Samira

SAMIRA

A rkon’s red eyes bored into me. “So what’s your plan?”

My fingers fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve, twisting it tighter without realizing, my throat suddenly dry. “I’ve been collecting plant samples, trying to analyze their properties with what little equipment I have.” I gestured to the scattered leaves and roots surrounding us. “My goal is to synthesize a counteragent, something to neutralize the mind-control crops. But...”

“But?” Arkon prompted.

“Progress is slow,” I admitted, averting my gaze. “When I fled, I couldn’t exactly pack a full lab. This datapad and a handful of tools were all I managed to grab.” I tapped my foot. “Better boots would have been good, but there wasn’t time. The Consortium didn’t really want to encourage me to go hiking on my own.”

A muscle in Arkon’s jaw twitched. He leaned forward, his massive frame seeming to fill the entire cave. “And there’s a couple more complications. The communication networks are jammed. And we’re not the only ones out here.”

My heart stuttered. “More bounty hunters?”

Arkon nodded grimly. “Likely after you.”

I closed my eyes, willing my hands to stop shaking. When I opened them, I found Arkon studying me intently.

“We don’t know if they’re all working together,” he said. “My boss mentioned factions searching for you. It’s possible the Consortium is similarly divided.”

“Multiple groups fighting over me and my research,” I murmured. “Fantastic.”

Arkon’s lips quirked in what might have been the ghost of a smile. “What do you need to speed things up?”

I rattled off a list of equipment, each item feeling more impossible than the last. “And access to the Consortium’s data would be invaluable,” I finished.

“I’ll find a way,” Arkon said in a way that left no room for argument. He stood, ducking to avoid scraping his horns on the low ceiling. “I need to scout the area, assess our options.”

“Wait,” I said, scrambling to my feet. “You should rest, let your wounds heal completely.”

Arkon shook his head. “I won’t be able to rest until I know what we’re up against.”

I followed Arkon through the dense underbrush, marveling at how silently he moved despite his imposing size. His gray skin blended seamlessly with the shadows, the black markings on his cheek and arm almost invisible in the dappled light filtering through the canopy.

“Watch your step,” I whispered, pointing to a patch of deceptively innocent-looking moss. “That stuff secretes an acid strong enough to eat through boot soles.”

Arkon nodded, easily sidestepping the hazard. His nostrils flared, and he paused, head tilted. I held my breath, straining to hear whatever had caught his attention.

“Water source, about half a kilometer east,” he murmured. “And something else... unfamiliar fauna.”

I relaxed slightly. “Probably a herd of grazers. They’re harmless unless startled.”

As we pressed on, I stole glances at Arkon. His wounds seemed to be healing well, the angry red lines fading to silvery scars.

I couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like for him. To have something as innate as his healing ability suddenly stripped away... The thought sent a chill through me. It had to be unsettling, even frightening. Yet he seemed so composed, so in control. But was that just a facade? A mask to hide his true feelings?

Stop it. Now wasn’t the time for idle speculation. We had work to do.

“We need to find a way to access the Consortium’s data,” Arkon said, breaking the silence. “Any ideas where we might find a terminal?”

I chewed my lip, considering. “The main research facility would be too heavily guarded. But there might be satellite labs, or...”

“Or?”

“Unmanned harvesting stations,” I finished, the idea taking shape. “They’d need to be networked to coordinate collection and processing.”

Arkon’s lips curved in a predatory smile. “Perfect. Less security, easier access. How are these stations set up?”

I described the layout of a typical harvesting station, gesturing as I spoke. “There’s usually a central processing unit, surrounded by collection pods. The whole thing is automated, but there should be a maintenance access point we could use to tap into the system.”

“And where would we find one of these stations?”

I scanned our surroundings, trying to orient myself. “The plants they’re cultivating need specific conditions. Rich soil, high humidity, moderate sunlight. We should head towards lower elevations, near water sources.”

Arkon considered this, then pointed northwest. “From what I remember seeing when I was landing, there’s a valley in that direction. Matches your description.”

We set off, moving as quietly as possible through the jungle. Suddenly, Arkon froze. His arm shot out, blocking my path. I opened my mouth to ask what was wrong, but he pressed a finger to his lips, eyes narrowed.

He crouched, examining something on the forest floor. I peered over his shoulder and saw broken branches, crushed vegetation. A discarded ration pack lay half-hidden beneath a fern.

“We’re not alone,” Arkon growled, his voice so low I barely heard it.

My stomach clenched. “Consortium security?”

“Or rival bounty hunters. Either way, trouble.”

We moved more cautiously now, every sense on high alert. The jungle seemed to press in around us, full of hidden threats. A twig snapped somewhere to our left, and I jumped.

Arkon’s head whipped around, his body tensing. “Too big for local wildlife,” he whispered.

Before I could respond, voices drifted through the trees. The measured cadence of a patrol.

Arkon grabbed my arm, pulling me close. His eyes scanned our surroundings frantically before settling on a massive, gnarled tree. Without a word, he dragged me towards it.

As we neared, I saw the trunk was hollow. Arkon pushed me inside first, then squeezed in after me. The space was tight, barely large enough for the two of us.

I pushed harder into the rough bark, trying to make room. Arkon’s body curled around mine, solid and warm. His breath stirred the hair at the nape of my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

The patrol drew closer. I covered my mouth with my hands, terrified they’d hear the pounding of my heart. Arkon’s arm tightened around my waist, steadying me.

“...waste of time,” a voice grumbled. “She’s long gone by now.”

“Orders are orders,” another replied. “Keep searching.”

Their footsteps faded, but we remained frozen in place. I was acutely aware of every point of contact between Arkon’s body and mine. The firm planes of his chest against my back, his powerful thighs bracketing my own.

I turned my head slightly, intending to ask if it was safe to move. My lips brushed against Arkon’s jaw. His grip on my waist tightened fractionally.

I knew I should move. But some traitorous part of me really, really didn’t want to.