Into the Code : Ark Survival Evolved : Book 1

Chapter 17 : Tales of the Campfire

Thompson : "Well, it's about Jackal. He's been subtly making everyone more on edge ever since he's gotten here. And I'm bringing this to you because he is... well....."

Ben : "Keep going...."

I reassure him so I can get more details out of him. I was putting effort into masking my seething anger towards the forced welcomer.

Thompson : "He's trying to make Mira his mate... And his methods are rather disgusting in my opinion. He keeps rambling over when he gets his claws around her when she finishes with the updates."

I could hear his distaste for the new member, or now the scoundrel that was this newcomer in my eyes. I knew from right away that weird grin he gave me when we first met meant trouble, but I didn't have anything to act on this hunch. With Thompsons insight to the situation, I had a strong foothold on this hunch. I just needed to wait and act on it at the precise moment.

Ben : "I'll keep my ear open. I can't really say or do anything since I've only been around him for literally 5 minutes. Be a little weird immediately investigating someone like that."

Thompson : "I agree. I just wished for you to know of this as soon as possible. I did not inform Alex of this yet because I think you are better fit to deal with possible threats."

Ben : "And why is that?"

I sit on the edge of my bed, facing Thomspon with my hands closed in my lap.

Thompson : "Well, Alex seems to be better set for more friendly situations. You look like you can take charge of a situation and make a point clear if you felt like it."

Ben : "And now I do. I really do appreciate you bringing this to me. Thank you Thompson."

He gave a quick nod before dismissing him from my room. I lay back down now absorbing all of the new information in.

Ben : "Oh and Thompson."

He stopped at the doorway to face me.

Ben : "Careful of Plyia now, she's a real surprise."

I playfully winked at him as I finished the sentence. He looked confused at first, but something clicked in his head because he quickly shut the door and walked off. I laughed out loud at this before laying back down on my bed to process everything.

Ben : "Hey Uro."

Uro : "Yes?"

He was quick to answer, which I had a good feeling he knew what was about to go down.

Ben : "Be on standby."

Uro : "Understood."

He replied with sadistic intent. We both were on the same page on something for once. Spooky, but very satisfying.

I get up from my bed, start crafting a few extra sets of metal tools before throwing them in the storage bin. I head out of my room and walk out of the base. I spotted the campfire where everyone was huddled around. I thaad gotten significantly darker now, the skys almost being completely dark.

Everyone was nearly shoulder to shoulder, with Alex sitting behind the fire ominously. I was betting he was telling them some of his good campfire stories from back home. My guess was proven correct as I hear him speaking in a low narrative voice. I circle around the benches to find an opening within the seats, Alex now right behind the miniature blaze, telling one of his many stories from his arsenal.

Alex : "He felt bad for the man, so he bought..."

He paused to look up at me.

Alex : "Oh hey Ben, just started a scary story."