Extinction

By Aaron Abilene

What if all of the animals that are thought to be extinct roamed the earth in modern day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: Apr 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224393565

Book preview

Extinction

Aaron Abilene

Published by Syphon Creative, 2024.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

EXTINCTION

First edition. April 29, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Aaron Abilene.

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Also by Aaron Abilene

505

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Before The Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

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Ferris

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Pathogen

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Virus

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Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride 2

Zombie Bride 3

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A Christmas Nightmare

Pain

Fat Jesus

A Zombie's Revenge

505

The Headhunter

Crash

Tranq

The Island

Dog

The Quiet Man

Joe Superhero

Feral

Good Guys

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Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

The Gamer

Becoming Alpha

Dead West

Small Town Blues

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The Gift of Death

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Skarred

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Army of The Dumbest Dead

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9 Time Felon

Slater

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Me Again

Maurice and Me

The Family Business

Lightning Rider : Better Days

Lazy Boyz

The Sheep

Wild

The Flood

Extinction

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Vicious Cycle (Coming Soon)

Romeo and Juliet: True Love Conquers All (Coming Soon)

Hunting Sarah (Coming Soon)

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Born Killer (Coming Soon)

The Abducted (Coming Soon)

Broken Man (Coming Soon)

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The Firsts in Life (Coming Soon)

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

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Extinction

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Extinction

Written by Aaron Abilene

Dr. Samantha Merriweather's fingers danced over the holographic keyboard, the soft clicks in rhythm with the pulsing hum of her lab's quantum computer. The room was a sanctuary of organized chaos, with screens displaying genetic sequences and charts tracking the migratory patterns of extinct species. Then, an urgent chime cleaved through the silence, announcing the arrival of new data that would pivot the day's course.

She swiped the air, summoning the email into existence before her eyes—a three-dimensional projection that hovered amidst the scent of sterilized equipment. Her brows furrowed as she absorbed the content: satellite imagery, not of barren planets or icy moons, but from here on Earth, revealing anomalies nestled in the green heart of the Congo. Heat signatures radiated like ghostly specters on the display, accompanied by imprints colossal enough to dwarf any known terrestrial creature.

Impossible, she whispered to herself, curiosity igniting within her like a flare. Her mind raced, cataloging every known species that could leave such marks, but each mental image shattered against the reality of the evidence before her. It was a call to the wild unknown, stirring a familiar thrill in her chest—the thrill of potential discovery, a siren song for her insatiable hunger for knowledge.

Without hesitation, she tapped her comm-link, initiating a secure connection with Dr. Aaron Mitchell, her colleague whose expertise in paleobiology had often complemented her own work in genetics. The link beeped twice before his face materialized in the air beside the email, his usually unruly hair tamed today, perhaps indicative of his recent foray into fieldwork.

Aaron, are you seeing this? She tilted her head towards the floating images, her voice a mix of urgency and barely-contained excitement.

Sam, I— His gaze followed hers, eyes widening behind the lenses of his glasses. Are those...?

Footprints, yes, she cut in, and they're fresh.

Aaron leaned forward, squinting at the heat signatures as if he could discern their secrets through sheer willpower. This could be a seismic find. We need to corroborate the data, cross-reference with environmental variables.

Exactly my thoughts, Samantha replied, nodding. I'm bringing Emily in on this. With another flick of her wrist, she added Dr. Emily Sanders to the call, the brilliant ecologist whose understanding of rainforest ecosystems had earned her accolades from all corners of the scientific community.

Emily's face joined them, her expression serene but alert—always ready to delve into the next puzzle nature presented. Samantha, Aaron, what's the situation?

Take a look at these readings, Samantha said, gesturing towards the evidence still hanging between them. We've got signs of something big in the Congo. Unidentified heat patterns and footprints that don't match any recorded species.

Uncharted territory... Emily mused, her lips curving into a contemplative smile. The implications for biodiversity are staggering. We'll need to act swiftly to investigate further.

Agreed, Samantha said, her resolve hardening. I suspect we're on the brink of uncovering something monumental.

Then it's settled, Aaron chimed in, the scholarly gleam in his eye mirroring Samantha's own determination. We plan our next steps carefully. But Sam, if this is what we hope it is...

