Fleeing death in N'Tirlay

By Zorack

Ten slaves tried to flee the unfortunate concentration camps at N'Tirlay under a storm of toxic gases.

And everything from the beginning seemed destined for failure. The slaves knew that death awaited us if the sentries managed to capture us. And in the desert of that planet, I learned that didn't even know the meaning of hell yet. It was there and without resources that the truth finally appeared before me.

I looked at Klaus livid in agony like a man who was directed to his own execution. All I wanted to do was scream, fight to get the damned anger out. I hate lies.

"Do you want to explain to me what this is?" I snapped at my lover the morning of the second day.

The escape preparations had taken most of my days and attention for two weeks. There were several necessary precautions. We would need extra oxygen implants to withstand the toxic atmosphere. And food. Water. I can't believe how difficult it is to get water among some forms of life using ammonia as a source of existence.

The few times that Klaus and I got some time were getting smaller and smaller. Now I was watching with some horror how close my lover had lost weight. The dry, insistent cough ... Was he sick? The horror enveloped me very slowly in its shroud. Because I knew those damn symptoms ... The unfortunate persistent fever ...

-I am fine. I swear that ...

We were going to discuss. Lodge from the rest of the group, my anger took on furious proportions.

-Can you just give me a damn reason? Only one? You are sick! Why didn't you tell me earlier that you were sick, shit? How to hope to survive here in this desert and without resources?

Klaus said nothing. There were no words to defend his betrayal. My greatest desire was freedom. But in no way was I willing to pay for it with his life. The decision was up to both of us, and he was selfish, however, and had not given me the chance.

-I would give up the plans and ...

-No..

-But of course, I would give up, man! - I shouted furiously. - Do you really think I would risk your life?

Two days. Our escape was already known to all at least. There was no turning back. Angrier than ever, I took his wrists and examined them with a knot of revulsion in his dry throat. They were marks of fangs ... At that time, Klaus had become a host?

- Not quite ... You are exaggerating! - the defence was too weak in the face of my anger and helplessness.

Why that escape was bound to cost my lover's life. On the other side of the miserable piles of poisoned sand, there was a rescue party. It was hard to believe that after five years someone was looking for me. Only my world was falling apart when I faced Klaus.

-How much time? I asked in shock.

The diseases that K'Aldriants brought to most of us ... I had seen stronger warriors infected by the damned virus that those creatures brought to die in less than a month.

The look of both of us met in the heavy, oppressive silence. Maybe a few more days ... The thought was serrated inside. No words were needed.

I could see on his face the agonized expressions in a smile that showed courage that I did not feel. It is never easy to face death like this.

-But what the hell, Klaus. You should have told me. Had to...

Without realizing it mine was pulling Klaus for me. I hugged his body against mine as if I could protect it from the inevitable.

-You'll be somebody free again ...

-I will kill, Ravenack, I swear I will ...