Into the Nest

The quiet students and professors of Aquila III were outraged and afraid after the attempted assassination of Dr. Westbridge.  He, and the medical doctors, believed his survival hinged on the curtain obstructing the assassins vision and the intervention of Itsy.  However, that was only the beginning of their troubles.

 The normally peaceful island had mobilized its security forces with several ships patrolling the air and sea.  Incoming vessels and travelers were investigated thoroughly, and their eight legged ‘guests’ were surrounded by clockworks armed with pesticides.  The assassin was now held in the territory where the monstrous spiders, or rather their leader, refused to release the ‘wicked one.’

The crisis put everything the administrator had worked for in jeopardy.  He’d officially vouched for Itsy and her brood at every turn and her refusal to cooperate was…problematic. Thorne had unsubtly hinted that Westbridge should look into early retirement after his injuries. As students and staff disappeared into the night this assertion became more popular.

Dr. Westbridge found the most galling part was how swiftly Dean Thorne moved.  The ‘investigators’ he’d sent quickly informed the Board of the attack.  Within an hour the academics wasted little time in commissioning assistance to the island and someone to shoulder administrative duties.  

They seek to replace me like they did Dr. Falcon, Westbridge thought as Miss Ironside led him through the trees.  She was fully armed and armored, helmet fastened and back-rocket ready to take to the skies and carry him to safety.  The security officer strongly disapproved this ‘mad’ scheme as they trekked forward.  He wished she had more faith in him.

He pressed on, moving a small tree branch out of his way, but gasped in surprise.  For the second time he pushed with his wounded arm first.

Ironside was there to steady him instantly. He leaned against her and inhaled sharply, trying to numb the pain as he applied pressure.  He suffered quietly, and his companion offered him opiates if he needed them. The scientist had to admit the offer was tempting.  Every beat of his heart pumped more agony into his wound.  Westbridge grit his teeth and reminded himself that morphine would dull his thoughts and senses.  When he confronted Itsy he would need to be fully alert.

They stood there for ten minutes until the Doctor insisted they continue.  Ms. Ironside reluctantly escorted him to the perimeter around the sanctuary.  The clockworks ignored their presence as they kept their lenses turned to the spider threat.

Webs covered every tree inside the habitat with silken strands forming thin vines.  He could see the larger spiders, half the size of a man, waiting patiently in the trees above them. Doctor Westbridge wondered how many smaller species, some tinier than his fingernail, were hiding among them.  

His musings were answered as a small spider lowered itself from the trees into his vision. Inches from his face, the arachnid raised its legs and he could see the fang-like mouth moving.  The startled scientist jumped back and shifted uncomfortably, remembering his recent nightmares.  He shivered and unconsciously brushed his pants.

Ms. Ironside was not afraid of spiders, but she gave the engineered creation a wide berth by stepping away.  “Walking into a nest is a terrible idea,” Ms. Ironside cautioned as she primed her weapons.  “Have you watched trapdoor spiders tackle their prey?  It’s not too late to turn around.”

The offer was more tempting than ever to Westbridge. No one would consider him a coward for failing to travel where a cloud angel might fear to tread.  But if he abandoned his mission nothing would change. Thorne would win.

“Ms. Ironside, I’m afraid I have to insist.” He responded as he approached the habitat, trying to ignore the tiny itch running up his leg.  “I only hope that she is feeling benevolent today.”

He moved past the clockworks to the edge of the perimeter.  The spiders big and small turned to watch the intruder as he stepped past the first tree.  The scientist involuntarily shivered again, feeling the tiny cobwebs on his hands announcing their intrusion.  

“I’m sorry, Doctor Westbridge, but this is too dangerous!”  Ms. Ironside moved ahead of him, her weapon pointed at a large spider which moved behind the doctor. It was nearly three feet in length and moving closer. “We’re not going any further!”

A familiar giggle resounded from the trees above.  “Put your weapons down Woman of Iron.  We mean you no harm.”

Ironside snorted in disbelief, but Westbridge motioned for her to lower it quickly.  His mouth had gone dry as he realized that he was not just imagining the smaller spiders crawling on him. He was already at their mercy.  He tried to keep his voice from breaking, “Ms. Itsy?”  

“Whom else would I be?”  She giggled while lowering herself enough that he could see her. She was several meters above them, but her haunting words clearly projected to them. “We are so glad you accepted the invitation.”

Ironside turned to him, but in her armored helmet he couldn’t read her face.  He had neglected to mention the invite to her or anyone else at the station. He licked his lips nervously before answering the leader.  “I’m..I’m here to negotiate.  For the hostage’s freedom.  Please understand that he has answers we need..”  

He gave her a chance to respond while he tried not to think about the nightmare, or the things crawling across his neck.  One strike at any and the others would bite.

“We are very pleased to hear that,”  Itsy responded as the large spiders moved out of sight. She cackled as she gestured for them to follow her. “Because after our generous hospitality the wicked one has become very eager to talk to you.”

The demonic cackle that followed this pronouncement filled Westbridge with dread. He hoped their previous talks about the humane treatment of prisoners had made some impact…