Chapter Text
The ship lands ready to pick them up, to head back to Earth. Jill is devastated, and Galgo can do nothing more than share her feeling of loss. He feels strange and empty. He won’t admit it, but Ahab’s farewell has drained him of energy. All his emotions are raw after recent events and the sudden solitude—knowing he won’t be there to save his ass from any trouble, to growl something before leaving, pretending he doesn’t care about his well-being but rushing to protect him when things turn dangerous. A sigh he doesn’t notice escapes him and draws the attention of a few others.
“Do you miss him? I miss her too. I guess we both lost something today” Jill comments, her gaze lost. The pain is reflected in her eyes, and emotional exhaustion makes her look dazed.
He knows what she means, but prefers to leave it at that and keep licking his wounds in silence. When he returns to Earth and finds a place to spend time until he gets another ship, he believes the shadow of memories will haunt him at night for a long while.
“He’s a monster. A killer. You’re better off without him” Galgo isn’t sure if it’s true or a lie. The sergeant seems so convinced of her words and falls silent when she sees the look in the survivor’s blue eyes. He tries to ease the tension while mentally preparing himself for hypersleep.
He needs some inner peace, though he curses himself for keeping quiet about so many things he would have liked to say before. After having sex, all he could think about was how good it felt, how his body simply adjusted to receive Ahab. Still, he settled for resting his head on that thick shoulder and falling asleep from exhaustion. The preparation for hypersleep is quick and efficient thanks to the synthetics. Before he knows it, he’s already drifting into unconsciousness.
Desolate Earth, Lv-223. Year 0 of stay, 4 months since the accident.
Galgo isn’t stupid—never has been—and he has a slight curiosity about his behavior, always lurking around his safety and only coming to help when needed. Angela watches him with impatience. His silence is welcome but strange, and although she doesn’t really care, she dares to ask. She gets a vague answer that feels completely out of place to her. The others say nothing and prefer to exchange questioning glances every so often. Ahab enters the cave shortly afterward and points at him with his claws before leaving again. Galgo doesn’t think twice before running after him.
“Where are you taking me?” He asks when he notices how calmly Ahab is leading him somewhere. He hasn’t even given him a single growl. “Fine, if you don’t want to answer, we’ll walk the whole damn way in silence”
So they go in silence. For Galgo it’s uncomfortable and strange. He wants to throw out sarcastic comments and bad jokes to pass the time, but he doesn't and he doesn’t understand what’s stopping him. Ahab guides him through the thick jungle with total naturalness, as if he knows every inch of the terrain, though that wouldn’t surprise him in the least. He crashes into the muscular back when Ahab stops, realizing he’s been lost in his thought. He looks ahead at the large abandoned structure and then at the alien with excitement.
“This is fantastic! Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Helder says with a huge, joyful smile. “Ahab, this is the best thing you’ve ever given me! Well… besides the weapon, of course”
A particular, somewhat strange growl in his alien language is the only response. Yet suddenly Ahab approaches in a way he hadn’t done before. There’s something odd in his eye, particularly out of place compared to his previous expressions. Galgo doesn’t think he’s going to hurt him—Ahab has already made it clear that’s the last thing he intends. Still, it’s weird. Without thinking, the human steps closer and looks calmly into the alien face, as if waiting for an explanation of the behavior. Then he hears an unusual sound. Is Ahab… laughing?
He gives the huge figure a shove that doesn’t budge him at all and starts walking back toward the makeshift camp. After sharing the good news with the team, night falls quickly amid the emotions. Ahab begins to leave again to wherever he’s been living this whole time. This time, though, Ahab grabs his arm and gives him a light push forward.
“Hey! What’s wrong with you?” He questions, annoyed by the strange treatment “Ahab, what the hell’s gotten into you?”
The named one tilts his head to the side but keeps insisting, gently pushing him by the arm again. This particular day has been the most shocking one he’s had with Ahab. He’s never behaved like this before, and it’s not something Galgo likes.
“Do you want me to follow you or something?” The alien nods and pushes him again. This time he obeys. “Alright, I’m coming”
He leads him along a different path this time, closer to the mountains and somewhat isolated. The cave is different and quiet, protected by traps made by Ahab’s own hand. It’s impressive—he built his own fortress alone, though it doesn’t really surprise him. Upon entering, he notices the multiple skulls hanging on the wall and the organized animal remains—the same “pigs” they used for food.
“Wow, nice little house you’ve set up here. Looks like you even live better than we do up there” The human comments, thoroughly inspecting the place. Before he can notice, he hears the sound of Ahab’s plasma caster igniting the fire. “So I guess you wanted me to see this, and now I’ll have to spend the night here. How convenient of you”
Both sit in front of the fire, trying to keep distance though it seems useless. Ahab extends his hand and signals for him to come closer. Curious, he obeys and sits beside him to stare at the flames without worry. Suddenly a hand settles on his waist and lifts him, placing him on top of the covered groin. He feels the cold metal under his ass, while the skin in contact is warm and hard—pure muscle. He doesn’t know whether to make a funny comment about it and simply places his hands on the bare chest.
“So this was it. I already knew—no one could be chained to me for so long without falling in love” He says with a nervous smile. If this had happened with anyone else it wouldn’t be so difficult, and he doesn’t understand why he feels so out of his element near this hunter. He had always dominated in his relationships, and being with someone/something equipped to show dominance leaves him outside his arrogant and charming character. But in the end, it’s just Ahab. “This is stupid. Do you want to do it after all?... Even though, I’m a love machine, I’ve even made beings from other worlds fall in love with me”
That sound again, and the way the appendages of his mandibles stretch. He likes that sound and knows how to identify it now. He raises his hand and touches the scarred wound where his missing eye is. The skin is hard yet soft in its own way, an unknown texture to his fingers. Now he turns his attention to the appendages on his head. At first he thought they were hair, but now when he touches them they have a skin-like composition. He gets a reaction—Ahab tightens his grip on his hips and growls softly.
“Does that feel good?” Galgo asks, tugging the appendages and earning an upward thrust. The metal hitting his ass makes him fully aware of what he’s about to do and with whom. “Better be my way or this is only going to hurt me and for a long time”
He has been with one man or two before, gave his ass up more than once because of bets or bad drunken nights in bars on one star or another. Still, it never crossed his mind that he’d have to ride a hot alien’s cock and it shouldn’t sound as exciting as it does in his head. Maybe it’s too much time alone and lack of human warmth, but he wants this. Ahab seems to wait patiently for his movements. The claws begin to caress his hips—slow. He understands Ahab is letting him do it his way, without even protesting, and he feels the weight of the trust being offered.
Now he’s tilting his head to the side. It seems to be curiosity—or maybe asking permission. He doesn’t know for sure and simply enjoys it when the claws stroke his back. The alien lifts him from his lap for a moment and removes the metal codpiece along with his loincloth.
His cock is large, thick, with changing texture. The tip is a lighter, softer shade resembling his skin tone; the rest is darker with throbbing veins. Huge balls he just wants to bury his face in and enjoy the sensation. His hand ventures forward and wraps around the erect member. His fingers tremble as he pulls down to reveal the pink flesh beneath the foreskin. A soft purr is what he receives in return.
The scent of Ahab's groin is strong and musky. He leans closer and buries his face against the large balls. Galgo's body trembles in response—it’s something biological he can’t control. He takes one testicle into his mouth. Ahab purrs low and places a hand on his head, tangling claws among the messy strands. Galgo’s breathing stops for a moment at the feeling of the warm hand in his hair. Quickly he becomes aware that all attention is on him. He adjusts and takes the tip between his lips with a wet pop. It has a strange, unfamiliar taste that makes him moan while struggling to take more. He has sucked less than halfway when he starts undoing his own belt with one hand.
