Stranded on a Tiny Planet
Chapter 43: Invader

In Anashee...

Seraysa had been sent back to Anashee following the daring plans that had been made to take out the mercenaries. She had wanted to remain at Merco’s side, but the giant alien had insisted upon her remaining as far from the probable fighting as she could. From his tone, Seraysa could tell Merco was worried and the impending fight had him on edge. So, she returned to Anashee where it would be safest.

The day the plan was to be enacted, Seraysa found herself floating aimlessly around the Temple of Emergence since she wanted to be close to her brother Verin instead of in the home she was given as Merco’s ambassador. She didn’t want to be alone right now.

“It’ll be alright, Seraysa.” Verin mentioned after she crossed the room for the fiftieth time.

Seraysa looked at him but she didn’t look wholly convinced, “Merco was just...he just seemed so worried before I Ieft.”

Her brother shrugged, “Probably was more worried about you and our friends.”

“You didn’t see the Rogashay settlement, Verin...it was awful.” Seraysa mentioned, gripping her uniform front. “What if those mercenaries...?”

She stopped, not wanting to think about such a horrible outcome as Merco being killed or mortally wounded.

Verin frowned but then said, “Well, Merco was a soldier, so he knows how to fight. I’ll bet he knows what he’s doing.”

“Yeah.” she agreed quietly.

But her worries still weren’t alleviated. Very gradually she wandered outside the Temple of Emergence to get some fresh air. Without hurrying she wandered the streets of Anashee. As she did there came about a commotion in the street and up above. She could see several citizens pointing up toward the mountain that bordered the back half of Anashee. Seraysa flew up between the buildings and into the air so she could see what the fuss was about.

Had Merco returned?

But when she looked up her eyes widened. It was a gigantic figure walking along the top of the mountains that bordered Anashee, but it wasn’t Merco.

...

Cresh followed the S.O.S signal toward a mountain range that ended up being a few miles from where he started. The closer he got the stronger the signal got and he had a feeling the long walk would be worth it. Finally, he came to the base of a smaller sized mountain and looked up. His goggles zoomed in toward the top of the peak and there perched atop it was a small building with a tall tower poking up from it.

“There you are.” He mentioned to himself, already trying to work out a way up to it.

Part of him thought about shooting the signal tower down but he honestly wanted to see what the set up was all about before he destroyed it. He hiked up the mountain and finally came up to the tower at the mountain’s peak. The little antennae was taller than him, probably over ten feet. He twanged it with his hand curiously making it wobble at its top.

“Hm. Primitive setup...” he commented, circling the building.

That’s when he looked down over the other side of the mountain and raised a brow ridge. The mountain was bordering a large valley and in the valley below was a miniature city with organized farmland just beyond.

A pleased smirk crossed the mercenary’s lipless mouth as he tapped the clear tube that contained the four aliens he’s captured earlier, “Well, well. So, this is where you little things come from. Looks like I’ll get more than my quota after all.”

Cresh reached up to his communicator that was in his ear to activate it, “Gurt. You can stop your searching. I found where these little guys come from. Start making your way to my coordinates; there’s money to be made.”

Normally he’d at least get a short guttural reply from the Gret’nal but only silence answered his communique.

Cresh impatiently waited for his partner to respond, “Gurt? You get that?”

Still silence.

“Gurt?” Cresh growled with frustration after a minute of nothing.

"Stupid lizard..." he thought to himself. He wouldn’t dare use the “L-word” within Gurt’s hearing. That was a death sentence.

He gripped the tower beside him and began bending it over. The metal was surprisingly resilient so he placed his boot near the base and pushed with more force. Unable to take that kind of abuse the tower creaked and it folded it over with a violent spark of severed wires.

“There. That shouldn’t call anyone unexpected now.” He mentioned.

Cresh surveyed the valley below for a bit through his goggles which switched to binocular vision. There were huge black trees roped with dozens of walkways above smaller structures below. He could see hundreds if not thousands of the little flying aliens flitting about in the air above the city and traversing those walkways. A wall encircled the entirety of the miniature city beyond the natural one created by the mountain. He couldn’t see nor detect any heavy armaments along that wall which meant he and Gurt would have no trouble invading it. But he wasn’t in a hurry yet. He’d wait for his partner to respond or show up so he wouldn’t complain about him hogging all the action. Besides, the walk here and up to this mountain had been tiring. He could take a brief sit down and wait.

With a relaxed sigh he crouched down and finally sat on the top of the mountain just above the city.

