Writing in Public: Story 4, Chapter 25, Scene 1

[image error]CHAPTER 25 (Scene 1)

The sounds of footsteps continued to approach the shuttle alcove where Hope and Zuver crouched.

Sweat poured down Hope’s face.  The wrench was slick in her hands.

Zuver shifted his grip on the hammer.

They both knew it wouldn’t be much against the aliens, if they were armed.

Her knees cramped painfully.

The footsteps drew closer.  Stopped, with a shuffle. Cloth rustled.

Poking at the blankets on the bed?

A rapid sliding sound cut through the silence.  They were talking.

She wished she could understand what they were saying.

After a moment, the footsteps began to move away.

Move away?

Klunk!

Hope’s nerves were so taut that she started badly, a squeak coming from her mouth.

Zuver laid a hand on her arm.

They waited.

Hope’s stomach twisted into knots.  Couldn’t even breathe.

And…nothing.

Were they gone?

Or just waiting?

Did she dare look?  She inched to the edge of the alcove.

Two ghosts walked through the shuttle, cut off at the legs by the deck.  Not 49ers.

They knew she was there and stopped in the door.  They had the same cat-satisfied smile as the other ghost.

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