Linda keeps it to herself.

The shape and behavior of the creature in the water was definitely that of a Hrmgnnr, but it seemed ragged and more feral.

"Um... how long have you had this specimen?" I asked innocently.

"I'd say a little over a month. I caught it while hunting one of the cave pools. It took me several hours to stalk it and even then, the clever thing spotted me somehow and made a run for it. It's a good thing I snared it before it did, or I would have lost it for sure," the hunter boasted proudly.

I looked into the water mournfully. The poor being had been imprisoned for a month, it's no wonder it was moving around like it did, like a caged beast. My crew would be arriving shortly and that would be my best time to put a stop to this. I just needed to act normally until then.

"So... what do you plan on doing with it once your ship is up and running?" I asked.

"There are people who value this creature for the enzymes it creates. I will be harvesting its organs and selling it at auction." I looked at him in horror, but he gave me an amiable grin, "It's a living. My people have hunted and gathered throughout the galaxy. It is a way to encourage biodiversity, actually. When others become aware of the resources available in these far out solar systems. They come out and develop industry to promote the local life. When that happens, everyone wins."

"Wouldn't it be better to just leave the wildlife alone?"

"So that it can be hidden away for millennia and just rot away unused? Or worse yet, be lost forever by some interstellar catastrophe like an errant comet? What purpose would it have it if is not acknowledge by civilization?"

"They have their own lives... culture..."

"Ha!" Jaquon slapped his knee. "You speak as if they are a people. These are lesser beings, Linda Trask. They are ours to use as Denima decreed. Ah... but I suppose you are not a follower of the decrees and are ignorant of our ways."

"I didn't mean to offend..." I apologized.

Jaquon raised his hand and said, "No offense taken. You are a people I am not familiar with either." He leaned closer and looked at me, "You are a curious thing... may I?" He reached out to touch my arm. I politely nodded and he ran his finger over my skin. "So curious... your people are like you? No epidermal protection?"

"Well... normally we wear clothes..." I admitted with a blush.

Jaquon's hands ran up my shoulders then cupped my breasts. I went red in the cheeks. "Is that a natural defense?" Jaquon asked, taking a step back.

"Sort of," I replied sheepishly. "It's a sign of embarrassment... we normally don't let others get so close."

Jaquon nodded. "I suppose it is wise, considering how soft your skin is." He gave my breasts a squeeze, causing me to blush even more. "I surmise that you are mammalian and these are lactate glands. No doubt they would be fuller if you were with child." I looked away, not sure I could get any redder in the face. "That would mean the flushing of your face is indicative of either hostility... or arousal..." I could feel my cheeks on fire at this point. "So... which is it, Linda Trask?" He continued to massage my breasts, then lightly traced it so that he could feel my erect nipples against his leathery skin.