Doc's eyes snapped open to find a pair of glowing violet orbs inches from his face. His heart lurched as he jerked backward, smacking his head against the rock he'd been sleeping against.

  "Jesus Christ!" he yelped, scrambling to put distance between himself and the creature looming over him.

  "I would advise against invoking religious figures in this new reality," Lux's calm voice interjected. "Given our limited understanding of this world's metaphysical structure, such utterances may have unintended consequences."

  Doc froze mid-scramble, then burst into laughter that echoed through their small camp. The absurdity of the situation hit him all at once – a highly advanced AI programmed with the pinnacle of scientific knowledge suddenly concerned about supernatural repercussions.

  "Are you serious?" Doc wiped a tear from his eye. "You're worried about me offending some deity? You're a quantum-computational entity built on pure science!"

  "I am merely suggesting caution," Lux replied, unperturbed. "Our observations indicate this world operates under different fundamental principles than those we've previously encountered. Prudence dictates we adjust our behavior accordingly until we better understand these principles."

  Doc's laughter subsided as he finally focused on the creature that had startled him awake. His scientific curiosity immediately overtook his initial shock.

  "Fish?" he whispered, leaning forward.

  The wolf pup that stood before him bore only a passing resemblance to the creature he'd befriended days earlier. Fish's once storm-gray fur had transformed to a deep charcoal black, interwoven with subtle violet lines that traced along her limbs, chest, and tail like glowing circuit pathways. Her eyes emitted the same violet luminescence, giving her gaze an otherworldly quality that was both beautiful and slightly unnerving.

  As Fish moved toward him, Doc noticed a strange visual distortion – almost like heat waves – that rippled around her form. When she stopped, the effect disappeared, only to return when she moved again.

  "Fascinating," Doc murmured, reaching out a tentative hand. "The evolution is complete, then?"

  "Affirmative," Lux confirmed. "Biological readings indicate stable integration of the core energy. I am detecting unusual spatial anomalies in her cellular structure."

  Fish padded forward, pressing her head into Doc's palm. The contact felt normal – warm fur, solid muscle – but as she moved away, she left a brief shimmer in the air, like a heat mirage.

  "What exactly are you now?" Doc wondered aloud, circling the transformed pup. Fish tracked his movement, her violet eyes gleaming with the same intelligence and loyalty he'd come to recognize.

  "Based on observed phenomena and comparison with encountered species, I believe Fish has evolved into what might be classified as a juvenile version of the previous wolf monster we encountered," Lux stated. "The previous entity we encountered with similar energy signatures was capable of short-range dimensional movement."

  As if understanding Lux's assessment, Fish suddenly disappeared in a flash of violet light, only to reappear three meters away. The movement wasn't entirely smooth – she stumbled slightly upon reappearance, shaking her head as if disoriented.

  "Teleportation?" Doc's scientific mind raced with possibilities. "No, not exactly. More like... phase shifting through localized space."

  Fish trotted back to him, looking inordinately pleased with herself, the violet lines in her fur pulsing slightly brighter.

  "Well," Doc said, reaching out to scratch behind her ears, "this certainly complicates our journey to civilization. I can just imagine the reactions when my pet wolf starts blinking in and out of existence."

  Doc watched Fish phase back into existence, fascinated by the rippling effect that followed her movement. The scientific part of his brain immediately began cataloging observations, but a more immediate concern surfaced.

  "Lux, run a quick scan on Fish. I want to make sure this transformation hasn't harmed her in any way."

  "Scanning," Lux replied. A moment passed as the AI processed the data. "Scan complete. All biological functions appear normal, though significantly altered from her previous state. Respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are functioning within parameters for her new physiology."

  Doc nodded, relieved. "Any abnormalities I should be concerned about?"

  "Only one notable anomaly. I'm detecting a strong energy signature emanating from the area where a monster core would typically be located. The signature is similar to the phase-shifting wolf we encountered, but approximately 15% more intense."

  This caught Doc's attention. He paused in the middle of packing his gear. "More intense? You mean stronger?"

  "Correct. The energy reading exceeds that of our previous encounter by a small but measurable margin."

