The Spinosaurus leveled its gaze at her, and its lips quivered. With a terrifying bellow, it broke into a run. Each step caused the ground to tremble, and the vibrations shook Imogen to the core. She stumbled back on legs turned to water, realizing she’d only pissed the beast off. “Run, Casey!”
Casey sprinted into the hanger. It was the nearest shelter, and the only chance either of them had to escape. She shot Imogen a terrified look. “Run!”
Imogen hesitated, unwilling to abandon Allen, but it was too late. He screamed as a gigantic foot descended upon him and crushed his body to a pulp.
The Spinosaurus never slowed, charging straight at Imogen. She whirled around and ran into the hanger’s confines. It welcomed her into its shadowy recesses, but its promise of safety was flimsy. It was a simple square structure made from sheet metal and wooden beams.
The dinosaur crashed through the entrance, and the walls shook beneath the assault. Pallets, boxes, and drums of aviation fuel went flying as it rampaged through the building. It took no heed of any obstacles, its sheer bulk enough to demolish anything in its path.
A door on the opposite side promised safety, and she headed straight for it. Casey had reached it ahead of her and hovered in the entrance. “Come on! Come on!”
A blast of hot air washed across the nape of her neck, and she ducked to the side. The Spinosaurus’s jaws missed her by mere inches, and its enraged bellow nearly blasted her off her feet.
She snapped off a quick couple of shots with her gun. At such close range, the slugs did enough damage to hurt. With a snort, the beast paused to claw at its face. The left eye was gone. All that remained was a bloody hole in the skull.
With renewed effort, Imogen zigzagged across the remaining distance. She yelped when the Cessna-172 slewed past her, one wing cutting through the air above her head when the Spinosaurus smashed into it. She covered the last few yards and burst into the bright sunlight on the other side. Straight ahead, their living quarters beckoned. A squat structure made of brick and mortar. She hoped it was enough to shield them and placed all her faith in the building.
“Hurry!” Casey shouted, running toward the entrance.
Imogen pushed her body to the limits, drawing on her last reserves. The shotgun weighed her down, but she dared not drop it. With a cry of relief, she dashed through the door and helped Casey to drag it shut. It was a solid sheet of metal with a bar across the middle to secure it in place.
As the door swung shut, she caught a final glimpse of the Spinosaurus. Unable to follow her, the creature butted its head into the hanger’s walls. The sheet metal panels shook beneath the attack, and a portion of the ceiling collapsed onto the beast. With a last roar, it retreated back the way it came.
Silence fell, broken only by her own heavy breathing. Imogen sagged to the floor, her legs numb. With one trembling hand, she pushed the hair from her face. It clung to her temples, dampened by sweat, but she didn’t care. She was still alive, and she’d never appreciated how precious life was until that moment.
“What do we do now?” Casey asked, joining her on the ground.
“I don’t know,” Imogen said, her voice faint. At that moment, it was difficult to think ahead. Tomorrow seemed like a distant dream, an impossibility when faced with all the dangers of the prehistoric world. Will there be a tomorrow? Or were we doomed from the start?
For the first time, Imogen questioned her decision to lead the expedition. Sure, it was risky. She’d always known that, but the Spinosaurus attack had gone beyond that. Three members of the team were missing, and two more were dead.
“I can’t believe Allen and Ralph are dead,” Casey said.
“Me neither. I always thought Allen was too mean to die,” Imogen said.
“I suppose death gets us all in the end,” Casey said. “What about us? What do we do now?”
“I guess we wait for the Spinosaurus to leave.”
“And then?” Casey asked.
“Then we go home.”
***
The Spinosaurus took its frustration out on the strange object that stood in its way. Smooth and winged, it crumpled beneath the attack. The metal screeched like a wounded animal, and the sound soothed the beast’s rage.
It lumbered toward the far exit and emerged into the sun. The bright light hurt its wounded eye and sent fierce pains stabbing into its brain. It snorted and clawed at the ruined eyeball. Many wounds punctured its hide, adding their own fresh agony, and the extensive blood loss drained it of energy and the need to kill. Even the fresh corpses of its victims failed to excite its senses.