“Son of a bitch” He gasps against the cock in his mouth as he frees his own throbbing erection from his clothes. That’s when he feels something strange in his mouth. “What the hell?”
He pulls away from Ahab to see how the cock begins to secrete a sticky substance around his fingers. The smell is spicy and unknown. He brings his coated fingers to his mouth and tastes curiously. It tastes like adrenaline, danger, and spice—three things he loves and that only exist in him. Quickly he wraps his fingers around the cock again and slowly strokes up and down, enjoying the slow purr. He stands to remove his own clothes. He’s always been proud of his body, but there’s something in that piercing gaze that makes him feel like he has to prove something.
He kneels. His wet hand moves to his ass. It’s been a while since the last time he did this. His finger enters with effort. A broken gasp leaves his mouth as he starts moving it in a slow rhythm. He lets out a surprised moan when Ahab grabs him by the waist and positions him on his back, spreading his legs to watch while he stretches himself with his own fingers. This position leaves him exposed and vulnerable. His own cock aches from how aroused he is against his stomach. He never thought this would turn him on so much. He enjoys how one claw enters alongside his own finger. The uneven, rough movement burns his inner walls. He pulls his finger out and lets Ahab take over. Now two claws spread him open leisurely—because even in this, he wants the pleasure of dominating.
“My God” Galgo gasped when another entered to stretch him. The improvised lube has dried and now there’s a slight pain accompanying the pleasure “Ahab”
He grabs the big wrist and stops the movement. He moans dissatisfied, and inside his skin the morbid curiosity prickles—will it even fit? Still, that doesn’t matter. He spreads his legs obscenely. A happy purr comes from deep in Ahab’s chest. He approaches to position himself. Galgo holds his breath when he feels the push against his entrance. It’s slow and measured. His insides make way and he’s left breathless. It hurts so good. Then Ahab stops and stares at his face, studying his reactions. Both are strangers to each other.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—it feels wonderful and he can barely keep his mouth shut. The first thrust, bringing friction, is intoxicating. He moans when a punishing rhythm is set. He’s so full he doesn’t know how there’s space to move. The stupid worry that it’ll go past his diaphragm and kill him pulses through his skin. His body is so stretched that every movement forces all the air from his lungs. The urge to scream for him to stop comes like a freight train—but he doesn’t, because he refuses to lose this pleasure. He raises his hands to grip Ahab’s shoulders. The other only fulfills his desire. Their chests are flush. He takes the chance to wrap his legs around the wide waist and bites the shoulder to calm his thoughts when he’s lifted off the ground and they return to a sitting position. Galgo is back in his lap. When he settles, he can feel him even deeper—if that’s possible—and screams when he feels the tip pressing his prostate. His cock rubs against the sculpted alien abdomen and one hand pulls Ahab’s head appendages as hard as he can, causing growls from his companion.
He screams for more in the middle of his ecstasy. Every coherent thought is gone. He only wants to feel more of that intoxicating sensation and doesn’t care what happens afterward. He moves inside with such roughness, claiming what is his with dominance. He feels pressure in his lower belly and his member continues rubbing with every upward thrust. A slow explosion of words leaves his mouth. He gasps how good it feels with every compliment he knows, prays to his gods, thanks any external force while being pounded, fucked completely, and filled in a way he never imagined his body could endure.
Galgo comes with a muffled moan. At the peak of his climax, the claws digging into his hips bring a welcoming pain to his orgasm. He collapses exhausted and lets all his weight rest on the other. He’s breathing hard when he moans at feeling the alien orgasm arriving inside him—so hot like embers, wet and burning. Ahab snaps his hips upward until he spills the last drop of semen into his guts.
He has no words. For the first time in a long while, Galgo Helder is speechless. He simply stays quiet and doesn’t even know when he fell asleep.
He wakes against the muscular chest. A yawn escapes his mouth and he rises to stretch. Ahab is looking out the cave entrance, leaning against a wall. He notices he stayed to let him rest on him, since Ahab usually leaves at dawn. He quickly realizes he’s sitting on the now-armored groin and stares at it for a few seconds. It’s not like he wasn’t on that cock last night with nothing in between, but it still feels strange.
“Good morning, Ahab” Galgo says, resting his weight against the alien again. After their first “fix” he doesn’t know how this will work and fears the idea of not getting any more favors. Sometimes this planet full of hostile creatures overwhelms him, and he’s still not ready for death—or at least he thinks so. “Nothing to add? Not even a ‘you’re fantastic, Galgo’ in your language? How rude”
Ahab responds with something strange in his language and now watches him with evident curiosity. Galgo is the type who holds anyone’s gaze, yet now he feels a hint of shyness and nerves—which he pushes aside. The Yautja slides his hand along the human cheek and caresses gently. Helder leans into the touch and lets himself be held. It’s a strange sensation he could get used to.
“Galgo, we thought you weren’t coming back” One of the women says when she sees him enter through the door. She quickly notices the change in his walk. “Galgo…”
“You’re walking slower than ever. What’s wrong with you, Galgo?” Angela asks with a raised eyebrow and a mocking smile. “I knew it. We all knew”
“I’m not talking about that with you” He states angrily, realizing everyone has noticed the change. “So let’s leave it at that”
“You walk like I did after my high-school graduation” The blonde comments with a huge playful smile, making the others laugh. “I knew that protection would cost something”
“That doesn’t surprise me at all. At least that ass is good for something besides taking up space” Jill snaps amid laughter. She’s taking it with a lot of grace. “No wonder he helps us so much—or helps you so much, damsel in distress”
“How are we going to hunt for dinner? You can barely move” Captain Foster questions with a faint smile still on her face, yet showing concern. “This is something that affects all of us and needs to be discussed”
“Ahab will bring food” He says—and thinks that after what he did to him, he should know he won’t be able to go hunting for something to eat. At least he should know by now. “Or at least I hope so”
“Yeah, for you. What about the rest?” Angela says smiling. It’s strange when suspicions turn out to be true. “You’re not alone here, damsel”
“Are we all eating in the end or not?” He asks, slowly sitting against a wall. He looks up at the ceiling. This is more embarrassing than it should be, and right now he wishes he were alone. “Just leave me alone and think about how you’re going to eat thanks to this ass”
The women burst into laughter. Maybe laughter was better than regret and shame—even if he doesn’t really feel them.
He spends more time than he should with Ahab, but it’s something he can’t control. Every time he sees the alien standing among the jungle undergrowth, he knows it’s some kind of signal. He loves how warm Ahab’s chest is and how his hands caress his hips. Yet something strange happens, everything turns cold and he lacks air for a moment. The alien disappears and leaves him alone, though it’s something he would never do. He’s not willing to accept that he has been abandoned. He opens his eyes and takes a forced breath. He realizes he’s surrounded by people. It looks like a medical bay. He tries to sit up but is stopped by the ship’s paramedics.
