I'd like to take another minute and thank my two biggest reviewers. Spirit Kiss and Rosmund Chadwick. The two of you are what give me encouragement to finish this story. Thank you for the reviews. Also thank you to all the new people that have joined my story. I hope you enjoy what I've got going so far.

It wasn't long before the sandcat came to a complete stop and the others were trying to find a way to get to the cells. We needed to get things going, to get out of this mess. Hopping off the unit, I moved to modify the metal sled- the one that they used to transport the dead bodies on. We were going to need it if we were supposed to drag another four cells over to the ship. Why couldn't anyone see that we should have done this sooner? At least then we wouldn't be rushed into getting off this planet. No, instead, we wasted time so that Johns could play the hero and try to lead us.

I watched as the others raced around, trying to get the last minute needed supplies. I also watched as Johns came back to the sandcat struggling with one cell while Riddick easily walks out with two, one on each shoulder. The sheer muscles of the man was enough to make me stop breathing. I couldn't help but find him sexy. Every thing he did was primal, animal, and all about survival. It called to me on a level I didn't understand. Turning away, so he wouldn't notice my arousal at him just walking up, I went to go see if anyone else needed help. We were running out of time.

Casting a glance up to the sky, I noticed that the eclipse was happening faster than we thought possible. We were not going to make it back to the settlement before the eclipse was upon us. This was not something I was happy with. I wanted to rage against the injustice of it all. Why would fate allow me to escape a place like Butcher Bay only to crash land on a ship, and face my possible death on a planet that had a year long eclipse? It doesn't seem fair at all.

I watched in awe as the sunlight drifted into darkness. We were not going to make it, but that didn't matter at the moment. Lifting up my goggles, letting my silver-shined eyes stare into the night... I could see it. The creatures pouring out of the spires in a beautiful display. Maybe I was the only one that thought they were beautiful, one animal to another. I can hear Fry yelling and watch as the others stop what they are doing to take note around us.

"Don't stop! Don't stop!"

Turning my head, I watched as the others start to run but it won't be enough. They are too slow, and nowhere near in enough shape as myself or Riddick. Spending your entire life fighting to stay alive had it's advantages. It kept us lean machines of muscle and speed. We would be the ones that got them through this, or we would watch them die. It was now their choice. Now was the time for them to fear us and to fear the things coming from the ground. Oh yes, this was going to be the moment of their choosing. Either way, they were with the convicts or they were with the ones that thought we would kill them.

"Just a suggestion, but perhaps we should flee?"

"Cargo hold, everyone in the cargo hold. Lesgo, lesgo, lesgo."

I turned to snap at them, but a voice distracted me. It's Riddick. He's staring up at the sky and comment on the beautifulness of the creatures. I couldn't agree more. Maybe it's simply because we are animals, but we can appreciate the way others act. While they might very well eat us for dinner, we can still appreciate how beautiful their approach and attack are. It doesn't make us crazy, just a whole lot more in tune with the animal natures inside of us.

The only ones left that haven't run are myself, Riddick, and Shazza. I take off, tackling the prospector woman to the ground and securing my arm around her. I would not lose her, not after we risked our lives to save Zeke's. I felt a body land by my own, and an arm securely wrap around myself. It was Riddick. His smell encompassed me as he sniffed my neck. I knew he was scenting me, trying to assure himself that I was still alive and would make it out of this ordeal.

As we landed we heard the screech of a patrol of those creatures veer over us. Thankfully, we were laying low enough that they flew right over our heads. I heard it, the heavy erratic breathing of Shazza next to me. It was my job to keep her safe yet I, myself, was slightly scared. We needed to get out of here but they weren't done flying over. I could feel her move, as if to get up. No. This wouldn't happen. She wasn't strong enough to get me to let her go, not right now at least.

"No Shazza. We wait. They aren't done. If you go now you will die. I will release you when it's safe."

I could hear the others at the ship yelling- wanting us to get up and run, but we knew better than they did. I could hear the creatures sounds, calling out to each other, demanding answers to what was happening. They were communicating, on their own level that we couldn't understand. I didn't want anything happening to her. Not if it meant that she would become an ally later on. We needed friends, or at least people that could trust us, if we were to make it.

When the second set of creatures flew overhead, and I was sure they were gone, I released my hold on her. Riddick did the same to me and the three of us ran to the cargo bay. We would be somewhat safe inside, at least we hoped we would. I watched as Riddick, again, paused at the doorway to the cargo hold. Fry nervously hung around as well. She was afraid to go out and see for herself, but she didn't want to be alone on the inside as well.

