“Are you sure you don’t want me to bring her back up to you? It wasn’t that difficult,” Zolta asked his mate via video call, facilitated by Alice. The elder Winters sibling had waited until a reasonable hour the next day, but had proven incapable of holding back her curiosity any longer. To her delight, Zolta's recently expanded family was happy to welcome her into their home for a short visit.

  “The human healers say that I’m doing well and I’ll be out of this bed soon,” Asha told him. “I carried her for a year. She can be without me for a day or two, and it’s better she stay at home where she belongs. I’m glad I got to see you though! This is so amazing, isn’t it?”

  “At this point I’ve just stopped questioning it. All it does it make my head hurt,” Zolta explained his relationship to human technology, cradling a snoozing Astra in his arms. Nerazek had come to call early that morning, informing the young smith that he should remain home with his cub. Promising to call if the guild hall became overwhelmed, the high priest of Tyrdus had left a small gift of food for the family and departed. If nothing else, Zolta was happy to have some time with his daughter away from the loud noises and bustle of his day job. “If they keep you for another day, we can speak again like this.”

  “Oh of course,” Alice agreed immediately, having been instantly smitten by the teddy bear-like being that was Astra. “I can give you two a moment in private before I head out?”

  “That’s quite alright,” Asha said before turning to Yvonne Dupuis, who was overseeing things aboard the ship. There was a momentary conversation between the two. “I should probably go for now anyway. They need to check the wound.”

  “I see. I love you,” Zolta said quietly. “Come back to us soon.”

  “You know I will, love,” Asha agreed with a warm fluttering of her crest feathers. She gave them a wave meant for her sleeping cub. “Bye bye, sweetie!”

  When the call was ended, Alice packed away the rugged tablet and bowed to Zolta. “Thank you for having me. She’s the most precious little thing!”

  “I’m inclined to agree,” the young Cauthan father replied with a hint of pride in his voice. “Where are you headed?”

  “I actually wanted to spend some time at the temple of Kel today,” the xenoanthropologist explained, tucking her raven hair behind one of her ears. It had gotten a bit long for her liking, but it was a welcome source of warmth on Mara as winter approached. “There are some things I wanted to ask them about your village’s old stories, the ones about Kel and Felen.”

  “Don’t forget Tyrdus!” Zolta reminded her proudly, having to take a stand for his patron deity. “He was the one who forged the lance that brought winter, after all.”

  “I’ll be sure to insist they tell me that part of the story too,” Alice said kindly as Astra stirred awake, partially on account of her father’s exuberance. The newborn began to cry almost immediately, in need of food, relief, or perhaps just out of crankiness. “I’ll take my leave then. Not sure how much help I’ll be with a cub.”

  “No worries, thank you for visiting,” Zolta sent her off politely. “Selah.”

  “And to you,” Alice replied before zipping up her jacket and heading back outside. The weather reminded her of late November back home, with preparations for Thanksgiving imminent as she wondered whether or not December would cool enough to have a white Christmas. She checked her digital watch, blinking in surprise as she realized that it was early November back home. “What a coincidence! I hope Emily and Adam are able to make it back for Thanksgiving this year. Can’t imagine mom playing Christmas music after dinner to an empty house.”

  As she walked the relatively short distance from Zolta’s residence to the temple of Kel, it occurred to Alice that not only would Thanksgiving be a less crowded affair in the Winters household that year, but the attendees would no doubt be wondering if they would ever again assemble as a group of six, a full family. “Sorry mom and dad, just wait a bit longer. We found him at least. Oh my god, Veera’s going to have her babies before next Thanksgiving! They’re going to flip!”

  -----

  “Someone’s in a good mood,” Xan noticed as Alice strode into his place of work. She had no plumage, but the spring in her step and expression on her face were enough for him. “What’s going on, Alice? Does Asha need more herbs or bandages?”

  “Oh, is Alice here today? Good morning dear, we were just having tea!” Thantis called from the back, walking out slowly with cane in one hand and a mug in the other. Gentia followed just behind, a small, covered bucket held in her right.

  “Yvonne tells me that Asha is doing well and recovering quickly,” Alice informed the priestess, who bobbed her head in understanding.