We could be rewriting the textbooks, Emily finished for him, the potential of the discovery already bonding the trio in a shared purpose.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Samantha cautioned, though the spark in her eye betrayed her rising anticipation. But yes, let's prepare to chase down this mystery.

Count me in, Aaron declared.

Wouldn't miss it, Emily affirmed.

With the path laid out before them, the virtual meeting space dissolved, leaving Dr. Samantha Merriweather alone with her thoughts, surrounded by the silent hum of machines and the promise of adventure that awaited in the depths of the Congo.

The whir of the projector filled Dr. Samantha Merriweather's office as the last of her colleagues, Dr. Aaron Mitchell, stepped through the door with a brisk nod. Dr. Emily Sanders was already there, perched on the edge of a cluttered desk, eyes fixed on the wall where images flickered into existence.

Let's get straight to it, Samantha announced, clicking through the satellite feeds that painted a picture only science fiction had dared to imagine: looping thermal signatures and footprints, each the size of a small car, stamped across the Congolese jungle canopy. These patterns are consistent over several passes. They're recent and they're moving.

Aaron leaned in, adjusting his glasses. The spacing and depth suggest something massive... but intelligent enough to avoid open spaces. It's avoiding detection.

Or it doesn't know it should be hiding, Emily added, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and caution. Her fingers traced the outline of one of the prints on the screen, as if she could feel the weight of the creature through pixels and glass.

Samantha chewed at her lip, thoughts racing. The evidence was compelling; the implications of an undiscovered megafauna in one of Earth's oldest ecosystems were too significant to ignore. She looked from Aaron's analytical frown to Emily's barely contained excitement and made her decision.

We need to see this for ourselves. Her voice carried the weight of command now, the thrill of the hunt igniting her usually calm demeanor. I'll lead an expedition into the Congo. We have the expertise, the drive... This could change everything we know about evolutionary biology.

Emily's eyes sparkled with the reflection of the mysterious green landscape displayed before them. This is what we live for, she said, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. Discovery.

Aaron nodded, his usual reserve giving way to the palpable energy in the room. We'll need to be cautious. The Congo isn't forgiving, and we don't know what we're dealing with. But count me in.

Then it's decided. Samantha turned off the projector, plunging the room into semi-darkness, save for the light streaming in through the blinds. The shadows played across their faces as they stood, united by purpose. We're going to find out what's out there. Let's make history.

Samantha's fingers flew over the keyboard, compiling a list that grew with every passing second. The office, still dimly lit, had transformed into a command center of sorts, a launching pad for their imminent journey. Aaron hunched over a ruggedized laptop, cross-referencing equipment specs while Emily unpacked a recently delivered box of high-resolution cameras.

Make sure we have enough portable solar chargers, Samantha called out without looking up, her mind already trekking through the Congolese underbrush. And redundancy in our GPS units. We can't afford to lose our way.

Aaron grunted in affirmation, his eyes not leaving the screen where multiple tabs displayed an array of technical gear. I've got us covered on the tech front, he said. Dual systems for everything. And I'm adding satellite phones to the list.

Good, Samantha replied, feeling the urgency propel her forward. She reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found the number she needed. Her finger hesitated for just a moment before she pressed it against the screen to make the call.

Bonsoir, this is Dr. Merriweather, she began, her French accented but clear. The voice on the other end responded warmly, and Samantha pictured the local guide she'd worked with years ago on a less ambitious field study. Jacques, it's imperative. We need someone with your expertise.

As she spoke, her gaze drifted to the maps spread across the table, the topography lines bunching like the wrinkles of Earth's very skin. She explained the situation, the heat signatures, the footprints, and the satellite imagery that suggested something colossal lurked beneath the canopy.

Oui, oui, I understand, Jacques assured her, his tone conveying both curiosity and caution. The terrain has changed since you were last here. It's more... unpredictable.

Which is why we need you and anyone else you trust, Samantha insisted. We're preparing to leave as soon as possible.

Leave it with me, Dr. Merriweather. I will assemble a team, Jacques said before they exchanged goodbyes.

Samantha ended the call and looked up to find Emily holding a digital SLR camera, checking its weight in her hand. These will capture whatever's out there in stunning detail, she said, a twinkle of anticipation in her eye.

Assuming 'whatever's out there' is ready for its close-up, Aaron added dryly, but his smirk betrayed his shared excitement.

