In space no one can hear you scream, but you can see the attempt through the porthole in the airlock. Harper knew the choice to lock the others out spelled their doom. He consoled himself that he was following Starbase Alliance protocols.
Through the porthole Harper could see the creature closing in on the group. The terrified faces filled their visors. He knew that if any of them were in his place they would make the same decision.
Long black tendrils reached out snagging each of the victims, dragging them away. Harper watched their sacrifice. He owed them that much.
Don Money writes stories across a variety of genres. He is a middle school language arts teacher. His stories have appeared with Black Hare Press, Shacklebound Books, Black Ink Fiction, Medusa Tales magazine, and Trembling With Fear. Don can be found on Twitter @donmoneywriting