A placid stillness blanketed the Skeld, enveloping the spaceship in an aura of peace. The crewmates diligently attended to their tasks, their every movement flowing in symphony with the gentle hum of the ship's systems. As each component fell into place, the crew relished the fleeting moment of respite from their dire circumstances.
Their duties completed, the crew members converged on the cafeteria, where Caleb, their stalwart leader, stood waiting. The tables in the cafeteria groaned under the weight of a veritable feast, a cornucopia of enticing dishes to sate every appetite. Yet, amidst the bounty, one table stood apart - a bare surface devoid of any culinary delights. Instead, seven chairs encircled a lone red button - the silent sentinel that served as their emergency beacon, poised to summon the crew for an urgent meeting at the very table it guarded.
Amidst the serene atmosphere, Dawn and Oliver emerged from the Storage Room, their faces aglow with a shared camaraderie. Damian and Nikolai, too, made their way to the cafeteria, appearing from the west corridor that housed the Weapons Room. The tension that had once clouded their features had dissipated in the tranquility of the moment. Lastly, Rosemary and Evelyn entered from the south wing, their presence a comforting reminder of the bonds that still held the crew together despite the trials they had faced.
Caleb's voice pierced the silence as the crewmates congregated, his observant gaze scanning the group. "Is everyone here?" he inquired, reassured by the ease of accounting for each of the seven crewmates.
Amidst the gathering, Damian's voice broke through, his impatience thinly veiled as he posed the question, "When are we eating?" Beside him stood Nikolai, a picture of composure. Clad in a black turtleneck, charcoal gray slacks, and black dress shoes, Nikolai's ensemble exuded a quiet professionalism. As the ship's resident handyman, he had a black briefcase nearby, containing his tools and equipment. His side-parted haircut, with locks of black hair swept neatly to one side, paired with grey eyes, lent him an air of refined calmness.
Caleb, ever the level-headed leader, responded with a calm demeanor. "We can start eating soon," he assured them. "But first, I want to check if everyone has done their tasks." With a gesture, he beckoned the crewmates to hand over their iPads, each one bearing a comprehensive record of their assigned tasks.
Caleb's gaze settled on Damian's tasks first, noting that only half had been completed. It was clear that Damian's interests had been focused elsewhere - undoubtedly drawn to the allure of the Weapons Room.
A sidelong glance from Caleb spoke volumes, prompting a chuckle from Damian. "Hey! The Weapons Room was fun, okay?" he exclaimed, his tone a mix of amusement and defensiveness, eager to justify his divided attention.
The crewmates couldn't help but share knowing looks, smiling at the familiar scene. Damian's passion for the Weapons Room was well-known among them, and though his dedication to his duties occasionally wavered, his loyalty to the crew never faltered.
Moving swiftly, Caleb shifted his attention to Nikolai, who stood closest to Damian. Upon scrutinizing Nikolai's iPad, Caleb noted with satisfaction that the handyman had successfully completed every task assigned to him. With an appreciative nod, Caleb returned the device to Nikolai's capable hands, his expression conveying gratitude for the man's unwavering diligence.
Caleb's attention then turned to Evelyn, whose iPad revealed that she, too, had completed all of her tasks. Evelyn's expertise in medicine made her invaluable to the crew, and her recent assignments had revolved around organizing the ship's medical supplies.
Before Caleb could comment, Evelyn spoke up with a chuckle, playfully throwing Dawn under the bus. "If Dawn didn't finish her tasks then just know that she helped me out."
Dawn, feigning offense, protested with a playful huff, "Hey! I did finish my tasks!" However, her attention quickly shifted as she noticed something that brought a smile to her face. "You're wearing the headband!" she exclaimed joyfully, referring to the gift she had bestowed upon Evelyn. Evelyn's wavy hair, freed from its braids, was kept out of her face by the very headband Dawn had given her.
Amidst the lighthearted exchange, Caleb couldn't help but smile, handing Evelyn's iPad back to her as she continued to chuckle, delighting in the warmth and camaraderie that suffused the room.
Curious to verify Dawn's claim, Caleb proceeded to inspect her tasks. To his pleasant surprise, Dawn had indeed completed everything on her to-do list, prompting a smile of satisfaction. "I completed everything early," she confessed, her pride evident in her beaming grin and crossed arms.
Caleb couldn't help but chuckle at her infectious enthusiasm. "Good work, I'm honestly surprised you did," Nikolai interjected, his deep, husky voice adding gravitas to his words. Dawn, unsure if his comment was meant as praise or a subtle jab, opted to take it as the former, her reply brimming with gratitude. "Thanks, Niko!"
