《Surviving Space》 Chapter 1: Paradise ¡°Hey john, you think we will do alright?¡± as I look to my side I could see my beautiful wife Crystal. Her eyes seemed to shine as she pushed her black bangs out of her eyes. ¡°Baby we will do okay I promise you.¡± In fact I didn''t really know what was going to happen. Earth had long been pushed over its limits causing for the exploration into space to become the only way for our survival as a race. Those who were lucky and had the money could practically do anything. Transport cargo for the Republic, locate new living planets, or even start settlements where they take a percentage from their citizens. For those who are unlucky like my wife and I, you find yourself on a ship heading to a place where the danger is as high as the chance of wealth. As I stare at my lovely wife who seems to find herself in the dream world I couldn''t help but reminisce of the past. I was never anything of worth, rarely could keep a job and when I got one I lost it in the first week. Yet this beautiful 5¡¯9, black hair down to her waist, with deep blue eyes like the ocean that stared at me was what kept me afloat in the dark of hours. We are heading to Euxia, a planet on the edge of the Andria Galaxy. The reason why we were able to get this one way ticket to this unknown planet was due to some luck when I ran into a man who felt pity for me. To be honest he seemed a bit shady but anything is better than Earth nowadays. As I Walked to the circular window opposite of the bed I couldn''t help but stare deep into the black abyss of space that made me feel so insignificant. I had a strange feeling well up inside of me at that moment. Was this truly the right thing to do? I never was one to question going head first into new things, but I just couldn''t get this bad feeling out of the pit of my stomach. After a few moments I couldn''t help but throw the feelings in the back of my mind. This is a chance, not for me but for her. As I look towards Crystal I couldn''t help but smile as I push the bangs away from her face. No matter how rough it can get I''ll make sure that this time we will do alright. It was at that moment that a light knocking came from the metal door causing my lovely moment to be extinguished. Walking towards the door I couldn''t help but wipe a few of the wrinkles out of my clothes. Looking towards the terminal next to the door I could see a young chubby face looking up towards the camera outside. ¡°Hey john want to chill at the cafeteria?¡± Hitting a small red button below the monitor screen I replied ¡°yea, let me just say goodby to Crystal real quick.¡± Walking towards the bed I lightly kissed Crystal¡¯s forehead causing her to lightly moan as she rose from the bed ¡°where are you going?¡± Seeing as she was rubbing both of her eyes and her hair was a mess I couldn''t help but smile as I landed a kiss on her lips ¡°David and I are gonna eat at the cafeteria, do you need anything?¡± With an ow Crystal turned over going back to the world of dreams but before I could get away quick enough her voice seemed to drift into my ears ¡°I want something sweet and a drink maybe. See if they have any of the soda floats okay, hunny?¡± Hearing her and watching as she was quick to sleep I couldn''t help but chuckle as I walked out of our room. Room 215 was the numbered plastered on the door in red paint. The ship, Allexus was a large colonial ship housing thousands of families all who were heading towards Euxia to start a new life. David was no different, at about 16 he was a bit younger than myself but I swore I could see a flame in his eyes even though he was a bit on the chubby side. As we walked down the long hallway that had room after room I could hear the rattling in the vents as a few men could be heard repairing a few pipes in the small walkways that ran parallel to the large halls used for moving around the ship. Taking our sweet time I couldn''t help but look down towards David¡¯s hands which held an old antique necklace. ¡°What''s that?¡± Seeing my questionable expression I could notice David¡¯s hand gripping the necklace tightly. ¡°It was my mother''s, she gave it to my before she passed away. A necklace and a one way trip to Euxia was all she gave me. She always hated me you know? Beat me every moment she could; even when she was sick and dying all I ever wanted was for her to love me, but all I got was this old necklace and a ticket.¡± Seeing his pained expression I couldn''t help but bring him towards my side trying to brighten the mood ¡°come on man, you got me and Crystal. Plus you''re actually the first friend I have that Crystal actually approves of and she never likes my friends.¡± Seeing the smile plastered on my face David¡¯s mood seemed to improve ¡°why does she not like them?¡± Hearing his question caused me to look puzzled. ¡°You know, I don''t really know? I mean they were a bit on the jittery side and got random nosebleeds here and there. But they were really good friends of mine.¡± David couldn''t help but laugh as he shook his head. ¡°She didn''t like them because all of your friends where druggies.