THE MONSTER

 

Tuesday January 14 - 1704 CST

One day until Turbocharger activates

 

The sun was almost completely below the horizon and I found myself in an ambush hole far too close to the warrens of the prey animals. My instincts told me that the vegetation between two of their constructs would be safe because as the light waned prey animals sought shelter within the things they built. In their slow minds the walls would keep out things like me.

But all I had to do was wait. Eventually one of the stupider ones would wander out alone and in the darkness. That would be my next meal. But these baffling creatures did the unexpected. As the day's light waned instead of retreating inside they came out and congregated. Big crowds of them had formed and lined the hard path that ran between their lairs. And that left me in a predicament I had trouble finding a way out of.

Burrowed into the soil as I was they wouldn't see me. But I couldn't hunt this way, just wait. And if I tried to move I would be spotted. Then the prey would cry out and their hunters would be summoned to slay me. Neither path was for me. I needed to build up my energy reserves. Soon it would be time to lay eggs, and they would need the nutrients.

Those offspring would grow strong because on this world there was food in plentiful numbers and not a single other hunter to compete with. My line would grow strong and prosper.

If I could find a way out of this predicament then this world stood no chance against my children. But first, I would need to be patient and wait for the right moment to make my move.

And so I sit. Silent, motionless, ready to strike.