Katherine’s hand stilled when she saw branches heave and sway from whatever it was that moved through the brush, and her heart began pounding even harder.  Agonizing seconds passed by before the panther-spider finally burst through the trees to reveal itself, and she shuddered; her eyes filled with revulsion.  A more hideous creature she could never have imagined, and with soulless black eyes as sinister as those of a Great White shark when it senses its prey, it crept forward while she remained crouched and frozen in terror.  Though desperate to flee, her stubborn muscles refused to move, and she could only stare, transfixed by the predatory alien closing in fast.<br/><br/>Then, the sound of Captain Hunter’s voice gave her a much needed jolt, and relief from knowing he was safe and she wasn’t alone, washed over her, infusing her with new energy.  Her gaze flew to the slope where she saw him trying to distract the predator’s attention, but it remained focused only on her. A loud shot from his rifle rang out and she flinched, covering her ears against the shrieking cry of fury that echoed through the air when the bullet pierced the creature’s flesh. With a hopeful expression, she looked up to see if the thing was dead.  It was not.  A chilling shiver of fear raced down her spine and wrapped around her entire body until she thought she might suffocate from the sensation, and then she saw it switch direction and focus on her companion.<em>NO!</em><br/><br/>Frantic now, she knelt on the ground and grabbed her suit, pulling at it with impatience, searching for a weapon.  Finally, she felt a cold plastic object, and her hands tore at the fabric to release it.  A series of rifle shots rang out in rapid-fire succession just as Katherine grasped the red single shot flare gun tucked inside a utility pouch.  As each round from the Captain hit its mark, the beast howled a blood-curdling screech.  It was limping and bluish liquid oozed from the bullet wounds, but it did not die, instead it turned away to an easier target, and started towards her again with renewed ferocity.<br/><br/>It was less than ten feet from her now. The pincer like claws snapped and reached outwards, and then, one of the spikes on its back seemed to grow, extending and curling like a scorpion’s tail, lashing forward to strike.  Katherine screamed, and scurried backwards on her haunches, while aiming the flare gun at its head with one hand.  She hesitated only a split second before pulling the trigger. A ball of light hurled outwards, but missed its mark and hit one of the creature’s claw arms instead, severing it in a loud explosion and shower of white hot sparks.  The beast roared and reared up on its hind legs, the tail like appendage slashing through the air as though out of control. “Scott, look out!” She yelled as the creature turned around.<br/><br/>Scrambling up, she darted around the flailing creature and started to run, but the tail whipped the back of her legs and sent her sprawling to the ground. The force knocked the wind out of her, and as she tried to roll over, gasping for breath, she thought she heard another loud shot.  Seconds that felt like several minutes ticked by, and Katherine squeezed her eyes shut bracing for an attack, but then suddenly the creature gasped, shuddered and fell to the ground. Its head landed on her legs, and viscous blue blood dripped onto her jeans from its gaping jaw.  Kicking furiously and squealing in disgust, she slapped it away. “Eww…eww…oh get it off…get it off!”  Squirming free, she jumped up and staggered backwards.<br/><br/>Shaking and trying to catch her breath, she looked up and saw Captain Hunter just a few steps away.  She ran to him, threw her arms around his neck and closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the entire ordeal, but relieved it was over and they were both alive. “I'm so glad you're ok.” She whispered, and then pulled away to look at the alien's lifeless body.<br/><br/>Wrapping one arm around her waist, she fought against the blur of tears that threatened to spill from the tension and emotion of facing her own mortality in such a terrifying way, and the realization her inexperience may have cost Scott his life as well.  It was almost too much to bear.  Swallowing hard, she recalled the way Scott Hunter never once flinched, but what affected her more was how he courageously and deliberately put himself in harm's way to protect her; suddenly words of thanks seemed so inadequate.<br/><br/>Taking a deep breath, but still not sure of how to tell him what she felt, she glanced at the sky and started rambling. “I think it’s getting darker, but we still have several hours left and I just don’t feel right about giving up and turning back, as much as I never want to see another one of those things again.”  She shivered. “I can’t help feeling there is something here we haven’t found yet.  Perhaps near the water…there is a small lake of sorts a few yards off and...no wait," she drew a shuddering breath, "that's not what I want to say."<br/><br/>She paused for a moment and then turned to face him.  “Scott...Captain Hunter," she corrected, "I want...I...well, if you hadn’t been here…" Her voice wavered, and she blinked back new tears. "I…I’m sorry, it’s just I’ve never been through something like that before and…” Her words halted, and she looked into his eyes with all the gratitude and admiration she felt. “I don't know how I can thank you enough for what you did.  I do believe you saved my life, and I...I just want you to know I will never forget that,” she said with deep sincerity.  Giving him a soft smile, she placed her hand on his cheek. "Thank you."<br/><br/><br/>