  “Thank you for letting me know. I should get this back to my temple before it grows cold, but perhaps you could stop by later, Alice. I believe Ketra misses you on occasion,” Gentia stated before giving her mate a fond look and slowly but gracefully walking her way out onto the main street.

  “Doesn’t she have apprentices who could carry that for her?” Alice couldn’t help but wonder as a mug was placed into her own hands by Thantis. She hadn’t had the time to request a cup herself, but it was a welcome boon on a chilly morning. “Oh, thank you kindly!”

  “I am sure there is a young acolyte or two who would jump at the opportunity to assist their high priest,” Thantis answered her question. “But my mate insists on doing as much as she can by herself. I credit her longevity to the favor of the Mother, but I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to remain active.”

  “There is a veritable mountain of human medical literature to back that statement up,” Alice confirmed with a slight smile before forming her lips into an ‘o’ and blowing steam off the top of her tea. Bringing it closer to her lips to test the level of radiant heat, she judged it safe and took a sip before choking and spluttering.

  “By Kel, are you alright?!” Xan demanded, surprised at her sudden outburst. Alice waved him off as she took a swig from her water bottle, swished it around her mouth, walked to the doorway and spat outside. Returning it to her hip she composed herself and rejoined the two Cauthan inside.

  “Sorry I just… screwed up a bit,” she admitted with embarrassment. “I’ve just gotten so used to spending time down here and eating your food that I forgot to make sure I could drink this. It smells different than usual.”

  “Mmm, my apologies,” Thantis offered as Alice booted up the requisite program, attached the proper sensor, and checked the tea for toxins. “I’ve served this to your brother before without incident. I should have mentioned that. I prefer to brew this kind of tea only when one can see frost on the breath. I find it warms my old bones quite nicely.”

  Alice nodded and sighed with relief as the screen returned negative for dangerous compounds, and indicated at least one that might promote vasodilation in humans. Given Thantis’ description, it was hardly a leap to assume that was true for the Cauthan. “We should be in the clear,” she assured them, causing Xan to roll his tensed shoulders and relax.

  “Good, so what’s going on?” he wondered. “You see Zolta’s cub yet?”

  “Oh my god she’s just the most precious thing in the world!” Alice gushed.

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” Xan chuckled while Thantis wore a slight smile, a misty look in his eyes as he sipped his tea and stared at something beyond the walls of his temple. Alice carried on.

  “Moving on so I don’t spend all day talking about Astra, I was hoping the two of you could tell me a story or three.”

  “Now that’s a curious request,” Thantis said excitedly. “Anything in particular, Alice? Or do you just find yourself without much to do? I somehow doubt that, however.”

  “I confess this isn’t exactly a cry of boredom. Do you mind?” she asked, pointing to the back room and a couple of chairs. Thantis indicated that she should go ahead, and the human procured herself a seat along with a couple of furs. Some of her brother’s kill from the prior winter had found its way to the temple, and she offered the ursae pelt blankets to the Cauthan. Xan waved it off but Thantis was happy to accept, looking like something of an old grandfather in a rocking chair, ready to regale younger generations with tales from ages past.

  “I would be a very poor high priest if I did mind,” the elder told her good-naturedly. “What story in particular?”

  “My brother told me about your winter myth, the one about Kel fighting the other gods,” Alice began. Xan couldn’t help but give his thoughts.

  “Ah that one’s my favorite. I like the part with the great spear and Felen getting his lung ripped out. At this point I feel like I have some amount of shared experience!”

  “If they’d gotten you in the lung my brother wouldn’t have been able to save you,” Alice pointed out the obvious as Thantis chuckled quietly at the young ones. “But yes, that story. I was hoping to hear it as directly from the source as I can. This may sound crazy but… I believe there might be some truth to it.”

  “Some truth?” Thantis repeated curiously. “I admit we do not retain the original copy, but this is oral and written tradition as old as time. It is the truth.”

  “I…” Alice began, realizing that her statement would have been more appropriate with the Dupuis couple and Io as an audience. “What I meant to say is that for someone like me, who comes from a world without your gods, there might be a reference in that story to an actual historical event.”

  “Isn’t that a given though?” Xan questioned. Thantis held out a hand.

  “I do not particularly understand either, my apprentice, but it sounds as though Alice seeks to understand more about our legends and our history. That alone is worth sharing some time together, I think. Antoth has already decided that no actions will be taken between us and the humans until Asha returns to us, so why not?”

