Freyr nodded numbly. The gunfire, explosions and screams were ringing in her ears, blocking out most of what the alien was saying to her. She understood what he meant when he began picking Osman up, and grabbed one of her arms to help. The Major groaned and began murmuring something when they finally got her upright, but Freyr couldn’t make out what she was saying. “It’s okay, we’re going to get you out of here!” Freyr reassured her. 

She glanced across Osman at the alien awkwardly holding her other arm, seeing him properly for the first time, dimly lit by the Major’s flickering chest lamp. It appeared to be a large bipedal reptile, dark green in colour with yellow stripes down its neck and sides. She vaguely remembered seeing an alien like this before. “Thank you, for saving us!” She shouted after a few seconds. The gunfire had grown a little quieter now, as if it’d moved outside, but it was still very loud.

The soldiers who’d blown their way into the warehouse were much closer now. They’d spread out in a long line, their torches sweeping the area before them. When they spotted the three of them, a dozen soldiers quickly surrounded them, while the rest pushed on past. Most of the soldiers who had stopped had their guns trained on the alien. “Identify yourselves!” One of them shouted. “I’m Doctor Freyr Lang, I was investigating the abductions! This alien, well, he saved Major Osman and myself.” Freyr responded shakily, her free hand raised above her head. Even blinded by the bright lights attached to all their guns, she could tell they were unconvinced. “She needs urgent medical attention, or an extraction from the Cradle.”

Freyr felt a gun poke her back, and a strong hand slide under Osman’s armpit, taking the strain from her. She let go of the Major and took one step away; several of the bright lights followed her. She put both of her hands up. The soldier in front of them pointed his gun directly at the alien. “What’re you doing here?”