"What is it? What's happening?"

"Like I said. Ain't me you gotta worry about."

I wanted to smack Riddick for his comment, but it was effective. The others looked at us as if we were some mutant spawn. I could hear the thousands upon thousands of clicks of these creatures as they called out to each other and tried to rally their teams. They were like families, groups of fifteen or more. Each one having their own mission or objective as they flew free in the skies for the first time in twenty two years. It was a sight to behold at least. I knew the other's wouldn't understand but for now I was happy just knowing that, at least from an animal perspective, I could understand these creatures' goals.

Huddled inside the cargo bay, in the absolute dark, I knew that only Riddick and I could see for sure. We would know if something was coming, but everyone wanted to talk at once. That was the hardest part for me, trying to focus on the clicking sound in all the din of everyone trying to chatter on at once. I watched as Shazza leaned against the wall and Jack seemed to snuggle into her. It wasn't bothersome to me, I needed my hands free in case protection became an issue.

"Well I don't want to jump to conclusions here... but 'member that boneyard? These just might be the fuckers that killed every other living thing on this planet, okay?"

"I saw the cut-marks on the bones. Wasn't a natural die off."

"Quiet, please. Everyone."

"Why do they make that sound?"

"Perhaps it's the way they see. With sound reflecting back."

"Echo-location. That's what it is."

I watched as they all tried to say their piece. I understood the fear that seemed to be coming from both Johns and Fry. They seemed so sure that all of them were going to die. The one that was confusing to me was the Imam. He seemed resigned to let things play out as if this was something he dealt with on a daily basis. He seemed smarter than the others. It was amazing how none of them thought about all angles of what they were facing until someone else brought it up. If Fry or Johns thought they should lead this little group they better find a way to raise their I.Q's significantly in the next few minutes.

I heard it, the click closer to us this time. Maybe it's not in my head as I saw the others whip around and try to understand it as well. We all wanted to know how they might have ended up here in the cargo hold. This was supposed to be our secure spot. It was like we were in the settlement, just like the coring room. We thought we were safe but we were far from it. The only way to be safe was to get off this damned planet and quickly.

"Breech in the hull. I dunno."

All our eyes snapped to Fry. Honestly sometimes I wished the woman would just shut up. It wasn't as if we were stupid enough not to realize that there might be a breech when the ship went down. Anyone would know that if they paid any amount of attention to anything. I let out a soft growl, one that was only heard by the convict beside me. It was clear that I was not amused at all by Fry's antics and I honestly was ready to just kill her so we could get the hell out of there without having to worry about her.

"C'mon, Johns. You've got the big gage."

"I'd rather piss glass. Why don't you go fucking check it out."

I couldn't fight back the loud giggle this time. Honestly, the way those two fought it was amusing. Of course, we expected Johns to go in first. He was supposed to be the big bad ass cop walking around with that gun. I couldn't help it. The two best choices we had were myself and Riddick and neither of us really wanted to go into the darkness. It would at least give us an advantage on what to expect from these creatures, for now at least. I watched as the sounds got louder, closer, and then I wondered just what was happening. A part of me was glad that I had suggested that Paris stay with Zeke. I could just see the man now freaking out and trying to drag himself deeper into the darkness, into their lair.

It wasn't hard to see the others panic and I watched as they all herded themselves into a tinier area. This wasn't going to work. We needed to get to a place that had more room, at least room enough for us to get around and get to the cells. Standing here in one spot couldn't work. I watched as Riddick picked up the cutting torch, one that someone just kept laying around, and started cutting into the wall. He was giving the others an idea and, when there was a hole big enough for each of us to go through, we climbed into the next area. It wasn't going to be too hard to get ourselves trapped eventually.

As we settled into the second compartment, I could hear the creatures getting closer. Apparently Johns took up Riddicks idea because he's now cutting another path for us to go through. I don't mind so much, as long as he keeps the light out of my eyes. For a moment, I frowned. The light was up too high and nowhere near where it should be for cutting out a hole. We could not allow our fears to rule us now, as we tried to fight through it.

