Doc woke to the gentle filter of alien sunlight through the forest canopy. He blinked, momentarily surprised by the absence of pain. For the first time since the crash, his body didn't protest when he sat up. The sharp stab of his cracked ribs had dulled to a manageable ache, and the bone-deep soreness from the H.O.T. protocol had faded to a distant memory.

  "Well, that's different," he muttered, stretching his arms overhead. His muscles responded without complaint. "Lux, status report. Any unwelcome visitors during the night?"

  "Negative. Perimeter remained secure throughout the night cycle. Several small non-threatening organisms approached within sensor range but retreated without incident. Your vital signs show marked improvement. Estimated rib healing at thirty-seven percent."

  Doc ran a hand over his side, pressing gently where the worst of the bruising had been. "Feels better than thirty-seven percent."

  "The food source provided by Fish contained high concentrations of regenerative compounds. Analysis suggests these accelerated your natural healing processes by approximately eighteen percent."

  "Medicinal alien game bird. That's a first." Doc stood and surveyed the camp. The fire had burned down to cold ash, and morning dew sparkled on the survival gear. One thing was missing.

  "Speaking of Fish, where is she?"

  "The canine left camp approximately forty-three minutes ago, heading southeast. Behavior pattern consistent with previous hunting excursions."

  Doc nodded and pulled out a ration pack. While Fish's hunting skills had proven impressive, he wasn't about to wait for breakfast on the chance she might bring something back. He broke open the self-heating container and breathed in the uninspiring aroma of processed protein.

  "Temperature optimal for travel today," Lux continued. "Atmospheric conditions stable. Settlement remains approximately sixty-eight kilometers west-northwest."

  "Three more days at our current pace," Doc said between bites of the bland breakfast. "Less if we can maintain a better speed now that I'm not moving like an ancient maintenance droid."

  He finished the ration quickly and packed up his sleeping gear. The forest looked different in the morning light—less ominous, more vibrant. Bioluminescent plants that had glowed eerily at night now displayed intricate patterns of color that seemed to pulse with the breeze.

  Doc circled the perimeter, checking the sensors before disassembling them. No sign of Fish yet. He frowned slightly, calculating how long she'd been gone.

  "Lux, can you detect Fish's signature? She's been gone a while."

  "Scanning... Detected. The canine is returning from the southeast, approximately three hundred meters from current position."

  Relief washed through him, surprising in its intensity. "Good. Let's finish breaking camp before—"

  A flash of movement caught his eye, and Fish burst through the underbrush. Her storm-gray coat gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and she moved with a fluid grace that seemed enhanced since yesterday. She carried nothing in her jaws this time, but bounded up to Doc with evident excitement.

  "Morning, hunter," Doc greeted her, kneeling to examine her more closely. "Successful expedition?"

  Fish circled him, pressing briefly against his legs before sitting back on her haunches, alert and seemingly pleased with herself. Her amber eyes were bright with intelligence, and Doc noticed the metallic sheen in her fur had intensified overnight, creating subtle patterns along her flanks that hadn't been there before.

  "Lux, are you seeing this? The changes in her coat structure?"

  "Affirmative. Analysis indicates continued integration of core energy. Cellular adaptation progressing at an accelerated rate. Current development suggests enhanced physical capabilities and possible emergence of latent traits consistent with the adult specimens we encountered."

  Doc ran a hand along Fish's back, feeling the strange, subtle warmth that radiated from her. "But she's not becoming aggressive like the others."

  "Correct. Behavioral patterns remain consistent with bonded pack dynamics. You remain identified as alpha."

  Doc continued petting Fish for a bit longer, running his fingers through the metallic-sheened fur. The texture felt different now—smoother, with an almost imperceptible vibration beneath the surface. Whatever the core energy was doing to her physiology, it wasn't merely cosmetic.

  "Alright, enough admiring the new coat. We need to move." He stood and returned to breaking down camp, methodically folding the thermal blanket and stowing it in his pack.

  Three days of travel still stretched ahead of them. Three days of navigating through unfamiliar terrain filled with phase-shifting predators, tentacled stream monsters, and who knew what else. The settlement couldn't come soon enough.

