The Zeta Strain

Chapter 6

A monstrous metallic orb descends from the great walls of Eridu, shaking the ground the beneath our feet with it's humming presence. Saleem's guards make way for the giant craft as it slowly makes its way down to the large opening in the town square. 

"I hope you're ready for this! We have special plans for you and your infected brother!" Says Saleem, now almost laughing through his teeth. It sickens me to see them win in such a way, but at least I tried. Like I said, I would die to save my brother. 

The craft is obviously very advanced technology, unlike anything that I've ever witnessed before. I've seen sentries arrive to provide rations, but their ships look nothing like this. Primitive at best when you compare them visually. Someone very important has been sent to dispatch my brother and I. But who? This remains to be seen as a blinding light pours out of the opening metal orb. Everybody around can't help but look on as a spectacle unfolds right in front of our eyes. This sleek technology, what was it housing? Such a beautiful sight but so threatening at the same time. I sit in gut wrenching desperation, anxious to find out for my own self.

Just then, three sentries march in a single file line out of the orb. From behind the sentries walks a menacing looking figure wearing a sleek, skin-tight metallics suit with a long black cape draped over his shoulders. The crest on his cape signifies he is of high status. Possibly a military official. I sit, more terrified and eager than I have ever been in my life. This is the moment I have been feeling in my psyche all day. That bad feeling I was having. I look around at my captors, then at the looming threat walking towards me. I am ready. Nothing they will do can be as bad as life without my brother. Nothing. 

The sentries make way for the man in this intimidating metal suit. His black cape mixed with the menacing red glowing eyes of his battle suit add to his already ominous presence. I can feel evil radiating from him. He approaches slowly, walking towards me at a very deliberate pace. His energy is off the charts, my psyling instincts are picking it up even though I bury them deep inside me at this point. Saleem and his guards make way for this menacing metallic man and his squad of centuries. All the while Saleem snickers on as watch from the corner of my eye. My focus is on the man in the metal suit right now, I'll worry about Saleem later. 

"So this is the prisoner?" Says the man in the battle suit to Saleem. He turns his back to me, not even acknowledging me as a human being. I already despise this person.

"Well, no... No this isn't the prisoner in question. That one is in my residence. However, this is his brother!" Says Saleem grinning all the while. I can tell that even he is afraid of this metal man from the metal walls. 

Just then, the man in the metal suit turns around and stares at me. His glowing eyes pierce my soul with his menacing gaze. He slowly walks towards me at a sand slugs pace examining me with every step. I'm helpless right now forced to my knees and surrounded by Saleem's guard. I can do absolutely nothing in this situation but watch him as he stalks me like hunted game. 

Saleem's guards force me to my feet, as the man in the metal suits inspection of me continues. His presence makes me nervous as I cannot get a clear read on him. I usually can get a read on anyone, but I guess his suit is advanced technology that hinders my powers. One thing is for certain though, he is evil to the core. I can feel that. 

"Let go of the boy!" Shouts the man in the metal suit. Saleem's guards instantly let go, leaving me to the metal man's will.