¡± Of course I already knew that, but seeing David without his usual jolly expressions seemed really strange so seeing him in a better mood makes it all worth it. The cafeteria in general was nothing special. Like any cafeteria it was a large room with tables that allowed for many to sit and eat. Bulky robots would come by used tables and begin disinfecting. Finding a suitable spot David and I sat down and scanned the room waiting to be served. There were many families taking up most of the tables. Kids would run about dropping food on the floor or even throwing a bit at each other causing their fathers or mothers to reprimand them after they were just cussed out by the security force. Of course who you really need to watch out for were the men and women who sat alone. Most people here are going to start anew and there is no telling what they might of done for Earth has become a bit chaotic lately and the death toll has gotten higher. So it''s just common sense to stand out of anyone''s way who seems a bit on the cold side. Luckily we didn''t have to wait long as the argument I had with my stomach was answered by an waitress who made her way to us. ¡°What may I get you two fine gentlemen today? Our special is grilled Caprese from the Vegabod system, with any medium size drink.¡± It sounded pretty good so I couldn''t help but speak up ¡°how much?¡± Seeing the interest in my eyes the girl gave a loving smile ¡°345 credits sir.¡± Hearing the price I couldn''t help but nod my head ¡°i''ll take it. What are you gonna get dav¡­.¡± As I look towards David I could practically see the drool from his mouth as he found himself lost in the waitress long legs. She indeed had a nice figure and with the chance of getting tips many wore tight clothing and it seems David has found himself being the victim. Laughing a bit I lightly kicked David from under to table making him come back to reality ¡°ow, uh, um I¡­.i''ll have the um¡­.the same thing.¡± Seeing as David found himself scourging to get himself back together I remembered what Crystal wanted ¡°what sweets do yall have today?¡± Giggling quietly to herself seeing David whose chubs seemed to jiggle endlessly the waiter couldnt help but smile. ¡°We have some Saccharine fruit from Thelmora which many enjoy and its price isn''t that bad.¡± Nodding my head I ordered a few of those as well ¡°ow do yall have any floats? The women at home is craving.¡± The waitress nodded her head to my question ¡°of course and if you don''t mind me asking is she pregnant?¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. A prideful smile was plastered on my face as I nodded in agreement causing the women to congratulate me. I had yet to tell David so he too was excited as he began to laugh out loud. With our order placed the waitress left us to ourselves causing David to have his eyes plastered below the waitress''s waist. I couldn''t help but look at him ¡°really.¡± Noticing my eyes staring at him David began to become as red as a lobster as he seemed embarrassed at something. ¡°You should ask her out to a date instead of violating her with your eyes. You might be able to get a little bit more if you know what I mean.¡± Hearing the mockery in my voice David couldn''t help shake his head in defeat ¡°it''s impossible.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I''m fat John. Anyone would drop dead if they saw me with such a fine looking girl like that.¡± Even though it sounds bad looking at David whose body was a bit on the heavy side and looks which were more cute than manly I couldn''t help but agree inside. ¡°What are you talking about man. Anything is possible you just gotta ask her. What could go wrong?¡± Hearing my reply David leaned his head with his eyes staring up a bit at me ¡°really john.¡± I couldn''t help but began to laugh ¡°you know me too well.¡± David leaned forward punching me in the arm ¡°why didn''t you tell me you and Crystal were expecting? We got to celebrate!¡± ¡°Nah Crystal doesn''t want me to be all routy but a drink shouldn''t hurt.¡± As we both laughed the waitress came back with all types of wonderful smelling plates of food. The Caprece meals that me and David had ordered was simply a large Spider Abdomen grilled to perfection with a spicy aroma assaulting our nostrils. The Saccharine fruit were placed into a see through container allowing me to see a rainbow of colors as the circular fruits all wielded different colors. Thanking the waiter and learning I could get my float at the end of the meal I ordered a few Alcoholic drinks for David and I and then we began to dig into the meals in front of us. The Spiders outer covering was quite similar to the shell that protected crabs or lobsters to a certain extent. Taking a knife that was brought with the meal I simple pressed a button on the side of the knife causing a blade of energy to appear. With a flick of my wrist I began to cut the Caprice in half allowing for the meat on the inside to flow out like a river. Luckily I was prepared as the plate below the spiders shell was able to capture most of the flesh. David on the other hand was more ravenous as he used his hands to break into parts of the shell. With its flesh defenseless David would take the part up towards his mouth sucking out all that was inside. As I stared down at the translucent flesh on the plate my stomach began to rumble as it simply couldn''t wait any longer. Taking in a deep breath of the spiders aroma I began to dig in with the knife and fork which was made out of simple metals. The flesh was fleshy