  "Time is a luxury we don't have," he muttered to himself as he dismantled the last sensor and tucked it away.

  As he worked, his hand brushed against the small container where he'd stored the cores harvested from the wolves. The contact sent a strange tingle up his arm, not entirely unpleasant but definitely not normal. Doc paused, pulling out the container and studying it. Through the translucent material, he could see the cores pulsing with faint internal light patterns, each one a unique network of energy.

  Fish padded over, her attention immediately fixed on the container. Her nose twitched, and she made a soft sound in her throat.

  "Interesting," Doc said, watching her reaction. "You can sense these, can't you?"

  The first two cores he'd given her had triggered significant physical changes. Enhanced size, accelerated healing, increased hunting abilities—all beneficial adaptations so far. But what would happen with more? Would additional cores speed her development, or would they trigger something unpredictable? Dangerous?

  He weighed the container in his palm. "Lux, what are your thoughts on administering another core to Fish? Would the integration be beneficial or potentially harmful?"

  "Insufficient data for definitive conclusion," Lux replied. "Initial core integration appears successful, with positive physiological adaptations. However, multiple rapid integrations may overload her developing system. Current rate of adaptation suggests her body is still processing the first two core's energy matrix."

  Doc nodded, watching Fish's fixed attention on the container. "Risk assessment?"

  "Primary risk factors include: one, metabolic instability from energy overload; two, unpredictable trait manifestation; three, potential personality or behavioral alterations if neural pathways are affected. Recommend conservative approach until further data can be collected on single-core integration effects."

  "So basically, we don't know if it would supercharge her or blow her circuits."

  "An imprecise but essentially accurate summary."

  Doc studied Fish for a moment longer. She'd already changed significantly in the short time since absorbing the first two cores. Her size had increased, her coat had developed that strange metallic quality, and her hunting abilities had improved. All useful adaptations for survival on this planet.

  But she was still just a pup. Her body was changing rapidly even without additional core energy. Pushing that process too quickly might do more harm than good.

  "Let's err on the side of caution," Doc decided, securing the container back in his pack. "One core at a time. We'll give her system time to fully integrate before considering another."

  Fish tilted her head, as if disappointed by his decision, but didn't protest when he zipped the pack closed.

  "Don't give me that look," Doc told her. "You're already developing faster than any canine I've ever encountered. Let's not push our luck."

  Doc shouldered his pack and took one final survey of the campsite, satisfied that they'd left minimal evidence of their stay. With Fish at his side, he oriented himself toward the settlement and started walking.

  "The Sylvan's directions should save us at least half a day," Doc said, consulting the mental map he'd formed during their telepathic exchange. "Follow this ridgeline west until it meets a stream, then northwest along the water."

  Fish trotted alongside him, occasionally darting ahead to investigate interesting scents before circling back. Her movements were more fluid today, her strides longer and more confident. Whatever the core energy was doing to her physiology, it seemed to be enhancing her natural abilities rather than warping them.

  The morning passed uneventfully as they made good progress through the forest. Doc's improved physical condition allowed for a faster pace, and he found himself mentally calculating their new estimated arrival time at the settlement.

  "If we maintain this speed, we might cut half a day off our journey," he noted to Lux. "Maybe more if the terrain remains favorable."

  "Agreed. Current pace suggests arrival in approximately sixty-two hours, assuming consistent progress and no significant detours."

  The path narrowed as they continued, winding between ancient trees whose massive trunks were covered in spiraling patterns of moss and fungus. Thick undergrowth crowded the edges of the trail, occasionally forcing Doc to push through tangled vegetation.

  His mind wandered to the settlement ahead. What kind of civilization would they find? The Sylvan had mentioned "two-legs" with structures and fire, which suggested at least a primitive society. But on a world where things seem to operate on magic or some other strange energy, appearances might be deceiving.

  Lost in thought about potential first contact scenarios, Doc failed to notice the subtle difference in the vegetation directly ahead. His boot came down on what looked like an ordinary vine crossing the path.

