The sliding door of the bridge is stuck in glowing green slime and I wade up to my ankles through the stinking mess, trying not to breathe in the acidic fumes wafting through the dark room. No wonder is the place abandoned. Whoever left the slime and the fumes has fled the place, too.  

Well, high time someone summons the cleaning bots. After all, we have places to explore. Stories to write. A holiday special to create. I thumb the light on. The goo looks even more revolting in the sudden glare-+and what are the tiny red specks floating in it? No, I don't want to know. Enough is enough. At least I can press the button for the com system without touching the mess.

"All hands, time to clean ship. Throw the beasties out the airlock or teach them how to use a broom and mop." 

That's it. Can't let the horrors win, can we?

A cold finger touches my arm. No, not a finger, a claw. Must be a new crew member — or an alien invader. I'm pretty sure I've never seen that species before.

"Are you the captain of this ship?"

"Hm. Sort of. Sometimes." I doubt my guest was keen to learn how we manage to keep the mothership afloat. "Anything I can do for you?"

"I've lost my world. Could you try to help me find it again?" The reptilian eyes blink. Is this a tear?

Well, this sounded like exactly what we needed. A new challenge for the 'troopers. 

"Lost world? No worries, mate. We're on it."