Surely Baynar and the others were not that treacherous?
As time slipped by and the look on Ariston's face became more and more dejected, I had to wonder if they were.
Chapter 9
I'm not sure how long we crouched behind the rocks waiting for something to happen. Part of me wished the Varlings would come swarming in and force us to move on. Judging by the stubborn look on Ariston's face, he was content to stay put forever. The only sounds I detected came from Taleon's wildlife. Shrill animal-like screams and low grunts rang in the distance. Shuffling and snorts came from all around us. I let loose a giant sigh.
"He's not coming back," I finally said.
"He will," Ariston insisted.
"If he was, he would have come by now. Face it. He's too chicken shit to face you." I'd had the displeasure of seeing the raging face my companion made when angry and had to admit he was scary as hell. I wouldn't want to be in Baynar's shoes. After what he pulled he probably figured it was safer to let Ariston rot down here.
I figured it was about twenty minutes or so later when he finally gave up hope. No excuse in the world could explain a delay of this length. He got to his feet and peered overtop the rocks to scan the area. Remaining where we were wasn't an option.
"It's clear," he said.
I stood and stretched my overly tired, aching body. It'd probably be the middle of the night back on Earth I estimated, and I was in desperate need of sleep. Ariston moved cautiously out from behind the safety of the rocks, with me following close behind.
Keeping his voice low he said, "We'll head over there." He gestured to a forest off in the distance. The land around us was wide open. The ground was sandy with rocks and patches of tall wild grass shooting up every few feet. The only means of cover were the large boulders scattered around the base of the rocky mountain. Considering it'd been the hiding place of Baynar and those men, the barren-looking mountains didn't offer much in the way of shelter, sustenance, or safety.
We moved stealthily, keeping as low as possible. It surprised me that as soon as we started off, Ariston took hold of my hand again. Perhaps he felt responsible for our circumstances, I couldn't say. And I sure as hell didn't expect such consideration in view of what had happened between us a few hours ago. He may have banged me good and plenty, but then I'd practically thrown him to the wolves. I was thankful he hadn't repaid me in kind.
Once we reached the relative safety of the forest, we slowed our pace and stood up straight. The light of the moons made the tall trees cast ominous shadows all around us. I felt a tremor go through me. Ariston squeezed my hand.
"I'll figure this out," he said.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
"We'll have to find someplace safe to hole up until I can figure out how to get my ship back."
Rustling sounded all around us, motivating our movements and the direction we took. We'd pause, hustle to the right, duck low then veer off to the left again. I almost suggested we climb one of the trees—which seemed high and sturdy—but becoming trapped by a swarm of Varlings or a wild animal made me keep my idea to myself.
"Over there." Ariston pointed up ahead to a large, gnarled trunk. We crept forward and I stayed put while he walked around and examined the remains of an old, hollowed-out tree. It at least appeared quite sturdy considering it still stood upright. He kicked the trunk a few times, checking to see if anything rustled or fled out of a door-like opening that was about three feet high by two feet wide.
"I think it's safe," he said. "It'll be tight, but we can probably both fit."
My imagination ran wild, conjuring all kinds of disgusting alien bugs living in there, which would surely eat the flesh from our bones or bore holes into our bodies. "You first." I watched while he maneuvered his giant-sized body through the opening and sat down, making himself some-what comfortable inside.
"Plenty of room. Come on in," he urged.
I let loose a sigh of resignation and fit myself through the opening. Once inside I had to practically curl up in his lap. We had to lean against the wall of the trunk since there wasn't enough room to stretch out and lie down. It was going to be an uncomfortable night.
I tried to concentrate on anything else other than what my head may be laying against. Shifting my body, I put my head on Ariston's shoulder instead. His arms nestled around me and I enjoyed the warmth he gave off. After several minutes of listening to each other breathe, I broke the silence.
"Why'd you do that back there?"
"What? Wait like a fool for them to come back? I don't know."
"No. Not that. Why didn't you let them toss me overboard?"
He took so long to answer me I wondered if he puzzled over his actions as well.
"I brought you here against your will. Contrary to what you'd have done in a similar situation, I couldn't allow you to be abandoned to that fate."
My face flamed in embarrassment. So he was a better person than me. So what? Maybe if I were a huge, strong, self-assured man I would have made a lot of different decisions in my life. "I...well, thanks for that." What else could I say?
"Don't mention it."
So he was magnanimous as well. Didn't I hit the jackpot? He shifted so that he was leaning back further. Now I rested more on his lap, my head lay against his chest. His warm, even breaths blew down on the top of my head.
"You said you were on Earth to deal with the Akkadians," I said, making conversation.
"Yes."
"And do you think you've really scared them off...for good?" I couldn't help but ponder my own fate if I ever returned to Earth.
He shrugged. "Somehow I doubt it."
I stiffened in dismay. "Why do you doubt it?"
His arms squeezed me comfortingly, seeming to sense my unease. "They're tenacious, I'll give them that. They've been a thorn in our side for years, always hoping to gain the upper hand."