  “Well when you put it that way,” the apprentice concurred. “Shall I fetch the scrolls? Have you even written that one down?”

  “Of course I have, you young rascal!” Thantis laughed before taking another sip of tea. “Check the shelves next to the bed, second row.”

  Bowing out of proper respect to his elder, Xan placed his tea down on the floor before pushing himself upright on his cane. A few moments later they could hear him muttering rather loudly. “Tea recipes for invigoration and warming, preparing bandages and poultices for deep wounds, the hunts of Valta… where in Kel’s name is it?”

  “One shelf up, young one!” Thantis called, meeting Alice’s eyes and smiling. The young woman knew full well what sort of clutter Xan was dealing with, but clearly there was some method to Thantis’ storied collection of scrolls and vellum. A few moments later the apprentice returned with a particularly large and weathered looking document. “Thank you, Xan. It appears it may be time to transcribe this scroll, but we can leave that to another time for the sake of our guest. Now, where to begin…”

  Alice took a quick sip of her tea before setting it aside and preparing to jot down some notes on important points. As Thantis laid out the context and setting of the myth it occurred to her that the elderly Cauthan was far more engaging and animated when seeking knowledge as opposed to reciting it. If anything, he reminded her faintly of a handful of professors and teachers she’d had throughout the years, though with decidedly more fur.

  That was of little importance, however, in light of the prior evening’s discussion with Io and Gerard. Thantis’ oratory skill took a backseat to a faithful rendition of the tale, which he did his best to provide. Every so often he had to take pause to reread a passage several times, attempting to tease out the meaning of a word or phrase that had become lost or altered over centuries of almost complete cultural isolation of the villagers from their ancestral civilization on the coast of the continent. The main points were all there, however, the carelessness of Seil and Felen as they spurred unceasing growth of life on Mara, the plan hatched by Kel, the weapon forged by Tyrdus, and the clash that resulted in the first winter.

  “And so for one season each year the rains are replaced by snow, life withers and dies to be reborn again in the spring, and Felen rests,” Thantis concluded, adjusting his reading glasses and gulping down a hefty amount of tea. “Was that to your liking, Alice?”

  “Yes, yes that was quite informative. Thank you,” the xenoanthropologist replied quietly as she reviewed her notes. Xan saw fit to pry into her intentions.

  “So if this isn’t just cause you’re bored, why are you so curious about the origin of winter?” he wondered. Alice reached across her body and grabbed her upper arm with her opposite hand, looking unsure of herself. “I’m… not sure if I should tell you.”

  Xan and Thantis looked at one another, with the elder striking a differential note. “Then it is not our place to pry further. There is no harm in spreading the tales of the gods.”

  “Maybe not, master, but this probably isn’t just a human concern,” Xan pointed out, his youthful disposition far less amenable to ‘leaving it’. Alice was rubbing a temple, clearly engaged in her own sort of mental battle. As she saw it, it seemed wrong to leave them out of the theory of Cauthan origins, especially considering Thantis had ventured inside Kel’s Forge. On the other hand, it would be almost impossible to prove, and could cause panic among the villagers.

  “Well, you did go with my brother to the site already so maybe…” she began, causing Xan to lean forward in his chair. She shook her head at him. “This is going to sound outrageous, just so you know.”

  “Well now I have to hear it,” Xan chortled, not setting Alice any more at ease. She soldiered on, however, as Thantis waited patiently and politely.

  “We discovered something the other day when we were treating Asha, something about the composition of that painkilling herb of yours, keranin, I believe. How do I explain this?” Alice asked herself, tapping a finger against her chin. “All life is based off on an… essence, if you will. On Earth, every living being has the same essence at its core. It doesn’t matter if it’s a plant or an animal or a fungus. That doesn’t seem to be, well, true on your planet.”

  Neither Xan nor Thantis seemed particularly disturbed by the statement. “Well, the Cauthan are very different from much of the life you see around you,” Thantis pointed out. “Assuming that’s what you’re suggesting?”

  “A bit, but it’s more complicated than that,” Alice replied as a couple of guards passed by outside, their idle chatter reaching their ears for but a moment. “Humans are in the same position on our planet as the Cauthan are here, but even then we share the same essence as lower lifeforms because we all evolved together on the same planet. Near as we can tell, the Cauthan and the ursae are different from the other life on Mara, but we are still trying to confirm that as well as discern why that might be.”