Let's pack up, Samantha announced, standing tall amidst the burgeoning pile of gear. Tomorrow, we shift from theory to practice. We're about to embark on a journey of true discovery.

Their collected equipment formed an island of promise on the floor, each item a pledge of their commitment to chase down the unknown.

Dr. Samantha Merriweather's heart thrummed in her chest, a rhythmic echo of the engines propelling the aircraft across the Atlantic and towards the heart of Africa. She peered out the small oval window, watching as expansive blue gave way to swaths of dense greenery. The Congo awaited them, a verdant mystery veiled beneath clouds.

Quite the view, isn't it? Dr. Aaron Mitchell leaned in, his gaze tracking hers.

More than that, Samantha replied, it's a canvas with secrets painted deep into its fabric.

Emily Sanders, sitting adjacent with her eyes fixed on an open journal filled with notes and hypotheses, chimed in without lifting her gaze. If our theories are correct, we might be rewriting textbooks after this.

The plane's descent began, a tangible shift that marked the end of one journey and the start of another. Bags packed with high-tech equipment and rugged gear were stowed overhead, each zipper and buckle a testament to their preparedness—or so they hoped.

The landing was smooth, a soft kiss to the tarmac, and the team deplaned with a sense of purpose that belied their fatigue from the long flight. As foot met ground, the humidity of the Congo enveloped them like a warm, damp blanket, carrying the scents of rain-soaked earth and distant thunder.

Their local guides were waiting just beyond customs, a group of individuals whose very postures spoke of familiarity with the labyrinthine rainforest. Jacques stood at the forefront, his weathered face breaking into a grin as he spotted Samantha.

Dr. Merriweather, welcome back to the Congo, he greeted, extending a hand roughened by years of navigating the jungle's capricious whims.

Thank you, Jacques, she responded, her handshake firm. It's good to see a familiar face.

Let us find somewhere more comfortable to talk, Jacques suggested, leading them past the bustle of the airport and to a quieter corner outside, where the air buzzed with insect chatter and the occasional squawk of distant birds.

First, know this, Jacques began once they'd settled, the rainforest has moods; respect them. Your technology will help, but nothing replaces instinct and experience out there.

Which is why we're glad to have your team guiding us, Aaron said, nodding appreciatively.

Remember, another guide—Mireille—spoke up, her voice soft but urgent, the forest tests you. Stay alert. Creatures you seek may not be the only ones watching. Her eyes held a depth that suggested untold stories of the jungle.

Understood, Emily assured her, though her fingers traced the camera strap draped over her shoulder—an unconscious reminder of the mission's core.

Tomorrow, we enter nature's domain, Jacques concluded, his tone a mix of solemnity and exhilaration. Tonight, rest. You'll need it.

Back at the modest hotel that would serve as their last outpost of civilization, Samantha lay awake, thoughts racing like fireflies against a night sky. They had come so far, armed with questions and the tools to seek answers. Tomorrow, the real test began. A quest not just for discovery, but for survival amongst the ancient whispers of the Congo rainforest.

The morning sun, a diffuse glow above the rainforest canopy, barely penetrated to where Dr. Samantha Merriweather and her team trod on a narrow, rugged trail. The air was thick with humidity, wrapping around them like a second skin as they advanced. Samantha led the way, GPS device in hand, cross-referencing their coordinates against the satellite imagery that had set this whole expedition in motion.

Watch your step here, one of the local guides, Jacques, murmured from behind her, pointing to a deceptive patch of moss that could easily twist an ankle.

Thanks, Samantha replied without breaking stride, her boots finding purchase on firmer ground. The sounds of the forest were all around—calls of hidden birds, a distant rustling of leaves, the ever-present buzz of insects. It was alive, and they were intruders in its midst.

Aaron, always one to appreciate the engineering marvels of nature, marveled at the interwoven lattice of tree roots, but his fascination was cut short by a low-hanging branch that snagged his hat, plucking it from his head. Emily reached out with deft hands, catching the hat and returning it to him with an amused smile.

Stay focused, Emily cautioned, her gaze scanning the thick underbrush. This place doesn't forgive distractions.

Indeed, Aaron agreed, readjusting his backpack, which contained some of their most delicate equipment.

They pushed deeper into the heart of the Congo rainforest, every step taking them further from the world they knew. The terrain grew steeper, the path inclining sharply before them. Samantha's muscles burned as she ascended, feeling the pull of gravity against her determination. The thick foliage challenged their progress, branches and leaves brushing against them with damp, earthy whispers.