Defeated, but not broken, the Spinosaurus headed back to the river with ponderous steps. Its cool waters waited to receive it into its murky depths. It was a place where the sun couldn’t reach it with its searing rays and the fish were plentiful. There, it could rest and recover from its injuries in peace.
Chapter 2
Rogue walked next to the loaded wagon with her spear slung across her back. The track they followed was rough and pitted, but it provided a straight shot to the river. Callum had contracted a group of workers to clear the way and build a dock on the bank of the Willamette for visiting Exiles. Since traveling by boat was the easiest, safest, and fastest, it was set to become the preferred method.
There was even talk of expanding the dock into a fully functional harbor. Such a place would facilitate trade between the two settlements. It would also create a haven for a hydroelectric power station to cater to Prime’s electrical needs. But these plans and many more were now percolating on a back burner thanks to the Red Flux.
The wagon bumped over a rough tussock of grass, and a cloud of gnats rose in the air. Rogue brushed them away with a wave of her hand. The bloodsucking fiends were a nuisance, but she felt sorry for the mules. Their tails waved constantly to discourage the many parasites that sought to feast on their flesh. She patted the nearest animal on the rump. “Don’t worry, Bob. You’ll be home soon enough.”
“Bob? You named them?” Seth asked.
“Why not? They’re not just animals, right? They deserve names of their own. This is Bob and that’s Sally,” Rogue replied, scratching Bob with her free hand.
He repaid her kindness by lifting his tail and dropping a steaming pile of dung onto the ground. Seth wrinkled his nose when the wagon wheel squelched through the stinking heap. “Yeah, I can see that.”
Rogue rolled her eyes. “Bob is a free spirit unbound by human conventions.”
Seth snorted, and she shoved him with a good-natured grin. The banter was part of their relationship. That and a hefty dose of humor.
A rustle in a nearby tree caused her to sober, and she gripped her spear with caution. The area was mostly free of predators. It was too rocky and filled with thorny brush to support abundant prey. That didn’t mean it was a walk in the park, however, and she was careful not to let her guard down.
Rogue smelled the river before she saw it, the scent of rich damp mud thick in her nostrils. The track veered down a steep slope toward the wooden dock where the boat waited. It was a simple craft that sat high in the water, powered by a single motor. Its shallow draft enabled it to navigate most canals, but it wasn’t very fast. Even so, their trip wouldn’t take more than two or three days. Or so they hoped.
In the middle of the deck stood a single cabin equipped with bunk beds and hammocks. A tiny kitchen abutted the sleeping quarters while supplies were stored below. The journey would be cramped and uncomfortable, but Rogue didn’t care. A whole world awaited them on the horizon, and that was all that mattered.
The wagon rolled to a stop, and a tall man with a deeply tanned complexion strode out to meet them. He surveyed the group with suspicion. “How can I help you, folks? And where are Ric and Olivia?”
Seth stepped forward and handed him a note. “This is from Ric, and it should explain everything you need to know.”
The man read the note, his eyes creasing at the corners. Afterward, he tucked the paper into h
is pocket and favored Seth with a brisk nod. “It seems you need my services.”
“Indeed, we do,” Seth agreed, reaching out to shake his hand.
“I’m Tony Daniel, the captain of this fine vessel. She’s called the Water Lily, and I won’t brook any trouble on board.”
“Captain?” Seth said with a hint of amusement.
Tony shrugged, his smile sardonic. “I used to sail much bigger craft, but beggars can’t be choosers. This little beauty is all I’ve got now, and she’s my pride and joy.”
“Understood,” Seth said, waving his hand at the group. “This is Rogue, David, Brittany, Bear, Jessica, and Paul.”
Tony inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“We brought supplies and extra fuel for the trip,” Seth said, waving a hand at the wagon.
“Excellent. You can store it below deck,” Tony said, beckoning to them. “I’ll show you the way.”
