Alien: Lockdown

Part 6~Birth

U.S.S Anna-Lee Status Report
Crew: 43, 3 incapacitated, 2 KIA
47 Hours Till Destination
Ship Status: Quick Repairs Complete
Alarm Status: Neutral

Mess Hall

Dietz couldn't help but grin at the sight of Yuri and Greg finally awake and in the mess hall. Most of the crew had gathered around when they heard the news. Dietz felt obligated to go and check on them.

It also gave him an opportunity to get away from Allen and Mathers. He'd ended up having to explain the whole nightmare in the cargo bay again, and all but threatened them to promise their silence. He trusted them well enough, but Mathers was the type to let stuff slip on accident.

Still, it looked like none of it mattered now.

Gwen threw her arms around Yuri and embraced him tightly. He smiled and kissed her passionately before she sat in his lap.

"Glad to see you're doing okay," said Jim.

"Yeah, well, I hardly remember a thing anyway. All I know is I'm starving," said Yuri.

"Same here," Gwen smiled devilishly and kissed her boyfriend.

"What about you, Greg? You feeling alright?" asked one of the crew.

"I'm feeling okay. I feel tired still, not sure why. But I'm starving too. How long have I been out? A day?" Greg asked as he ate half a dinner roll in one bite.

"Something like that," Stallings replied.

She'd brought the two in, saying Bob was still asleep but they wanted some food. She looked worn out, no doubt the whole situation was a lot to take in.

"Has the Captain been informed?" Dietz whispered as he approached her side.

"No, not yet. I wanted them to eat first. It also gives me a chance to see if anything is wrong with them."

Dietz nodded. Someone tapped his shoulder and he turned to see Dorens. He looked a little confused.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" Dietz asked back.

"It's not like you to be at things like this. You look almost relieved. Don't try and hide it, I know you by now."

"I am relieved. But that's a long story," Dietz turned back to Greg and Yuri.

That seemed to satisfy Dorens for the time being. Dietz was thankful. He just wanted to relax after everything that'd happened. He hadn't stopped worrying about things. To think if he hadn't been there, things could've turned out way differently in the cargo bay.

Suddenly there was a scream and the sound of glass shattering. It was Greg. He was convulsing against the table, shaking uncontrollably.

"Grab him!" yelled Stallings. She and Dietz dashed forward and attempted to hold him down.

He continued to thrash violently, but Dorens grabbed hold and them got him undercontrol.

"It fucking hurts! Oh my God! There's somethi-" Greg began to scream a blood curling scream as his chest turned red.

Bone crunched and flesh was torn as something emerged from his chest. Stallings screamed and jumped back. Dorens went for his sidearm but Dietz pushed the pistol down and motioned for him to back away.

Sitting in a hole in Greg's chest was some kind of creature. It had a vague face with no eyes. Metallic teeth covered in blood and bits of flesh. Tiny arms that seemed of no use yet for this baby...thing.