The Beast In The Castle

by Daniella Wright

  “Critical… going to crash… escape pod,” He says, at least, that’s all I’m able to make out. I watch as Dennis continues to desperately struggle with his station, his expression fearful when it becomes obvious that nothing he can do will stop the inevitable.

  “We can’t leave them,” I shout, trying to move closer to Dennis. The other members of my crew are nowhere to be seen. I can only hope they can make their way to an escape pod, but before I can catch Dennis’s attention to try and guide him to the pods, the gravity simulator jolts back on, slamming all of us to the ground. I hit the metal hard, groaning softly from the impact. I’m pulled to my feet moments later, with Clark dragging me to the emergency bay. “Clark! The others,” I cry out, but if he hears me, he gives no indication. I struggle against him, but he easily overpowers me. He shoves me into the emergency bay, checking the gauges beside the door.

  “The planet… set a course,” he shouts out, gesturing to one of the escape pods. “I’ll get… others,” he assures me, and truthfully I’m in no position to doubt him. Trusting him for perhaps the first time in years, I throw myself into the nearest pod, tapping on the keys to set a route to the planet we had scoped out on the navigation screen. The chances of the planet being habitable are small, over one in a billion, nearly impossible on a scale that most could not fathom. However, it is our only chance. I seal off the pod, thrown against the front as another asteroid smashes into the main ship. Taking my chance, as it is likely the last one I will have, I engage the escape pod thrusters and sink to my knees as I’m propelled away from the ship. My mind is spinning, guilt tearing at my insides for not making certain that my crew was safe. I can see the ship outside the small window of the escape pod, engulfed in flames and crashing towards the same planet I’m hurdling towards, though it’s likely our crash scenes will be miles apart. I strap myself in the escape pod, bracing myself for the oncoming impact.

  The escape pod hits the ground hard, and my head smashes back against the metallic wall behind me. I cling to consciousness as much as I am able, not knowing if I will survive falling unconscious. However, I’m helpless to stop the darkness that washes over me.

  I don’t know how much time passes in my state of unconsciousness, but as my eyes flutter open and my brain catches up to the rest of my body, I realize I’m agonizingly hungry. My body aches, but nothing seems to be broken, so I unsnap my harness and fall to the floor of the escape pod in a heap. It strikes me that I had not seen another escape pod break off of the ship, and it’s quite likely that I’m the only survivor of the crash. Guilt washes over me, and tears stream down my cheeks as I slam my fists against the floor of the escape pod. Pain washes over me, but it’s nothing compared to the pain inside. The crew had trusted me to lead a successful mission, had trusted me with their lives. Instead of helping them, I had bailed out as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

  The most remorse of all washes over me as I realize Clark is likely dead as well. If he did what he intended, and tried to save the remaining crew members, it was unlikely he could have made it to an escape pod in time. Though I didn’t want to be in a relationship with the man, I certainly didn’t wish death upon him either. Especially considering the fact that he was the sole reason I was still alive…

  However, as I remain on the floor of the escape pod, I realize that getting absorbed in my own self-indulgent pity will accomplish nothing. Though there was only a margin of a chance that I would survive stepping out of the escape pod, I knew there was no chance of surviving if I remained within. It would only be a matter of time before I starved. At least if I venture outside, there's a small chance… some minuscule chance…

  I shake my head, taking a moment to raid the supply storage in the escape pod. The food supply that was supposed to be tucked inside was inexplicably missing, and I muse that one of the crew must have raided it. The thought crosses me with slight scorn until it strikes me once more that I am the lone survivor. I wipe a tear away, cursing myself for how emotional I'm being. There would be time for mourning later, once I had a better handle on my situation.

  Continuing to take stock of the supply storage, I note that though there’s very little in the way of food, there is at least a hunting knife tucked inside, as well as some flint. I don’t know how useful either will be, but I tuck them into my belt, hesitating a moment before closing the storage bin. It’s growing increasingly hot in the escape pod, and I realize that if the planet is indeed habitable, I will at the very least have to make a more suitable shelter. The oxygen supply is running low, and if I remain in here much longer, I’ll suffocate before I even have the chance to starve. I must have been out longer than I realized.

  I rise from my crouched position, turning to face the door that could lead down either of two paths: a path of survival, or a path of suffering. Knowing that I can’t put it off any longer, I press my palm to the scanner that will open the door. The door opens with a woosh and, holding my breath, I take a step beyond.

  CHAPTER TWO

  I’m not sure what I expected to see when I stepped out of the escape pod, but being surrounded by acres of lush forests was low on that list. Not that I’m displeased by the development, I’m actually quite relieved to find that I can draw breath unaided. My first plan is to build a shelter of sorts, which should be relatively easy considering how much lumber I’m surrounded by. I feel stuck in some sort of uncanny valley, where my surroundings are remarkably similar to what I’d see on Earth, yet different in a way I can’t quite place. I can’t allow myself to get caught up in the excitement of the situation, however, as survival is my main goal. I turn back to the escape pod for a moment, considering going through the supply bin for a final time, just to be sure I had not missed anything. My eyes widen as I see a humanoid figure stalking towards me in the reflection of the glass, and I roll to the side just as a fist swings towards where my head had been just seconds prior.