We kept moving from container to container until we find one large enough for us. It only took about five cut out holes before that was the right one. As we moved into the last area, I watched as Fry and Jack started to move cargo to block the entrance hole. It was only going to work for a little while. These creatures had claws strong enough to rip through bone. A few boxes of cargo wasn't going to stand in their way for long. I watched for a moment as Riddick added his weight before something distracted him.

I couldn't dwell too much on what he saw. I needed to focus on the others. We needed to get a light source in here to kill these fuckers, at least for now. If we could clear out this space we could be safe, if only for a small while. I moved around, fading into the darkness as I heard thee sound of the torch burning once more. They were trying to make another hole. For now we were stuck and I could sense the creatures around me. I wondered how they could see if there was nothing to block the vibrations from them. A part of me was curious as I moved closer to Riddick, but not close enough that it would give away his position. I was, however, within arms reach should I have needed to do something.

Each of those creatures seemed to be studying us, specifically the two that could move quickly through the darkness. They hadn't encountered anything like us before. They know that, we know that. Yet it's a staring match as we fight for dominance. I could hear their clicking getting louder, as if they were getting angry at our unwillingness to bow to them. We, Riddick and myself, were the alphas there and the sooner they realize it, the sooner they can live and we can be gone. Though I have no doubt that Riddick's not about to show them what it truly means to be the alpha male.

Footsteps interrupted my study and I almost screamed out in frustration. Hassan... The Imam was going to have to explain to his sons why wandering off in the darkness wasn't a good idea. I could hear the conversation between Riddick and the young boy, but I knew that Hassan wasn't listening. Fear and panic were overriding his senses. There was no choice, we had to act. Because of the stupidity of this young man our cover was blown. We weren't going to get a chance to catch the creatures unawares.

I grabbed Hassan by the back of his robes and took off running. He was going to come with me and he was going to make it back in one piece or I would kill him myself. I could hear Riddick on my heels. He was letting me hear his footsteps so that I would know he was safe. As we rounded the corner and headed for the others, I had to fight back a scream. Light was in my eyes and it hurt so bad that I shoved Hassan forward and dropped to my knees. Riddick didn't fare much better and I felt his weight come down on top of me, knocking the breath from my lungs. It was going to take us a moment to get adjusted to the darkness after having been flash-blinded.

Gunshots clearly rang out as I felt Riddick shift off of me and pull me up to him. We could see now and I took a moment to snuggle into him. He rubbed at the corner of my eyes. I tried to open them, but they still hurt. With a soft moan of pain, I opened them and stared into his own. There was a concern there, a worry if I was alright, and I was touched. We could dwell on our feelings later. Right then we had to get out of this situation.

"There…"

"Looks like the light is scalding it."

"It hurts them. Light actually hurts it."

I turned so that my back was pressed up against Riddick's front as I stared at the others. His arms are wrapped around my waist, holding me close and making sure that I was, in fact, safe. It made me feel loved which was unusual for me. Shaking my head and clearing my throat, I watched the looks as they flitted across everyones faces. At this very moment I didn't give a shit what they thought. Johns was the only one that seemed truly upset about how close Rididck and I were.

"El-Imam. You're going to have to explain to them the dangers of running away from the group. If I hadn't been close enough to snatch Hassan away he would be dead. Little Ali too. They are curious, which mostly is fine but here, on this planet it is dangerous. They will die if they don't respect that."

I watched as the Arab man nodded and moved off to go speak with his followers in Arabic. I couldn't understand what he was saying but I knew he needed to convince them. If they ran off again on their own they would die. I wouldn't always be able to save them, and so far I'd saved two of them. It wasn't my place, not really. Now was the time to finalize our plan, we needed to get back to the settlement and we couldn't stay here. I watched as the others moved into action, going closer to each other so that they could form a plan together. I was almost impressed. It seemed as if Shazza didn't have a problem volunteering up Paris' stash of booze for their next idea.

"... One cutting torch... one handlight here, two more in the cabin... I think two more."

"Spirits. Anything over 45 proof burns well."

"How many bottles?"

"I think he had ten left?"

"We might be able to use the lights from the cabin. Aren't there some fiberoptics in there?"

The plan seemed sound. If we could get enough light, we might be able to keep the creatures at bay until we got there. Only one problem. Riddick and I seemed to be the only one that remembered there was a canyon in the way. There was no way around it to the settlement. We were going to have to go straight through and it wouldn't be easy.

"Alright. So may be we have enough light."

"Enough for fucking what?"

"We stick to the plan. We get the four cells back to the skiff, we're off this rock."