  The moment his weight pressed on it, the "vine" tensed and tightened around his ankle with startling speed. Before he could react, it yanked upward with tremendous force, lifting him completely off the ground.

  "What the—" Doc's exclamation cut short as he found himself dangling upside down, suspended six feet above the forest floor. Blood rushed to his head as he twisted, trying to orient himself.

  "Warning! Multiple biological threats activating!" Lux's voice cut through his confusion.

  The undergrowth around them erupted into motion. What had appeared to be ordinary vines suddenly animated, uncoiling from their hiding places and lashing toward him with alarming speed. Each was tipped with a barbed, hollow thorn that gleamed wetly in the dappled sunlight.

  "H.O.T. protocol initiated," Lux announced overriding the normal protocols due to the extreme and sudden danger. Doc felt the familiar rush as his neural pathways accelerated.

  The world slowed around him. He saw the first vine approaching his torso, its thorn aimed directly at his chest. In one fluid motion, Doc drew his plasma blade and sliced through the vine holding his ankle. As he fell, he twisted his body mid-air, cutting through three more attacking vines in a single sweeping arc.

  He hit the ground hard but managed to roll away from the central mass of vegetation. More vines lashed out, but Fish darted between them, her teeth snapping at the writhing tendrils while Doc severed any that came too close.

  Within seconds, the immediate threat was neutralized. Doc backed away from the disturbed area, watching as the remaining vines retreated into the undergrowth, dragging their severed ends with them.

  "Great," Doc sighed, deactivating his blade and brushing dirt from his suit. "Now even the vegetation is trying to kill me."

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Doc wiped the sweat from his forehead and cast a wary glance at the vegetation that had just tried to turn him into plant food. His heart rate gradually slowed as the adrenaline subsided.

  "Lux, are we still on the path the Sylvan recommended?" he asked, keeping his voice low as he scanned the surrounding foliage for any more movement.

  "Affirmative. Current coordinates match the directional guidance provided by the forest entity. We are precisely on the suggested route."

  Doc ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I thought this was supposed to be the safe path. Apparently 'safe' only applies to animal predators, not carnivorous plants."

  Fish circled back to him, her amber eyes alert as she sniffed cautiously at the ground near the retreating vines. She stayed close to Doc now, seemingly more vigilant after the attack.

  "H.O.T. protocol deactivated," Doc muttered, feeling the familiar neural slowdown as his system returned to normal. The rush of enhanced perception faded, leaving behind the dull throb of exertion in his muscles.

  He took a moment to inspect his suit for damage. The reinforced material had held up well against the thorns, but a few scratches marred the surface where the barbs had scraped against it. Nothing serious, but a reminder of how quickly things could go wrong on this planet.

  "Lux, I need you to find us an alternative route to civilization," Doc said, still scanning the forest around them. "Something quicker if possible. This Sylvan path isn't turning out to be as safe as advertised."

  "Processing request. Analyzing topographical data and previous scan information."

  Doc waited, keeping his plasma blade within easy reach as Fish prowled the perimeter, her nose working overtime to detect any new threats.

  "Alternative route identified," Lux announced after a moment. "Satellite imagery captured during descent suggests a river valley approximately three kilometers northwest of our position. Following the river downstream would lead to a larger body of water with signs of habitation along its shores. Estimated travel time reduction of eighteen hours compared to current route."

  "That's more like it," Doc said, relief evident in his voice. "Let's change course. I've had enough close encounters with the local flora and fauna to last a lifetime."

  He adjusted his pack, checked that Fish was ready, and set off in the new direction, giving the patch of carnivorous vines a wide berth. As they walked, he kept a more careful eye on the ground ahead, watching for anything that looked even remotely suspicious.

  "Next time we get travel advice from a telepathic tree person," Doc muttered to Fish, who trotted alongside him, "remind me to ask for the fine print."

  The new path cut through denser sections of the forest, but Doc found it preferable to risking more encounters with carnivorous plants. Three hours into their altered route, the vegetation began to thin, giving way to scattered clearings that allowed sunlight to pour through the canopy in golden shafts.

