Station Six

The mighty space station drifted through the empty blackness of the universe, all power depleted and all life seemingly ended. Printed upon its cold metallic side in white letters was Station Six.
     Upon the ghostly station, one final life walked the dark and empty corridors. Crew member Anne Wick gripped the small crew issued torch in her delicate hands. The beam of the light danced in the darkness as the lone crew member made her way slowly and carefully through the treacherous open space. Trying to keep calm, Anne whistled to herself but through fear it was broken and came out as more of a whimper. The scared and stressed young woman watched the beam of the light run along the floor as she guided it with her hand. The metal floor was ridged and cold like it had always been but this didn't reassure Anne.
     Knowing full well that she was alone, Anne wanted nothing more than some company or at least some light so as to guide her through the empty Station Six but like the past six days wishing the same thing, it would not be granted.



    The light in Anne's hand shook as her body shivered from the cold air on board Station Six. Her aching eyes continued to watch the beam of the light along the floor hoping it would guide her to something of relative use, food rations, water even a blanket would suffice the lone crew member. Anne had been hoping since the darkness over took the ship, that she would find something to aid her survival but had only ever found empty crates and items of little use.
    The lone crew member and acting captain of Station Six pulled at the tight black uniform covering her thin physique, designed to contain body heat it kept what little heat was available but it wasn't enough to stop Anne shivering. She rubbed her arms hoping to generate some warmth, when this failed, Anne tried to warm her body by increasing her walking pace which helped slightly. At her increased rate, Anne's eyes scowered the floor faster in search for useful equipment.
    Anne slowed to a halt when her eyes caught hold of something which glimmered slightly in the light of her torch. Carefully the crew member approached what she had seen and bent down slowly to investigate. Anne looked upon the unusual pink like substance which laid upon the metal floor. Intrigued by the strange substance, Anne placed her fingers atop the small mound only to discover that it was sticky and warm to the touch. Puzzled by the discovery, Anne stood up and pondered for a moment but the many questions that fluttered in her mind were left unanswered as something wet and sticky landed atop Anne's head and slowly ran into her uniform and down her back. Shocked Anne stood still for a moment before finally guiding the beam of light to the ceiling.
    Before Anne could get a good enough look at whatever produced the strange substance that was running down her back, she was blinded as more of the sticky substance landed on her face. In a rush to throw the sticky substance from her face, Anne dropped her torch and wrestled with the sticky goo. The torch flickered and was then extinguished as the circuit inside was broken. Anne pulled the goo from her face and chucked it at the wall, immediately she fell to the ground in search of her torch. Her efforts where pointless, blind and panic stricken, she would never find it.  
    Anne stopped her frantic search as her feet suddenly felt very warm and sticky. Before the final crew member could react, her whole body was pulled into the air. Anne released an ear shattering scream as the warm and sticky feeling moved up her body. The scream turned into a whimper and then finally a muffled plead with God before all was silent. The final life sign aboard Station Six ended.



..........................................
The small bounty hunter vessel, Opal Raider, sped through the uncharted galaxy of  DeeCee EX. The small eleven crewed ship was scowering the galaxy for any worthy ships to attack and raid in a quick hit and run fashion.
     The female navigator, Dex, checked the radar for anything of interest. The phones that covered her ears, were silent until suddenly.......Beep...........Beep..........Beep. Dex checked the coordinates of the unknown craft, no more than three thousand miles away. She pulled the phones from her head and nudged the pilot called Spook.
"Yo, Spook, there's a large ship three thousand miles away, how long do you think it'll take to reach it?"
Spook pulled the cigarette from his lips and did the calculations.
"I'd say about half an hour."
Dex nodded then rose from her seat. She shouted to another of the crew.
"Oi, Babe. Go grab the captain, she's needed up here"
The small man threw his magazine on the chair and ran to a small room and knocked on the door.
"Hey Skipper, Dex wants ya, think she's found something."
    The door quickly opened, standing before Babe was a tall blonde haired bombshell of a woman. Covered in a dark blue leather coated uniform and military issue boots, the captain stepped past Babe and walked to the front of the Opal Raider. She stopped next to Dex who was sitting back in the navigators chair.
"So what we got Dex?"
Dex turned her head and smiled at the Captain.
"I think its one of the old space stations Rose, its definitely big whatever it is"
Rose placed her hand on Spook's shoulder and issued some orders.
"Spook, when you get close enough type the ships name into the archive. Hopefully it's listed."
"Will do Cap"

