James followed her, looking at the other boxes. When they reached the box, James got the shivers. "Alley, the cover on the box looks loose, so unless you loosened them…"
Here to There (CLOSED - Stalkers welcome and get free selfies in space)
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Alley shook her head no. She pulled out her pocket knife, having left her gun in her locker. She carefully approached the crate.
James touched her shoulder lightly. "Let me go first. Just in case something jumps out, I think I'll take it better."
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Alley nodded slowly.
"O-okay…"
James stepped forward lightly, and reached out. He grasped the lid of the box and flung it aside. Upon looking at the contents of the box, he took a step closer. "Hm…"
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The box container various objects: syringes, hypodermic needles, and various medicines in wrapped beakers. A note rested on top of the pile.
James picked up the note and handed it to Alley. "Check it out,"
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Alley unfolded it and read it out loud.
It pains me to say that your crew is unsafe. What you weren't told before they shipped you off is that, before Earth's society became too broken to fix, signs of an advanced society on Mars were found. I am giving you these materials as a way to protect yourself from these creatures. We are unsure if they are peaceful or hostile, so be on your guard. Signed, Dr.-
"The name is smudged, I can't read it."
James furrowed his brows. "An advanced society on Mars. So, aliens. This isn't good. If they aren't friendly we're pretty much done for. I don't know if we have enough fuel to turn back, or change course."
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Alley shook her head.
"Besides, even if we went back, that would be guaranteed death. There is a chance, however, that the Martians could be peaceful."
"I hope you're right," James says, and walks around Alley. "I'm going to go think for a while. I think we should leave the crate someplace safe for now." James waits for Alley at the door, just in case.
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Alley closed the crate, still holding the note. She headed to the door.
"You'll be good on your own?" James asked Alley before deciding to walk away.
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"Yeah. I'm probably gonna end up making lunch." Alley put her pocket knife away.
James smiles. "Just buzz me when it's lunch time!" He says as he walks away.
(speaking of lunchtime, I'm going to go eat lunch. I'll be back soon!)
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(K, see you soon!)
Alley walked towards the kitchen.
Aza was happily plating slightly burnt macaroni and cheese, singing her song again.
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Alley stepped into the kitchen.
"Oh, h-hey Aza…"
"Hello!" she sang.
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"Need some help here?" Alley walked over to the stove and secretly turned it off. She didn't need the ship running out of oxygen.
Aza's eyes flashed, snapping her back to reality. "Oh. Um. Yeah, sure."
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Alley nodded. She picked up two of the plates of mac' n' cheese.
"Lead the way chef."
"Well, James needs food, and you do, and I do. So." Aza stuttered.
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"Then let's talk some food to James…" Alley stuttered as well. She didn't like talking to people, but she had an easier time around women.
James looked out from his bunk in the men's cabin. He stared into space, feeling small. Wondering about the aliens, he decided to check back on the crew. He turned on his walkie. "How's everyone doing? Over."
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Alley placed a plate down.
"We're bringing out the food now. Over."
"Alright, I'll meet you guys at the table. Over." James clicked off his walkie-talkie and walked down the empty corridors. It gave him the shivers. So far from home, so alone. He walked into the room, and pulled out a chair. "Aw cool! I love mac'n'cheese." James says.
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Alley set a plate in front of him, then sat down with her own.
"Thanks." James says, picking up a fork. "After lunch I think I'm going to check on the defense shields. Y'know, just in case."
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Alley shot him a look, then leaned over and whispered,
"I think we should keep it to ourselves."