Moving along, Caleb turned his attention to Oliver, whose completed tasks came as no surprise. Caleb was certain that Dawn's influence had played a part in Oliver's diligence. The pair's relationship and teamwork had become a powerful force aboard the Skeld, inspiring one another to strive for excellence.
Lastly, Caleb approached Rosemary, the youngest member of the crew. A radiant smile graced her features as she handed him her iPad. Rosemary was a beautiful young woman, her soft curls dyed a delicate shade of pink. Her ensemble, a pale pink blouse adorned with white lace and a flowy cream-colored skirt, exuded a touch of femininity and whimsy. Brown leather sandals completed the look, while her doe eyes, a captivating shade of bright blue, sparkled with youthful exuberance.
Caleb's smile mirrored Rosemary's as he examined her progress, pleased to find that she too had successfully completed her tasks. Handing the iPad back to her, he announced to the crew, "Alright, we can feast now."
A collective cheer filled the room as the crewmates eagerly moved to partake in the bounty spread before them. Their hard work and perseverance had earned them this moment of respite, and the array of delectable dishes beckoned invitingly.
As the sounds of laughter and conversation mingled with the clinking of plates and silverware, Caleb surveyed his crew with a sense of pride and gratitude. Despite the challenges they faced, they had come together as a team, supporting one another and achieving success through their combined efforts. For now, they would enjoy the well-deserved feast, savoring not only the delicious food but also the camaraderie that had become their lifeline aboard the Skeld.
The tables aboard the Skeld were laden with a delectable array of dishes to satisfy the crew's appetites. An assortment of lightweight and easily stored meals, such as lasagna, chili, and casseroles, offered a taste of home cooking in the vastness of space. Canned delicacies like tuna and salmon, along with an array of fruits and vegetables, promised a burst of vibrant flavors and a welcome dose of nutrients.
For snacking or adding texture to meals, bowls of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits were placed throughout the feast. The comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and biscuits, crafted by Caleb's skilled hands during the crew's diligent work, filled the air. A selection of mouthwatering desserts-cookies, brownies, and cakes, made with a mix of boxed mixes and simple recipes-awaited those with a sweet tooth.
As the crewmates surveyed the bountiful spread, their hunger fueled not only by their completed tasks but also by the knowledge that this meal was a testament to their collective effort and ingenuity. The food, carefully prepared and thoughtfully presented, was a reminder of the comforts of home and a celebration of their camaraderie in the face of adversity. With a feast fit for a spacefaring family, there was more than enough for all to enjoy.
~
Seated at one of the tables, Oliver, Damian, and Dawn engaged in a conversation amidst the inviting aroma of the feast. Oliver, seemingly lost in thought, broke the silence with a peculiar suggestion: "We should make a fireplace."
The notion was met with bewilderment, prompting Dawn to respond with a chuckle as she savored a juicy strawberry from her plate. "What..?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement and incredulity.
"A fireplace won't really work here," she reasoned, casting a bemused glance at Oliver.
Damian, his mouth full of lasagna, couldn't help but interject, his exasperation evident. "Yeah, don't be dumb, Oliver," he chided, his expression betraying his lack of patience for his companion's unconventional idea.
"Yeah, that did sound dumb," Oliver admitted with a sheepish chuckle, quickly moving on to a new idea. His voice carried a hint of mischief as he added, "But it would be better with some horror stories, don't you think?" A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he plucked a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie from the feast, savoring a bite.
Damian, intrigued by the proposition, leaned forward with a smirk, propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his palm. "A horror story, huh?" he echoed. "You have a horror story for us, Oliver?"
As Oliver polished off his cookie, a wide grin spread across his face. "I heard a story about a group of astronauts," he began, instantly piquing Dawn's interest. She turned her head, captivated, as she relished the sweetness of a strawberry between bites.
Suddenly, a familiar voice boomed through the room, its deep, husky tone catching Oliver off guard. "A story?" It was Nikolai, an expression of curiosity etched on his face. Carrying a tray laden with fruits, vegetables, casseroles, and bread, he made his way to an available seat, seemingly eager to indulge in the spooky tale Oliver was about to share.
Clearing his throat, Oliver leaned forward, elbows planted firmly on the table. "So, there was this story about astronauts like us that went to space," he recounted, his voice growing somber. "But here's the catch-out of ten whole astronauts, only one survived."
