Adam and Evelyn ducked into an alcove in the sewer. Hidden in the shadows, they carefully looked around to make sure no one else was around.
"It's okay. I think we are alone, " said Adam quietly.
"Oh, Adam. How did things get so out of control? First, it was just a few people. Now it is 60, and Mary Lou is talking about clutches of eggs and breeding. She wants to take over the city! " said Evelyn.
Adam sighed. "I know. It seemed like a good idea at first. Safety in numbers, and all that. And it did seem to help the first homeless people she converted. They willingly converted, and looked healthier and more mentally stable afterward. But now - she converts anyone she can get her hands on. And this place has become a totalitarian nightmare. She acts like some kind of dictator, and the other gators treat her like some kind of Queen. They blindly follow her orders. I mean, 'No one is allowed to leave the sewers.' 'Anyone that sees us must be converted or killed'. We started this colony to be free, but we ended up as prisoners, " said Adam.
"What can we do?" asked Evelyn.
"I have spoken with some others. We are not the only ones who are unhappy. We formed a sort of resistance group, " said Adam. "After our last meeting, we had a vote. We decided it is time. Time to let the humans know about us."
"But Adam - they will treat us like animals, hunt us like dogs. Or worse yet, dissect and experiment on us," said Evelyn.
Adam sighed. "I'll admit, it is risky. But I still have faith in humanity. There are good people out there, just like we used to be. I know it. Maybe even some people that can give us back our normal human bodies. But, Evelyn - I love you, and I can't do this without you. If you don't want take the risk, we can try something else. You and I can just escape. Start over in a nice quiet swamp, just the two of us."
Evelyn looked at the ground, deep in thought. Adam gently lifted her snout with his claw, and stared in her eyes.
"Evelyn, I love you, and I will stand with you whatever decision you make. But you have to decide, " said Adam.