"But why their interest in humans?" I tilted my head to stare at him. Though I couldn't make out his features in the darkness, I could see the glint of his white teeth as he smiled at me indulgently. "Humans are very similar to my race. Remember how I told you we used to play the games on Earth? And how you owed your brains to our meddling with your genetics? We needed players, both on Earth and Calixtus. The natives of Earth were...how can I say this politely? Not intelligent enough to suit our purposes. We created hybrids—a genetic mix of human and our kind—to come up with more superior specimens. It took a few tries, but finally we got it right and created what you'd call modern man, a specimen worthy of the games. We modified a few of your animals as well. Over the centuries, the losers of the games were left behind, just like on this planet. Ultimately, the losers mated with the hybrids and..."
"And now you've got almost seven billion specimens roaming around unprotected on Earth, which may ultimately be your downfall," I couldn't help but interject. Talk about irony.
"Our genetics may be similar, but our brain capacity far exceeds..."
I held up my hand to halt his words, feeling the human race had been insulted quite enough for one day. "I get it." After a few moments of quiet, I had to ask, "So is that what your race—whatever you call yourselves—plan to do with Taleon as well? Create a bunch of hybrids?"
"We're called Roamyns, R-o-a-m-y-n-s," he spelled out. When I snorted he nodded. "Yes, that's where Earthlings got the name. And no, we don't plan to create more hybrids. We learned our lesson with humans. We don't need another planet's population skyrocketing out of control again. Besides, we can take what we need from Earth."
"Lucky us."
"Hate us all you want. Without us, you'd be nothing."
I stiffened again, this time with righteous anger. The worst thing about what he said was that he was probably right.
Chapter 10
The warm sun on my cheek awoke me. I blinked a few times and noticed my head rested against a pillow of muscles. Looking up at my companion, I felt another uncharacteristic wave of regret. The sacrifice he
'd made for me last night seemed unfathomable to me. Admittedly, if our roles had been reversed I'd have tossed his ass from the ship myself. But I also would have returned for him. During the night I'd sensed his arms around me, protecting and comforting. Such a foreign thing it was to lie safe and secure for once in my life.
I untangled the strong arms from around my body and crawled through the doorway of the tree trunk. Once outside, I got to my feet and stretched. I felt remarkably revived considering I couldn't have slept more than a handful of hours. Moments later I heard movement in the trunk and then a dark head popped out.
"Morning," I said, smiling at my companion.
He climbed out and stood up, facing me with a frown. That glimmer of heat I didn't quite understand flashed in his eyes again. "You're in a surprisingly good mood."
"Don't worry, it'll pass."
Both of us surveyed the area. The forest appeared far less sinister by the light of day.
"I suppose the first thing we ought to do is find water and food," Ariston said. He stretched his arms up over his head and I marveled over the sheer size of him.
"Do you know anything about this planet? Like what's safe to eat?" All around us were trees and brush, so similar to an Earth forest. I wondered if there'd be berries in season.
"I know quite a bit from watching the games," he admitted.
I grimaced looking at the tree trunk. "We need to find a better shelter as well."
"I'm hoping it won't come to that," he said.
I had to stop myself from snorting. "You're not still holding out hope for Baynar's return are you?"
"I don't know what to think," he admitted. "Come on." He began to walk and I fell into step beside him. Every few minutes we'd hear a rustle or a weird cry of some animal. Both of us were tense and alert, our eyes darting every which way every few steps. We paused to take a moment of privacy on opposite sides of a large tree then continued on.
"I can't believe that coward is the head of your planet," I muttered, feeling utterly annoyed at having to wear the same panties two days in a row. Gross.
Ariston scowled, and for a moment I thought he might say something to me, but he refrained. Really, there wasn't any way he could defend his leader's actions.
"He's our leader by birth, not by choice," he finally admitted.
"Seriously? You guys are supposed to be so advanced, but you still run your world the way Earth did in medieval times?"
"Kings and Queens—the royal bloodlines—still exist in many countries of your world today," he reminded me.
"Yeah, but more of a glorified figurehead. The actual running of the countries is usually done by parliament."
"We have what you'd call a parliament as well."
"You mean those dolts who lost all control the moment your leader got sent down here?"
He actually cringed.
"It seems to me what happened should serve as a wake-up call for you Roamyns. The way that guy on the radio talked, your planet was highly entertained watching your exalted leader and his cronies fight for their lives down here."
"I admit we could stand for a bit of change."
I looked at him and smiled. "So, Ariston, I'm beginning to think Earth may have had a bit of an affect on you."
"Call me Aris. And Earth has nothing to do with what goes on on Calixtus."
A small furry creature suddenly darted right in front of me. Startled, I screamed and jumped up right into Ariston's arms.
"What the hell was that?"
His chest rumbled as he laughed. "That was a sway. Similar to a little bunny on Earth."
"Oh," I said. It felt good to be in his arms, to see the amusement on his face as he stared into my eyes. This was the guy I remembered from our date, the one who'd listened to me ramble on endlessly while we walked in the woods. The man I'd allowed myself to pretend I could have a normal life with. Just thinking about what could have been opened up a pit of remorse in my belly. I watched Aris' face change from amused to annoyed as the darkness of my betrayal consumed him once more. His arms suddenly felt stiff and I sensed he was anxious to be free of me. He set me back on my feet.