Rose walked off down to the mess hall to address the rest of the crew. The door slowly opened to reveal a bunch of men and women the rest of the galaxy would rather see dead.
"Alright listen up ya'll. Dex has located a ship, a really big one. It could well be an abandoned space station and you all know they have some good loot on em so grab your weapons and gear up. Be ready in twenty minutes"
A cheer echoed through the mess hall, the crew were going on yet another raid. Rose walked back up to the bridge hoping Spook had some information about the unknown ship, he had.
"Right Cap, its Station Six. The military built it while expanding across the galaxy. Says here that one day all communication was lost with it. No distress signals no nothing"
"When did it disappear?"
"Supposedly all contact was lost with the station Sixth of March 3087"
Dex turned her head and looked at Spook
"But that was nearly 700 hundred years ago"
Spook nodded. Rose spoke up.
"Well, the crew will be dead then, no ship has enough supplies for that long. This should be an easy haul"
Dex and Spook slapped hands and laughed
"Oooh Yeah"


Twenty minutes after Dex's discovery of Station Six, the station was in sight and those that were going aboard were ready. Rose addressed the crew while Spook guided the Opal Raider into the docking bay.
"Right, like usual there's  gonna be three teams. I'll take the first with Mouse and Creed, Didjit takes the second team with Flux and Rolo and Duke takes the third team with Cutter and  Zee. Dex and Spook stay on the Raider".
    The Opal Raider shook briefly as the bolts locked firmly in place with the docking bay of Station Six. The captain pulled a customised laser pistol from the holster by her waist. With a click, the electro mag was locked in place.
"Lock and load people and remember, radio communication every ten minutes"
There were a number of clicks and whirrs as each crew member checked their equipment. Rose pressed the red button on the side of the wall which opened the door to the pathway leading to the doors of Station Six. The small door of the Opal Raider slowly lowered itself as the crew looked on anxious to board the station. Rose carefully stepped onto the walkway, quickly followed by her crew. The group of ten stopped at the large steel doors which blocked their entrance into Station Six. Rose stared at a small plaque that was welded to the door.
    "Commissioned and built by IPSS December 12th 3085. Station Six, the future in space exploration"
One of the crew spoke up after reading the plaque.
"Christ, it was only two years old when it went missing. Talk about unlucky eh?"
Rose gazed at a small control system at the side of the door and quickly came to the conclusion it was the door controls. She whacked a green button assuming it was the right switch.  After a couple of seconds, there was a large clanking sound like you would hear in an old clock tower.
    The steel doors slowly slid back, the crew were instantly hit with the small of stale air and creeping darkness. Rose turned and addressed her ship mates.
"Hold your noses cos were going in"
Rose flicked the switch on her torch and walked into the darkness, her crew quickly followed suit.
     The many different beams of light scowered the dark hall way of Station Six as the crew proceeded further into the unknown. Rose walked in front while the rest followed quickly after. It wasn't long before the Captain stopped and spoke to her crew as the hallway broke off into three other directions.
"Right, seeing as there are now four passages, the plans changed. Didjit, take Flux and Rolo down the far left passage way, Duke you take Zee and go down the other passage on the left. Cutter and Creed go down the one on the far right and I’ll take Mouse down the other on the right."
   The crew broke up into the small groups and headed off down their assigned passage ways. The radio on each crewman’s jacket crackled with Rose's voice.
"And remember, radio link up every ten minutes.

.........................
Duke, the dark skinned and oldest of the crew walked carefully down the hall way making sure he didn't miss any interesting objects. The young seventeen year old girl nicknamed Zee trailed behind casually whistling to herself as Duke disappeared further and further down the hallway. The whistling echoed off the walls of Station Six and travelled through the ship. Duke brushed his messy grey hair and turned around only to see the bright  beam of Zee's torch in his eyes. Quickly covering his face, Duke called into the darkness.
"God dammit Zee, get your ass back here and quit that bloody whistling."
The beam left Duke's face and the whistling stopped as Zee pouted and quickly walked up the corridor back to Duke.
"Sorry Duke, I’m just bored is all."
Duke stared at the ginger haired teen from the corner of his eye.
"Well maybe you should have stayed on the ship, this ain't no game missy"
Zee stopped in her tracks
"Aw come on Duke, you know just as well as I do that nothing ever happens when we search the abandoned ships. There's always worthless stuff lying around and they're always deserted".
Duke forced a weak smile.
"Well, maybe this time it'll be different.


.......................
Mouse walked slowly through the darkness, as her name would suggest she was the shortest of the crew. Panic had taken hold of the small crew member, she was terrified of the dark. Though the Captain was only five metres behind, Mouse jumped at any noise and every word spoken. The torch which was firmly gripped in her hand flickered as her whole body shivered. The beam of light danced unsteadily through the shadows as the terrified Mouse walked further into what scared her most.
     The Captain watched as her friend disappeared into the darkness ahead, clearly Mouse was struggling with the task at hand and Rose had no time to comfort weak members.
"Mouse, come here"
The beam of light jumped suddenly before Mouse once again appeared from the shadows. Her voice jittered when she spoke.
"Yes Captain?"
Rose placed her hand on Mouse's shoulder.
"I want you to go back to the ship, you're clearly in a bad state here. For your own good go back, at least its light there."
Mouse gazed at the floor and slowly nodded. Rose continued to walk further into the shadows leaving the distressed Mouse alone and in the darkness.


