When it Stops III

“Bill, I hope it’s just my imagination and I’m not actually hearing something moving in the back of the cave. Tell me it’s all this bogyman talk that has my mind working overtime.”

“So, you want me to lie to you like we were dating or something, Jack? Well, we’re not dating so I must tell you the truth. I hear it too.”

“Great! Do you think it’s one of those Morlock critters?”

“We have other animals native to this planet besides Morlocks and I’m sure a few have run in this cave for cover just as we did. With any luck, they’ll find the Morlock before the Morlock finds us.”

“I hope you’re right, but just in case don’t you think we need a plan B? Do you think your unobtanium-enhanced rifle will take care of any creature issue we might have?”

A shuffling sound emanating from the far end of the cave interrupted their conversation. The men stared intensely trying to make out what was moving toward them. As the noise grew louder a faint outline emerged from the shadows. It took a few more steps into the light and the men relaxed. This was no beast. It was this planet’s version of what they called deer on Earth.

Both men immediately relaxed their guard, but the relief was short-lived. A massive hand with claws the length of butcher knives swept from out of the shadows and eviscerated the deer-like animal. A second hand emerged and dragged the squealing animal back into the dark recesses of the cave. Within seconds the cave was once again silent.

“Bill, did you see the size of that thing?” Jack exclaimed in a panicked whisper.

“I did, and it looks to be hungry. I wonder how many of his friends are still waiting to be fed?”

“I don’t know, and I have no desire to find out. We have a decision to make, Jack. Either we work past the Morlocks somehow, using our enhanced weapons when necessary, or we look for shelter outside the cave until this pummeling rain stops. Neither option is inviting. What’s your choice? After all, you’re the corporate rep, I’m just the tour guide.”

“Damn, why didn’t I stay in the office?”

“Forget it! You took too long. Here comes the welcoming committee!”

Out from the shadows walked five of the largest creatures either of the men had ever seen. They had rough scaly skin with patches of mossy fur which appeared to sprout randomly over their bodies. Each maw was lined with two rows of massive teeth. The lead beast had pieces of deer hanging from his mouth. All this was terrifying, but it was the eyes that sent shivers down the men’s spines. They glowed with the same iridescence as the cave walls. One look into those eyes and it was obvious that the beasts were the living version of Unobtanium. The men raced for the cave opening ignoring the pelting rain.

Jack and Bill expected to be chased up the hillside by the beasts, but when they looked back the Morlocks stood at the cave opening, waving their arms. The sudden pain in their heads knocked both men to their knees, clutching their ears. As the agony lessened, they were able to make out a voice.

“Below the mountains is our domain, the surface world is yours. Stay out!”

That is all that they said. Their glowing eyes emitted beams of light like the men’s enhanced weapons. The Morlocks used the beams to reseal the cave. Their cave!

A brief time later the deluge ended, and the men took time to process everything that they had just been through.

“You have a problem, Jack.”

“Me, why me?”

“I’m just the guy hired as a guide. You are the guy who must report all this back to corporate. It’s your decision whether to tell them about the vein of Unobtanium or not. If you tell there will be a war, and many will die. If you neglect to mention it life will continue as before. It’s all up to you, Jack.”

“Thanks, Bill, some friend you are.”