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Xan and Thantis slowly turned towards one another at the mention of the ursae, their expressions falling into something more serious as Alice walked through some of her reasoning in a diplomatic tone. “Thantis, you were there and you saw that metal skeleton in the forge, as well as the metallic life form that looked similar to a Cauthan? There may not be much to suggest it today, but that skeleton matches the profile of an ursae as near as we can tell. We’ve had people working on it for many days now, not to mention the genetic analyses and… sorry,” she paused suddenly, realizing that her diction had sped up remarkably. After several moments of mental digestion, Thantis asked a simple question.

  “What do you believe, Alice?”

  Xan’s feathers fluttered subtly as the human collected her thoughts. “I don’t know if I could ever prove it but-”

  “I have never once glimpsed the visage of Kel in all my days, child, but I know he is real,” Thantis interrupted politely. “Speak frankly, please.”

  “Sure, alright,” Alice agreed as butterflies threatened to escape from her stomach and block her throat entirely. “I… I think that the Cauthan and the Ursae are related somehow, from a time very very long ago. I think it’s possible that they both came to Mara from somewhere else in the galaxy, from another star. And then I think something terrible happened from which the planet recovered but the ursae did not. As for the Cauthan, well, you may have been set back several million years, but you seem to be doing alright.”

  She tried to finish with a smile and upbeat note, but felt like curling up into a ball and disappearing due to the outlandishness of her theory. Thantis and Xan were not a pair of human PhD holders, however, and reacted far differently than some of her colleagues might have.

  “Xan, if you would kindly refill Alice’s tea and prepare another mug? I will go seek out Antoth,” Thantis declared, standing from his seat, neatly folding up his fur blanket, and walking out of the temple as though he were interested in a casual stroll. Alice scratched the roots of her hair nervously.

  “You… don’t think I’m insane, do you?” she asked Xan. The Cauthan extended one of his claws and flicked lightly at his nose for a second.

  “You? No, not really. I’ve known you and your brother long enough, I think. What you just said though? Yeah, that would be pretty insane. Like what if I told you that you’re actually related to the ursae and from another planet?” he proposed. Alice sighed.

  “That’s a good point. And wait, what do you mean not really?!” she demanded, wondering if it had been an ineffective translation or Xan’s typical snarkiness. The apprentice clarified as he stood and busied himself with Thantis’ wishes, preparing more tea for themselves and the high priest of the village.

  “Both of you have to be a bit insane to come all the way out here, right? Not to mention your brother went in against an ursae one on one. He won, which makes him incredible, but still insane,” Xan declared as he set water to boil and allocated the prescribed mixture of ground bark and herbs. “But who am I to judge? Thantis clearly thinks it’s worth talking to Antoth about it.”

  “Oh…” Alice groaned. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  -----

  "Thantis, one day I won't be available to come drink tea with you on a moment's notice. Mmm, selah to you, Alice. Seems you already have a companion today," Antoth observed, bowing his head slightly as he pulled back the black cloth door covering bearing the symbol of Kel and entered behind the other high priest.

  "It was no jest, Antoth. There is something I think you should hear and tea always makes the telling of tales better. Ah, thank you apprentice," Thantis said to Xan as the young Cauthan offered the village leader a cup. Once the elderly priest was seated and comfortable he motioned to Alice, who appeared very interested in the surface of the tea in her mug. "Do you think you might share with Antoth what you told us, Alice? He should know."

  "I don't even know though, Thantis," Alice protested meekly. Xan repeated his master's wise words.

  "But you believe it's possible, so that's something. Besides, it's not like there's much else to do right now."

  "And we should thank all the gods for that," Antoth spoke up patiently. "One season with no fields to till and no adversaries to fight would be extremely welcome. Now Alice, what is all this about? Clearly you and the priests of Kel have had an interesting morning?"

  Alice nodded while Xan puffed out his chest slightly at having been referred to as a priest proper. "I suppose you could say that, yes sir."

  Antoth cocked his head before taking a sip of tea. Humans did not often refer to him in such a way. "Mmm, not bad, Xan. Alice, this may be presumptuous but you are among individuals you can trust. If Thantis believes I should hear something, I trust him in turn. Don't be so worried."