"I hate to kill a beautiful theory with an ugly fact, but that sand-cat won't run on night."

"We'll have to carry the cells..drag them.. whatever it takes."

"You mean….tonight? With all those things still out there?"

I pulled Jack in close to me. I could feel her shaking in fear and I understood it. She was nothing more than a child. She had stowed away on the ship, hoping to find a way out of the fear and pain she had been dealing with, only to land here. I would protect her, she had to believe that. I wouldn't let anything happen to her if I could help it.

"Back it up. How long can this last? Few minutes? Couple of hours?"

"I had the impression… from the model..that there would be a lasting darkness."

"Those suns gotta come up sometime. And If these animals really are phobic about light, we just sit tight till then."

"I'm sure that's what someone else said. Locked inside that coring room."

"Look, we gotta think about everyone now-the kids especially. How scared are they gonna be out there?"

"Don't you dare use them like that, for a smoke screen. You deal with your own fear."

"Why don't you shut up for two seconds and let someone else come up with a plan that doesn't involve mass suicide?"

The banter was giving me a headache. With a sigh, I pushed away from Riddick and moved into the darkness for a moment. It wasn't a good plan but it was our only plan. One of us would have to drag the cells to the settlement and the other would have to be free to fight off the little buggers if they could. We were going to need to be united if we were going to make it and yet they were falling about. I understood now what Riddick meant. This little fucked up family of ours was ripping itself apart. I took charge then, and took over the banter with Johns. He was going to see things my way or I was going to beat the shit out of him.

"How much you weigh Johns?"

"What the hell's it matter?"

"How much?"

"79 kilos."

"Because you're 79 kilos of gutless white meat. And that's why you've yet to come up with a better plan. Instead, you're standing here wasting our time arguing over the only viable plan we have. Buck the fuck up."

In all honesty, I didn't know what he was going to do to me. I never expected him to really lunge at me or for Riddick to step in front of me. I watched in awe as the merc thought he was smart enough to try to put the muzzle of the shotgun underneath Riddick's chin. As if the convict would let him get that close without something else on his mind. One thing people would never understand was that Riddick would protect a woman, even one he didn't have feelings for, if they were being harassed.

"Think about that rewards, Johns."

"I'm willing to take a cut in pay."

"You sure about that?"

I laughed fully this time as I watched as Riddick tapped his shiv against Johns' lower anatomy. Riddick could move faster than the merc and it was sure that he'd do a lot more damage before the shotgun could even go off. That was what was amusing. I watched as the merc backed down, acting like he was only giving into Riddick for the time being. I was watching them both, studying their actions. Riddick would step in front of me again if Johns tried anything at all.

"They're afraid of our light. That means we don't have to be so afraid of them."

"And you're certain you can find the way back? Even in the dark?"

"No, I'm not. But they can."

I watched as they pointed to us. Riddick and myself, whom we knew it would come down to. I sighed and move in closer to Riddick. We needed a plan the two of us if we were going to get out of this alive. Right now we needed to get all the lights up and ready to go the moment we cleared the cabin and into the sand. We were wasting time. I watch as we all trudge out of the cargo bay and into the cabin, there's a bit of an opening that we have go through to get there, perfect chance for someone to get swept up by the creatures.

Johns and Riddick were going first and I watched with amusement again as Riddick took every chance he could get to fuck with the merc. Johns would not be making it off this planet alive, but right now Riddick was doing nothing more than toying with him. He was waiting for the final straw, the final push that sent his animal in full control. I could feel it in the air, scenting it with anticipation. Shaking my head at the antics, we all filed into the cabin and started the last bit of prep that we could before taking off.

They needed to hurry. I fingered my shiv, making sure it was still there. There was no doubt that it would come out to play long before this night was over. I could almost feel the metal crying out to be coated in blood, demanding that it be used to protect- to avenge. I hadn't used it before, partly because I didn't have it until the settlement and then because I hadn't thought about it when trying to save little Ali. No, it was going to be put to good use.

Inching closer to Johns and Fry, I watched as they argued again. Maybe I could just ghost Johns and save us all the trouble. He was being a right pain in the ass and now was not the time for this. Forcing everyone to still be afraid of both of us was a dangerous game to play.

"Ready, Johns."

"He'll lead you over the first cliff. You know that, don't you?"

"We're just burning light here."

"You give him the cells and the ship - and he will leave you. He will you all out there to die."