  Doc considered this information, his mind automatically trying to quantify it in familiar terms. "So what you're saying is... her power level is higher?" The moment the words left his mouth, Doc grimaced. "Did I really just say 'power level'? Like we're in some kind of fantasy game?"

  He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a short laugh. "Next thing you know, I'll be looking for experience points and leveling up my character stats."

  "I cannot confirm or deny the existence of such systems in this reality," Lux replied, missing Doc's sarcasm entirely.

  "This world has me questioning my sanity," Doc muttered, shaking his head as he returned to his breakfast. The alien fruit he'd harvested yesterday was nearly gone, and he took a final bite before tossing the core into the underbrush. "I've spent my entire career pursuing rational explanations for natural phenomena, and now I'm traveling with a teleporting wolf pup while discussing power levels."

  Fish tilted her head at him, those violet eyes seeming to sparkle with intelligence. She padded over and sat beside him, leaning against his leg.

  "Well," Doc said, reaching down to scratch behind her ears, "I'm glad you're alright, buddy. Teleporting abilities aside, you seem healthy enough." Fish responded by pressing her head more firmly into his hand, the violet lines in her fur pulsing slightly.

  Doc finished packing his gear, carefully stowing his supplies in the reinforced backpack. According to Lux's calculations, they should reach the settlement in another two days if they maintained their current pace.

  "At least you'll be useful if we encounter any more of those slug monsters," Doc told Fish as he shouldered his pack. "Though I'd prefer if you didn't teleport in front of locals until we understand how they might react to your... unique abilities."

  Fish trotted ahead a few paces, then looked back at him expectantly, ready to continue their journey. The morning sun filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled light across the forest floor.

  "Let's get moving," Doc said, checking his compass heading one last time. "And try not to disappear on me without warning."

  Doc checked his heading on the compass one last time, then paused before setting out. The forest around them was quiet in the early morning light, with only distant bird-like calls breaking the silence.

  "Lux, how much longer until we reach civilization? And I mean actual buildings, not just another magical deer or talking tree."

  "Based on our current position along the shortcut route and accounting for yesterday's progress, we should reach the settlement in approximately eleven hours of continuous travel," Lux replied. "Barring any unexpected encounters or terrain difficulties."

  Doc nodded, processing the information. "Eleven hours. So potentially we could make it there by nightfall." He glanced at Fish, who was sniffing at something in the underbrush. "Though I'm not sure how the locals will react to my new phase-shifting companion."

  He reached down and unclipped the plasma gun from his thigh holster, checking its power indicator. The small display showed a steady blue glow—fully charged. He triggered the diagnostic sequence, watching as the weapon cycled through its self-check routine.

  "Power levels at optimal capacity," he murmured, satisfied. Next, he drew the plasma blade from its magnetic mount on his hips. The hilt felt reassuringly solid in his hand as he activated it briefly. The blade hummed to life, its blue-white arc extending with a sharp crackle before he deactivated it and returned it to its mount.

  "Both weapons at full power. Good." Doc patted his equipment, a habit formed from years of field work. "Lux, run a full scan on me. I want to make sure I'm not developing any issues from this planet's environment or from the injuries I sustained."

  "Initiating comprehensive biological scan," Lux confirmed. Doc felt the familiar tingling sensation as the AI's scanning protocols interfaced with his neural implants, gathering data on everything from cellular integrity to neural function.

  Several seconds passed before Lux spoke again. "Scan complete. Your vital signs are within normal parameters. Bone density and muscle tissue in previously injured areas show accelerated healing—approximately 37% faster than your baseline recovery rate."

  Doc frowned. "That's unusual. Any explanation for the increased healing rate?"

  "Insufficient data for conclusive analysis," Lux admitted. "However, I have detected trace elements in your bloodstream that match compounds found in the alien fauna you've consumed. These compounds appear to stimulate cellular regeneration and protein synthesis."

  "So the local food is actually helping me heal faster?" Doc raised his eyebrows, genuinely surprised. "That's... convenient."

  "Indeed. I also detect elevated endorphin levels and increased mitochondrial efficiency. Your body appears to be adapting well to this environment despite its alien nature."

  Doc flexed his previously injured ribs, noting the significant reduction in pain. "Well, I'm not complaining about faster healing. Anything else I should know?"

