How This Came Together
In Message, a lone figure appears at sunrise and refuses to move as it sets off a chain of fear, speculation, and grim realization. As Tarian, Keldon, Sherry, and Caleb confront the creature’s intentions, the truth becomes undeniable: not all of this world’s threats charge the walls. Some do something far more devastating. They offer a smile.
This chapter turns stillness and inaction into suspense. What begins as an eerie standoff becomes a chilling revelation when the shapeshifter reveals its intentions. If you enjoy tense sci-fi moments where danger arrives quietly before the storm, this installment won’t disappoint.
Music Pairing
Creeping is the blues track paired with this episode. Its slow, stalking pulse mirrors the dread building on the ramparts. Its rhythm and atmospheric tone amplify the creature’s unnerving patience and the quiet terror of a message delivered with a smile.
Behind the Scenes
As this entry in Colonization was being penned, I needed a way to wrap up my ideas. Going into this tale, I knew it was the penultimate entry of the series, so I wanted to build the tension and amplify it to an eleven before heading into the conclusion. This story highlights how known threats evolve and how even a fortified wall can’t protect against the unknown lurking just out of sight.
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Message
Tarian clambered to the wall’s edge and stared into the barren field. When he discovered a solitary figure, his fingers turned white around the gray stones. “That’s a massive creature. What is it? When did it arrive?”
“I’m not sure what’s out there, but it’s been there since the sun came up,” Keldon said, closing his eyes.
“Keldon, who’s our best surviving sharpshooter?” Tarian’s gaze turned ice cold as his lips curled into a snarl. “Bring that individual here and destroy that monster!”
Keldon lifted his telescope and studied the distant creature. When the scope lowered, he tapped it against the wall. “Given the recent attack, there’s a significant chance it’s a shapeshifter.”
“Does it matter what it is?” Sherry stepped in front of Keldon, her hands on hips. “Tarian’s right. One of our marksmen could end the threat.”
“I’m more concerned with whatever’s beyond our field of view.” Keldon laid a hand on Tarian’s shoulder, pulling him close. “That thing’s the tip of the oncoming storm.”
Sherry threaded her fingers through her hair as she stared at the creature. “Why are you trying to distract us from the simple solution?”
Keldon’s fist slammed the wall as he glared at Sherry. “We’re not in a position to defend ourselves from another assault.”
Sherry blanched as she gripped her chest. “We’re prepared for this kind of situation, right?”
“Unfortunately, Lloyd’s dead.” Tarian stepped up to the wall and examined the towering monster. With a hiss, Tarian spun around and leaned against the wall, collapsing to the floor. “Besides, a pair of shapeshifters tried to steal a significant amount of our ordnance. While we reclaimed half, the lone survivor took our most potent weapons.”
“Are you suggesting they’ll be attacking with our own missiles?” Sherry swayed, collapsing on the walkway.
Keldon offered Sherry a hand. “It’s possible we’ll start the next siege after a barrage of our own ordnance.”
Sherry’s eyes widened as she glanced at Keldon. “How likely is that?”
“Like I said, there’s a chance. Don’t forget that the beings we’ve encountered don’t possess the mental acuity for advanced tactics.” He gripped her wrist and hauled her to her feet before striding over to Tarian to hook a hand under his friend’s shoulder. With a violent jerk, he yanked Tarian to his feet. “But then again, given Lloyd’s efforts, they might not need it.”
Sherry rushed over to Keldon, grabbing his arm. “Then why aren’t you freaking out?”
“Thankfully,” Keldon replied, freeing his arm. He rubbed the back of his neck as he stared out at the distant and solitary figure. “Lloyd designed the ordnance to be scalable. It’s doubtful that any of those brutish thugs could attain the maximum output from our stock.”
Bitter laughter broke the uneasy silence, and Tarian banged his head against the wall. “Don’t forget, these shifters appear to be more intelligent than the rest of the menagerie we’ve battled.”
Keldon swallowed and looked past Sherry, yelling. “Caleb, get your sniper rifle.”
Sherry folded her arms across her chest as her face narrowed to a point. “Weren’t you the one arguing against shooting the thing?”
“Sherry, stop trying to interpret my words. I’m unsure what’ll happen if we kill it.” Keldon snatched the weapon Caleb offered, laying the barrel on the wall. Hunched over the scope, he tweaked the dials, enhancing his vision. “It’s still meandering in the field. What’s it doing?”
Keldon’s attention settled on the being standing on the barren patch of earth. The monster’s pale green eyes were hard to isolate from its ashen skin. He shifted his weapon and studied the surroundings.
Tarian tapped Keldon’s arm. “Is there anything else out there?”
Keldon groaned as he adjusted the scope. He slammed his knee against the wall and dropped the rifle. He spun and glanced up at the gathered throng. Keldon jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “No. Aside from our mysterious guest, I can’t find any evidence of something out there.”
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