Mother of monsters - Ripley and co.

[Ripley]

here comes a candle to light you to bed here comes a chopper to chop off your head There's only one creature in Beqanna that could ask a question of monsters and get a response - get a response that is not a swift bite to the face, that is. The pair are quick to answer, both in their minds - for there is no part of them they would not willingly give to their master - and in a series of clicks that serves as their language. This land, the canyons and trees, the twists and curves of it. The animals that live here, including a few that had fallen to the hunters just moments ago. How they had not yet crossed paths with any of the horse-creatures that dominate Beqanna. Certainly, there must be residents here - their scents linger - but no one was unlucky enough to cross paths with the pair in the short time they had been here. As much as they can like anything, there's a hum of approval from the monsters as they share what they can with their master. This land poses challenges for their hunts and caves that could host dozens of eggs. And it reminds them of the Valley, of the pit and how they had gorged on flesh and hearts on that glorious day so long ago. At the end of their report is a question - will there be another such feast? ripley & nostromo XXVIII-----