken interest.
"I can understand that." I replied after a moment. Of course Alcander would be tactical about this secret, especially considering she is his mate. He would be very protective of her, as I'd already witnessed. "So you went back to her later?" I pressed, encouraging him to continue.
Yes. Night had fallen and the winds were picking up by the time I got back to our rendezvous place. And she was there. Waiting for me. She had her back to me, feet splashing slightly in the gurgling stream. I stayed like that for a moment, just watching her. I began to realize the differences between you humans. They're very similar to us xenomorphs, aren't they? Little gestures we make without thinking, catch phrases we make our own, even the way we think and process the world. I realized that this woman could be very different from me and my ways. I had to contemplate what had to be done if our meeting went poorly.
The danger suggested in his words reminded me that Alcander was not some love sick chestburster, and never would be. He was a warrior through and through. One of our best. Even this girl who caught him so off guard had to be considered a threat until proven otherwise.
But no reason to start off that way, I purred to her to alert her of my presence. Her head whipped around to face me and she fixed me with those emerald eyes. Slowly she stood. I noticed her weapons a short ways away, within grabbing distance if she leapt for them, but not on her persons. A sign of trust. It was she who indicated for me to lay down and she who offered a small kill to nibble on as we conversed. Once more I pressed into her mind. It was easier the second time.
It turns out Aubrey too was from a previous human settlement here, perhaps even the same one you were taken from Maia. But instead of being taken or killed, she escaped through a small shaft into the wilderness and it is there she has managed to survive for many years. Quite remarkable. His voice became reverent. The more I got to know of her and her past; the more I understood about who she was the more my worries vanished and something…something shifted inside of me. All cares were forgotten. Even mother was forgotten as I listened to this strange isolated woman.
As I delved deeper and deeper into her memories and mind it was like I left this world and instead entered a completely new one. A place where she was my world. I realize now that I never fully returned. I still need her mental touch constantly and she remains to be my world, my purpose for existing. And I knew then that this female would be mine. I opened myself to her as well. Quite a strange sensation to have someone swimming around in your mind but not necessarily unpleasant. After a long while, when she was through with her examination of me, she looked up at me and smiled. "Let me be yours" She had whispered in my mind. I was doomed from that moment on, irrevocably attached, Garran I'm sure you know the feeling.
And so it was that we met. But I knew I couldn't just bring her back to the hive. Mother would set every warrior on her. I wouldn't be able to stop them all. With the storm coming, I had her show me her shelter. A small crevice in some rock that had been worn away by time and occupied by animals of all sorts over the years. I helped her fortify it to make sure it was safe and then promised her I would return. He nuzzled the glass again. She reached to stroke his muzzle from the other side of the barrier.
So what went wrong, Garran broke in after a while.
Alcander whipped his head in our direction. Humans! He spat. The humans are what went wrong! His anger was back. I had just left the hive after to storm to go find Aubrey when I heard her mentally screaming, calling my name, asking for help over and over. I raced to her but wasn't able to get there in time. I watched as the vehicle carrying my mate drove away. I followed. I was going to get her back before they got to their ship and left. But there was no ship. There was this facility. And they brought her right inside.
Abruptly I felt the weak mental touch of another, Aubrey. She spoke for the first time. They… they said they were going to c…civi… I think the word was civilize me. They would help me. But they threw me in here. I don't want their help. I want Alcander. Hearing her say this made me smile. I was beginning to like her.
"And you returned to the hive to get help" I said to Alcander.
He nodded. I told mother the truth about the humans. But she would not grant me the xenos I needed to attack. She only allowed me to perform surveillance. We would monitor them, she said. But that wasn't good enough. So I came after Aubrey myself.
"Why did you not contact Garran and I? We would have gladly given aid."
Gladly give aid is most likely not what I would have allowed to happen. Garran said to me privately. I ignored his comment and waited for Alcander's answer.
Because I was still bitter, my pride still wounded after our fight. It's stupid, I know. Looking back I feel ashamed as a fighter to have been so petty but that is the only answer I can give.
He acted rashly and came after me even though he hardly knew me and now he is caught too. Aubrey spoke up again.
Alcander hissed in disagreement. I would do anything for you, to protect you, even from the beginning. The female blushed. Again, this made me smile. They were already deeply bonded. Anyway, these humans know of our existence and have special weapons that they use against us. I can only imagine how many xenos died in the development of these weapons.
"Well even with their weapons, now perhaps with two big strapping warriors we can leave this place and get on with the rest of our lives." I said eagerly. Aubrey smiled at me from across the room.
