As the Institute guardsmen surrounded Aspa, the snakewoman hissed and struck with fangs, talons, and temple snakes against their advances. Christine began to wonder if she’d done the right thing as the armored guardsmen raised riot shields and unleashed long stun batons.
Despite Aspa’s best attempts, several heavy shocks put her down twitching into the red Martian sand. Christine seemed on the verge of tears as Aspa’s reptilian eyes closed into unconsciousness.
“Worry not, my dear,” Dr. Wechsel reassured her with a calm voice and a pat on the shoulder, “she has not suffered permanent harm. Now, if you’ll please follow us to the Institute.”
Aspa was quickly bound and loaded onto a flatbed truck. She and Christine were immediately transported to the Institute. Aspa was taken to one of the holding cells, while Christine was brought to an adjacent room. She watched her friend sleep through the one-way partition; the sight nearly broke her heart.
“Now, then, Christine is it?” Dr. Wechsel inquired matter-of-factly. Christine nodded silently as he continued. “How did you come into contact with our patient?”
“Her name is Sandy,” she replied calmly, “and she’s my oldest friend. A snakewoman’s egg did this to her.”
“Ah, yes, the Symbiosis. Difficult to undo, but not impossible. Rest assured, we’ll do everything we can to change her back. Now, Christine, have you slept near Sandy anytime since she became a snakewoman, or had any kind of intimate contact?”
Christine gulped. “Uh...why’s that important?”
“Well, we need to account for possible infection on your part. A snakewoman’s egg implantation is the primary and most rapid means of metamorphic reproduction, though it isn’t the only means. Their cranial snakes can dislodge, enter the uterus, and begin the union, as can their vaginal fluids released during mating cause cellular alteration. Now, please answer the question.”
Fri May 9 11:48:03 2003