Everyone grabbed a box or pallet and loaded the rations onto the riverboat. The members of the Watch stepped in to help, and they accomplished the task within minutes. After seeing the soldiers and the wagon off, Rogue and the others climbed on board.
With her backpack in hand, she surveyed her new home. It felt strange to stand on the deck. It rocked with the ebb and flow of the river, and her legs felt weird at first. She got used to it quickly enough, and a smile tugged at her lips. While the Water Lily wasn’t at all like Seth’s boat, it reminded her of it. “This will do just fine.”
“Yeah?” Seth asked. “You like it?”
“Of course, I do. I love it,” she replied.
“Glad to hear it, because we’re spending the next few days on it,” Seth said before turning to Tony. “What now, Captain?”
“Call me Tony. I’m more of a pilot now than a captain,” Tony replied.
“Alright,” Seth said.
“You can each grab a bunk or a hammock,” Tony said. “The Water Lily is small, so no fighting. If anyone complains, they go overboard. Got it?”
Rogue saluted Tony with a grin. “Got it, Captain.”
“Tony,” he insisted. “Also, no one touches either the engine or the wheel but me. Unless you want to sleep with the fishes.”
Rogue walked toward the cabin and picked a hammock in the corner. She stowed her backpack underneath it before touring the deck. Once they cast off, she chose a spot at the front and sat down.
“Comfy?” Seth asked, joining her at the bow.
“I’m good,” she acknowledged.
“Do you mind if I talk to Tony for a while? I’ve got a few questions for him,” Seth said.
“Go ahead,” Rogue said, waving him off.
Truth be told, she relished the chance to be alone. The slow chug of the boat on the river coupled with the sound of the water slapping against the hull was oddly soothing. Once Seth was gone, she leaned over the side of the boat and gazed into the river. Fish darted about in search of food, and weeds reached up from the murky depths to strangle the unwary.
Her mind drifted back to her encounter with the Clidastis, and it swept her along on a tide of memories. It now seemed so long ago, as if it happened to a different person. Still, she remembered each moment with painful clarity, even tasting the water that choked her lungs.
***
Rogue was swept along by the river, the strong current tumbling her around like a rag doll. Her consciousness faded in and out, and she longed to give in to the darkness. But her will to survive was stronger than the urge to submit, and she fought to stay awake. A couple of times, her head broke the surface, allowing her to suck in a quick lungful of air. That kept her alive, but she had little control of her body.
Suddenly, sharp pain lanced up her leg. Her eyes opened wide, searching for the source of the pain. A sinewy shape curled around her in the murky water. Thick, smooth, and muscled. Its long jaws had latched onto her leg, the wicked teeth cutting deep into her calf. Blood clouded the water, and she gritted her teeth to keep from crying out. The creature’s body whipped back and forth as it tried to drag her to the bottom of the river. A Clidastes!
The marine lizard would drown her if she let it. Drown her and feast on her flesh, just like modern-day crocodiles did.
Kicking furiously, Rogue booted the monster in the face with her free leg. It let go and swam away, only to circle back for another attack. All thirteen feet of it. She felt for the machete at her hip, nearly crying with relief when her hand closed around the handle. The long blade was difficult to wield in the water, so she tucked her arm close to her side.
The Clidastes shot through the water, impossibly fast, its jaws open wide. With a bubbling cry, Rogue thrust the machete into its open maw. The creature’s momentum drove it forward, and the point of the blade pierced the roof of its mouth.
A cloud of crimson spewed forth from the wound, swirling around them in the water. The Clidastes shook its head furiously, and Rogue lost her hold on the machete. With a whip of its powerful tail, the water lizard disappeared into the gloom.
For a couple of seconds, Rogue tread water, her eyes wide as she searched for the monster. But it was gone. She was safe for the moment.
***
Rogue was dragged from her memories when a dragonfly as big as her hand hovered in front of her face. Its azure wings glinted in the sunlight, and it zoomed about before dipping into the water. After a while, it flew off, and she watched it go with a sense of loss.
