Focusing my senses, I picked up a faint trail. The scent was days old, but distinctly human. Confidence surged through me. I’d found her trail.

I pushed deeper into the jungle, following the elusive scent. A flicker of movement was all the warning I got.

I ducked as a massive, snake-like vine lashed out.

Adrenaline pumped through me as I dodged another strike. My hand flew to my weapon, energy blade humming to life. With a single, fluid motion, I severed the attacking plant.

I stopped.

Listened.

Something was off. The cacophony of wildlife had gone quiet.

Before I could react, an energy net crackled to life around me. The searing pain drove me to my knees as electricity coursed through my body. I cursed my overconfidence. How had I walked into such an obvious trap?

“Got him!” a voice crowed from the underbrush.

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I flexed my muscles. The net’s energy field intensified, but Vinduthi strength was not to be underestimated. With a roar, I tore through the crackling mesh.

Figures emerged from the jungle - a motley crew of bounty hunters. One, a bulky Krelaxian, charged at me with a vibroblade. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm and using his momentum to hurl him into a tree. The satisfying crack of breaking bones filled the air.

Two more attacked in tandem - a lithe Sylphid and a hulking Gorak. The Sylphid’s energy whip lashed out, but I caught it, ignoring the burning pain as I yanked her off balance. As she stumbled, I delivered a swift kick to her midsection, sending her flying.

The Gorak’s meaty fist connected with my jaw. I staggered back, tasting blood. These weren’t ordinary bounty hunters. Their coordination and weaponry spoke of serious backing.

I evaded another swing and hammered my fist against the Gorak’s solar plexus. He wheezed, doubling over. My elbow connected with the back of his neck, and he crumpled.

A high-pitched whine caught my attention. I spun, seeing a Volek aiming some kind of energy weapon.

I lunged for cover, but not fast enough. The weapon discharged, and agony exploded through my body. My senses dulled instantly, leaving me disoriented.

I stumbled, my limbs suddenly leaden. The Volek grinned, leveling the weapon for another shot.

As I rolled away a cloud of spores burst from a nearby plant, filling the air with sickly-sweet pollen. My vision swam, the jungle blurring into a nauseating kaleidoscope of greens and browns. I staggered, fighting to maintain my footing as the enhanced senses I’d relied on for my entire life betrayed me.

A laser blast seared past my ear, scorching bark from a nearby tree. The acrid smell of burnt vegetation cut through the spores’ cloying scent. Instinct took over. I bolted, crashing through the dense undergrowth.

Branches whipped across my face and arms as I ran. My muscles screamed in protest, still weakened by the energy weapon. But desperation fueled me, driving me deeper into the jungle’s suffocating embrace.

A vine caught my ankle, sending me sprawling. I hit the ground hard, pain exploding through my already battered body. Warm blood trickled down my arm, leaving a trail that even a novice tracker could follow. Gritting my teeth, I forced myself back to my feet.

The jungle grew denser, the canopy above blocking out what little light filtered through. Shadows danced at the edge of my vision, playing tricks on my addled mind. I pushed on, ignoring the ache in my muscles and the throbbing of my wounds.

The sounds of pursuit grew closer. My pursuers were gaining ground, their shouts becoming clearer. I pushed my aching body harder, knowing that to stop meant capture or death.

“He went this way!”

“Don’t let him get away!” another yelled. “Boss won’t be happy.”

The dense foliage suddenly gave way to a small clearing. I stumbled to a halt, my mind racing as I considered my options.The open space left me exposed, but continuing blindly through the jungle was just as dangerous.

The voices of my pursuers grew closer. I had to make a decision, and fast. Fight or flight? Stand my ground or continue this desperate chase?

I fumbled for my communicator, hoping to call for backup or at least send out a distress signal. Nothing but static filled the air. Frustration mounted as I tried again, only to be met with the same result. Something was interfering with the signal.

I was on my own.

SAMIRA