yet as it entered my mouth it seemed to change into a soup as it easily went down my throat. I couldn''t help but get addicted as David and I seemed to become animals as we began to devour all that was in front of us. We were eating the meal in front of us so quickly I swore that some of the families eating meals in the cafeteria looked at us disgusted, but why would I care? When the meals in front of us seemed to vanish our alcoholic beverages seemed to appear at just the right time as we began to down one drink after another. The alcohol was a bit on the dry side and caused a fire to burn my throat as I drained one cup after another. I don''t know how many I downed but as I looked towards David I swore he got skinnier. The waitress seemed to see our drunken state and I assumed she tried to slow us down but David who is usually quiet in front of women couldn''t help but began to start a conversation with the girl. ¡°You know¡­.You''re¡­.Beautiful you know that. I mean look at me¡­.i''m so fat you know. You''re the opposite; you''re so skinny and good looking I think¡­.I think I love you.¡± David couldn''t help but down another one and I couldn''t help but laugh causing him to look towards me. ¡°John what you laughing at man? I love you too and Crystal. I mean you''re so good to me, you''re like the brother I always wanted.¡± Seeing the waitress trying to take the beverages away from us I couldn''t help but grab the bottles and hand them to her causing David to frown. ¡°David we have drank way too much. I mean I don''t like you drunk, you get all lovey dovey on us.¡± The waitress couldn''t help but take the bottles from my hand. ¡°Thank you¡± with a cheery little yelp the girl thanked me and was surprised by my sober like state. I couldn''t help but agree with her as the beverage Vicious Ale is about 90 proof and drinking it straight should down a man easily but this stuff is just fruit juice to the stuff I have sampled before. Getting the bill from the waitress I couldn''t help but cry on the inside as I spent a bit more than what I wanted to. Seeing David stumble about I didn''t even complain as I gave the women her credits. Taking the box of Saccharine fruit and a vintage coke float I began to help David who was having trouble walking straight. As I got David in control it was in that moment when something hit the ship causing me and everyone else to fall to the floor causing the float to smash across the floor. Helping David up I couldn''t help but look all around me. I could see panic in everyone''s eyes with a few children crying out loud as they ran towards their parents. David seemed to be sobering up at the events around us. I couldn''t help but whisper to David ¡°is it raiders?¡± Seeing the panic in my face and hearing the word raider David couldn''t help but begin to panic as well ¡° I hope not do you know what they do to people!¡± Coming closer to my ear David whispered ¡°I hear that they eat people alive.¡± Chapter 2: Code Orange As the ship found itself steady, many quieted down waiting for anything unexpected to happen. David and I were no different as I strained my ears to hear any little noise that might sound like an explosion or gunshots of any sorts. It was in that dead silence that even the kids were silent as the only thing that entered my ears was the muffled cries. The panic that was painted on my face died down after awhile ¡°must''ve been some asteroids or debris of some sort.¡± Nodding his head David breathed out loudly sitting on the floor brushing the sweat from his brow. ¡°John I almost had a heart attack.¡± I nodded my head ¡°Same I thought we were in deep shit but the alarms have yet to go off.¡± ¡°Bammm! Bammm! Attention all personnel please find your way back to your rooms. All military personnel please find yourselfs at your posts! We have a code red! Repeat code red!¡± Hearing the alarm blaring caused me to cover my ears as it felt like my eardrums could rupture at any moment. Everyone began to panic, parents would grab onto the arms of their kids rushing them towards their rooms. As everyone was panicking and running amok there were a few who just looked up towards the alarms and kept on drinking their beverages. David and I were different as we both began to panic ¡°John what if it''s raiders!¡± Seeing the panic in his eyes I couldn''t help but grab ahold of David''s arms ¡°It will be alright David; the military will be able to deal with raiders!¡± Hearing my plausible words David seemed to calm down a bit causing me to pick him up from the ground ¡°come on David I got to make sure Crystal is okay.¡± Nodding his head David followed me as I pushed my way through the crowds trying to reach the north hallway towards my room 215. As we were able to push our way through the crowds I could hear the stomping of footsteps from behind, turning around I noticed a platoon coming towards David and I. They wore light nano armor with synthetic plating on their vitals. There armor was all black causing anyone to tell from just a glance that they are part of the ship¡¯s military. Most of them had Plasma guns in their hands. Being able to see the shine on the guns grey metallic covering I could clearly see it was the rapid fire model; I had seen one once back on earth when some crazy lunatic shot up a hospital looking for drugs to ease him through the pain of life. I was worried watching them head down the hallway which lead to my room. Following them from behind I was able to make good time as I ran down the hall until I was stopped by one of the officers. ¡°I''m sorry sir but any more forward and I will stop you with force.