A soft breeze tugged at her ponytail, and she sucked in a deep breath of fresh air. The sun’s rays were warm and comforting, caressing her skin with its golden touch. She tipped back her head and allowed her worries to drift away. What were they but distractions from the here and now?
“It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it?” Brittany asked, joining her at the rail.
“It is,” Rogue said, straightening up.
“It’s not all like Prime or the Zoo. Out here, everything seems possible,” Brittany said, her tone wistful. “Possible, but dangerous.”
“Is that what you want? Danger?” Rogue asked.
“I guess so,” Brittany said.
“Well, you sure pissed your mom off by coming on this trip,” Rogue said with a wry chuckle. “I’m willing to bet she’ll have a fit when she finds out.”
“I crave excitement. Adventure. Is that so wrong of me?”
“No, it’s what I want as well,” Rogue admitted.
“Then you understand.”
“I do,” Rogue said, almost wishing she didn’t. Life in the settlements was safe. Safe and predictable. Out here, anything could happen, and it was part of the allure.
I’ve changed, she realized. The moment I chose to go over the wall, I changed, and there’s no going back. Not now. Not ever.
Chapter 3
Later that afternoon, Rogue found herself drawn back to the bow of the boat. She leaned across the railing and gazed into the distance. Her thoughts were unfocused, and she allowed herself to relax. After a while, Seth joined her, and she asked, “Did you and Captain Tony have a nice chat earlier?”
“That we did. He knows a lot about boats and stuff,” he replied.
“Boats and stuff?” she repeated with a laugh.
“Yeah, you know what I mean,” Seth answered with a shrug.
“Do I detect a hint of admiration for the captain?” she teased.
Seth’s cheeks turned bright red, and he scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“If you say so, but warn me if I’m facing serious competition,” she added.
Seth rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’m more interested in what has you so fascinated.”
“This,” she said, waving a hand all around them. “It’s so peaceful out here.”
“Uh-huh. Until it’s not,” he said.
“Don’t spoil the moment,” she said, chucking him on the shoulder.
He wrapped one arm around her waist and drew her close. “I see what you mean, though. It’s a far cry from Prime City and its cr
owded streets.”
Rogue leaned into his comforting warmth, and her gaze traveled across the opposite bank. The thick forest had receded, leaving the embankment clear. It jutted out over the water, its sheer edge plunging into the river below.
That changed when they turned a corner. The ground dropped until it smoothed out into a wide sandy beach. To her amazement, a herd of dinosaurs crowded its expanse. They were a mixture of species, both big and small, all herbivores.
She studied them with delight, noting their unique characteristics and behavior. They were amazing creatures. Especially when they were free to be what they were: Prehistoric creatures that predated humanity by millions of years.
A couple of young Ankylosaurus chased each other around the edge of the herd. One whacked the other with the knob on the end of its tail, causing the victim to bawl with indignation. It ran back to the safety of its mother, and she chased the other youngster away with an angry huff.
A group of Achelousaurus vied for space with the much larger Triceratops. Though they looked similar, they lacked the trio of horns on their snouts, sporting two on the top of their crests instead.
Between the rocks, adult Lambeosaurus chewed on mouthfuls of duckweed and other algae, water streaming from their duck-billed mouths while the young ones frolicked. Overhead, a flock of Nyctosaurus flew past, heading deeper inland.
But none of it could compare to the sight of a family of Alamosaurus standing belly-deep in the water. They towered above the rest, their long necks reaching for the heavens. Graceful and majestic, the placid dinosaur dipped their heads into the water in search of weeds.
“Would you look at that?” Rogue breathed.
“I’ve never been this close to one before,” Seth replied in a reverent whisper.
“Me neither,” Rogue said.
His hand tightened around her waist when one of them lowered its head toward the boat. It studied them with timeless patience, and its warm breath washed across their faces.
The Extinction Series | Book 6 | Primordial Earth 6 Page 2
