PREDATOR OR PREY

The destruction of the heating regulators started a series of warnings and explosions all across 
the sector as the temperature slowly fell, adjusting to the cold nothingness outside. Awaiting 
their next step, the surviving soldiers sought refuge in an ammunitions depot and reloaded their weapons. 
The signal back to headquarters was weak indeed, and it would take some time before the signal grew
strong once again. As the silent vessel continued its unknown course, the only evidence of their 
recent success was the small drops of water turning into crystals and cracking beneath their feet 
as they continued their progression awaiting new orders. 

Burning the deceased remains of their fellow soldiers gave the squad a deep feeling of pride. 
By burning these corpses they did not only give their fellow soldiers a proper ending,
but also ensured that the swarm could not multiply furter.
In these cold corridors they all acknoledged their oath: no one should die in vain, 
and rather than letting their friends fall into the hands of the hive, a napalm explosion 
would be a much more suitable end if it ever came down to it.
 
The introspection of the marines was suddenly disturbed by Commander Bellisar. A plan had been approved
to bring on board a toxic composition that together with the cold climate would eradicate all xenomorphs. 
However, this would have to be positioned in the midpoint of the hive. 
The only way of accomplishing this feat would be though a gigantic decoy maneuver. 
In order to give the toxic shipment a fair chance, a number of simultaneous operations would take place 
througout the ship to scatter the hive.

One of these missions required drawing the hive out of the ship's core as a first step towards success.
Emerging from one of the vessel's many cargo bays, the goal was to lure th swarm to a full assault, 
get out of harm's way, and rashly get back to the toxix chambers to assist any soldiers still alive 
to activate the canisters.

The task must be completed in haste to make sure the swarm did not have time to head back in time. 
Once most of the enemies had started moving towards their position, they needed to be long gone.

Heeding their orders, the soldiers set up a perimiter not far from a nearby cargo elevator. 
Once everything was set up, a few small explosions detonated to get the swarm's attention. 
It did not take many seconds before the first contact was established. It had begun.
.