"I don't get it, Johns. What is so goddamn valuable in your life that you're worried about losing? Huh? Is there anything at all? Besides your next hype? Got no right to be so scared. Neither one of us."

I watched as the last of the cells were removed and tied up to the lift. This we could do. I watched as each of the remaining survivors, minus myself and Riddick, harnessed themselves into the cage of fiber optic cables. If they could keep the generators going, and don't jerk too much, they could keep that light burning for a good long while. It was the brightest light we had and it was the only thing that gave me a small hope that at least some of us would make it through.

I watched as Riddick looped a hand light around his back so that it shined out like a beacon. A signal in the dark of which direction to go. I didn't have anything to use as light, and for one brief moment I was terrified. I could fight these things, but I didn't want to be the one that wasn't protected. A hand snaked out into mine and pulled me close. I looked up into Riddick's eyes and watchesd as he leaned in to smell my scent. This calmed me, if only for a moment. I just knew that there wasn't enough light for me, but if I could stick close to the group I should be alright.

"Stick close to me and make it through this. Damnit Autumn, if you get yourself killed I will never forgive you. Do you understand? Stick close and stay in the light."

I nodded without saying anything. How could I? What was I supposed to say? That I would do my best? But without the light I was vulnerable. It was true, but my wounds were healed and the blood wasn't oozing so they had no reason to really come after me. Not that it would matter much in the end. They would attack whatever they felt like attacking. When the others nodded that they were ready, I watched Riddick take charge.

"Be runnin' about 10 paces ahead. I want light on our backs - but not in our eyes. And check your cuts. These things know our blood now."

He took off and we have no choice but to move. That was when things started to get interesting. At least, that was what I told myself. We were about to walk into the lion's den and poke the sleeping lion with a stick. It was only a matter of time before someone or something retaliates.

As soon as the vehicle was stopped, I hopped out and went to go see what we could do about the power cells. We needed to get goin' as quickly as we could before the world came crashin' down. Light was fading fast and there wasn't anythin' we could do about it. Johns had already wasted enough of our time trying to be the hero.

I was casual in my movements, tryin' to keep an eye out for Autumn and Jack. I would make sure those two got off this planet but the rest of them, they were on their own. I didn't need the extra baggage that came with the others. Still, I couldn't fight back the grin at watching Fry freak out and yell at the others. We did need to move, but everyone was too interested in watching the eclipse happen.

I couldn't help it either. Stopping a moment, I stare up into the night sky. I couldn't help but agree with my mate. It was a beautiful sight, watchin' all those creatures move through the night. As one predator to another, they deserved respect. Still I knew they'd eat me any chance they got, but it didn't take away from the beauty of the situation. Perhaps I stayed lookin' too long because the next thing I knew I could hear them coming for us.

I watched as Autumn tacked Shazza to the ground and pinned her. That woman was goin' to be a problem. Not that I didn't mind problems. Movin' myself I wrapped my arm around my mate and held her down tight. I would not let any of these creatures have a chance to get at her. I could hear the first wave move by quickly, but apparently Shazza didn't know there were more. I almost growled at the woman to stay still but the words of my mate beat me too it. When the second round was gone we got up and we left. There was no use to hangin' around when we were in danger.

I caught Fry watchin' us, as if she wants to ask a question but is truly afraid of the answer. Her fear makes me see her as nothin' but pathetic. Fear is what will lead people to make stupid decisions. They sooner they realize to just deal with things as they come the better. Right now we were goin' to make it and they were goin' to regret not trusting either of us earlier.

Inside we all huddled together as we tried to figure out our next step. We couldn't stay in this open container, not if the sounds I heard were right. No we needed to get further into the ship. Of course I couldn't resist teasin' the merc. He was such a fuckin' pussy that it wasn't even funny. Maybe in another life he was a badass, but in this one he was losin' his edge.

"C'mon Johns you've got the big gage."

"I'd rather piss glass. Why don't you fucking go check."

The laughter was evident in my voice and in the voice of Autumn. Oh her giggles and laughter went to a place I could dwell on. Maybe later. Right now we needed to get off this planet and then we'd find time for the fun. Pickin' up the cuttin' torch, I started to make us a hole. When we were through the first compartment Johns took over. Fine by me. At least then I could be free to fight off the attackers if I had too.

