Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Divide and Conquer

As she sat above Merco's head she noticed the giant alien begin to become more intense. Typically, he acted relaxed and friendly, but now his hands were fiddling with the knife, turning and rolling it before holding it with a powerful grip. His eyes were almost blank but intense. She'd honestly never seen him look like that before. Merco had told them all of his experience in war but few had ever seen him act violently. And even his "violent" acts had been restrained. Anu had the distinct feeling there would be no restraint in the coming battle and a chill passed through her.

...

Soon thereafter...

Gurt had pursued the small group of little flying aliens through the trees but had no success in capturing any. The predatory part of him was of course exhilarated with the whole chase, but the more impatient side of him was starting to grow weary of this endeavor. He wasn't sure if he cared how much money Cresh said these things might be worth. He'd never know if he ate a few more...they were tasty. As he stalked further through the small trees, they seemed to be retreating to a tall rocky landmass that jutted up above the forest as a natural marker. Perhaps that was where they lived and there'd be more?

It didn't take him too long to reach the massive landmark and around it the small trees seemed to thin out into rocky upward ascending rocks. He could see several of the little aliens dart toward the rocky landmark and take shelter in the crevices and cracks. A bit more work than he first thought, but nothing he couldn't handle. He stalked toward the rocks, scenting with his tongue which told him where each one was hiding. Everything living radiated some sort of scent and his species could discern each one as a hazy colored cloud. The brighter the color the closer the victim.

As he drew closer however a second scent caught his attention; one he didn't expect at all. He lifted his head, tongue flicking rapidly to draw in as much information as he could to make sure he wasn't mistaken...but he wasn't. He smelled a human.

"There's no way..."

And that's when something sizable landed on his back.

Gurt instinctually bucked his head forward, tucking his throat down to try and throw the attacker clinging to his back off of him. He could feel a blade slashing and stabbing just behind his head, vying for his eyes and jaw. It hurt a bit but more than anything it made him mad. Gurt snarled and reached around and snagged what felt like the attacker's shirt. He clawed harder and gripped flesh to which a grunt of pain rewarded him. With a hard toss he chucked the attacker over his shoulder and down the rocky slope.

His scenting didn't lie to him...what he saw was a human male. He was dressed in a strangely colored short sleeved shirt, sported a full but tended beard and mustache, held a knife, and most notably to Gurt he saw the familiar black elbow-length glove.

"Son of a bitch...you survived." He growled as the human recovered and righted himself in a crouched position, knife at the ready.

"Surprised?" the human retorted, maintaining his knife-fighting stance.

Gurt rumbled with enthusiasm and began circling, "Partly...but that can be fixed."

The man shrugged, knife still ready, "I'm gonna need your ship."

Gurt growled, "I'll bet you do."

"If you won't surrender it to me I'll take it by force."

The Gret'nal flicked his tongue with bright eyes, "Tell ya what human. You can get a free ride on the ship. I'll be sure to throw your body in the freezer to keep you fresh after I kill you."

"Figured you'd say that." The man conceded, "Just thought I'd give you a chance to surrender."

...