Rain's coming, Mireille, the other local guide, observed, tilting her head towards the darkening sky. She had an uncanny ability to predict weather changes, a skill honed by years within the forest's embrace.

Already? Samantha asked, glancing upwards as a heavy drop landed squarely on her forehead. It was a herald for what was to come.

Within minutes, a torrential downpour unleashed from the heavens, turning the trail slippery and treacherous. Water cascaded down leaves and vines, creating miniature waterfalls all around them. Samantha's grip on the GPS tightened, ensuring it stayed dry beneath the protective layer of her poncho. They had waterproofed their gear, but the rainforest seemed intent on testing every safeguard they had put in place.

Keep close! Samantha yelled over the roar of the rain, her voice barely audible as the deluge intensified. The team huddled closer, moving as one entity, with Jacques and Mireille leading with assured steps despite the reduced visibility. The rain might have obscured their sight, but it amplified the sounds of the forest, a symphony of droplets drumming on an infinite variety of surfaces.

As the rain subsided as quickly as it had begun, the team emerged drenched but undeterred, dripping onto the already saturated earth. Every challenge faced was another lesson learned, each obstacle a testament to their resolve. Samantha checked the GPS again, confirming they were still on course.

Let's keep moving, she said, her voice steady, commanding. We're not letting a little rain stop us.

With nods of agreement from Aaron and Emily, the team continued. The rainforest had thrown its gauntlet, and they had met it head-on. Ahead lay the heart of their mystery—the source of those immense footprints—and nothing would keep them from it.

Samantha's boots sank into the loam, the thick mud gripping her like hands unwilling to let go. Beside her, Aaron brandished a machete with practiced ease, slicing through the curtain of lianas that veiled their path. Emily kept an eye on the topographical scanner, ensuring they didn't wander into any unseen ravines hidden by the relentless green.

Watch out for that root, Samantha warned, pointing to a gnarled protrusion that nearly tripped up Mireille, one of their local guides.

Merci, Dr. Merriweather, Mireille responded, sidestepping it deftly and continuing forward without missing a beat.

The rainforest was relentless in its tests, throwing slick moss-covered stones and sudden drops in their way. The humidity clung to them, a constant companion, and the air thrummed with the buzz of insects and the distant calls of birds and monkeys.

Stay sharp, everyone, Samantha said, her gaze fixed on the changing environment around them. We've got to be close.

Terrain's leveling out ahead, Emily reported, wiping sweat from her brow. Should make for easier—

Her words cut off as the ground trembled beneath them, a low vibration that resonated through their bones. They exchanged glances of silent understanding; something massive had made its presence known here, not long ago.

Days turned into a rhythmic pattern of march and camp. Each evening, they gathered around whispering flames, discussing strategies and sifting through the day's data, but never straying far from the anticipation of what lay ahead.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity wrapped in green shadows, they breached a clearing where sunlight streamed down, unfiltered by the canopy. Before them lay devastation—a swathe of forest crushed under some titanic force. Trees lay splintered, their trunks snapped like twigs, leading off into the distance.

Look at the size of these! Aaron exclaimed, dropping to one knee beside an imprint larger than any of them could have imagined.

Unbelievable... Emily murmured, her scientific mind racing with the possibilities.

Samantha felt a surge of vindication mixed with awe. This was it—the evidence they needed. She gazed along the trail of destruction, knowing this was only the beginning of their true journey into the unknown.

Samantha crouched, her fingers tracing the outline of a colossal footprint. The sheer depth suggested an enormous weight, far surpassing any known terrestrial creature. Sunlight played across her face as she examined the displaced earth and crushed foliage within the depression.

Get the laser scanner, she instructed without looking up. Aaron nodded, his hands deftly assembling the device with practiced ease. Emily, meanwhile, circled the perimeter, snapping high-resolution photos with a camera that sported a lens as robust as her determination.

Initial estimates put this at, what, five meters in length? Aaron mused aloud as the scanner emitted a soft whirring noise, capturing every nuance of the track.

More, Samantha corrected, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. And look here—the spacing between strides. She pointed to the next depression, a good distance away. This thing is massive and bipedal.

Emily joined them, her eyes alight with a mix of scholarly excitement and raw human curiosity. The implications... she trailed off, not needing to finish.

