"About me and my race. How we happened to find you in time to save you. Why we saved you. What we intend to do with you after you are reconstructed."
"Yes, I've wondered about those things too."
"I can give you only a partial answer. I hope you do not find it too unsatisfactory. My race, as you may have gathered, is somewhat more advanced than yours. We have had a head start," he added politely.
"If you can grow new arms and legs and eyes," she said, "you must be thousands of years ahead of us."
"We can do many other things, of which there is no need to talk. All I need say now is that I am a physician attached to a scouting expedition. We have had previous contact with human beings, and have taken pains to avoid coming to their attention. We do not want to alarm or confuse them."
"But all the same, you rescued us."
"It was an emergency. We are not human, but we have, you might say, humanitarian feelings. We do not like to see creatures die, even inferior creatures—not that you are, of course," he added delicately. "Our ship happened to be only a few thousand miles away when it happened. We saw, and acted with great speed. Once you are whole again, we shall place you where you will be found by your own kind, and proceed on our way. By that time, our expedition will have been completed."
"When we are whole again—Doctor, will I be exactly the same as before?"
"In some ways, perhaps even better. I can assure you that all your organs will function perfectly."
"I don't mean that. I mean—will I look the same?"