12-23-2015, 04:49 AM
If the ability to reproduce was such a rarity, then Drecuvis' ecosystem was far more fragile than Khell initially thought. He wasn't excited about being the kind of womb that could carry multiple offspring at once. Briefly, he reflected on his life back on his home planet. Khell had been putting off finding a mate and bearing young in favor of advancing his career in the marines. Now here he was in an ironic twist of fate as the brood mother to an entire planet and all the beasts that called it home.
Thirteen days came and went, just as the mantis predicted. Khell's belly grew bigger each day until he looked ripe with nearly two dozen young. His belly was massive, violet skin stretched tightly over his stuffed womb. The Major wasn't sure how he was still breathing. For the moment, he was alone, but he knew Embersoul would return soon enough. A fine layer of sweat covered Khell's body. His belly shuddered with a contraction. The pain converged on his engorged, pulsating navel. All the eggs quivered with anticipation inside his straining womb. Today was their day.
Thirteen days came and went, just as the mantis predicted. Khell's belly grew bigger each day until he looked ripe with nearly two dozen young. His belly was massive, violet skin stretched tightly over his stuffed womb. The Major wasn't sure how he was still breathing. For the moment, he was alone, but he knew Embersoul would return soon enough. A fine layer of sweat covered Khell's body. His belly shuddered with a contraction. The pain converged on his engorged, pulsating navel. All the eggs quivered with anticipation inside his straining womb. Today was their day.