On Kestrel Span, a hazard specialist inspects a sealed salvage module brought up from the surface war.

The module releases an unclassified gray aerosol that spreads through vents, filters, suits, and station automation.

Workers begin collapsing outside the recycler bay, comms break down, and the station’s own systems start sealing people inside contaminated sections.

Filters clog, comms degrade, and shared ventilation turns the logistics ring into one connected lung.

This is "Dead Cargo" by Sascha Schmidt.