"One of them survived?" Damian inquires, his eyebrow raised in curiosity as Dawn casually enjoys another strawberry from her plate, her gaze stuck on her lover beside her while he tells the so-called horror story.
Resting his elbows on the table, Nikolai joins in, asking with a hint of intrigue, "Did this astronaut say what happened?"
"So here's how it went," Oliver begins, his mouth filled with cookie crumbs. He swallows before continuing, "The astronaut journeyed to space with nine friends. He claimed everything was flawless: they carried out their duties, engaged in games, shared meals, laughter, and much more."
Oliver allowed his words to linger before carrying on, "However, the survivor disclosed that, out of the blue, the situation took a turn."
Nikolai chimed in, taking a sip from his water bottle, "I mean, it was bound to happen. Nothing stays perfect forever."
Exasperated, Damian blurted out, "God, why do you always have to be such a downer?" Despite the underlying truth in Nikolai's words, Damian couldn't help but feel that Nikolai was actively trying to kill the mood.
Nikolai's gaze snapped towards Damian, his eyes narrowing as he retorted, "I'm not being a downer. Just realistic." The tension in the air was palpable as their respective crews eyed one another warily, muscles coiled and ready to intervene if the situation escalated further.
"Easy there, boys," a gentle voice interjected as a hand rested on Damian's shoulder. Evelyn, ever the peacemaker, had arrived to diffuse the tension.
Oliver, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, exclaimed, "Ah, Evelyn! Just in time for the story!"
Evelyn looked intrigued, "A story? What story?"
"A tale about ten astronauts, of whom only one returned alive," Dawn answered, rising from her seat. Oliver, ever the gentleman, promptly followed suit. "I'll finish the story once we've grabbed more food. You're welcome to join us, Eve," he said with a grin, eliciting a giggle from Dawn as the two made their way to refill their plates.
"They make quite the charming pair," Evelyn observed with a smile as she withdrew her hand from Damian's shoulder, noting his apparent indifference. She then walked over to the table where Caleb and Rosemary sat, exchanging quiet words with them before gesturing for them to join her, Damian, and Nikolai.
Caleb took his seat beside Nikolai and Evelyn, initiating conversation. "I hear there's a story being told by Oliver," he said.
Damian, his mouth full of food, managed a muffled response, "Yeah, something about an astronaut who avoided death, I suppose." This elicited a disgusted look from Nikolai, who watched as Damian spoke through a mouthful of food.
Moments later, Oliver and Dawn returned to the table, taking their usual seats beside one another. Oliver grinned, "So, who wants to hear the story about -"
"Just finish the damn story, Oliver," Nikolai interjected, clearly growing impatient.
Evelyn, always the voice of reason, spoke up, "Be nice, Nikolai." She hovered a forkful of salad near her soft lips before taking a delicate bite.
Unperturbed by Nikolai's impatience, Oliver resumed, "Anyway," before taking a bite of his bread, topped with chili and tuna. His choice of sandwich filling drew a few glances, particularly from Damian and Nikolai, but Oliver remained unfazed. Meanwhile, Dawn dug into her plate of casserole and lasagna, seemingly appreciating the blend of flavors.
Oliver picked up where he left off, "As I was saying, the tranquility suddenly shattered when one of the crewmates was murdered."
Evelyn's surprise echoed around the table, "Murdered?" she asked, expressing the shock that resonated with the others.
Oliver, in between bites of his sandwich, confirmed, "Yes, according to the survivor, one of the crewmates was discovered with a gaping hole in their head."
Damian, still grappling with disbelief, questioned, "So, you mean that one of the crewmates was shot?"
Oliver replied, "That's what it seemed like. But following the incident, the group became distrustful of each other. They began to speculate about who the culprit was, and who remained innocent."
Caleb, visibly concerned, spoke up, "Did they ever discover who the murderer was?"
Oliver replied simply, shaking his head, "No, nobody was able to identify the killer. Sadly, as a result, more lives were lost."
Finally finding her voice amidst the mounting horror, Rosemary uttered, her eyes wide with terror, "More deaths...?"
"The deaths were absolutely grisly," Oliver continued, a hint of worry seeping into his expression. "The survivor shared how each astronaut met their end in truly horrific ways. Slowly, but surely, the crew was whittled down until only two remained: the survivor and one other person."
Dawn, after finishing a bite of her food, speculated, "What if the other person was the murderer?"
Nikolai interjected, "Or maybe it was the survivor all along."
