Egg - Responds to Breathing

  To an untrained person, her synthetic form appears as human as any, right down to the pheromones they incorporate upon creation. The egg should accept her as a viable host. She reaches out and strokes the soft nubs around the top.

  The egg grows still, and Blue’s heart sinks.

  The ultrasound goes dark.

  She scowls and, in her disappointment, lets out a long sigh.

  The readout lights up.

***

  The ultrasound readout illuminates once again.

  It’s her breathing—the sound of healthy lungs and fear.

***

Alien: The Cold Forge, Chapter 19