The outer layer of the ship vibrated like the hum of a beast on edge. Outside the spacecraft, massive asteroid fragments burned through the black, trailing smoke and cosmic fire. But no one saw the shadow that slipped from the lower hatch—liquid, dark, and pulsing with alien intent.
Steven's body twisted into a grotesque form, muscles dissolving into slick black slime. The transformation was fast and fluid. He crawled silently across the hull, then erupted upward, his monstrous form punching through space like a missile.
In one violent lunge, he tackled a medium-sized asteroid and crushed it between his monstrous fists. The next three were vaporized by sheer momentum, his body absorbing impact like dense rubber.
Inside the ship, alarms rang.
"That one's coming straight at us!" shouted Taze.
"Bigger than the rest!" Lana noted, already grabbing her pulse weapon.
Londo didn't hesitate. He pulled open the storage panel and retrieved a bulky metallic suit, sleek with red lines and pressure seals.
"Open bay door B. I'm going out," he commanded.
Kimberly stared at him. "But—who's going to drive the ship while you're outside?"
Londo turned slowly. "You are."
"M-Me?!"
"You were trained. You passed the simulations. Time to prove it."
Kimberly looked paralyzed, eyes wide and lips trembling.
"You got this, cutie," Kiara grinned and planted a kiss on Kimberly's cheek.
Kimberly blinked, stunned. She turned toward Taze, who gave her a look of silent encouragement. Her hand reached for the controls.
"Okay… I'll try."
Outside, Londo launched himself with precision, his turbo-bazooka strapped tight. As he aligned the scope on the largest asteroid, his breathing slowed.
"Locking target…"
He fired.
A blinding flash filled the space, followed by a shockwave that rocked the ship. The massive asteroid cracked, shattered, and then disintegrated.
Meanwhile, Steven had already cleared the area. His monster form melted once more, slipping back beneath the ship. Moments later, he appeared at the entrance bay—completely normal, hands in pockets, hair slightly tousled.
Inside, the crew was celebrating. Kimberly held the controls with surprising ease, maneuvering the ship to stability.
"That was amazing, Kimi!" Kiara yelled and kissed her other cheek.
Anna smirked. "You're really good under pressure."
"I... I guess," Kimberly said, flushed.
Kiara turned to Anna. "You too, sweet Russian."
She kissed Anna full on the cheek.
"What was that for?" Anna asked, mildly stunned.
"Do I need a reason to kiss your cute face?"
Anna looked away, hiding a tiny smile.
Then Steven walked in.
"Where were you?!" Anna snapped.
He tilted his head slightly. "Apologies, m'lady. I had to recalibrate my weapon."
Taze approached him next, face dark. "Seriously, man. Enough. Stop disappearing. We all fight. We all risk. What's going on with you?"
Steven gave him a blank look. Inside, the parasite whispered, "What is this human talking about?"
Just as Taze clenched his fists, the mood was broken.
Steven turned to Kimberly, looked around at everyone cheering her, and thought, "I must maintain appearances."
He stepped forward and, to everyone's shock, hugged her.
Kimberly froze completely. Her arms dangled at her sides, cheeks burning. "U-Um…?"
Taze looked like someone had slapped him. His fists clenched, and his jaw locked.
Anna blinked and stepped back slightly, expression unreadable. But her breath hitched. Her fingers curled. She looked away, lips pressed tight.
Kiara clapped and giggled. "Well damn, okay, I see you."
Steven simply patted Kimberly's shoulder and walked off.
Inside her chest, Kimberly's heart pounded so hard it echoed. She looked toward Taze, who turned away sharply and stormed off down the corridor.
Londo returned through the hatch, slightly scorched but intact.
"Good job. We're not dead. That's enough for now. Kimberly, impressive handling."
He gave her a nod.
"T-Thanks… sir."
"We've got hull damage. We're turning back to London for repairs. Venus will wait."
Back on Earth, Leonardo paced his office. Two agents stood silently.
"I want eyes and ears in that ship. Now."
"Sir, we've planted the tracker and audio feed. Visual will be ready next round."
He nodded. Then turned and opened a private line.
"Put me through to Lana. Alone."
A few seconds passed. Lana's face appeared on-screen.
"Lieutenant."
"Leonardo."
"Where the hell was your commander during the asteroid wave?"
She shrugged. "Ask him."
"I'm asking you!"
"Then you're wasting your time."
"Answer me, dumb bitch!"
Her eyes flashed. "Don't call me that."
She ended the call with a sharp press.
Leonardo's desk trembled from his slam.
Caitlyn entered moments later, a tight purple dress hugging her every curve.
"You're angry. Let me distract you."
"You're late."
She stepped closer, heels clicking.
"Then punish me."
He grabbed her wrist mid-move, swung her into a spin. She landed in stance.
They exchanged strikes—hers elegant, precise, laced with seduction. His brute power and calculated fury.
In a swift motion, he pinned her against the wall.
"You done playing?"
She bit her lip. "You know the answer, baby."
Their faces hovered inches apart. Breaths hot.
Cut.
Lasso leaned against a wall. Lana approached, still annoyed.
"What did he want?" he asked.
"A fight."
"Did he get it?"
She smirked. "More than he could handle."
He chuckled and suddenly reached to gently tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "You're always so tense. Relax."
Lana blinked, not expecting that. "I don't relax."
"That's a shame," he said, voice low. "You're beautiful when you let your guard down."
She stared at him, a moment of silence hanging heavy between them.
"Shut up," she muttered, but her voice had lost its edge.
They locked eyes a second longer than necessary.
Cut.
Steven leaned by the viewing window. Anna came up behind him.
"Still not gonna tell me what's up?"
He didn't answer.
"Why do I feel like you're faking everything?"
He turned. "Maybe I am. Maybe I'm trying to figure out what being real even means."
She slapped him again, softer this time. "Don't flirt with me unless you mean it."
He raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know I was."
"You did. And stop hugging girls when you disappear for hours. It's weird."
Before he could reply, Londo's voice echoed.
"Steven. My office. Now."
Steven walked away without a word.
Inside the command room, Londo closed the door.
"Where were you during the asteroid impact?"
Steven stayed still. The parasite within him curled tightly.
"How do I answer this?"
To be Continued