wet, rhythmic scraping that ended in a sickening *pop* of pressurized seal-grease.

Inside his suit, his heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs.

The metallic shriek rose again. This time, it didn't come from the ship's groaning superstructure. It came from *inside* the vault.

It was a

on the slick, metal deck. His magnetic boots finally locked with a reassuring, heavy *thud*, anchoring him back to the floor.

Inside his helmet, a crimson warning light began

pitched forward, his helmet slamming against the buckled bulkhead with a sickening *clack* that rattled his teeth.

Stars danced in his peripheral vision. Gasping, he scrambled for purchase

screamed, a high-pitched, metallic shriek that vibrated straight through the soles of his boots and up his spine.

For a terrifying second, the pry-bar slipped. He