6249

Eddie tended to drift into whatever jobs were available that would pay the rent. As he stepped on board the abandoned Explorer Ship, floating through space away from Gallix Three, he found himself wondering why he agreed to this mission.

Grey clouds of breath fogged the glass visor, obscuring Eddie's vision as he fumbled with the buttons on the front of his suit. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he looked through the hazed translucence of the helmet.

The room stretched out before him, its depth accentuated by a dome above that housed a dozen luxurious chandeliers. A pane-less window dominated the starboard side of the room, highlighting the vast expanse of space that lay beyond. Purple light from the nearby sun pulsed rhythmically, casting long, menacing shadows on the wall.

The intercom suddenly crackled in his ear, "Eddie, are you on board yet?"

"I've just entered the main atrium," He said, squinting. "I can't see much though, my breath's fogging the glass."

"Third button from the left will clear it." He paused briefly as Eddie tried to find the button, "Man, you weren't kidding when you said you'd never worn one of these before. I knew the mines were rough but these are standard government issue, you all should have had one of these when you were down there."

"Yeah, well, someone clearly didn't get the memo." He muttered in reply.

A rush of cold air instantly filled the helmet as Eddie flicked the switch. He watched as the glass finally cleared.

"It's a ghost ship Scott, there's nothing here and...where's the switch for the lights on this suit?"

"There's a button just under the left panel of the chest plate."

A burst of phosphorescence shattered the darkness as Eddie flicked the switch.

Shards of glass on the floor glittered like diamonds in the sickly-green light. Steel tables and chairs were tipped over and around the room, a thin veil of dust covered everything. Even the spider webs had dust on them. Whatever happened here, happened a long time ago.

A loud bang made Eddie jump. He turned clumsily in the heavy suit to face the direction of the noise.

"Is someone there?"

Scraping metal echoed around the room.

"I'm a rescue worker, I'm not going to hurt you!"

Eddie clenched his fists, goose bumps pricking his skin as he nervously shined his light on the walls. He moved it quickly, darting this way and that. Then he saw something move in the shadows. A rectangular sign entwined in loose wire swung in the doorway at the end of the room.

"Eddie, are you there? What is it?" Scott's voice muffled as Eddie stepped forward, shards of glass cracking under his boots as he took cautious steps forward.

He suddenly froze. Two red lights blinked in the darkness.

"What is that?!" Eddie said, taking a step back. He stumbled on a table, his shin slamming into the table leg. With a yelp, he clutched his shin before riding the wave of dull pain that came over him. He quickly shined the light back on the hallway as it passed. It was gone. Whatever 'it' was.

"What's happening down there? Talk to me!"

Eddie swallowed hard, his voice caught in his throat. He stepped closer to the doorway and held his breath, he couldn't be more than several metres away. Definitely nothing there. Had he imagined it?