"I can't let you die alone," stupid words from me, a stupid man, to Lydia, a gorgeous, brilliant doctor and my love.

Our expedition ship, 100 crew strong, landed on this stupid planet looking for rare minerals or plants or anything. We found blood thirsty primitive manbeasts. We quickly discovered primitive can be deadly.

When we tried to blast off...somehow the beasts damaged the starship. Maybe coincidence, but the ship broke when the manbeasts attacked. Now, thank God, repairs are almost done.

The problem is that somebody has to guard us. We can't let the manbeasts get close again.

Somebody could use the gatling laser to fight and keep the beasts away. That particular somebody would, unfortunately, be left behind.  We  drew straws.

I was devestated by Lydia's tears when she drew the short straw.

During the journey to this God forsaken planet, Lydia became my bestie. We spent long nights talking about everything that could ever matter and a million things that would never matter. We were inseparable. But we remained just friends.

That was her choice, not mine. I had fallen head over heels in love. I am her devoted servant, doing her every bidding. I would die for her.  She wasn't sure.

Now I cursed everything. I could've been safely on the ship ready to blast off this stupid planet. I could've been in this foxhole with Lydia. Instead I'm here with only a gatling laser for company.

Soon the despair would end as a zillion shrieking primitive man beasts attacked again.

When the repairs were alnost completed, I went to Lydia. She was shivering as she surveyed the landscape. The beasts screechy war chant sounded from over the next ridge.

Her eyes went wide when I slid into the foxhole next to her. She held one of my hands in hers as she asked what I was doing.

"I can't leave you here by yourself."

"Why not?" She asked. "I drew the short straw."

"The expedition needs a first rate doctor more than a biologist. And most importantly..."

The manbeasts appeared on the far ridge. The end was near. I gently moved her from behind the gatling laser and took her place.

"Because I love you," I answered.

The look in her eyes, I knew I would carry that look to the end of my days. She loves me too!!! We kissed. A kiss full of love and hope and promise and tragedy.

"Nope, not feeling it. Sorry," she said as she stood up.

Was she kidding?

I looked away from the manbeasts, Lydia, as always, had my complete attention.

"I love you and appreciate this sacrifice you're making for me."

I was frozen. What was happening?

"Kick ass doctor ya know?" she smiled. "I'll never forget.  Thank you."

I wouldn't forget her as long as the ammo lasted- maybe 5 mins.

The ship's engines roared.  I debated letting the beasts charge past me. Instead, I opened fire on the beasts. A last act of love.