The animal was the size of a turkey and covered in downy feathers that were matted with wet leaves and detritus. The small, boxy head stared with glassy eyes. Its slack jaw hung open, revealing rows of needle-like teeth. The small, grasping two-fingered arms still trembled. Blood oozed from several bullet wounds along its dull green flank. The slender legs twitched slightly. The guard saluted Borodin.

