The Last Scoundrel by Jonathan Yanez & Ross Buzell

Author:Jonathan Yanez & Ross Buzell [Yanez, Jonathan & Buzell, Ross]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Archimedes Books
Published: 2024-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

20

INGRESS

Burying his shoulder into the creature, Dax dug his toes into the ground and pushed as hard as he could. Kane used his free hand to help. Dax’s suit locked into place after each step to stop him from moving backward.

The mound of fur, muscle and fat slowly started to roll. Dax drove himself forward. Once on its shoulder, the beast’s weight carried it and it rolled onto its back. He turned to see Kane sitting up and withdrawing his helmet. The mustachioed man coughed. It slowly morphed into a chuckle.

“Did we just caveman kill a wolf bear?” Kane asked.

Dax walked over to the former soldier and gave him a hand up.

“That we did, and fortunately, ooga didn’t get booga’ed,” Dax replied, inspecting Kane’s armor. “Your suit looks like it’s still in one piece.”

“It is. I don’t think twenty-five-hundred pounds of compressive force is going to get through this,” he replied, tapping his armor. “How’s yours?”

Dax looked down. There were scuffs and nearly imperceptible dents where its teeth clamped down on him.

“I think I’m good too. I didn’t get any critical failure warnings.”

Kane turned toward the dead creature. A sadness filled his eyes while his shoulders dropped.

“Such a waste. An animal kill should always have every piece of it used.”

“What if we move it to the forest edge and have Mark stop here so we can load it up before we leave. We can always clean it later,” Dax suggested.

“That’ll take time away from our mission.”

“Yes, but we can make it up; we’re fast,” Dax replied. “And I’m right there with you. An animal shouldn’t just go to waste, it’s disrespectful to the creature and even nature itself.”

Kane’s brow furrowed. He scoffed as he looked Dax up and down.

“Professor, I didn’t think you’d have such an enlightened view on dead animals.”

Dax moved toward the branch. He grabbed it and yanked it free from the animal before grabbing its oversized paw and starting to pull. Kane quickly joined, sliding the beast across the forest floor.

“What did you expect?” Dax asked.

“I don’t know, some sniveling comeback about how we should’ve just let it live and found a way to exist harmoniously together,” Kane teased.

Dax continued to pull while looking at Kane in confusion. He pursed his lips for a few seconds before giving a yank that helped the body over a small fallen tree.

“You did see what I did to those bugs, right? And then to Znanstvenk Henuva. And you’re surprised I’m not whining over the death of a wolf bear that tried to eat me?” Dax asked.

“Eh, the bugs are bugs, I get those,” Kane countered with a shrug. “And Henuva…while it was a bit extreme, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done something similar to get one of you guys back either. But this thing was just trying to get a meal to survive.”

“A bit extreme?” Dax scoffed. “I crossed a line so badly that it’s practically a dot. I, admittedly, feel a little bit guilty about it. I’m sure

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