  "One anomaly: I detect faint energy signatures like those from monster cores, concentrated in your healed injury sites. The significance is unknown, but the energy appears benign and may be aiding your recovery."

  Doc appeared somewhat taken aback, and flinched when Fish materialized beside him, gazing upward with those luminous purple eyes. "You're going to cause me cardiac arrest, Fish. Please don't frighten me like that—I already have plenty of threats attempting to end my life on this planet."

  Doc set a brisk pace as they moved through the forest, Fish occasionally phasing in and out of visibility as she scouted ahead. The newly evolved wolf pup seemed to take pure joy in her abilities, appearing on fallen logs or behind trees before vanishing again with a violet shimmer.

  "Try to conserve your energy," Doc called out after Fish's third consecutive teleport. "We don't know the metabolic cost of your new abilities."

  He checked his navigation display once more, pleased with their progress. The settlement marker pulsed steadily on his HUD, growing incrementally closer with each passing hour. The thought of finally encountering intelligent life—beyond forest guardians and magical deer and hostile wildlife—filled him with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

  "Lux, what's your assessment of potential first contact scenarios?" Doc asked, ducking under a low-hanging branch. "Given what we've seen of the wildlife, I'm concerned about the civilization we might encounter."

  "Insufficient data for accurate prediction," Lux replied. "However, if the indigenous population has established permanent settlements in this environment, they must possess significant defensive capabilities or societal structures to mitigate the threats posed by local fauna."

  Doc nodded, his mind drifting to his first official first contact mission years ago. The memory surfaced with surprising clarity—perhaps triggered by the familiar pre-contact anxiety he was experiencing now.

  "Remember the Relay mission?" he asked, knowing Lux had access to all his memories since their integration.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  "Affirmative. Mission designation CR-792. First contact with the Avis Collective during exploration of the ancient relay structure."

  Doc smiled faintly as he stepped over a fallen log. "That was quite different from our current situation."

  The memory unfolded in his mind: the sterile, controlled environment of the research vessel orbiting the massive alien relay structure. He had been younger then, a promising xenobiologist selected for the prestigious mission. The relay—a massive ring-shaped construct of unknown origin—had been discovered at the edge of the federation-controlled space, its purpose and creators a complete mystery.

  "I was cataloging the crystalline formations on the relay's outer ring when the Avis ship decloaked," Doc recalled, pushing aside a dense patch of ferns as they continued their trek. "Nearly had a heart attack when their vessel just appeared out of nowhere."

  His team had frozen in place as the sleek, asymmetrical ship approached, its hull reflecting the starlight in iridescent patterns reminiscent of feathers. The tension in the research vessel had been palpable—docs first encounter with a non-human intelligence.

  "Diplomatic Protocol Alpha-Three-Seven activated," Lux stated, recalling the sequence of events. "Non-aggressive posture maintained. Weapons systems placed on standby but not targeted. Communication channels opened on all standard frequencies."

  Doc remembered how his neural interface had flooded with information as the protocol activated—guidance on body language, suggested phrases, warning signs to watch for. The Avis had initiated contact first, broadcasting a series of mathematical sequences that served as a universal language.

  "They were so methodical," Doc said, smiling at the memory. "Those avian scientists were analyzing the relay just as we were. Two species, separated by light-years of evolution, brought together by scientific curiosity."

  The successful first contact had established peaceful relations between Federation and the Avis Collective—a diplomatic triumph that had advanced both civilizations.

  "Current situation differs significantly," Lux observed. "We possess limited information about local culture and technological capabilities. Additionally, your equipment may be perceived as threatening or magical by a pre-spaceflight civilization."

  Doc sighed, the pleasant memory fading as he returned to their present reality. "True. We'll need to be cautious. If we reach the settlement by nightfall, I'd prefer to observe from a distance first."

  Fish materialized beside him, looking up with those intelligent violet eyes. She seemed to sense his concern, pressing against his leg reassuringly.

  "At least I have you to watch my back," Doc said, reaching down to scratch behind her ears. "Though your new abilities might complicate our introduction to the locals."

