Some bestial sci-fi going on here – interesting stuff…

I particularly likes the parallels here between the physical pain of the transformation process, and the emotional pain that Alex’s reaction causes – it makes the character much more pitiable and relatable than if you had only detailed the grinding bones!

Good incorporation of some quasi-believable tech language – that Mannschcenn Drive sounds very manly indeed… MH :)

Indeed, though rather than the topic, I find it more interesting that I’m essentially trying to write the story backwards, from ending to beginning. It seems somehow more efficient than writing start to end, don’t ask me why.
As for the Manschenn Drive, it essentially cheats faster than light space travel, by moving the ship backwards in time as it moves forwards through space. The result is that you move millions of light years in a matter of months, all the while only travelling at sub-light speeds.

That’ll need some pretty precise configuration then, you wouldn’t want to end up getting lost in time…

Indeed. Normally, such configuration would take days, or even weeks to complete. But under the circumstances – which I or somebody else should explain over the next few instalments – they really don’t have that kind of time… Which, actually, sounds like a great way to continue the story if anyone gets around to it.

Much nicer. I like the narrative feel to this part and the little bits of characterization put in.