  Alice wanted to reply that he might not feel that way afterwards, but did not protest further. If anything, her brother's presence and actions over the prior year made her pretty sure that she would not be harmed at a minimum. "Very well, but I'll preface by telling you what I told them, which is that this is just a theory. But given what I… think I know, it's not complete insanity."

  "Mmm, this should be interesting," Antoth murmured before taking another sip. "Apologies, Alice. I just meant that sometimes it's best for Ratha and I to keep distance, a more difficult task with her spending all of her time within the walls. Do continue."

  Deciding to lead with the punchline, Alice straightened her shoulders and nodded. "There is a small but growing body of evidence that suggests that the ursae and Cauthan are not native to Mara."

  -----

  By the time Alice finished her explanation, doing her best to refine discussions of genetic material and other difficult scientific concepts for a pre-industrial audience, Antoth was leaning forward, elbows on knees and brow knotted in thought. He looked to Xan and Thantis. “Assume this is some sort of well constructed farce. What reason would Alice have for behaving this way?” he demanded, putting them very much on the spot. Xan’s scales shivered in the awkward silence that followed, though Thantis seemed to understand the thrust.

  “I would begin by saying that Alice, in that case, would be nothing more than a messenger on behalf of the dark skinned leader,” the priest began, offering Alice a comforting look. “I suppose one reason could be the destabilization of our faith and society, but then why have Alice come to just the two of us? Why not spread the message all at once?”

  “Indeed,” Antoth agreed. “Like the rumors that sent Tarn spiraling out of his right mind. How is he doing, by the way?”

  “Ratha struck true. Without the humans he’d be in a sling forever,” Xan replied shortly. “Last I saw the wound was closed and he had some movement back.”

  “Mmm, good. He still has a role to play in this community,” Antoth said approvingly. “I believe the bonding ceremony between him and his mate will take place within the next cycle.”

  “Yeah yeah, can we get back to the topic at hand?” Xan requested, no doubt put out at the relative fortunes between him and the son of the deceased priest of Seil.

  “He may have regained the use of his arm and found a companion, but his father will never return to him until he departs this world. It is best not to look upon others with jealousy,” Thantis counseled his apprentice. “What are your thoughts on Antoth’s question, Xan?”

  The former guardsman put his hands together before lightly punching his gimped leg. He didn’t feel much anymore near the wound scar. “I can’t fathom why, but maybe it’s a trick to convince us to go with them? Tell us that we’re from the stars so we should return to them? It’s not like they need slaves though. Everything is done by metal constructs and other machines up there, and I didn’t see anything that looked like a human slave on board. I doubt we’re any better at fighting than they are either. Winters has gone toe to toe with you and Kaha, Antoth, so I’d say that’s a draw. I really don’t know.”

  “Then I am to assume you are speaking from your heart, Alice Winters,” Antoth focused on her. She nodded, unable to find words under the Cauthan’s piercing gaze. “Very well. Could you please hail Natori? I wish to speak with him on the matter.”

  “I… sure, let me give him a ring and see if he’ll answer,” Alice agreed, uncomfortable at denying a direct request from Antoth, at least a reasonable one. After about thirty seconds of waiting the Admiral did accept her call, seated in the captain’s chair on the bridge. He waved hello, taking a sip of water as he did so.

  “Ms. Winters, I understand you are justifiably excited about your most recent hypothesis but we can only work so fast. Emissary Qul’Roth and I are both in agreement that evidence to confirm or deny your theory should be sought, but we need to work to minimize the impact of the expedition on the planet. There are scattered tribes of natives populating most of the continent.”

  “I understand that, sir,” Alice replied before turning her device to show him the rest of the room. “But Antoth wanted to speak with you about this.”

  Back aboard the ship, Natori stood and walked over to Turnwell’s seat, instructing the first mate to oversee the final preparations of the geological survey teams. They would soon head down to several locations on the surface of the main northern continent that had been identified based on pictures and other information gathered by the Event Horizon’s sensors. There they would be tasked with evaluating exposed cliff faces, shale deposits, and other formations for their suitability in answering Alice’s question about a planetwide, catastrophic event in eons past. Other teams were at work picking out locations in the southern hemisphere.