"It's good to know they're about. We may have to trap one later for food," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Oh, yum." Just then a narrow stream came into view. Desperate suddenly for a distraction, both of us hurried over to it and knelt down. "Can we drink it?"
He contemplated me for a moment and I was relieved to see his eyes had resumed their heated spark. "I've seen players in the game drink from several of the streams here. They're not polluted like they are on Earth, so it should be safe." He cupped his hands and drank. After watching him for any ill effects, I took a drink as well. It was cold and fresh. Actually, the best water I'd ever tasted in my life. I sat back on my heels and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
We began to walk again, shedding our jackets as the morning grew warm. Looking up at my companion, I couldn't help but remember my thoughts last night before the spaceship appeared. I'd thought if I could stroll the woods with this man for the rest of my days I would be content. I wondered if I'd been granted my wish?
"So what's it like on Calixtus?" I asked.
He actually laughed. "There are cities. Some of our skyscrapers would make yours look like toys. Well over half of the planet is dedicated to tournaments. You compared us earlier to medieval times, but actually those parts of Calixtus resemble Earth's old Roman days...lots of statues, coliseums, public bathhouses."
"Do you have chariot races, and gladiators?" I teased.
"We do," he said very seriously.
"No shit."
"No shit," he repeated. "You would think you'd stepped back in time if you toured the tournament areas of Calixtus. For the most part we live simply and keep to our traditions, but we also have superior technology and are highly advanced in healthcare."
"Sounds amazing," I said honestly. "I guess you Roamyns influenced the creation of Earth's Roman cities."
He nodded. "Earth adapted our culture. We influenced practically everything in ancient Rome: the politics, religion, laws, buildings..."
"Gods and goddesses as well?"
"Yes."
"I bet with your spaceships the inhabitants of Earth looked at you like gods."
"Somewhat. We mostly told them we were messengers."
So that explained all the weird hieroglyphs depicting space travelers and UFOs that ancient alien theorists were talking about on television all the time. "Did you create a race of giants as well?" There'd been numerous conspiracy theories about cover-ups of massive skeletons unearthed.
"Yes, that was us too. Didn't last long though. The giants were great in games, and for building, but hard to control. We had to do a mass extinction. Not one of our finer moments."
"You used giants to build?"
"The larger structures such as pyramids and stone circles, but then we created an anti-gravitational instrument and they were no longer necessary."
"The great mysteries solved." I sighed. Perhaps it was better not knowing.
Aris must have sensed my disillusion by the glum look on my face. "Hey, don't sell yourselves short. We did have a lot to do with ancient civilizations, but the new buildings are all you guys. You've gone on to create amazing cities and structures all on your own."
"With the help of your superior genes," I reminded him.
He shrugged. "I suppose that helps."
I looked at the untouched, unsullied land around me. Despite Aris' assurances that Calixtus wouldn't be mucking about here, I had to wonder about those left-behind players. How much of an influence would they have on Taleon? I couldn't help but wonder if it would only be a matter of time before this planet wore out its usefulness for a superior race.
Chapter 11
We found some strange looking fruit that Aris assured me he'd seen the players eat in past games. The only thing he warned me about was a purple, plum-like fruit that he'd heard would cause you to
foam at the mouth and die in five Earth minutes. We avoided those. He was also quite familiar with the route past players took, and I noticed he avoided it as much as possible.
"Varlings and other players will probably stick close to the course, hoping to oust other contestants," he told me when he redirected our steps.
Judging from the warm welcome we received upon arrival, I was inclined to agree with his reasoning. Once in a while I'd see a clear bubble floating around and when I asked Aris about them he explained they were Seers.
"Shouldn't we tell your world what's happened to us? To you?" I asked, poking one of the sturdy little things with my finger.
"Do you really think after what Baynar did, he'd allow anyone to see what's going on? They're probably deactivated."
He had a point. And with no one privy to the malicious deed Baynar and his men committed, there'd be no rush to hack the Seers. No one knew we were here. If the guy that'd sent Aris here in the first place asked any questions, I'm sure Baynar would say Aris died nobly in the line of fire. No one even knew about me.
"How long until the game is played again? They'll have to activate the Seers for that," I said hopefully.
"It's only played once an eundn—an Earth year. And it was recently played. Baynar probably isn't too worried about us surviving that long."
"So this is it, then? We're doomed to spend what's left of our lives here?" I didn't bother to hide the bitterness from my tone.
Aris didn't answer me.
We continued on our trek to find shelter, both of us deep in our own thoughts. I thought about home. Wondered what would happen when I didn't pay the rent on my house, or if they would shut off my hydro and water and cause the pipes to freeze. Thank God I didn't have a pet. The sad thing about my disappearance was that no one would probably even notice I was gone. I guess the only good thing was that Aris might have gotten the Akkadians off my back once and for all. For all the good it'd do me now.
Survivor Planet Series 2-Book Box Set Page 16