“Mr. Helder, we’re from the Weyland-Yutani medical team” Explains an older, gray-haired, tired-looking man. “You have something very valuable, besides information from your previous trip to Lv-223 and we want you to tell us everything”
“Why am I in the infirmary? Did something happen during hypersleep?” Galgo asks, breathing rapidly. He feels like the air is missing in the congested room. “Where are the others? I don’t have anything that belongs to the company”
“Well, Mrs. Jill promised us an embryo specimen of a creature. With her wife dead and the specimen lost, we had lost hope, until the computer and synthetics found anomalous readings in you. It’s a miracle. You are carrying an intergalactic xeno creature in your womb. We don’t know exactly which one, only that they are called ‘Hunters’” The doctor seems calm reciting that information, as if he should feel proud of it. “Tell us about the situation”
“That’s impossible. I wasn’t even near the colony, much less near any facehugger. Ahab didn’t let those creatures get close to me” He answers thoughtfully. That second when he faltered was covered by his companion’s protection. “I’m not telling you anything about what happened on LV-223. I’m sure you already know the whole story from your soldiers”
“The famous Ahab everyone talks about in the interrogations. They say he had a bond with you” The medic informs, reading files on the digital folder. “The hunter was a humanoid extraterrestrial and you managed to understand him. Some suspicions lead to the conclusion that the embryo inside you is not from the dark beings called xenomorphs, but from your alien companion. The infant’s cranial bone structure does not match human and it’s almost impossible, yet it continued forming despite the cryogenic state”
Galgo swallows hard and laughs. That seems to disconcert the doctors. He thinks about it for a moment. Would he have been able to stop Ahab from leaving if he had known he was carrying a child in his womb? Although he doesn’t know how hunters are born—if they were similar to the black creatures—he’s never seen a female of the species. What if they died in childbirth? Now a thousand and one worries fall on him, but even more on the fate of his child if he dies. Only now does he notice how swollen his stomach is. It looks like five months pregnant—the months he spent in hibernation on the return ship.
“None of that makes sense. Your assumptions are ridiculous. What do you suppose?” He questions with annoyance, showing that confident smile. He has to pretend to know where this is going even though he can’t help placing his hand on his belly. “Surely some space parasite is in my stomach slowly killing me while we talk. It’s stupid. We’ve barely evolved enough to build spaceships and you believe I could carry an extraterrestrial’s child. Don’t be ridiculous”
“Mr. Helder, we’re not joking. Did you have sexual relations with the hunter Ahab?” The question comes in a strong tone. They want to intimidate him and he narrows his eyes in anger. “Mr. Helder, answer the question!”
He doesn’t respond. He simply keeps his opinion to himself. You never give them what they want—much less to Weyland-Yutani.
First week of confinement. The room where he is locked is spacious, has comforts, and is padded. Apparently they don’t want him to damage the specimen. He has so little time to get used to the idea that he’s gestating an alien baby in his womb and every time it sounds more far-fetched, like an invented madness. Yet his bulging belly confirms it. The crazy idea that he’s carrying Ahab’s child is correct. It’s like a ticking time bomb about to explode. Galgo overhears them talking when they think he’s distracted in his cell.
“The embryo developed its own amniotic sac and managed to attach for survival, creating an artificial space. This species is fascinating and manages to make any change to continue reproducing. However, if we remove the specimen before it matures, it would die and be useless to us. We have to wait for a birth to investigate the gene that makes them so powerful more thoroughly” The doctor explains with noticeable excitement in his voice. Apparently this research fascinates him. Galgo only knows it’s exciting because this child won’t take the most heartbreaker body away from anyone but him. “Let’s just hope nothing that complicates the mission gets in the way” He comments normally.
“Perfect, Dr. Hoffman. Keep me informed of any other change. Mr. Helder’s condition is delicate. We still don’t know how the process will work in his body. Does your research team have any idea how to treat the subject?” Says an unknown voice he’s never heard before.
“At the time of birth a cesarean will be necessary since he lacks the corresponding reproductive organs for delivery. We assume everything will go well and we won’t have problems during extraction” He answers while turning the corner, followed by the sure steps of what is probably the medical team. “Review of the first 21 weeks and first week since awakening from hibernation” Is the last thing he manages to hear.
Now he is alone—completely alone. He doesn’t even know where Angela is. Chris is dead and Jill in a way too. Ahab is gone and he tries to handle this whole situation by himself.
The fate of everyone is completely uncertain.
His companion walks slower and more measured—perhaps because of their copulation—though it’s adorable how he leans against his side when his feet stumble on uneven ground. He complains that he’s a brute and how much his body hurts as a result. He takes the small, soft hand between his claws. That makes the human stop and pulls him until he collides with his chest. Placing a hand behind his ass, he lifts him into his arms. His human seems embarrassed and for once has no sarcastic comment to add. He simply stays quiet and lets himself be carried. He’s too old for romantic courtship, but one every now and then doesn’t hurt.
“Don’t do that again” Galgo murmurs when he sets him down on the floor of his private wing in the refuge—one they now share. “I’m not your damsel in distress”
He growls amid laughter and Galgo places a hand on his chest to push him away when he approaches. He’s angry. Still, he comes closer and looks at him curiously, tilting his head to the side. This human has always called to his instincts. He was his companion and equal in hunting, and now shares his bed, survives by his side, a warrior worthy of his attention. He lets himself be dominated and gives all his trust every time he takes him. His purpose still doesn’t seem to arrive, though if he has to spend time here, he prefers the company of his ooman by his side.
He picks up the alien weapon and approaches to hand it to the human. He still thinks a little about how he believed he was going to abandon him that day in the fight, yet he returned at the right moment. Both head toward the camp to start the day and continue with scheduled activities.
“What are you thinking about so much?” His companion asks when he notices him somewhat distracted or not paying attention to his chatter and complaints about organizing the new base—because he has to work. “I don’t like it when you don’t pay attention to me, though it reminds me of the days when I thought Piper was going crazy and it turned out some crazy women had drugged him to get money out of him. He was kind of dumb so I didn’t notice something was wrong until he stopped talking and seemed to ignore me. In the end he vomited on my beautiful girl—which you destroyed, by the way—and I hung him upside down until he was dizzy enough to finish vomiting the drugs. And yes, then I made him clean the whole ship for weeks. Obviously I wasn’t going to do it myself”
“Well, at least he thinks—unlike you. Galgo, stop boring Ahab with your silly stories” Angela adds. She’s one of the humans accompanying them and seems to lead the group. “When you can, lend us your macho man to keep building the traps. We need to reinforce this place”
“Who would’ve thought—so many beings in the galaxy and Ahab picks you” Chris says while sharpening one of the large spikes with a stone knife. “Ahab makes this look easy. Too easy really”
“It’s okay, I’ll relieve you, sweetheart” Jill murmurs, taking the blonde’s place. “It’s a bit tiring yes, but if we all work it won’t take so long”
He nods in agreement and proceeds to continue what he left earlier. Everyone helps build defenses—unlike his companion, who only watches while they work and doesn’t seem interested in resuming tasks to fortify the stronghold. He just rests and stays calm.
“Not bad. Keep going like that and soon everything will be finished” Galgo says while cleaning his weapon with a cloth. It’s not like he’s pretending to want to do anything. “Good job, team”
“Do something, you lazy ass!” Angela orders, hitting his head with her hand. “Come on, come on”
“Yeah, yeah” Galgo mutters, sitting beside her and starting to work. “I almost got away with it”
Nightfall brings darkness. The group disperses to their respective places to rest. He takes the soft mass of flesh into his arms again, back to their shared area. This time he doesn’t seem angry and leans against his chest. He’s asleep before he can even arrive. He watches him during the night while he sleeps and notices his habit of sleeping on his chest—always seeking the warmth of his body.
