Unknown Terror

The two squads marched cautiously through the dank Venusian jungle. Zane’s senses perked. There was something. Whether by sound, sight, scent, he knew there was something around them. He said mildly, “Sarge.” Sergeant Slone turned to face Zane. Zane just laid down on the ground.

Fire erupted from the dense jungle surrounding them as Slone dove to the ground, taking Corporal Muntz to the moist soil of the trail with him. Lead sprayed through the clearing of the trail. -Remain perfectly still-, something told Zane. A bullet pierced Devereaux’s armor; a puff of red mist sprayed from his back and he fell to the dirt. The squads returned fire. The shot from their guns ripped through the foliage. Here and there, a shadow fell in the brush. Two more Jungle Kommandos fell to the sporadic fire being lain down upon them. From the ground, Muntz and Slone fired wildly into the dense forest. Muntz’s body shook as two bullets struck him in his back. Slone continued to fire as a pool of Muntz’s blood formed around his supporting elbow but was quickly being absorbed into the rich Venusian soil.

The Hussars managed to take cover; two were already lying dead in the path, but they were well protected by the surrounding trees. The jungle was dark, and the Hussars barely visible by any light but their muzzle flashes. Zane raised himself on his elbows. The rain of fire directed at him had ceased; the leaves rustled as the enemy closed in on them. There was a snapping sound, and a groan. Slone smiled in grim satisfaction as he realized at least one of the enemy had fallen victim to razor vines. -Wait.- Zane remained calm, his eyes scanning the approaching movement. He could see from his position a nearing necromutant. More were behind it, still hidden. -Now.-

Over the rifle shots of the Hussars, Zane's shotgun screamed. Flame and lead spewed forth from his barrels. -Safe.- He looked over at Slone. Slone caught his look; Zane motioned with his head. Time to move. Both stood; Zane fired into the bush as Slone ran behind him toward the Hussars who were still managing to hold their position against the onslaught. A shadow fell on them from above and Slone slipped as he stopped. Some Hussars were instantly crushed by the falling beast. Slone let loose as the shadow ripped through the nearby Hussars.

-Low.- Zane dove just as his suppressed targets began to fire back at him. He picked himself up and sprinted down the path toward the fight. Three Hussars were left. As one turned to fire at the shadowy beast, a stray bullet shattered his ribcage. The shadow launched itself at Slone. 'See.' A whip like vine hung above the group. Zane's machete spun through the air, stuck into a tree where the plant rest, and sent the semi-sentient plant writhing in the air. It must have caught the neck of the thing and tightened and coiled; the shadow bellowed.

-Run.- “Run!” Zane grabbed Slone. The two Hussars, sensing a retreat, provided cover fire. The shadow ripped loose of the vine as Zane and Slone ran by it. The Hussars followed down the path. One turned to fire; the shadow swatted him down. The second Hussar had caught up with Zane. Slone looked back to see the shadow emerge into a ray of light.

“....” Slone sprayed a thousand tiny projectiles; bullets whizzed by him and struck the ground beside him. He yelled. Slone felt the pressure in his throat. He suddenly found himself looking at the ground. He could not breath; he could not scream. He felt the shadow above him, but he was saved from the pain as he fell forever into blackness.

The Hussar looked behind him, and saw the horror stepping on the sergeant. He turned to run away. His knee cap blew into a hundred pieces and he fell to the ground. Zane heard the crack and the fall; he knew what had happened. The Hussar cried out, “Help! Don’t leave me!” -Run or you both die. Run, live.- Forgive me, please.

To be continued...?