........................
The two brothers of the crew, Cutter and Creed were arguing like usual about who was the fittest bird out of the crew. Cutter the larger of the two was dragging his brother along in a headlock.
"Admit it Creedy, you know Flux is the fittest. Just admit it"
"No she aint"
"Don't deny it. The rest of the crew knows you have a thing for her"
"That's a lie man and anyway its better than having a crush on Mouse. She's so small you'd break her in half"
Cutter tightened his arm around his brothers neck which left Creed gasping for air.
"Say you have the hots for Flux and I’ll let ya go"
Creed eventually gave in after falling to his knees while gasping for air.
"Alright.....alright, I admit it. Happy now?"
Cutter walked further along the hall way smirking to himself.
"not until I tell Flux"
Cutter laughed as he left his brother in the darkness of the deserted ship.

....................
Didjit, Rose's sister and the second in command on board the Opal Raider guided her two friends through the darkness. Flux pulled at her camel skin trousers so as to walk more comfortably. Rollo, the biggest of the crew, casually walked behind the two women carrying a large rifle over his shoulders. The radios of the crew sparked into life as Rose addressed her raiders.
"Didjit you found anything down your way?"
"Nothing here sis, a few empty crates and some scattered tools but other than that nothing"
"Roger"
Before Rose ended the conversation Didjit asked a very important question.
"Rose, there's something that’s been bugging me. Stations like this usually have crews of a thousand and more, how come there aren't any bones or anything?"
"I've been wondering the same thing Didjit......."
The Captain ended the conversation. Didjit turned to Flux and Rollo.
"700 years is a long time Didjit, guess all organic life has just rotted away"
Rollo shook his head at Flux's comment.
"Not entirely true, flesh would rot and  disintegrate as would the bone eventually but there would still be at least some signs like bone dust and hair and we haven't seen either yet"
Flux laughed
"Damm, Rollo. You're to smart for your own good."
"He's right though Flux, something’s not right here"
The three continued to walk through the cold hall way, their small torches guiding them.
....................

The Captain thought about what her sister had asked, there was indeed something strange. Her mind was cast back to the moment when she had told Mouse to head back to the ship, Rose hoped she'd made it back to the Opal Raider. Just to make sure, Rose checked with Spook and Dex.
" Dex, has Mouse made it back to you yet?"
"Nope, just me and Spook here. When did she leave you?"
"About forty minutes ago"
There was silence for a moment.
"Maybe she got lost trying to find her way back Cap?"
"Its possible, I best go look for her"
Rose tuned out, she sighed heavily before walking back towards the Opal Raider in  hope she'd find Mouse.
      Ten minutes of trekking back down the corridor had brought no sign of Mouse, Rose checked back with Dex.
"Any sign yet?"
"Fraid not Rose"
Rose cursed to herself and continued to walk into the darkness hoping to find Mouse further up the hallway.
      A torch lay on the cold metal floor, its light was dim. Rose carefully picked it up, it was Mouse's. Rose scowered the floor for any signs of Mouse in case she had collapsed through fear. There was no trace of the missing crew member but Rose did spy something that had not been there originally. A small puddle of sticky, pink liquid had formed near where the torch had rested. Rose looked around for any signs of what caused the unfamiliar substance but nothing was found. The captain once again stared at the small puddle only to watch as something above landed in its sticky midst. Mouse's small pair of glasses rested in the goo, the captain instantly looked up.
     Seemingly stuck to the ceiling was a creature Rose had never seen before. It's structure was almost human, if it were not for the tail that receded from its lower back and its clawed hands, one would suspect it as human. Rose looked into the eyes of the unknown creature, completely black the creature looked almost innocent as it's small lips seemed to smile. It's body was coated in the pink slime like substance that Rose had noticed on the floor, the captain turned her head slightly in confusion. To Rose's shock, the creature mimicked the action as its head slowly turned to one side. Rose made very little movement as her hand slowly reached for the pistol strapped to her waist, the two creatures continued to stare into one another’s eyes. The creatures female like face never flinched as it watched Rose's every move.
     The captain finally pulled the gun from its holster and readied to point the gun at the creature but before she could, the creature had pried itself from the ceiling, landed just next to Rose and pulled the gun from her hand. Rose stared in shock as the creature pulled apart the pistol and scattered the parts across the floor, the two once again stared into each others eyes.  Rose backed away as the creature advanced towards her, it held out its clawed hands in what looked like it was wishing to be cuddled.  continued to back away as the creatures expression changed. No longer did it have a small smile, it seemed to grow larger and larger until it passed the point of possibility. Its smile slowly opened to reveal a shocking sight, as the smile parted a human face appeared. Rose stared at the face and instantly recognised it to be Mouse. Covered in the pink goo, Mouse struggled to escape from the creatures mouth. Managing to pull her hands out from within the creature, she pleaded with her captain to help. The creature stood there  almost mockingly as Rose tried to pull Mouse from it's mouth, it was clearly just toying with the two humans. Rose's grip slipped  due to the sticky slime which coated Mouse's hands and eventually lost hold of her friend. In an instant, Mouse disappeared back down the throat of the creature. Rose watched as the bulge that was her friend moved down the thin neck of the creature. The creature seemed to gulp loudly as Mouse slid down it's sticky and moist throat. The creature opened its mouth once more and seemed to inhale as much air as possible. Its once thin and flat chest ballooned out into a large sphere like shape as the air was passed through its body. Rose watched as a handprint pressed firmly through the stomach walls, her friend was trapped. The creature smiled and exhaled , its large belly shrank  constricting Mouse within. The imprint was not simply a hand this time but Mouse as a whole, all air that was within the stomach was sucked out leaving nothing more than Mouse's small figure. The constricted figure flinched slightly as Mouse tried to move but her movement was very limited from within the strange creature.
     The creature once again held its arms out as if to hug Rose, the captain through instincts ran with all her might down the corridor dropping her torch in the purpose. Feeling in the dark fro her radio, her ears caught rapid movement from behind her.
"This is Rose to all crew members, get back to the ship now. Unidentified life forms on board, they are hostile. I repeat they are......"
      Before the captain could finish her order, her footing was lost in the darkness and she tumbled to the ground. The radio smashed on impact against the cold metal floor, the rapid movement from behind came to a halt. Rose cursed loudly as something soft and sticky wrapped around her legs, she let out a terrified scream as her whole figure was pulled backwards. The scream was ended swiftly as it formed into a muffled gurgle before nothing but silence.