Damian turned his head towards Nikolai, annoyance clear on his face. "Why would the survivor be the murderer?"
Nikolai replied, "There's always a possibility. The world we live in can be cruel like that."
Caleb, shaking his head, disagreed, "We can't just jump to conclusions and accuse the victim."
Oliver, his tone shifting from humor to seriousness, recounted, "As it turns out, the other person was indeed the guilty party. But here's the twist: the survivor swore this individual was not human."
Damian couldn't help but snicker in disbelief, a sputter of soda escaping his lips in surprise. "No way!" he exclaimed.
Evelyn, her confusion evident, asked, "What do you mean by 'not human'?"
Oliver stood to better demonstrate the survivor's claim. "According to the survivor, this being contorted its body in ways that defied human capabilities. And most disturbingly, it bore a large, gaping maw lined with razor-sharp teeth right on its stomach." As he spoke, Oliver placed his hand on his own abdomen, tracing his fingers from his left lumbar region towards the right, as if to visualize the chilling detail.
Evelyn's confusion was palpable as she uttered, "What...?"
Damian, still not buying into the tale, snickered once again. "I don't believe that for a second," he stated with a dismissive shake of his head.
Nikolai chimed in, echoing the sentiment, "It does sound pretty unbelievable," he sighed.
Rosemary, a hint of worry in her voice, confessed, "I... kind of believe it." Meanwhile, Dawn added, "It does seem a bit far-fetched."
Caleb, on the fence, offered, "But then again, the universe is vast. There could very well be life out there."
Nikolai, incredulous, turned to Oliver and asked, "Where in the world did you come across such a story?"
Oliver replied with a chuckle, "Oh, I just stumbled upon it. It's a really old tale, though-happened about 13 years ago, I think?"
Damian let out a snicker once more. "That was ages ago," he scoffed, rising to discard his plate in the trashcan. The others followed his lead, stretching their limbs as they stood.
Oliver shrugged, chuckling. "I suppose it's just a story." Ever the gentleman, he offered his hand to Dawn, despite knowing she could manage on her own. Dawn giggled and took his hand as she stood.
Caleb turned to Nikolai, "Can you help me store the food?" he asked as he began to seal the leftovers to preserve their freshness.
"Sure thing," Nikolai replied simply, throwing away his trash and lending Caleb a hand.
Evelyn smiled. "I'll help too." Meanwhile, the rest of the astronauts started making their way to their rooms.
~
Dawn and Oliver decided to retire to Oliver's room for the evening. Stepping into the cramped space, Dawn couldn't help but giggle at the mess that greeted them. Clothes lay strewn across the floor, a stark contrast to her own tidy quarters. Oliver, a little embarrassed, quickly began gathering the garments and stuffing them into his locker.
As Dawn made herself comfortable on his bed, she asked curiously, "How did the survivor actually manage to survive?" The abrupt end to Oliver's story at dinner had left her eager for the conclusion.
"It was a fight for his life," Oliver replied simply, handing Dawn a light orange shirt for her to wear for the night.
The room, though small, bore the distinct utilitarian style of the Skeld. Bare metal walls enclosed the tight space, with a small desk and locker serving as the only furniture aside from the bed. A single light fixture illuminated the room, casting a warm glow on the disheveled scene.
Dawn hummed softly as she examined the orange shirt Oliver had given her. Glancing back up at him, she noticed he had begun to undress, changing into more comfortable pajamas. To her surprise, Oliver's body was quite toned, though not as muscular as Caleb, Damian, or Nikolai. Nonetheless, his physique was impressive in its own right, his simple orange cotton top and pants accentuating his lean form.
"Can you tell me how the survivor actually made it out alive against that thing?" Dawn pressed, returning to the unanswered question as she too began to disrobe, seeking comfort in the close quarters. Piece by piece, her clothes fell away, revealing her petite yet lean and athletic figure-a testament to her swift and graceful movements.
"Let's save that for later," Oliver whispered, his eyes lingering appreciatively on Dawn's beauty as she slipped off her bra and donned his oversized shirt. Far from being fazed by her nudity, Oliver admired her with a deep appreciation.
"I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to be with you," he murmured, dimming the lights and gently guiding Dawn into bed with him.
The room enveloped them in a peaceful embrace as they cuddled togetther. The air was filled with profound, unconditional love that flowed effortlessly between them. Oliver's unwavering commitment to Dawn's comfort and happiness was what she treasured most about him, and in that moment, she felt a deep contentment that only true love could bring.