Hunted

Chapter 18: Fading

The altered state the device placed Haley in was still a marvel to him, but he had so much on his mind and had been in this odd universe enough that he was able to ignore the sights and wonder of it all and simply think. It was actually, he realized, somewhat comforting that he could be here, alone, as if taking a breather from reality, a reality that had become much too harsh lately.

He circled casually, not paying any particular attention to where he was or where he was going, not that it really would have mattered. Landing on Mars Station he now believed to be a fluke. He wasn't sure where he was, and the hazy star field that surrounded him like a spherical shell meant little to him, as he had been a man who kept his feet, his gaze, and his thoughts firmly planted on Earth. Funny how quickly things can change.

Haley considered whether or not it would be wise to try to find a populated world. On one hand, he would have to deal with the disease story, and might open himself up to capture. On the other hand, he was realistically lost in space, and unless he found a place where he could ask a few questions and get his bearings, he would have a difficult time getting back to Earth.

The blackness started to probe toward him again. Preoccupied as he was, it was almost as if it was sneaking up on him, but it would never be able to sweep over him before he noticed it, no matter how distracted he was. He sighed tiredly, or at least thought a sigh in his mind. In his current state, he wasn't sure what was happening to his body. He knew he felt free from physical aches and pains, but there was no relief for the mind, and the blackness reminded him always of the limited nature of his physical existence.

Like an old pro now, he soared toward several worlds. Two turned him aside, but the third welcomed him with open arms. He noted on none of the three any signs of civilization like that which had drawn him to Mars Station. Overall, the universe was a very empty place.

The world was dark, just like the place he had last visited, but there was no biting cold or stinging wind here. Instead, the temperature was quite comfortable, and a full moon lit the landscape well enough for him to see his immediate surroundings without too much difficulty. Because of that moon, he decided there would be no point trying to move to the lit side of the world, so he pocketed the device.

Again he had landed in a wooded area, but this one was lush, the trees heavy with foliage, the ground covered by long grass and an assortment of plants, most with long, snake-like limbs growing in abundance. A stream flowed twenty meters to his left. In the darkness, he could hear soft insect sounds, noises that made him feel more at ease than fearful of this place, another alien world. It was like a summer night in the country back home.

The only thing that Haley found not to his liking was the oppressive atmosphere. The air was humid and hung heavily, like an invisible mist. It seemed there should be a dense fog all around, and although he could see nothing, he could feel it. His clothes seemed to draw moisture from the air so they could cling to his body like sticky, sweat-soaked rags.

Haley inhaled tentatively, then took a deeper breath. Even though the air was heavy, it smelled and tasted good to him, clean and cool, like after a summer storm. The sound of the rolling stream reminded him that it had been some time since he had had food or water. As if to confirm the thought, his stomach tightened another notch and his mouth went dry. For just an instant he regretted not looking for some of the food and drink Walker must have kept aboard a ship, but then he remembered Max.

Haley stepped toward the stream, the ground moist and soft and yielding slightly to his weight, but firm enough to provide a stable walking surface. He knelt down and cupped the liquid in his hands. It was refreshingly cold.

He sniffed at it, then took a drop with his tongue. He swallowed and waited, then smiled, finding nothing wrong with it. Its clean, clear taste was rather reminiscent of water bubbling directly from a spring back home, something he had been privileged enough to enjoy on two occasions. He vigorously swallowed several handfuls, then splashed it freely onto his face. Maybe when morning came, he would take a bath. He tried not to think about what he must smell like. Funny that Walker, considering his disdainful attitude toward Haley-probably toward almost everyone-hadn't said anything.