Alien - Pandemonium

Chapter Two

With a sharp gasp, Charlie jolted awake, her eyes wide with panic as she surveyed her surroundings. Her fingers clenched tightly around the sheets, her chest heaving with each rapid breath, her heart hammering against her ribs. Another nightmare had gripped her in its clutches, shattering the fragile peace of her slumber. Disappointment flooded her, as she had believed herself to be moving past these tormenting dreams. Turning her gaze to the window, Charlie's eyes struggled to focus on the blurred scenery rushing past. Outside, the stars streaked by in a dizzying blur, the telltale sign that they were once again enveloped in the depths of hyperspace. The journey to their destination was nearly complete, a fact that offered some small measure of relief amidst the lingering unease of her nightmare-ridden sleep.

Turning her attention to the digital clock on the nightstand, Charlie squinted at the glowing numbers. Just passing 8 am. With a groan, she sank back into her pillow, frustration gnawing at her. Her body clock was in shambles, a casualty of the prolonged stasis they had endured during their journey. It was a common side effect, but that didn't make it any less infuriating. Despite her efforts to adjust, she found herself struggling to regain a sense of normalcy, the disorientation lingering like a stubborn shadow.

With a frustrated groan, Charlie kicked the sheets off her legs and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Determination etched into her features, she propelled herself out of bed and strode purposefully toward the door. Punching in the access code, she waited impatiently as the door unlocked with a faint hiss, splitting open down the middle to grant her passage. Stepping into the corridor, Charlie navigated her way down the narrow hallway to the shared bathroom, her steps echoing softly against the metal flooring.

The bathrooms onboard the Grafton were communal spaces, reflecting the shared living quarters of those accustomed to space travel. As Charlie entered, she was greeted by a clean and tidy environment. Along the right wall, a row of sinks, mirrors, and toilet stalls stretched out in orderly fashion. In the centre of the room, several large pipes extended from floor to ceiling, branching out into shower heads facing off in four different directions. Above them, a larger shower head loomed, equipped with a high-pressure wash feature for a thorough cleanse. Thin glass walls separated the showers. It was a well-organised setup, designed to accommodate the needs of the crew while maximising efficiency in the limited space. All water onboard the Grafton was meticulously recycled, cleaned, and reused, ensuring a near-infinite supply for their journey through the cosmos.

The bathroom enveloped Charlie in a cocoon of silence as she made her way toward the shower. With practiced ease, she began to shed her clothes, each article falling to the floor in a hushed rustle. Stepping beneath the hot, blasting water cascading from above, she closed her eyes, relishing the soothing sensation as it washed over her. A contented smile graced her lips as she leaned into the stream, the warmth seeping into her skin and melting away the tension of the day. Pausing for a moment, Charlie tilted her head out from under the stream and called out to the ship's A.I. control system. "Play some music," she requested, her voice echoing softly in the tiled space. In response, a soft hum filled the bathroom, the melodic strains of a familiar tune weaving through the air as she continued to shower. It was a small indulgence, but one that brought a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst the vastness of space.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know anybody was in here," Judy apologised, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment as she stood in the doorway, holding a toiletries bag and a robe over her arm.

Charlie turned to face her, offering a warm smile. "Jump on in, plenty of room for more," she reassured her.

Judy hesitated, glancing uncertainly at the shower before shaking her head. "Oh, no. I'll wait," she declined politely.

Charlie chuckled, understanding Judy's reluctance. "Trust me, just jump in before the workers from the engine room come up. Big, beefy men running around. Trust me, just shower now," she urged with a playful wink, hoping to alleviate Judy's apprehension.