At that moment, there was a sound at the door. Two males hurried in and stood before our enclosure before I could hide. One, the youngster of the pair, was wide eyed and incredulous. The elder was more solemn.
"It wasn't a blip on the camera" the youngster exclaimed, "There really is someone in there with it!"
The other stepped forward. They were both wearing white uniforms. The human word Doctor came to mind. I remembered that doctors helped people, but this male did not give off a helpful vibe at all. "It's a woman. Young." He looked at Garran who had started growling and baring his slick teeth. The doctor tilted his head to the side, pondering. "Why hasn't it killed her yet?" He wondered aloud.
Get behind me Maia. Garran instructed. I backed away from the glass and hid behind Garan's body, but I never took my eyes off the male. There was something off about him that I didn't trust.
"She hides from us? She didn't even ask for help. She isn't distressed in there." The young one observed. I'm distressed, I thought, but not for the reasons you think.
"It's almost as if…no" He drew out the "o" in disbelief.
"What? Sir what is it?"
"Evaluate them as if you were looking at wolves." The elder instructed. A pause.
"I don't understand." The youth said and the man sighed heavily.
"Its behavior is consistent with a male protecting his mate."
The youth's eyebrows drew together as he tried to believe. "That's not possible." He stated.
"And yet here they are. This beast was brought straight to the cell after he was knocked out and there was no way for her to open the door to get in even if she wanted to. This concludes that she must have come in with him." The young one went to object but the elder cut him off. "When you eliminate all other possibilities, the remaining, no matter how unlikely, must be the truth. Do you have another hypothesis?"
"No sir"
"Then it must be so." He stared at Garran for a moment. "She should be examined. Who knows what kind of damage could have been done if she was living with these aliens. Perhaps she can also give us more insight into their lives. A sort of missing link, if you will."
"Sir, why would you want to know about their lives? Our weapons are already effective against them."
"Know your enemy Kyle, especially if you have any desire to live. Now go and get a crew. We will evaluate her immediately."
"Yes sir." He replied and left.
The elder remained still staring through the glass at us trapped inside. He took a step forward so his nose almost touched the glass.
Maia, climb up under my crest where you will be unseen. I shimmied up his spine until I was settled under Garran's massive crest. Once I was there, Garran stood up tall and strong and roared at the doctor. The man had the courtesy to look shaken. Then he looked down and noticed I was no longer in the cell.
"Where did you hide her beast? Is she tucked somewhere?" Garran growled but the man chuckled. "It doesn't matter. We'll find her anyway. All we want to do is help and the best thing we can do for the poor girl is to get rid of you." Garran roared again in warning. "I'll get the preparations ready" The man said and finally left.
You do not leave that spot, am I clear? Garran ordered tightly.
I stroked his spine as I replied, "Yes love, I'll do exactly as you say." The last thing I wanted was to be separated from Garran. Lately, I noticed I was acting more submissive than usual but I just wrote it off as the promise I made Garran before we left the hive.
We need to leave now! Garran said to Alcander. Alcander charged at the glass and rammed his crest against it with his new strength. It shook with the force but did not crack. It was too thick. Obviously, pure brute strength wasn't going to get us out of this.
Alcander, try that again to the barrier between you and Aubrey. If I'm right, when the humans built this they were more worried about specimens escaping than getting into each other's cells. He attacked the barrier, ramming it with his new crest. I heard a chip and saw the spidery fibers spread out from various cracks. He looked at me with an alien grin. He could do it. He charged again and this time we were rewarded by the loud crash as the barrier shattered and a thousand little pieces hit the ground in a rainfall of sharp shards.
I heard Aubrey's squeal of glee as she ran to Alcander. He embraced her in his many arms and purred to her with such happiness as I'd never heard from him. She kissed his muzzle and his tail whipped back and forth joyfully.
Alcander's POV
Relief. Instant bliss as my mate was returned to my arms. My Aubrey! I called to her on our mental path. She rushed at me, leaping carelessly over the remnants of the accursed barrier. The moment we touched, little sparks lit up my nerves.
Alcander! She cried. I could feel her need to be held. The need for her to feel protected and cared for. I was her mate, it was up to me to provide for her whatever she needed and in this moment I could not be more pleased to supply her with everything she desired. I pulled her close to me, shielding her even from the eyes of the pair across the room. Look at you! She said amazed. She giggled softly. And I thought I had to look up to you before. She teased. The change in her mood was instantaneous, as if my presence alone could quell all anxiety. She giggled again. Remember that I am in your head. But you are right. I suppose this is not normal but I feel a constant need to be beside you and when I am with you, it feels like nothing could truly be wrong.
