Lifting the heavy metal cylinder, he rammed it down on the electronic lock. It sparked twice and then fell silent. Kicking the door, it swung outward slightly from the rebound.

The alien grabbed an arm and squeezed, puncturing the skin with its lengthy talons and spurting blood across the room.

"Medical!" King shouted down the corridor. Realising who was being attacked, the crew ran down the corridor. King was the nearest however. He cycled the lock and smashed the override button.

The Captain took a step backwards and grabbed for the pipe again, missing the aliens sweeping claws. Grasping the pipe, he hefted it and jabbed it at the alien, warding it off. A second swipe of the talons smashed it out of the Captains' hands.

The android was inconspicuously heading for the alien. First he walked to one set of controls and began to adjust them. Then he slid to another, the whole time keeping his eye on the writhing, black form.

Shipley shouted as he hit the wall, cracking one leg with a sharp pain. He was stranded. There was a horrendous explosion as one section of wall detonated in a shower of debris. The ship was falling apart all too quickly.