Three weeks passed, Nu Jab and I feel into a routine. Everyday we woke up, hunted or foraged, ate breakfast, fetched water or took a dip, and work on the den. So far we made him a comfortable bed, improved mine, a throne for him, gathered furs to place on the ground, a wooden mini shovel, more spears, and two fur ponchos.
For a little guy he was actually pretty handy and strong. Working was a lot easier with him around. He told me of the harshness of winter and we debated migrating. We ultimately decided not to in fear that our home would get broken into by an animal. Instead we would brace for it. He knew which berries were edible adding another thing to our diet.
He was delighted to learn I still had my gun and it was loaded. He insisted I take it everywhere we went fearing a confrontation with his old allies. I did as he asked for his peace of mind.
If we diverted from our daily routine it was to go out on a adventure. Today we so happened to decide to go to the mountains today. The trees were all changing color so we wanted to see the jungle from a far. It still confused me how a jungle can have a fall and winter season. How did the plants survive because they all seemed pretty tropical.
"Shit...you're making me look bad dude!" I huffed trying to keep up with him up the mountain.
"Ungoy made for climbing mountains! Don't feel bad." He said stopping for me to catch up.
"Nothing else, but we're good with tinkering."
"So you build shit?"
"Yes, we build and make repairs to things."
"That's cool, can you fix needler damage to a human control panel?"
"If I had the right tools and a explanation of your technology and how it works. It would be a long shot though."
"If a long shot is all you have Nu Jab, you take it."
"You want to fix your life boat?" He assumed.
"Well, I just want to make what I can work again. I know that it's never going to be space worthy. Hell it's far from being air worthy even. I'm not even sure what we could do but we'll think of something. It could be just another improvement to our home." I said.
"It would be a fascinating project for me. I have always wanted to mess with your things." He enthused.
"You're wanting to be the annoying younger sibling to humans? Hummm, as long as you contribute right back we wouldn't mind I think." I mused.
"We would contribute." He said doubtless. We reached the very peak of the mountain. We looked over the jungle with appreciation. "I have to go." He said hobbling down the mountain.
"Alright, I'll come down after a minute. Why don't you do a little foraging?" I suggested sitting down on a rock jutting out of the ground.
"Okay." He chirped continuing his journey down. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was a windy day and the view of the jungle was a beauty. I could come here everyday and just look out into the horizon all day. "AAHHHHH!" I heard the distressed cries of Nu Jab echo up through the tree tops.
I jumped up and began running down the mountain almost falling in the process. As I ran I pulled out my Magnum. I got close to where I thought his scream came from and slowed to a jog. With my gun ready I scanned the jungle for any signs of Nu Jab.
"I don't know!" Nu Jab cried cowering in front of a Jackal. The aliens back was turned to me so I crept up.
"Heritics aren't tolerated." He said pulling out a plasma pistol. Before he could aim it at Nu Jab I already had mine pointed at his head.
"Hey!" I barked rushing up. The Jackal turned around and brought his gun up. Before he could aim I pulled the trigger twice. Double tapped, just to be sure. His gun dropped and was followed by the Jackals body. Nu Jab looked to me with wide eyes. "Are you okay?" I asked kneeling down checking over him.
"I'm fine, just scared. I thought my life was about to be shortened." He admitted.
"Not if I can help it. If I had the means ypu would live as long as me." I said getting back up. We both examined the Jackals body. Nu Jab took his energy sheild device and pistol. I grabbed a stick and poked his face.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"This is the first time I've been this close to a Jackal. I'm going to poke it. Besides, I'm wondering if a Jackal skull on a stick outside our home would look cool." I shrugged telling the blunt truth about it.
"You never poked me." He pointed out.
"Yes I did, you just were asleep." I smirked.
"What?!" He squawked.
"Yeah, in my defense you refused to wake up. So, what are we going to do with bird brain here?" I asked kicking he body.
"Just leave it be. I've got everything of use off of him." He shrugged.
"Well then, let's get out of here. The other's might start looking for him." I said walking away. Nu Jab followed closely behind. We agreed to make our movements minimal for the next week just as a precaution.