The elder Yautja looks through the crystal of his ship and keeps his gaze fixed on space. Since he returned to his clan’s headquarters and took his corresponding place—with his great trophy and honor—only one thing occupies his mind. His human. That annoying and foolish human with whom he shared a bed, fought, and kept closeness. He had hinted at the possibility of seeing each other again. Nothing had been ruled out on his part and he would wish for that to happen. He needs some time together again.
Members of his clan talk with him about new hunting routes. Despite already having high rank and his last hunt completed, hunting decisions are now his. Absolute command is no problem for him. Between meetings, other activities, and passing problems, he has no time to face the truth that he wants to see him. He already knew that at some point he would want to look for him.
In his quarters he observes the weapon he gave him before leaving—“parting gift” he had called it. Though it wasn’t to his liking, it had a powerful effect—a strange, sentimental kind of trophy, a full reminder that he had been there.
A hologram and a recording of Galgo’s laugh is all he has left to appreciate his image. He took it one day while they were hunting and unintentionally one of the humans hit his head with a branch. He had never seen him laugh like that and he liked it. He would dare say he loved it almost as much as a well-executed hunt. His flushed face after their coitus and his relaxed body, the weight of his frame against his own, the sweat on his forehead and a huge goofy smile, whispering nonsensical words, caressing his chest and shoulders.
His partner’s entire face was strange—without mandibles, soft and fluffy, fragile, beautiful in its own way. How his mouth adjusted to his cock and sucked for his pleasure, his velvety and tight interior. He was weak and strong in different ways. There was no explanation for what he felt—exciting and addictive, and above all dangerous. In many tribes it wasn’t frowned upon to have partners of other species; however, beyond procreating to have hybrids, it was a fragile point in their society and something strictly forbidden and immoral. One or two cases had occurred without being insulting or fatal—unlike what happens when a Xenomorph is reared in a Yautja body. It’s not like he plans to have any, and the time for breeding his species hadn’t arrived yet anyway—though he still didn’t plan to participate.
“Leader” He hears behind him and turns to face his clan brother. “The meeting just ended, but part of the council sent me to fetch you to discuss some matters privately that I’m not authorized to know”
“Fine. Tell them I’ll be there shortly” He informs, returning to his affairs. Lately he has a lot to think about and little time to act. “Time is precious”
He heads to the designated area of his ship for decision-making. Another day he can keep thinking about his personal problem.
He doesn’t stop—never has, not even before the impossible and here he is discussing his proposal with the other elders of the tribe. Some don’t seem bothered and others don’t see the harm. In the end he can keep his soft-flesh “pet” and it’s an obvious improvement—so now he can do whatever he wants regarding the human who clouds his mind. Now he thinks about his possibilities. A short time has passed since his arrival—settling in after they thought he was dead and maintaining his position as designated leader of his tribe as before. It doesn’t seem far from his previous obligations. Yet that farewell haunts him in dreams and other activities they shared before—all those fights and that playful tone, always sharing stories of his past and pressing him to tell his own. It’s an impassive dream or nightmare that doesn’t stop tormenting him. He still doesn’t know for sure.
He prefers not to think about it too much and let the thought float to a less conscious side of his mind. Now is his time to act—he’s always been more about actions than words.
“Ahab” That’s what he named him and called him every time he could. It wasn’t his real name but—out of not understanding each other—it was a good start. He doesn’t dislike it at all when he remembers the playful voice saying it. There was a more human and more accurate pronunciation of his name, but since he couldn’t understand it, wasting time trying to explain would be useless. Stubborn as both were, they could pronounce each other’s names just to not admit they couldn’t speak the other’s language even if they wanted to. He was a brave and shrewd being when he wanted—always showing his best to look good regardless of how much he really cared about his own well-being. Honor and pride were more important, something they connected on very well.
To track him he needs nothing more than a bit of his DNA and obviously it’s in the engineer-created weapon. He doesn’t know how he’ll react to their next encounter or what trouble he’ll be in that Ahab will have to protect him from. He’ll be neck-deep in something—Galgo doesn’t seem able to stay away from trouble.
Ahab would regret not knowing he wasn’t wrong in the slightest.
Pain in his belly is what wakes him and draws the paramedics’ attention. They come quickly. In the end everything is caused by the specimen’s rotation and Galgo’s body’s poor preparation to adapt to carrying a child. Since the last check-up he can barely stand. Tears of pain swirl in his eyes when he feels an occasional contraction. Now he values a woman’s work in labor much more.
“Calm down, calm down, you little bastard” He groans in pain when he feels a kick in his intestine. It’s midnight and he can’t sleep. “You don’t control your strength, Jesse! Son of a bitch!”
Now his pregnancy becomes high-risk and security increases around him. They fear losing both—since that would mean a great loss for the company. Dr. Hoffman watches the patient struggling against his pain and caressing his belly perseveringly. Now he’s not so sure he can keep him alive. Everything is getting dangerously complicated.
“Dr. Hoffman, speak to me about the patient Galgo Helder and the hunter specimen” Orders a voice over the communicator. “I have a slight suspicion we’re losing him, since the latest reports from the second-in-command in the medical wing are worrying” He informs with slight annoyance in his voice.
“Sir… Let's not rush. I believe I can do it and I only need more funds for the case. I’ll resolve this” The doctor responds calmly. “It’s just a small stumble. Just think about what we can achieve if we have this xeno race at our disposal. With its study we’ll understand how such an evolved species works. Just believe in the possibilities” He adds while looking at the patient.
Galgo is looking through the tiny window of his room. Through the door pass many security members—humans and synthetics, some in military suits. He only hopes to see a familiar face, but he doesn’t. He’s in the medical wing of a ship. There’s no movement suggesting they’re on land. He knows the feel of artificial air and the movement of a ship underway. Something catches his attention—a woman strangely similar to Captain Paget. Could it be?
“Hey, over here!” He calls, banging on the door and achieving the desired effect. “It’s Galgo!”
“Galgo?” The woman questions, surprised. She never expected to see him again. Although she wasn’t surprised not to see the man in the cryopod upon awakening, she never expected to find him on a high-security military starship of Weyland-Yutani. “What are you doing here?”
“They’re holding me hostage! Help me get out of here!” He responds worriedly while touching his belly. “Listen, we don’t have much time. Any moment Dr. Hoffman will come back and I need to leave before it’s too late for us. It’s kind of funny because we’re trapped and obviously they have no intention of ever letting my ass go—so maybe you could lend a hand?”
“We? Who’s with you?” She asks, approaching the small window. “I don’t know what you did, but if you’re here it’s because you deserve it. You’re no saint. Jill already told us the whole truth about how you abandoned the crew to their fate on Lv-223 and escaped on the Perses”
“That doesn’t matter now and it doesn’t influence anything. The real reason I’m here is more important. Listen—” Galgo says, looking at the soldier urgently. “Remember Ahab? Well, the company wants their own personal hunter to do God knows what and by chance there’s one in my womb, growing and waiting to be born, not knowing what awaits him, writhing inside me and creating his killer and hunter instinct like his whole species. We need a little help here”
“Wh-what?” It’s the most ridiculous thing she’s ever heard. Yet she’s heard desperate men’s statements and although there’s clear desperation in the prisoner’s voice, it’s not faked or needy. Something feels so real and his eyes so expressive at that moment.
“Captain Paget—” She turns at hearing the voice behind her. The doctor in charge of the private area and the other doctors on the ship look at her inquisitively. “The military interrogation area is further ahead”
“Yes” The soldier answers curtly, unable to stop looking at Galgo and taking a step forward.
