Thank you. [ He means it, again, and gives another quiet, careful sigh as he considers the question. In the same breath, he can feel how relaxed the creature has become — still and small, no longer moving. Is it asleep? Has she really lulled the thing to sleep with simple warmth, like some kind of little cat? Strange to think that something so alien and frightening can find comfort in the same sorts of things that a creature from Earth could. ]

Both. All of it. [ He allows the slightest hint of a smile, tense at the corners. ] There are people back home who want to keep it captive — and therefore me. They need me to... contain it, while they study it. If someone here raises the alarm... I could be discovered again.

[ The pieces to this place, Milton, don't fully add up, but he knows he needs to be careful. He can't risk being taken again. But his features soften at the young woman's offer. ]

I appreciate that. It's a lot to ask of you, though. I'm sorry. [ Coming here at all, involving Randvi... it was a selfish act. But... he does at least understand some of how the creature functions. And as easy as it is to think of it as some mindless killing machine, it.... isn't. ]

I don't think it would try to hurt you, though. It doesn't hurt people unless it has a reason. And I think it... understands when it's being helped. It will remember your voice.