Alien Breed

Roy nods. “Sure, but we have to make a promise we’ll come back to him. I don’t trust he won’t escape.”

Together, we carry his body toward the thick trunk. After making sure each knot is secure, we stand back and leave.

Naomi runs and grabs my hand. Leaning her head against the side of my chest, she kisses more. “I’ve missed you so much,” she says.

Words can’t explain how much she’s been on my mind. Every waking hour feels like destiny. She is my purpose.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, eyeing her frayed clothes.

“No,” she says. “I’m okay. Did you find the fuel?”

I suck on my teeth and look at the ground.

“The fuel,” Roy repeats her words. “Don’t tell me it’s missing.”

“It’s not missing, it’s just—“

Hugh has stayed silent for most of this, but he promptly interrupts. “Gone,” he says. “The fuel is gone.”

“Maybe we can find another way,” I say, grasping at straws.

Naomi lets go of my chest. She wanders away, melancholic and distant. All I wanted was to make things right…

“We’re stuck here then,” Hugh says.

“No. No fucking way,” Roy growls.

Naomi keeps walking until she gets to the shattered doorway. Bending down, she grabs a piece of glass, staring at it. She looks catatonic.

“My entire life, I’ve tried to find someone who could make sense of me,” she says, holding the piece of glass in the air so we can see it. “Someone who could put the pieces together.”

“I’ve failed you,” I say, bowing my head in shame.

“But you haven’t. We’ll get off this planet. Whether it’s tonight or years from now. We’ll get back to Earth. I have faith.”

Nearby, the bushes sway. All four of us look as a large body rises and stumbles toward us. “Captain,” Roy says, reaching for his tranquilizer gun. He shoots his neck, but the monster rips it out with ease, roaring.

“Shit,” he hisses. “That was my last round.”

“Everyone run inside,” I growl. “Now!”

The beast leaps and swings his fist. An animalistic punch sends Roy flying into the hallway.

I drop back, but the monster is reaching for Naomi.

I lunge into the air. “Naomi, watch out!” I yell.

Naomi’s dark hair whips as she turns her head. Her lips quiver before her eyes widen with horror.

This can’t be fucking happening.

Before I get a chance at revenge, the disgusting brute takes her and dashes into the facility. A deep, blood-curdling scream reverberates from his slobbering mouth.

He drags her out of sight, into the place that formed all of my nightmares.

I don’t hesitate. I just keep following her lead.

Naomi is just too important.