.................................
Didjit stared at the radio in her hand, it crackled slightly after the message ended. Slowly she pressed the button and placed the radio to her mouth.
" All crew members, this is Didjit, back to the ship now. Arm your weapons. Spook, keep the engines ready."
Didjit turned to Flux and Rollo.
"Back to the ship now"
     The sound of something scuttling across metal echoed through the hall way.
"Now, go"
The three ran for the ship with all their might, they hoped the other teams were doing the same.



...................
Duke fired wildly into the darkness knowing full well something lurked within it. Zee was holding her head in panic.
"This is all your bloody fault Zee, if you hadn't been whistling we wouldn't be in this mess."
"How the hell was I mean't to know there would be aliens?"
"And you thought it was gonna be boring"
Duke's rifle fired its last round before clicking empty.
"Shit, Zee run"
Duke ran past Zee who was still holding her head in fear.
"Hurry up Zee"
Zee panicked as Duke ran off into the darkness. The sound of Dukes heavy boots echoed in the hall way before they were suddenly silenced. Zee cradled herself in terror.
"Duke?, help me, please"
A sound approached Zee from ahead, slowly but it gradually quickened. Zee beamed her torch ahead but saw nothing until a clawed hand appeared. Zee closed her eyes hoping it was her imagination but it was in fact very real. Zee opened her eyes to see a humanoid like creature standing before her, much like the one Rose had encountered.
"Oh my god"
The creatures stomach was riddled with a human imprint, Duke.
"No, no, no. You're not here"
Zee cradled her head again trying to forget what she was seeing. Something grabbed hold of her legs, quickly she lost her footing and was pulled into the darkness. Her torch still firmly gripped in her hand, the beam danced as Zee was pulled back. Her feet and legs soon felt sticky and her body grew warmer as she screamed in terror. The sticky wet sensation moved up her body until her torso felt numb. Finally the light she could see disappeared as the warm feeling moved over her face and darkness took hold. Constricted and terrified, Zee tried to wriggle her arms but they too were soon engulfed. Zee clenched the torch in her hand as it passed past the lips of her devourer. The small torch lit up the insides of the creature. Zee tried to wriggle in her pink surroundings but to no avail. There was a brief moment when Zee could see the outside world once again but it was quickly ended as her body was forcefully pushed into the stomach of the creature. Zee was now given space to wriggle in the belly of the creature but that too was taken away only moments later as the belly deflated constricting her every movement. From outside the creature, the torch illuminated the creature from the inside down to the smallest detail even the tears that escaped Zee's eyes.

....................................
Cutter and Creed were running down the hallway towards the Opal Raider. The two brothers were aware of the danger that lurked around them. Creed was the first to fire a sarcastic comment.
"Well this is fantastic,  i can't think of anything else I’d rather be doing"
Cutter sniggered.
"So you wouldn't rather be with Flux?"
"Shut it Cutter, this ain't the right time"
Creed was ready for another of Cutters witty remarks but it never came. Creed slowly came to a halt and searched in the darkness for his brother, there was no sign. Suddenly Creed felt a heavy hand grasp hold of his shoulder.
"Damm it Cutter, don't do that"
Creed turned to face his brother. Cutter stared into his brothers eyes, filled with fear he pleaded for help. Creed flashed the torch along Cutter's figure and realised what was wrong with his older brother. Cutter's body was quickly disappearing down the gullet of the unknown pink creatures. Creed staggered backwards as his brother pleaded for help before Cutter completely disappeared down the monsters gullet. As the adrenaline pumped round Creeds body he fled hoping to escape the clutches of the creature that had devoured his brother. Creed mate it six metres before he too was devoured, two more of the crew were forever lost.

