Another rocket exploded somewhere out in front of Asa. The sound was followed by a scream. One more leap and Asa began firing himself.
A Slider was gently taking into its mouth three eggs spilled from the sack lying beside what was left of Tom Dorr.
One of Asa's shots destroyed the Slider, destroying the eggs, too as the monster's head exploded. Asa didn't think the eggs mattered much right now.
He shuffled slowly back to the settlement, deciding to accept when Harriet offered him the managership. Some day, if he had his way, Slider eggs would be as common on Earth as diamonds.