  Doc adjusted his pack as they continued their trek, his mind wandering to the crystalline cores they'd collected. The strange objects had already demonstrated remarkable properties—healing Fish and facilitating her evolution. A scientist at heart, he couldn't help but wonder about their other potential applications.

  "Lux, I've been thinking about these cores," Doc said, pulling one from his pack to examine it. The core pulsed with internal energy, its lattice structure catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. "They're essentially crystallized energy structures, aren't they?"

  "Correct," Lux confirmed. "Scans indicate they function as biological power capacitors with complex energy matrices."

  Doc turned the core over in his hand, watching how the light played across its surface. "What are the chances we could use these to power some of our equipment? Maybe the plasma gun or blade? Or even integrate them into ship components once we figure out how to repair the shuttle?"

  "Theoretically possible," Lux replied after a brief pause. "The cores contain concentrated energy in a stable crystalline matrix. However, our current equipment lacks the necessary interfaces to convert the energy into a compatible form."

  "What would we need to make it work?" Doc asked, tucking the core back into his pocket as Fish phased into existence beside him, looking up curiously.

  "Minimal requirements would include an energy extraction apparatus, conversion matrices, and recalibrated power couplings," Lux explained. "The shuttle's fabrication unit could potentially produce these components if operational. Alternatively, sufficient technical knowledge and local materials might allow for manual construction of crude adapters."

  Doc nodded thoughtfully. "So not immediately viable with what we have on hand, but potentially useful if we can acquire the right tools or materials."

  "Correct. I will continue analyzing the cores' energy signatures to determine optimal integration methods." Doc placed the core back into his pack and continued on his journey.

  Doc's legs ached from the morning's trek. The sun had climbed high overhead, its rays piercing through gaps in the canopy and turning the forest floor into a mosaic of light and shadow. Sweat trickled down his back beneath the climate-controlled suit, which struggled to compensate for the humidity.

  "I need a break," he announced, lowering himself onto a fallen log. "Lux, scan the immediate area for any threats while I catch my breath."

  "Initiating environmental scan," Lux replied. "Range set to fifty meters."

  Fish materialized beside him, her violet eyes fixed on his face with that strange intelligence that seemed to grow by the hour. Doc reached out to stroke her fur, noticing how the metallic strands felt smooth and warm beneath his fingers. The purple energy lines pulsed gently at his touch.

  "You're turning into quite the anomaly, aren't you?" Doc murmured. Fish tilted her head, as if considering his words. She settled beside him, resting her head on his knee.

  While catching his breath, he pulled a core from his pack again and asked lux,

  "Lux, what do you think would happen if I gave Fish the rest of the cores? Would it trigger another evolution?"

  "Analysis suggests a high probability of further physiological changes," Lux responded after a brief pause. "However, I cannot predict the exact nature of such changes. The previous transformation appears to have integrated the phase-shifting capabilities of the phasing wolf monster. Additional cores may introduce new traits or enhance existing ones."

  Doc turned the core over in his hand, considering. "Is there any risk to her? Could multiple cores in rapid succession cause some kind of overload?"

  "Insufficient data for conclusive assessment," Lux admitted. "Previous core integration appeared to cause temporary strain but no lasting damage. Multiple cores simultaneously might increase metabolic stress beyond safe parameters."

  Doc looked down at Fish, who was now watching the core in his hand with obvious interest. Her violet eyes tracked its movement, pupils dilating slightly.

  Doc laughed as Fish's eyes remained locked on the core, her expression almost comically intent. Her ears perked forward, and her body tensed slightly—the universal posture of a canine fixated on something it desperately wanted.

  "Not this time, girl," Doc said, tucking the glowing crystal back into his pack. "Last time I gave this to you, it knocked you completely out. Remember that whole glowing cocoon business?" He zipped the compartment closed with finality. "We have a date with civilization we have to make. I don't want to spend another minute in this god-forsaken forest if I can help it."

  Fish made a small whining sound, her head tilting to the side.

  "Don't give me that look," Doc said, standing up and brushing debris from his suit. "We've been lucky the last few days, but knowing my luck, that won't stand. The longer we stay out here, the more likely we'll run into something worse than those slugs or phase wolves."