  My eyes are wide and uncomprehending as I take in the figure, with ashen pale skin and dark eyes that seem to see right through me. He’s obviously male, or at least whatever the equivalent would be on this planet. Before I can consider him too thoroughly, he lunges forward and I’m forced to engage him in combat. He moves swiftly, with ease, as if he had been fighting for years. I manage to hold my own to a point, but find myself overpowered in an almost embarrassingly short time. He holds my wrists above my head with one hand, and I notice, not for the first time, the gun-shaped weapon on his hip. I could try to make a break for it, but I have no doubt that he would shoot me down before I had made it even ten feet. He speaks to me in a language I don’t understand, but I remain silent, glaring daggers at the man. He hesitates for a moment, tapping a button on his helmet. A light washes over me, and I realize he’s doing an impromptu analysis. He speaks again, this time in English.

  "Follow me," he says gruffly, his tone leaving no room for argument. He releases me, and once more I debate making a run for it. He seems to recognize this though and gestures vaguely to his gun. Our eyes meet, and his eyes narrow almost daringly. I scoff, decidedly trailing after him as he begins to lead me through the forest. The flora and fauna are astonishing, creatures of the like I can't even begin to describe. Colors unlike anything I had ever comprehended, features that made little sense but seemed to have a place on this planet. I only wish I had time to study the creatures, but it seems at this rate I'll be lucky to survive the planet's day cycle.

  He leads me through the forest for what feels an eternity, but I have no way to gauge the time. When we emerge from the trees, I spot what looks to be buildings similar to earth skyscrapers, yet somehow not. They’re too advanced, too high tech for what you would see on our planet, even with the advances we’ve made in the years prior. He greets a guard in what must be his mother tongue, gesturing towards me. The guard considers me for a moment, his expression blank. After a moment, he steps aside and allows us entry into the city. I’m not sure what to expect, but I have scarcely any time to consider my
surroundings before I’m taken to a building which seems to focus more on structure stability than architectural appeal. He presses his palm to a pad that rests beside the door, dragging me inside.

  “I can walk just fine, thank you,” I spit venomously, but he ignores me. We come to a room that is sectioned off by a force field of sorts. He touches another pad, typing in some commands before tossing me inside. The force field flickers just long enough for me to be thrown in, before locking back into place. I realize that this must be some sort of holding facility. “You’re just going to leave me?” I demand, and he fixes me with an ever blank expression before slipping away. It seems that this is my new home for now.

  I don't know how long I spend in the cell, pacing from one end to the other. It feels like an eternity, but it's impossible to tell time. There's no clock in the cell, though I have no idea if I'd be able to read it, in any case. I spend most of my time alone, though there is the occasional guard who peeks in and provides me with a strange platter of food. I can only liken the food offered to earth's crustaceans, and I have a deadly shellfish allergy. I don't want to take my chances, though the differences in the DNA of the creatures are likely stark. I don't speak to the guards, and they don't attempt to engage me in any way. They seem vaguely disdainful about my presence, and I don't make a point to make myself a more proper guest. If they want to treat me like an animal, I won't be wasting my kindness on them.

  I’m lying on the cot I’ve been provided when a familiar face appears outside my cell. Recognizing it as the male who captured me, I narrow my eyes as he drops the force fields and steps inside. He wordlessly takes me by the arm, leading me out of my cell. Once again, I’m essentially dragged to my destination like some sort of fool. He walks me into another room, this one dimly lit with some sort of restraint chair in the center. I fight against him, but he narrows his eyes dangerously at me. His gun is ever present on his hip, and as much as I’d like to continue fighting, I suppose I may as well see what these bastards have in store for me. I’m pushed into the restraint chair, jolting in fear as metallic bands snap around my wrists and ankles. My captor approaches me, holding some sort of leather-like band in his hand. He wraps it around my neck, and I realize with a start that they intend to collar me like some sort of animal. I struggle uselessly, and the slightest of shocks radiates from the collar against my skin. I curse, though he seems not to recognize the gravity of the words I’m spitting at him. He simply watches me with some small measure of interest.

  The bands slip away from my wrists and ankles, and I leap to my feet. My captor quirks a curious smile, offering his arm. I look at him with narrowed eyes, and he breathes an exasperated sigh.

  “The collar is to keep you from straying too far. It has a tracking device embedded as well. If you would follow me,” he says, his words amicable but his tone leaving no room for argument. I hesitate before dropping my head. I trail obediently after him, relieved at least to be allowed to walk on my own two feet.

  “Where are you taking me?” I inquire softly, and he hesitates for the briefest of moments.