“No, wait!” Helder shouts desperately. “Son of a bitch”
The sergeant leaves the place with Galgo cursing behind her. Once again the company is showing its “best” face. One was supposed to assume that strange interrogation after awakening was out of routine. Three weeks had already passed and they weren’t letting them go. They wanted to collect information about what happened on Lv-223 in an overly invasive and insistent way and somehow Galgo had discovered something they wanted—or rather, had something they wanted.
She should find out what’s going on. It doesn’t seem right to interfere, but if what Galgo said is true, she doesn’t want to imagine what the company would do with a being like Ahab at their disposal.
A month has passed and he’s going crazy in this confinement. Galgo wishes he had someone to talk to—he even sees the possibility of missing his previous crew. He hopes Angela and Jill are in a better place than he is, and that Chris rests in peace. Caressing his belly, he thinks about the conversations the medical team has around him. They treat him as if he were useless and irrelevant. That makes him feel powerless in a way he’s never felt before. Everyone talks about how great the project will be and what it will do for humanity’s future. Yet they speak of the baby in his womb like a sideshow experiment—not as a living being he’s going to bring into the world and protect with every ounce of pain in his body.
It’s already done—he’s become a “mom” despite his last thought ever being to have children. Since he’s here, causing pain and willing to leave scars, ignoring his existence would be the most selfish thing right now—and that’s saying something, since he usually sets others’ needs aside. But this baby lives inside him and therefore is his to protect. Who knows where the father is. He laughs remembering old TV series and women in bars complaining about not knowing who the father of their children was or where the bastard was. He also remembers Piper talking about the subject—the guy really believed he had one or two kids he’d disowned saying they weren’t his. Damn, Galgo doesn’t even know if he ever got anyone pregnant and right now it doesn’t matter. But he needs something to escape the madness of isolation and memories are all he has left.
“Designated patient, it is time for your morning check-up” A synthetic voice announces over the communicator. He rises with some effort. “Proceed to the north side of the cubicle and wait for the medical team on the appropriate stretcher” Annoyed, he lies on the stretcher and waits impatiently.
The doctors enter shortly after. They ask the usual questions about his condition and check progress by measuring his stomach, the normality of the infant’s heartbeat, and other nonsense he doesn’t pay attention to. Jesse doesn’t usually cause trouble after his sharp warning at the beginning of the sixth month of pregnancy. Now they’re just occasional contractions—and needless to say, that’s worrying too, since it can be a symptom of miscarriage.
“It’s fascinating how two different genetics join in an almost impossible way to procreate and create new life. What will this wonderful union bring for humanity? For science this is an huge discovery” The head doctor commented to his assistants with total fascination. “The next check-up will be in a week unless some inconvenience arises. For now we’ll slightly increase the pulse security and the synthetics will be more attentive to any change in his body. Dr. Vargas, inform the robot team for me”
“Of course, Dr. Hoffman” A very excited blonde woman replies—apparently also infected by the general mood of the team, though she doesn’t seem to be the authorized doctor.
“Nurse Thomas, get used to responding to your name” Orders the mentioned one this time—a short, brown-haired woman, too adorable to belong to Weyland-Yutani’s crew. Though he notices that slight guilt in her eyes. Apparently she does have a soul. “I’ll do it right away”
When the inspection ends, Galgo is left alone again and sighs at destiny’s plan. There’s no one on this damn ship thinking about his future and he’s starting to get angry with himself—waiting for the moment to leave. Opportunities seem null in his sixth month of pregnancy and unarmed, without equipment and without help. Later it will be almost impossible—and with a newborn infant, with a cesarean cut, if he even survives the operation, and his drained forces from his weakened body. It’s almost impossible—though it happened on Lv-223. It’s just a matter of losing hope for something to happen.
“Come on, think of something” He murmurs to himself and leans against a cold padded metal wall. “For both of us. For both”
He has no choice but to wait for something to happen—and the figure of Jill covering the light of the small grate in his door makes him think that maybe there is something that can finally be done.
Captain Paget has been released after the second month since her awakening from cryosleep and is worried about what she thought she saw that day. Meetings with the USCM take place diplomatically and among one issue or another, the crew of the Perses—survivors on Lv-223—and especially the awaited topic of Galgo and Ahab come up. She tells her superiors what she knows. They seem between surprised and indignant about the subject and reach the conclusion that Galgo should be a prisoner and pay for his crimes regarding abandonment on Lv-223. Paget suspects it’s something more. The government has always been fascinated by superior xeno races once only speculated about—and now with one confirmed, they wouldn’t let Weyland-Yutani take the opportunity to study one.
The following weeks are warnings to the company spaceship Iones-13 to return the prisoner to Earth facilities—something they obviously refuse—putting the military and government in a difficult situation. They are already heading a rescue mission despite the company’s own power and knowing that the Earth government can do it through legal loopholes at their disposal. She foresees a great legal war for the future, but her troop and she are only following orders—just like last time.
Roth and Freebody look at her inquisitively. The troop seems to think the same and fear these topics. Some don’t support it when intuiting the reasons for the forced boarding of the respective ship and that it won’t be clean either. But it was only a matter of following orders and assuming it was for the best. Appealing to their conscience and values would be the worst for a job like this—since they weren’t hired to think but to fight and serve their government.
“So how are we going to infiltrate the Iones-13?” One of the soldiers finally asks to break the silence.
“We have an infiltrator. Jill is still aboard the Iones-13 and is willing to help us. Also Dr. Nicol Vargas, who is being held against her will” The superior answers calmly. “We just don’t know yet why they want to contain Jill since the original objective was always her late wife Chris”
“Weyland-Yutani is like the government, always says things half-way and never dares to say why or the reality they send you to. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that you don’t challenge them” Roth says with disturbing calm—as if he knows this might result in a no-return mission. “But that’s the fate of a government soldier”
The new designated team doesn’t seem fazed by that comment. There’s palpable tension in the air and it’s understandable. They didn’t travel on the rescue mission to moon Lv-223. They don’t know what it is to value life when you see it about to be snatched from your hands any second.
“Galgo!” Said the female voice peering through the crystal grate. “I thought I’d never see you again”
“Jill, you have no idea how glad I am to see you” He admits in astonishment. A familiar face was exactly what he needed right now. “Help me get out of here”
“Not now, but Captain Paget has a plan” The brunette explained, looking at him with concern. “I think it’s still not the time nor the place to talk about this”
“And you want me to settle for that?” Galgo asked impatiently, unable to stop himself from thinking desperately about his current situation. “We need to leave. I don’t know when they’ll start plans to get rid of me”
“It’s all I know. I think we both have to settle for that” Jill confessed with a shrug. “We’re both part of this Weyland-Yutani project and it’s not like you can do anything alone. We just have to trust”
“How? You too?” He questioned surprised. He thought she was the only redeemable thing from the previous mission and yet Jill is also trapped with them. “Tell me more. I need to know something more detailed than that”
“Designated patient, you do not have permission to receive visitors. Visitor, move away from the door before security obstructs you” The machine said, interrupting their conversation.
The woman runs away from the place and Galgo thinks about his chances of escaping. Now they seem more accessible than before.
Two months have already passed since that moment and he hasn’t seen Jill again. He’s getting heavier and has less mobility than a piano nailed to the floor—but he wants to trust the plan. Though he doesn’t know whose hands are worse to be in—whether in an Earth government cell or here with these lunatics willing to do anything. He doesn’t know for sure but he’ll see when the time comes to decide.