...

A fearful lump rushed into Seraysa’s throat when she saw the unfamiliar, gigantic silhouette looming forebodingly at the top of Sweelishi Mountain. He was standing right next to the communication tower they had built to help Merco call his people. With terrifying ease, he reached out and gripped the metal tower and gradually flattened it to the ground, effectively destroying it. Seraysa and the others of Anashee seemed to all hold their breath, awaiting the giant invader’s next move. He spoke a few phrases, his voice rolling out across the air. Then, unexpectedly, he took on a pose of relaxation as he sat on the mountaintop.

He wasn’t attacking...yet. But he loomed over Anashee with impending menace.

With quick movement, Seraysa flew back to the Temple of Emergence and threw open the door.

“Verin! Dr. Jasta! One of those mercenaries is here!” she shouted loudly so they would hear her.

Verin nearly dropped the instrument in his hand, “Here? You mean here in Anashee?”

She pointed upward, “He’s sitting up on Sweelishi Mountain!”

Dr. Jasta appeared from his office after hearing her proclamation, “Where’s Merco?”

“I don’t know...” Seraysa had a hopeless tone. “Not close enough.”

“Verin, check all the incubation pods. Make sure they are of proper temperature and dryness. I’m going to initiate the lock down protocols.” Dr. Jasta commanded, moving across the room briskly.

“Lock down protocols?” Seraysa asked.

Verin was already going into action but explained whilst he checked the pods, “The Temple of Emergence can shut itself in protectively to ensure the pods are kept safe. Metal doors, thicker walls, plated blinds that cover the glass dome, and enough supplies to keep anyone inside secure for sun cycles. It’s one of the few places in Anashee with these protocols. That and the High Elder’s place of meeting and the underground shelters beneath the tree towers.”

Seraysa blinked, unaware of this information.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be safe in here.” Dr. Jasta insisted as he stood at a panel that housed the building controls.

“I have to replace Merco!” Seraysa insisted strongly.

“There’s no time for that.” Dr. Jasta shook his head, still working, “If that mercenary is right outside Anashee we have to prepare for the worst...Seraysa!”

The doctor shouted when Seraysa flew off the floor and out the door in a hurry.

Verin rushed after her shouting, “Seraysa! What are you doing?”

From the air she shouted back, “I have to replace Merco and bring him back here! He’s the only one who can defend us!”

He tried to argue the brashness of her action but his sibling was already flying up and away out of Anashee.

He nearly went after her but Dr. Jasta insisted, “Verin! Please! I need you to help me or we risk these chrysalises!”

Responsibility was tugging him in two directions at once. However, he knew he wasn’t as strong a flier as his sister and wouldn’t be able to catch her so he opted to stay and help Dr. Jasta.

“Seraysa...be safe.” He stated to no one but himself as he closed the door.

...

Out at the Rogashay settlement...

All of the medics caring for Merco’s wounds were slathered in red. They had never undergone such a task as cleaning and mending the wounds of a being Merco’s size. Some of the ragged bite wound holes were big enough they could fit their whole torsos down into them and they bled like a slow waterfall. Each hole had to be cleaned and hit with a cauterizing laser to stop the blood flow. Lights from dozens of laser burners flashed sporadically across Merco’s shoulder and back as the Ansheetan medic teams worked. Then the medical teams covered each wound with large bits of absorbent material and leeching weed to cover the wounds. Stitching them was not an option since it would take too long and bite wounds could not be sealed without risk of infection.

They were almost finished with the last few holes when Merco began to show signs of waking. The giant alien groaned loudly and began to twitch, threatening to rise. Anu flew over to Merco’s face and could see his eyelids parting with groggy awareness.

“Merco! Merco. Stay still. Don’t move.” She insisted firmly, touching his nose to gain his attention.

He didn’t seem quite awake though and blinked several times slowly. Anu jumped with a start when one of his massive hands impacted the ground just beside her and shakily began pushing himself up. His head bobbed woozily.

Seeing the medics staggering for purchase on his shoulder and back, Anu flew up to his face again shouting, “NO! NO! Don’t sit up just yet! Lay down!”

His grey-green eyes seemed to tremble back and forth a moment as coherency was still trying to fight its way past the drug’s effects.

“Lay down!” she insisted, gesturing broadly so he could perhaps see her.

Merco’s hand gouged the dirt as he heavily lowered himself back down. He winced with pain.

“That’s right big guy. Just stay down. They’re almost done. Just a little longer.” She encouraged him.

