I heard something walking around outside, followed by pained breathing and then a muted thud. “Lien, can you stand up?” I asked suddenly. She was caged against me, her eyes half shut from the egg. She muttered something in reply, reluctant to stand up, “Up, Lien!” I said forcefully. I twisted towards the door, slipping out and spotting an unconscious Terran figure. My mind raced as I realized that it was a “N’Tlic.” I wanted to protect Gan from seeing, but I knew that I couldn’t let the grubs die. There were lives to save. I tried to send Gan away, but he insisted on staying. I couldn’t do anything to stop him, there was no time left. “Go out and slaughter an animal that is at least half your size,” I said to Gan. I sent out Lien and her daughters. Lien had always been good to me, she shouldn’t have to worry about her son. Gan came back with an achti. I wasted no time, taking Bram’s clothes off and using my claw to slice his stomach open. My heart filled with joy when I saw...