I bent my head and nuzzled her cheek. That is how I want it to be for us, always. I am sorry I was not strong enough to keep you safe. I was not able to keep us together. But now, everything is different. We will not be separated again. So quickly I have become a part of you and you of me. I need you Aubrey, like I have never needed anyone before and never will again.
Alcander. She said only my name and yet her soft voice held all she was still too shy to admit. I did not need words to feel her affection.
There, now at least you two are together. It's a start. Maia said from across the room, drawing us back to reality. Aubrey huddled closer to my body.
I know you do not trust them yet but I can promise you they are friends. I told my mate.
I trust you and your judgment. It will take a while for me to give my trust to them as well…but I don't distrust them. She had been away from any contact or interaction for so long, I knew that even that much was a milestone for her and I instantly swelled with pride.
I can ask for no more than that. I replied happily. I then turned back to Maia and Garran. So, thoughts on how to escape?
Yes, Garran spoke up, we are xenomorphs. We will fight our way out. I am sick and tired of waiting around and waiting for some master plan to appear. Alcander, our mates are in danger. We can do no other than to get them to safety. Do you agree?
He sounded like a xenomorph warrior, reminding me that though we may be from a more intelligent hive, we are still predators. These petty humans thought they could contain us. They. Were. Wrong. Yes. I growled.
Then it's settled. Garran said standing up to his full height. I will not be caged again! He roared and stormed the barrier.
Maia's POV
It didn't crack or budge. That much had been expected. With another roar, Garran tried again and I had to grip tightly to not fall off from where I was positioned on his back.
Again nothing, though there were nice little vibrations through the ground. Both Garran and Alcander took turns against their barriers without progress. Even lashing their blade like tails produced no result.
It's no use. We are running out of time. I thought.
Do you have any better ideas? Alcander asked impatiently.
I hesitated to answer. I couldn't think of much, I mean these cells were designed to hold xenos so I didn't think we would get out easy. But what I did think was an opportunity… well Garran wasn't going to like it. That male said he was coming back. If they want to "examine" us, then they are going to have to open the doors right?
Garran started growling immediately. No. No way. You expect us to just wait here for them? Let them take you?
No, not take me. Just open the door.
Sure and then we start to fight and they knock us out again. In what way is that a winning plan?
I see no other way out. A queen couldn't even get out of here. That was probably what they had in mind when they built these cells. We already tried breaking out. It hasn't worked. They'll be back soon. We need to agree on something.
Garran, she may be right. Admitted Alcander. Garran turned on him with a roar.
How can you side with her! You would not agree to this if I asked the same of Aubrey!
We don't have another choice Garran. Admit it! I believe we are strong enough to keep both females safe. Do you?
Yes! But they know I am protective of her. Do you expect them to throw open these doors without protection themselves? They will start sedating us before they even walk in the room!
Well now you know to hold your breath. Alcander retorted. Garran wasn't happy. His tail kept flicking back and forth and low grumbles still sounded from his chest. But we didn't have long to decide because the hiss of gas filling our chamber soon could be heard.
It's happening. I couldn't help stating the obvious.
I guess that's that. Garran acquiesced. Maia, observe how the humans operate the doors. Once I give you the command, slide off my back and release Alcander.
Understood.
Garran sucked in a large breath and held it then feigned falling to the ground unconscious. For a moment all was still. I had a limited view from beneath Garran's crest so I shifted a bit to see the door clearer and pulled out a short blade I still had tucked away in my new suit. Sure enough, a whole group of humans walked in. The elder from before led the pack. He examined us from beyond the glass and seeming satisfied, put his hand to a pad next to our cell. With a confirming ping, the great door began to slide open.
"Alright, he should be out, but still be careful. They can have slight tremors and even a twitch from this thing could cut you open." Said one of the humans.
The elder then stepped forward. "It hid the female somewhere against its body. Find her but if she truly is his mate, she may not be docile. Check for a pouch or something similar it could have hid her in. Have your tranquilizers ready. I do not want her stressed." I almost rolled my eyes at that. The group began to fill in and as they did so the gas began to filter out. I mentally checked Garran. He had plenty of air left. He'd be fine until it was safe to breathe again.
We had to wait. While the elder was still outside, he could close the doors on us if we acted too soon. The humans started getting really close. I prayed that my new camouflage made me practically invisible.
