CHAPTER 7:

It was night already. The lab was quiet now just like the two soldiers living in it. The good morning they were having was destroyed by the sound of reality breaking through the window, literally. The dead creature thrown at it earlier was nothing more than a reminder. Royce and Isabelle couldn't forget they were being hunted. They couldn't forget it not even for one second. That could cost their lives. Royce just couldn't forgive himself for letting his guard down like that. He was a highly trained soldier/mercenary able to put up a fight against anything that walked but in that moment with Isabelle he was completely vulnerable. If the hunters wanted, they could've attacked him right there and he would've been easily taken. Luckily the morning incident was just a warning but that could've cost his life or even worse: Isabelle's life. Royce didn't want to think about that for any longer. He was starting to hate the effect Isabelle had on him again. The hate disappeared though at the very moment he saw her standing by the door.

- You're too quiet.

The sniper observed.

Royce couldn't help but to give her a little smile. Who was he kidding? He had fallen for her big time and knew it. He had never been so scared in his life. He couldn't lose her. That was not an option. Not anymore. He'd had it. They needed to get out of that planet. He couldn't just be waiting for the perfect moment to come along anymore. The hunters were already there and that meant their ship was already there too. They could get the code, active Zeltron's creature and then get an actual chance to go home. He had never cared much about Earth before but he wanted to go home, go home with Isabelle. He'd had it. Their plan was going down that night. Royce had figured out everything by then:

- They knew exactly where to find us. This place is enormous but that thing was thrown in that specific room. They didn't just get lucky, they knew we were there.

- What are you saying?

Isabelle asked.

- I think they're watching us.

Royce stated.

- How is that possible?

Isabelle asked again.

- The cameras. Remember when I told you they were probably used for the lab surveillance?

Royce started.

- Yes, so?

She asked. Still not understanding where he was going with all of that.

- Well, maybe they didn't shut down the entire system. Maybe there are some cameras left…hidden cameras.

The mercenary finally concluded.

Isabelle was shocked. If that were true, they could kiss their little plan goodbye.

- We gotta find them and turn them off!

She practically yelled.

- Yeah, we gotta find them but we can't turn them off.

Royce said.

- Why not?

The sniper was desperate.

- Because if you do so, they'll know we've found out about their little vendetta.

Royce answered.

- Vendetta?

Isabelle was now confused.

- They're not early. They came back with a purpose. We killed their friends, they got pissed and now they have to kill us to even the score. It's not about the hunt anymore.

He explained it all.

Isabelle took a moment. That was a lot of information for just one night. After a while, she finally lamented:

- We're doomed, then. They got the upper hand again…

- Relax, you're forgetting something.

Royce looked incredibly calm given the situation.

- What?

She asked hopeless.

- We've got some cameras of our own.

He had a plan.

…

Royce was by the table reloading his gun. He was gonna need it. Isabelle was about to do the same with her rifle but decided against it. She didn't put much faith in Royce's plan. It was way too risky. Sure they were running out of options but that didn't seem right.

- You're crazy, you know…

Isabelle finally said what she was thinking.

Royce lifted his head up to face her:

- What are you talking about?

- We can't pull that off! You know we can't!

Isabelle exclaimed. She knew the plan was just too dangerous.

- Look, we gotta try something, all right?

Royce was getting mad.

- Yeah! You're right! But we gotta try something that won't get us killed!

She responded. They were officially having their first fight.

- Got a better idea?

The mercenary asked rudely.

- You're an asshole.

Isabelle was frustrated by Royce's stubbornness.

- You know what, I don't need you. I can do this by myself.

Royce stated, leaving the room.

- Royce! Royce!

She called out for him but he didn't look back.

…

If they could smile, they certainly would. From their ship, the predators had just watched the whole argument between the humans. That was perfect. They saw when the man exited the lab, leaving the woman completely alone and vulnerable. Separately, they would be easier to kill. The hunters couldn't ask for a better opportunity. That was it. The hunt was about to begin.

…

Isabelle was left alone in the facility. She wouldn't lie, she was scared. The hunters were in the planet and very aware of her location. Her rifle was loaded and at sight. Hopefully it would do the trick. She started to think about Royce. He really did piss her off earlier but it was too damn dark for him to be walking around. The sniper was certain that Royce would come back soon and apologize for his behavior so when she heard the sound of steps coming towards the bedroom she just knew she was right. Isabelle wouldn't give in and run to his arms that easily though. She waited for him by her bed, arms crossed and with her best angry face. The steps were closer now so she knew he was about to enter the room. Isabelle turned to face him coming through the door but Royce was not who she saw. Standing by the door there it was. One of the hunters was now looking at her; red laser pointed to her head. Isabelle had her gun at sight but out of reach. She was going to die. She was going to die alone.

Notes: Next chapter will be the final one so stay tuned!