Released: Sand Fall, #3

By Neil Mosspark

Pursued by malevolent forces, the survivors struggle to stay alive.

Dying of thirst, and hunted by apex predators, the stranded pioneers need to work together. The darkness on the horizon may be more than just a sandstorm. It may be the cause of the disturbing transmissions and, likely, their doom.

While Trica works to guide the group to a promised safety, others struggle for a position of power in the group. The carnivores close in, and a mysterious scavenger positions himself to reap the spoils from their demise.

Will the lone survivor, who promises refuge and safety, be the source of their escape or just another lethal trap?

Find out, in the thrilling conclusion of the Sand Fall Trilogy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neil Mosspark
• Release date: Apr 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386942641

Neil Mosspark

I was born in British Columbia, Canada and grew up in the rockies before traveling to see the world. I’ve been writing Science Fiction and Fantasy for more than a decade, but only recently have decided to share my work through eBooks. Currently I have a backlog of novels that I am editing and publishing on various platforms. I write the type of Science Fiction and Fantasy that I enjoy reading. Most of my work takes place in the same ‘universe’ with subtle crossovers that allow fans of my work to pick up on the nuances, while new readers don’t have to play catch up. Please feel free to leave a review, I always love hearing from readers. If you want to chat, you can find me on twitter @NeilMosspark or email [e-mail].   Thanks for reading!

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Tricia worked with the other survivors to pull hard on the length of nylon strapping tied to the sled. Even as the weight of the dragged cargo slid reluctantly across the sand, she chanced a look back at the rectangular life raft. Partially buried by the recent sandstorm, the raft’s charred metal remained behind as a testimony of the horror they had all faced over the last few days.

It had been just three days since the controlled crash of their starship. Since then, Adam their pilot, had been infected with a parasite, more than half of the survivors were missing or dead, and the water that they carried would likely not last for more than another day.

For the first time since the crash, Tricia considered the possibility that they would not make it to the next life raft. The continued attacks by the carnivorous natives of the planet would likely be their end.

The beasts had struck quickly during the night, taking advantage of both the dark and the rising sandstorm. Teeth and claws had dragged a handful of people away into the maelstrom while others had successfully found refuge behind the life raft’s steel walls. The few pistols which the guards carried were little match for the horde.

A growing breeze kicked up sand, and Tricia squinted against the grit as it washed over her.

The previous night’s desert storm had thankfully abated long enough for the survivors to scamper out of the life raft in the morning hours. The crowd had raced to dig out the supply-laden sled and begin their escape from the site of so much carnage. None of them wanted to wait around for more people to die.

The dozen or so survivors now pulled hard, pumping their legs against the sand, each looking for signs of the pursuing monsters. The group was unwilling to break the silence, and risk drawing attention to their escape.

To distract herself, Tricia tried to mentally recall who they had lost. Most of the names were of people she never had a chance to talk to, let alone get close to. It was a small mercy not to know most of those who had had been taken. Aside from their pilot Adam and the other doctor, she hadn’t had the time to form any connections. The doctor had been killed during the last attack, never making it inside to the safety of the life raft.

Even Adam was being slowly taken from her. She spotted him crouched down ahead of them, inspecting something in the sand. From the top of his pressure suit, she could see the red carapace of the parasite attached to the back of his neck and spine.

He had been her lover, and likely was dying inside a body controlled by an alien species. She wondered if he was suffering at all.

Adam’s body stood up, and she realized what he had been looking at; the bones of a human forearm poked through the sand, likely one of the many victims dragged off by the beasts to be devoured in last night’s sandstorm.

Tricia looked away as he turned toward her unwilling to look into the dying man’s eyes. She pulled harder on the sled, glancing around the barren sand. There was no sign of the attackers. Nothing for miles.

Monsters were not the only thing Tricia still was concerned about. She looked ahead of them, watching Emmet. The tall guard barely fit into the one-piece green overalls issued to the guards. The blood stain from its previous owner came into view as he turned, walking backward for a moment to see if the group was being followed.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Adam making an effort to match her steps. He slowly came to within arm’s reach, and there was a short silence between them.

You don’t trust him, Adam said. 

Who? Tricia turned to look at him and couldn’t help but assess him medically. The heavy spacesuit covered the dark bruises on the side of his chest and sealed the amputated left hand. Most alarmingly it also hid away the red carapace of the centipede-like parasite which had invaded his nervous system. He walked next to her with the same stride that the man once did. His tone, and even the words he would choose to use matched his own. She looked at the bandage attached to the side of his head. The electronic ink showed the intracranial pressure was dropping to a normal range. Her eyes could see a small droplet of blood had crusted at the bottom of his left ear. Tricia wondered for a moment if the alien parasite was doing more harm than good. So far, it was keeping Adam’s body alive well beyond what medicine would have been able to accomplish.

Distracted by her thoughts, she realized that she had forgotten what he had said. What?

You don’t trust him, do you?

Who? Tricia adjusted the tether and glanced back again. Nothing but empty desert spread behind them.

Emmet.

No. No, I don’t trust him at all. Tricia strained against the weight of the sled. The six others pulling on the tether were already tiring at the constant effort. 

Why?

Adam reached to help with his good hand. She pushed his hand away gently. Because he let people die. He could have opened the door and let a few more people in.