  Doc paused at the edge of one such clearing, taking a moment to check their bearings. Fish had ranged ahead slightly, her nose working overtime as she investigated new scents.

  "We're making good time," Doc noted with satisfaction. "At this pace, we might reach the river before nightfall."

  "Correct," Lux confirmed. "Current trajectory will intersect with the river valley in approximately two hours and seventeen minutes at present speed."

  Doc took a swig from his water container and was about to continue when Fish froze, her attention locked on something across the clearing. Following her gaze, Doc spotted movement at the tree line opposite their position.

  A creature stepped into the sunlight, and Doc instinctively reached for his plasma gun before stopping himself. The animal showed no signs of aggression as it moved with ethereal grace into the center of the clearing.

  It resembled a stag, but unlike any Doc had ever encountered. Standing nearly as tall as Doc himself, its body gleamed with a coat that seemed to shift between deep forest green and burnished gold depending on how the light struck it. Atop its proud head rose a crown of antlers that appeared to be made of living crystal, refracting the sunlight into prismatic patterns across the forest floor. Most striking were its eyes—large, luminous pools of amber that regarded Doc with unmistakable intelligence.

  "Lux, what am I looking at?" Doc whispered, not taking his eyes off the magnificent creature.

  "Scanning," Lux replied. "Biometric analysis indicates cervid-like morphology but with significant anomalous characteristics. The creature appears non-hostile at present."

  The stag continued to watch them calmly, occasionally pawing at the ground with a cloven hoof that left small sprouts of vibrant green wherever it touched.

  "Energy readings?" Doc asked, remembering the cores they'd harvested from the wolves.

  "Detecting substantial energy signature centered in the thoracic cavity," Lux reported. "Preliminary comparison suggests power output significantly exceeds that of the phase-shifting canid we encountered previously. Recommend extreme caution. Avoid provocation or aggressive action."

  Doc frowned. "I've never attacked first on this planet, Lux. Every fight has been in self-defense."

  "Historical data suggests otherwise," Lux countered. "During the Skagag expedition, you initiated conflict with the silicon-based hive organisms before determining their intentions."

  "That was different," Doc protested. "They were constructing a thermal vent that would have collapsed our research station. And they weren't even sentient—they were programmed constructs."

  "The distinction was not established until after engagement," Lux pointed out. "The parallel is worth noting."

  Doc sighed, returning his attention to the stag, which had begun to graze on strange blue-tinted grass growing in patches throughout the clearing. Fish remained motionless beside him, her posture alert but not aggressive.

  "Well, I have no intention of starting anything with this one," Doc said quietly. "Let's just move around the clearing and continue on our way."

  The stag lifted its head as if it had heard him, those intelligent amber eyes locking with Doc's. For a moment, Doc felt a strange pressure at the edges of his consciousness, similar to but distinct from the Sylvan's telepathic contact.

  "Lux, are you detecting any attempt at neural interface?" Doc asked, not breaking eye contact with the creature.

  "Negative. No invasive signals detected. However, unusual energy patterns are emanating from the entity. Purpose unknown."

  The stag bowed its crystalline-antlered head slightly, then turned and walked with unhurried dignity back into the forest, disappearing among the trees as silently as it had arrived.

  "Well," Doc said after a moment, "that was... unexpected."

  Doc kept glancing back at the spot where the majestic stag had disappeared, its image lingering in his mind as they continued their journey. Something about the creature had felt significant, though he couldn't articulate why.

  "That wasn't just an ordinary animal," he murmured to Fish, who had resumed her position at his side.

  They made excellent progress through the afternoon, the terrain becoming gradually less dense as they approached the river valley. Doc felt a surge of satisfaction as he checked their coordinates. The detour was paying off—they'd covered nearly twice the distance he'd initially expected.

  "Lux, how much daylight do we have left?" Doc asked, noting the lengthening shadows.

  "Approximately one hour and forty-two minutes until sunset, based on previous day-night cycles observed."

  Doc nodded, feeling the pleasant ache of a productive day's hike in his muscles. "We've made good time today. Let's find a suitable campsite and settle in early. We'll need our energy if we're reaching civilization tomorrow."