This stupid plan he knows nothing about is so risky that he just prays it goes well or comes as fast as possible. He’s spent enough months here to start believing it’s just a lie and nothing will happen. Why were they taking so long? Wasting such valuable time in this prison, assuming the legal actions they were going to take only warned the company that something was up. The Earth government would never violate imposed laws unless it suited them. He’d seen it before and it wouldn’t be anything new.
Galgo tries to get out of bed. However, it costs him so much energy that when he succeeds he gasps overwhelmed and curses. If he had never accepted that damn mission to Lv-223 he’d be calm and sitting in some bar surrounded by beautiful Earth women. He had to go for the alien. He sighs at the thought—if he weren’t a problem magnet and an intergalactic ladies’ man, he wouldn’t have attracted Ahab in the first place and consequently his imprisonment. Although at the same time it brought Jesse/Jessica and he doesn’t regret that. Besides—the sex was incredible.
With each passing day the medical team’s check-ups become more present. Everything hurts and he barely feels his toes from how swollen they are. He wants to scream and vent, but he can't and really doesn’t feel like it. He simply wants to let everything pass and have something strange and ready to live come out of his body—to keep him company and enjoy talking to someone. He hates the four walls trapping him and the people holding him—but he wants his son, the way his real mother wanted him. They were truly alone when his father abandoned them on his fifth birthday. He said he was fed up and didn’t want a family—then disappeared forever. Despite the pain, his mother smiled and said everything would be fine. She worked hard so he could complete his education—even did things he knows she regretted every night. Regardless, she managed to get him through space aviation class and obtain his license. Yet she died before he could show her the results and he could never make her see he was more than everyone thought—though she always told him he would be whatever he wanted to be. In the end he chose what was most convenient for him. Then he met Higgins and everything made sense.
“If anyone ever wants to hire you for a space mission and especially Weyland-Yutani, say no. I’m warning you, little one” He says to his belly with a huge smile and gasping at a sudden kick. “You don’t like warnings—just like me”
He keeps staring at a fixed point on the wall, thinks about all the things he could be doing now and how the baby seems more agitated than during the entire pregnancy. He thrashes and kicks. His whole body hurts—though he tries to ignore it, since other days it’s been the same and nothing has happened. This feels different because his legs fail and he screams in pain while trying to hold himself with his hands. Something bad is happening and he doesn’t know what it could be. He only feels as if he’s going to faint and he’s in total pain—barely feels his limbs.
“Medical team: designated patient suffers anomalies in his body, unknown cause and appears convalescent. Please send personnel for an unscheduled check-up” The ship’s robot security announces.
Galgo can hardly see. His vision blurs and everything spins. He’s lying on his stomach so he turns over and now breathes agitated, begging for the pain to stop. Hurried footsteps and shouting voices are the last thing he manages to hear.
-
He is sedated and cannot properly understand what’s happening around him. He feels a slight tingling in his stomach and the medical team is around him. It’s as if he’s floating. He closes his eyes for an instant. When he opens them again he stares at the small bloodied lump being carried away by one of the assistants. He raises his hands with the sole intention of taking his son. Drool falls from one side of his mouth as he gurgles trying to speak.
“N-no… don’t take him” He exclaims dazed. His gaze is unfocused and it seems he could lose consciousness any moment. “Give him to me…”
It’s surprising that in his current state he can speak. The amount of sedatives used was meant to keep him calm and out of the way for the team. One has to admit he was one tough bastard. The doctors continue, ignoring his gasps and muffled curses.
Dr. Vargas looks toward the man in question. This isn’t what she studied so many post-grads for. She only sighs before continuing with what’s assigned. Besides, the suspicions of the other residents in the medical area seem to be blooming toward her person.
He opens his eyes to the sound of a feminine scream. He tries to sit up but the pain in his lower belly is lashing. He gasps and searches for the cause of the noise. A woman holds her bleeding hand while other people move away from a crib full of blankets.
“Jesse?” He asks, looking toward the agitated group of people. “Is my son there?”
The doctors talk among themselves and then Dr. Hoffman appears in the room. He observes the wound on one of the team woman’s hands and then approaches to take the child—who growls threateningly and writhes a little, trying to fight or keep fighting.
He places the baby in the blanket on Galgo's arms. The baby feels the warm and looks at him. He has his eyes—yet he’s identical to Ahab in everything else. His flexed mandibles as a threat shrink when he sees him. He raises his claws and touches his face. Perhaps it’s a matter of getting to know his dad. Despite being larger than an average human baby, he isn’t as heavy as one might think. He smiles almost breathless. Jesse makes happy sounds and growls in return.
“As I thought—he only responds to maternal or paternal stimulus” The doctor says calmly. The assistants begin writing things on their digital notepads. “I think it would not be wise to separate him from his incubator just yet”
With that last point made, the medical team gathers unnecessary items and leaves the room—leaving both alone.
“Hey, little brave one” He says, touching the short appendages coming from his head. Apparently those grow with age too. “You have my eyes”
Now that the room is empty he can see his son in greater detail. His blue eyes pay attention to all his movements and are accentuated by the black spots around them. His small claws are short and not very sharp. The spots on his skin are darker and look like multiple moles adorning his coloring. His mandibles are small but these do show sharpness—perhaps that’s what hurt the woman’s hand. Among his blankets he even looks big—appears to have more months than he actually has—and he wonders how something so large was inside him all this time.
“Now let’s see, are you a Jesse or a Jessica?” He questions while looking in the diaper. He smiles when he knows his assumptions were correct. “You’re a Jesse!”
He hugs his little one against his chest. Purrs and growls is what he hears. Thinking about it, will he speak his language or just growl? It’s a reasonable doubt—though for now there’s still time to find out.
-
A month passes before Galgo can stand on his own again—but still afraid of opening his wounds. He still knows nothing about the rescue plan. He’s already losing hope. Jesse grows abnormally fast and even seems to learn to distinguish people. He doesn’t like anyone on the medical platform—he’s even sunk his sharp mandibles into more than one human hand as well as synthetic. There have been serious incidents with some curious doctors. Galgo caresses his son’s skull trying to ignore that one cut appendage. He doesn’t understand why they did that but feels fury remembering it and tries to calm down, though he worries they’ll try again.
“I remember that time I was in Reginis—a seedy bar on some faraway star from Earth” The baby lets out a growl in response. “No, not the one where those bitches tried to drug me, that was another time and anyway… well, drunk I got or rather I let an idiot give me a tattoo while drunk too. His name was Piper and he was a stupid braggart but a good guy at times. We lived great adventures together, too bad he died at Ahab’s hand but you’ll learn what your father is like with that bad temper he has. He’s not as relaxed and cool as me—but you’ll have to settle for that”
Galgo talks a lot with his son. Now he’s his distraction from isolation and he’s also a good listener. He can almost hear Angela and Chris yelling at him to shut up, to stop telling his bad-taste stories. Sometimes at night he dreams of his days on Lv-223 and his nightmares are as vivid as his reality—though he thinks it’s only his mind trying to escape those four walls. He doesn’t want—cannot allow—Jesse to grow under those four metal walls and be examined like a cheap experiment. For the first time in a long time he thinks about someone other than himself and not just because it might give him benefits, a way to survive or eat. He knows he does it because he can love this being more than anything in the galaxy. It’s no longer just him—now it’s us.
