The Scourge Between Stars

by Ness Brown

“… is … the Atalanta. Something—ssssss—ollow … xima. It’s … the ship. Wa—ssssss—epeat, warning … ssssss—ssssss—ssssss … on’t … epeat, don’t … ssssss. This is Captain Isidora of the Atalanta. I—ssssss—anyone listening. Please. Don’t open the door.”