Primordial earth, p.94
Primordial Earth, page 94
“It’s the plane, Lieutenant. That must be the crash trajectory,” Linda Longo said, popping up at his side. “And that open patch must be where it landed.”
Tomi nodded, and excitement stirred in his chest. At last. We found it.
He stared at the clearing for a few more seconds, judging the distance between it and them. It was a fair number of clicks away, but he reckoned they could reach the site by nightfall if they hurried. Impatience filled his chest, and he whirled around. “All right. Let’s move out.”
“Lieutenant, wait,” Linda said, grabbing his elbow.
“What is it?” he asked, pausing.
“Look over there,” she replied, her hand sweeping across the canopy.
Tomi looked where she pointed, right at the start of the broken line of trees. At first, he failed to see what she saw. Then he noticed it—a tremor in the canopy. The trees on both sides of the destroyed path shook with the passing of something within its depths. Something big.
He looked at Sonja, perched on top of the Humvee. “Do you see that?”
She nodded, her expression somber. “I see it, Sir.”
“What do you think it is?” he asked, not truly expecting an answer.
“I… I don’t know, Sir, but whatever it is, it’s heading toward the crashed plane,” Sonja said.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Linda said, her dark eyes flashing. “Those are predators, and they’re looking for survivors.”
“They?” Sergeant James asked.
Linda shrugged. “There are at least two of them, and they’re not big. They’re huge.”
“My God, look at that,” James added with a shake of his head, and Tomi had to agree. The canopy shook with the force of the creatures’ movement below, and the snapping of broken branches rang clear in the air. Even at this distance, the passing of the beasts was evident, and the world quailed before their might.
“Damn,” Lieutenant Cummings said, mulling over the sudden turn of events. “This complicates things.”
“Yes, it does, Sir,” Linda agreed, her smooth forehead drawn into a deep frown. She shifted from one foot to the other, settling her heavy gear back into place. “What are your orders, Sir?”
Tomi remained silent for the span of a single heartbeat before he replied. “We’ll make camp and set out in the morning. There’s no sense in going out there with nightfall right around the corner.”
“Yes, Sir,” Linda acknowledged. She turned toward the Humvee and collected the rest of her things.
“Alright, pull up the Hummers. Form a half-circle with the cliff behind you,” Tomi ordered, watching as the drivers pulled into formation. “Gunners, you stay put while we set up camp.”
“Yes, Sir,” Sonja acknowledged with a quick salute.
The other two gunners nodded as well and stayed at their posts, on high alert for danger. With the 50-caliber guns pointed outward, they formed a wall of protection for the rest.
With his hands on his hips, Tomi oversaw the group. His eyes traveled from face to face. He knew every one of them, some better than the rest, like Sergeant James Horton, Private Linda Longo, and Private Sonja Barnes. But he’d worked extensively with all of them in the past, and he knew he could count on them.
The group pitched their tents, collected kindling, started a fire, unrolled their sleeping bags, and settled in with swift efficiency. Sergeant Horton swept the perimeter while Linda worked out a Watch Duty Roster. Staff Sergeant Plumm, their go-to cook, got a pot of coffee on to boil and sorted through their rations.
“What’s for supper, Plumm?” Private Thomson, the driver from the third Humvee, asked.
“Meat and beans,” Plumm replied.
“Again?” Thompson said, pulling a face.
“Want to take over from me?” Plumm replied with a glare.
“God, no,” Linda said. “Do you want to kill us all?”
“She’s right,” James said. “Last time Thomson cooked, I nearly died.”
Laughter broke out, and even Lt. Cummings cracked a smile.
“Shut up,” Thomson said, his face flushed, but the mood was one of good humor, and he soon joined in on the joke.
While they set up camp, Cummings paced the perimeter, his eyes fixed on the distant movement in the forest. When night fell, he’d lose sight of it, but that didn’t mean he’d forget. The thought of setting out in pursuit of something that large made him break out in a cold sweat. What can it be? A pair of Gorgosaurus? Albertosaurus? Or even worse, T-rexes?