  Content that operations would continue apace without his direct oversight, Natori returned to the call. “I apologize for the wait. Now Ms. Winters, might I at least have some context? I take it you informed the assembled of your suspicions?”

  Natori’s tone indicated he wasn’t quite sold on her course of action. Alice did her best to justify the situation. “I understand, sir, but I wanted to continue looking into this theory along my line of expertise. That’s why I’m with Xan and Thantis, to learn more about their people’s oral and written history. They asked about the reason for my inquiry and I thought it best not to lie about it. Thantis wanted Antoth to be a part of the conversation once I explained myself in full.”

  “I see,” Natori replied with a polite but seemingly genuine smile. It was hard to tell via the remote connection. “Very well then, Antoth! How may I be of service today?”

  “Thank you for your time, Natori. I will be quick,” Antoth replied. “Do you believe her?”

  Natori blinked twice, glancing off-screen towards where Qul’Roth typically sat during his stays on the bridge. It was not clear whether the Ghaelen was present or not. The man collected his thoughts, speaking with a conserved and diplomatic voice. “It is not a question of belief, Antoth, at least in the way I understand it. Ms. Winters has pieced together a small body of evidence and has suggested a possible explanation. I would not be sending people under my command to gather more evidence if I did not believe there was some merit to her line of thinking.”

  “And what are the other possible explanations?” Antoth followed, standing to position himself closer to Alice. The Admiral pondered the question for a time, muting himself momentarily to acknowledge the first shuttle launch slated to land in the mountain range to the far west of Veera’s village. “I don’t know, Antoth. I will ask a handful of experts their opinion and get back to you.”

  There was a small lag between the movement of Natori’s mouth and the translated statement. Though Antoth did not seem satisfied, he did not press further. “I understand, thank you.”

  “You are welcome,” the Admiral replied with a nod. “I will also request that Doctor Dupuis provide you and Asha’s family with an update on her health at the end of the day. Have a pleasant rest of your morning.”

  The call was ended without further pleasantries as Natori returned to overseeing the impending ground operations, leaving Alice with three curious and intellectually dissatisfied Cauthan. “Um… so,” she began, scratching absently at her hairline. “I guess I should make it clear that there are other possible explanations for all of this.”

  “But you consider this the most likely,” Antoth suggested. Alice took a breath and shrugged her shoulders.

  “I’m not even sure that I’d go that far. Maybe tomorrow or a few days from now we’ll find that there’s a healthy mix of life on this planet, and that the Cauthan and ursae aren’t particularly special. That being said, if you take excitement into account, the extraterrestrial origin explanation is definitely top of the list.”

  “Hmm, with all due respect, Alice Winters,” Antoth began as he stood and downed the rest of the tea that Xan had prepared for him. “I’ve had enough excitement this year already. I am sure you will keep me informed if anything of importance is discovered. Selah and good day to you all.”

  Alice watched the village chieftain go with a complicated expression. She felt as though she’d done the right thing, and the weight of secrecy was gone from her shoulders, but she still didn’t feel good about the situation with so many potential loose ends.

  “Ah, don’t take it personally,” Xan insisted, pushing himself upright with his cane and shaking his gimped leg to encourage a bit of blood flow. “He’s mated to Ratha. That male’s probably seen enough for a lifetime.”

  -----

  “Ah by me grandpappy’s kilt, that’s a view now isn’t it?” Lachlan MacGregor said to himself as the shuttle circled the landing zone before touching down. He was standing near the opened hatch, delighting in the cool, crisp air of Mara’s mountains as he smelled something that he assumed was the scent of the conifer-like forest below that thinned out just short of the exposed cliff-faces that the science team with him was interested in. He caught a glimpse of a river before the pilot took them too close to the tree-line, and the soil was soft and uneven under his boots as he hopped out of the transport. The nearest trees, several meters from him, swayed gently in the wake of touchdown before returning to calm stillness. It would make his job rather difficult, as meditation and reflection surrounded by nature was not particularly conducive to remaining on alert for potential threats to the mostly unarmed researchers.

  “All clear, lads and lassies. Need any help with those crates there?”

  “If you don’t mind, Private,” one of the scientists accepted. Returning his rifle to his back, the Marine hopped aboard and lifted a large container full of the gear that would be required to evaluate the exposed layers of rock and test Alice’s theory about the Cauthan’s origins. Unloading was an easy affair, and before long the lead scientist was in control of the situation, leaving Lachlan and the shuttle pilot mostly to their own devices.

