By contrast, Lien’s outright refusal of the eggs is representative of her refusal to participate in society or even the life of her family at all. Gan’s father, a model citizen who hosted Tlic young three different times, ate his share of eggs and was blessed with a fruitful life that was twice as long as it naturally ought to have been.
Although the Terrans also receive protection, general provision, and a territory to live in, the eggs are their primary reward for sacrificing their bodies as hosts. As such, the sterile eggs are representative of all of the benefits that the Terrans receive for their part of the interdependent agreement between themselves and the Tlic. For Terrans, not only are they an effective narcotic that induces a dream-like state, they also increase vitality and vigor, extending a Terran’s lifespan well beyond its natural length if consumed often enough. Unlike the fertile eggs that are implanted into hosts, sterile Tlic eggs are offered to Terrans to drink, often as an incentive, and contain several potent properties. The sterile eggs function to demonstrate how well the different members of Gan’s family have integrated and participated in the combined Terran- Tlic society.
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