The doctor in charge watches through the cameras the main experiment of that ship—designated hunter specimen or “Jesse” by his incubator. It’s no secret he maintains a maternal bond with the offspring and it’s no surprise—he gestated him in his womb for months. Reports are more varied during the first weeks. He has injured 7 members of the medical wing including two synthetics besides himself. He is quite aggressive toward strangers and anyone who tries to touch him for check-ups and more people ends up hurt if they get too close to his mandibles. It should be noted that it is an extraordinary species and defends itself even in the most fragile stage of any xeno race—born ready and prepared to survive.
“Dr. Hoffman, you are required in the briefing room for an incoming call from Weyland-Yutani headquarters. Present yourself immediately” The ship’s artificial intelligence informs.
The older man attends the scheduled meeting. It’s no novelty that Earth offices want more information after the forced birth they had to go through—the staff complaints and lost research time regarding the cesarean wound of the patient—which prevents them from delving deeper into possible changes that occurred in his body and the traumas he had to go through.
“Good morning” The doctor says upon entering the room—which is full of holograms of many important people financing the project. “Lately we’ve had some complications regarding the specimen but nothing that cannot be solved”
“We’re not here to talk about that, Dr. Hoffman” A raspy voice informs—a fairly well-known official. “The Earth government’s demands regarding the patient Helder Galgo are becoming increasingly worrying for us and it’s only a matter of time before they find a good legal clause to intervene in our plans” He makes clear.
“It can be worrying yes—but we already have what we wanted and it wouldn’t be a problem to get rid of the 'failures' that could put us in evidence” The medical professional highlights without even flinching. He wasn’t going to pretend he hadn’t thought of that possibility “For now I would love to be informed of any hostile change from the government against this space station”
“In any case—how is patient Jill?” Another voice questions, this time an older man’s, raspy, none other than a corporate administrative president. “I want no surprises, much less when time is against us” The older gentleman adds calmly.
“For now she seems stable despite all the memory interruptions we’ve made but that helped us understand the nature of the once-desolate moon Lv-223 which is now a jungle inhabited by alien beings created from the ‘accelerant’ that is equally dangerous, though I would wish to be able to study its progress. The problem is returning to Lv-223 without raising suspicions” Hoffman answers with a dangerous gleam of interest in his eyes. “So the new expedition will remain stalled until we can send a prepared team to find the component. In conclusion—the projects for which the ship is destined are perfectly underway”
“However, we have heard that there are problems with patient Jill” Another voice comments with little subtlety—pointing out that something might be failing and the administration under his charge seems obsolete in some aspects.
“Isn’t it true that you haven’t been able to probe more recent memories?” Another voice seconds the first with skepticism—since doubt has been sown about the success of their proposal.
“Well yes—but that’s not important. We already have what we came for” He answers normally. “The information regarding what happened on Lv-223 is implanted in the secure memory of the ship Iones-13 and will be shared upon reaching a safe corporate point. This avoids information leaks”
When the meeting ends the doctor thinks about all the possibilities of mission failure—and they seem null for now. Nothing will prevent him from achieving his goal. That was already clear.
Dr. Hoffman is not aware someone records these meetings and transmits them to the Earth government. But It’s a risk that must be allowed in order to escape this place—besides saving lives.
-
The government gathers a large platoon to carry out the legal intervention of the Iones-13 for concealing an Earth prisoner without permission. It seems stupid and the reason is always hidden from the public and anyone who wasn’t on the mission almost a year ago on the apparently desolate moon Lv-223—where it all began and luckily for everyone didn’t end. Jill had reported that the ship was going to move to a restricted company area and it was hastily decided that it was time to take action—or there would be no more opportunity. They were at a point of no return. The element of surprise was their only hope for it to result in a less bloody encounter and of a non-hostile nature—since if informed, Weyland-Yutani would be ready to fight for their active interest.
“Captain Paget—” Roth calls when they take seats in their military ships. He seems calm and nervous at the same time. “Are you sure about this?”
“Do we really have another option?” She responds while returning to the task of placing her helmet—since it would be a bumpy ride once they exited into space for the infiltration. “It’s not like the government gives much credit to this but it’s what must be done in general terms, like with any subject extradited to the Earth government”
The other soldiers say nothing as they seem to have understood the situation and simply occupy their posts. This mission is classified as highly important for internal military management affairs, though few traveling here know why and what makes this mission so rooted in success. It’s better they don’t know. Not compromising the objective and despite what they know about Galgo, they shouldn’t dwell on what might be done with him after his confinement since they were just orders every good soldier must obey. And at that precise moment the saying that there are truths better left unknown applies completely to the case.
Sergeant Paget didn’t know how to react to the ship’s conditions. Apparently someone had beaten them to boarding the Weyland-Yutani vessel and a guerrilla fight had broken out inside. Everything was covered in blood, bullet holes, and distant screams. Dismembered bodies were scattered across the floor. This didn’t look like human work.
“Sergeant Paget—” One of the soldiers calls. “Clear”
“Wait—” She says, distrusting the deadly silence. It’s as if everything had been pacified for a moment—even the distant screams and flying bullets seem irrelevant in this corridor.
“I know this silence—too well for my liking” Freebody mentions with evident concern.
Galgo thinks the most curious thing is watching Jesse eat. He can’t breastfeed like women and the structure of his son’s mandibles wouldn’t allow it either. At first he didn’t know how to feed him and was surprised when he brought a piece of meat to the mouth area and saw his four mandibles extend and pull the meat to his semi-hidden mouth. He should have known from the time he spent with Ahab on Lv-223—but those were minor details back then. Just seeing his cock was enough. He prefers to follow Jesse’s silent advice and join him in sleep. It seems so easy to believe someone will come for them—even if Jill could do it after Chris’s death, he could try—since he had someone to fight for. He gives his son one last look before closing his eyes.
Strange screams and growls from Jesse force him to stand. He hears weapons firing and quickly believes it’s his rescue. He takes one of the blankets and wraps Jesse in them—believing it’s only a matter of time before something happens.
The alert and red lights are activated. A strong movement in the ship makes him fall. Now the lights begin to fail. Perhaps it was simply a collision with an asteroid. Galgo holds Jesse against his chest and sighs. He doesn’t want his little one to end like this. He stands when he hears footsteps and access codes being entered at the door. He thinks the ship’s security has come to keep the “specimen” safe and him as a temporary incubator. He’s not ready to see him grow in a controlled and isolated area—unless it’s a ship he himself pilots.
“Come on Galgo, we don’t have all day!” Jill shouts from the door. He looks in surprise at the bundle in his arms. “Come on, come on! Ship security is about to arrive”
“Move! We need to get out of this mess” Roth says with a gun in hand. “I don’t know what the hell entered the ship—but I think we don’t want to find out”
Helder stands, cradling his son very well against his chest and running toward the door. There is blood and screams and gunshots everywhere. They reunite with the other soldiers who accompanied them on LV-223 along the way. Everyone looks ready to survive—like last time. Captain Paget crosses the corridor and turns to look at them.
“Good, the company didn’t get here before you” She snaps, joining them. Now it was only a matter of escaping. “I wouldn’t recommend going to the north wing. There’s already a ship prepared or at least I think part of this platoon arrived to take control of it and I hope that’s the case. Hopefully they haven’t encountered whatever is attacking this ship”
The path to the embarkation area is dangerous. Screams, gunshots, and death is all he hears. Jesse seems calm despite the noise and bad vibes around him—iron temper even as a baby. Everyone looks toward the nearest access exits, discuss a plan in low voices that might work, and fall silent when hiding as armed guards pass shouting and shooting at an unknown target.
