Unnatural Instinct: Abduction

21.

You look in the microscope again. You can see the two slides: the one 'before' and the one 'after'. They can't be more different. It's hard to believe that they're from the same person.

The sperm to the left are wriggling around like worms stuck on a hot pavement—and there are so many of them they practically fill the slide. On the right there are only a handful and most of them aren't moving, floating in liquid.

Strangely, it makes you sad.

'So that's why you experiment on us,' you say. 'To find an answer to your infertility.'

'Partially, yes,' he nods. 'And to find a way to fix it.'

You go silent, suddenly feeling sympathy for a people who don't think twice about hurting yours. They're not evil; they're just desperate. Might not humans be the same when stuck in the same situation?

Looking down into your lap, you take his hands and entwine your fingers. You know almost nothing of his species, but if any of them are like him, the last thing you want is for them to die out.

Thinking of the laboratory and his role as a 'galactic scientist' makes you think more deeply about his situation, and you suddenly become fearful. 'You say that you have to wait two weeks before you can send me back—for my safety.'

'That's right.'

'But what about you?'

'What about me?'

'What about your 'research'? If you have no evidence of research, what then? You said ... you said you'll lose everything.'

He doesn't answer. You turn to look at him. His face is like a mask, so smooth it almost shines. 'That's not for you to worry about,' he finally says

You stare at him. 'Use me.'

'What?'

'Use me. Continue with your research.'

His eye widen. 'What? No!'

'Not ... not all of your experiments.' You shudder at the thought of him extracting your eggs. It was so painful! 'The ... the other ones weren't so bad.'

'You can't be serious.'

'What else can we do? I don't want you to lose your work over me. And if there is hope to save your people—I want to be a part of that.'

He stares at you, speechless.

You stand. 'Come on. Let's go.'

You don't wait for him, leaving him behind as you walk into the corridor. You march over to the laboratory but as you reach its window and see the three platforms within, you stop and stare. Your heart begins to pound. You start to tremble. Your palms turn sweaty and you're forced to wipe them down the legs of your suit.

A warm hand clasps your shoulder. 'Are you all right?'

'Not in there,' you choke, clamping your hands under your armpits. 'Not in there.'

'Then where?'

His quarters have been cleaned. There isn't a trace of blue anywhere. Even the bed's been recently made. Behind you, two drones push two carts of equipment that he will use for his research. Some of the equipment you recognise, most you don't. The sight of them makes you nervous but not terrified like you were when you saw the laboratory.

'Th-thank you,' you say to the two 'drones'.

They don't answer, the door shutting behind them as they leave. You walk over to the bed and sit on the edge of it. 'Here,' you say, patting the mattress. 'I feel comfortable here. Is that all right?'