[Virgil snorted softly, still rubbing the surface.m. It was warm, the pulsating lights steady. He pulled his eyes away to look directly into Ralph's.]

As if dis could harm us. Can't even see its legs anymore.

[He shook his head gently, greasy unwashed hair falling over his shoulders.]

Dis iz my baby, Ralph. Hy've helped bring desert tings into de vorld. And it's done just vhat it vas originally meant to. Und now it vont hurt anyvun. Isn't it beautiful?

[Is he crying? Yeah, a little. This is the first bug in two weeks that hasn't attacked him. He's seeing what he nearly died making be fruitful. And, he's delirious from malnutrition and exposure.]

hy'm stayink.