“You look more like your father than I thought possible” He whispers while looking ahead and smiles. “That weapon I gave your father would come in really handy right now”
“Keep quiet—they’re still close” Roth says while continuing to watch the scene. “I think something’s coming”
Armed members of ship security pass nearby. They hold their breath and all run when the first bullets pierce a nearby wall. Galgo doesn’t think twice before running in a safe direction.
“No!” Captain Paget shouts while hiding behind a column. “Come back!”
But it’s too late. Galgo has already crossed the door toward the evacuation area.
-
They have separated. Helder runs toward one of the nearest escape pods. Even though it’s a foolish option, it’s the only one left. He’s alone with his son and doesn’t even have a weapon—so he has a backup plan if they don’t find anyone along the way and have a safe route. The best would be to change the command and pilot an escape ship. He’s sure no one could have gotten there first—not with all this chaos. He looks both ways—everything is clear. Blood marks and mutilated bodies prove no one managed to escape. The doors are closed but no pod has launched.
“Good, good” He whispers and kisses his little one’s forehead. He’s waiting for his escape route to open the doors so they can leave. He doesn’t know for sure where they’ll end up—and really doesn’t care. “Come on, stupid machine”
He staggers when the ship suffers an impact and moves sharply. He falls to the floor and tries to keep his son up while crawling—his back collides with a metal wall. He’s dazed and confused for a moment but recovers quickly and fixes his attention on Dr. Hoffman, who is covered in blood and points his gun at his head.
“Test subject ‘Helder, Galgo’—it’s not like we need you anymore. The specimen is already born. A synthetic incubator surpasses a human one anyways, so it’s time to dispose of the failures” The man says with total calm—as if the deaths around them were none of his concern and he only thought of his great project. “I thought I could keep this ship afloat but now that everything’s gone to hell. For a moment I thought I’d lost the specimen. What a pleasant surprise that you got so far and at the right moment. Calm down, your son will be in good hands”
“Son of a bitch” Galgo murmured more to life and his luck—though he was always sure a curse would be his last words.
He closes his eyes and hugs his son. The cold barrel against his forehead is a reminder of his failure—so close and yet so far. He wants to scream in disappointment at himself. He failed his son, failed the others risking their lives and above all failed Ahab. He hopes he forgives him wherever he is. A choked scream and something warm splashing his face catch his attention. A blade pierces the doctor’s chest and a growl he recognizes very well.
“Ahab?” He asks amazed when the lifeless body is thrown aside and the alien reveals himself. “I already saw myself as a dead man! Timely as always”
Rising slowly, he walks toward Ahab. Light growls escape from his son and he smiles when he approaches. There’s latent curiosity when he removes the blanket from the little bundle’s face. His head tilts to the side and then he observes him. His body language seems tense.
“Our son” Galgo tells the hunter proudly while looking at the small alien in his arms. “Don’t you dare deny he’s yours—that would be the last straw of these past months”
Ahab has no words and no time for this. He growls at his mate and starts walking. Quickly Galgo follows without problem. Both walk toward the deck. The screams have ceased and he only hears footsteps of people approaching. He sees Captain Paget and her platoon walking behind the hunters, Ahab’s crew, he assumes.
“Galgo, that was very reckless” Jill says with a tired sigh. “If Ahab didn’t have a sensor for your bullshit, you’d surely be dead right now”
“Well, excuse me for running from a hail of bullets with my baby” The mentioned one replies rolling his eyes. “What matters is that Jesse and I are fine”
“By the way. I’d like to meet ‘Jesse’” The Captain says normally. She wanted to know why the government was so upset. “Does he look as much like Ahab as Jill says?”
“Oh, sure. Though he doesn’t like strangers” Galgo answers, removing the blanket from the little one’s face—who seems as placid as ever “He’s imperturbable like his father, sadly he doesn’t have that flirty attitude of mine. Yet”
“Lucky him—Ahab’s genes improved those faulty ones of yours like Angela would say and I hope she’s doing well wherever she is” Jill comments with a tired smile on her face. She still doesn’t know what they did to her and doubts it was anything good “But I guess everything is as it should be”
“Speaking of that, Jill—” Galgo puts all his attention and desire to help. He’s never cared about anyone else’s well-being—but at this moment and with so much past in between he has to do something or maybe it’s the conscience he always left behind screaming to come out for once in his life. “I know Chris’s death has been hard. You’ve been alone and without support. Angela isn’t with us and the only thing left from those moments we spent on that planet were memories and the existence of the two of us, distant and all. I think I failed you multiple times. I’m sorry if I wasn’t great support when the only ones left were us. I was never great support and I’ve always been selfish. I never wanted to learn to trust and ironically I managed to do it with all of you. You were like the best nagging family I never had”
She doesn’t respond anything and hugs him—gently because of the small alien complaining between them. Helder lets the contact last as long as Jill deems necessary.
“I don’t know whether to miss you or be happy you’re leaving forever and I won’t have to hear your horrible jokes” She murmurs without letting go of the hug yet. She feels the last of Chris’s presence fading. Galgo was the only thing left to confirm the painful facts and now he’s leaving forever. “But we all have to move on. You can’t live in the past forever”
“We can't but we must do it for someone else and for this unexpected future. Maybe it’s not how we planned but I guess it’ll be for the best” He answers calmly, holding Jesse in his arms. “Besides—no one could live without seeing my beautiful face for a while. It would be torture depriving the world of my beauty”
She only pinches his cheek and smiles, handing him her helmet, warning he’ll need it to go out into space and board the ship of his son’s father. She doesn’t know what will happen to him but hopes he has the best of luck—since that’s all she can do.
Galgo says goodbye before walking behind Ahab. Despite the confident smile on his face, he doesn’t even know how to act at this exact moment. And now what? He doesn’t know if Ahab has some radar to save him from danger. It’s truly suspicious that he appeared just when he was needed most.
“Hey, is your presence here pure coincidence or should I be scared?” He questions looking at the hunter, who as usual says nothing and just keeps walking. “Yeah, I get it, you’re in shock. So much time away from me has affected you. Just thinking about me must warm you up at night, baby”
Ahab’s growl is clear evidence that he didn’t find it funny at all. He doesn’t know if he should crack jokes now, but they suit the situation and he has every right to laugh after almost being murdered by a fanatic doctor from an evil company. Damn it, he had the right to laugh at anything and he’s not going to stop even if he understands they don’t understand him.
“So this was the fragile package the Earth government and Weyland-Yutani are fighting over” A soldier mentions—who seems frightened by the alien presences. “Is this possible?”
“I guess saying we lost the package is evident at this point” Roth says calmly walking toward the outside. “Though better this way. I don’t see myself dying for a mission with so little backing”
“If you want to stand in their way and have a fight against Ahab and his people, I’m not the one to stop you” Freebody makes clear with total calm “The best is to leave it as is or as it should have been from the beginning to save ourselves problems”
The soldiers decide to leave. The mission didn’t turn out as expected but they assumed it ended positively for them and they wouldn’t stand between Ahab and whatever he was looking for. It was already confirmed that wasn’t a good idea.
Galgo doesn’t know what this future with Ahab means but he hopes it’s bright since what he achieved was living one more day and that’s what they’ve done from the beginning. What led them to meet and the reason for their understanding, they wanted to survive. They were made to survive or simply destiny plays differently for each person. Ahab had to meet Galgo in his glorious search. His last hunt had brought him to this moment and for both these were different things but with the same meaning.