  "Affirmative. Scanning for optimal campsite locations."

  Doc took a long drink from his water container while waiting for Lux's assessment. Fish had wandered a short distance ahead, sniffing at something interesting in the underbrush.

  "Several potential campsites detected within half-kilometer radius," Lux reported. "Optimal location identified two hundred meters ahead—elevated ground, proximity to freshwater spring, natural rock formation providing partial shelter."

  "Sounds perfect," Doc said, adjusting his pack. "Lead the way."

  As they approached the campsite, Doc felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. Despite the planet's best efforts to kill them, they were making steady progress toward civilization. If all went well, they might be sleeping in actual beds tomorrow night instead of on forest ground.

  "We'll rest well tonight," he told Fish as they reached the spot Lux had identified. "And hopefully, by this time tomorrow, we'll be figuring out what passes for civilization on this world."

  Doc surveyed the campsite with satisfaction. The elevated ground gave them good visibility of the surrounding area, while a small freshwater spring bubbled nearby, solving their water needs. A natural rock formation jutted from the earth, creating a partial shelter that would shield them from wind and provide some protection from the elements.

  "This will do nicely," he said, shrugging off his pack and setting it down against the rock face. "Good find, Lux."

  "Optimal site selection is a basic function," Lux replied. "Continuing perimeter scans while you establish camp."

  Doc began unpacking his equipment, laying out the portable shelter components and sorting through his supplies. The day's hike had been productive but taxing, and he looked forward to a few hours of rest before tomorrow's push toward the settlement.

  As he rummaged through his pack, his hand brushed against something hard and smooth—the cores they'd harvested from the wolves. He pulled one out, the crystalline structure of the phase-shifting wolf core catching the fading sunlight in an array of violet reflections.

  "Still can't figure out what these things are," Doc muttered, turning the core in his hand. "Some kind of biological power source, but the energy signature doesn't match anything in our database."

  Fish, who had been investigating the perimeter of their camp, suddenly appeared at Doc's side. Her amber eyes fixed intently on the core in his hand, her posture alert and focused. She edged closer, nose twitching as she sniffed at the glowing object.

  "Interested in this, are you?" Doc asked, holding the core where Fish could examine it.

  Fish tilted her head, ears perked forward, and Doc felt an unexpected sensation—not quite telepathy like with the Sylvan, but a clear impression of desire emanating from the wolf pup. It wasn't a voice or words, just a powerful feeling that Fish wanted the core.

  "That's strange," Doc said, frowning slightly. "Lux, did you detect any unusual neural activity just now?"

  "Negative. No external neural interfaces detected. However, unusual energy patterns are emanating from both the core and Fish. Possible resonance effect."

  Doc looked at Fish, then back at the core. "You want this, don't you?" he asked.

  Fish's gaze remained locked on the core, her entire body tense with anticipation.

  "Well, we've already seen you absorb two before," Doc reasoned. "And it seemed to help your healing process. I suppose there's no harm in letting you have this one too."

  Doc extended his hand, offering the violet-hued core to Fish. The moment the wolf pup's nose touched it, something unexpected happened. The core seemed to dissolve, its crystalline structure breaking down into motes of light that swirled around Fish. Then, without warning, Fish collapsed to the ground.

  "Fish!" Doc exclaimed, kneeling beside the wolf pup in alarm.

  Before he could check for vital signs, Fish's body began to emit a brilliant white light, growing so intense that Doc had to shield his eyes.

  "Lux, what's happening?" Doc demanded, reaching for his scanner.

  "Unknown phenomenon in progress," Lux replied. "Detecting massive energy fluctuations and rapid cellular restructuring. Fish appears to be undergoing some form of accelerated mutation or evolutionary process."

  Doc activated his scanner, focusing it on Fish's glowing form. The readings were unlike anything he'd seen before—cellular division at impossible rates, energy signatures fluctuating wildly, genetic material being rewritten in real-time.

  "This is fascinating," Doc breathed, his scientific curiosity overriding his initial concern. "The core seems to have triggered some kind of metamorphosis. Look at these readings—it's like watching evolution happen in minutes instead of millennia."