Adam reached for the tether again.

You’re not pulling the sled. Tricia kept hold of the line.

He looked at her confused.

We need a pilot who can fly the ship, she stated. There’s no telling what extra damage you will do by exerting yourself.

I can help, he said.

Not right now. Just keep your head up and an eye out for more of those monsters.

They won’t be following us yet, he stated.

How do you know? Her breathing got harder as the team began pulling the metal sled up a slight incline.

Adam’s head turned and checked behind them again. They kill each other when they eat. They are cannibalistic.

So they might just kill each other off? she looked at him. We’re safe?

Adam shook his head. No. They ate their fill. They may sleep until they get hungry again.

How long do we have?

Adam shrugged. I don’t know. Another day. Maybe two.

A young woman reached in behind Tricia and took hold of the nylon strap. Tricia turned and began to object for a moment. Staring back at her was the fresh face of a younger red-haired woman. The redhead smiled. I got this. Rodger wants to talk to you.

Reluctantly Tricia let go of the strap and instantly sighed with relief, feeling lighter for a moment. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed that Rodger was walking behind the sled, staring at his tablet. Dawdling behind, his face seemed engrossed and frustrated at the same time.

Rodger? she called out.

The young comms tech looked up and noticed she was not pulling the sled any longer. Quickening his pace, he caught up. Tricia could see that the sweat was already sticking to his cheeks, collecting grime and dust kicked up by the wind and their footsteps.

As he caught up with them, she tried to sneak a look at the tablet. What is it? she asked.

I’ve been triangulating the signal. The scary audio that keeps repeating. I think I can filter it out.

That’s good.

Yeah, but the problem is that it’s getting closer, Rodger said.

How close? the parasite asked.

Not more than a day or two behind us. It’s moving about as quick as we are.

I don’t like this. Tricia wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Any signal from life raft Charlie? They have to be up and running by now.

Rodger shook his head. Nothing. Not even a blip. We should at least be getting a black box signal.

Tricia looked at Adam. Maybe it broke up in the atmosphere when we crashed. Were there any problems?

The parasite scoured Adam’s foggy memories of the crash. I can’t tell. Adam didn’t notice, but the ship lost power after it ejected the life rafts.

Rodger pulled up a quick grid on the tablet showing them both. I have a general idea where Charlie is. We just have to keep heading west on this bearing. We should be able to find it like we found the other life raft.

The parasite raised Adam’s good hand as though urging caution. If it’s in the barrens to the west, it may not be seen easily.

Tricia looked at him with concern. Why? What’s there?

I never knew what they were until I took Adam for a host. It was just metal to me. A dangerous place where animals died. Now I know it for what it is. It’s a battlefield. Some old conflict. There are machines out that way that still are powered. Unexploded bombs. Mines. Automated weapons that have been forgotten but fight a war that has long since ended.

Great. Tricia sighed. What else could go wrong?

If the life raft or the habitat section of the ship is in the barrens, we need to tread carefully, Adam cautioned.

Ahead of them, Emmet called out angrily, Hey!

The entire crowd of people flinched and turned to look at the bitter voice.

He raised his hands, Why are you slowing down? Do you want to die? Come on!

I hate that guy, Rodger muttered.

Tricia nodded. Me too. She turned and checked the horizon. The sandstorm, which had blown by, was working its way to the eastern horizon. Somewhere at the edge, a plume of dust raised. For a brief moment, a shadow spread across the face of the towering storm. She thought she could see some towering shadow move in the distant swirling silt. She blinked, her stomach clenched with anxiety.

Hurry up you three, or we’re leaving you behind! Emmet snarled.

Tricia quickened her steps.

CHAPTER 2

Liege patiently listened from his spot beneath the now still sand. The wind had long died away leaving him buried with his thoughts. During the storm, there had been no opportunity to introduce himself to the pink-skinned aliens safely. Any effort to pry open the door to the life raft would have been quickly met with hostility and violence.

It was bad enough that buried somewhere nearby were the carnivores. Although their bloodlust had been satiated for the moment, it was likely that they would continue the pursuit of their migrating prey.

Liege’s long wait was thankfully interrupted by the muffled creak of the airlock. Its noise broke the silence and was followed by the angry subdued chatter of the aliens.

He struggled against the weight of the sand which had pinned him down.

A loud distant crack and excited voices made him pause with concern. Had they seen him? Was this an act of aggression? They could not have found his hiding spot; he was still buried.

Liege waited and tried to avoid moving and upsetting them further.

Sand slid from his visor, opening a bright crack into the world above. Liege peered through the grime and could see the metal door of the container open now. The green-clothed creature was urinating on the corpse just outside the door. The muffled laugh didn’t need to be translated; the universal sound of cruelty was understood.

The tall creature stopped and zipped up his clothing, barking for the others to come out. Each of the pink bipeds tentatively and suspiciously poked their heads out into the daylight, wearing heavy exhaustion on their faces. Fear kept them tightly packed, close to the cargo container.

Taking a count of their numbers, Liege realized that many had gone missing. There were fewer left than when he last saw them. The silver-furred one which they had been pulling on the sled was also missing.

Slowly supplies were drawn out of the container and loaded back onto the sled. The sands had buried it, but they quickly lifted it out working together as