Author: Hillary Lyon

“Your rifles are fully charged,” the safari guide said as he walked out to the four-wheeled transport. A group of three hunters followed behind. He opened the door on the driver’s side and got in.

“Remember,” he continued as the hunters climbed in the back, “your prey will not be a two-dimensional hologram, like you get with the cheaper safari tours.” He started the engine. “Nor will they be bots. These creatures are the real deal.” He drove away from the station down a well-worn dirt road.

“They are wily, smart,” he added, veering off the road and into the tall grass. “Fast, but not as fast as, say, a sprite.” He stopped the transport. “I suggest you fan out. That way each of you has your own territory for the hunt.”

The guide turned to look at the hunters. “Due to the peculiarities of the how the light refracts on this planet, if you look directly at them, they will appear as little more than shadows in the tall grass. Once you locate one, squint. Very important to squint as you aim and fire.” He motioned for the hunters to exit.

“When you tag one—and conservation law states you’re only allowed one per season—buzz me and I’ll help you gather the trophy. I’ll be on the roof watching.” He tapped the binoculars hanging around his neck. “This hunt is dangerous enough; please try not to shoot each other.”

The hunters laughed at that. Leaving the transport, they spread out as the guide suggested.

* * *

With a muffled pop, Kore teleported into the tall grass, spooking a small gaggle of almost hairless primates. The mammals scampered to the tree line, hiding in the leafy shade. Kore chuckled; she was not interested in these creatures. She was after more challenging prey.

She scanned the grassy land before her. Kore loved visiting new worlds, and this golden-green one held such promise. New life forms, new trophies to be had. Surely there had to be more interesting fauna than those—

Sun glinting off a small metallic cylinder caught her attention. Kore crouched in the grass, and crept towards the source: a lanky creature standing still, but surveying the immediate area, holding what was probably a weapon.

Now this is more like it! Kore thought. Another hunter like herself. She moved towards this being; every time he caught sight of her, he squinted. And each time, Kore quickly slid into his peripheral vision, so she appeared as nothing more than a shadow. Only when she sidled up beside him did she fully reveal herself.

With mouth agape and still holding his weapon, the hunter stared at Kore. Not because of her svelte figure or her flawlessly beautiful face, but because of the wriggling mass of metallic snakes on her head. Kore reached out and touched his cheek with her little finger. He turned to stone.

* * *

“You’re back! What didya bring me? What didya bring me?” Sel squealed. She tapped on the large crate in the foyer.

“A new piece for your statue garden,” Kore said, pressing a button to open the crate.

“It’s wonderful!” Sel whispered as she hugged Kore. “The best one yet. You’re the greatest mom, ever!”

Kore threw her head back and laughed. It was so satisfying to make her offspring happy. Her shining, articulated crown of snakes writhed in agreement, and opening their mouths, hissed with delight.