  “To my home. The council wanted to kill you, but I argued that would be a wasteful notion. I’ve been entrusted with the duty of watching you until the council decides what your fate will be,” he says brusquely. My eyes widen in fear, but he seems not to recognize the emotion, turning his back on me and walking ahead. The collar begins to shock me, growing more intense the further away he gets. I jog to catch up, tugging anxiously at the strap around my neck.

  “At the very least I deserve to know your name,” I blurt angrily, falling into step beside him. The shock leaves a lingering tingling in my nerves and it’s not something I want to grow accustomed to.

  "Names are of little importance to my people. We typically refer to one another through identification numbers. However, Kajin is a nickname I had as a child. It's the approximation for the phrase righteous one in my mother tongue. You can call me that, if it pleases you," he says mildly, and I want to curse how calm he is. However, I realize that the best option, for the time being, is to play nice with my captor. Though I'm not exactly pleased to have been captured, I suppose I should be grateful that he did not allow me to be put to death. However, though he did not say as much, it's clear that death is very much a viable fate for me at this point.

  “My name is Kara Nolan. I’m from the planet Earth. What is this place?” I inquire hesitantly, glancing at the other native people we pass on the street.

  “This is Planet 347, sector five. Earth, you say? What a strange name for a planet,” he mutters absently, leading me ahead. We come to a rather extravagant looking building, and he guides me through the door. It’s not entirely unlike a human home, though much more luxurious than even I could afford back home.

  “Why did they allow you to keep me, Kajin? If they wanted me killed,” I ask quietly, the question having been a burden upon my mind.

  “The council knows I will not hesitate to put you down if you are to step out of line. However, I was the one who expressed an interest in further study, so… here you are,” he hums. His voice seems less gruff, and it’s obvious he’s less agitated than he was when we first met. I suppose he’s realized that I’m not a threat to himself nor his people. “In any case. I do not know how your species regulates energy, but I have supplied a bed for you to rest upon should that be to your liking,” he says, gesturing to the corner. It’s a simple cot, but it looks a bit more comfortable than what I had been subjected to in the holding facility.

  I nod my head, stepping towards the cot and sitting on the edge. He seems to take that as his cue to leave, and steps into the other room. Not knowing what else to do, I stretch out on the cot and consider my next move. Perhaps I will somehow be able to send a signal back to Earth at some point. For now, I have to focus on pleasing my temporary master.

  CHAPTER THREE

  I only realize I’d drifted off when I blink my eyes open and am jolted by the sight of my captor looming over me. His gaze is intense, though it seems to soften marginally when I edge away from him. I look myself over, realizing all too unpleasantly that my skin has become slightly grimy for going some days without a shower of any kind. I turn to my captor-- Kajin, I reminded myself, I would have to adjust to using his name. He seems fascinated by my every movement, and I brush my hair away from my face a bit self-consciously.

  “Uhm… do you have a shower?” I ask with uncertainty, though I’m not altogether sure I look forward to the idea of bathing in a strange alien’s house. He quirks a brow, seeming to consider my words.

  “Shower…?” He repeats, and I rub the back of my neck, struggling with how disjointed conversation with this male is.

  “I need to get clean. With water. Shower,” I elaborate, and his eyes widen in recognition.

  "Oh, yes. I have the facilities you require. We are not as unlike as I thought, though this ‘shower' as you refer it is something of a luxury on our planet. Our bodies technically have a self-sanitizing system, and…," he trails off, looking a bit chagrined. "Sorry, I tend to ramble. It's not every day we get an alien form of life crashing into our hunting grounds, either," he smiles, perhaps the first time I've seen the human expression on his face. I chuckle to myself, rising from the cot and stretching my arms out over my head. My joints give an audible pop, and his eyes widen almost comically.

  "It's not every day I crash land on an alien planet, either," I retort. He hums a distinctly amused sound. "The shower, then?" I suggest once more, not wanting to sound like a broken record, but wanting the small comfort.

  “Yes, right. Follow me,” Kajin says with a smile, leading me through the vast expanses of his home. He takes me to an extravagant bathroom, with small bottles sitting on a tray beside what I assume is the tub. “You may use my scent obscuring salve. I’m told by non-hunters that it smells rather nice,” he says carefully, slipping towards the door. I hesitate for a moment before beginning to undress, slipping out of my dirty space suit. “Oh,
yes, and by the way--,” he says abruptly, peeking back in the bathroom. I swallow a shriek, trying to remain casual as his eyes rove my nude body. Perhaps nudity isn’t as intimate on this planet as it is on Earth, I can only hope… but the look in his eye is not altogether unfamiliar, and I feel myself redden beneath his stare.

  “Uhm, Kajin? A bit of privacy, please?” I say awkwardly, and he blinks his eyes, seeming to shake off his reverie.

  “Yes, of course,” he mutters. He slips out the door, and I can only wonder what was going through his mind as he took in my nude form. My mind wanders to what he may look like beneath that armor he always seems to be clad in, and I curse myself for the thought.