The creature loomed closer but Megan was unable to make out exactly what it was with the alarm shrieking overhead and the spaceship's lights flashing. Besides, she was wrestling with the door to move a fraction so she could get away from the beast.

But she was stuck like a cork in a bottle unable to get all the way or back inside the lab room.

Three heads swung her way and sniffed the air. Then the body undulated faster, straight toward her.

She ...