Neverwylde (The Rim of the World Book 1) by Mooney Linda

Author:Mooney, Linda [Mooney, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: space ships, other worlds, Science Fiction, aliens, romance, sensuous, controversial, outer space, sci-fi, enemies
Publisher: Music And Press
Published: 2015-05-03T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Remnants

As the others fanned themselves around the room, Kelen and Sandow approached the pile of what once were the inhabitants of this world. There was no doubt in their minds, they had found the remains of the last living beings who, for some unknown reason, had gathered in this room to die.

Kelen stared at the small bodies with their box-shaped skulls. The skeletons were still encased in the remnants of whatever they wore as clothing. “They were humanoid. They had two arms and two legs. They lived in a community.”

“Any clue as to why they’re there?” Dayall asked.

“None,” the physician remarked as he scanned the pile. “It appears they either laid on top of each other before succumbing, or the bodies were piled here after their deaths.” Straightening, he glanced at the commander. “If it’s the latter, don’t ask me who piled them up. I’m a doctor, not an archeologist.”

Kelen continued to circle around the stack. One skeleton caught her attention, and what she saw brought more tears to her eyes. “Oh, sweet Jesus.”

“What?” someone called from the other side of the room.

Crouching down, she stared at the slight figure clutching the tiny replicate to its chest. A mother and infant.

A figure cast a shadow over her shoulder. She knew who it was without having to look. “She died comforting her baby,” she murmured.

“Physician, can you tell what killed them?” Massapa inquired from a few meters away.

“No. But I can tell you they died all around the same time. This wasn’t something that occurred over time. From the condition of the remains, the amount of decay is consistent with each skeleton.”

“Can you determine how long ago they died?” Kyber inquired from behind her.

Kelen heard the doctor sigh. From the sound of it, she knew what the man would say.

“There is no way I can deduce that. I don’t know the cycle this planet makes around the sun. I know nothing about the length of its days and nights. Even less about its seasons and weather patterns. Plus, there could have been insects and other creatures which may have feasted on them. These people could have died years ago, or weeks.” He closed his scanner with a click. “There is one thing, however, I can tell you. These people weren’t in any physical agony when they passed away. In total fear for their lives, yes. But they didn’t suffer.”

“I don’t get you, Doc,” Fullgrath rumbled.

“I do.” Kyber placed a hand on Kelen’s shoulder. She felt the slight tug, beckoning her away from the bodies. She obeyed without question, although she couldn’t tear her eyes from the fragile skeleton that would forever clutch the tinier one to its nonexistent chest. The sight of it would haunt her forever.

“What kind of room is this?” Tojun inquired. “Why would they come here to die?”

“I would think the more important question would be what were they hiding from?” Jules observed. “What terrified them to the point where they’d all gather here?”

Kelen paused as an awful thought came to her.

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