Whatever it was, they were after the same thing: the plane and its survivors. The question was, who’d get there first?
Chapter 2 - Tony
Tony moved through the forest at a steady pace. He wove his way between the trees, careful not to brush against the rough bark that encased the trunks. Silence was of the essence. He couldn’t afford to alert any predators in the vicinity.
David followed in his wake, his eyes glaring white against the layer of mud that coated his face. They’d smeared the stuff all over their exposed skin to minimize their scent. Whether it really worked or not, Tony didn’t know, but it was worth a shot.
Thankfully, a carpet of moss and damp leaves covered the ground and muffled their footsteps. But the thick undergrowth tugged at their limbs and impeded their progress. Every yard they gained was a battle, both of the mind and body.
Tony thought back over the past few days. It had been nothing short of nerve-wracking. Lost in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by danger, armed only with hand weapons, and low on supplies, the odds were stacked against them.
Shifting these thoughts aside, Tony focused on the present. He pushed aside a curtain of hanging vines and threaded his way through a stand of trees. Insects buzzed around his face, and he waved them away with a muttered curse. At least the layer of dried mud protected him against their stings and bites.
He pressed onward, and the afternoon passed slowly. The sun dropped toward the horizon, its golden globe obscured by the thick canopy overhead. The atmosphere was humid inside the microcosm created by the forest cocoon. Not a whisper of a breeze disturbed the stifling air, and sweat trickled down his face and the back of his neck.
Tony licked his lips, tasting salt. He was thirsty and longed to reach for the canteen hanging from his belt, but he resisted the urge. Their water supply was low, and he had no way of knowing when they’d find more.
A light touch on the shoulder caused him to pause, and he looked around. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s getting late. We need to look for shelter soon,” David whispered.
“Alright,” Tony agreed. “Keep your eyes peeled for a likely spot.”
“Will do,” David said with a quick nod.
Wiping his brow, Tony moved on, ignoring the various discomforts that plagued him: The blisters on his feet, the damp sweaty clothes he wore, the ache in his head, the hollow in his stomach, and the exhaustion that dragged at his limbs. It was all part and parcel of the ordeal.
A rustle in the bushes ahead sent his senses into overdrive. He froze to the spot, both eyes fixed on the rippling leaves. His right hand crept toward the machete in his belt, and his fingers closed around the handle.
The seconds ticked by slowly while Tony waited. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Still, nothing happened. With the machete raised in the air, he took a step forward. Suddenly, a creature burst out of the bushes and sprang right at him. It snapped at the air with razor-sharp teeth, hissing with fury.
“Shit!” Tony cried, swiping at the beast. He hit it with a glancing blow, and it crashed to the ground with a pained growl. Before it could recover itself, Tony struck again, decapitating the creature. Its blood leaked into the ground and tainted the air with a coppery tang.
“What the hell was that?” David asked, stepping closer.
Tony eyed the lizard-like creature and grimaced. “It’s a Bambiraptor. They’re small but mean.”
David nudged it with its foot. “Yeah, I know them. Nasty little beasts.” He looked around. “We’d better get out of here.”
“Agreed. They travel in packs,” Tony said, looking around. “Where there’s one, there’s bound to be more.” Tony had barely finished his sentence when the bushes rustled again. He spotted several more of the raptors circling them through the undergrowth. “Ah, shit. We’re in for it now.”
“Incoming,” David cried, yanking his ax from his belt. The pack closed in around them, and the forest swarmed with snarling Bambiraptors.
With his back pressed to David’s, Tony fought them off. He swiped, slashed, hacked, and stabbed at the creatures, grimacing when blood coated his face and hands. One of the beasts snapped at his wrist, and its sharp teeth cut through the skin.
The wound burned like fire, and Tony growled below his breath. “Damn raptor.”
With a swift stab, he impaled the beast with his blade. He shook off the corpse and swiped at the next attacker, but it jumped aside with a snarl before lunging at his legs.