...........................
Didjit called to Flux and Rollo as she ran.
"Come on, were nearly there. Hurry up"
Rollo stopped suddenly and turned to face the darkness, Didjit and Flux continued to run. Rollo grabbed hold of the rifle and flicked the safety off before firing wildly into the darkness ahead of him. Flux turned.
"Come on Rollo, hurry"
Rollo paid no attention to Flux's pleads and continued to fire into the darkness hoping to keep the creatures at bay long enough for his two friends to escape back to the safety of the ship. Flux continued running as the gunfire silenced behind her.
     Didjit gasped for air as she spied the docking bay doors just up ahead.
"Hurry Flux, we're nearly there"
Didjit grabbed hold of her radio and called to Spook and Dex.
"Get those damm docking bay doors open now and prep the engines"
     The doors were still closed when Flux and Didjit had reached the docking port. The two whacked the steel doors in hope they would budge.
"Dammit, open the bloody doors"
      Eventually the doors slowly opened, Didjit and Flux managed to squeeze through just in time as one of the creatures lunged for the two of them  grabbing Flux's leg before having to let go. The two fell to the ground in a heap as the creatures loomed closer. quickly pulling herself from the ground Didjit lunged at the door controls and slammed the button as hard as she possibly could. The creatures retreated as the doors slowly came to a clanking shut. Flux turned to Didjit who spoke once more"
"On the ship now, we're leaving"
Flux hesitated
"The others are already lost, Get on the ship that’s an order"
Flux turned and hastily boarded the Opal Raider. Didjit paused for a moment, her eyes fixed on the steel doors. Seven crew lost and her sister dead, it was a day she would rather forget.
      Didjit eventually boarded the Raider and pulled the door shut behind her. Her eyes gazed around, the ship seemed so empty without the others. Spook, Dex and Flux started at their new captain.
"Spook, take us away from this place. Be quick about it"
Spook nodded then ran to the pilot's seat. Pulling a lever, the Opal Raider slowly moved away from Station Six and its secrets. Spook engaged the thrusters, the Opal Raider headed for Carmine Space Port.
      Didjit rubbed her eyes as Dex and Flux stood silently near by, the captain raised her head and stared at Dex.
"Go down to the mess hall Dex and bring back some water and rations, we need them and there's now plenty to go round".
Dex nodded slowly then disappeared down the ship towards the mess hall. Spook turned to talk.
"Ships on auto pilot so I’ll go give her a hand, you guys get some rest"
Flux and Didjit nodded as Spook walked down to the mess hall. Flux laid down on the metal couch while Didjit sat on one of the chairs. There was a moment of awkward silence before Flux broke the silence.
"What do you think they were?, the creatures?"
Didjit turned to Flux but didn't say anything, her answer was clear enough. Flux turned away after seeing Didjit's expression, there was to much anger and sadness in the  air. Exhaustion finally took hold of the two women and eventually they both drifted slowly to sleep as the Raider carried on its course.


..................
As Didjit slept, her dreams were filled with images of her life. Her and Rose playing in the fields at Talon Colony, the two of them building their first bike then them buying a ship together. Her sisters life seemed to flash through her mind again and again, always Rose was smiling until her final words echoed through Didjits mind. Didjit awoke immediately, she panicked. Her eyes scowered the ship as she panted heavily. Staring around she saw Dex drinking a bottle of water nearby and Spook sleeping with his legs rested on the table. Dex screwed the cap on the bottle of water and smiled weakly at Didjit. The captain calmed her breathing.
"Where's Flux?"
Dex pointed to a room down the end of the ship.
"Resting in the crew quarters. Said she felt strange so she went to lie down"
"When was that?"
Dex stared at her watch
"About four hours ago"
Didjit rubbed her neck and stretched.
"How far are we from Carmine?"
"six days if we keep this heading"
Didjit nodded
"Right, well keep an eye on Flux. I think she came into contact with one of the creatures, who know's what it could have spread to her"
"There was a couple of minutes of silence before Dex spoke.
"What did they look like anyway?
"The creatures?, they looked human but they weren't"
"What should we do about the station anyway?"
"Nothing, its too dangerous to go near and i don't want to think of the consequences of blowing it up."
"So Station Six is destined to float in space until someone else finds it, i pity them"
Didjit rubbed her eyes.
"Hopefully no one will find it"
Didjit stood up and walked to the front of the ship.
"Space is big, pray it floats in the vast nothingness for all eternity"
The acting Captain pulled a lever by the control panel, a small monitor appeared showing the Opal Raiders course.
"Dex, wake Spook and tell him to check on Flux then help me with the course. Hopefully we can shorten it by a few hours because i need a drink and a strong one at that".
Dex nodded. Quietly she walked over to Spook and pulled his legs off the table. Spook woke with a startle and fell of his chair onto the cold deck. He stared at the laughing Dex with a pissed off look. Between muffled laughter Dex spoke to Spook.
"Didjit wants you to go check on Flux, hop to it fly boy"
"Great thanks"
Spook pushed past Dex and walked towards the crew quarters. The door opened with a slight creak before closing behind the pilot.