"Sir, we don't see her. The male is all bone. There is nowhere she could be hidden." Said one of the youngsters.
"First of all, they don't have bone. They have an exoskeleton." The elder said, finally moving in closer. "And secondly did you even check everywhere? There are hundreds of places she could be on its massive body. Check between the ridges. Check under its skull. Check inside its hands." Then he switched his attention to me. "Come on little lady. Do you remember language? Or are you as primitive as the other one." He said turning to look at Aubrey for the first time. I watched his face fall as he saw what Alcander had done. That was Garran's chance.
NOW! He yelled. In a flash he was up with a war cry that had the humans cowering. Teeth biting, claws cutting, tail slashing. As he exploded into action, I slipped off as instructed and raced for the elder. It had to be him. Something special about his hand opened the door. I needed his hand, I just hoped it didn't have to be alive.
I leapt at the old male with a swipe of my blade. He backed away in time but I followed up with another attack. It felt good to fight instead of being helplessly caged. Somewhere, others were panicking or shouting commands or shouting for help. All I focused on was the elder. I leapt at him again, aiming for his heart but he shifted again out of the way. I hissed. This time I faked a running attack and then dropped low to sweep his feet out from under him. His aged body couldn't move fast enough to avoid me and soon he was on the ground. I raised my blade to drive the point home, but he rolled at the last moment so I barely grazed him. I screeched in frustration. I threw myself on top of him to pin him down. As I did he reached into a pocket. No way was I going to allow him to pull anything on me. I slashed my blade down onto his forearm, cutting strait to the bone. The man screamed out in pain and became instantly distracted by it. He tried to move his arm but again my blade fell upon him. With a few more cuts the hand was free.
I didn't need him, just his hand, so I left him there and ran between frenzied humans across the room to the identical pad next to Alcander's pen. I pressed the palm to the pad and the door began to slide open. Yes! Alcander was free. He had Aubrey in his arms and he released a war cry of his own as he raced out into the fray. I whirled and began running back to Garran so we could get out of here. More gas began spilling out of the ceiling and I could see humans coming with the special weapons. The ones that were actually dangerous. We had to leave immediately.
Suddenly, I was hit from the side and went crashing to the floor. A rough hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me up. "You aren't going anywhere!" Exclaimed the younger male from before. Kyle was his name? Who was this pup to try and stop me!
"Yes. I. Am." I said and brought up my blade from bellow and plunged it to the hilt in his abdomen. His face was a mask of utter shock. I guess he didn't expect that from a female. With the last of his strength he cut a shallow wound on my shoulder with a miniscule blade. A poor excuse of a weapon and a pathetic attempt since he was already dying. With annoyance, I shoved him away and let him fall to the ground with a thud.
Garran! I called. As I turned toward him I could see he was surrounded by bodies and covered with splatters of red blood. He flung his tail in an arch which threw back all who were close to him and quickly ran to me. I grabbed his hand and pulled myself up onto his back. He raced for the doorway and followed Alcander down the corridor.
By this point sirens were sounding and gas was coming out of every vent. Garran had sucked in new air during the fight but now he was holding his breath again. We stuck to the larger main tunnels and wiped out any human we encountered before they could get a shot at us. Granted, a couple got lucky. Garran was oozing green from a couple of wounds and so was Alcander but they kept on going until we were back in the hanger. There we found the doors were shut. Garran cursed. Enough with human doors. Hang on tight Maia. I grabbed tight and Garran raced forward and rammed the door. Alcander followed and they took turned hammering the metal. These doors were built only with basic hinges and little reinforcement. They began to give and finally with the combined force of Garran and Alcander, the doors flew outward and we were free. Light poured in from outside and we raced out to greet it.
Dr. Gregor Ponvitch POV
The sirens had been turned off and the cleanup crews were sent to work repairing the mess the beasts had made.
As I looked out the window at the vast forests and then deserts beyond I realized there was nothing to see. They were gone. The best and worst specimens ever recorded were gone. But they had to be here somewhere. They could run but they couldn't get off planet.
No, had them trapped here. Just had to find them.
As I tried to resist the urge to itch the phantom feeling of my missing hand, there suddenly came a knock at the door. "Come" I called. One of the interns walked in.
"Sir, good news. There was enough blood on the scalpel for a proper sample. We were able to run the tests."
"Darn right. Kyle gave his life getting that sample. And I gave my hand! I hope it proved useful?" I inquired.
"Yes, sir. The test result… it was positive. The female is pregnant."
And I will leave you with that. Until next time.