We make it five deep before we shove some cargo over the hole and I lean against it. We were just waitin', takin' a moment to catch our breath and tryin' to understand what was going to happen next. Somethin' distracts me and I moved into the shadows. They are my friends, my companions, and I could see clearly that we aren't alone. The creatures are here, nesting possibly but I needed to know more. I hear the torch burnin' again and I can't help it. I need to know what is up with these creatures. My senses go wild for a second before I realize that Autumn has moved within an arms length of me. She's stupid for doin' that but I understand her need. The animal in her doesn't want to be too far away, doesn't wanna risk somethin' happenin' to me.

"Anyone seen Riddick? Or Autumn?"

"Don't stop burnin'."

I say to them as if it was the only thin' that made sense. Another person joined our little party over here by the creatures and I growl. He's stupid, for gettin' in the way. Blendin' out of the shadows I stare at the child. Hassan, I think his name was. The Imam's goin' to have to do something about this children or they will all end up dead. Before I can say anythin' though, I watch as Autumn grabs the kid and takes off runnin;' I can't let her run by herself, she won't be able to protect them both. Not if she's being pursued. So I follow, purposely lettin' her know I'm behind her.

We both end up being flash-blinded by Fry who's stupid enough to shove the light in our faces as we round the corner. I know I told them not to stop burnin'. Crashin' to the ground on top of Autumn I groan as I try to regain my balance. Slippin' my goggles back in place I feel the pain ease up in my eyes. Standin' up I pull my girl to me and sigh. She doesn't have her goggles, and I don't know where they are. I feel her snuggle into my chest and I wrap my arms around her a moment before placin' a kiss on the top of her head.

Rubbin' at the corner of her eyes, I try to coax them open. She needs to deal with the pain so she can get back to helpin' us escape. The moan, though, almost gets to me. I can't fight the look of concern and worry that fills my gaze as I look down at her. She's precious to me and I absolutely hate that she was hurt in any way. When she shifts, I watch her lecture the holy-man and smirk. She was far more polite about it than I would have been. That's the difference between our two animals. She was raised to be a nicer person, but that doesn't mean she holds her tongue.

We were makin' plans and I actually have to say I approved. It was solid for what we had to work with but we needed to get it going. Johns' tried to be that puffed up hero again and I had to laugh as Fry shot him down. He needed to get over his fear, to deal with the fact that no one understood what was happenin'. There was no way to fight the darkness. It was here. When Autumn stepped into the fight I almost lost it. I get that she needed to say what she did but Johns lunging for her was strike two against the merc. One more and I'd happily take him out of our misery.

I didn't fear the shotgun pressed under my chin. He wouldn't actually fire it. Now my shiv, the one that I was tapping against his leg. That one could do some serious damage and I wouldn't hesitate. He knew that, it's why he backed off. The sound of my mate laughing was enough to make me laugh too. I couldn't help it. She was gettin' to me. Scentin' the air a moment I could smell her arousal and it made me want to smirk. I held it in though, not wantin' to give the others any more ammunition to use against us later.

I knew that it was only a matter of time before Fry volunteered myself and Autumn for this treck. We were the only two that could see in the dark. I wouldn't let her carry the cells though, not if I didn't have too. She was a woman, shouldn't have to do the hard labor when I was around. I watched as the others finished gettin' ready and we started the trek. We could actually do tihs if they listened to me and didn't try to run the show their own way.

Frownin' a moment, I realized there wasn't enough light. Autumn would be runnin' this blind and there wasn't much I could do. Pullin' her close to me for a moment. I scented her neck and kissed it gently. I needed her to understand that she needed to stay as close to me as possible. I could give her enough light that she wouldn't be runnin' free into the creatures at every turn.

"Stick close to me and make it through this. Damnit Autumn, if you get yourself killed I will never forgive you. Do you understand? Stick close and stay in the light."

She didn't say anythin' but I didn't expect her too. I saw her nod and right now that was all I could hope for. She was goin' to do whatever she could to protect me, the others and little Jack. It was more than I could hope for. She was goin' to be the free warrior that the world would depend on.

"Be runnin' about 10 paces ahead. I want the light on our backs- but not in our eyes. And check your cuts. These things know our blood now."

It wasn't the right time to tell them that we were a walkin' death trap. Little Jack was goin' to be the reason we didn't make it too far. I couldn't rat her out, at least not yet. No I would tell the others when it was time, knowin' that Autumn already knew. Right now I would just get us through this and hope that I didn't have to reveal the young girls secrets.