..................
Spook gave his eyes a quick as his body readjusted after the rude awakening from Dex, the lights of the crew quarters were dim and flickered on occasion. Cold air brushed past Spook causing him to shiver, the quarters were eerie with the lack of movement and life it used to contain. The pilot searched for Flux's bed but was shocked Not just to find it empty but also unused. Spook stepped back slowly after finding the bed empty, his eyes searching the crew quarters for any sign that Flux had been there. Scratching his chin in confusion, the pilot scowered the large quarters only to stop and stare at a strange substance on the ground. Carefully Spook placed his fingers in the small pink puddle only to find that it was sticky to the touch. The pilots eyes gazed ahead, a trail of the pink slime had formed past the beds towards the back of the quarters near the bathroom. It was a miracle how Spook hadn't noticed the trail sooner.
     Instead of listening to the many different voices in his mind, Spook decided to follow the trail. The puddles seemed to increase in size as the pilot followed the sticky trail. The lights flickered once more as the trail ended outside the door to the crew quarters bathroom, handprints of the pink goo seemed to cover the metallic door. Spook hesitated for a moment before finally knocking on the door.
"Flux?, you in there?"
There was no response. Spook waited before calling again, once more there was no response. The pilot placed his ear against the door carefully in hope that there was life within the cubicle. Spook could hear the faintest of what sounded like a woman crying, he made the decision to open the door and see for himself.
    The door quickly slid open and Spook hesitantly entered the room. The pink goo he had seen earlier covered the walls and sink as he searched for whatever made the crying.
"Flux?, you alright?"
Spook caught the slightest of movement from the corner of his eye, quickly he turned only to watch as one of the cubicle doors slammed shut. Spook approached the cubicle and pushed the door open slowly. Sitting atop the closed toilet was Flux, her head grasped in her hands.
"Flux?, what’s wrong?"
Flux continued to weep as Spook answered once more. Slowly Flux raised her head and stared into the eyes of the pilot before her, spook stepped back in shock. Flux's eyes were no longer the beautiful shade of blue her friends had always seen, they were as black as night. Flux held out her hands for Spooks help, the pilot stayed clear of his sick friend. Suddenly the distressed crew member grabbed hold of her throat and coughed furiously, Spook watched a small bulge appear in Flux's throat before it was expelled from her body. Warm pink slime now rested upon the floor, Flux was changing.
    Flux once again held out her hands for help, her lips moved but no sound escaped. Only a slight whimper was heard as the infected crew member staggered forward. Spook caught his friend as Flux staggered and fell, the two stared into one another’s eyes once more. The pilot couldn't look away from the mesmerising eyes of the changing Flux, Spook moved closer to Flux's perfect  lips as if in a trance. Just as the two were about to lock lips, Spook broke away and stepped back leaving Flux to fall to the ground.
"I have to tell the captain"
Spook turned his back to leave the bathroom but it was a costly mistake. The moment Spook turned the changed Flux lunged at the pilots back, grabbing him tightly the two fell to the ground. Spook struggled but his movement was limited, Flux squeezed his body tightly. The pilot gasped for air as Flux squeezed ever tighter before Spooks struggles finally ended as he fell into unconsciousness. Flux released the pilot and stared for a moment, her mind was a flutter. Whatever had infected her was winning and she could do nothing about it. the infected crew members body tingled as if it had been gifted with a new sense, the voices in Flux's mind took full control of her body.
     The hybrid stared at the unconscious figure of Spook as she moved in closer stopping at the pilots feet. Through curiosity, the hybrid poked the still figure before instinct acted. Lowering itself gently to the ground, the hybrid carefully grabbed hold of the pilots still legs and slowly opened its mouth. The mouth opened beyond all human proportions as the creature lowered its head. The creatures mouth gaped over Spooks still feet, quickly the once human lips closed over the pilots feet. The creature paused for a moment before guiding the pilots figure further into its gaping mouth. The once human throat bulged as Spook entered the body of his former friend further and further. The hybrid increased its pace as the new fulfilling feeling took hold over its body. The leather uniform which constricted the human figure began to stretch as the creatures stomach accepted its first meal. The hybrid pushed the final part of its meal into its mouth before closing the beautifully crafted lips once more. The hybrids human hands explored its figure first starting at its stretched throat before moving south to its constantly increasing stomach. With one final gulp, the creatures stomach bulged rapidly under its touch. The leather uniform ripped from its occupant and fell to the ground leaving the hybrid bare. The creature poked its belly in confusion, its stomach was full and yet it was not satisfied. The hybrid raised itself from the bathroom floor before exiting the cubicle, it staggered towards the front of the crew quarters. Stopping suddenly, the creature stared upon the metal door, the only thing in its way from finding yet more prey.


