survives boiling water

The cloud of steam thinned , the smallest bit , and in that fuzzy space Ahiliyah saw Zachariah squat down , lean the shield over the geyser like a lid touching one side of a pot and lowering over the opening . The jet of water angled down , down — the water and steam blasted into the Demon Mother’s face and chest . The great beast flailed as glowing water pounded against her arms , her chest , her giant head . Ahiliyah knew the bitch was screaming , but her death - cries couldn’t be heard over the geyser’s roar . The deck rattled Ahiliyah , threatened to throw her and Brandun and Creen all into the air , but she held on , and let out a scream of her own .

***

The Demon Mother’s screams faded . Moments later , so , too , did the vibration . The plume of water died down to a burble , then cut off altogether . Clouds of swirling steam hid the Demon Mother .

***

A waft of unseen wind carried away the steam , just for a moment , long enough for Ahiliyah to see , long enough for her heart to drop , for the taste of their hard - won victory to turn to bile in her mouth . The Demon Mother wasn’t dead . She gleamed under a coating of iridescent minerals , waves of color dancing across her shell . She was a living jewel — a massive , evil , living jewel . “ No , ” Creen said . “ It’s not possible . ” The massive creature lifted one bent arm ; chunks of drying mineral coating splintered , dropped away . She tried to extend that arm — it trembled , as if she was under great strain . Then , with a loud crack , the arm extended , more chunks spinning off to land on the glowing - wet floor among the eggs . “ All it did was slow her down , ” Creen said . “ It’s not possible . It’s not possible . ”

***

Aliens: Phalanx, Chapter 47