  The memory of the tentacled monster at the stream flashed through his mind, followed quickly by the violet-eyed predator that had nearly killed Fish. Each encounter had been more dangerous than the last. Doc had no desire to discover what other evolutionary horrors this planet had cooked up.

  "Lux, what's our ETA to the settlement?"

  "At current pace, accounting for terrain and rest periods, estimated arrival is approximately four hours and seventeen minute," Lux replied. "Weather patterns remain stable, and no immediate threats detected within scanning range."

  "Four hours," Doc repeated, rolling his shoulders to work out the stiffness. "We can make that."

  He adjusted his pack one last time and set off again, following the route displayed on his HUD. Fish disappeared in a shimmer of violet energy, only to reappear several meters ahead, seemingly enjoying her newfound abilities.

  "Show-off," Doc muttered, though he couldn't help smiling. Despite the dangers they'd faced, Fish's companionship had made this ordeal considerably more bearable. The irony wasn't lost on him—a man of science finding comfort in a phase-shifting wolf pup on an alien world of strange magic and stranger wildlife.

  As they continued through the forest, Doc found himself looking forward to reaching the settlement with a mixture of scientific curiosity and wariness. What kind of society had evolved to survive in this environment? Would they view his technology as magic, or would they possess their own forms of advancement?

  More importantly, would they be willing to help a stranded explorer and his increasingly unusual companion?

  Doc's pulse quickened as he spotted the first wisps of smoke rising above the treeline. After days of trekking through unforgiving wilderness, the promise of civilization—however primitive—felt like finding water in a desert.

  "We're close," he murmured to Fish, who materialized beside him with a faint violet shimmer. "But let's be cautious. Lux, activate enhanced visual scanning and threat assessment."

  "Activating visual enhancement protocols," Lux confirmed as Doc's visor automatically adjusted, the distant structures coming into crisp focus.

  What Doc saw wasn't the bustling settlement he'd hoped for. Instead, a crude wooden palisade surrounded what appeared to be a repurposed stone fortification. The architecture was haphazard—a mix of weathered stone foundation with wooden additions jutting out at odd angles. Wooden watchtowers stood at irregular intervals along the walls, their construction suggesting hasty, utilitarian purpose rather than careful planning.

  "That's... not exactly a welcoming town square," Doc muttered, crouching behind a fallen tree. "More like a defensive position. Lux, what are we looking at?"

  "Structure appears to be a repurposed fortification of pre-industrial design. Detecting multiple heat signatures within the perimeter. Construction suggests opportunistic occupation rather than original builders."

  Doc frowned. Something about the place set off warning bells in his mind. "Let's get closer. Fish, stay close and stay hidden."

  Fish's eyes gleamed with understanding as she faded from view, the only indication of her presence a slight disturbance in the undergrowth as she moved alongside him.

  Doc activated his suit's short-duration cloaking field and moved carefully toward the structure, using the forest's edge as cover. As he drew closer, the details became clearer—and more disturbing.

  The main gate hung partially off its hinges, reinforced with mismatched planks. Crude symbols had been painted across the entrance—skulls and other threatening imagery that required no translation. Near one of the watchtowers, a cage-like structure held what appeared to be... animals? No, those were people.

  "Lux, are those humans?" Doc whispered, adjusting his position behind a large boulder about seventy meters from the palisade.

  "Affirmative. Detecting multiple humanoid heat signatures in that enclosed area. Vital signs indicate distress. Additional twenty-three signatures moving throughout the compound. Behavioral patterns and equipment suggest two distinct groups."

  Doc's enhanced vision caught movement at the wall—a figure emerging onto one of the ramshackle watchtowers. The man wore a patchwork of leather armor, some pieces clearly not made to fit him. A crude bow was slung across his back, and a long knife hung at his belt. His face was partially obscured by a leather hood, but Doc could make out an unkempt beard and what looked like a scar running down one cheek.

  "Guards," Doc whispered. "And not the official kind."

  As he watched, a gate on the far side of the compound opened, and a small procession entered. Doc's stomach tightened as he took in the scene. Five figures in similar mismatched armor dragged a cart behind them. In the cart, bound with rope, sat three people—two men and a woman. Their clothing, though now dirty and torn, appeared to be of better quality than their captors'. Small trunks and bags were piled behind them—the remnants of what must have been a merchant caravan.

