The storm raged around the tiny group of survivors as they huddled on the unfamiliar shores of an uninhabited island. Lightning streaked the sky, providing brief glimpses of the dense forest that lay inland. Jayson Powell, taking charge in the chaos, directed the survivors towards the relative safety of the trees and began setting up the pop-up shelters included in their lifeboat’s survival package.
“Everyone, check in!” Jayson shouted over the roar of the wind, trying to account for all heads. His eyes narrowed when he realized Captain Murphy was missing. “Dr. Lucas, help me check around!”
Both men called out for the captain, their voices lost amidst the howling winds and relentless rain. When their search yielded no results, Jayson turned his attention back to ensuring their immediate survival. “We’ll need to rest, set up a meal, and keep warm. We can look for the captain and any wreckage at first light,” he said, his voice calm but firm, as he started preparing a meal from their limited supplies.
After eating, Jayson pulled out a wide broadcast location beacon from the survival kit. “This will send out an automated distress signal. Help will come,” he assured them, his confidence a small beacon of hope in the dark. He then took a blaster rifle from the kit, his expression turning grave. “We’re not alone on this island. Stay alert for any beasts.”
The dawn broke clear the next day, the storm having moved on. The morning light revealed parts of their cargo washed up on the shore, including food packets and essential equipment. Relieved, the survivors gathered what they could use.
In a moment of reckless abandon, or perhaps a bid to reclaim some normalcy, Summer stripped down and headed for the water. “It’s just a quick dip!” she called over her shoulder, laughing.
Jayson’s head snapped towards her, his voice sharp with urgency. “Summer, get back here! It’s not safe!”
His warning came just in time. A massive Leviathan Tentacle Whale, disturbed by the intrusion, surged from the water, its enormous body casting a shadow over the beach. Jayson didn’t hesitate; he fired a warning shot into the air, the loud crack echoing off the trees. “Summer! Run!”
Heart pounding, Summer sprinted back towards the camp, the Leviathan’s massive legs starting to push its enormous body onto the shore. Jayson fired several non-lethal rounds, aiming to scare, not harm. With a frustrated bellow, the creature retreated back into the sea.
Panting, Summer reached Jayson and threw her arms around him, her gratitude laced with flirtation. “Thank you! How can I ever thank you?”
“Thank me later,” Jayson replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. “We need to move. Now!”
He led the group further inland, quickly spotting some large, sturdy trees. Efficiently, he climbed one, set up a shelter into ‘treehouse mode,’ and dropped down a retractable ladder. “Haul everything up! We’re not safe on the ground.”
As the last of their gear was secured up the tree, the ground shook ominously. Through the trees, the silhouettes of three Leviathans approached, drawn by the scent or sound of humans. Safely high above the ground, the group watched as the massive creatures prowled below.
“It might take a while, but they’ll lose interest,” Jayson assured them, his voice calm despite the danger below.
True to his word, after nearly three hours, the Leviathans finally retreated, their hunger unsatisfied. Dr. Lucas and Dr. Allan approached Jayson, admiration in their eyes. “You know a lot about the Megacetiambulatus tentaculopodus
Megacetiambulatus tentaculopodus Conservation status Not Evaluated (NE) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Cetartiodactyla Family: Cetaceamorph Genus: Megacetiambulatus Species: M. tentaculopodus Binomial name Megacetiambulatus tentaculopodus General Information The Megacetiambulatus tentaculopodus, commonly known as the Leviathan Tentacle Whale, is an amphibious species discovered on Drumheller Prime in the Alberta Sector of the Canadian Expanse. This creature is notable...,” Dr. Allan remarked. “Ever think about joining a research team?”
Jayson smiled, looking out where the morning light filtered through the leaves. “I’ll think about it,” he said, his gaze lingering on the tranquil sea now visible through the parting foliage.
