“You really think they’re going to come looking for us?” Maureen asked.
“Raxxians are very possessive of their assets. It would be unfathomable for them not to. But we have the advantage that our transport craft broke up into its constituent parts during the attack. It is a Raxxian design meant to keep as much of their booty intact and salvageable during a catastrophic event.”
“Like being blown out of the sky.”
“Yes, for example.”
He paused and pulled a pulsating maroon fungus-looking thing from the underside of a downed log.
“Here. Apply this to the bruising on your head. It will draw out the pooled blood and help you heal faster.”
Maureen accepted the offering and did as he said. It was oddly warm for what she assumed was a fungus, but more importantly it began working almost immediately.
“It already feels better. How do you know what this stuff is, anyway?” she asked.
“Most worlds in the Dotharian Conglomerate have been seeded with a basic flora array. Nothing that will become invasive and overtake native life, but plants that are familiar and of use across the systems.”
“Clever idea.”
“Especially for situations such as this,” he added, picking a few small green berries from a shrub. “Try these. They are not quite at peak ripeness, but they are an excellent source of nutrition. The protein content is particularly high, and they possess anti-inflammatory properties as well, which will benefit you for the time being.”
Maureen took his word for their safety, popping one into her mouth. “Hey, this is almost like a mini Kiwi fruit,” she said. “We have something kind of like this back on my planet.”
“Fascinating. Yet you are not part of the Dotharian Conglomerate.”
“We haven’t even sent people out of our solar system. I can assure you we’re not part of your conglomerate.”
“Hmm.”
“Hey, are these edible?” she asked, her attention caught by a cluster of dark purple berries growing close to the ground underneath a deep green shrub with waxy leaves.
Bodok grabbed her extended hand away from them.
“Do not touch those,” he said firmly. “Morvax fruit. Deadly to some, painful to all. The sap will blister your skin, if not worse.”
“Oh, shit. Good to know.”
“Indeed. We do not see them often. Most worlds had them eradicated as a dangerous nuisance. Clearly it is an indigenous species here. Make note of it and be sure to avoid it.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Why would I tell you twice? You are a capable adult.”
Maureen stifled a laugh. “It’s just an expression.”
“Ah, I see.” He seemed a bit amused at this human saying as he gathered up some root plants that looked a lot like carrots, but with colors that were all wrong. “I believe we have enough. We should get these back to the others if we want to make decent time while it is still light out.”
“Lead the way.”
He did just that, making a quick trek of their return trip. He had followed the damp little creek paths as they scouted for food, but now he was under no such constraints, taking the direct path back.
He gave their scavenged booty to the injured pair and then said his farewells.
“I will return as soon as I am able. This will get you through for a few days, but you will need to forage soon. There are fecund grounds just up this little tributary stream. Easy enough for you to get to without much effort. Stay safe, my friends, and remain out of sight.”
With that he turned and strode off. There was nothing more to say, so why waste the breath and time? “See you,” Maureen said over her shoulder as she hurried to keep up with him.
Bodok walked at a good clip, his long legs carrying him easily over the terrain. Maureen was in good shape, but even so it was a bit of effort to match his pace, her shorter legs taking three steps for every two of his.