Exactly, Samantha affirmed. If we're right, we're talking about a new apex predator. Something that rewrites the textbooks.

Something that'll have our names etched in history, Aaron added, a boyish grin breaking through his usually composed exterior.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Samantha cautioned, though the twinkle in her own eyes betrayed her shared enthusiasm. We need more data.

Of course, Emily agreed, but they all knew the unspoken truth that hovered between them—this was a discovery that could redefine their careers, their lives, and the very fabric of biological science.

Okay, let's fan out, Samantha said, standing up and brushing the dirt from her knees. Document everything. We need to understand its path, behaviors, diet if possible. Anything it left behind could be pivotal.

Got it, Aaron said, already heading towards a cluster of demolished vegetation, where something shiny caught his eye—a fragment of scale or skin, perhaps?

Emily moved in the opposite direction, towards a series of smaller impressions that might suggest the presence of young—or even a pack.

Be careful, Samantha called after them. We still don't know if it's territorial.

Or if it's still close, Aaron called back, only half-joking.

Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the forest, a momentary release of the tension that gripped them since they embarked on this journey. But as they dispersed into the lush undergrowth, there was a palpable sense of unity in their purpose—a shared drive that propelled them forward into the heart of this mystery, each step taking them closer to unlocking secrets held tight by the ancient rainforest.

Samantha scanned the horizon where the dense foliage gave way to a patch of ravaged earth, a clear testament to the creature's immense mass. Her eyes traced the trail of uprooted trees and flattened underbrush that disappeared into the verdant abyss beyond their current location.

Look at this, she murmured, more to herself than her colleagues, as she knelt beside a massive indentation that could only have been made by a foot—or something akin to it—of colossal proportions. The soil within the imprint was still moist, compressed but holding the shape of whatever had passed through with astonishing clarity.

Fresh, Aaron remarked from over her shoulder, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension. It can't be more than a day old.

Which means it might still be nearby, Emily added, her tone laced with excitement rather than fear. She cradled her camera like a precious artifact, capturing every angle of the print before them.

Exactly, Samantha said, standing up. She felt the pull of the unknown, the allure of the untamed wilderness calling her forward. Every fiber in her being vibrated with the need to follow, to discover, to understand. She turned to face Aaron and Emily, her resolve steeling.

We go deeper, she declared. We need to find more evidence and, if fortune favors us, an encounter. This is what we came for.

There was no mistaking the gravity in her voice, nor the determination that shone in her gaze. She knew the risks; they all did. But the potential rewards far outweighed them. This was larger than any individual ambition—it was about expanding human knowledge, about bridging gaps in understanding that had spanned millennia.

Aaron nodded, gripping his pack straps tighter. I'll mark our trail. We won't lose our way back.

Emily checked her gear, ensuring her camera was primed for rapid documentation. Let's make history, she said, a smile breaking across her features.

Together, the three scientists ventured further into the heart of the Congo rainforest, following the trail left by the unknown behemoth. With each step, the world seemed to grow older around them, more primal. Vines hung like serpents from towering trees, and the air teemed with the calls of unseen creatures. They moved with purpose, senses heightened, knowing that they were on the cusp of something monumental.

The verdant expanse of the jungle loomed before them, an emerald sea of untamed flora. Dr. Merriweather's boots sank slightly into the soft earth as she led her team beneath the dense canopy, each step soundless upon the lush carpet of decaying leaves and moss. Sunlight trickled down in golden threads, barely piercing the thick foliage above, casting mottled patterns on their path.

Keep your eyes peeled, Dr. Merriweather murmured, her voice a hushed command that seemed to blend with the whispers of the jungle around them. It passed through here; I can feel it.

The team followed like shadows trailing behind her determined stride, every sense straining against the heavy air. The scent of earth and rain hung thick, mingling with the occasional pungent whiff of exotic flowers. They moved with practiced stealth, a quiet procession in search of something colossal that belonged to another age.

Dr. Merriweather's gaze never wavered from the environment, scanning for disruptions in the pattern of nature that might reveal their quarry. She paused occasionally, examining the curl of a fern or the subtle displacement of stones that lay half-buried in the soil. Her focus was unwavering, forged from years of tracking elusive truths hidden within layers of history and science.

"Disturbances in the underbrush could be our