She stepped out of the compression chamber into the medic bay. Her head was pounding but it was nothing compared to the dread that filled her stomach with acid. They all gathered around the door as she expected. They all want to know what happened. Her face screwed up and she stifled a sob. No one in the room moved, they just stared. She knew then that her military career as a Naval Planetary Habitation Scientist was over and these people were no longer friends.

Doctor Roberts broke the spell. “Everyone out, I have to examine her wounds. Go. Now.”

Lt. Miranda stared at the floor until the last person left the room. “Thanks, Doc.”
He didn’t respond. He helped her onto the table and handed her two yellow pills in a small paper cup. She looked at him but his eyes wouldn’t meet hers. As he cut away her jumpsuit she grimaced at the pain in her legs. He gasped when he saw the wounds. Deep purple bruises traced the path of tentacles. Blood poured from the hole where the claw had broken off. She passed out.