Peeling Back the Curtain

An Alleycat Crew Short

Remote fuel stops were never known for their fine dining, but Kash had been hoping for something passable. A sandwich, maybe. Hot soup if the universe was feeling generous.

Instead, he and Calynn stepped through the galley doors and froze.

The cook had both arms buried to the elbows in a barrel of pale, gelatinous goo. With practiced precision, he scooped out a wobbling handful, slapped it onto a tray, and started shaping it into something vaguely burger-like.

Calynn tilted her head, her voice flat.
“Is that… that’s not how you make that… is it?”

The cook looked up, grinning proudly.
“House special. Best-selling patty in the Delta.”

Kash blinked. His stomach gave a quiet warning gurgle.
“I’m never eating that again.”

The cook kept slapping goo onto trays, humming like it was the most normal thing in the galaxy… and the goo was moving like it was trying to get away. He corralled the slop and smacked it back down with his spatula. Kash took a cautious step toward the door.

“I didn’t even know stomachs could feel betrayed,” Calynn muttered, tugging on his arm.
She leaned closer, eyes narrowing at the barrel.
“…I think it’s looking at me.”

Kash nodded grimly.
“Let’s get out of here before the food notices us.”

They slipped back into the corridor, and Kash swore he could still hear the wet, slapping rhythm chasing after them.

💫 Want more misadventures?

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