Chapter One: Deep Space Music

[vampiremessiah51]

The ringing sound of Kyle's marchlike step caused Alan to lift his head from the cradle he'd made with his arms on the shift lounge table. He let out a sigh and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to make the effort to participate in the conversation now that the others were filtering in. The mission had so far been a milk run, but therein lay the problem for Alan. He had signed on for what the professor had described as "an exciting mission", and little did Alan know, but exciting apparently meant something entirely different for the good doctor. The past month or two had been driving Alan a little stir crazy.

His arms stretched out like the arms of the jump ship sail as he attempted to further wake himself. He smiled at Alice as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm afraid so. I love getting paid to sit around as much as the next guy, but I need some action soon." He spoke as he rose to his feet and strode over to the coffee maker, steam rising from the acrid black liquid. "I'm more than just a pretty face you know." He gave her a wink and chuckled as he took his drink to his seat.