Creative Writing: Greer

It was a long trek from Greer’s crash site to the landmark that his computer had set for him. A normal, long stride that Greer had grown accustomed to was severely inhibited due to the fact that the snow he trudged through was knee deep; and it only served to annoy him. The annoyance further compiled by the rubbing of the flare gun against his leg. It was bulky and heavy, and, to be honest with himself, wouldn’t do a damn bit of good against any enemy. Therefore, onward he walked.

The little blip on his map marked his location, and a smaller triangle marked the checkpoint in which this assumed energy source was sitting. The snow swirled around his weary frame. Fortunately, however, for him, whatever sun that belonged to this desolate alien
Greer’s approach was sluggish but cautious. Upon a snappy inspection of the large door, he found the lever. It was gray and heavy. He placed his hand on it and inhaled sharply as he pressed down. The strength that was required to even move the bar surprised him, but he could hear the screeching of rusty gears on the other side; then, he pushed his shoulder against the door with a grunt.

A grinding scream came from within as the door wailed in protest; it didn’t want to open. Although Greer was relentless in his intentions, it would only budge enough to allow him a tiny glimpse of the interior. Gentle, quiet, warm and cozy; adequately described, as Greer tried to sneak a peek at what lie
His heart pounded heavily against his chest, the wheels turning in his mind about his next course of action. Dare he stay out? Dare he go in? Those were his only two choices and neither one of them were all that appealing to him. Greer knew very well what awaited him outside: emptiness—a whole lot of it. Not only did a vast, uninhabited plain welcome him, but Death did as well. So, hesitantly, Greer shifted and moved inside. Icy pellets of frozen snow littered his helmet and clothing, and his boots were covered in fluffy, white blankets of crystallized moisture. He didn’t have much time to take in his new surroundings before the door slammed abruptly shut behind him. The unexpected and confusing clamour caused him to spin, instinctively, back towards the door. Immediately, his hands tried the lever, but it wouldn’t shift, not even so much as a fraction of a stir. Instantaneously, fear and panic overwhelmed him. Greer wrenched on the door’s lever as hard and with as much muscle as he could muster; then the voice