...

Merco was breaking through the fog of the sedative and everything was spinning weirdly. He was laying on his side and could feel the tiny presences on his shoulder and touching his shoulder blade. He tried to get up but Anu was in his face insisting he hold still until the medics finished. He laid back down with compliance and sighed wearily. Fatigue and pain were all over his body now. He hadn’t really felt the pain so acutely until the adrenaline had worn off and now it was asserting itself in harsh fashion.

A few more minutes of work and the medics poured the last of their pain-relieving poultice into Merco’s wounds and fled to give him room to get up.

Anu patted his forehead and told him, “Ok, Merco. They’re done. You can get up now. But don’t rush yourself.”

Merco groaned as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. His body ached horribly from the abuse he’d taken in the fight being punched and thrown around like a sack of potatoes by the Gret’nal. The sharp pain in his chest bespoke of a fractured rib or two or at least a bruised one. Merco was aching all over but he was also still tired. He wanted to lean back against something but his back burned terribly from the scrapes he endured from being thrown around in the trees. Gradually, he opted to lay back down.

He closed his eyes in pain, “Thank you all. Probably saved my life again.”

Anu flew into his view, “You probably saved ours too.”

“There’s still one more.” Merco reminded her. “Any word on where he is?”

She shook her head, “We sent out some scouts to try and replace out but they aren’t back yet.”

Merco squirmed uncomfortably when the pulsing throb of his injuries stung him more, “Hope that guy isn’t as tough as that Gret’nal.”

Though his tone on the surface seemed to make light of the situation, Merco knew things had probably gotten more complicated. It wouldn’t be long before the second mercenary figured out that his reptilian partner was dead. He guessed he would either seek vengeance for that or he’d hop back into his ship and flee the planet. Neither was an ideal option for him. But if the mercenary left rather than seek retaliation then less lives would be lost. However, he’d be saying goodbye to his first and probably only chance of getting home.

“Are you going to be all right?” Anu asked him with a concerned look when he winced.

The man managed a smile, “Eventually...I think. That Gret’nal beat me up pretty good.”

His eyes roved around the area, “Is Boroxle all right?”

“Emissary Kriees was taking care of him but we haven’t heard any word since you went under. Just rest.” Anu assured him.

Merco closed his eyes again but he didn’t get to rest too long before a familiar voice was calling him. He cracked an eye open to see Pixie flying in fast and losing a bit of her flight control when she collided into his neck and shoulder. He sat up quickly and took her gently in his hand.

“Pixie? What are you doing out here? Why aren’t you in Anashee?” he asked with sternness.

Her bright blue eyes met his and then shimmered when she saw the state of him. His shirt was gone and his entire right shoulder was covered in wounds that followed the pattern of a bite. He had scrapes and dark bruising all over him. She hadn’t seen him look that bad since she Emerged.

“Are you ok?” her voice quavered slightly.

He managed a nod, “I’ll make it. But why are you here? It’s too dangerous.”

She righted herself back into a hover and cried out, “Merco! He’s at Anashee! He’s there!”

“Who’s there, Seraysa?” Anu asked, floating closer.

“The mercenary! He’s on Sweelishi Mountain!” she insisted breathlessly, “He destroyed the communication tower and when I left he was sitting up there watching Anashee.”

Merco’s head perked up, staring in the direction of Anashee even though they were too far to see anything. A look of urgent concern flashed across his features as he carefully placed Pixie on the ground away from him. With lurching, pained movements Merco rose to his feet. He staggered a bit, sending any nearby Ansheetans scattering to keep out of his way.

“Merco! You shouldn’t be moving so soon!” Anu shouted at him.

Pixie too had noticed Merco’s injured state and she shook her head, “No, wait! You’re hurt!”

Merco attempted to straighten his back but a crackling pain in his sides made the action horrible. He winced, slumping over a bit. However, he knew he had to get to Anashee as fast as he could. If the second mercenary had found Anashee there was no telling what horrific damages he would inflict on it and its citizens if he didn’t stop him.

“You stay here. I don’t want you anywhere near Anashee if that mercenary is there.” He stated with insistence as he began walking in the direction of the city far away.

Both Anu and Pixie flew up into his path but he didn’t allow them to stop him.

Pixie pressed her hands against his chest as if she could halt his movement, “You’re too hurt, Merco!”

“I have to stop him...I’m the only one who can.” Merco insisted, not slowing his march.

Anu knew there was no stopping him so she made a call to arms for the EFP members who were still nearby, “EFP! To Anashee! Hurry!”

