by Project Kyle
Overall, the creature was very masculine and absolutely massive. But although watching it consume the Ja-gore was a very scarring experience for most, his appearance was harmless, and he didn’t give off a vibe of aggression.
Nerd knew that this creature was a Grunt, a native to the planet Obian and considered primitive to most of the advanced races. Grunts were known for their endless appetite and limited vocabulary. Nerd was uncertain if he could make contact, but considering the creature had just saved his life, he figured it was worth a shot!
Nerd walked over to the Grunt and attempted to talk to it.
“Hey!” He said to the creature. “Thank you for assisting me back there! I—” The grunt instantly started making its way towards Nerd with a hungry look. He grabbed Nerd by his left arm and lifted him up with ease. He gave Nerd a lick and instantly rejected Nerd’s taste.
“Blah!” the creature said as he threw Nerd ten feet away from him. “Food taste bad. Grunt no like!”
Sophia and Henry ran to their commander to help him off the ground. He was bruised from the fall and was not in a very good mood. However, he attempted to regain his composure, as the creature thankfully did not like the taste of human flash.
“What is that thing?” Sophia asked.
“A Grunt,” Nerd responded. “A native to this planet.”
“It looks funky, man…” Henry stated. “Reminds me a little too much of modern art.”
“It’s definitely unusual,” Nerd agreed. “Or should I say, he. This is definitely a male of the species. Maybe he can show us to his colony. If we have a place to stay when night falls, it will increase our chances of survival by eighty-nine percent!”
“Wait,” Sophia replied. “What do you mean by eighty-nine—”
“Hey, Mr. Grunt! I was just wondering what your name was. I heard you say Grunt before, but most Grunts have names that don’t involve their race. What is yours?”
“No!” Grunt responded, drawing himself up with an offended look. “Me Grunt! Grunt me name!”
“Interesting…well, no need to judge. My name is Nerd. Supreme human intelligence.”
When Nerd told his name, the large creature burst out into laughter, doubling over as he smacked Nerd on the shoulder repeatedly, “Nerd! You called Nerd! Name make Grunt laugh!” He continued his hysterics, and Nerd suspected, wryly, that if the creature had been capable of tears his face would’ve been streaming with them.
“Great, even the Grunt is unimpressed.”
“Yo, my bro!” Henry said. “My name is Smith, Henry Smith. I was just wondering if you could take us to your village, yo? I’d totally like to see your pad and hang out. You seem pretty cool, bro!”
Grunt made his way over to Henry and seemed very excited.
“Smith! Grunt like Smith. Smith got style, yo!”
Nerd was stunned upon hearing Grunt’s words.
“Wait a minute,” he said. “Did you just say…style yo? Where did you learn to speak like that? I realize we all have a translator device equipped, which is the only reason we’re understanding you now, but Grunts never use human slang unless they have been around a human for a while.”
“Humans!” Grunt said. “Humans Grunt’s friends.”
Nerd breathed a sigh of relief.
“Excellent! Could you lead us to them? We could very much use their assistance right now.”
“Take you to them? Yes! Grunt take you to them.”
Grunt signaled everyone to follow him. They did so, desperately hoping the primitive being knew what he was talking about.
The crew traveled onward for a few more miles and were relieved when they came across a human settlement. It was small and contained a number of slum-like buildings that seemed to be made from the materials of a wrecked ship. The inhabitants looked beaten, run-down, and very discouraged. However, their faces lit up upon catching sight of Grunt and his new friends.
“Humans,” Grunt said. “Grunt bring friends.”
The villagers ran to meet the Iron Heart crew members. There were only thirteen of them, which was small considering that was the entire population.
The tribe leader was a large, middle-aged man who was wearing an army suit and hat that represented a position of great authority. He was part of the galactic government, which again made Nerd nervous, as he still did not want to be discovered by them.
