Page 16 of Black Mamba

That’s not good, but it’s not terrible.

“I command the AI to tune into the local frequencies and change them slowly. If the word Jenna is said, remain on that channel.”

I scan the wilderness as static fills my ears.

The landscape is bright, and the skies are clear and blue this morning. The trees are cast in an airy golden light that illuminates their pine needles and leaves. The flowery bushes across the meadow lift their twiggy branches toward the sun, uninhibited by any shade. Several birds fly between the trees, making noises I can’t hear, and a small bug with white wings flutters outside the window. Sunrays streak through the woods edging the forest leading up the mountain, lightening the shadows within.

I take in the rocky slopes and the mountains past them where the gorge and water are supposed to be.

It’s beautiful. No, it’s gorgeous.

Earth is indescribable in its wild glory. Every time of day—morning, midday, or evening—the view has stunned me. There’s no end to its beauty when I’m faced with it on nearly every side, all day long.

I could live for this view. This and my sister.

Before long, I find myself standing in front of my ship’s hatch where there’s additional seating and a place to put on one’s shoes and coats. Locating my black sneakers among them, I lean against the wall and shove them on my feet. Just in case.

Facing the door once more, I debate opening it. I’m going to have to sometime… Eventually, I will need to refill the water. I shake my head, not wanting to think about that day before it comes. I need to be brave.

Like I’m being brave right now.

I don’t give it much further thought, ready to make this leap without Levy or Greg nearby. Although I’m beginning to like them, I don’t trust them. Not yet at least.

If I see an animal or a naga, I’ll close the hatch.

The door is quick. It’ll be okay.

Shuffling, I ready myself, trying to imagine what my older sister would do in this situation. Jenna would probably never willingly go outside on an uncolonized planet like Earth. Not if it meant she would potentially be unsafe.

“I command the AI to open the hatch.”

The door makes a clicking sound before popping out and sliding to the right.

With my view suddenly unhindered, I’m soon blasted with a strange assortment of noises and rich smells. Several of the flowery bushes press into the ship. I reach down and touch one of the leaves with my fingers without having to leave it. Rough but fine, the texture is interesting. Feeling the flower next, I discover the petals to be as delicate as they appear.

Floral scents flood my nose, and a wild, indescribable thickness covers me as humid air envelops my body. My flesh prickles despite the warmth.

Reaching my hand outside, the sun hits my skin.

My heart thrums and my toes curl. Excited and anxious, I pull back in and take a step deeper into the ship.

“I command the AI to close the hatch.”

The hatch reverberates and shuts with a woosh and a thump, shutting off my access to Earth’s alien environment. As temperate, cool air brushes over my skin, I feel more hopeful than I have since I’ve landed here.

I can do this.

I can survive.

NINE

HER SCENT

Lukys

Several days go by and she grows braver. Each time the door to her ship opens, I am already there, watching from the trees nearby. I have to stay farther away now, or she will see me move among them.

As she picks her way around the bushes that only come up to the middle of her legs, she carefully looks around, ever watchful of her surroundings. This is the farthest she has gone yet, and I am… proud of her.