Alone

Chapter 20: Stepping Out

Shepherd POV

We've been sitting in this tiny, crowded, dirty hut for a couple hours now. I'm not very happy right now and all I want to do is leave this stupid planet with Alicia and leave this Burbick alien guy behind. The both of them have been whispering back and forth and occasionally laughing with each other and I have to admit I am getting a little jealous.

This guy is handsome, just like the rest of the people on this planet and he's able to talk to Alicia without any issues unlike me. She makes me extremely nervous so I'm either a jerk to her or I'm quiet and that's not how I want our relationship to go. I better step up my game or this guy is going to win her favor.

He's tall and even though he is a pink alien he is a lighter shade of pink and his skin color isn't too far off from ours. His silver hair is also clean cut with a faux hawk unlike my hair which I cut into a basic military style when I got the chance to clean up on the ship.

Not only does he have super model good looks but apparently he's also a genius! So him and Alicia are able to discuss topics that I have no idea about. It's like they have their own language when they start to talk about science and whatever else they've been discussing for the past 2 hours.

I've just been sitting here, stewing in my jealousy while I watch them talk and laugh.

I know I sound ridiculous but I can't help it, I'm really starting to fall for Alicia and he will just get in the way.

We can't stay in this hut forever and we definitely need to get to the ship before dawn breaks. "Hey guys, we should start making our way back to the ship before dawn." I stand up and head for the door.

"Where is your ship and how have you guys been able to hide it?" Burbick asks.

Ugh, this guy asks alot of questions. Alicia gets up behind me but turns around to answer him. "You are in for quite the surprise! I'm glad you're coming with us, Burbick. You're going to see and learn so many new things and I'm so excited!"

Well, she's happy he is with us so I can't "accidentally " lose him...this is just great...not.

We make our way out of the hut and I try to get my bearings so I can figure out where the ship is and where we are and the safest way to get back. "We're not too far from where we left the ship, so just stay behind me, follow close, and stay quiet. " I make my way forward through the woods and back out to the village. They both listen to me and stay close. Alicia is right behind me, still holding the back of my shirt like she's afraid she might get left behind and it's so cute. Burbick is behind her but he is keeping his hands to himself which he better continue to do unless he wants to add another bruise to that pretty face of his.

He has been nice and helpful so far and I know I have no reason not to trust him but it's hard. Maybe, when we're back on the ship, I will try to make a better attempt at being nicer to him. Maybe not.

We get back to the village and I lead us all back into the dark shadows and alleys to keep us covered from any peering eyes. The ship is on the other side of the village so we still have a way to go but I'm trying to be quick and stay quiet.

We get close to the edge of the village and we're almost near our ship when I signal everyone to stop. I want to make sure it's completely clear before we run into the woods where we left the ship. I don't want to take any chances.

I look around but I don't see anything so I slowly take a few steps forward. Suddenly, a screech echoes through the night and it makes us all jump. I push Alicia and Burbick back into the dark alley way and take cover. I look at Burbick for answers and he points to the sky. We all crowd closer together so we can hear him clearly, "It's the Jawa bird. They're enormous and can fly. They live on the cliffs by the sea but they venture out onto the continent during the night looking for food. We should wait here until it's gone or it might get one of us and yes, they will eat you."

I remember seeing those when we were checking out the planet. They looked vicious and had large pointy teeth and their wing span was approximately 10 feet across. I take Burbick's advice and stay put.

I try to listen carefully to my surroundings so I can hear if the Jawa bird is still around. Another loud screech rings through the air and it sounds like the monster is hovering above us. "It's right above us and might be circling. We need to stay low and make a run for the ship."

Alicia looks terrified and so does Burbick so I try my best to reassure them. "I turned the sonic g*n to silent so if it gets close I'll shoot it. Alicia, you know where the ship is from here so you take the lead and Burbick will follow you. I'll stay a little ways behind you both and cover you guys. Don't look back, just keep running until you reach the ship." They both try to object but I silence them before they have a chance to argue.

Alicia moves to the front but turns around to face me and take a hold of my hand in hers. "You better be careful and get to the ship too!" My heart starts racing and I almost forget about our current situation. I nod my head and smile and she turns back around.

All of us take a few steps out of the alley and the Jawa bird screeches again. I look up and see it circling us. I signal for them to start running and the Jawa bird swoops low and barely misses the top of Burbick's head. It flies off to the side but quickly turns around to try again. We are almost to the tree line and once there we will have some cover and almost be at the ship. I take a defensive stance and aim the sonic g*n at the Jawa bird. Alicia and Burbick are almost there but the Jawa dives and aimes directly for Alicia. I take my aim and fire...the Jawa bird screeches again as it gets hit by the sonic rays, then falls to the ground with a loud thump.

I can no longer see my companions so they must have made it safely to the ship. I keep running and jump over the Jawa bird and head into the darkness of the woods.

I make it to the clearing where we parked our ship and find the back hatch open so I take a few more steps and get inside. As soon as I'm inside I can hear Alicia giggling so I look over to her and she's looking at Burbick. He is frozen in place, still standing in the back of the ship. His eyes are as wide as saucers while he looks all around and his mouth is hanging open as well. It is pretty funny so I smile a little as well.

"This place is incredible," he states and continues to look around in awe.

Alicia smiles again and says, "You haven't seen anything yet buddy."