“Welcome!” The man said. “My name is General Rice. I oversee this settlement. Our ship crash-landed about a year ago, and we were starting to give up on ever escaping from this dreaded planet. Have you come to save us? We were a crew of 32…but as you can see, I lost a lot of good men and women on this dreaded planet.”
“Greetings, General Rice,” Nerd responded. “My name is Nerd, supreme human intelligence. These are my crew members, Mr. Henry Smith and Miss Sophia Nelson, and a few temporary allies of mine; Captain Tim Baker, Lieutenant Joe Collins, and Mr. Stephen Howard. Sadly, we are trapped on this planet just as you are. However, I do believe there is a way for us to escape.”
“I see…well, at this point, we will take any good news we can get. What’s your plan for escape?”
“Do you know of a nearby temple? It should be only a few miles north of here.”
“Yes. We have not explored it, as we have encountered enough hostility on this world, but I’m listening.”
“At the very top of the temple there is a device. It’s emitting the frequency that is keeping space signals from leaving the planet’s atmosphere. If we can destroy it, I may be able to contact Deep Cosmos. They could send a drop ship to get us out of here.”
General Rice breathed a sigh of relief. He was thrilled to hear Nerd’s news and was optimistic that he had finally escaped from this dreaded world, something he had waited an entire year for.
“Nerd,” he said. “If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.”
“Right now,” Nerd said, “we need food, shelter, and volunteers to explore the temple with us tomorrow. I don’t want to risk traveling the jungle at night, so if we could rest up for one day and head out tomorrow morning, that would be perfect!”
While Nerd and General Rice were talking, Grunt had made his way over to a hut that was a little larger than the others.
“Alcanore!” he called out. “Come meet Grunt’s new friends!”
A few seconds later, the doorway to the hut opened, and a Renex warrior stepped outside.
Like all Renex, he was tall, standing at around seven feet. His limbs were very long, and his hands and feet were very large. His forehead had many ridges in it; he was bald on the top of his head but had black shoulder-length hair in the back. The creature did not have a human nose but still had two nostrils on his face where a nose would usually be. His jaw was long and had two fangs that stood out in front. The only clothing he wore was a pair of animal hide leggings, and he had a massive spear mounted on his back. The deadly spearhead was heavy and bigger than a human head. It wasn’t very long, but Nerd knew a Renex spear could extend when in combat without compromising the weapon’s integrity. The strap of his spear’s sheath was the only thing covering his bare chest. His skin was a mix of tan and purple, and although the creature was long in stature, he still possessed extraordinary strength, which could be seen in the tone of his muscles and his noticeable ten-pack.
He was an extraordinary sight—a living tank bred to fight in the front lines. He was also very intimidating, considering the Renex were a race dedicated to fighting wars.
The Renex that Grunt had called by the name of Alcanore made his way towards Grunt.
“What is it, my fellow warrior?” Alcanore said to Grunt. “Why have you summoned me?”
“Grunt make new friends!” Grunt replied. “Alcanore meet Grunt’s friends!”
Alcanore made his way towards Nerd and the others, a look of fierce judgment burning in his purple eyes. He was obviously the shrewdest of the tribe, and Nerd could tell he was protective of his Grunt friend.
&nb
sp; Nerd, feeling very intimidated, attempted to speak to the seven-foot warrior that was standing in front of him.
“Hey,” Nerd said. “My name is—”
“Nerd,” Alcanore interrupted. “Supreme human intelligence. Stories of your travels have reached even the Renex empire. Though I respect how you are able to defeat opponents using only your wit and mind, I must say that I do not trust people right off the bat. If you intend any harm to Grunt, or anyone in this colony, I swear your last memory will be my spear being driven between your eyes! Got it?”
“Please ignore my chief of security,” General Rice interjected hastily. “He’s a bit on the blunt side, and a bit paranoid, given what we’ve been through over the last year. Once you are in his trust, I can assure you that he is quite personable.”
