Xeno-Planet

The Other Apex of Alaria

Night falls upon Alaria’s grand valley. The valley is now dim. It would be peaceful if it weren’t for one thing. The small creatures hide within bushes and trees. The large ones sleep in protective circles around their young. Through the dense trees walks the apex of the woods. It was feared by all of the denizens.
Upon its snout were three horns they could be laid down or fully brought up. This ability is used to show its status among its species and other creatures. Its entire body other than its head was a light gray color. Whilst its head was a dark orange with dark stripes. In its mouth were hundreds of razor sharp teeth in a rather unorganized manner. It was 55 ft long and 18 ft tall. It had arms that were each 8 ft long and on its hands were four fingers and an opposable thumb. Running along its back was osteoderm plating granting it additional defense. Similar to a Death Adder, the tip of its tail was a blade of hardened scales. It only had two eyes. The sclera of its eyes were yellow. It had no irises but rather vertical pupils.
Each of its five senses were honed to perfection. It was able to sniff out even the most hidden smell in a radius of 8 miles. It could see perfectly both in the day and the night. It was able to taste even the most subtle flavors of its food. It could hear the quietest sounds in its vicinity. And finally, its sense of touch informed it about external environments its feet and hands touched.
This creature was the ultimate predator. A true alpha. Its name was the Ultima Rex. It stalked the forest at the night time. Hunting for its late night meal. Then it smelt something. A foreign smell from something it never knew. It was a few miles away and thus the Ultima Rex made its way towards the smell.
The smell was from Captain Harlow White, Xeno-Biologist Sarah Harrmen, and Head Security Officer Keegan. Their pods had all landed by each other and they helped each other to survive. Keegan’s survival skills paired with Sarah’s knowledge and Captain Harlow’s leadership proved to be an effective grouping. They had set up a fire and were cooking the meat of a Xenoppossum. “You two split it. I don’t feel like eating.” said Keegan whilst sharpening his knife. “Oh nonsense. There’s enough meat for three people and we’re on an alien planet. You have to eat something.” Sarah responded. “Listen to her, Keegan. If we want to have as much energy as possible to fight off the threats of this world and find the rest of the crew.” Captain Harlow said. Keegan listened to avoid them whining and took his share of the food.
As he took a bite he heard a rustle in the bush behind him. He put down his food and prepared to kill. Out of the bush leaped a Mortem Raptor. It missed Keegan and ran for his food. However, before it could steal it the Raptor sensed something. A few moments later the Mortem Raptor ran away as fast as its legs could carry it. “The hell was that about?” Keegan asked.
Then they all felt it. The ground was shaking. The trees were rustling. And it was getting more noticeable every second. “Sarah, Keegan, grab your stuff. I have a feeling that something’s coming our way.” said Captain Harlow. Keegan picked up his radiation rifle and prepared to fire. He aimed it in the direction the trees were rustling in. And then he waited.
But, just as the rumbling grew its loudest, he was lifted into the air. Tossed into the sky by what had caused the rumbling. Under the pale moonlight he was swallowed almost immediately. The dark jaws of the beast claimed him. Captain Harlow picked up the rifle that was dropped and looked toward the beast. The moonlight lit the creature up and showed its entire form. The Ultima Rex had come for its meal.
Captain Harlow let out one shot towards the apex. It merely bounced off of the osteoderms of the Ultima Rex. It looked at him with eyes not of primitive rage. But rather, intrigue. Captain Harlow froze when he looked into the eyes of the Ultima. He told himself it was only an animal. But, when looking into its eyes there was a methodical look to it. In the mind of the Ultima Rex it was forming thoughts until it came to the conclusion that decided the fate of Harlow and Sarah.
“They are smaller. So, they are food.” the Ultima Rex thought. And so in a quick motion it grabbed Harlow. He fired rounds of Radiation Bullets from the rifle. But they did nothing. The Ultima Rex bit him in half. Then it ate the half that remained. Sarah was scared but she made an effort. She ran away as fast as possible into the forest.