Starship Desolation by Tripp Ellis Page A

where it’s warm and sleep all day too. But you’re in the UPDF now. And UPDF Marines don’t get cold.”
    Bailey looked up at him with big sad blue eyes.
    “Don’t look at me like that.” The two stared at each other for a moment. “Okay, fine. Stay here. But I’m moving on.” Walker took a few steps. “Don’t come crying to me when you get lonely.”
    Bailey whimpered but stayed at the mouth of the burrow.
    Walker stopped and looked back at him. “C’mon boy.”
    But Bailey wasn’t having any of this cold nonsense.
    Walker sighed. “New recruits,” he muttered as he marched back to Bailey. He slung his pack from his shoulders and set it on the ground. He pulled out a small blanket. He wrapped Bailey up and put him in the pack with his head protruding out. Then he sealed the pack around him to keep him warm. He hoisted the pack onto his back. Bailey rode piggy back, surveying the terrain over Walker’s shoulder. He was like a king, and Walker was his personal chauffeur.
    “Happy now?”
    Bailey barked.
    “I think you’re faking it just to get a free ride.”
    Walker marched toward the mountains. He stayed on solid ground, making sure to avoid dunes, or mounds of sand, or anything else that might indicate a creature burrowed underneath.
    Once the sun was peeking over the horizon, Bailey was ready to climb out of the pack. It was that time of morning that felt pleasant and tropical. Walker let him out and Bailey followed along on foot. Bailey had no problem keeping up with Walker as he jogged.
    By the time they reached the mountainous region, Walker was exhausted. He felt like he had sweated out enough liquid to fill a swimming pool. He guzzled down some of his water, and let Bailey drink his fill. But at this rate, their water supply was going to go fast. Dehydration was going to become a serious concern.
    Walker’s exposed skin was already red and peeling from sun exposure. The UV light emanating from the sun was intense. The thinner atmosphere wasn’t shielding out as much of it. It didn’t seem to bother Bailey at all. His skin was built for this climate.
    The two snaked their way into a canyon. Its sheer cliffs would provide shade from the sun in the mornings and afternoons. But noon was fast approaching. And there was another problem. Walker got the distinct impression that something was following them. Another predator, out there, stalking them.
    A falling rock. A blur of movement out of the corner of his eye. A gut feeling. That’s all he had to go on. But it was enough. He had learned long ago to trust that little voice that whispered in the back of his mind. Every time he had ignored that feeling, he had wished he’d listened.
    Walker marched through the canyon and found an overhang that provided cover. The massive rock jutted out at an almost perpendicular angle. Walker and Bailey climbed into the protective alcove and took shelter. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but it might get them through the hottest part of the day. Hopefully the rocks would radiate enough warmth to get them through the night.
    Noon was tough. The reflection of the sun on the bright sand was blinding. It was enough to burn your retina, if you stared at it long enough. Every breath of air was like fire. Nothing moved on the surface of this planet at midday. Not even bugs.
    As the afternoon began to cool, Walker set out to find some wood for a fire. The only vegetation on this rotten planet were the twisted thorn-filled trees. He used his tactical sword to hack the branches. The blade had serrations near the hilt. It wasn’t as good as a saw, but with some effort, it worked. He cut down a few trees and carried the wood back to the campsite, making several trips. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes were upon him.
    After the sun dipped down below the horizon, Walker made a fire. He and Bailey huddled around it and ate some rations. It almost felt like camping. All they needed were some marshmallows. But this