“Food.” Jake obliged, dropping a slab of steak on the table in front of her. She ate it in a few bites. “Thank you. I am sorry if I have seemed... less than friendly.” Well, that was an understatement. Jake was scared to death. “I know, and I am sorry. It’s been a very stressful life so far for me. We didn’t bond properly, which means the link was not properly established. Thus, I was unable to communicate with you. I’ve had to bottle up a lot of emotions.” Jake twiddled his thumbs nervously, devoting his full and unwavering attention to the Xenomorph before him. “But now we are bonded!”
 Damn, if only I could kiss you right now! I’m so happy... Can’t tell you yet though, have to wait...

“What do you mean?” Jake asked, taking a sip from his water.

“We are bonded. We can hear each other’s thoughts, feel each other’s emotions, etcetera etcetera. Don’t worry though, I can’t hear your thoughts unless you purposefully broadcast them to me, or if you’re experiencing some extreme emotions. That’s why you can’t hear my thoughts all the time.” Jake swallowed the liquid in his mouth.

“Yeah, but I meant the other part. What can’t you tell me?”

“You heard that?” she mentally screeched, causing Jake to instinctively cover his ears, which only made it louder. She calmed down slightly. “I will tell you when the need arises. For now... let us enjoy each other’s company and get to know each other.” Jake knew better than to argue with something that could kill him with the flick of its tail, so let the matter drop. Not completely though.

“What about that kiss?” he teased, smirking evilly. Jake could more sense than see her blushing. If only I could get a girlfriend like this. It would be so much easier to make her happy when I can feel everything she feels... Jake smiled at the thought, and considered telling the Xenomorph the joke, before he remembered about giving her a name. “What does one name someone like you?” Jake wondered aloud.

“I was thinking Xerasterfanderius,” she replied. Jake said nothing for at least a minute. “I’m joking. It was a joke. It’s up to you to name me.”

“Oh,” Jake caught on. He thought hard. What do you name a giant female alien who just burst out of your chest and can talk to you telepathically? Hmmm... “Lorem advena...” Jake muttered, barely audible. “How about Advena?” She looked back at him.

“It sounds beautiful. It does not sound human, where is it from?”

“I just thought it up,” Jake answered with a shrug. Advena peered at him.

“It means something, doesn’t it?”

“Well, I thought it was only fair, seeing as the name ‘Xenomorph’ translates to ‘Alien Form’.”

“What does it mean?”

“Er, ‘Smart Alien’.” Jake scratched the back of his neck, not meeting Advena’s ‘gaze’.

“That's sweet, thank you.” Jake blushed a bit, but was luckily interrupted by a knock on the door. He quickly made his way over and it opened. Jake caught a glimpse of the outside world before it shut behind one of the generals who had been there the day Jake had been thrown in Advena’s cage. The outside world in question wasn’t particularly interesting either; it was just a plain white corridor for as far as Jake could see, with a few doors adorning it on either side. Advena growled and prepared to strike, but Jake held out a hand to her, signalling ‘no’. Advena backed down and sat on her haunches, watching the man intensely.

“Good. I would hate to have threatened you two with cutting off the oxygen to this room,” the general signalled to a remote in his hand to prove his point. He tossed Jake a curved metal object. “Put this on it,” he commanded. Jake was shocked when he realised it was a large collar.

“No,” Jake growled defiantly.

“Look boy, if you don’t put that collar on it, I’ll leave and vent the atmosphere. If you do put it on, then you’ll be allowed to roam free around this part of the station. You’ll have access to a gym, pool, cafeteria, etcetera. It’s a win-win as far as I can see.” Jake stared at the collar in his arms.

“Why would it matter if I put this collar on her? She can still attack people.”

“Yeah, but she’ll get a few thousand volts of electricity jolting through her body if she does. Now put it on so I can post a guard and get back to my lunch break.”

“It’s alright Jake. If I don’t try anything, I won’t be harmed. And as long as I have you, I won’t try anything.” She put a reassuring hand on his arm. Jake sadly slipped the device onto her neck, and flicked the latch shut. The general pressed a button, and the collar was electronically sealed. The general opened the door. He tossed the remote to the guard waiting outside.

“You’re shift’s from nine ‘till twelve, got it?”

“Sir, yes sir!” the guard replied. The general left. Jake started walking.

“So, where to?” he asked mentally.

“The gym! I haven’t stretched my legs properly in ages!” Jake chuckled.

“Which way to the gym?” he asked aloud. The guard waved a finger at him.

“This way,” he grunted. Jake and Advena trailed along behind him. They earned a few fearful, interested, surprised and distasteful glances from people who passed them by. They arrived at their destination. Jake raised an eyebrow. The place was huge, and filled with a variety of exercise devices. There were weights, bench presses, running tracks, basketball courts and much more. Jake drank in the sight for a moment, before receiving a nudge from Advena.

“I’m gonna get some exercise,” she told him. Jake gave her the go-ahead. She sprinted off, fast as a car, to the other side of the gym. She then proceeded to do a variety of tricks, such as running along the walls and roof, doing back flips and summersaults. Jake watched in amazement for a moment before heading over to the pull-up bar. He jumped up and grabbed the slim, horizontal pole. He lifted himself up a few times before gasping in pain. He dropped of the equipment and clutched his chest. He instantly heard a screech and Advena was there in seconds. “What happened?” she cried, searching Jake’s body for the source of his discomfort. She practically ripped his shirt off, exposing the rugged scar. She hissed, her thoughts darkened with rage. Jake put a hand on her neck soothingly.

“I’m fine,” he mumbled. “Go on, enjoy yourself.” He managed to force a smile, but she was not convinced. At all. She picked him up, bridal style, and carried him to the exit. Jake squirmed weakly in her grasp. “Come on,” he groaned. “Put me down. This is embarrassing.” Advena gave him a ‘shut up’ hiss, then continued walking. Their guard kept following, but kept his distance. He wasn’t dumb enough to meddle in their affairs. They arrived back at their quarters, and the guard, as per his instruction, took up the post outside the door. It was the only way in and out, so he’d be there when they left. Also, the security cameras inside would ensure there was no ‘funny business’.

Advena set Jake down gently in their nest. She hummed softly to him as she nuzzled his hand.

“That was completely unnecessary,” Jake sighed. “But thank you.” Advena snuggled him lovingly. Even though he’d been in no real danger, she had still gotten quite a fright from the experience.

“Just rest Jake. I don’t want you to feel pain.” Jake stroked her cheek.

“The feeling’s mutual, though I’d love to see something that thinks it can stand up to you.” Advena purred at the flattery. I do know how to pick ‘em, she thought to herself self-satisfactorily.