Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 28: Haunted

"Commander."

"What is it?"

"There's an unknown vessel ten thousand kilometers off the port bow. Should we check it out?"

"Is it online, Prill?"

"Negative. It appears to be abandoned."

"Arm weapons just in case. Roger, take us in."

The young man eagerly piloted the ship off the night shift course, slowly but surely easing the craft to intercept the unknown vessel.

"Prill, scan for any weapons and lifesigns."

"They are unarmed. But I cannot say if anyone is aboard."

Prill continued to analyze the readings. "Sir."

"What is it?"

"It is of Terran origin."

"Way out here?"

"We are not too far from No Nevran's Space. The ship could have drifted here from the war zone. It is not too far off from where the P'Shari were taking us for slave labor."

"Makes sense." The commander hesitated. "What's the ship's identification?"

"It is the U.S.S Reconnoiter."

"I'll alert the captain. Prill, you have the bridge."

* * *

Zarra glanced at Prill, and then at the rest of the crew standing in the cargo hold. "If we board that ship, we are entering the unknown. We don't know if there's anyone aboard, if it's occupied or been overtaken. The ship is damaged and artificial gravity is online, so it will be dangerous. I will need technical hands and anyone with experience in salvaging, medical aid, and potentially combat." Zarra paused for a moment. "Step forward if you want to volunteer for shuttle one. You will be the first to board."

Five stepped forward. The captian raised an eyebrow. "Holloway, Polla, Heather, Roger, and Prill. . . interesting choice. Now, how about shuttle two? You will board with me a few hours later. The ride may be bumpy because it's not fully repaired yet, but you will make it."

Only four volunteered. "Hokins, Marlin, Sloan. . . and myself." She glanced back at the rest of the crew. "Very well. The rest of you are to return to your duties. Everyone will maintain contact at all times, is that understood?" The crew nodded. "Good. Team one, get moving."

* * *

Roger winced as the shuttle jerked with an echoing clank as it docked to the old port.

"ATMOSPHERE STABLE," the shuttle computer reported, "OPENING SEAL."

Prill held his weapon ready, a scanner in his other hand. The doors opened to a dark and ghostly hallway. A cold and arid breeze brushed their skin as it enveloped around them, quickly conquering the once warm shuttlecraft. The Nevran stepped forward into the darkness, scoping the area before beckoning a safe signal.

"There are no lifesigns in this section."

The rest of the expedition fanned out in the shadowy corridors. Heather screamed. Everyone rushed over, stopping at the sight of a human skeleton, brutally charred and half-evaporated—a victim of the P'Shari.

The Nevran knelt down, examining the remains. "This was recent—maybe two Terran years ago."

Prill stood up and adjusted his rifle. "The P'Shari usually massacre a ship before taking it over. Set weapons to stun. If you see a P'Shari soldier, shoot once to stun. A second stun shot will kill them if you are able to make it past their armor. We should travel in pairs and meet back in three hours once the other shuttle arrives. Salvage and gather what you can. Stay alert and stay safe."