“Alcanore?” Sophia said excitedly. “The Alcanore? I have heard so much about you! You were the one who changed the tide of the war for the Renex against the Kelson. I always longed for the day that I could meet you in person. Please know that I have admired you for a long time. You were a huge inspiration to me when I first joined the V.T.C.”
Alcanore did not respond to Sophia’s fangirling. He slowly walked away from the others, keeping one eye on Nerd as he returned to his hut.
“Don’t take it personally,” Rice continued. “It’s not you.”
“How did one of the most renowned Renex warriors end up with you?” Sophia asked.
“The Renex, Zentar, and humans are all part of the galactic government. Alcanore was assigned to my ship by the Renex to learn about human nature, as our three races don’t always understand each other. Alcanore was chosen because his voice is powerful with his people, and he would be able to impart what he learned to the rest of his race. Sadly, only a month after he was assigned to us, we crash-landed here after picking up a distress call on the planet’s surface. He has gradually gotten moodier ever since.”
“You…received a distress call, too?” Nerd asked.
“Yes, but it was forged, and somehow some stupid virus was downloaded onto our ship. I still don’t know what happened. But obviously someone wanted us here.”
Nerd placed his hand on his forehead. He knew that their meeting was not coincidence. But why? Why would Experiment-1 want this?
Nerd swallowed his fear and decided not to tell General Rice what was going on, as he didn’t want the rest of the tribe to panic. He figured it was best to direct the subject back to Alcanore.
“Grunt seems to be very close to Alcanore,” he said. “Is it because they’re both alien to your crew?”
“Not quite. Alcanore saved Grunt when he was a child. Grunt is no older than two years of age. Alcanore showed up one night with Grunt in his arms. He wouldn’t tell us where he found him or what happened to his family…but man, was he protective of him. The two are a powerful frontline for us though, so as simple-minded as Grunt may be, we are glad that he is on our side.”
“I see.”
“However, enough about that. As I’ve said, we lost a good number of our crew members, so a few huts are available. I’ll show you to them. We are going to have dinner in the large hut in about three hours. Why don’t you join us? I’m sure Alcanore will start to warm up to you after he observes you for a little while in a group setting.”
Nerd and his team agreed, and each of them was directed to a hut.
Night began to fall, and Nerd received a text message on his communicator. Figuring it was either Sophia or Henry, he paid no attention to it at first. He was lost in thought and didn’t want to be disturbed. However, as his communicator continued to alert him, he decided to take a look, as he was starting to worry that it could be important.
Unknown: Hey, David! Are you enjoying your little stay on Obian? I was most impressed with the way that you fought off those Ja-gores. My favorite part is where you almost died.
Unknown: David?
Unknown: DAVID!
Unknown: If you want to live, answer me!
Nerd was shocked to be reading what he was reading. He did not recognize the number, but what the person was sending him was very disturbing.
Nerd: Who is this? And how do you know my name? Also, if you threaten me again, I will block your number.
Unknown: You know who I am. We used to work together on the Invader Project, remember?
Nerd’s heart began to sink. He knew it was Experiment-1, and he knew his adversary was attempting to get into his head. If he angered his enemy, he knew it would cost someone in the camp their life. So, he decided to keep talking, with hopes that he could amuse Experiment-1 long enough for him to feel satisfied.
Nerd: What do you want?
Unknown: You know what I want.
Nerd: Humor me.
Unknown: The location of the Invader Project. We were so close to unlocking the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. I need it, David, I need it!
Nerd: What do you need it for?
Unknown: To get to the core of Cosmic 5. There’s something I need in there.
Nerd: What do you need?
Unknown: I won’t tell you. If I tell you, you’re going to try to get there before I do.
Nerd: I seriously doubt that.
Unknown: Enough of the small talk. Are you going to tell me or not?
Nerd: Never! The Invader Project is corrupt and unstable. If we release him, he will kill all organic life in the galaxy! That includes you.
Unknown: Not if I persuade him otherwise.
