Iron M.O.R.G.U.E.

Invasive Species: Part One Competition ——————————————————— July 5th, 1947 31 days after the crash of the League of Intergalactic Governments Lunar Vehicle #426 Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico 40 miles from El Hora Dorada, New Mexico ——————————————————— “Richard I swear to God if you’re fucking with us!” Daniel stayed close as his father screamed out, his hand resting on his .38 in its holster, as he rapidly looked around at the trees with his flashlight. It’d be hours since they’d seen Richard, his father’s brother and his uncle, who had left only to check the traps. “We n-need to call someone.” It was a simple request, an innocent one, but his father quickly shot it down. “You know damn well why we can’t, we’re on our own out here.” Daniel gently bit his tongue, an old habit from his youth, as he muttered, “We should have just waited, rifle season was only-” “I’m not letting some government tell me when I can and can’t h-Christ we’re not getting into this right now. We need to find your uncle. Once we do we can spend all night talking about the political topic of goddamn off season hunting.” Daniel went to speak, simply to agree with him, when his foot hit something that seemed to squish under his weight. He froze in place, terrified to look down, as his eyes darted over to his father. His father simply stared at Daniel, his hands clutching so tightly on his Winchester that his knuckles were pale white, before the pair reluctantly looked at the forest floor. Daniel immediately stumbled back, gasping in horror, as blood splattered along his pant legs from the sudden movement. It was a man’s lower half. Judging by those horrid white boots, it was Richard’s lower half. And it was fresh. Daniel’s gaze left this grisly sight and rested on his father, his gaze still locked on the gore at their feet, as Daniel tried to speak, “Da-” His father quickly put a finger to his lips, his bloodshot eyes gradually shifting to Daniel as tears fell, before pointing skyward. “Listen.” Daniel stayed silent, just letting the wind carry whatever his father had heard, when he finally noticed it. Chewing, flesh tearing, bones breaking. Whatever had killed Uncle Richard was still here; and it was close. Real close. Daniel rapidly moved the flashlight around, his father tracking the light, before a glint caught both of their attentions. It was blood, practically repainting a bush red, and it was still dripping. Slowly, methodically, Daniel raised the flashlight towards the tree tops. When they finally saw the source, Daniel’s blood went cold. It was slumped over the top half, what was left at least, of Uncle Richard, its lower mandibles slicing through his flesh like a freshly sharpened knife, as its claws dug into the intestines trying to pour out. The sight made Daniel gag, but any thought of rediscovering his breakfast left the second that thing turned its head to investigate. It still chewed, lazily now, as it regarded the pair like they were curious scavengers wanting a piece. Daniel drew his .38, his finger pressed lightly on the trigger, as the creature casually let go of its catch. “Daniel.” His eyes darted to his father, “Get to the car and head to town. Get help.” The creature was starting to growl, little black spines along its arms rattling like a pissed off cobra, as it reared back. “Run.” The creature pounced, leaving Daniel no time to argue, before his father’s quick trigger gave it a .30-30 for its trouble. The hit knocked it off its path, causing it to hit a tree, before it swiftly turned towards his father and let out a nightmarish scream that almost sounded like Uncle Richard. Daniel, finally, turned and bolted. He didn’t stop for the gunshots. He didn’t stop for his father’s screams. And he tried his best to not notice the creature’s screams getting gradually louder. He only had one goal now. To get home alive. (To be continued) (Credits down below)