Scrambling backward, Tony bumped into David. Surprised, David stumbled and went down with a yell. Tony tripped over him, and they ended up rolling on the forest floor in a tangle of limbs.
The raptors took full advantage and attacked the struggling duo. Teeth sank into Tony’s shoulder, and he lashed out with his fist. It connected with a thud, and the beast disappeared. Teeth snapped at his face, and he grabbed the Bambiraptor by the throat.
As small as it was, it was both strong and slippery. With a twist of its head, the creature got free and lunged again. Its jaws closed on Tony’s cheek and white-hot pain radiated through his nervous system. Desperate to get away, he gripped the beast’s head and slashed at its neck with the machete. The blade hacked through the skin and muscle, and hot blood sprayed from the wound.
The stuff coated Tony’s face, blinding him. Terror shot through his veins, and he rolled to his knees. With the sleeve of his coat, he wiped the stinging fluid from his eyes and blinked at his surroundings.
The raptors had backed away, eyeing the humans with bared teeth. Their losses rendered them wary, and Tony knew they had to move. “David, get up. We have to get up.”
David looked dazed, and blood leaked from a dozen rips and tears in his flesh. His ax lay on the ground, and Tony scooped it up. “Snap out of it, David.”
David stared at him, his mouth hanging open. “What?”
“Fight, damn it, or we’re both dead!” Tony said. He shoved the ax into David’s hand and hauled them both upright. Once they were on their feet again, they stood a better chance at survival. Even so, Tony knew they had to end it fast.
With a roar, he launched himself at the remaining pack and scattered them with wild swings of his blade. It hacked into one, and he kicked another on the leg. The bone snapped, and it hobbled away with a hiss of agony.
Snapping out of his funk, David joined in. Between them, they drove off the last of the Bambiraptors, and the creatures fled into the gathering dusk. Heaving for breath, Tony looked at David. “That was close.”
David nodded and pointed at him with one trembling finger. “You’ve got something on your face.”
Tony stared at him, confused. Then he remembered his mask of blood. Grinning, he wiped his face but winced when he touched the deep cut on his cheek. “You don’t look so hot either.”
“I don’t feel so hot,” David admitted. “And we reek of blood. Every predator within miles will be after us within the hour.”
Tony grimaced, his smile fading away. They were in deep trouble and had to get out of there right away. “Are you hurt bad anywhere?”
“Not really. It’s nothing serious,” David said after a quick examination of his injuries. “You?”
“Nothing that can’t wait until we’re holed up somewhere safe,” Tony said. “Follow me and keep your eyes open.”
“I’m right behind you,” David said.
Together, they set off into the trees, heading downhill. Tony reckoned it would be the likeliest place to find water. If they ever did. Either way, they were due for some good luck. Overdue, actually. Come on, Karma. Give us something, will you?
Chapter 3 - David
David stumbled through the underbrush, barely able to place one foot in front of the other. The numerous bites and tears in his flesh burned, and a couple of them continued to bleed. His eyes swiveled in their sockets, looking for danger. They felt gritty, just like his tongue, and he longed for a sip of water. Soon, he consoled himself. It won’t be long now.
But he was wrong. The time passed slowly as they pushed onward, aware of the looming dusk. A sense of urgency took hold of his senses, and his heart thumped in his chest. Fear was an ever-present companion. One that never quite went away. “Tony, what are we going to do? We’re leaving a trail of blood, and night is falling.”
“I know,” Tony said, grunting as he navigated a pile of deadfall. He weaved around a stump and slid down a couple of feet. “But we need water.”
“We need shelter and a fire more,” David said, eyeing the sun. It hung low on the horizon, its light filtering through the thick canopy.
“There’s water at the bottom of this hill. I know it,” Tony said. “We just need to keep going a little longer.”
“Are you sure?” David asked.
“I’m sure,” Tony said. “It’ll give us a chance to clean up, and we can use the stream to cover our tracks.”
