The LEVELER King ✔

CHAPTER 11

Knowing there was no longer aide to find, Nala rushed back to Indel's burial site.

She broke through the brush top speed and came to a silent halt in time to find Smith digging at a second hole.

The Earther, strange suit and all, worked sluggishly against the heat. He was only two holes away from Dilen. Three before he reached Indel.

Nala stepped back and crouched down. It wasn't enough to hope the Earther found Dilen first and stopped at that.

Smith's tools were better. He was still slower than a Summoner at digging, but he'd manage it in time.

Glancing back confirmed Nala's fears; the Levelers weren't coming.

Short of attacking the man, Nala could think of no other outcome. If she injured an Earther, other Earth-men would come. Or worse yet, she'd have to try and tend to him. And Smith would take retribution. And what of the caves?

"Alpha Walker one. Come in. Do you read? Any signs of hostiles?"

Smith slammed down the shovel. "Negative," he screeched back. "It's like they all up and left. Make a note of it, but not of my location."

"Copy that."

"Oh, and Jones. This'll be our biggest fucking payday yet. You shoulda seen the size of this thing. It's fucking massive. The longest tail ever. Maybe even bigger than the fabled Level King."

A screech came with a chuckle. "Hot damn. It'll be whores and booze. Be safe out there. You never know what you'll get with a red one. Better off sticking to the blues. Easier to round up."

"Not on your life. Reds are more potent. This is one we can't pass up. It'll make up for having to live through this fucking Shakespearean nightmare. Oh, Earther, oh Earther, don't take my fucking tail, Earther."

"Well, I heard that the ones on the other side of the planet got the hip-hop tutorial when we first landed. Can you imagine it?"

Smith dug another empty hole, his voice muffled by the white suit as he cursed, "Fuck!"

Swallowing down her rampant hearts, Nala stood and charged. She tucked her head down, striking Smith in the back.

The Earther dropped the shovel at least, but he drew something else—one of his strange fire pistols.

Nala froze, her hands extended. "Mr. Smith...."

Unable to see Smith's face behind the helmet, Nala held her ground.

"I'm sorry, sir...I didn't know it was you," Nala lied.

Smith stepped to the right. Nala matched him, going opposite him—all the better if he'd shift away from Indel's hiding place.

"I...I have the Leveler, sir. He's...he's at the barn. Is that why you've come?"

The Earther's dark eyes held suspicion.

"What are you doing here?" Smith demanded.

"I..." Nala struggled for an answer. "I...."

A strange scratching noise came from the ground. And then Nala saw why. The reeds to help the Levelers breathe were gone. Smith must have pulled them all up.

One hand struck through the soil, then another. Little by little, Dilen's mangled head came into view. The Leveler had dug his way out.

All was quiet until he used the last of his strength to free himself, turning onto his back to rest.

"My specimen!"

Nala looked between them then darted for Smith and that weapon. She caught hold only once before it went off.