Gregory chases after them.

The jungle fell silent, the usual symphony of bird calls and rustling leaves replaced by an eerie stillness. It was as if the island itself held its breath. Then, from the depths of the foliage, a sound emerged. A chorus of high-pitched, ululating cries that sent shivers down my spine. The sounds were not those of panic or fear, but of celebration. There was a cacophony of different languages, some I knew while others were a mystery, yet the intent was clear: they were delighted by our offering, at least I believed that was the case.

Gregory turned to me, his face ashen. "Dr. Humphrey, this isn't right.We can't just throw people to the wolves like this."

I steeled myself against his concerned gaze, focusing on the island instead. "Gregory, sometimes the path to diplomacy is paved with difficult choices. These two were criminals, and they've been given a chance at redemption."

He shook his head, but I could see the resignation in his eyes. "But what if they're not? What if the company lied to you? We don't know these creatures, Dr. Humphrey. We don't know what they're capable of."

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Gregory, we're explorers. Pioneers. We're here to make first contact, to forge a bridge between our worlds. Sometimes, that means taking risks. But I promise you, we won't let those two down. We'll make sure their sacrifice counts for something."

Gregory sighed, running a hand through his hair. " You made your choice doc, now I have to make mine."

Gregory quickly ran down the gangplank; it was obvious that that he

desired to save the siblings. I watched him go, he ran as fast as he could straight for the edge of the jungle. I wondered if he felt he was chasing the couple or was he chasing the potential knowledge of what the creatures were capable of.

The jungle swallowed Gregory whole, his form disappearing among the dense foliage. I strained my ears, listening for any sign of pursuit, any indication of what lay ahead. But all I heard were the continued ululations from the bird people, their excitement growing by the second.

"Doc," a voice called out from behind me. I turned to see one of my security guards, a tall, muscular woman named Maria, her eyes scanning the jungle with a mixture of concern and anticipation.

"If those things come for us, we'll be ready." she said, her voice low but steady.

I nodded, a knot forming in my stomach. "Agreed. But let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Maria snorted softly. "Hope is for the weak, doc. We need to be prepared for the worst."

Before I could respond, a sudden commotion erupted from the jungle. The bird calls had ceased, replaced by a series of grunts and cries that sounded almost... human. I exchanged a look with Maria, her hand automatically going to the pistol at her side.