“If you say so,” David said. Privately, he disagreed, but Tony had seniority. I hope to God, he’s right.
With a shake of his head, he kept going. The ground sloped down at a steep angle that worsened with every step. Eventually, he had to sit on his ass and slide down, holding on to the slender trunks of trees.
They’d covered a few hundred yards when Tony help up a hand. “Whoa, stop!”
David ground to a halt. “What’s wrong?”
“It ends in a cliff.”
“A what?” David asked, hoping he’d heard incorrectly.
“We’re on the edge of a cliff,” Tony said.
“Ah, shit. That’s terrific,” David said, his heart sinking into his boots. “What now?”
Tony shook his head. “I don’t know.”
David sighed. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
“I’m sorry,” Tony said. “I really thought we’d find water down here.”
David closed his eyes for a few seconds before he nodded. “We’d better go back.”
“I guess so,” Tony agreed, and they started the slow ascent back up the hill.
David grabbed the nearest tree and hauled himself a few feet up the slope before he paused. A faint sound reached his ears, and he cocked his head to hear better. “Tony? Do you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
“I don’t know. It sounds like….” David’s eyes widened as realization sank in. “It sounds like water!”
Before Tony could utter a word, David slid down to the cliff’s edge. He clung to a rock and peered down. “I think there’s a river down there.”
“You think? How far down?” Tony asked.
“I don’t know. It’s hard to see,” David said, leaning further down to get a better look. Suddenly, the rock shifted beneath his hands. “Oh, crap.”
“David?” Tony cried.
David grabbed for a tree but missed by mere inches. A cascade of loose sand, gravel, and rocks broke free and slid over the side, taking him with it. Emptiness opened up beneath him, and his body gave way to the pull of gravity. He fell for a couple of seconds, his mouth wide open in a shocked yell. Then, he hit the water.
The river enfolded him in its icy embrace and drove the air from his lungs. The current tugged at his limbs and he drifted downstream in a green haze. A stream of bubbles left his mouth and drifted upward while he watched in frozen wonder. For a moment, everything was calm and peaceful. All of the aches and pains in his body had vanished. Maybe I can just stay like this forever.
The burn in his lungs drove him to action, however. His oxygen-starved brain screamed for air, and he kicked and swam until he broke the surface. A deep gasp cleared the fog from his mind, and he looked around.
“David, are you there? David!” Tony screamed from a distance.
“I’m down here. I’m okay,” David said, swimming toward Tony’s voice. The current was strong but not insurmountable, and he soon reached the spot where he’d fallen in.
“Can you come back up?” Tony called.
“No, it’s not possible,” David replied, eyeing the sheer walls of the ravine.
“How deep is it? Are there rapids?”
“It’s deep enough, and there aren’t any rapids,” David said, looking around. “There’s a beach not far from me.”
“Alright, I’m coming in,” Tony said. Seconds later, he plummeted from the sky and hit the river with a splash. He surfaced and shook the water from his face, paddling to stay in place. “David?”
“Over here,” David said, swimming toward Tony.
“Where’s that beach?”
“Follow me,” David said, leading the way.
He swam toward the sandy cove and soon reached dry land. The strip of beach was small but sheltered. The cliff formed an overhang and heaps of driftwood littered the area. A steep path up the side of the wall was the only access point, and he reckoned it was as safe a place to spend the night as any. “What do you think, Tony? Do we stay here or move on?”
“We’re too tired to move on, and it’s almost dark,” Tony said, heading toward the overhang. “Let’s make camp.”
“On it,” David replied, relieved beyond measure. He didn’t think he could’ve gone one more step if he tried. He was cold, wet, tired, and hungry. Summoning the last of his energy, he got ready for the night.
Together, they cleared a space under the overhang, removing any rubble until it was just smooth sand. Tony made a fire while David collected enough wood to last them the night. A stiff breeze cut through the space, and they built a screen using washed-up branches and rocks. Next, they made their beds by digging a hollow and lining it with a blanket roll.