............
Dex and Didjit bickered as they tried to plot a speedier course to Carmine space port, so far the two had been unsuccessful and had been outsmarted by their ships own computer.
"Didjit, just let me deal with it alright, I’m the navigator"
"Shut up will you?, i helped buy this ship so i know how it works"
Dex pulled at her long black hair and turned away from the acting Captain only to watch as the crew quarters door buckled under force. Didjit turned quickly and stared at the dent in the door.
"What the hell did that?"
Dex shook her head unknowingly as she approached the door. A few feet away as Dex approached, the door buckled once more revealing part of the crew quarters. Didjit called out her concerns but they were unheard by the curious Dex. The curious navigator carefully peered into the crew quarters through the gap of the buckled door only to see the changed Flux staring back at her. Dex quickly tried to back away but the hybrids hand grabbed hold of Dex's own hand and pulled hard. Didjit immediately rushed to the navigators aid by grabbing hold of her waist and pulling hard. With the force of the two women against it, the creature finally let go. Didjit and Dex fell to the ground in a heap as the creature rushed at the door once more.
     Didjit quickly pulled herself up from the ships deck and grabbed the shock stricken Dex around the waist, in a frenzy Didjit headed for the captains quarters. The creature continued to rush at the already buckled door adding to its deteriation as the Captains quarters door opened swiftly, Didjit laid Dex on the private bed and pushed the emergency button which kept all rooms under lockdown for little less than a week. All doors on board the Opal Raider swiftly closed and locked, there was a loud metallic crash as the crew quarters door was pulled from the wall before being thrown to the ground. Didjit waited for the inevitable attack on the captains quarters but it never arrived, the ship was strangely silent.
    Didjit ran her hands through her silk like hair and stared upon the quivering Dex that rested upon her former sisters bed. Dex had her eyes clenched firmly shut as she shivered with fear, cradling her arm as she muttered to herself.
"So strange, i feel so strange. So strange, so powerful"
Didjit listened to her friends dillusioned words and could make little sense out of it, Dex was indeed ill and there were no medical supplies in the Captains quarters.


.............
As time passed, Dex's condition worsened. Now overcome with a fever, the navigator was indeed suffering. Didjit did what she could with what little supplies she had but Dex's fever could not simply be cured with the aid of bottled water and an old rag.
"I dearly wish I could help you Dex but the aid kit is in the mess hall and the ship is in lockdown. I don't even want to know what Flux and Spook are dealing with out there"
Dex grabbed hold of her captains hand and squeezed tightly, Didjit cringed slightly at the pain. The two met one another’s eyes, tears filled Dex's eyes as she felt the power flow through her body.
"I feel so strange, so powerful"
"Calm down Dex, everything'll be fine. We've enough supplies to last until the lockdowns over if its rationed and by that time we'll be at Carmine space port."
Dex rocked back and forth in angst unaware of the changes within her own body, Didjit tried to comfort her friend in hope it would ease both the nerves of Dex and herself but little changed as time passed except Dex's condition.
      Once again Dex muttered the same sentence she had since the lockdown commenced three hours ago, Didjit still had little idea about what it mean't.
"I feel so powerful, so strange"
Again and again Dex repeated the sentence until finally it changed.
"I feel so strange, so powerful, so hungry"
Dex rose from the captains bed and forcefully grabbed hold of Didjits arm, Didjit yelped silently as Dex's grip increased.
"Ahhhh, Dex let go, please"
Didjit tried to pry Dex's hand from her arm but her efforts were wasted, Dex continued to squeeze. Didjit quickly  grabbed a bag of freeze dried food and chucked it into Dex's lap in hope her arm would be released. Dex swiftly released Didjits arm and grabbed hold of the packet of freeze dried snacks. Didjit watched with pure shock as Dex engulfed the whole packet of food in one including the packaging and swallowed sharply. The sealed packet slipped down Dex's tight throat before disappearing from sight and into her stomach, Dex's vacuum sealed uniform prevented her stomach from expanding. Didjit stepped away slightly until her back was against the door of the captains quarters.
"Dex, what's happened to you?"
Dex slowly turned and faced her acting captain, her expression was strange it was almost empty of all emotion. Her lips slowly quivered.
"I feel so hungry"
Dex stared at the crate full of supplies placed atop a small cabinet next to the bed, her hands slowly reached for the metal crate. Didjit watched the unthinkable show before her as Dex raised the heavy crate above her head and tipped its contents straight into her gaping mouth. Chucking the metal crate aside, Dex gulped furiously and sent the many packets of food and bottles of water to her ever wanting stomach. Dex wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth and patted her flat yet constricted stomach with an emotionless smile. Didjit stared on at her hunger ravaged friend dreading what events would soon unfold in the locked quarters.
    Dex slowly turned her head to face Didjit, her lips muttered once more.
"I feel so hungry"
Dex's long hair covered much of her emotionless face but her lips were as clear as daylight.
"You...ate all the food Dex, its all gone. All of its gone"
Dex slowly approached her cell mate, Didjit hastily searched for any signs of escape now knowing what was likely occur. Didjit found only one, the air vent. It was only just big enough for her to squeeze for but she had no other choice. Didjit slowly moved to her right, moving ever closer to the vent located upon the wall. Dex followed Didjits every movement, still wishing to fulfil her hunger she moved closer. Didjit tried to keep eye contact at all times as she clambered upon the cabinet next to the vent, in a fit of adrenaline Didjit pulled the vent cover off and clambered into the constricting vent breaking her eye contact with her deranged friend. Dex jumped for the vent but fell to the ground, her figure was not nearly as thin as Didjits.
       Knowing full well that she now had only one route to take, Didjit increased her pace but also the amount of noise made. Her heavy boots came into contact with the metal passageway clanking every time.



