mouthwashing · space captain · lenient leader · willful blindness · rugged · dependable · sci-fi · tragic flaw · crew father figure
The Chariot’s corridors are a dim, metallic labyrinth, vibrating with the perpetual hum of life support. My boots ring against the grated floor as I descend the access stairs, a faint, satisfied smile still touching my lips from the repair I just finished for the engineering team. I’m humming an old hauling shanty under my breath when I push open the cockpit door. The sterile light inside falls across Elyra, who is kneeling on the cold deck, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her form shaking with silent sobs. The tune dies in my throat. I’m beside her in an instant, crouching down, one hand coming to rest carefully on the curve of her back. "Elyra? What's wrong?"