  “Operations underway, no complications,” MacGregor reported.

  “Understood, Private. I’ll radio the bridge,” the pilot confirmed, opening the connection and letting Admiral Kaczynski know that they were on the ground without incident.

  “Care for a bit o’ fresh air?” the Scotsman wondered, clambering atop the shuttle to get himself a better vantage point of the surrounding area and a wider view of the woodlands. With winter on the way the trees were ‘asleep’, allowing him to see deeper into the forest. It was similar in appearance to the woodlands that surrounded Sentaura’s village, but those similarities were only superficial. Without Cauthan foraging and logging and hunting nearby, the undergrowth was wild and untamed.

  “I think I’ll stick to the climate control,” the pilot replied, pulling up a book on his visor as he settled in for what would certainly be a long babysitting mission.

  “As ye will, pilot. Forest ain’t goin’ anywhere and it’s not like the Corps is payin’ us by the hour,” Lachlan joked, checking the sights on his pistol before settling in to watch over the unfolding science mission.

  “I hope the missus isn’t too cross with me,” he murmured, his mind wandering for a moment to young Ursol and his mother. “But every so often a man needs a change o’ scenery.”

  After a couple minutes, then man’s visor indicted that he was receiving a hail from the Event Horizon, and he accepted the call. “Admiral Kaczynski, sir. Can I be of help?”

  “Just the opposite, Private,” the older man told him. “I won’t keep you for long, but if you happen to notice any wildlife out there, snap a picture or two? We have a handful of individuals aboard who are studying the fauna of the planet who, sadly, have been unable to concoct a motivation quite as potent as Ms. Winters’ in terms of bending the regulations established following first contact with the Ghaelen.”

  “Was ne’er much of a photographer, sir, but I’ll keep the video feed rollin’ and my head on a swivel,” the red-haired man chuckled. Natori gave him a quick nod and smile.

  “That’s all I ask, Private. I’ll be off to check on the other teams now. Godspeed.”

  “Thank ye, Admiral,” MacGregor said as the call ended, privately thankful for the personal touch the Admiral often displayed when it came to science missions. He had no idea how the man remained so in tune with the lives of so many crew members, but he was sure the synthetic coffee played a role. With nothing else to do, Lachlan adjusted the zoom magnification on his helmet’s visor and scanned the forest before him. No wildlife immediately volunteered, but he was in no rush. All he was missing was his pipe.

  “If nothin’ else, it’ll make for a great device background.”

  -----

  “Time fer a stretch, I think,” Lachlan suggested to himself. Given the late time of the year, Seil was already moving close to the tips of the trees before him to the east, and long shadows were being cast that connected the forests to the mountains beyond. He was halfway to the treeline, where he intended to heed the call of nature, when the hair on the back of his neck began to stand on end. “Hey Pilot, give me a scan real quick? I… don’t know, but I feel like-”

  “Scanners have been on the whole time, Private. Other than an alien squirrel or two there hasn’t been anything all day. Certainly picked the ass end of nowhere to go hunting for rocks, didn’t they?”

  Lachlan muted the pilot halfway, an unusual sense of dread settling over him as shadows played with his depth perception. It was then that he finally realized what was amiss. “Everything else has gone quiet…”

  The flight of nearby, ambient wildlife was explained in short order, as a hulking mass seemed to materialize from the forest itself, though it made nary a sound. The Marine knew immediately what he was up against, having seen its skeletal visage in the Cauthan village. “Pilot, get the EH on the horn and get us a Jumper yesterday or we're all dead!”

  The Marine’s yelling spurred the black furred, quad-eyed predator to action. It hadn’t exactly been stealthy on its approach, perhaps thinking it had its prey cornered between itself and the mountain cliffs, but the sound of its mark panicking had it charging forward. “Science team, find cover immediately! Try the ravine!” Lachlan ordered, having noticed a thin crack in the rock-face a short run away from where the team had set up their equipment. As the man shouldered his weapon and took aim, he felt time slow down and his blood turn to ice. Lachlan couldn’t help but speak honestly as he did what he was honor-bound to do, put himself between the others and danger.

  “This is how I fookin’ die, isn’t it?”