¡± Seeing the barrier before the hall door and the man who seemed to be a bit out of it I couldn''t help but feel my heart drop. ¡°My wife is in that hallway, room 215 I have to get in their, please!¡± Seeing as I approached closer the man raised up his plasma gun allowing me to see the metallic black barrel which was glowing from deep inside. With the barrel pointed at my body I couldn''t help but freeze up in fear of him doing something stupid. At the same time David caught up from behind and seeing the situation he couldn''t help but pull me back while he panted heavily from exhaustion. The officer lowered his weapon ¡°All citizen in the danger zone where moved to the medical wing on floor 3-C, the floor up above. I''m pretty sure she is there.¡± Hearing the officer I couldn''t help but sign in relief ¡°Thank god she might be okay. Can you tell us what happened?¡± The officer couldn''t help but look behind his shoulder ¡°I''ve heard that we were hit by a small asteroid causing some outer damage. The danger area has been sealed of for your own safety.¡± Hearing the officer I looked towards David ¡°well it''s not raiders so that''s good.¡± Nodding his head in approval we turned away from the officer and began to head towards the nearest elevator that could take us to the medical wing.We quickly walked towards the elevator as I was still worried about Crystal. David tried his best to start some small talk as he tried to calm me down, but ended up with the two of us standing silently hearing the light humming from the elevator. As the ding notified us reaching the floor, the door opened to me rushing towards a medical desk in front of me. Their sat an elderly woman wearing a lab coat who was fiddling with the computer in front of her. As I stood before her she seemed to be doing something even more important as she didn''t even give me eye contact. I stood there for a moment waiting for her to finish but it seemed to take a lifetime so as politely as I could, I asked ¡°Is their a patient by the name of Crystal here?¡± Hearing my voice caused the nurse to panic as she jumped up to look at me. Noticing a few messy files on her desk the nurse abruptly began to straighten them while she look towards me ¡°how can I help you? Im sorry im just a little bit out of it today.¡± Seeing the crazy nurse I couldn''t help but smile slightly ¡°im looking for my wife Crystal. She should of been brought in here when the meteor hit.¡± Knowing of the reason of my visit the nurse quickly sat back down and fiddled with the computer. ¡°Last name sir?¡± ¡°Its williams¡± nodding her head the nurse began typing in the information. After a few button pushing the nurse looked up ¡° Crystal K. Williams is in medical wing A the one down the hall, and congratulations in six months you''ll be a father.¡± As she pointed towards the hall with a big ¡°A¡± painted beside the opening I couldn''t help but relieve a long sigh as a weight had been placed off my shoulders. Seeing the smile that bloomed on my face the nurse couldn''t help but smile back ¡°she is in room 38, it will be on the right.¡± Thanking the nurse I ran towards room 38 with David behind me. As I got closer I couldn''t help but begin to count the rooms out loud ¡° 35, 36, 37, room 38! This one is it.¡± As I rushed into Crystal¡¯s medical room I couldn''t help but rush towards her side giving a large hug. The room was quiet bare; other than the essentials; a bed, and medical machinery. The only thing that made the room kinda cool was that the wall you walk into was made of see through glass. Allowing you to see whoever was walking down the hallway. ¡°John! What took you so long?!¡± As she was in my arms I could feel the warm tears on my clothes causing them to stick to my chest. As she weeped I couldn''t help but stroke the back of her head ¡°I''m sorry baby. I should of been their.¡± Crystal always enjoyed having her hair played with. It''s the tactic used when shes angry or depressed especially when i''m the cause. As I sat their soothing Crystal, David entered causing Crystal to look up towards him. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°Crystal! Are you okay?¡± Seeing the red faced David who ran too fast causing himself to breathe heavily, Crystal couldn''t help but smile as she wiped the tears from her eyes. ¡°Uh-huh im okay. It was crazy though. One moment I was laying in bed and then in the next I was being sent here. The room shook and I didn''t know what to do until I heard knocking on the door and they brought me here.¡± Giving David a bottle of purified water that was given to Crystal earlier I could hear David taking in gulps as he drained the bottle. ¡°Thank god Crystal you were not hurt when the meteor hit. I heard that sometimes I meteor can take out a whole ship''s hull!¡± Hering David I could see Crystal¡¯s eyes go big and then a puzzled look appeared on her face. ¡°What''s wrong baby?¡± Looking up towards me Crystal shook her head ¡°nothing I just swore I heard gunfire before they took us here?