Gan

Gan, a young human male, is the protagonist of "Bloodchild." The story centers on Gan's growing knowledge and feelings of ambivalence regarding his special relationship with the insect-like extraterrestrial T'Gatoi, a member of the Tlic species. Gan and T'Gatoi live in a state of mutual dependence, according to which humans are guests on the Tlic planet and subject to the their greater power, and the Tlic are in turn dependent on humans to propagate their species through incubating Tlic eggs in their bodies. Gan has been chosen by T'Gatoi for this special responsibility and has been raised by her with this duty in mind.

"Bloodchild" is Gan's coming of age story. The action takes place on the night of his "impregnation" by T'Gatoi, signaling his passage to adulthood, his acceptance of responsibility, and his sacrifices for both his family and for T'Gatoi herself. On this night Gan witnesses...