  "Confirmed," Lux said. "Biological restructuring proceeding at 10,000 times normal rate. Vital signs stable but altered. This appears to be a natural process for this species when exposed to core energy."

  "Keep monitoring," Doc instructed, getting to his feet. "Alert me if anything changes or if Fish shows signs of distress. I'll finish setting up camp while we wait this out."

  With occasional glances at the glowing form of Fish, Doc resumed unpacking his equipment, his mind racing with questions about what kind of creature would emerge when the transformation was complete.

  Doc finished setting up camp, checking the perimeter sensors one final time before adjusting the portable shelter's environmental controls. The sky had darkened to a deep indigo, punctuated by unfamiliar constellations that glittered like scattered diamonds across the alien sky. He glanced occasionally at Fish's glowing form, which continued to pulse with ethereal light, casting long shadows across their campsite.

  "Any changes, Lux?" Doc asked, returning to kneel beside the wolf pup.

  "Negative. Transformation process continues at steady rate. Vital signs remain stable. Estimated completion time unknown."

  Doc sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I suppose there's nothing to do but wait it out." He rose and moved to his pack, retrieving his field rations. "Might as well have dinner while nature does... whatever it's doing."

  He prepared a simple meal from his dwindling supplies, heating a protein packet and complementing it with some of the edible fruits they'd gathered while traveling earlier in the day. The sweet, tangy flavor of the alien fruit helped mask the bland taste of the emergency rations.

  As he ate, Doc found himself studying Fish's glowing form with scientific fascination. The light pulsed in rhythmic waves now, almost like a heartbeat, and occasional ripples of energy cascaded across the wolf pup's silhouette.

  "You know, Lux," Doc said between bites, "in all my years of planetary exploration, I've never seen anything quite like this. Biological metamorphosis triggered by crystalline energy absorption. It defies every principle of evolutionary biology we've established."

  "The phenomenon does not conform to known scientific parameters," Lux agreed. "However, sufficient analysis may yield comprehensible patterns. This world appears to operate on consistent internal logic, despite contradicting established scientific principles."

  Doc nodded, finishing his meal and setting aside the container. He moved closer to Fish, settling cross-legged on the ground beside the glowing wolf pup. The light emanating from Fish's body was warm but not uncomfortable, like sitting beside a gentle campfire.

  "I wonder what you're becoming in there," Doc murmured, watching the shifting patterns of light. "Something magnificent, I'd wager, given how impressive you already are as a pup."

  He reached out, his hand hovering just above the field of light surrounding Fish. His scanner showed no harmful radiation or energy emissions, just the strange, pulsing power that seemed to be rebuilding his companion from the inside out.

  "Everything remains unchanged," Lux reported. "All metrics stable."

  Doc sighed, leaning back against the rock formation. "Well, Fish," he said to the glowing form, "looks like we're in for an interesting night. At least one of us is getting a productive rest."

  He gazed up at the alien stars, wondering what other wonders and dangers this world held in store for them. The thought of reaching civilization tomorrow brought both hope and apprehension. Would the inhabitants be friendly? Hostile? Would they have any means of helping him return home, or was he truly stranded here?

  "You know, Fish," Doc said softly, "I've explored seventeen different planets in my career, cataloged hundreds of unique species, and survived encounters with some of the most dangerous predators in charted and uncharted space." He chuckled, shaking his head. "But this world... this world takes the prize. The creatures here are simultaneously the most fascinating and terrifying I've ever encountered."

  He reached out again, this time letting his fingers brush against the edge of the light field surrounding Fish. It felt warm and strangely comforting.

  "When you wake up," he whispered, "whatever you look like, we'll figure it out together. That's what pack does, right? At least, that's what I assume pack does. My experience with wolf social structures is admittedly limited to what I've read in xenobiology textbooks."

  Doc settled back, making himself comfortable against the rock as night fully claimed the forest around them. "Sleep well, Fish. Transform well, or evolve well, or whatever the proper term is for what you're doing. Just... come back to me in one piece, preferably not as something that wants to eat me."

  Chapter 8 drops Friday.