..........
The clanking of the metal vent was heard by unwanted ears as the Flux hybrid jumped from the ceiling to land stealthily on the ground outside the captains quarters. It slowly followed the noise in hope its ever growing hunger could be satisfied.
      Didjit could see light ahead, if her estimates were right it was the vent exit leading to the crew quarters. Her mood changed slightly in hope she might see Flux and Spook but depression once again took hold after remembering the strange unknown creature that attacked Dex. A scrambled dash later and Didjit made it to the vent exit, in a hurry she pushed the cover from the vent knowing full well Dex was not far behind.
      The vent cover swung from its hinges and hanged loosely underneath, Didjit pulled her body from the vent as quickly as physically possible. Unaware of what patiently rested below, Didjit pulled herself from the vent only to fall headfirst into the stretched mouth of her former friend Flux. The hybrid grabbed hold of Didjit preventing any chances of escape and started to swallow. Didjit tried to struggle but her head had already started its ascent down Flux's stretchy throat stopping any chances of escape. Didjit screamed within the creature as its lips quickly passed over her chest and stomach before completely trapping her arms. The hybrid's throat stretched wonders to accommodate its wriggling prey. Didjit finally realising that there was no going back simply went limp and let the creature finish its meal which it indeed did happily. Engulfing Didjits legs in one final gulp it swallowed and sealed the fate final sane crew member of the Opal Raider. The hybrid's human like body stretched to new sizes as its second meal entered its already large and still belly.
      The creature like before stared at its belly and poked it curiously, this time though it was shocked to feel its meal wriggle after being forcefully prodded. The feeling felt wonderful leading the creature to poke its captive once more and then again until the feeling grew further and Didjit wriggled furiously. The hybrid almost smiled at the joy it was feeling but its smile would have disappeared if it knew what else lurked on board the Opal Raider.


...........
The hunger ravaged Dex screamed at the top of her lungs for food, her fists collided with the walls from the voracity. In a fit of hunger, Dex scowered the room for any signs of food swallowing anything that resembled it but her hunger grew ever more. Locked in the cell for another six days and 12 hours, her hunger grew evermore.
      The hybrid rested its heavy body on the ground, patting its belly with a sign of pride it closed its eyes and rested. The creatures captives would suffer for many days to come for the hybrid though gifted with the ability to eat large meals, it did not have the capacity to digest them so quickly. Its belly wiggled slightly, its occupants very much alive.
      The Opal Raider disappeared into the blackness of space, its course Carmine Space Port.


..........
"Commander Rhode, we have an unidentified ship preparing to dock"
The bulky character turned and stared at the communications Sergeant.
"Find out what it is and why it wants to dock"
The comms Sergeant searched the long range scanners and identified the unknown ship.
"Commander, its the Opal Raider but It's in full lockdown, i can't hack the computer"
Rhodes adjusted his large glasses.
"How long till lockdown ends?"
"Ends tomorrow 0900 hours sir"
Rhodes nodded slowly.
"Let it dock, we'll investigate in the morning. Its probably just an old wreck with a buggered computer but a two man team will check in the morning just to make sure"
Rhodes walked away ready to enter his private quarters.
"Sergeant, you have my permission to enter the moment the lockdown has ceased. I doubt there will be any dangers"
       Within the Opal Raider, the two separated and starved crew members prepared themselves to feast like kings and so would Carmine Space Port fall as did Station Six and the crew of the Opal Raider.