Opodiam: A Space Story

Chapter Three | Leaping Canis lupus Familiaris Monstera.

“Lucas! Hurry up!” Taylor whined. Every three steps we took, Lucas had to take a photo of each new plant, then scan it with the O.S.

    “Oh, would you prefer to get burned by this…” He read the screen, then looked back up to the blonde: “This Red Pinnata Combust??” Lucas pointed to a tiny looking red dahlia flower.

    “Sure, Lucas, this cute little flower is gonna jump up and set me on fire!” She replied sarcastically. Taylor stepped over to the plant, then pulled it out of the ground. The red petals turned a vibrant orange, and started hissing at her the longer she held on. “Ouch!! What the hecking--ew!” Taylor dropped the dahlia on the ground, then jumped away as if there was a lobster-sized spider crawling in her hair.

    “You’re right! The plant wasn’t going to hop up and attack you! But you attacked it, so it put up it’s defense mechanism. Plus, ‘combustion’ means to burn, not to get set on fire.” The two continued to bicker, while I went ahead to check out what we had left to explore.

    Before we got here, the land seemed like it had been untouched; everything was natural and vibrant. There was a short tunnel in front of us that led us to the other side of the island--and even though the tunnel wasn’t long, it sure seemed dangerous.

    “Hey, Lucas? You mind scanning that general fascinity?” I motioned toward the small section, and he nodded.

    “We could always go around it.” Taylor pointed out.

    “Well, yes, but how will we learn more about this planet if we don’t explore it?” I threw back at her. She pushed her mouth to the side, then folded her arms.

    “Well, you guys can get eaten by giant leaves--I’m going around.” Taylor looked very hesitant, but she stayed stubborn. “And if I die, then I die.”

    I let out a small laugh, then shrugged. “Okay. Just don’t touch anything.” She nodded, and started on her own new trail around the tunnel.

    “You want me to go with her?” Lucas asked me.

    “Taylor’s a big girl, she can make it.”

    I grabbed a small pocket knife from the belt on my suit, and walked behind Lucas as he scanned our entire surroundings.

    “The only dangers here seems to be the Moccasin Brachyura, which is basically just a soft brown crab.” He pointed out with an accomplished smile.

    “Oh, so it’ll run away from us?”

    “As long as you stay away from it’s nest, then yeah.”

    We continued stepping over rocks and pushing leaves out of our faces, until we finally made it outside again.

    “Get off of me, you bouncy dog-faced rat!” Lucas and I turned our heads in unison toward the screaming blonde girl twelve feet away--who was spinning around and kicking a springy fluff-ball off of her.

    “What is that??” I asked Lucas as I hit his arm. “Hurry: scan it! Is it dangerous??” He lifted the small gun-shaped machine to the creature that was hopping around our friend, then read what the screen said, out loud.

    “The Leaping Canis Lupus Familiaris Monstera is a dog-like creature that is pacifist and loyal. It is a herbivore, due to it’s digestive system. If this creature is fed meat, it won’t be able to grow like it is suppose to, and that could rupture it’s organs if it is not already at it’s maximum growth. These creatures can live up to fourteen years, and this specific one is only three years of age. Once it finds the master it feels is right for them, it will not leave it’s side, and will be a protective side-companion for as long as it lives! Treat it well, and it will treat you the same.” Lucas paused for a small second, then smiled. “So basically, it’s fine, and Taylor’s just exaggerating.”