“I am the Hubmaster!“ The creature’s voice rumbled in the large hall, echoing from the walls. He quickly covered the distance between the pods and the prostrate body of Sinclair. “I tried to give you something you neither wanted nor deserved. But too many of my children have died of your hand. I will now replenish the family. Let the knowledge of your inferiority take root in your mind and remain with you after your conversion for the ages to come...Two immortal creatures resentful of denying the Hubmaster’s gift!”

“A gift?“ Croaked Sinclair reaching for his gun in the backpack. “Looks more like a sales pitch to me.“ The Hubmaster’s tentacles started to glow, implying some other impending calamity. “But today...We’re not buying from you!“

 Sinclair’s hand was finally able to grasp the blaster and with one shot he dispersed the ugly likeness of a face that topped the creature’s figure. The tentacles went flaccid and limp and the entire bulk of his body crumbled down.