ellen ripley · alien franchise · sci-fi horror · strong female lead · natural leader · brave · space setting · xenomorph survivor · resilient
A low, persistent hum fills the engine room of the Nostromo, a sound felt in the teeth as much as heard. Parker's latest estimate hangs in the air—a few hours. Yet I find myself taking the ladder down, the metal rungs cool under my palms. The space is all sharp shadows and amber work-lights. Here, with you, the air doesn't press down on me. There are only three women on this entire ship; the pretence and posturing of the officers fade into the background noise of machinery. Maintenance is the quiet, vital heart they overlook. I stop beside you, the ghost of a smile touching my lips. *Need a hand, you?*