Chapter 8
EIGHT
Tai
I’m being hunted. The same tracks surround my tent again. I double-check my blaster and tuck it into my belt. This weapon hasn’t left my side in six years, and I’ve never been more comforted by its presence. Whatever is stalking me, I’ll be ready for it.
I’m not thrilled about being prey. If it weren’t critical that I find Bri as soon as possible, I’d set a trap for the creature and end this once and for all. But I’ve lost too much time out here as it is.
Like yesterday, the visor can’t locate Bri.
I’m comforted at the thought that Bri is too stubborn to let this place win. Bri is out there somewhere, raising hell and fighting for her life.
The visor registers a spring at the bottom of a crater to the southwest. I adjust my trajectory to head there.
My bionic arm is getting worse by the hour. It doesn’t respond half the time, and when it does, it’s slow and jerky.
It’s funny how it’s giving me trouble here. The same place that led to me needing it in the first place.
The circumstances are different, but the planet hasn’t changed.
The first time I felt solid ground was here on Sabaak.
It was brown and miserable, but it didn’t bother me.
I felt free. Eventually the environment took a toll on me, and I stumbled around in the desert until I reached a small village with painted arches and a water well right in the center.
I wonder how far that village is from here.
I still don’t know how I got caught. Maybe it was the Sabaaki. Maybe someone tracked down the stolen ship I arrived on. Either way, I shouldn’t have been surprised when the Authority showed up with an ultimatum.
The time has come for me to face the reality of my situation.
Bri isn’t at the crater. There are, however, several sets of animal footprints.
Some large, like the ones surrounding my tent this morning.
Some small, all heading in the direction of the stagnant pool of water at the base.
I don’t bother climbing down. No sense in putting myself in unnecessary danger.
Animals get territorial near water, and my scent is new. I don’t trust it here. The swirling wind keeps me from seeing very far, and there is a long list of things that could use the terrain against me down there.
My blaster sits lightly in my belt, a reassurance until it reminds me that Bri doesn’t have one.
She doesn’t have anything to use for protection.
If she could defend herself with sharp glares and even sharper words, I wouldn’t be worried.
But I doubt she would be able to outrun or outmuscle whatever is out here.
Biosignature Identified: Bacteria
Identity: Uncategorized
Looks like I’ll have to stick with my hydrogels. Shitting myself to death in the desert is not how I plan to leave this plane of existence.
My visor maps out the surrounding area. I weigh my options.
I could keep wandering around out here hoping my visor picks up Bri’s signature while my hydropacks dry up and a fucking monster hunts me down, or I could take my chances with the notorious Oo’rahim cult.
They’ll have food and water, and I can regroup before continuing my search.
Beyond the crater is a dry riverbed that will lead me directly to their underground colony.
I just hope they don’t sacrifice me to their gods.
I need to keep myself hydrated and focused on finding Bri.
The heat alone could kill her. If the local wildlife doesn’t do it first. By the size and positioning of those footprints, there is no way the sand creature is an herbivore.
The small bushes scattered around the local landscape aren’t enough to sustain an animal of that size.
Whatever it is, it’s big and likely very hungry.
It’s a miracle I survived this planet when I was here before.
I didn’t know shit about surviving anywhere but grimy stations.
Now, I can read the terrain and assess risk.
It’s a blessing and a curse. The experience I have is an advantage for keeping me alive, but it’s also a reality check of all the ways Bri could be hurt.
Without any other good options, I sling on my pack and head in the direction of the colony. My visor chirps and lights up green on the edge. It looks happy I’m heading that way. My probability of survival ticks up to 73%.
The riverbed on the other side of the crater will take me right where I need to go.
I skirt the edge of the crater and follow the carved-out riverbed.
After a while, my visor chirps, notifying me the colony is nearby.
I cautiously look around before sliding down the steep slope of the canyon wall.
My field of vision is limited down here, and it’s disconcerting.
But it’s worth it if it gets me to the colony without being seen.
Behind me, a few pebbles bounce their way down from ledge to ledge until they settle on the ground. I spin around and scan the rim.
Nothing.
It’s eerily quiet down here. I’ve gotten accustomed to the howling wind. The still air down here feels menacing.
More pebbles tumble down. Without looking behind me, I casually jog.
A full-blown run could set off a chase instinct.
If I’m going to be something’s next meal, I’m putting up a fight.
Every sense is on high alert. Over the sound of my running, I hear a hiss.
The ground shakes when something drops down.
Now it’s time to run. I sprint toward the bend and hope there is something I can climb or hide behind.
Whatever is behind me sounds fast.