Nerd: I’m not telling you where I put him. It’s too dangerous!
A pause ensued, which meant that Experiment-1 had either lost interest or was up to no good. Regrettably, the latter was evident, as he replied a few minutes later.
Unknown: I could say I’m going to kill everyone. But that wouldn’t carry as much weight within your heart. So, I’m going to say something that’s going to strike you deeper than anything else ever could.
Nerd: What could be worse than saying you’re going to kill everyone?
Unknown: If you don’t help me…
Nerd: Yes?
Unknown: I’m going to kill Sophia!
Now Nerd was angry. He frantically typed his reply.
Nerd: If you lay one finger on her, I will kill you myself!
Unknown: I struck a nerve! Now I know I have the right pressure point. Enjoy your meal with your friends. Make sure you talk to Sophia a lot and say your goodbyes… She won’t be alive for much longer.
Nerd began shaking. A panic attack had been triggered, and he couldn’t take it anymore! He began flapping his hands uncontrollably. His heart ached at a level that was paralyzing. His mind began to self-destruct, and reality seemed to just tear itself apart around him. He curled up onto the ground in the fetal position as all his tormenting memories came back to haunt him. This was the true meaning of pain, and Nerd was experiencing it at a level that went far beyond what a normal human was capable of taking.
So often he felt like he was able to make a difference. But now, Nerd felt completely helpless. He was tired of losing people that he loved, especially to horrible men like Experiment-1 or Dr. Crimson, and it was wearing him down; every time he felt comfortable with his life, every time a glimmer of light seemed to find its way towards him, he would lose it before he had a chance to heal, and it was consuming him from the deepest parts of his soul.
His friend was going to die, and he couldn’t save her. He couldn’t do anything to protect her from the predator with green eyes.
Chapter 16 The torn page
An hour passed, and Nerd’s attack had eased to the point where he could leave his hut. He slowly picked himself up and made his way out, as the time for dinner was approaching. As if his day wasn’t bad enough, the first person he saw was Alcanore, who was waiting for him outside. He met him halfway and stopped him dead in his tracks.
“I know who you are, human!” Alcanore said. “You are the most wanted criminal in the galaxy, David Bell.”
Nerd was not in the mood
to argue. So, he decided to just come clean.
“Yes,” he responded. “I am.”
“You won’t deny the truth; I will at least give you credit for that. Still, that doesn’t excuse all the innocent people you—”
“I don’t have time for this! There are more serious matters here than you and me.”
“You think I don’t know that! I know someone is responsible for everything that’s happened to us, and although you may be the most wanted, I don’t believe you’re the worst person out there. You’re just the worst person who got caught.”
“I didn’t kill those people. Dr. Crimson killed those people and paid off the judges to frame me. I don’t really care if you believe that or not. But like you, I don’t lie. You deserve at least a chance to know the truth. Whether you are open to it or not is your choice. Regardless, my main concern right now is to get these people off this planet alive. And that’s what I’m going to do, with or without your support.”
Alcanore paused for a moment. He was not foolish enough to take someone’s word for something right off the bat. Especially a claim of that magnitude, but he never really liked Crimson, Something about him always seemed suspicious. Not in an awkward or harmless way, but in a way that filled even his brave heart with paralyzing fear.
Alcanore took a breath and continued speaking.
“If you are innocent, don’t hurt anyone on my crew. If you don’t, you will earn a level of goodwill from me. But if you do decide to harm one of my friends, I swear you will be longing for death like no human has ever longed before!”
“You never go back on your word; this much I do know. I take it that you’re going to keep my identity a secret?”
“For now. Don’t cross me, and I’ll keep it a secret even after we escape from this mess.”
Nerd bowed his head in a Renex fashion that showed Alcanore had his respect. He was desperately hoping it would buy him at least a little goodwill from the Renex legend. He then made his way over to the big hut where everyone was gathering, making no further eye contact with Alcanore.