¡± ¡°Gunfire? Finally getting himself hydrated David couldn''t help but speak up ¡°why would they need to shoot anything if it''s a meteor?¡± Shrugging my shoulders I replied ¡°could have been misfire or something like that, and anyways the only important thing is that you''re okay my love.¡± Giving Crystal a kiss on the head I couldn''t help but be thankful that she was alright. It was in that moment of silence as I hugged Crystal tightly that the room seemed to dim as orange lights began to flash. Crystal, David and I all looked up towards the ceiling of the room and then it happened. ¡° Warning! Warning! Unknown foreign lifeform detected on the medical wing! We are now in a code orange, repeat code orange!¡± with the blaring of the intercoms a loud clicking sound was heard coming from the door. David, closest to the door ran over pressing the button on the monitor but the door wouldn''t even budge. David looked back at me as he repeatedly pressed the button. ¡°John! It won''t open!¡± Seeing David¡¯s pale face caused me to rush over ¡°what do you mean?¡± Getting to the monitor as I press the open button a little pop up appeared over and over again ¡°clearance denied.¡± ¡°Shit!¡± if things couldn''t get worse as I cussed out loud a metal covering appeared causing the glass to be reinforced. Crystal couldn''t help but quickly rise to her feet ¡°we are stuck in here!¡± With David still messing with the doors monitor and Crystal who was walking back and forth mumbling here and there I couldn''t help but take in a deep breath getting myself under control. ¡°David¡­.quit screwing with the controls. Crystal, baby calm down we will be alright. Just remember whatever is out there can''t come in here. We need to all just take a deep breath and take a step back the military can handle whatever the problem is.¡± Finding my words plausible David went over and sat down using the wall for support, Crystal sat back on the bed and the both seemed to fiddle with their hands with their heads held down. I could notice the random shaking the two had, I mean who could blame them even I am scared. Code orange, anything is better than code orange. The color orange is associated with deadly pathogens, or something that can cause an epidemic of some sort. Hopefully the trigger was set off by dust or something but how could that be true. As I stood there wondering what could make the alarms go off I could hear the rhythmic footsteps of soldiers as they walked down the hall. Hearing the coordinated marching David and Crystal stood up looking towards the glass. As men numbering around fifteen passed us I couldn''t help but have that strange feeling in my stomach again. It felt like I was being swallowed, helpless as I stood behind the glass. After the men passed, It wasn''t long until the banging of gunfire causing me to rush towards the glass trying to see what was going on. As I placed the side of my face on the glass I could barely see a soldier from down the hall. ¡°What''s happening!¡± David ran up towards me while Crystal seemed to follow shaking all over. ¡°I don''t know I can barely see them.¡± With the gunfire came screams and I couldn''t help but push even harder on the glass just trying to get a glimpse, but of course the glass was giving me no leeway. It wasn''t long until it all went quiet, no footsteps, no screams, not even a light voice could be heard. As I tried to peek down the hall I could feel Crystal¡¯s hand on my arm. She shook relentlessly causing me to look at her puzzled. David backed up with his eyes and mouth as wide as they would go. It wasn''t until the mute Crystal raised her hand pointing towards the glass. As I turned what presented itself in front of me was a soldier. His helmet was missing as I could see his young facial features and black hair. Yet the thing that got the most of my attention was under his neck there was nothing except for the blood which seeped towards the floor. There was an arm, black with small little spikes. As I backed away from the window the creature presented itself as it dropped from the ceiling outside. As it rose I couldn''t help but notice its eyes that glowed yellow. There was no hair, its pigment was black, it stood at least eight foot and I could swear it was staring straight at my soul as it looked at me. A cold wind seemed to assault my back as I shook relentlessly. Opening its mouth I could notice the razor sharp teeth as they crunched in the man¡¯s bodiless head. It was like eating an apple for the beast, as the head was gobbled up in just a few seconds. When it finished its meal it rushed towards the window causing Crystal to scream ¡°ahhhh!¡± As it made contact with the glass I couldn''t help but notice a small crack appear. I seemed to forget to breath at that moment. The window was the only thing between us and this monster. Yet after one assault it already showed signs of breaking? Turning away I looked from one side to the other yet their was nothing that could be used. Crystal began to cry and I could hear David mumbling ¡°I don''t want to die. I don''t want to die!¡± As David also began to cry loudly I couldn''t help but walk around the room pulling at my hair ¡°fuck!¡± As the beast began to bash on the window relentlessly I couldn''t help but notice the cracks expanding farther and farther¡­.are we going to die just like this?