?I’m not the Bishop android. I designed it. I’m the prototype, so naturally I modeled its features after my own. I’m very human. I was sent here to show you a friendly face, and to demonstrate how important you are to us. To me. I’ve been involved with this project from the beginning. You mean a lot to me, Lieutenant Ripley. To a great many people. Please come down.

?I just want to help you. We have everything here to help you, Ripley.?He gazed anxiously up at her. Now she recognized the outfits two of Bishop 2’s companions wore: they were biomedical technicians. It made her think of Clemens.

?Fuck you. I know all about ‘friendly’ Company faces. The last one I saw belonged to an asshole named Burke.?

The man’s smile faded. ?Mr. Burke proved to be a poor choice to accompany your previous mission, an individual rather more interested in his own personal aggrandizement than in good Company policy. I assure you it was a mistake that will not be repeated. That is why I am here now instead of some inexperienced, overly ambitious underling.?

?And you, of course, have no personal ambitions.?

?I only want to help you.?

?You’re a liar,?she said quietly. ?You don’t give a shit about me or anyone else. You just want to take it back. 216

Alan Dean Foster

These things have acid for blood where you Company people just have money. I don’t see a lot of difference.?

Bishop II studied the floor for a moment before again raising his eyes to the solitary figure atop the crane platform. ?You have plenty of reasons to be wary, but unfortunately not much time. We just want to take you home. We don’t care anymore what happens to it. We know what you’ve been through. You’ve shown great courage.?

?Bullshit!?

?You’re wrong. We want to help.?

?What does that mean??

?We want to take the thing out of you.?

?And keep it??

Bishop II shook his head. ?No. Destroy it.?

She stood, swaying, wanting to believe him. Sensing her hesitation, he hurried on. ?Ripley, you’re exhausted, worn out. Give yourself a moment. Stop and think. I have only your best interests at heart. The ship I came in, the Patna, is equipped with a state-of-the-art surgical facility. We can remove the fetus, or larva, or whatever you want to call it. We don’t have a name for the different developmental stages yet. The operation will be successful! You’re going to have a long, productive life.?

She looked down at him, calm now, resigned. ?I’ve had a life, thanks. One I didn’t have to ask anybody about or answer to anybody for.?