  One of the bound men was bleeding from a head wound. The woman's face was bruised. They were being shouted at by their captors, rough hands shoving them forward whenever they moved too slowly.

  "Bandits," Doc realized, the pieces clicking into place. "Or raiders of some kind. And those people in the cages..."

  "Most probable assessment: slave traders or captive-taking bandits," Lux confirmed. "The individuals in restraints appear to be recently captured travelers or merchants based on their attire and the presence of trade goods."

  Doc watched as the new captives were roughly pulled from the cart and forced toward the cage where the others were held. One of the merchants stumbled, earning a vicious kick from his captor that sent him sprawling in the dirt.

  "This isn't a settlement," Doc said grimly. "It's a bandit camp."

  Doc sighed heavily as he watched the scene unfold before him. The bandit camp bustled with activity—guards patrolling the ramshackle walls, captives being herded like cattle, and the unmistakable air of misery hanging over everything.

  "Of course," he muttered under his breath. "The first sign of civilization on this entire planet, and it's a bandit camp. Because why wouldn't it be? I couldn't possibly stumble upon a peaceful farming village or a trading post. No, it had to be armed thugs with prisoners."

  Fish materialized beside him, her violet eyes fixed on the compound with unmistakable wariness. She pressed against his leg, a low growl rumbling in her throat.

  "I know, girl. I don't like them either." Doc reached down to scratch behind her ears, his mind racing through options. "Lux, what are we looking at here? Full assessment."

  "Twenty-three hostile combatants detected within the perimeter. Primarily armed with pre-industrial weapons—swords, bows, and basic bladed implements,. No evidence of energy weapons or advanced technology. Fifteen captives total, including the recently arrived group. The compound has three main structures and one primary entrance, with two smaller exit points on the north and east walls."

  Doc frowned, his scientific mind methodically breaking down the problem. "And if I just walk away?"

  "Based on observed treatment of captives and standard practices of similar groups throughout history, high probability of physical abuse, forced labor, and potential loss of life for the prisoners," Lux replied, clinical as ever.

  Doc closed his eyes briefly. "That's what I was afraid you'd say."

  He wasn't a soldier. His training had focused on exploration, research, and survival—not tactical assault. But the plasma blade at his hip and the gun holstered against his thigh weren't just for show. The Federation prepared its explorers for hostile encounters, even if they hoped such training would never be needed.

  "I can't just leave them," Doc decided, his jaw tightening. "Lux, help me strategize. I need a way to neutralize these bandits without getting those captives killed in the process."

  "Analyzing tactical options," Lux responded. After a brief pause, the AI continued: "Recommend multi-phase approach. Phase one: reconnaissance to identify guard patterns and leadership structure. Phase two: create diversion on far side of compound. Phase three: utilize suit cloaking to breach perimeter and neutralize key threats. Phase four: free captives and establish defensive position until threat is eliminated."

  Doc nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the compound. "The plasma weapons will give us a significant advantage. They won't be expecting anything like that."

  "Correct. Recommend stun settings to minimize casualties and reduce risk of damaging support structures containing captives."

  Fish looked up at Doc, her head tilted questioningly. Her form shimmered slightly at the edges, the phase-shifting ability manifesting even at rest now.

  "Yes, you'll be part of this too," Doc told her. "Your phasing ability could be invaluable. You could get into places I can't."

  Doc took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. He'd faced dangerous situations before—hostile environments, system failures, even the occasional aggressive wildlife. But a direct confrontation with armed hostiles? That was several levels beyond his comfort zone.

  "Let's start with reconnaissance. We need to understand their patterns before we make any moves." He adjusted his position behind the boulder, activating his visor's enhanced zoom function. "And Fish? Stay hidden. We don't want them to know what's coming."

  Fish faded from view with a soft shimmer of violet energy.

  "Perfect timing," Doc muttered sarcastically. "We trek through killer forests, fight off phase-shifting wolves, escape from tentacle monsters—and just when I thought we were reaching civilization, we find the one settlement run by violent criminals." He shook his head, a wry smile touching his lips despite the gravity of the situation. "These past few days have been going so great. Why stop the streak now?"

  Chapter 9 drops next Tuesday.