Upon awaking, Bilal had found himself surrounded by his four parents, their tentacles pressed into his body. His eyes focused on his First Mother. Her skin was mottled black and red because she was angry, yet a tentacle formed to caress his face. He formed a tentacle and intertwined it with hers. It was akin to a human hug and kiss.

A First Mother's bond was strongest because she had carried him. Bilal had two mothers and two fathers. Their DNA had been mixed in order to ...