'This is my aunt, the Lady Zaxl. Zaxl, this is Ruby and Terry…er, I mean Mr. and Mrs. James and their son Bobby.'
Zaxl bowed to each of them in turn. Then she made a soft hissing sound and began to speak in English. 'We are so glad you have made friends with Jixl. It has been very difficult with the others. We need you to explain things to them. We do not mean any harm to you humans. We are grateful to be here, safe now from destruction, and are willing to serve you in return.'
Terry was mystified at this. 'We do believe now that you don’t mean to harm us, but in what ways can you possibly serve us?'
'We will work for you. We can enhance your way of life. Our scientists have already begun to create some useful implements and substances that will improve the agriculture in this valley, b