From the trees dozens of EFP fliers took to the air and like a horde of dragonflies, flying as fast as they could to Anashee. Merco tried to protest their departure but they were already far ahead.

Pixie conceded that Merco would not be dissuaded so she perched on his shoulder.

“Pixie, I don’t want you anywhere near Anashee. It’s going to be dangerous.” He rumbled.

“I don’t want you to go when you’re hurt.” She shot back.

He gave her a look of protest but mentally decided he could take her most of the way and then drop her off when they got closer. He proceeded on.

“Did you beat that Gret’nal?” she asked after a time.

He nodded, “Yeah.”

She gave short sigh of relief hearing that. It was no wonder he was so injured but she was so glad he was the victor.

“And you’re going to beat this guy.” She stated.

He sighed but managed a smile at her confidence in him, “I’ll certainly try.”

Inside his own head though he wasn’t so sure about that white lie. He was hurt and it took everything he had to beat the Gret’nal. The other mercenary wasn’t strong like that but he had weapons and Merco was certain he would use them. All it would take was one accurate laser projectile through the chest and he’d be done. Not to mention he had other lives in play now if the mercenary was at Anashee. He needed to hurry but he also didn’t want to give away his position too soon. He still had stealth with this one and he couldn’t pass that opportunity.

...

At Anashee, not long after Pixie left...

Anashee had taken on an air of dread since the giant alien intruder had darkened the peak of Sweelishi Mountain. Commander Madala, whom had retreated back to Anashee before Merco’s attack on the Gret’nal, was already sending out her remaining EFP squads to get Anashee’s citizens into lock down shelters. Mostly the shelters were in place for past war times but they were also used for electro-storm shelters. Never had they been used in such a situation. Anashee was abuzz with movement as the citizens made their way out of their homes and to the shelters located beneath the black bark trees.

From her lofty vantage at the Elder’s dwelling, the Commander kept a wary eye on the mercenary looming above. He hadn’t moved much and simply sat, watching. She couldn’t comprehend what he was doing rather than attacking. It was almost like Merco’s first appearance all over again. The air and the streets were bustling with Ansheetans all making their way to the closest shelters.

But then the mercenary stood up again and began moving down the mountain toward Anashee.

The Commander whistled sharply to her nearby EFP members, “He’s coming! Prepare for your attack!”

The white-skinned mercenary made his way down until he was much closer and almost to the cliffside where the markets were located. He stopped.

Suddenly, not more than a minute later a flash followed by a deafening blast rocked the city.

...

Cresh grew very tired of waiting atop the mountain. Gurt still hadn’t replied to his calls which wasn’t the most atypical behavior for his surly partner, but it still irritated him. Below in the little alien city Cresh could see the citizens beginning to bustle through the streets and in the air above. Apparently his presence had caused a bit of a stir.

Deciding he’d better get to work rather than wait much longer, he hailed his partner one last time, “All right, Gurt. Fine. I’m going to raid this little city by myself and unless you get your scaly ass over here I’m taking most of the profit on this little venture.”

Curtly disconnecting communications, Cresh moved down the mountain to gain a better vantage for his next move. When he was in the ideal spot overlooking the alien city, he set his sights on one of the black-barked trees that towered amid the city. It seemed from this vantage point the little aliens were coalescing near them. His nimble thin fingers expertly withdrew his energy pistol from his holster. His goggles synced with the sights as he took aim and fired. The bright white energy projectile flashed briefly and slammed mercilessly through one of the trees. Shrapnel exploded from the large tree followed by a uniform, screaming keen that rang out over the city.

Just as Cresh predicted, the shot created panic and hundreds of little aliens shot up into the air, fleeing the destruction. With a hefty toss he chucked three stun disks off the side of the mountain over the city below. The timer set them off and several large sections of city were bathed in green light. It flashed and Cresh watched as the fliers and the pedestrians caught in the light dropped where they were.

He nodded with a pleased smirk, holstered his pistol, and began trekking down the mountain, “Like picking money up off the ground.”

As he drew closer to the city below his goggles detected several of the flying aliens shooting toward him in a formation from both sides.

Guards defending their little city no doubt.

Cresh smirked as his hands went to his belt and with expert precision he pulled out more stun disks, and flung them into an arc in the air. They flashed and the opposition sent to fight him was caught in the stun beam. They fell just like falling leaves.

Cresh laughed darkly to himself, “That’s right...fall before your god.”