The semen inside Jade, inside Heine, is sinking through the soft shells of the eggs, permeating deep through the multiple clutches. Heine can feel it instinctively. The eggs have been fertilized. He's completed his duty, and his eyes are closed in satisfaction.

Eichel slips off the bed to clean himself up. When he returns, he passes a hand over Heine's stomach, pressing lightly to feel that the eggs have grown slightly larger inside his body. The ones Jade is carrying have a while yet, but Heine's must be about ready to be laid.

But he can still wait. Eichel sits back down and pats Jade unceremoniously on the behind. "You can lie down," he says. "Tell me when you feel ready."

He'll know when he is.