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 likelyveryhungry.
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.
Nowit’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.
NINE
Bri
The hallucinations have taken an interesting turn. I am in a dim room. There are sheets below me on a soft bed. A bed that sits on a platform hovering over the rest of the room.
I step to the edge and look down. Can I fly? I raise my arms in front of me.
Fly, bitch!
Nothing. Damn.
A sharp knock on a door makes my head whip around.
Another knock, and the door creaks open. “Ahem.” Someone clears their throat. “Sacred Goddess, are you awake?” they whisper in universal language through the crack in the door.
“What’s going on?” My words come out with a croak from a dry and unused throat.
“I’m sorry to have awoken you. I was sent with clothing and a message that your meal is ready.” The short, robed figure carefully lays out some clothes on a chair in the corner. A hood hangs low and blocks their face from view.
“Where am I?” I ask.
“You’re safe underground now. We found you unconscious on the surface.”
I look down at my hands and turn them over. This feels…real. My brain is catching up. This isn’t a hallucination! I made it! I’m saved! Take that, you stupid fucking desert.
Now I need to find out who the hell this guy is. The way he talks is awkward and stilted.
“I’m Bri?—”
