"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it," Dr. Lancewood says cautiously, glancing at Dr. Roberts as he speaks. "But we need to discuss what happened and how to make sure it doesn't happen again." He pauses, then adds, "And how we can help you get back home, if that's what you really want."

There's a long silence as they all stand there, eyes on the alien creature before them. Finally, Dr. Roberts speaks up again, her voice steady and determined. "

"Of course," Dr. Roberts says, her voice smooth as silk. "We're here to help you in any way we can." She glances at Lancewood, a warning flickering briefly across her features. "But first, we need to understand what happened back there and how we can contain the situation better next time. Don't you agree, Dr. Lancewood?"

Their words seem innocent enough, but Lancewood can feel the undercurrent of tension running beneath them.