Page 59 of Stranded with the Alien

Kara slept fitfully, eventually giving up as the first light of dawn seeped through the clouds. She decided she’d go down to the lake to have a wash. God knows she needed it.

As she stepped out of the tent, her foot touched something warm and feathery. She nearly squealed before realizing what it was.

The body of some kind of fowl. Still warm.

She frowned as she nudged it with her toe. A peace offering from Vahn, maybe? His idea of breakfast? Well, he could go screw himself.

She headed for the lake, keeping a wary eye out for any dangerous creatures. The only animal she saw was a racoon-like quadruped taking a drink.

Enjoy it while you can¸she thought.

There was no sign of Vahn. She folded her clothes on the bank and waded in to her chin, scrubbing her face and armpits, dunking her hair for good measure. She didn’t take long, she wanted to be on her way as soon as possible.

She had spent the night wondering what to do after the fiasco with Vahn and had decided the mission was still the same. Get off the planet as soon as possible.

She and the alien might have a truce but it was clear that trying to find common ground between their two species was a pipe dream. Better to cut her losses and get the hell out of Dodge.

She would take the beacon and get to the highest point possible to set it off. After that… well, after that she’d deal with whatever came next.

It was no fun pulling on clothes which were still sweat-stained, even though she’d rinsed them in rainwater the night before. At least most of the dust had been washed off.

Vahn was waiting for her when she got back to the tent. He was holding the dead bird.

“Where did this come from?”

“I thought it was from you.”

“Why would I leave deceased poultry at your door?”

“I thought it was your way of apologizing.”

His brows drew down.

“For what?”

“For being a dick.”

“You think I owe you an apology?”

She shrugged.

“I actually don’t give a fuck. Can you move please? I want my backpack.”

She pushed past him and grabbed her bag. Checking the beacon was still inside, she added more of the fruit Vahn had collected last night and several canisters of water.

Vahn watched her.

“Shall we eat first before we set off?”

“Do what you like. I’m going.”

“If you just wait for…”

“You know what? I can go on my own. In fact, I’d prefer it.” She shouldered the bag and checked her blaster. It was still sixty percent charged. “I don’t need you.”

Vahn briefly imagined Kara walking through hostile territory facing unknown dangers. His stomach tightened.

“I know that,” he said calmly. “But I think it is safer – for both of us – if we stay together.”

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