Interspecies: King

One

I heard my heels click against the tile floor as I was lead into a meeting room. I softly straightened out my black pencil skirt as I watched my escort pull out the chair for me. Smiling, I took the seat and scooted myself in. I was at the end of the long table, waiting for the meeting with the one that requested my help. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding against my chest as I waited patiently, fidgeting in my seat.

"Nervous, Ms. Sorenson?" I heard a voice from behind me, almost making me jump. I cleared my throat as I turned my head. I looked at the man from head to toe. He was early 40's, maybe.

"Mr. Kleist. So nice to finally meet you." I ignored this question. To be honest, it was hard to agree to this meeting. I was told Kleist worked under Yutani but come to find out it was lie to reel me in. He knew my research with the Xenomorph's, and needed me but for undisclosed reasons. Maybe him not actually working for Yutani was something that helped me agree to this meeting, but it was still hard. Being away from my research for three years and suddenly being summoned for help, it was odd.

I watched Kleist walk towards the middle of the table, before gesturing me over with a glass tablet in hand. I walked with him, standing on the other side of the table. "I wanted to meet with you to discuss something with you. As you know, I'm Ernst Kleist. I'm a genetic researcher that was intrigued by your research being released,"

Ah yes, my research being released. To be fair, I was given a lot of job offerings and recognition but... It wasn't worth it.

"As the events of the Xenomorph outbreak in that ship also intrigued me, I decided to start my own project... Creating an even more perfect organism using Xenomorph genes. That's right, genetically altering the Xenomorph." He said, as my heart skipped a beat. I held my breath as he continued.

"And your research with Zerksis was beyond perfect, we've been collecting Xenomorph's from the fallen space city. We have hundreds on our ship in space, even creating hybrids with real animals." I was astonished by this news, we all wondered if hybrid's were a possibility and this man accomplished one of my greatest wonders. It was true, my dedication to research of Xenomorph's had consumed me from the very beginning. It was consuming this man too.

"But I want Zerksis. He's almost perfect, we need the Rogue. I believe by testing on him, I can create him to be even better than he is now. He's smart, strong, sentient. I think I could make him more superior, more physically impressive! The possibilities are endless Helena. But I need one thing. Your help to secure Zerksis, give him a home in the manmade Alien Colony I built on a ship. Will you help?"

All this information was overwhelming. I was beyond words, speechless. I truly don't know what to do. Be reunited with Zerksis and continue my life's goal of continuing the research? Or risk what happened all over again? Would it be worth it?

"Well, Mr. Kleist... This is all so much information... I'm not sure what to do." I finally got out, taking a deep breath I didn't know I need.

"Ah, yes I imagine so. I didn't think of that, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push all of this onto you. Tell you what, I'll give you a week to think it through, and I'll have my associates call you to confirm your decision, yes?"

I quickly cleared my throat, nodding. "Yes sir. That sounds alright with me." I smiled gently, extending my hand out. He firmly gripped it and shook it gently. "I look forward to your decision, Ms. Sorenson. My associates will see you out." He handed me his card, and then gestured to the door as one of his workers led me out. I stuffed the card into my bag, and followed him out.

He seemed professional enough. But I couldn't get the idea out of my head. Genetically altering Xenonorph's? With real animals? Is such a thing possible? I couldn't imagine a Xenomorph hybrid, the only recorded one was recorded by the clone of Ellen Ripley.

I sighed, walking into my small dark home. I switched on the lights, before being greeted by a familiar meow. I looked down to see my cat rubbing against my legs. I smiled, bending down and rubbing his head. "I'm home." I said before getting another meow.

He was affectionate, gentle and protective. Just like Zerksis. I bit my lip, walking into the living room and dropping my stuff on a side table. They need me, to locate Zerksis. Was it to genetically alter him or use his genes to create something else? It's hard to imagine either, the thought itself frightens me...

But I could learn so much more about the species, what the hybrids could look like, could be like. It could all be worth it! But more importantly...

Zerksis.

He is alive, but not safe. Out last encounter he was protecting me, before he was ripped away from me by the Queen. If we saved him, he could finally be safe. Be taken care of.

But... they aren't exactly pets. They are predators and deserve to be in a true habitable environment. Not turn into caged animals.

I plopped down on the couch, sighing in defeat. This was all so confusing, so difficult. I ran my fingers through my hair as Zer jumped on my lap and made his own little bed in my lap. I ran my hand down his head and scratched his neck softly. He was softer than Zerksis but no matter what I thought, he wasn't a replacement for Zerksis.

If I go through with this, make sure Kleist saves and secures Zerksis... We could finally be reunited. We could be together again. No more separation. I took a deep breath, calming myself.

He could be my partner again. My test subject. We could do fun tests together.

He'd be ok. No more Yutani, no more pain, no more fighting for his life.

Fine. This is it.

I reached over, grabbing my cell phone and dialing Kleist's number. I heard the dial tone and the ring.

"Ms. Sorenson? That was fast, I wasn't expecting to hear your decision so soon."

"Mr. Kleist... I'll do it."