"You're not going to do something to my baby?"
Lucifer felt a great pity for this young woman, snatched away from Earth to bear a child with an unknown mate on this strange planet.
"I wouldn't harm your child," Nina told her. "I'm from San Diego—how about you?"
"Masselon, Ohio."
"Now tell me," Nina asked, "is your baby awake yet?"
The dilated eyes stared at Nina.
"I'm ... I'm not sure, but I don't think so."
"That's fine. Now, please don't be scared. I want to help you and your baby. Do you trust me?"
The young mother studied Nina unblinkingly. After an instant of hesitation, she nodded.
"Thank you. Now, are you going to feed your baby yourself this next time?"